Severing ties with family to marry the young marshal, his whole family chases me to the crematorium.

Shen Qingyao thought she could finally get some rest, but before long, there was another knock on the door.

Shen Qingyao's expression was no longer as unpleasant as before. In this Shen family, there were few people who would be so polite when entering her room.

As expected, after Shen Qingyao gave her permission, Amei pushed open the door and walked in.

"Miss, the First Madam wants you to go to the main hall. She says she has something to tell you."

On her way to see Liu Shuyi, Shen Qingyao already knew why she wanted to see her.

Ultimately, it was all about Shen Yuanyuan's marriage. They were worried that she would cling to the marriage agreement with the Pei family, so they found her a 'good marriage'.

The marriage they found for her was with the most powerful Si family in Nancheng, and the man she was to marry was a young marshal.

But if it were truly a good marriage, there's no way it would have fallen into her lap.

It was no secret in Nancheng that Young Marshal Si had been ambushed by bandits while on his way to suppress them, and that he was seriously injured and had little time left to live.

In her previous life, she rejected the marriage proposal, and not long after, white lanterns were hung at the Si family's gate.

Shen Qingyao had to admit that the Shen family would go to such lengths for a fake adopted daughter; Shen Yuanyuan was indeed quite capable.

In the main hall, Shen Yuanyuan leaned against Liu Shuyi's chest, wiping away tears, looking as if she had suffered a great injustice.

"I'm sorry to my sister. It's normal for her not to agree. She is the biological daughter of the Shen family, and the engagement with Brother Huaichuan is hers. I'm fine. As long as my sister and Brother Huaichuan can be happy, I don't care."

Shen Qingyao could smell a strong aroma of tea from afar, but only the Shen family members were blind to the truth and believed that Shen Yuanyuan was sincere.

"Silly child, what kind of talk is that? We've raised you for twenty years, and you're no different from our own daughter. No one can change that. Besides, you and Huaichuan are childhood sweethearts, in love with each other, and already engaged. Don't say such silly things anymore."

Liu Shuyi gently patted Shen Yuanyuan's back, her eyes full of tenderness, just like a loving mother.

If Shen Qingyao hadn't seen the cold look in Liu Shuyi's eyes when she looked at her, she would definitely have thought Liu Shuyi was a kind mother.

“Miss, they are all blind. You are clearly their biological daughter, but they have fallen for an imposter.”

Although Shen Qingyao did not accept it, she could understand it.

Shen Yuanyuan was raised with great care since she was a child, and she had only been found two years ago. Naturally, the Shen family would be more inclined to favor Shen Yuanyuan emotionally.

Shen Qingyao just didn't understand. If the Shen family didn't like her, why did they bring her back? Was it just to make things difficult for everyone and make everyone uncomfortable?

As soon as Shen Qingyao entered the main hall, Shen Yuanyuan seemed startled and immediately broke free from Liu Shuyi's embrace, looking at Shen Qingyao with some helplessness.

"Little sister, you're here. I...I'm sorry! I said the wrong thing before, please don't be angry, okay?"

Shen Qingyao watched her act coldly. This wasn't the first or second time this had happened, and she had already anticipated what would happen next.

As expected, when Liu Shuyi saw Shen Yuanyuan fawning over Shen Qingyao in such a humble manner, her brows immediately furrowed, and she looked at Shen Qingyao with displeasure.

"Shen Qingyao, Yuanyuan didn't mean to provoke you, and you even pushed her down the stairs and injured her. No matter how you look at it, you're in the wrong. Stop harping on this!"

Shen Qingyao found it somewhat amusing, yet also quite pointless, to see Liu Shuyi protecting Shen Yuanyuan.

"You didn't call me here just to lecture me, did you?"

Shen Qingyao didn't want to waste time watching them put on this show of motherly affection. She'd rather go back to her room and catch up on some sleep.

Liu Shuyi felt a lump in her throat from Shen Qingyao's words, and her face turned extremely pale.

She noticed that Shen Qingyao's attitude towards her was no longer as respectful and obedient as before, and a strange feeling crept into her heart.

Thinking of her true purpose, Liu Shuyi took a deep breath to suppress the strange feeling in her heart, and avoided Shen Qingyao's gaze somewhat unnaturally.

"Qingyao, your mother has found you a marriage partner, Si Jingnian, the eldest son of the Si family. The eldest son of the Si family is the most popular young talent in our Nancheng. He became a young marshal at a young age, and he is so virtuous that he doesn't even have a concubine. If you are willing, the Si family will come to present the betrothal gift tomorrow."

Liu Shuyi was worried that Shen Qingyao would be unwilling, so she didn't mention a word about Si Jingnian's serious injury and near death.

Seeing this, Shen Qingyao felt even colder. She was, after all, the biological daughter of the Shen family. Didn't Liu Shuyi feel any remorse for deceiving and framing her into marriage for Shen Yuanyuan's sake?

Such so-called family members were far beyond Shen Qingyao's reach. Having experienced both her past and present lives, she no longer had any attachment to the Shen family.

To truly break free from the Shen family, one must detach oneself from their destiny.

The simplest way is to get married and inform the heavens and the gods that she is no longer a member of the Shen family, and from then on, the Shen family's fortune will have nothing to do with her.

Si Jingnian is the most suitable candidate at present. He won't live much longer, and there won't be any marital discord if I marry him.

"To marry off your biological daughter to a dying man for the sake of your adopted daughter, the Shen family is truly an eye-opener."

Although Shen Qingyao already had a plan in mind, she did not intend to let the Shen family have their way so easily.

Liu Shuyi was startled. Hearing Shen Qingyao's words felt like a heavy blow to her heart, and her expression became flustered and anxious.

"No, no, news has come out that Marshal Si has woken up, so I... Ayao, Mom didn't mean that. If you don't want to, then don't marry him."

Seeing this, Shen Yuanyuan's face flashed with resentment. She gripped the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands, her knuckles turning white from the force.