Sir Song, do you want to pledge yourself to me?

The discerning people in the village had long noticed that Meng Ran had a unique feeling for Ji Nuan, and they also vaguely guessed that Meng Ran's mother might not look down on a girl from an ordinary family as a daughter-in-law.

Based on their past relationship and the fact that Ji Nuan is now engaged, it was obviously inappropriate for Meng Ran to suddenly call out to Ji Nuan in front of the courtyard gate with a crowd of people behind him.

Fortunately, Meng Ran and his original self had never truly revealed their feelings for each other, so Ji Nuan turned around and said to Meng Ran with a bright smile, "Brother Meng Ran, congratulations on getting what you wished for."

Meng Ran's eyes suddenly turned red, and he stared at Ji Nuan with uncontrollable regret in his eyes, "Did you really get what you wanted? Nuan Nuan, I'm still a step too late, am I not?"

Ji Nuan didn't expect him to be so emotional, but she was no longer the same person. Moreover, the original Ji Nuan had already let go of her feelings for Meng Ran after being ridiculed and hinted at by Meng Ran's mother many times.

"Brother Mengran, today is a great day for you. Everyone in the village has come to congratulate you! I also sincerely hope that you study hard and have a promising future."

The implication is that it's impossible for us, you still have a bright future, and don't embarrass yourself in front of so many people.

Meng Ran's heart seemed to be broken into pieces.

Is it still impossible even after trying so hard?

He wanted to blame Song Jinbai for taking Ji Nuan away, but what qualifications did he have? Song Jinbai was born into a noble family and had become the chief official of a prefecture at a young age with his own ability. What could he use to compete with him?

He wanted to blame Ji Nuan for not waiting for him, but then he thought, what right did he have to ask a girl to wait for him? Was he absolutely sure he'd make the list? Or were they already engaged? Furthermore, his mother always expressed disparagement and disapproval in front of Ji Nuan, and he couldn't blame her because of his filial piety.

Could he resent his mother for interfering and obstructing him? No, he couldn't. Parents who love their children plan for the future. His mother also wanted him to marry a woman who could support his future, so that he wouldn't have to make any mistakes in the future.

He couldn't blame anyone, couldn't hate anyone, he could only blame himself. He blamed himself for not being strong enough, for not being firm enough.

He's driving himself crazy!

"Nuannuan, we..."

Meng Ran was so sad that tears welled up in his eyes. He wanted to give it one last try, but Ji Nuan interrupted him when the words were on the tip of his tongue.

"Brother Meng Ran, please go back and help entertain the villagers. I have something to do, so I'll be leaving first." Ji Nuan quickly said goodbye. She didn't want to give Meng Ran any false impressions. They should just maintain a normal relationship, without any further entanglement. As for when Meng Ran would finally let go of his thoughts, that would depend on him slowly digesting and accepting them.

...............

Capital city, Earl's Mansion.

Although the Jun Earl's Mansion had no real power in the court and few of its family members held official positions, it was famous for its wealth among all the nobles.

The entire mansion, with its pavilions, towers, flying eaves and pointed corners, exudes refinement and luxury in every detail.

Gu Wanwan had never stopped looking around since she stepped into the mansion. Until she walked into Ju Lan Courtyard, the sour feeling in her heart was like she had just eaten an unripe orange, and her whole body felt sour from the inside out.

"The reputation of the First Imperial Merchant is well-deserved. This mansion is truly magnificent. I'm afraid that apart from the royal family, even those large families with centuries-old histories can hardly compare to it." Gu Wanwan looked at the two maids left in the flower hall to serve, and her words became bolder. "Second sister, if it weren't for the marriage arranged by the previous lady, Gu Qingqing, that country bumpkin, would never have the chance to live in such a fine house. I'm afraid she wouldn't even dare to dream of such a dream!"

Gu Yaoyao sat in a dignified posture with a gentle smile on her face. She said softly, "Wanwan, don't say that. Although she grew up in the countryside, she is still our eldest sister after all."

Upon hearing this, Gu Wanwan spat in disdain, "Bah! If Prince Jun hadn't been taking medicine all year round and was such a sickly person, how could she have gotten the chance to enjoy the comforts of the Earl's Mansion? How could someone who grew up in a barbaric land snatch your position as the eldest daughter the moment she returns?"

Gu Yaoyao didn't refute Gu Wanwan's words, but just said softly: "Grandmother remembers her mother's kindness in taking care of her aunt in the past, so she naturally takes a little more care of her."

Ever since Gu Qingqing was brought back, Gu Yaoyao, who had been the eldest daughter of the Gu family for fifteen years, suddenly became the second daughter born to a stepmother. Although her status in the family remained unchanged, it was still not as good as the eldest daughter.

Gu Wanwan continued indignantly, "Grandma is really getting old and confused. She took all the betrothal gifts given by the Earl's Mansion as a dowry for Gu Qingqing. From now on, all of them will belong to Gu Qingqing privately!" She deliberately emphasized the word "privately", and the jealousy in her words was evident.

Gu Yaoyao was also not at peace.

There were one hundred and eight loads of betrothal gifts, and dozens of them were occupied by shops and farms. The entire Gu family’s assets added together were not even a fraction of the betrothal gifts.

If my grandmother had not stopped my mother from keeping all the betrothal gifts, she would have been able to get a larger portion of it as a dowry when she got married.

"Third sister, be careful with your words. Do you think you can manipulate the elders?" Gu Yaoyao scolded her lightly, then changed the subject, "I don't know what the eldest sister is busy with. She hasn't come out for a while. She didn't grow up in the Gu family. She wouldn't dislike us, right?"