Chapter 718 - 717: Dilemma
Gu Hongxin was already smiling, turning to Xia Wanqing and saying, "Big brother, no matter who did the kidnapping of Wenjin, we can’t let them off. But it’s impossible that Young Master Xuan did it!"
Xia Sichen raised an eyebrow curiously and said, "Uncle Gu, how can you be so sure? You can know a person’s face but not their heart!"
Gu Hongxin glanced at Xia Sichen with an amused yet exasperated look, saying, "Sichen, you always lose to Young Master Xuan in martial contests in the village. You’re young, and it’s normal to be unwilling to accept it! But kidnapping is a serious matter, and you can’t accuse people lightly. Young Master Xuan and Wenjin have a marriage agreement, why would he need to go through such trouble?"
Xia Sichen said, "The marriage agreement has been annulled!"
Xia Wenjin also said, "Otherwise, why would I say that the only person I’ve offended in the Capital City is him? Besides annulling the marriage, what else would have offended him?"
Gu Hongxin and Hua Yuanming exchanged glances again, then looked at Xia Wanqing. This wasn’t the first time they’d heard about it, but they were reluctant to believe it.
They always felt there was room to salvage it. After all, back then, when they found someone whose eight characters matched, big brother was so happy he nearly cried, almost hugging the blind matchmaker for joy.
Gu Hongxin smiled and said, "Wenjin, your third uncle was once your age too. I understand at your age you have your own ideas and don’t like marriages arranged by others. But your father had your best interests at heart. He chose someone truly exceptional. Even if you don’t like the marriage, you can’t make reckless accusations! Anyway, big brother has agreed to the annulment. Big brother always keeps his promises; you don’t have to worry about him going back on his word!"
The way he used "big brother always keeps his promises" was clever. Gu Hongxin seemed to be talking about Xia Wanqing’s integrity, but there was more to it! Was this speaking up for Huangfu Yuxuan? As expected, Xia Wenjin saw Xia Wanqing’s expression wasn’t great. This Uncle Gu, she hadn’t realized he was such a smooth talker before!
Hua Yuanming also smiled and said, "Yes, Wenjin, we all know you don’t like Young Master Xuan. But you shouldn’t say he did this thing."
Xia Wenjin wrinkled her nose, made a funny face, and said, "But I haven’t offended anyone else!"
Second Aunt Hua had been listening, unable to hold back anymore, said, "I’ll interject, Young Master Xuan really is noble in character, well-mannered, handsome, from a good family background, both noble and outstanding! Even if the marriage agreement is annulled, it’s Wenjin’s loss, not Young Master Xuan’s. With his status, how could he lack for a wife? How could he possibly do something like kidnapping? As they say, a twisted melon isn’t sweet; he should understand this truth, right?"
After praising Huangfu Yuxuan, she saw Xia Wanqing’s face didn’t look good, and Xia Sichen’s eyes narrowed, a hint of coldness in them. She quickly smiled and added, "Of course, I’m not saying our family’s Wenjin isn’t good. Our Wenjin is beautiful, and as the young lady of Haotian Village, she’s more attractive than many young ladies from wealthy families in the Capital City. But the Jianghu and the government are on different paths. I’ve heard those high officials care about matching social status. Our Haotian Village can’t compare to the status of an Imperial Grandson!"
Xia Sichen let out a snort of laughter, saying, "Second Aunt, the status of an Imperial Grandson is certainly prestigious! But we’re people of the Jianghu, and Wenjin grew up in the Jianghu. How could Jianghu roughnecks compare to the Imperial Family? But now Uncle Hua has become an official, and Yuncai is considered an official’s daughter, surely she’ll find a match of equal status!"
Hua Yuncai is Hua Yuanming’s daughter.
Second Aunt Hua said happily, "As parents we spend our lives thinking of our children, naturally we hope she’ll have this fortune. If she could have fortune like Wenjin, that would be wonderful!"
Xia Sichen laughed, "Why not? Isn’t Uncle and Young Master Xuan on good terms? If Young Master Xuan can take a fancy to the daughter of Jianghu roughnecks, Uncle, being a Military Officer in the Capital City, is of much higher status than Haotian Village!"
Xia Wenjin bowed her head, smiling with her mouth covered. Her brother had always been casual. When in a good mood, all was well, but in a bad mood, he wouldn’t spare anyone’s face.
Uncle Hua and Uncle Gu already sided with Huangfu Yuxuan, so naturally, their wives had their own thoughts. With such a stance speaking for Huangfu Yuxuan, it would be strange if Xia Sichen didn’t counter her!
Second Aunt Hua finally sensed the tone was not right and said, "Sichen, what are you talking about? Isn’t this about Wenjin’s kidnapping? How did we end up talking about Yuncai?"
Xia Wanqing said, "The two of you just got off duty and are probably tired. Wenjin had a fright today and she’s also tired. I understand and am grateful that you came right over to show your concern. But it’s late, so I won’t keep you here today. Let’s have a proper gathering another day!"
This was a direct invitation to leave, but they could understand.
If someone’s child experienced such an event, wouldn’t they quickly close the door for comfort?
Gu Hongxin immediately said, "Brother, there’s no need for thanks among family. Our concern for Wenjin is the same as yours. Since Wenjin is fine, we’re relieved! Wenjin, rest well, and you and Sichen only just returned to the Capital City today. The journey must have been tiring for you too. Another day, we’ll host you all at Moon Full Building for a good drink!"
The two families came bustling in and left just as energetically.
After Xia Wanqing saw them off, he appeared somewhat weary but still said, "Let’s talk inside the hall!"
This meant they were continuing the previous topic.
However, Xia Wenjin’s plight earned his concern, so he said, "Wenjin, if you’re tired, go rest first!"
Xia Wenjin helplessly said, "This matter isn’t resolved yet, is it? Who will report the incident to you if I don’t?"
Father and daughter Xia Wanqing, Xia Sichen, Zhuo Pengju, and the three entered the hall, each taking a seat. Xia Wanqing looked at Xia Wenjin, asking, "Wenjin, were you speaking the truth just now, or was it your speculation?"
Xia Wenjin was a hundred percent sure it was true, but she knew very well that if she told the truth, her father might actually confront Huangfu Yuxuan.
Huangfu Yuxuan was sly and cunning, leaving no traces. He would instead become suspicious of her father and Haotian Village, perhaps even take harsh actions.
In a fair and open fight, Haotian Village feared nothing, but Huangfu Yuxuan had many sinister tricks. Just like last time, when he schemed against Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin. Having done it once, he wouldn’t mind doing more. Haotian Village could hardly guard against him.
If she said it wasn’t true, her father would think they wrongly accused Huangfu Yuxuan. Her father already felt guilty about the annulment. Adding this matter, he would feel even more remorseful and might find other ways to compensate. It could potentially involve the entire Haotian Village!