The cousin's family is extremely wealthy; she deserves to be a concubine.

"As for your Muqing Marquis's Mansion, with its century-old foundation and generations of noble titles, whether it can be preserved, I cannot give you a definite answer."

The three sisters-in-law of the Shen family were shocked. How could breaking off an engagement be related to the title of Marquis?

Madam Shen looked at Marquis He and the old lady, hoping they could come forward and explain.

The old lady was so enraged by the words of the head of the Meng family that she almost choked.

“My son, this marriage cannot be arranged, and we cannot accept such in-laws. Furthermore, our family's business cannot be ruined.”

Seeing his mother on the verge of collapse, Lord He was even more furious with the Meng family.

"I already told you how the rare book was lost. You can find out the truth by interrogating your Meng Silang."

"The marriage agreement between the two families was made when my late father was alive. As a descendant, I cannot break it without special circumstances."

But things are unpredictable. That rare copy was originally in my second niece's possession. But your Meng Silang secretly pulled some tricks, causing the real rare copy to leak out of my second niece's hands.

If it weren't for the theft in the study that day, our household would have had no idea that our second niece was holding a copy, while the original had already been stolen by thieves.

On my son's wedding day, my mansion was burglarized. Does that mean my Muqing Marquis's mansion has any face?

We are willing to put the reputation of the Marquis's mansion under the feet of all the powerful and influential people in the capital just to break the contract.

Now that the unique book that facilitated the marriage between the two families is gone, there is naturally no need to continue the marriage agreement.

Although my second niece was born out of wedlock, she was still pampered and spoiled by our family as she grew up.

As her uncle, I really don't want to see her suffer and live a life of widowhood at the Meng family's house.

By the way, your Meng Silang used to secretly ask my second niece for a few lines from rare books. Don't think that the chance is over just because the engagement is called off.

Although our two families have not been able to arrange a marriage, we are still old friends. I've taken the liberty of sending a handwritten copy to Fourth Brother, which will fulfill our previous bond.

When Madam Meng heard the words "living a widow's life," she couldn't help but say, "Although the second young lady is of average appearance, my son is not stingy with sleeping with her on the first and fifteenth of the month."

Although it has been unfair to my son, it doesn't mean he should have to live a life of widowhood, as Lord He said.

Upon hearing this, the He family members were filled with anger. Lord He glared and said, "I used to think that Meng Silang was a good man, and he was barely worthy of my family's number one talented woman in the capital."

However, during this time, I secretly investigated him and discovered that he was nothing more than a lecherous scoundrel. No matter how talented he was, he was still unworthy of my second niece.

He Zhihuan listened from behind the screen, and a feeling of goodwill towards her uncle suddenly arose in her heart.

She was surprised to find that the head of the Marquis's mansion was protecting her, and she secretly vowed to repay the Marquis's mansion for raising her.

The head of the Meng family looked at his wife, his questioning tone quite obvious.

Madam Meng retorted defiantly, "Which man in the world doesn't have three wives and four concubines, surrounded by women? Does Marquis He have fewer women?"

"My son is handsome and exceptionally talented. Those young women couldn't resist him; how can you blame him?"

Lord He did not want to argue with a mere woman.

The head of the Meng family was not a woman of limited perspective. He saw that his wife was so eager to explain that it seemed like she was trying to cover up the truth.

Seeing Meng Silang's evasive eyes, he knew there must be some hidden story he didn't know.

He questioned Meng Silang in a low voice, "Are you aware of the matter concerning the rare book?"

Before Meng Silang could answer, He Zhihuan wiped away her tears and came out from behind the screen. "Meng Silang, I have evidence of your secret dealings with Xiangcao."

You'd better think carefully before you answer!

Meng Silang looked at the ugly woman with her back straight before him, his eyes filled with a murderous rage. He pondered for a moment...

Turning to her father, she said, "Since the second daughter is unwilling to marry me, the marriage agreement between our two families is off. Our family will suffer a small loss and just take the copy of the book."

Even though it was a copy, he discovered clues from the few words He Zhihuan had written to him before.

Therefore, he boldly speculated that, for them, there might be no difference in value between a unique copy and a manuscript.

The head of the Meng family wanted to smash a cup and beat someone, but this was the Marquis of Muqing's residence. He suppressed his anger, angrily broke off the engagement with the He family, and quickly left the residence.

After Meng Silang walked out of Fushou Hall, He San approached He Zhihuan and said, "My God, that was terrifying. Meng Silang's last look gave me goosebumps."

He Si also said, "That's right, thankfully Second Sister doesn't have to marry him."

He Wu also joined in the fun, saying, "Second sister, don't be sad about leaving such a wicked fiancé."

People like that, if they lie together, will never dare to get a good night's sleep.

If it were me, I would feel a cool sensation on my neck all the time.

He San pointed at He Wu, "That's absolutely right. He seems like a quiet guy most of the time, but his words are very pleasing to the ear when it really matters."

He Zhihuan looked at her younger sisters, who usually loved to tease her, but now they were all looking at her with concern.

A warmth filled her heart, and her eyes reddened slightly. "Thank you for your concern, sisters. I'm so happy to be separated from Meng Silang. I wouldn't be sad at all. Don't worry."

The Meng family, who had just left the Marquis's residence, got directly into the large carriage.

Madam Meng was slapped, and Meng Silang knelt directly in the carriage. The head of the Meng family looked extremely ugly. "Usually, I could tell you were ambitious. When did you start learning those crooked and evil ways?"

"Haha, that's true. Your marriage was actually planned by the old man when he was alive."

"Was our Meng family's lineage rotten from the very beginning?"

Why didn't you tell me the truth when I asked you before?

"And you, you... truly a case of a doting mother spoiling her son, Si Lang is spoiled rotten by you!"

Once you get back, you will confine me to my quarters, and the management of the household will be handed over to my concubine.

"You're never allowed to cover for Silang again! If I find out even once more, you can forget about ever being in charge of the household again."

Where was the arrogance she displayed at the Marquis's residence? Now, she was as meek as a lamb in front of the head of the Meng family.

Meng Silang lowered his head, concealing the hatred and resentment on his face.

His fists, hidden in his wide sleeves, were clenched tightly, and the veins on them stood out.

---

After noon, Hua Sirong finished getting ready and went to Yimei Garden to pay her respects.

To express her feelings, she also planned to visit He Zhihuan at the second wife's house.

Inspired by He Zhizhang's earlier words, Madam Shen became even more enthusiastic towards Hua Sirong.

"Sister Rong is here. Are you feeling any better?"

"Come and take a look! These are some young men your aunt picked out based on your requests. Come and see if there's anyone you like!"

Hua Sirong and the accompanying Granny Yan were truly surprised that Shen Shi would still be in the mood to act as a matchmaker for He Er after his engagement was called off.

Hopefully, this won't make her the target of hatred.