Chapter 72: In Whose Embrace Will Love Fall?

Xu Ziyan managed a faint smile, stiff and bitter, as a single crystal tear slid slowly down her flawless, jade-like face.

“Father, I beg you to let Li Bai go.”

“You would risk your life for him? Is he truly worth such sacrifice from you?”

“Yes. For him, I am willing to give anything.”

“You only met him once, Ziyan. I know he saved you, but you cannot offer yourself to him simply because of that. This time, he has killed Wang Fugui. There is nothing I can do!”

“No, Father. I have known Li Bai for over a year now. Moreover, I already belong to him. Please, spare him. If you must punish someone, let me take his place.”

“What did you say?” Master Xu demanded sternly, unable to believe that Li Bai could be entangled with Xu Ziyan. Even Chen Yage was shocked; her expression changed drastically when she heard Xu Ziyan’s words, but from the look in Ziyan’s eyes, it was clear she was not lying.

“Father!” Xu Ziyan tugged gently at Master Xu’s sleeve, her pleading gaze and glistening tears tugging at Meng Haoran’s heart.

Unable to restrain himself, Meng Haoran stepped forward and spoke, “Master Xu, must you wait until Miss Ziyan is lost before you realize what you’ve done? You saved her this time, but can you guarantee you’ll always be able to save her? Wang Fugui was notorious for his misdeeds, and Wang Zhiguo abuses his wealth and power. As the lord of this city, are you content to let Wang Zhiguo suppress you indefinitely? The people of Xiangyang are like your children; can you really sit calmly in your study and sip tea while they are bullied?”

Xu Jin’s anger flickered, yet Meng Haoran’s words rang true. He had often clashed with Wang Fugui in Xiangyang, but every time, Master Xu had urged him to compromise. He had endured for so long that, when Wang Fugui died, a secret joy stirred in his heart.

Xu Jin said, “Father, we shouldn’t continue to tolerate Wang Zhiguo. It’s time to break his arrogance and assert our own strength.”

Master Xu’s face showed hesitation, but soon he grew more solemn. He said in a deep voice, “I will not make an enemy of someone for the sake of an outsider. I have grown accustomed to peace and do not wish to stir up strife. In the end, such battles yield nothing but mutual harm.”

“Let Li Bai marry Ziyan and join the Xu family. Li Bai is talented and upright; entrusting Ziyan to him should set your mind at ease.”

Xu Jin’s words shocked everyone. Chen Yage stood dumbfounded. Xu Jin leaned close and whispered in her ear, “If you want to save Li Bai, it’s best not to interfere. This is a rare opportunity; if you miss it, no one will be able to save your Li Bai.”

His words were a clear threat, yet Chen Yage, even knowing it was a blatant one, had no choice but to accept it.

She chose silence. Even if her heart ached, what could she do but endure? As long as Li Bai could walk out safely, what did it matter if she had to step aside?

Xu Ziyan hadn’t expected Xu Jin to help her. She smiled gratefully at him, then said, “Father, in this life, I will marry no one but Li Bai. If you truly care for your daughter, please grant me this wish.”

Master Xu sighed, “Are you certain you will never regret it?”

“I will never regret it.”

“But the one he loves is Chen Yage, not you.” Master Xu glanced at Chen Yage, then looked at Xu Ziyan with concern.

Chen Yage hadn’t expected matters to turn out this way. It seemed everything depended on a single word from her. Xu Jin looked at her, a sly smile curling at his lips. Chen Yage understood he was forcing her to choose—either stand by her love for Li Bai or withdraw. Now, she had no other options.

“I am only Li Bai’s sister in affection. There is no other love between us. His feelings for me are those of an elder brother, and mine for him are the same—a sister’s love for her brother, nothing more.”

Her words stunned You Huan, who stared at her, incredulous. “Yage, you—”

“Say nothing more,” Chen Yage interrupted. “I have made myself clear. It is Li Bai’s good fortune to marry a beauty like Miss Ziyan. I believe he will be very happy.”

“Do you know what you’re saying?” You Huan’s anger rose. “You’re giving Li Bai away—do you realize that?”

Did I ever wish for this? If Li Bai’s life were not at stake, I would never let go. In choosing life over death, I also chose pain. Living is both agony and joy. Exhausted, Chen Yage sighed softly, “Fate cannot be forced. If two people are meant to be together, they will be; if not, there is nothing anyone can do.”

She never imagined that, as a non-believer, she would place faith in fate. She wasn’t sure whether her words were meant for them or simply to comfort herself. She had to admit, ever since meeting Li Bai, she had changed in ways she had never expected, without even realizing it.

Master Xu glanced at Chen Yage, helped Xu Ziyan to her feet, his stern expression softening somewhat. He said to Xu Jin, “Take Ziyan home and help her change. Don’t let her catch a cold.”

Xu Ziyan nodded politely to Chen Yage, and, leaning on Xu Jin’s arm, returned to the Xu residence. Master Xu stayed behind. He said to Chen Yage, “Do you really think I believe you?”

Chen Yage’s heart skipped—was Master Xu about to go back on his word? She forced herself to remain calm. “Believe me or not, it’s up to you. Your daughter has said she belongs to Li Bai. Do you think I still have a chance?”

Master Xu suddenly sneered. “I saw your and Li Bai’s behavior in Peach Blossom Spring with my own eyes. Do you think I don’t understand Ziyan’s character? She’s only making up a story to save Li Bai. She knows I dote on her, so she’s deliberately saying this to make me spare him. I might as well ask if this is your scheme.”

“Would a woman joke about her own virtue? Or do you not value your daughter’s chastity? If you truly wish to help Wang Zhiguo put Li Bai to death, I can only go with him. But your daughter will hate you forever—for killing the man she loves!”

“Silence!” Master Xu was enraged by Chen Yage’s words. He swept his long sleeves, stirring a chill in the air. You Huan immediately stepped forward to shield Chen Yage, but she stood unmoved.

“Yage is right. Miss Ziyan loves Brother Li. If you aid the villain and kill Brother Li, I am certain she will hold a lifelong grudge against you. If you wish to see father and daughter turn against each other, then help Wang Zhiguo. But we will never stop trying to save Brother Li!”