Family Meeting (3)

Tan Xiuying realized the importance of clarifying her thoughts to her father before any misunderstandings arose among them. This was especially crucial considering she was inhabiting the body of the real Tan Xiuying.

"But, Father..." she stammered. "Please think again. I know how bad what I did was, and I'm ready to take any punishment you think is fair. But an arranged marriage is a big step, so I hope you can give me some time to think about it and discuss it with you before making a final decision."

"You've already caused a great deal of trouble, Xiuying. Your actions have not only affected our family's reputation but also potentially put us in a difficult position with the palace. I'll consider your request, but don't think that this means you'll be off the hook easily."

"Father, I understand the consequences of my actions. I apologize for causing trouble to the family. I promise to be more careful in the future and try my best to restore our family's reputation."

"Don't worry, Xiuying. We haven't had a chance to meet the Emperor yet. When we went to the palace the other day, our intention was to clarify the situation about what happened to you. However, our plans were delayed due to your messenger catching up with us." Tan Guoliang reassured her.

"Good! I don't want to get married anyway, Father. Throughout history, marriages have been arranged by parents, haven't they? So, I believe it's better for me to marry someone of your choice, rather than the Emperor's."

Tan Xiuying continued, "Father, to avoid any misunderstandings, I want to clarify that I don't wish to get married at this moment. I still have three years before reaching the marriageable age, and I fear that by then, I'll already be considered quite advanced in age."

"Don't worry. I will make thoughtful arrangements for all of my children," Tan Jianjun replied.

"Father, your wisdom is truly remarkable," Tan Meixiu said with a warm smile. She then looked at Tan Xiuying and said, "Third Sister, think about following Father's advice this time. I think his choice is the best thing for everyone."

Tan Meixiu, the daughter of Marquis Jiujiang and Li Jiayi, was currently fourteen years old and possessed an undeniable natural beauty. The way she dressed up were elegant and she spoke in a soft voice, which made her look as graceful as an angel.

What's even more remarkable was that alongside her exceptional intelligence, Tan Meixiu embodied qualities of thoughtfulness, gentleness, and impeccable manners. She possessed the ideal traits that the noble families sought after for their daughters.

As she turned sixteen and reached marriageable age, numerous matchmakers came knocking at their door, seeking her hand in marriage. Tan Jianjun never responded to those people because he wanted to find a good match for Tan Meixiu.

His gaze then shifted to Tan Xiuying, and he couldn't help but draw a stark contrast between the two daughters. At sixteen, Tan Meixiu exuded a level of maturity that surpassed even her older half-sister. If it weren't for Tan Xiuying's recklessness in pursuing a married prince who had ascended to become king, she too could have been a bride to a nobleman by now.

As he looked at Tan Xiuying, his expression turned complicated. He had been planning something in his mind, figuring out what to do next. Being a father and also thinking about the family's name and status, he tried to decide what's best for everyone.

Tan Jianjun was caught in a dilemma. He believed that marrying Tan Xiuying off soon would help in smoothing over the disgrace that had befallen the family. But he also knew that the Fourth Prince, who Tan Xiuying was rumored to have an illicit relationship with, was already married.

Expecting a proper marriage between them was just unrealistic. The rumors were swirling around, and he had to brace himself for whatever consequences they might bring.

He wasn't willing to go along with any marriage arrangement, even if it was arranged by the Emperor himself. He was determined not to let his daughter marry the morally questionable Fourth Prince, no matter what. It didn't matter if Tan Xiuying had any inclinations towards it–he couldn't bear the thought of her becoming just a concubine. He wanted a better future for his daughter.

He considered the suitable options for Xiuying. The highly educated Fifth Prince, who was still unmarried, seemed like the ideal match. Once the imperial decree was issued, there would be no room for alteration. The prince and Xiuying were on the path to marriage, and no one could stop them.

Tan Xiuying couldn't help but notice how her father's gaze seemed to be measuring her against Tan Meixiu. It was a bitter feeling to finally experience such scrutiny herself.

Even though she wasn't the original owner of this body, a sense of disappointment washed over her. She couldn't help but think that if the original owner were still alive, she would likely be even more disheartened.

The saying goes, "What's done is done." There's no use dwelling on regrets for things that can't be altered. Yet, she realized that she could influence what she could during her time in this body. She resolved to take positive actions, ensuring she wouldn't have any regrets later on.

A moment later, Tan Xiuying turned her gaze to her father and spoke, "Father, I have committed an act that goes against the norms and laws. It's an unforgivable mistake. I've brought shame upon our family and deserve the consequences that follow. I feel deeply ashamed, not just for myself but for our entire family. Father, I'm truly sorry."

After a brief pause, she continued, "However, not all the accusations made by Her Majesty are accurate. There's something else that's been bothering me and causing me great concern."

Tan Jianjun cast a questioning look at her. "What is it?"

With her gaze lowered, Tan Xiuying continued, "When Her Majesty cornered me at the edge of the cliff in the Houguan territory, she accused me of ruining her family and seizing possessions that were not rightfully mine. She even implied that my actions could be deemed treasonous against the Emperor."

A sense of inner turmoil swept over her. Certain fragments of the real Tan Xiuying's memories stayed unclear, especially about her youth and the last secret she kept hidden before she died. She didn't know if the real Tan Xiuying had really stolen the valuable thing or if Peng Liling had made it up to trick her.