This statement was like a bomb exploding above my head.

Last night, he was still holding me, whispering sweet words in my ear, promising me to be his wife in the future.

But now, he actually wants me to be a concubine?

I steadied myself, "Cousin, are you joking with me?"

Cui Anren knelt in front of me with a helpless look, "It was my mentor's coercion. He said if I don't marry his daughter, he will find a way to strip me of my achievements, making it impossible for me to pass the imperial examinations in this lifetime."

Upon hearing this, my face turned pale.

The mentor he mentioned was Zhou Hong, the academic official of Songyang Prefecture, with students and subordinates all over the country, wielding great power.

I have met Zhou Yan, his daughter, who is beautiful and talented, excelling in poetry and painting.

Cousin once said that Miss Zhou is destined to be chosen as a concubine for the emperor, not even sparing a glance at scholars like them.

But now, Miss Zhou is going to marry my cousin?

I pushed my cousin in anger, "You are also from an official family, and you are highly educated. Without Zhou's support, can't you still pass the examinations?"

Cui Anren shook his head bitterly, "Wanwan, you are thinking too simplistically. Although my father served as a county magistrate, he passed away early and couldn't help me. I have no connections in the official circles. With Zhou Hong's powerful backing, I can avoid many obstacles."

I was shocked, "So you can break off our engagement and marry someone else?"

Cui Anren immediately shook his head, "No, no, no. My love for you is unwavering. I have no feelings for Zhou Yan. Just now, Master Zhou personally asked me to marry his daughter, and I just learned that Miss Zhou has deep feelings for me. It's not that I want you to be a concubine. When the time comes, I will try to make you my legal wife."

I slapped him, "Zhou Hong is a high-ranking official, yet he engages in such forced marriages. I will confront him about this! Cui Anren, either you marry her, and I will leave your house immediately. Or you marry me, and we will never see Zhou Yan again in this lifetime!"

My cousin immediately apologized to me, saying he was blinded by greed, and he promised never to mention this matter again, to treat me well.