Chapter 1899: The So-Called Debt of Life (Patreon)

Chapter 1899: The So-Called Debt of Life

However, Chen Qiu really did want Xun Sheng to marry her.

She had nothing left now—her father was in exile, her mother was imprisoned, her biological father was a servant, her brother was in a precarious situation, and her maternal relatives were not on good terms with her, possibly even blaming them.

The only lifeline Chen Qiu could grasp was Xun Sheng.

But marrying her would be too difficult for Xun Sheng. He had considered it before, thinking highly of Chen Qiu's character. While her family circumstances might not be ideal, Xun Sheng believed he could convince his parents.

Now? Not only had Chen Qiu's character deteriorated, but she had also become a commoner. How could Xun Sheng be indifferent to that?

So, Chen Qiu resorted to blackmailing him with the debt of life—if he didn't marry her, she would accuse him of ingratitude.

Xun Sheng was irritated. They argued back and forth, but Chen Qiu unexpectedly exposed that her "life-saving" act had been intentional from the beginning.

When they encountered the unruly individuals, Chen Qiu had been genuinely terrified and had no intention of risking herself to save others.

Later, when she saw the official soldiers approaching and recognized Xun Sheng's scholar as a prominent figure from a wealthy family in the capital, she decided to make a move.

Yes, that's right, initially, Chen Qiu's target had been the scholar.

She had wanted to get close to him by saving Xun Sheng, with the goal of eventually pursuing a romantic relationship with him. As she spent more time with Xun Sheng, she discovered that he had ranked third in the imperial examination and was acquainted with Meng Yunzheng. She saw the opportunity to marry into a prestigious family, possibly becoming an official's wife. Of course, Xun Sheng's good looks were also a factor.

When they learned of this, both Xun Sheng and his scholar friend were disgusted.

Who did she think she was, being so selective?

Listening to this, Shu Yu didn't know whether to sympathize with Xun Sheng or feel pity for his scholar friend.

Chen Qiu's mindset had changed incredibly fast. Initially, she had a love-struck mentality, disregarding Zhou Tiedong's status and wanting to be with him. After a series of events, she had turned into the opposite extreme, calculating relentlessly whenever she saw an opportunity.

Shu Yu found it strange that Chen Qiu's intentions had shifted so drastically. At first, she was infatuated, but she was now willing to do anything for her goals.

Xun Sheng sighed and said, "This visit here, I must still thank Miss Chen. If not for today's incident, I might have ended up marrying a woman with ulterior motives. My family would not have lived in peace."

"I hope you don't blame me for ruining your potential marriage."

Xun Sheng shook his head repeatedly, feeling ashamed. "It's my own fault for being naive and clueless. After studying for over a decade, I never expected to be played like a fool. "

Shu Yu smiled and, after Xun Sheng expressed his gratitude, he left. Meng Yunzheng saw him off, then returned with a smile and said, "Xun Sheng might have to stay away for a while."

"To avoid Chen Qiu?"

Indeed, Chen Qiu hadn't committed any crimes and remained a free woman. However, her current situation was awkward, and she would undoubtedly face scrutiny from those around her. The more difficult her circumstances became, the tighter she clung to any lifeline she could find. So, even though she had exposed her true self to Xun Sheng, she would never let him go. Xun Sheng was not like Meng Yunzheng and couldn't use force against Chen Qiu. After all, her previous rescue had genuinely protected Xun Sheng from harm. Therefore, he could only temporarily keep his distance.

Shu Yu clicked her tongue. However, Xun Sheng still had to participate in the Autumn Imperial Examination this year, so he would have to return to Changjin Prefecture eventually.

But these matters were no longer Shu Yu's concern. After having lunch, she informed Grandma Lu and went to the county yamen with Meng Yunzheng.