TSWRLM -Chapter 6 Aren’t You Just Trying to Force Me to Marry You?

Afraid that Chun Xi might really take all those things away, Madam Wang went around telling everyone how she had become a widow at a young age and how hard it had been raising three children alone. She also talked about how difficult her pregnancy with Chun Xi had been, and how she had nearly died in childbirth.

Chun Xi had heard these stories so many times her ears had practically grown calluses.

Too lazy to argue with Madam Wang, she simply went out, bought incense, candles, and a jar of good wine, and went to visit her father’s grave.

The family had already come to pay respects after the New Year, so the gravesite was clean.

Chun Xi lit the incense and candles, burned paper money, and solemnly kowtowed three times. Then she poured her father a drink before sitting down in front of the grave.

“Father, it’s been many years since I last came to see you. It’s not that your daughter is unfilial. First, after selling myself into servitude, I had no control over my own life. Second… I was afraid that if you saw me, you’d feel heartbroken.”

Her father had been an escort guard. In Chun Xi’s memory, he was tall and imposing, yet never stern—always smiling. Every time he returned from a job, he would bring her all sorts of strange and fun trinkets. He would lift her high into the air and let her ride on his shoulders.

Her father had loved her dearly. He not only taught her how to read and write but also personally trained her in martial arts.

Her mother said girls should be gentle and compliant, but her father said his daughter only needed to make sure she wasn’t bullied.

Knowing how much her father loved her, Chun Xi began pouring out her grievances about her mother.

“When I was sold, Mother said that once my brother found work, she would save money to redeem me and bring me home. But later she said A-Wen needed to study, and my brother needed to marry, and that it was fine for me to stay at the Wei household.”

“When she asked me to hand over my monthly wages, she said she was saving it for my dowry, that she would find me a good family so I could marry honorably. But the money’s long been spent. Now she’s afraid I’ll ask for a dowry, so she’s trying to persuade me to become the young master’s concubine. Tell me, Father—is there really a mother like that in this world?”

Once she started talking, Chun Xi couldn’t stop. Each time she poured her father a drink, she took a sip herself. Before she knew it, the whole jar was empty.

The surroundings remained quiet, with only the gentle spring breeze accompanying her.

Chun Xi stroked the cold tombstone and murmured softly, “Mother is becoming more and more muddle-headed. I can’t talk back to her. Father, please visit her in a dream and try to persuade her. My situation is awkward—I need to get married soon to avoid being dragged into trouble.”

The aged pear blossom wine was strong. After a sip, her eyes grew moist.

She sniffed and added, “I won’t ask her for a dowry, and I won’t be picky. As long as he’s steady, hardworking, and willing to live a good life, that’s enough.”

“If you don’t say anything, I’ll take it as your approval. I’ll go home and wait for your good news.”

She set down the wine jar, waved her hand freely, and turned to leave. But after only a few steps, she saw Wei Lingze approaching with his men.

Chun Xi rubbed her eyes hard. Wei Lingze got even closer.

She quickly looked up at the sky.

It was nearly noon—bright sunshine, not a cloud in sight.

So… it probably wasn’t her father manifesting to strike Wei Lingze dead in front of her.

Just as she thought that, Wei Lingze had already reached her.

“What are you doing here?”

His brows were furrowed, his face cold, his tone suspicious.

“I came to visit my father’s grave,” Chun Xi quickly explained.

The incense ashes were still there, and the wine hadn’t dried—enough to prove she was telling the truth.

Yet Wei Lingze still said coldly, “Recently, there have been cases of grave robbing. Come with me to the Jingzhao Prefecture office.”

Before she could react, he grabbed her and pulled her away.

Having drunk wine, Chun Xi’s whole body felt warm. When Wei Lingze felt the heat in her palm, his gaze darkened slightly.

Chun Xi didn’t notice the change in his expression—her mind was filled with the words grave robbing.

Wasn’t that official investigating a case that night? How did it turn into grave robbing?

Would that official be in danger?

Her thoughts were in a mess until Wei Lingze lifted her onto a horse. Only when her back pressed against his solid chest did she snap back to reality.

How could they ride the same horse?

She wanted to refuse, but before she could speak, Wei Lingze lashed the horse hard.

The wind roared past, scattering his voice. The force made Chun Xi lean backward, crashing into his arms as his warm breath brushed her ear. “Sit tight.”

“…”

Chun Xi’s heart trembled.

This felt even more terrifying than when he had pointed a sword at her throat.

Half an hour later, Chun Xi followed Wei Lingze into the Jingzhao Prefecture office, her legs trembling.

Instead of taking her to an interrogation room, he brought her into his own office.

The door shut, and his cold voice rang out: “Have you had enough?”

“…”

What had she done?

She had gone to visit her father’s grave and was brought here for no reason. She hadn’t even said a word yet—how was she causing trouble?

Chun Xi looked completely bewildered. Wei Lingze’s expression grew even colder.

“You left the Wei household on your own initiative. Wasn’t it just to prove your importance in my heart, to force me to break off my engagement and marry you?”

“…” !!!

Heavens bear witness—she didn’t even dare to think about becoming his concubine, let alone his lawful wife!

“Young Master, you’ve misunderstood. I’ve never thought that way. You and Miss Xiao are perfectly matched—a couple made in heaven. I sincerely hope you’ll grow old together and have many children and grandchildren.”

“There’s only the two of us here. You don’t need to say such grand-sounding words.”

No matter who’s here, I’d still say the same thing!

Chun Xi felt the misunderstanding was enormous. She said seriously, “Young Master, I mean every word. I truly want to leave the Wei household. My mother is already arranging a marriage for me.”

“Enough!” Wei Lingze barked sharply, his gaze like a blade. “My patience is limited. Are you sure you want to keep playing games with me?”

He had already decided she was playing hard to get and had even given her a way out. If she didn’t accept it, she would be considered ungrateful.

The atmosphere turned icy. Chun Xi fell silent.

She had thought it was just a misunderstanding that could be cleared up with explanation. But now it seemed otherwise.

Wei Lingze seemed convinced she was deeply in love with him—that everything she said and did was to attract his attention and win his favor.

But he clearly looked down on her—so why wouldn’t he let her go?

Unable to figure it out, Chun Xi asked directly, “It’s not that I want to cause trouble. But if I continue staying by your side, my situation will be extremely awkward. If you won’t plan for me, am I not allowed to plan a way out for myself?”

“How do you know I haven’t planned for you?” Wei Lingze countered.

Chun Xi’s whole body stiffened.

What plan?

She didn’t know about it, didn’t want to be part of it, and wouldn’t accept it!

At that moment, someone knocked on the door, and a gentle voice came from outside:

“Lord Wei, it’s me.”

Without hesitation, Wei Lingze grabbed Chun Xi and shoved her under the desk.

His movements were rough, and Chun Xi’s head hit hard against something.

She bit her lip, not daring to make a sound, resentment surging inside her.

Father… maybe you really should manifest and strike him dead.