Yang Peili coughed, originally intending to call Yang Ruban over to summon the others, but after consideration, he decided to come over himself. He worried that if he called for them and Yang Ruxin, that defiant girl, forbid anyone to go, it would be even more embarrassing for him to come back again.
Upon hearing Xun Hui inquire, Yang Peili withdrew his gaze from surveying the room and glanced at Xun Hui. In such a short time, he hardly recognized his eldest daughter-in-law. She looked more like a lady of high standing now, which inexplicably made him feel very uncomfortable.
Xun Hui felt even more nervous under Yang Peili’s gaze, feeling as if she had no place to rest her hands or feet.
"Madam Boss," Yang Peili sighed, "Boss has been gone for some days now, and it’s just not right for you widows and orphans to be without support."
Xun Hui bowed her head in silence.
"Dani isn’t young anymore, it’s about time to settle her marriage," Yang Peili now put on an earnest and concerned face, "The eldest daughter without a father—it’s inauspicious..."
"Father, Ruxin, she..."
"I know what you’ve said about cutting off relations and such, but can you truly sever blood ties just because you say so?" Yang Peili waved his hand, cutting off what Xun Hui was about to say, "No matter what, she is still of the Yang Family bloodline..."
Xun Hui sighed softly.
"It doesn’t look good for a young girl to be so exposed in public," Yang Peili also sighed, "But, there are still those who wouldn’t despise her for it..."
Xun Hui looked up, "Father means to say..."
"Your mother and I have arranged a marriage for her," Yang Peili looked at Xun Hui, "The horoscopes were matched long ago, a most auspicious match. Let’s set it tomorrow." He stood up, "You should also get ready; the New Year is coming. Once the marriage is settled, she belongs to the other family, so let her spend the New Year with them..." He then turned and walked out.
Xun Hui hurriedly followed him, "Father, about this matter..."
But Yang Peili clearly didn’t want to discuss it further and hurried off.
"Mother, did you agree?" Sanni, who had been eavesdropping outside the door, naturally heard Yang Peili’s words and quickly went to notify her elder sister, but upon coming out she found that Yang Peili had left, so she could only ask Xun Hui.
"I..." Xun Hui looked troubled.
"Did you really agree?" Yang Ruxin walked out from the kitchen, her gaze deep as she looked at Xun Hui.
"I..." Xun Hui looked anxious, "I..." But she was even more at a loss for words.
"I’ve said before that no one can control my marriage," Yang Ruxin smiled, "If I acknowledge you, you are my mother, entitled to enjoy the fine clothes and jewels I provide. If I don’t, you are nothing to me..." She turned and went back to the kitchen.
"Mother, you’ve really disappointed me..." Sanni also stomped her foot and went inside.
The rest of the people, though they said nothing, all showed looks of disappointment and turned back to their rooms.
"Oh," the madam of the Feng Family also sighed, gave Xun Hui a look, and turned away.
"Aunt Hui, Ruxin is the bride I’ve chosen; no one can take her away from me," Gu Qingheng said as he maneuvered his wheelchair into the kitchen to help Ruxin with the fire.
Xun Hui felt a chill all over and couldn’t help but stagger.
"Madam, are you alright?" Xu Shou, at the doorway, asked concernedly, taking a step forward and reaching out a hand but not touching her.
Xun Hui shook her head and then turned to walk outside; she wanted to find a quiet place.
Xu Shou was somewhat worried and wanted to follow.
"Go back, I’ll just go for a walk by myself. I’ll be fine..." Xun Hui gave him a look, and then she really did walk out.