If the Xue family already places great importance on their family members, having such a formidable son-in-law to assist in the future would surely be like adding wings to a tiger.
"Rou Rou, don't worry. With that look on your cousin's face, this marriage is bound to fall through." Seeming to sense Xue Rou's anxiety, Song Keke lowered her voice and said.
Xue Rou thought about it, and it did seem that way, which made her feel inexplicably better.
When the group arrived at the Xue family residence, it was already six o'clock in the evening.
Before they had even stepped inside, Xue Rou couldn't help but frown.
She didn't know who had lost their mind, but someone had hung red silk all over the outside of the Xue family gate. Anyone unaware would have thought a wedding was taking place!
She stormed into the house, and the moment she saw her father, she asked indignantly, "Dad, Grandfather’s condition is critical, yet the house is decorated so festively. Whose idea is this?"
"Don't get angry yet. I know it's inappropriate, but this was a direct order from your grandfather." Xue Er sighed helplessly and whispered, "He said these few days are a lucky time for the family, that an honored guest is arriving, and he demanded that everyone welcome them with joy. No one is allowed to contradict him."
"An honored guest?"
Xue Rou’s face was full of confusion, and she intended to go inside and ask her grandfather for an explanation.
However, Elder Xue had already stepped out, sitting in a wheelchair pushed by a woman with heavy, garish makeup.
The woman didn't have a kind face; her cheekbones were high and her eyes tilted upward. She was not only far less attractive than Xue Rou, but her eyes also darted with calculation. She didn't look like a good person at all.
"Could this woman be Xue Rou's cousin?"
Su Hao’s eyelid twitched.
If this person was truly his fiancée, then he would certainly call the wedding off.
Xue Rou walked quickly to Elder Xue and asked with concern, "Grandfather, are you feeling better? Why aren't you resting in bed?"
When the woman pushing the wheelchair saw Xue Rou standing before her completely unharmed, she looked stunned.
What were those assassins doing? Why hadn't they taken care of Xue Rou?
"My body is the same as always. It makes no difference whether I lie down or sit up."
Elder Xue shook his head slightly and asked, "Why are you back so late? Did you not receive the message about the family meeting?"
Just as Xue Rou was about to answer, the woman interrupted, "Exactly! We made several calls, yet you only just arrived at the last second. Your airs are even bigger than Grandfather’s!"
"Cousin, don't talk nonsense. I intended to bring a divine doctor to treat Grandfather, but later we encountered bad people. It was only thanks to Mr. Chu's valiant assistance that I survived, though it delayed our return," Xue Rou defended herself.
"As the second daughter of the Xue family, what power would dare to oppose you? Don't think everyone is a fool. You must have been fooling around with this pretty boy!"
Xue Aohan snorted and added, "Grandfather said these days are very important for the Xue family. Other than family members, no outsiders are allowed in. You bring a pretty boy here to run wild—are you trying to challenge Grandfather's authority?"
Falsely accused, Xue Rou’s face turned pale.
Before she could refute, Elder Xue seemed to have noticed something. He quickly took a photo out of his pocket, compared it repeatedly, and then roared, "Too much! Kneel down!"
"Did you hear that? Grandfather told you to kneel!" Xue Aohan held her head high, looking extremely smug.
Xue Rou pursed her lips, looked at her angry grandfather, and had no choice but to swallow her humiliation and bend her knees.
At that moment, a hand held her up.
It was Su Hao!
With a smile on his lips, he pointed at Xue Aohan and said, "Your grandfather meant for her to kneel. Don't misunderstand."
"Make me kneel? You wild man, do you really think you're someone?"
Xue Aohan was full of mockery. She sneered and asked Elder Xue, "Grandfather, he actually said you told me to kneel. Isn't that hilarious?"
The crowd chuckled, their faces filled with ridicule for Su Hao.
However, Elder Xue kept a cold face and dropped a bombshell.
"What's so hilarious? I meant exactly that—you, kneel!"
***
**Chapter 4: The Substitute Bride**
The scene fell into a deathly silence.
Everyone stared at Elder Xue in astonishment, completely bewildered.
Xue Aohan was even more flabbergasted, asking in disbelief, "Grandfather, you... you're joking, right?"
"Kneel!"
Elder Xue stiffened his face and said sternly.
Seeing that something was wrong, Xue Aohan's father, Xue Yi, quickly signaled to her.
Even though the old man’s health was precarious, he was still the head of the house. If Xue Aohan defied him at this juncture, she would be at a disadvantage when it came to the future division of the family assets.
"I won't!"
However, Xue Aohan was a girl with extreme pride. She would never allow herself to kneel and lose face in front of so many people, especially with Xue Rou standing right there.
She was already inferior to Xue Rou in terms of ability; if she were to lose in status as well, she would become a laughingstock in the other’s eyes for the rest of her life.
"If you don't kneel, you won't get a single cent of my inheritance," Elder Xue threatened.
Upon hearing this, Xue Yi’s expression changed drastically, and he forcibly pushed Xue Aohan down onto her knees.
"Dad, have you lost your mind?"
Xue Yi scolded, "It is you who have lost your mind! How dare you disobey Grandfather? Impudent!"
Compared to the inheritance, this bit of dignity was nothing!
Xue Rou witnessed this scene, completely dumbfounded.
It was strange; based on her grandfather's usual personality, it was impossible for him to take her side like this.
Could it be Su Hao’s influence?
She looked at Su Hao, only to see him step forward, cup his hands, and smile slightly: "Gu Santong’s disciple, Su Hao, greets Elder Xue."
"Hahaha, my good grandson-in-law, you’ve finally arrived!" Elder Xue stood up from his wheelchair with his cane, shaking Su Hao's hand excitedly.
The whole room had a sudden realization.
No wonder Elder Xue had suddenly changed his attitude. So, Su Hao was the honored guest the Xue family had been eagerly waiting for these past few days.
But what did he mean by "grandson-in-law"?
As an insider, Song Keke understood that Elder Xue was referring to the marriage between Su Hao and Xue Aohan.
It was just that she truly hadn't expected Su Hao to be Gu Santong’s disciple.
No wonder this guy’s medical skills were so brilliant—he studied under a famous doctor.
"Why are you still kneeling there? Get up immediately and greet your husband!" Elder Xue also glanced sideways at Xue Aohan and ordered.
"Husband?"
Xue Aohan’s eyelid twitched, as if struck by lightning.
Beside her, Xue Yi was also terrified to the point of death.
As the granddaughter Elder Xue loved the most, she had been told since childhood that she would be matched with an unparalleled husband—someone who, if not above all others, would at least be among the elite.
But who would have thought that this so-called peerless husband would be a mountain bumpkin in plain clothes?
"Elder, did you make a mistake?" someone asked cautiously.
"What? Do you look down on the grandson-in-law I have chosen?"
Elder Xue caught the subtext, and his voice grew louder.
"Let me tell you, Su Hao is a one-in-a-million super son-in-law. Whoever marries him is blessed by their ancestors."
"If it weren't for the fact that Gu Santong and I are dear friends with a deep connection, such a good opportunity would never have fallen to the Xue family."
Su Hao blushed slightly.
After all, the letter his master left him hadn't said anything like that.
Xue Aohan couldn't listen anymore, gritting her teeth: "Grandfather, you must have been fooled by this brat. How could Gu Santong’s disciple be such a shabby-looking person?"
"Quiet!"
Elder Xue reprimanded, his tone severe: "Diligence and thrift are traditional virtues of Huaxia. In your mouth, it becomes 'shabby'? Don't judge people by their appearances!"
"Say what you want, but I will never marry this kind of person." Having never been scolded like this by her grandfather, Xue Aohan’s eyes turned red, and she simply gave up trying to keep up appearances.
"You..."
Elder Xue’s face turned livid; he wanted nothing more than to slap Xue Aohan across the face.
"Elder Xue, actually, I didn't come here to marry her. I came to call off the engagement," Su Hao said, taking the chance to extricate himself.
A woman like Xue Aohan wouldn't be worth having even if she were free, let alone marriage, which was out of the question.
Elder Xue thought Su Hao was unhappy, so he hurriedly comforted him: "Su Hao, I know Aohan’s words were harsh, but give me some time. I will teach her how to be a good wife."
"Elder Xue, she is not my type. I like someone gentle, sensible, and soft-spoken."
Hearing this, Xue Aohan’s "princess syndrome" flared up immediately.
"What do you mean? A bumpkin like you dares to look down on me?"
As she spoke, she angrily took a jade box out of her pocket.
Opening it, she revealed a sapphire necklace.
"This 'Heart of the Ocean' necklace is worth ten million. There is only one in all of Jinling. It was a marriage proposal gift from Young Master Zhao. With your ability, I’m afraid you couldn't afford it even if you worked for a lifetime, right?"
"What? You accepted the proposal from that Zhao family boy?!" Elder Xue’s eyes widened, and he roared: "Xue Aohan, why didn't you tell me about such a big thing?"
"Grandfather, the Zhao family is one of the three giants of Jinling, with immense wealth. Once I enter into marriage with Young Master Zhao, I will definitely lead the Xue family to the pinnacle of Jinling," Xue Aohan pouted.
"Haven't you always wanted the Xue family to prosper and never decline? Being with Young Master Zhao is the fastest way to realize your dream!"
Xue Yi interjected at the right moment: "Aohan is right. The Zhao family is at its zenith in Jinling. It’s rare for Young Master Zhao to be so devoted to Aohan, and he is willing to offer a hundred million in dowry and invest five hundred million into the Xue Group. This is incredible news for the family!"
"Good my ass!"
The more Elder Xue listened, the colder he became. Finally, he couldn't hold back, cursing loudly and slapping Xue Yi across the face.
"That Zhao boy has no strength and no talent; he relies entirely on his father for his carefree life. He isn't even worth a single hair on Su Hao’s body."
Xue Yi was annoyed but didn't dare to talk back to Elder Xue, so he had to swallow his dissatisfaction.
Xue Aohan couldn't endure it and spoke her mind.
"Grandfather, I think you're truly senile, bragging about a toad as if it were a swan."
"I'll say this today: anyone else can marry him, but I cannot. Unless you want me dead."
"Say that again!" Elder Xue’s hands trembled, his chest heaving violently, like a balloon about to explode.
Seeing the veins on her grandfather’s neck bulging with rage, Xue Aohan felt a hint of fear.
But when she thought about becoming the wife of a country bumpkin, she hardened her heart and said firmly: "I won't marry him!"
"Pfft!"
Elder Xue spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed, unconscious from the anger.
The scene descended into chaos.
Everyone rushed over to check on Elder Xue, fearing he might die on the spot.
The family assets hadn't been divided yet; he couldn't go now!
"Move aside!"
At the critical moment, Su Hao stood out.
He raised his hand and struck Elder Xue’s chest with a palm infused with internal energy.
"What are you doing? Do you want to kill my grandfather?!" Xue Aohan was shocked and pushed Su Hao away.
Xue Yi threatened, "Boy, let me tell you, if anything happens to the elder because of that palm strike, I will see to it that you lose your head."
Others followed suit, accusing Su Hao, and some even took out their phones to call the police.
"Shut up, all of you!"
Just then, a weak voice emerged from Elder Xue’s lips.
Only then did everyone realize that Elder Xue had woken up, though his face was pale, clearly not fully recovered.
"As expected of Gu Santong’s disciple. I haven't misjudged you. Su Hao, you are the grandson-in-law I have decided on, no matter what."
"Elder Xue, why must you do this?"
Su Hao smiled helplessly: "Love should be about mutual consent. This kind of forced marriage won't have a good outcome."
"I won't comment on the results for others, but if the person is you, I believe there will be a good outcome," Elder Xue said, enunciating every word.
Seeing him so resolute, Su Hao felt a headache coming on.
Just as he was about to speak again, Xue Rou suddenly walked up and took his hand tightly.
"Grandfather, I am willing to marry Su Hao in my cousin’s place!"
***
**Chapter 5: I Choose Xue Rou as My Wife**
"Wow!"
Xue Rou’s words shocked everyone.
Song Keke, who was enjoying the show from the sidelines, nearly tripped and fell to the ground.
Was Xue Rou crazy?
A sister-in-law marrying the brother-in-law?
That was explosive news!
If outsiders found out, countless people would surely criticize Xue Rou for having no self-respect, labeling her with all sorts of insults and leaving her with no face at all!
"Rou Rou, don't go crazy here!"
Xue Er’s expression changed drastically, and he immediately scolded Xue Rou.
For them, Xue Aohan marrying Su Hao was undoubtedly the best result.
After all, Xue Aohan already had high status in the Xue family, and if she were matched with Young Master Zhao, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.
After the old man passed away, their family would definitely become the masters of the Xue family.
As for his own family, they would at best be marginalized, or at worst, kicked out of the Xue family and left as stray dogs.
"Dad, I’m serious."
Xue Rou’s gaze was firm as she said, "It doesn't matter if my cousin doesn't want to marry him; I am willing."
Xue Er was furious.
Why couldn't this foolish daughter understand that he was trying to help her?
Why did she insist on jumping into the Yellow River, where she’d never be clean again?
"Brother, this is a good thing. Why do you want to stop it?"
Xue Yi seized the opportunity and said hypocritically: "Aohan marrying into the Zhao family will push the Xue family to a higher level, and Xue Rou marrying Su Hao fulfills the elder’s wish. It kills two birds with one stone."
"It’s rare for Xue Rou to be so proactive. Why are you, as her father, trying to be the one to break up a pair of lovers?"
He was thinking about how to get his daughter away from Su Hao, the toad; he never expected Xue Rou to jump into the pit herself and save his daughter. It was truly a godsend.
Seeing this, everyone followed suit, agreeing with one another, their words sounding nicer than the last.
With Xue Aohan with Young Master Zhao, the Xue family would rise to new heights, and they, as Xue family members, would naturally benefit.
Just from the annual dividends, they could earn several million more. Why wouldn't they want that?
Xue Er’s face turned green.
He knew perfectly well that everyone wanted to sacrifice Xue Rou to satisfy Xue Aohan.
But over the years, his daughter had suffered enough grievances, and he didn't want her to settle in the most important matter of her life.
Especially since Xue Aohan was matched with a wealthy young master, while Xue Rou was matched with a pauper. There was no comparison, and thus, there was pain!
"Dad, this is my own choice. Please respect my wishes." Afraid that Xue Er would object, Xue Rou emphasized it repeatedly.
Not to mention how much her grandfather valued Su Hao, Su Hao’s medical and martial arts skills alone were enough to prove his potential.
Perhaps Su Hao was only a caterpillar now, but in time, he would surely break from his cocoon and become a butterfly, shocking everyone.
"Rou Rou, are you sure you don't want to reconsider? If a woman chooses the wrong person, her life is ruined!" Xue Er was anxious.
He guessed that Su Hao must have brainwashed Xue Rou on the way here; otherwise, it was impossible for her to be so dead set on a mountain bumpkin she had only met once.
"No need to reconsider!"
Suddenly, a soft voice spoke up.
It was Xue Rou’s mother, Shen Yue, dressed in a qipao, elegant and poised, looking like a socialite.
"Whoever our daughter loves, she shall marry. The two of us only need to support her from behind."
Shen Yue could see Su Hao’s extraordinariness at a glance. This boy was definitely not an object in a pond; if he could be secured, he would surely be a king at his peak.
"Mom, thank you!"
Xue Rou hugged Shen Yue, making Xue Er's head spin.
Damn it, how did he end up with these two brainless women?
"Su Hao, do you agree?"
Xue Rou’s suggestion perfectly matched Elder Xue’s intentions.
Now that she had said it, he could follow up on the topic to test Su Hao’s thoughts.
"Xue Rou is beautiful, gentle, meticulous, and capable. Being with her is pure happiness. You're in luck, kid."
Xue Yi seemed to be praising Xue Rou, but he was actually telling Su Hao that he couldn't get his daughter, so settling for the second-best option wasn't bad—don't be too picky.
"Be quiet."
Elder Xue glared at Xue Yi, then smiled kindly at Su Hao: "You don't need to listen to anyone. I’ll say this today: you can choose between my two granddaughters. You can pick whichever one you want."
Su Hao looked at Xue Aohan, who looked at him with disdain, and then at Xue Rou, who looked at him with pleading eyes. His choice was already made.
"I choose Xue Rou as my wife!"
As these words fell, Xue Rou’s face flushed, her heart filled with sweetness.
Xue Aohan, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief, and she and her parents wore joyful expressions.
Without Su Hao’s interference, she could wholeheartedly be with Young Master Zhao, enjoy a wonderful life, and watch Xue Rou’s miserable future. It was truly joyful.
"Good, then it’s settled."
Elder Xue laughed heartily and said to Xue Rou, "Tomorrow, go to the Civil Affairs Bureau and get your marriage certificate with Su Hao. As a gift, I will grant you a luxury villa in Taohuayuan as your wedding home."
The whole room was in an uproar.
Taohuayuan was the most expensive villa district in Jinling. The cheapest one cost fifty million, and the luxurious ones were at least two hundred million.
The old man was really spending a fortune!
"Dad, even if you have money, you can't spend it like this!"
Xue Yi nearly jumped up.
The Xue family’s assets were at most four hundred million. If they spent the majority on a wedding home, and then divided a portion among everyone else, how much would be left for him?
"It's my money. I'll use it however I want."
Elder Xue silenced Xue Yi with one sentence and handed the keys to Xue Rou.
"Rou Rou, after the renovations are done in a few days, you can move in and enjoy your life with Su Hao."
"Thank you, Grandfather!"
Xue Rou accepted the keys, flattered and overjoyed.
As expected, she hadn't bet on the wrong person!
"Well? My daughter's taste is much better than yours, isn't it?" Shen Yue nudged Xue Er with a playful smile.
Xue Er was incredibly embarrassed.
He hadn't expected his father to value Su Hao so much, giving away half the family fortune to buy a wedding home for him.
Come to think of it, Xue Rou had actually gotten the better end of the deal. Blessings and disasters were intertwined!
"The family meeting is cancelled. Have a banquet prepared. I want to have a good drink with my grandson-in-law."
Elder Xue laughed heartily and took Su Hao around the Xue residence, treating him as if he were his own flesh and blood.
Xue Aohan watched this scene, her heart feeling incredibly sour.