The Xie Family came to my door to break off the engagement, offering me two options.
Either the First Young Master and I dissolved our betrothal, and from then on, he and I would marry whomever we pleased, with nothing more to do with each other.
Or we changed the match: I would marry the Second Young Master instead, and I would still become a daughter-in-law of the Xie Family.
The First Young Master was a dragon among men. He had rendered great service while away on official business, and once he returned to the capital, he would be able to enter the Hanlin Academy. As an orphaned girl, my status was no longer worthy of him.
The Second Young Master was a concubine-born son of the family. Though he could not compare to his elder brother, he was still quite learned.
They were certain I would agree to the change. After all, no one could withstand the pressure of gossip and rumor-not to mention the Second Young Master was exceptionally handsome.
But what did any of that have to do with me?
I only asked calmly, “Is this the First Young Master’s wish?”
“It is! The First Young Master said that times change and circumstances shift. A clever young lady like you will surely know how to judge the situation.”
Later, I entered the palace and became a female official.
The Xie Family was about to be punished for their crimes.
The First Young Master Xie knelt outside the palace gates, begging me to pass a message inside.
My gaze fell on him without sorrow or joy, and I said mildly, “Young Master once told me to judge the situation. I have always kept that lesson close to heart and have never dared forget it.”
