After deceiving the villain, I was forced to love him.

Bai Li Ce's letter was delivered to the Wang family the next day.

The most powerful family in this world.

His army has over ten thousand guards and secret agents, which is what the new emperor most wants to deal with, but for now he can only try to win over the forces that are willing to cooperate.

As luck would have it, when Baili Ce's letter was delivered, it coincided with Wang Qingyan, the head of the Wang family, summoning everyone for a meeting.

Based on the principle that matters ostensibly related to the prosperity of the family are official business, and that he was not worried at all about whether the Baili family would dare to refuse him, Wang Qingyan made no attempt to conceal this and had the old steward put the letter away.

[I have received your kind letter. May your family be well and healthy.]

I have often heard that my elder brother is learned in both ancient and modern times, handsome as an immortal, kind to others like a spring breeze, and meticulous in his actions. He is the ideal husband that all young ladies dream of, and a model for all men.

Hmm... Wang Qingyan nodded inwardly. It was quite normal to start with a greeting and praise for the other person.

Then continue listening—

[Blessed by my ancestors and favored by the ruler, I am naturally overjoyed. However, after a few days, my joy fades, and I gradually realize my own shortcomings: I lack talent and virtue, and my nature is unruly.]

Furthermore, in his youth, relying on his family's power, he often bullied and oppressed the villagers, resulting in poor character and a long list of misdeeds that he has yet to change.

This means: Although I have bad character, I will not change.

So Wang Qingyan beckoned to the steward to hand him the letter, which he would read himself.

[Having grown up in her youth, she disregarded the norms for women and the humility expected of juniors, constantly arguing and quarreling both at home and outside, which led to her being disliked and subsequently moving to the capital.]

Even though three years have passed, Wang Qingyan still remembers how Baili Ce almost killed his other sisters in his struggle for power in the capital.

The sheer brilliance of it left him stunned for a long time, even without witnessing it firsthand.

Such a woman...

[Upon arriving in the capital, and due to livelihood concerns, I frequently had secret dealings with other men. This was a private matter and should have been kept quiet.]

How can I deceive someone so sincere?

Therefore, I hereby truthfully advise you to choose another person.

I, in my humble opinion, humbly pray that you may soon find a good match.

After reading the entire letter, Wang Qingyan's originally aloof expression became more serious.

The meaning of Baili Ce's last sentence is basically: Please, find someone else!

Can a marriage alliance between powerful families be refused so easily?

If refusing would have been effective, he wouldn't be here today.

Under the morning sun, the young man, barely in his early twenties, merely frowned slightly, which frightened the officials in the hall so much that they dared not utter a sound.

Following the cool morning breeze, Wang Qingyan looked up at the light shining down from the sky.

He disliked dark places, so the doors and windows on both sides of the main hall were wide open, allowing one to see the scenery of the four seasons beyond the high walls with just a glance.

This time, however many sunrises and clear skies he saw could not soothe his deep depression.

He sighed softly and placed the letter on the table beside him.

"Bai Li refused the marriage proposal."

What? !

The officials immediately found an outlet for their frustrations.

"Refusing to marry?!"

"How dare she, Baili Shi!"

"Does Baili Ce really think he's something special?!"

"Could it be that she wants to marry the emperor?"

"What a beautiful thought!"

"This marriage was arranged by the elders of both families. How could Baili Shi be so dishonest!"

“Honesty? If it weren’t for the old patriarch’s dying wish, she wouldn’t even be worthy of carrying my Wang family’s shoes.”

"Her reputation is so rotten, yet you, patriarch, don't despise her. How dare she refuse the marriage proposal?!"

"Exactly! Doesn't she realize that if she rejects the Wang family's marriage proposal, who would dare to marry her!"

"If it weren't for Baili's power and status in the capital, even glancing at her would be an eyesore for my Wang clan."

"Is there any better marriage in the world than that with the Wang family?!"

"What kind of brain does this Baili family have?"

......

As the cursing grew more heated, Wang Qingyan twirled the black jade ring on his right index finger and elegantly swept his gaze around.

"The Baili family has more than one daughter. If you ask me..."

Realizing they had misunderstood, Manager Li was the first to shut up.

Manager Zhou, who was never quick to react, said, "If you ask me, Baili Ce is only fit to be your family head..."

Realizing his voice had suddenly become very loud, he awkwardly swallowed the rest of his words.

"..." The crowd, who had been chattering away just moments before, all stared at Manager Zhou, as if he were the only one who had uttered such a stupid statement.

But isn't that the truth?

They could see through Bai Li Ce's tricks, but compared to those ladies from noble families, she was far too unruly.

The key point is that the Baili family had been nobles for five generations and had produced several prominent figures.

Baili Ce now controls the Baili clan's influence in the capital, which is of great help to the Wang family.

Otherwise, how could someone like her possibly have gotten the position of matriarch of the Wang family!

Ignoring Manager Zhou's attitude, Wang Qingyan didn't care at all what they had just said.

But one thing these people must understand is, "I will only say this once."

"The matriarch of the Wang family can only be Baili Ce."

His sharp yet composed aura immediately intimidated the managers, causing them to break out in a cold sweat. "Yes, yes..."

"As for business matters, you can discuss them and come up with a result for me," Wang Qingyan said before leaving, ignoring the crowd and the letter that had been blown away by the wind.

After a moment of silence, someone spoke up again in the council chamber.

"Hiss... I don't recall the patriarch ever seeing that young lady before, so how come he... is so fond of her?"

"You're asking me?! Who am I supposed to ask?!"

"Sigh, I don't understand, I don't understand."

"This family head is becoming increasingly difficult to fathom."

"Who says it isn't?"

"Sigh, let him be. After all, we're not the head of the family."

"Hey, I heard that the silkworm farmers in the south have raised quite a few colorful silkworms this year. You didn't let the He family beat you to it, did you?"

"No way, I paid the deposit before the new year and I'm just waiting for the delivery in the next two months."

......

The Wang family replied even faster than Baili Ce had expected, praising his straightforward nature and repeatedly mentioning the marriage agreement made by the elders of both families.

Simply put, a marriage alliance is unavoidable, and the marriage partner must be her; even the eldest daughter of the Baili clan is not acceptable.

"Hiss~" Bai Li Ce's brows furrowed like earthworms after reading the letter.

What kind of judgment does the head of the Wang family have?

Even if you've never met her in person, you've probably heard of who she is, right?

I've probably looked at the portrait at least ten times.

Why would anyone insist on marrying someone as ordinary-looking as her?

Do powerful and influential people prefer someone as unpretentious as her?

Or did she encounter a scenario of forced marriage and love after marriage?

Impossible, this is absolutely impossible.

As the first reader of this story, she has recited the entire text many times.

It's clear that such a plot doesn't exist.

She has done a lot of research over the years and is quite certain that the settings have not changed.

The original text only mentions one sentence: "The Wang family once proposed marriage to the Baili family, but the Baili family refused and the matter was dropped."

Therefore, all she had to do was keep refusing without angering Wang.

Of course, if this were in her world, a handsome guy like Wang Qingyan would be someone she could call "husband" every day, even just looking at pictures, and she'd be obsessed with him.

The problem is, in this wicked feudal society, once she gets married, everything she has worked so hard to build up will be gone.

Especially since she was only a daughter from a collateral branch, not the old man's biological daughter.

If she were to marry into the Wang family, she'd probably only be bullied.

To abandon everything for freedom?

No, no, no, let alone the fact that her preparations are not yet sufficient.

Without the privilege of her noble family background, she wouldn't survive more than three days on her own outside; she'd end up sharing the same pot with everyone else.

Of course, it's also possible that because of its delicate skin and tender meat, it can be grilled directly.

Even if we take a step back and assume the old master allows her to bring her own forces, he will eventually treat her as an outsider.

The situation in the Wang family is even more complicated than that in the Baili family. As an outsider, it is much more difficult for the Wang family to be a good matriarch than to fight for power in the Baili family.

What a glamorous facade! It's all bullshit.

Moreover, after fighting with the Baili family for so many years, she was truly exhausted; she couldn't possibly grow another brain cell.

Such a good opportunity should be reserved for those who need it.

So she replied to the head of the Wang family.

This time, there's only one word: "Get lost."

Whether I'm angry or not is no longer important.

......

Wang Qingyan wasn't too angry after receiving the word "get lost".

Or rather, while they were annoyed by Baili Ce, they were more surprised that in such a chaotic world, there were still noble families who did not use marriage as a bargaining chip.

Marrying Baili Ce was an essential part of his plan.

He wasn't particularly interested in this woman.

Whether she's fat or ugly, good or bad, it doesn't matter.

He would definitely marry her as long as she was Baili Ce.

But now, for someone who is used to waiting and planning, and whose life is as dull as stagnant water, isn't it interesting that someone dares to be so firm and repeatedly say no to him?

To outsiders, Wang Qingyan was exceptionally noble and came from a distinguished family.

Whether as an ally or a patron, he is by no means inferior to the new emperor.

Bai Li Ce refused to even meet him, only sending a portrait as a perfunctory gesture.

Isn't that special?

Therefore, it was even less likely that he would give up the marriage alliance with the Baili family.

After all, the most amusing thing in the world is making someone who dares to say no end up unable to utter a single word of "no."

"Master?" The old steward cautiously peered in.

Seeing the chilling smile on his patriarch's face, he suspected that he had been driven mad with anger.

"Hmm?" Wang Qingyan made a nasal sound.

The old steward lowered his head, "This Baili family member is so ungrateful, why bother..."

Wang Qingyan's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and Guan Laojia immediately changed the subject, silently sweating for himself, "Why must you treat him with such common sense?"

"Oh?" Wang Qingyan raised his eyebrows slightly, knowing that the old butler was about to give him a bad idea. "What good idea do you have? Tell me."

Since I have nothing else to do, it won't hurt to play around with it.

The old steward flashed his signature obsequious smile, "Since the Baili family refuses to agree to a direct marriage proposal, why doesn't the head of the family give it a try..."

......

After sending the word "get lost," Baili Ce indeed did not receive a reply.

She thought to herself, how could a handsome, outstanding, and noble man from a prominent family be so humble for someone she had only seen in a portrait and who was otherwise unremarkable?

That's impossible!

Three-legged frogs are easy to find, but long-legged beauties are even easier to find!

However, adhering to the principle of caution, she did not immediately let her guard down.

Instead, she stayed in Baili Prefecture for two whole months without going out. Only when everyone thought she had gone moldy did she take Seventeen, a worker who was still working diligently without asking for anything in return but had rested well, out to eat at the banquet.

Whose food are we eating?

Naturally, they are mortal enemies, the He family.

With the new emperor's insistence, He Yao not only successfully entered the palace and was made a concubine, but also turned the entire He family from danger to safety, making them a hot new noble in the capital.

The first thing the He family did after becoming newly wealthy was naturally to cultivate good relations with powerful and influential families and to show off to their arch-rivals.

As the He family's biggest nemesis, how could the Baili family not confront them and argue?

For aristocratic families, it would be a disservice to their status if they didn't scheme and plot against each other.

Therefore, she absolutely has to attend this banquet today, and she must go very early in the morning and eat from morning till night.

It would be best if the two elders of the He family were so angry that they fainted on the spot.

"How much longer?" Bai Li Ce, who was almost bursting with depression, lifted the carriage curtain and asked impatiently.

"Almost there, just two more streets."

Lowering the carriage curtain and crossing his arms, Baili Ce began to warm up his sarcastic remarks, "She's already been given the rank of Consort right off the bat, and her title is such an ostentatious word like 'Xuan.' It seems the new emperor really cares about the youngest daughter of the He family."

Riding on horseback, Seventeen, who was traveling with the carriage, glanced inside. "But if we do this, wouldn't it be the same as making her the enemy of all the women in the palace?"

"Hmph," Baili Ce sneered, unconcerned. "We'll suffer either way, so we might as well be more blatant from the start."

"However, I admire this youngest daughter of the He family. Knowing it was a dangerous place, she still went."

"I believe that, given the current situation, she shouldn't suffer too much of a loss."

"is it?"

Seventeen paused for a moment, then explained according to Baili Ce's previous explanation, "I just feel that the new emperor's methods are so forceful that even the Empress Dowager can't do anything about it. Who can influence his decisions and harm his beloved?"

"That's not necessarily true..."

No sooner had Baili Ce finished speaking than the clatter of hooves came from the opposite direction, along with the particularly annoying sound of cart wheels turning, a classic case of enemies meeting on a narrow road.

Glancing at the lantern hanging on the eaves of the carriage opposite, with a large "King" character written on it, Seventeen fully understood the meaning behind Baili Ce's sudden silence.

"Turn around!"

"Yes," the driver, with ten years of experience, immediately complied.

Seventeen also quickly turned his horse around.

Then they were blocked by people dressed in red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple who suddenly appeared.

On rooftops, at street corners, beside carriages...

In short, he died in a way that attracted a lot of attention, yet remained completely calm.

He has a very strong sense of conviction.

It was so strong that Baili Ce felt uncomfortable.

Sitting in the carriage, I silently repeated "You can't see me, you can't see me" dozens of times, but I was still so embarrassed that I clenched my toes.

"It's really not easy to see the young lady."

Wang Qingyan calmly stepped down from the carriage opposite, completely ignoring the stares of those around him.

"Wow!"

"Ugh......"

"Tsk..."

When the onlookers saw Wang Qingyan's appearance, they exclaimed in admiration, "How can there be such a handsome person in the world!"

Then, thinking about his current behavior, I was struck by the fact that he was such a fool, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

Looking at his face again, which showed no embarrassment whatsoever, I suddenly realized he wasn't so handsome anymore.

"Whoosh!" When Wang Qingyan was within 0.5 meters of Baili Ce's carriage, the dutiful tool Seventeen drew his sword one-third of its length.

"We urge Patriarch Wang to..."

"..."

Before he could even utter the word "heavy," a group of men dressed in red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple had knives held to his neck.

It's so fast you can't even blink.

His horse was instantly subdued and dared not move.

"..."

"Heh..." After a moment of frozen atmosphere, Baili Ce chuckled as he sat in the carriage.

He deeply regretted not bringing a hundred or two hundred more people.

"Why take it so seriously, Patriarch Wang? I was just joking with you."

"Hahaha..." Wang Qingyan laughed so loudly, it was so rude.

After laughing, his voice turned deep, like the moonlight falling into water, "Is that so?"

"Of course," Baili Ce heard a sinister and fierce undertone in his words.

"Would the young lady be willing to come down for a chat?"

Inner monologue: What the hell?

Verbally, he said, "Okay~"

They were elated and seemed impatient.