Several days later, Nan Gongwan barged into the residence of her second uncle Nan Gonglin and second aunt Lady Sun.
Lady Sun sneered, "What? After going out for some training, you still don't know your manners? Still acting like the spoiled young miss?"
Nan Gongwan glared angrily. "Second Aunt, why are you forcing me to marry that Sun Shoucai!"
Sun Shoucai was the son of Lady Sun's younger brother, who had long admired Nan Gongwan. However, Nan Gongwan disliked him, even felt disgusted by him. That Sun Shoucai was a complete scoundrel, acting tyrannically by relying on his noble status. He was a notorious villain.
When Nan Gongwan's parents were alive, naturally no one could go against her wishes. But now, with her parents gone and her second uncle taking over as family head, no one could protect Nan Gongwan anymore.
"What's wrong with Sun Shoucai? My nephew isn't good enough for you?" Lady Sun raised her eyebrows sharply.
Nan Gonglin tried to mediate, "Wan'er, Shoucai recently broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage, his cultivation has improved. Besides, we're close relatives. Strengthening family ties would have made your parents happy."
Nan Gongwan showed no gratitude and retorted, "Foundation Establishment? What's so impressive about reaching it by relying on pills? Sun Shoucai has assaulted at least eighty women, if not a hundred. I'd rather die than marry such a person!"
"Bang—!" Lady Sun slammed the table angrily. "How dare you slander people without evidence? Fabricating such accusations?"
"Whether I'm fabricating or not, Second Aunt knows the truth," Nan Gongwan said. "I won't marry him no matter what."Nan Gonglin's expression darkened as he said sternly, "Parents' orders and matchmakers' words. With your parents gone, this matter is decided by me and your second aunt. Wan'er, stop acting childish."
"If you want someone to marry him, let Nan Gongyue do it." Nan Gongyue was the daughter of Lady Sun and Nan Gonglin.
Hearing this, Nan Gonglin's face turned colder. "Take her away. She's not to leave her room without my orders!"
Immediately, two capable servants entered. "Young Miss!"
Nan Gongwan never expected her usually gentle uncle to treat her like this. Though she wanted to resist, she was powerless and could only utter unwillingly, "I'd rather die than marry!"
".............."
After Nan Gongwan was taken away, Lady Sun said, "Husband, once Nan Gongwan is married and changes her surname, our position will be secure."
"Change her surname?" Nan Gonglin frowned. "That might not be easy."
Lady Sun pressed on, "Husband, if she doesn't change it, as the eldest granddaughter of the main family, she might... You know how our son is. Besides, since her return, I feel this girl has changed a lot, especially her eyes—like a wolf cub's!"
Nan Gonglin nodded. Indeed, Nan Gongwan had changed significantly since her return, becoming more resilient and mature.
Lady Sun continued, "Husband, if she ever finds out what we did, she'll surely seek revenge. I think..."
Nan Gonglin glanced at his wife. "Her father just died. If something happens to her now, wouldn't that tell everyone we're responsible?"
Lady Sun bowed her head. "You're right, husband."
"This matter requires careful planning."
".............."
Two months later.
The Nan Gong family hastily proceeded with Nan Gongwan's wedding. Normally, holding a grand wedding so soon after her parents' death was highly inappropriate. But Lady Sun used the excuse of "warding off misfortune" to force Nan Gongwan into the Sun residence.
On the wedding day, the entire Nanqing City was bathed in festive red. Streets were decorated with lanterns and banners. As the union of two of Nanqing's wealthiest families, the celebration was extraordinarily lively.
The sounds of gongs and drums filled the air as citizens poured into the streets to witness the grand occasion. Crowds lined the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom.
Inside the bridal sedan, Nan Gongwan sat quietly. Lady Sun had prepared to bind her or seal her acupoints if she resisted, but surprisingly, Nan Gongwan appeared calm, as if accepting her fate. She even willingly wore the bridal gown and entered the sedan.
"............"
"First bow to heaven and earth!"
"Second bow to parents!"
"Third bow to each other!"
Nan Gonglin and Lady Sun sat in the seats of honor. Then came the announcement: Nan Gongwan would change her surname to Sun. The reason given was that the enemies who killed her parents might return to target their descendants, so this was for her protection. Soon after, she would be removed from the family registry entirely.
Upon hearing this, Nan Gongwan trembled slightly. Beneath her veil, her expression shifted unpredictably before quickly stabilizing.
"..........."
On the wedding night.
Sun Shoucai rushed in impatiently, having drunk little wine despite normally drinking until drunk. Tonight, even fine wine tasted bitter—he couldn't wait for his "good fortune."
Closing the door behind him, Sun Shoucai rubbed his hands excitedly. Since their first meeting years ago, he had coveted Nan Gongwan. Her beauty made all other women in Nanqing seem dull. But given her family status, he couldn't force her—hence the marriage arrangement through his aunt.
Remembering Nan Gongwan's past coldness toward him, Sun Shoucai took a deep breath and yanked off the red veil.
Nan Gongwan's face bloomed before him like a flower. In the candlelight, her beauty shone even brighter. Her crimson dress seemed to illuminate the entire room, perfectly accentuating her slender waist and graceful figure. Her lips were like tempting cherries, and the red dot between her eyebrows stood out like a plum blossom in snow.
Sun Shoucai gulped and reached for her cheek. "You've finally fallen into my hands."
In the next instant, a flash of light streaked out.
Sun Shoucai stiffened—a bloody hole appeared in his throat.
Nan Gongwan's eyes were icy.
.........
"Kill her!"
"Kill that bitch!"
Covered in blood, Nan Gongwan gripped her sword as enemies swarmed toward her. Too weak to raise her blade, she closed her eyes resignedly when Nan Gonglin appeared, striking mercilessly.
But the expected pain never came.
Opening her eyes in surprise, she saw a familiar figure shielding her.
"Huh?"
"Li Xuanxiao?"
Li Xuanxiao said coolly, "You should call me Master!"