Chapter 22: A Hot Potato, The Playboy's Matchmaking

“Qingyan, you’ve grown up. Your father has been worrying about your future all these years. Do you have any objections?” The matriarch entered slowly.

“Do you know anything about the young master of the Duke of Anguo’s residence?”

Qingyan’s heart sank suddenly. The young master of the Duke of Anguo’s household was well-known throughout the capital. Suppressing her revulsion, she answered expressionlessly, “I’ve heard a little.”

“Good.” Ye Chengzong nodded with satisfaction, oblivious to the coldness in his daughter’s eyes. “The Duke of Anguo’s family has a long-standing noble lineage and deep roots. If we can marry into them, it will greatly benefit my official career.” He paused, his tone turning resolute and uncompromising with the sharpness of a seasoned strategist. “Therefore, this marriage must be arranged.”

Qingyan’s fingers tightened slightly as her gaze fell on the flickering candlelight on the table.

Her knowledge of that young master was far beyond “having heard a little.”

Gambling, drinking, debauchery — he excelled at all. He took advantage of his family’s status to bully the innocent. Rumor had it he once beat a servant to death. A complete scoundrel, a degenerate among degenerate.

For the sake of his own future and illusory power, Ye Chengzong intended to push his own daughter into such a hellish fate? Qingyan sneered coldly in her heart but kept her face calm, softly replying, “Yes, Father.”

[Traitor, your judgment is as poor as your father’s! Such a scoundrel isn’t even worthy to tie my shoes!]

Suddenly, the system snorted coldly in her mind, dripping with disdain and mockery.

[Mission: Sabotage this marriage and protect my dignity!]

Qingyan’s brow lifted slightly. This mission aligned perfectly with her own thoughts. If so, she would gladly “protect” the system’s dignity.

After leaving her father’s study, Qingyan did not return to her courtyard but went straight to Chen Huaian’s residence. After a few days of care, Chen Huaian’s injuries had improved greatly. He was sitting at his desk reading when he heard a knock.

He put down the book and showed a flicker of surprise upon seeing Qingyan.

“Miss,” he stood to greet her.

Without beating around the bush, Qingyan told him of Ye Chengzong’s plan.

“Are you willing to marry him?”

“No!”

Chen Huaian’s gentle eyes instantly turned icy, a murderous gleam flashing as he clenched his fists.

“Rest assured, Miss,” he took a deep breath, calming his tone. “I will deal with such a scoundrel.”

Looking at him, warmth surged in Qingyan’s heart. In this family, the only one who truly cared for her was Chen Huaian.

“What’s your plan?” she asked.

Chen Huaian said, “The young master of Duke Anguo’s dirty deeds are no secret. Ordinary people just dare not delve too deep. I took the imperial examination alongside many who now serve in the capital’s administration and judiciary. Though they are low-ranking, they have access to information and no ties to the noble houses. Investigating these matters won’t be difficult.”

Sure enough, Chen Huaian’s efficiency was astounding. Within two days, a thick dossier lay on Qingyan’s desk.

The files detailed the young master’s numerous atrocities: abducting women, reckless killings, embezzlement, collusion with gangs — shocking in every respect.

Even his private keeping of male favorites and penchant for cruelty were uncovered by Chen Huaian.

Qingyan flipped through the documents, sneering. Any single scandal exposed would disgrace the Duke of Anguo’s house and utterly ruin the young master’s reputation.

A bold, slightly wicked plan began to take shape in her mind. She would turn this so-called matchmaking banquet into a sensational spectacle that would shake the capital.

Before the event, Ye Chengzong summoned Qingyan to his study, reminding her once again.

“Qingyan, you must restrain your temper today. No more childishness as before,” he said earnestly, hope flickering in his eyes. “The Duke of Anguo’s family is no ordinary household. Though the young master has a notorious reputation, youth will temper him. If you marry into their family, you will be assured a life of comfort and honor.”

Qingyan nodded obediently, wearing a faint and perfectly measured shyness. “Yes, Father. I will certainly leave the young master with a ‘deep impression.’”

Ye Chengzong, believing she had finally seen sense, smiled contentedly. “That’s reassuring to hear.”

Little did he know, the “deep impression” Qingyan referred to was far from what he imagined.

Back in her room, Qingyan arranged her attire in the bronze mirror. She had chosen a simple, pale blue embroidered ruqun, with a single white jade hairpin. Her makeup was light, ethereal, and elegant. She wanted the young master to form a “pleasant” illusion of her before their meeting.

Silently she prayed, “System, I hope everything goes smoothly today.”

[I bestow upon you ‘commanding speech’ — don’t bother me again!]

The system’s cold voice sounded in her mind, tinged with impatience.

Qingyan was delighted. Commanding speech! Now that was a true trump card! With this ability, how could she fail to sabotage the marriage?

However, the system’s chilling prompt flashed quickly across her thoughts: [BUG note: This ability is highly unstable and likely to cause ‘unfiltered speech’ effects.]

Qingyan: “Uh…”

Before she could ponder the meaning of “unfiltered speech,” the sound of the ready carriage outside arrived.

She took a deep breath and opened the door.

The Duke of Anguo’s carriage waited outside the mansion. Under Ye Chengzong’s expectant gaze, Qingyan glided forward gracefully and climbed aboard.

The carriage slowly rolled, wheels crunching softly on the bluestone path.

Chen Huaian stood inside the mansion, watching the carriage retreat with a deep, thoughtful expression.

Today, the Duke of Anguo’s household would not be calm.

At the flower-viewing banquet, guests gathered in droves. The Duke of Anguo’s mansion was exquisitely decorated, with pavilions and towers adorned by blooming flowers and accompanied by gentle music. Noble ladies whispered softly, young gentlemen laughed and chatted, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Qingyan entered the banquet hall with Ye Chengzong, immediately drawing many gazes.

“That’s Secretary Ye’s daughter, Qingyan?”

“Truly a remarkable beauty. No wonder the young master would take interest.”

Whispers buzzed around her ears, but Qingyan paid no heed. Her eyes scanned through the crowd until they rested on the rotund figure surrounded by admirers at the center.

That was Li Yuan, young master of the Duke of Anguo’s residence. He wore a luxurious brocade robe, a lecherous smile on his face, and small, sly eyes that ogled her.

Li Yuan’s eyes lit up upon seeing Qingyan. Fanning himself, he swaggered over.

“Miss Ye, your reputation is well deserved. Seeing you today, you outshine countless beauties,” he said flirtatiously, his tone oily and nauseating. “Would you care to join me in enjoying this spring garden?”

Before he finished speaking, Qingyan’s ‘commanding speech’ ability suddenly activated without warning...