Why refuse to marry the person you love

The kitchen door fell into silence, but this silence did not last long. After a short while, kissing sounds emerged from inside.

The sounds grew louder.

More and more... intense!

More and more... frantic!

Lu Shuang, who was eavesdropping outside, was instantly dumbfounded.

Wait...

They, they're actually kissing?

No, it's not just kissing!

This is absurd!

Xu Shang, the wife you were supposed to marry is still waiting for you in the bridal chamber, and yet you're out here doing that with another woman?

What's even more absurd is...

This is the freaking kitchen!

Xu Shang, no matter what, you are the strongest contender for the position of Huaian City's Lord. How could you... have an affair in a kitchen?

Isn't it dirty?

Unbelievable!

Lu Shuang was utterly speechless. It got to the point where she could hardly bear to listen anymore. Had it not been for her orders, she would have turned and walked away immediately. But now, her ears had to endure another half a cup of tea's time of this friction!

This is absolutely crazy!

...

The bridal chamber.

After the younger brother, Xu Sha, finished entertaining the guests in place of his older brother, Xu Shang, he was pushed and shoved by the crowd until he had no choice but to enter.

The guests were quite tactful. No one stayed behind to eavesdrop, nor did anyone cause trouble. After all, this marriage defined the solidarity of Huaian City's defenses.

It was crucial to whether Huaian City could withstand Ren Tianye's army.

The bridal chamber was quiet, lit only by a single flickering candle.

Xu Sha's face was full of apprehension and nervousness, along with a hidden, ecstatic joy and an imperceptible ambition in his eyes.

However, his older brother Xu Shang was like a massive mountain pressing down heavily upon him, making him afraid to act rashly.

He swallowed hard, mimicking Xu Shang's voice, and said, Wanyi, well, I am not feeling well today. I will sleep on the floor for now.

As soon as he spoke, Yun Wanyi, who was sitting on the bed, swiftly lifted her bridal veil, revealing a beautiful, elegant face. Illuminated by the red candlelight, she looked even more exquisitely radiant and breathtaking.

However, her beautiful eyes were sharp and carried a hint of mockery.

Are you not feeling well? Or do you just not dare?

Yun Wanyi coldly spat out two words: Xu Sha!

Boom!

It was as if a clap of thunder had struck!

Xu Sha's body trembled. Wanyi, you... you know?

Is it that hard to guess?

Then, then why did you not refuse?

Why would I refuse to marry the man I like?

Xu Sha froze for a moment.

Then, he felt another thunderclap explode in his mind.

But this time, his face was instantly filled with excitement and joy.

He had clearly caught the meaning behind Yun Wanyi's words.

The man she likes!

He, Xu Sha, was the man Yun Wanyi liked?

Since childhood, he had been suppressed by his older brother and his biased father. He had lived like an invisible person, unable even to dictate his own emotions. Yet at this moment, he was the man liked by the woman he loved the most?

His Adam's apple bobbed, and Xu Sha subconsciously took a few steps forward.

But he stopped when he was just inches away.

In a couple of days, his brother Xu Shang would become the Lord of Huaian City, taking over all military and political power. He was merely a pawn of his brother.

If a pawn were to go against the will of the chess player...

His end would be miserable!

So, should he rise up and rebel just this once?

Even if he had nothing, he still had his life, his surging hot blood, and the anger of being unwilling to live this dark, oppressive life forever.

Xu Sha gritted his teeth and made his decision.

Just as he was about to speak, Yun Wanyi beat him to it.

Whoever I marry is the true Lord of Huaian City. He is the one who can truly control the military and political power of the city.

Xu Sha's body jolted again.

This time, however, a bright light burst forth in his eyes.

Without any further hesitation, he rushed forward, embraced Yun Wanyi tightly, and kissed her.

...

The sky was bright. The Xu Manor was still draped in red, decorated with lanterns and festoons. The festive atmosphere of the wedding had not yet faded as the door to the bridal chamber suddenly opened wide.

Xu Sha walked out, looking refreshed and invigorated.

His aura had undergone an earth-shattering transformation.

He was no longer deliberately disguising himself according to Xu Shang's demands.

He was no longer the oppressed second son, meek and submissive.

His eyes were filled with confidence and a joy so profound it could not be dissolved.

In just one night, Xu Sha felt as if he had been reborn.

The love he sought had been completely fulfilled.

His desire to be free from oppression had been more than achieved.

Xu Sha...

Yun Wanyi's voice sounded from behind him. It was soft, affectionate, yet carried a hint of caution. Regarding the matter I spoke to you about last night, do you have any regrets now?

Xu Sha turned around and shook his head firmly.

Wanyi, how could I regret what I promised you? Besides, I do not think there is anything wrong with what you are doing.

Lord Duke's momentum in sweeping across the world is unstoppable. Even though Huaian City has high walls and abundant troops, how can we withstand Lord Duke's army of two hundred thousand?

Sooner or later, we will be crushed under Lord Duke's iron hooves.

The only difference is whether we delay Lord Duke for a while or welcome Lord Duke into the city immediately.

Moreover, why should I risk my life for a place like Yunjing!

I am willing to follow you and open the city gates to surrender!

Furthermore, I am not the only one who has had this idea for a long time. Many within our clan share the same thought.

Yun Wanyi nodded. She held Xu Sha's hand, a faint gleam appearing in her eyes.

It is just... Xu Sha said, I have some concerns. Yunjing sent word saying that Lord Duke forbids love and desires, and has even established a special Demon Suppression Bureau to suppress all the beautiful things in the world. I am afraid... that in the future, the Demon Suppression Bureau will come after us.

Yun Wanyi smiled faintly. Those are nothing more than excuses fabricated by Yunjing to fool the masses. Lord Duke merely slays all bewitching monsters. As for lovers who truly love each other and seek a happy, stable life, he has always offered his blessings and encouragement.

My return this time was personally escorted by the Demon Suppression Envoy of the Demon Suppression Bureau. Do you think her words could be false?

Xu Sha breathed a sigh of relief and said, I thought as much. If Lord Duke truly discarded genuine human emotions, how could he have such great prestige?

His face was filled with an incredibly bright smile, and his tone was more resolute than ever. Wanyi, I am willing to join you in defecting to Duke Ren, to bring a clear and bright sky to this gloomy, cloud-covered land of Huaian!

After saying this, the two looked at each other and smiled, their smiles free and uninhibited.

Xu Sha was deeply respectful and protective of Yun Wanyi. He immediately accompanied her out for a meal. At the dining table, the newlyweds gazed at each other with a love so thick it could not be melted away.

Just as they were quietly discussing how to seize military control of Huaian City next, a sudden, furious shout came from behind them.

You, you two, what are you doing?

Walking swiftly like the wind, Xu Shang approached. His face was clouded with gloom, and he gritted his teeth. Especially when he saw Xu Sha and Yun Wanyi holding hands while eating, the jealousy in his heart boiled over completely.

Pointing a trembling finger at Xu Sha, he shouted, What on earth are you doing?

In the past, Xu Sha had always been terrified of Xu Shang, never daring to confront him directly. But now, he simply placed his chopsticks gently on the table, stood up, and smiled. Brother, I am keeping my wife company for a meal.

Can you not see?

...