Breaking Off the Engagement

Xu Xiyi had been betrothed to the third young master of the Duke of Pei’s household since childhood. She was about to turn eighteen, yet he still showed no sign of coming to fetch her. Xu Xiyi knew the Pei family looked down on her humble origins and wanted to break off the engagement. Marriage should be about joining families, not making enemies. You can’t force a melon to be sweet, so Xu Xiyi went to the capital to end the engagement herself. Her former future mother-in-law’s attitude changed completely. She insisted Xu Xiyi stay at the estate, claiming she would find her a good match so that Xu Xiyi’s journey to the Pei household wouldn’t be in vain. Xu Xiyi knew the Third Madam cared about appearances. Since she also needed a favor from the Pei family, or more precisely, from its eldest young master, the renowned top scholar and youngest third-rank official of the dynasty, Pei Zhaojun, she decided to stay. The Third Madam was all warmth to her face, but privately worried Xu Xiyi might run into her son. She ordered a maid to take Xu Xiyi in and out through a side gate every day. Little did she know that the place was scenic and secluded, right next to the eldest young master’s study. On the first day, Xu Xiyi accidentally ruined the eldest young master’s matchmaking meeting. Pei Zhaojun gave her a cold look, but in the spirit of a gentleman, he didn’t blame her. The second time, she caught Pei Zhaojun hiding from a suitor, looking rather disheveled. Pei Zhaojun couldn’t hold back his temper. He sneered, “Here to corner me again?” Xu Xiyi silently cursed herself for not checking the almanac before leaving home, but kept her expression perfectly composed. “That’s right. I’m sticking to you.” One day, when everything was settled, Xu Xiyi happily packed her bags and prepared to ride home. But the unassuming eldest young master blocked her path, his face dark. “You’ve ruined my marriage prospects, and now you think you can just leave? Not a chance!” A carefree orphan girl vs. an arrogant top scholar Theme: What’s meant for you may arrive late, but it will arrive