Chapter 14: How Could You Possibly Marry Into Another Family?

In an instant, everyone in the Ye family heard a voice outside, tinged with reproach, and instinctively rose to their feet, craning their necks to see who was arriving in the receiving room. When Hou Yaodong entered—a man nearing sixty, yet impeccably preserved—all present were astonished.

“Second Master Hou!” the Ye family exclaimed in unison.

“Second Brother Hou!” Even Yi Jifeng, who had not expected Hou Yaodong’s appearance, was taken aback. The Yi family, too, was an established clan in Jiang City, and his respectful address revealed no small measure of awe.

Hou Yaodong was the second in his generation, so Yi Jifeng called him Second Brother, whereas the Ye family, not nearly as close, greeted him with formal deference.

“Eldest Yi, what brings you here?” Hou Yaodong was surprised to see Yi Jifeng, his younger brother, and their juniors all present.

“I’ve brought Tianxing here to propose marriage to the Ye family,” Yi Jifeng replied with a smile, casting a meaningful glance at Yi Tianxing.

Yi Tianxing immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting. “Good day, Second Uncle Hou.”

Hou Yaodong nodded with a gentle smile. “Good day.”

“Please, Second Master, have a seat,” Ye Zhenhuan hastily vacated his chair for him, then asked with a laugh, “It truly brings honor to our humble house to have you as our guest, but may I ask what brings you to our door today?”

Yi Jifeng, seeing Hou Yaodong—who had no particular ties to the Ye family—arrive in person, suspected he might also be here to propose marriage for a junior from his own clan.

The Ye family harbored the same speculation, gazing at Hou Yaodong with anticipation and warmth.

If the Hou family sought a marriage alliance, the Ye family could hardly refuse. The Hous were among the city’s ten great families; the Yis could not compare. Yi Jifeng was already the second most formidable warrior in his family at level four, but Hou Yaodong, a level six, was only ranked fourth among his own kin. Not to mention the formidable patriarch of the Hou family. Their overall influence was on a different scale altogether.

“Second Brother, could it be you’re here to arrange a match for one of your juniors as well?” Yi Jifeng asked, both nervous and curious.

“No, that’s not it.” Hou Yaodong’s expression grew serious. “In fact, I nearly forgot my business here.”

He rose, scanning everyone in the room. “Who is Young Master Chu? I am Hou Yaodong.”

At that moment, Chu Yun spoke up. “Just call me Chu Yun. All that Young Master nonsense is insufferable.”

Hou Yaodong grinned, walked over, and said, “May I have a word with you in private?”

“No need,” Chu Yun replied. “Here’s what you asked for. I’ll send you my account details later—just transfer the money. The old man said you’re trustworthy; you wouldn’t dare withhold payment anyway.”

As he spoke, Chu Yun produced a box and handed it to Hou Yaodong.

Hou Yaodong received it with great care and quickly concealed it within his sleeve.

The others were stunned by Chu Yun’s casual manner, especially his remark, “You wouldn’t dare withhold payment.” The audacity left them speechless.

“Do you even know who Second Master is?” one of the Yi uncles scolded, finding Chu Yun’s attitude toward them dismissive enough, but to speak so boldly with Hou Yaodong?

Yet Hou Yaodong’s response astonished them even more.

“Of course, of course!” he laughed. “I’ve always been a man of my word. Thank you, Senior, for your trust.”

A man who could offer a casual pointer and help him break through his own limits was not someone Hou Yaodong dared to condescend to. He held this mysterious senior and Chu Yun in sincere regard.

“In fact, why wait? Let’s settle the transaction now—and perhaps, if you have time, we could share a meal?” Hou Yaodong suggested to Chu Yun with a smile.

The others gaped at the way Hou Yaodong invited Chu Yun to dinner, even asking if he was free. If Hou Yaodong had said to Yi Jifeng, “Eldest Yi, come dine with me,” Yi Jifeng would never have refused—he’d have accepted without hesitation, no question asked.

Ye Linglong gazed intently at Chu Yun, who stood beside her. She didn’t understand what was unfolding, but sensed it was anything but ordinary.

Chu Yun jerked his chin toward the Yi family. “You’d better ask if they’ll let me leave.”

“What do you mean?” Hou Yaodong was taken aback, turning to the Yi and Ye families. “Is there some misunderstanding here?”

Seeing Hou Yaodong’s stern expression, everyone fell silent.

It was clear that to deny Chu Yun’s departure would be to rain on Hou Yaodong’s parade.

“We have no misunderstanding,” Ye Zhenhuan and his family quickly shook their heads.

Hou Yaodong then looked to Yi Jifeng, his gaze questioning.

“What misunderstanding could there be?” Yi Jifeng burst into hearty laughter. “Our Yi family has no reason for discord. If you have business, Second Brother, by all means, attend to it.”

“What do you mean by ‘no reason’?” Hou Yaodong’s tone sharpened, as if to imply that the Yi family would never stoop to quarreling with someone like Chu Yun—a hint of arrogance in his words.

The retort caught Yi Jifeng off guard.

But he wasn’t wrong; given Chu Yun’s background, the Yi family had no business making an issue of it—they simply weren’t qualified.

“Second Brother Hou, are you serious?” Yi Jifeng was bewildered, wanting to ask outright.

Before he could finish, Hou Yaodong interjected, “Best if there’s no misunderstanding.”

It was a warning.

“Second Uncle, just what did he give you that you’d come speak on his behalf?” Yi Tianxing could no longer hold his tongue. “I care for Ye Linglong. Even if you intervene today, I won’t back down. I believe he’s unworthy of Linglong.”

He shot Chu Yun a fierce look. “If you have any guts, speak up for yourself.”

“What kind of attitude is that?” Hou Yaodong’s face darkened.

“Tianxing, stand down,” Yi Jifeng barked at his nephew, then turned to Hou Yaodong with a conciliatory smile. “Second Brother Hou, pay no mind to the young one’s lack of manners. Here’s the situation: Tianxing is fond of the Ye girl and has come to propose marriage. But the Ye family presented a marriage contract, claiming she’s already betrothed. It feels like a pretext. Of all people, they chose this Mr. Chu—whether or not it’s genuine, who can say? Second Brother, you can inquire about the Chu family’s status in Guardian City for yourself. It’s no wonder we’re suspicious. Honestly, if the girl were to marry, she could find any match she wanted—why bring in someone at random as a son-in-law? Tianxing only feels sorry for her, hence his persistence. Since this gentleman happens to be here, we wanted to clear the air.”

“What!” Hou Yaodong’s eyes widened at the mention of ‘son-in-law,’ and he looked at Chu Yun in disbelief. “Young Master Chu, you’re marrying into the Ye family as a son-in-law? Why would you do that?”

In his mind, as the junior of a mysterious senior, how could Chu Yun accept such a role?

“He’s a good-for-nothing, planning to live off a woman for the rest of his days!” Yi Tianxing scoffed.

But Hou Yaodong looked at Chu Yun with genuine regret. “How could you agree to such a thing? If you like, I could introduce you to my granddaughter. No bride price, no obligations. I’ll have her brought over in a sedan chair, and you won’t be considered a live-in son-in-law. I’ll even give you money for a villa.”

Everyone nearby stared, their eyes wide with disbelief.