Chapter 891: Half a Year

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

After voicing her thoughts, Zhongyu Lingshan’s tone unwittingly carried a hint of resentment. “Zhongyu Jiarui is truly more adept at causing trouble than solving it! With her actions, our Zhongyu family and the Huangfu family will surely become sworn enemies.”

Master Zhongyu wore a similarly displeased expression. “Zhongyu Jiarui is indeed foolish, but ultimately, it’s because of Ye Wanwan’s manipulation.”

Though angered by Zhongyu Jiarui’s foolishness, his ire was clearly directed more towards Ye Wanwan’s exploitation.

“Father, do you believe Ye Wanwan truly carries the bloodline of the Ye family?” A glint of contemplation flashed in Zhongyu Lingshan’s eyes. “There’s a hidden implication in Ye Leng’an’s words. Moreover, Master Ye and his wife didn’t deny it.”

If that were indeed the case, then there would be quite a spectacle to behold in the future.

Previously, Ye Wanwan was Master Ye’s only daughter, admired by many because of her cultivation talent and alchemical prowess. She was undoubtedly one of the foremost women among the top ten families.

Though her reputation suffered after some underhanded tactics during the Family Competition, her engagement to Murong Xingrui helped salvage it to some extent.

No one expected Murong Xingrui to agree to the engagement, despite Ye Wanwan’s tarnished reputation. To many, it was a display of true love.

Now, the revelation of her potential non-Ye lineage promised even more intrigue. At the very least, she couldn’t afford to be as arrogant anymore. She might even have to tread more cautiously.

“Don’t dwell too much on this matter,” Master Zhongyu interjected, shaking his head. “Whether Ye Wanwan belongs to the Ye lineage is inconsequential. What matters is whom the Ye family is willing to recognize as their young lady.”

It wasn’t just him, the entire Hidden World’s major families were watching. Ultimately, whether Ye Wanwan was of Ye lineage was merely gossip for outsiders.

If there were any repercussions, it would likely only affect the Murong family. Murong Xingrui and Ye Wanwan were engaged, making her lineage crucial to them. If Ye Wanwan wasn’t of Ye lineage, it might jeopardize the engagement.

“Ye Wanwan is accustomed to being arrogant. If her true identity is exposed, she might lose face,” Zhongyu Lingshan remarked with disdain. “She won’t be able to put on airs in front of others anymore.”

“Stay out of Ye Wanwan’s affairs.” Master Zhongyu redirected the conversation. “How’s your plan progressing? It’s been a while. Has Huangfu Ruiling shown any interest in you?”

He was aware of Zhongyu Lingshan’s plan. It was his assistance that enabled her to gather extensive information about Ye Leng’an and convincingly impersonate her.

However, it seemed their efforts had borne no fruit so far. Huangfu Ruiling showed no signs of reciprocation.

“Father, we mustn’t rush,” Zhongyu Lingshan asserted confidently. “If Huangfu Ruiling were so easily swayed, we wouldn’t have needed to delve into Ye Leng’an’s habits. I’m employing a gradual approach. I want Huangfu Ruiling to realize that while I resemble Ye Leng’an, I’m far more suited to be the matriarch of the Huangfu family.”

In her view, Ye Leng’an paled in comparison to her in every aspect. As the legitimate daughter of the Zhongyu family, she received a top-notch education and possessed exceptional cultivation talent and abundant resources. Contrasted with the foolish Zhongyu Jiarui, she was undoubtedly a distinguished young lady of the Zhongyu family.

Had it not been for Ye Wanwan’s existence, she would have been the most outstanding young lady in the Hidden World. Hence, she harbored no fondness for Ye Wanwan.

She believed she was superior to Ye Leng’an in every way. Even if Ye Leng’an was truly Master Ye’s daughter, what of it? How could a girl raised in the mortal world compare to her, a young lady nurtured by her family since birth?

Huangfu Ruiling was the head of the Huangfu family, so he would undoubtedly make the best choice. After all, besides her appearance, Ye Leng’an had nothing on her.

Master Zhongyu offered no objection, nodding in agreement. “You know what you’re doing. But remember, I’ve given you only half a year. If Huangfu Ruiling doesn’t respond within that time, you’ll have to heed my arrangements.”

He had no qualms about Zhongyu Lingshan’s plan. However, if there was no progress, he couldn’t allow the situation to continue as it was. He would find another suitable marriage for Zhongyu Lingshan.

Compared to Zhongyu Jiarui, he placed greater value on Zhongyu Lingshan. However, he wouldn’t allow her to act recklessly. He could provide opportunities, but if they didn’t yield the desired outcome, adjustments must be made promptly.

Upon hearing her father’s words, a hint of impatience and unease flickered in Zhongyu Lingshan’s eyes, but she nodded nonetheless. “Rest assured, Father. I will capture Huangfu Ruiling’s heart within half a year.”

“Good.” Master Zhongyu nodded satisfactorily. “That’s what I want to hear.”

Zhongyu Lingshan lowered her head, and her mood had soured.

She knew her father spoke the truth. She only had half a year left. If she couldn’t win over Huangfu Ruiling, she’d have to accept her father’s arrangements.

It left her feeling resentful. In her eyes, the best choice in the entire Hidden World was undoubtedly Huangfu Ruiling. Marrying him would make her the matriarch of the Huangfu family, a position even marrying any other family’s heir couldn’t compare to.

At times, she even envied the foolish Zhongyu Jiarui. Despite her incompetence, she still managed to get engaged to the one she liked, even if she didn’t appreciate Nangong Xuyao’s status.

It seemed she had to quicken her pace. Otherwise, her marriage would be at her father’s mercy.