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

Shen Qingyao's attention was entirely on Mu Qingya at this moment, completely unaware that Si Jingnian's burning gaze had been fixed on her the whole time.

"Master Mu, your daughter clearly doesn't want to marry, so why are you forcing her?"

Master Mu's face turned ashen, but with several subordinates carrying guns beside Shen Qingyao, he could only swallow his anger.

"Young lady, you may not know this, but the marriage agreement between our Mu family and the Wang family was made when they were children. How can we just break an agreement like that?"

While giving signals to others, Master Mu also tried to reason with Shen Qingyao, hoping to persuade her to leave this troublemaker.

Shen Qingyao naturally understood his plan. She merely glanced coldly at the person he had sent away, showing no intention of letting the matter rest.

"Although marriages have always been arranged by parents and matchmakers, the era of imperial power has passed. Marriages should be based on mutual consent, and both parties should be willing."

"Since you are Mu Qingya's father, shouldn't you respect her own wishes? She doesn't want to marry into this family, nor does she want to be a sacrifice in a family marriage."

Shen Qingyao refused to budge an inch; of course she knew the proverb, "It's better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage."

If it were someone else, she might actually turn a blind eye and not get involved in these matters.

But she had promised Mu Qingya that she wouldn't abandon her, and besides, Mu Qingya had a mission to fulfill, so she couldn't change her own trajectory just because she was forced to marry.

"So you know my daughter Qingya, no wonder you stood up for her."

"But girl, don't forget, I am Mu Qingya's father. Would I harm her? The Wang family is a perfect match for our Mu family. She will only enjoy a life of luxury if she marries into the Wang family. There are countless women who want to marry into the Wang family but can't!"

“How many women marry poor men and spend their whole lives worrying about making a living? She doesn’t have to worry about these things at all after marrying into the Wang family. I’m doing this for her own good.”

Master Mu spoke firmly, stating that he had always believed that the marriage of one's descendants should be arranged by parents and matchmakers.

Moreover, the cooperation between the Mu family and the Wang family must not be broken, and Mu Qingya must marry into the Wang family.

"If you want what's best for her, have you asked Mu Qingya if she's willing herself?"

Shen Qingyao frowned, a hint of anger in her eyes; her patience was almost worn out.

But her words had no effect; it seemed that Master Mu was determined to marry Mu Qingya off to the Wang family.

The anger in his eyes was obvious, and Shen Qingyao knew that if it weren't for the guns carried by the people around her, he probably would have ordered her to be shot and driven away.

"She was unwilling because she was young and didn't know how cruel this society was."

"Women are born to marry. Their duty is to bear children, raise their husbands, and educate their children. They have to marry whomever they want, and marrying into the Wang family is the best outcome for them."

Shen Qingyao rolled her eyes in anger upon hearing these remarks. If she hadn't wanted to avoid making things too big, she would have rushed up and kicked him.

"Who told you that a woman has to get married and have children? Everyone has their own mission, but Mu Qingya's mission is not to get married or have children. She shoulders heavy responsibilities, and she has her own path to walk."

Seeing that Shen Qingyao was extremely angry, Si Jingnian quickly reached out and patted her back to comfort her and help her catch her breath.

Mu Qingya's father was equally furious, panting heavily as he pounded his cane.

“谬论！谬论！”

He wanted to have Shen Qingyao driven away so the wedding could continue, but he dared not act rashly because the people around her were carrying guns.

Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, the sound of horses neighing came from afar.

A man in military uniform rode a horse galloping towards them, followed by an army also carrying guns.

When Mu Qingya's father saw the person who came, his face instantly brightened, his anger disappeared, and he put on a flattering smile.

Seeing this, the onlookers hurriedly retreated, disappearing into the distance in the blink of an eye, leaving only Shen Qingyao and her group standing still.

As soon as the man dismounted, Mu Qingya's father led the Mu family to greet him warmly, each of them wearing a fawning and obsequious expression.

Seeing that the other person was also wearing a military uniform, Shen Qingyao glanced at Si Jingnian with some concern.

She seems to have gotten Si Jingnian into trouble. This young marshal from Nancheng came to Lingzhou City to show off his power, and now he's run into the young marshal of Lingzhou City.

It's said that even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake, so it seems that Si Jingnian's status as the young marshal isn't very useful this time.

However, Si Jingnian did not show any signs of tension on his face and remained calm from beginning to end.

Shen Qingyao had to admire him; even at this point, he could still remain calm and composed.

"Young Marshal Lu, you've finally arrived! Welcome, welcome! Your presence is a great honor to our Mu residence!"

Old Master Mu's old face was practically beaming with joy, a completely different expression from when he was with Shen Qingyao and the others.

Shen Qingyao couldn't help but roll her eyes. Sure enough, power works everywhere.

Lu Linxi nodded arrogantly, his eyes lazily sweeping down at Master Mu.

Mr. Mu not only didn't feel embarrassed by such a dismissive attitude, but his smile became even brighter.

Shen Qingyao couldn't help but shake her head; the Mu family was truly adept at changing their tune depending on the wind.

"Master Mu, what brings you here to summon me? Didn't you say someone was causing trouble with guns in Lingzhou? Where are they?"

Lu Linxi's face was cold, his chin held high, as if he didn't care about anyone.

Master Mu nodded and smiled apologetically, then pointed to Shen Qingyao and her group.

"Young Marshal Lu, it's them. They not only came to our Mu family to cause trouble and prevent our Mu family from marrying off our daughter, but they were all carrying guns."

"I have met all the officers in Lingzhou City, but I have never met them."

Master Mu glared angrily at Shen Qingyao and the others, a hint of smugness in his eyes, perfectly embodying the role of a bully using someone else's power.

Shen Qingyao's heart skipped a beat, and she was somewhat worried that a conflict might break out between the two sides.

Upon hearing Master Mu's words, Lu Linxi finally turned his gaze to Shen Qingyao and her group.

The moment Lu Linxi saw Shen Qingyao, a look of amazement flashed in his eyes, and then his gaze was fixed on Shen Qingyao.

“Young lady, is what Master Mu said true? Why are you stopping the Mu family from marrying off their daughter? This is a joyous occasion for the Mu family, how can you act recklessly? Listen to me, get out of the way quickly, don’t miss the auspicious time.”

Lu Linxi took a few steps closer to Shen Qingyao, his eyes never leaving her once they landed on her.

Shen Qingyao rolled her eyes, clearly not in a good mood. If she hadn't wanted to escalate the situation, she really would have resorted to violence.

"What if I don't let you?"

Lu Linxi was slightly taken aback, then let out a long sigh with a helpless expression.

"Listen to me, stop making a fuss! If you keep this up, I'll arrest you! You little girl, you've never seen a prison cell before, have you? It's terrifying inside. Not only are there cockroaches and rats, but also vicious criminals, they're extremely fierce."

Lu Linxi's face was stern, and his tone carried a hint of threat.