Dance Of The Phoenix
4. Cancel the Engagement

The second stage, cancel the engagement.

Gu Yuena had just prepared herself with the clothes she had. Unfortunately, he did not have good clothes. All just plain clothes with neutral colors. Inevitably, Gu Yuena had to wear better clothes than plain white.

Since today he guessed that the Ye Clan would come, it would be nice if he showed a bright side, not gloomy as one would expect. Therefore, he picked up a pale pink outfit that looked better than the other pale outfits.

Today Jiang Weiwei did not come to help. No need to ask what the cause is. As a result of Gu Yuena's actions last night, the woman had a fever all day and was traumatized. It was suitable for him who had bad intentions.

Since Jiang Weiwei's matter was over, Gu Yuena was intending to settle the engagement matter. The Ye clan was supposed to come cancel the engagement, but it would only make his face smudge. That was why, he had to appear beautiful and outstanding to suppress them and cancel the engagement first.

When exiting the room, Gu Yuena breathed fresh air in the morning. Previously he had not had time to enjoy a beautiful morning because it was filled with misfortune. Now, he feels it. The air in this place is at least better and is not polluted by pollution. He felt his mind become clear and grew excited.

Amidst enjoying the air and the breeze, Gu Yuena's gaze was turned on a hazel-eyed black cat who was sitting licking its legs casually. It seemed like the cat had also just woken up in this slum.

Gu Yuena waved her hand. "The good morning! I like your black fur."

The black cat meowed once, then continued its activity. Gu Yuena approached, then lowered her head and raised the cute-looking black cat.

If there was anything that made Gu Yuena melt, it was just a cat!

By the way, he has a lot of cats in his house like a family. Think of it as a house guard from robbers. Too bad, he had to leave those cute cats behind.

"Xiao Hey, I'll call you that."

"Meoww~" The cat doesn't mind. Somehow, he felt at ease when the alien man picked him up.

"Come, accompany your mother to get rid of the bad guys! I'm gonna teach you how to teach an animal that came to be human to teach him how to be a good human being." Gu Yuena said with excitement. The cat was just meowing without any sense of meaning.

Amidst the pleasure, a servant came over and told him about the arrival of the Ye Clan, The current Head of the Family is already waiting. Gu Yuena acted 'normal' back and carried Xiao Hei over her arm to be rubbed.

"We're going to play." Gu Yuena pulled the corner of her lips behind the white veil.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

The arrival of the Ye Clan was greeted respectfully by the entire residence. Based on the position, the Ye Clan was no lower than the Gu Residence which was the Duke's Residence.

The Ye clan was not in the power of the two empires, neither the Yi Empire nor the Empire or the Wyvernia Country. They stood under a powerful and mysterious background. The historic Ye clan certainly had an important position within the empire and had spread all over the world.

Although their existence was inferior to an empire, the empire still could not provoke them. Whether in strength, finances, and connections, a large clan like the Ye Clan certainly could not be underestimated.

This time the main family of the Ye Clan visited for an engagement that had been proposed. Given what kind of problems Gu Yuena had experienced earlier, the Duke's residence this time felt tense.

The Clan Chief, who was the Head of the Ye Main Family, Ye Jin, sat on the chair that had been provided with a strong leadership soul. He looked no longer young, but his aura of intimidation was strong enough to suppress a single residence.

Beside her, was a beautiful woman with an expressionless face as well as a domineering gaze that made anyone look down on her. Lan Mei'er, the princess of the Lan Clan in the north and has been fighting against monsters for years. Thanks to her background and identity as the legitimate wife of Clan Leader Ye, she was increasingly difficult to approach.

Gu Shan sat tensely facing these people. In addition to Clan Leader Ye and his wife, Ye Suanwu as the sole heir of the Ye Clan was also present accompanied by the two elders—an old man with an arrogant aura as well as a burning sharp gaze. They looked more like they wanted to rebel than the alliance visits.

Gu Yueli and his mother—Ting Le— stood with a wide smile that did not fade. Gu Yueli's gaze was fixed on Ye Suanwu attentively, and vice versa. Whereas Lan Mei'er looked at her troublesome son as well as Gu Yueli expressionlessly. He was judging, what Gu Yueli really was like what his son said.

"While waiting for Fourth Miss, please enjoy the dishes provided. Our residence is not as big as the Ye Clan, it can only prepare this small dish." Gu Shan was being friendly in the midst of this tension. He hoped Gu Yuena would come quickly.

"Duke Gu is too down. Our arrival is for the sake of future alliances, as well as for the sake of uniting the two families. In the future, we are family. No need to hide." Ye Jin chuckled in response to Gu Shan's remark. He glanced at his wife who only had a flat face, he was silent.

"It seems like Fourth Miss is too busy to make us all have to wait." Lan Mei'er seemed to have gotten very bored.

"really. Either the residence is too far away or busy preparing. Clearly he knew, that the Ye Clan did not tolerate any delay. But since the Fourth Miss is still the Duchess's Residence, it is certainly the Duke who should teach her." An Elder who looked older than Ye Jin sneered blatantly.

If Gu Yuena was a member of their family, it would definitely receive a severe punishment. For them, time is the most important thing.

"Of course, we'll teach him well after this. You take it easy, Fourth Miss will not repeat it again." Ting Le put on the same smile. This is in accordance with his expectations. Gu Yuena's image in their eyes was already worse than before.

"It seems like it will take some time for Fourth Miss to arrive, so let's just talk about what to discuss." Gu Shan sighed at Gu Yuena's delay.

He glanced at Ting Le with a slash. Why didn't Ting Le just bring Gu Yuena to arrive on time? Why a waiter?

"Well, without the Fourth Miss, this can still be discussed" Ye Jin replied. "Before, we have all agreed on determining the marriage between Ye Suanwu and Fourth Miss Gu, but it seems like we all still have to reconsider. The Fourth Miss is the legitimate daughter of the Duke's Residence, who meets one of the qualifications, but the situation has lately become complicated, especially regarding the tragedy of the past few days involving the people of the Ye Clan."

Gu Shan became worried. "I mean ...."

"Mr Duke Gu is calm, this matter is actually not too big. Merely, a few bad guys previously kidnapped Fourth Miss. Not knowing what happened to Fourth Miss when she was kidnapped until she arrived at the inn. The reputation of the Fourth Miss among the people already need not be explained back."

"This is our fault. But, didn't those kidnappers have someone killed? Fourth Miss returned unharmed and there was no other problem." Gu Shan started to get dizzy. He thought this matter would not get to the Ye Clan since he covered it up, but it was apparently wrong.

"It's true, that's why this marriage should be discussed again. For the time being, the engagement is terminated first." Ye Jin said without hurry. He watched Gu Shan's reaction closely.

Gu Shan looked confused. When the engagement was cancelled, in addition to Gu Yuena's tarnished reputation, the Duke's residence was also affected. No one would want to marry the daughter of the Duke's House and her career would decline.

He has to stop it. But before Gu Shan spoke, Gu Yueli spoke first. "Clan Chief, don't rush to make a decision. This matter would greatly affect Fourth Brother's reputation. Fourth Brother had lost many things throughout his life. If this engagement fails, then Fourth Brother will live a difficult life."

"Brt ...." Ye Suanwu wanted to say something, but his mother looked at him sharply. He had to swallow his words.

"It seems like Fifth Miss is very affectionate towards brothers and cares about her reputation. Aren't you afraid that your words will offend the Ye Clan?" An Elder with a thin body said sharply. It was Ye Jing, Ye Jin's younger brother.

Gu Yueli remained calm. "As long as Fourth Brother is fine, Li'er is fine. All of this was Li'er's fault, unable to keep Fourth Brother well out there."

"Fifth Sister is too good. This Fourth Brother of yours will be fine and not blame you. After all, it was all just a misunderstanding. What is extended for?"

The soft voice came from the direction of the door. Their gaze was immediately directed at the figure of the pink-clothed girl with a veil covering her face. Even so, an affectionate and shining gaze showed the figure of beauty behind the veil.

A black cat on his arm adds to the attraction. She looks like a gentle and elegant lady. His feet entered the room. His steps look light and attract attention.

When he arrived in front of the seats of Family Head and Clan Leader Ye, his legs slightly bent and lowered their heads paying their respects.

Gu Shan barely recognized the figure in front of him. That quiet temperament was never seen in the eyes of Gu Yuena who had little guts. But he kept the reaction as calm as possible.

"Sit down." Gu Shan did not want to bother anymore. He even forgot the fact that Gu Yuena was too late.

"Thank you, Dad." Gu Yuena smiled behind her white veil. But when he was about to sit next to Gu Yueli, his stepmother instead glared at him.

"Fourth Miss is very late in attending the meeting, are you aware of your mistake?" Ting Le said firmly, showing his decisiveness as a mistress to apply discipline.

"Yuena was wrong to be late. The madam is free to punish Yuena at any time." Gu Yuena lowered her gaze before Ting Le.

Gu Yuena's words made the atmosphere complicated. That should be the situation used for discussion, so the execution of the punishment due to Mrs Gu's overly hasty behavior. The woman was very obviously not fond of Gu Yuena.

Gu Shan cleared his throat. "Yuena, sit. This problem can be solved later. What matters is the alliance that will be agreed with the Ye Clan."

"Good, Dad." Gu Yuena lowered her head, then sat down next to Gu Yueli. He glanced at Gu Yueli with a strange look.

"Fourth Miss really looks fine. There seemed to be no problem when the tragedy happened." Ye Jing said calmly.

"Ah, Fourth Miss was just a little surprised back then. The rest, he's fine." Gu Shan tried his best to show the positive side. "So, this marriage ...."

"Dad, Yuena has a suggestion." Gu Yuena suddenly spoke making all the attention back on her.

"Yuena, take care of your manners!" Ting Le felt uneasy. Gu Yuena's arrival was the same as cornering her to the edge of the abyss, especially if the woman was the one who spoke. He was afraid that Gu Yuena would reveal everything.

But unfortunately, Gu Shan instead glared at Ting Le asking him to shut up. Ting Le could not say anything more.

"Please." Gu Shan hoped there would be no other problems today. Gu Yuena just spoke up already made her anxious, but could not refuse to offer her an opinion.

Gu Yuena stood up, then walked before her father and the Clan Leader. He bowed after receiving permission.

"Before Yuena had heard everything the Clan Chief said. After the tragedy that befell Yuena back then, it will be hard for you to believe what Yuena said. Yuena had made a mistake by breaking the rules of the residence and had barely damaged the reputation of the Dukes Residence, also narrowly involving Fifth Sister. Yuena is here to account for everything."

"Yuena, what do you mean?" Gu Shan was getting confused. What exactly does his daughter want to say?

"Yuena has decided. Dad, there's no need to maintain a dubious marriage. This marriage, Yuena can't take it."

Everyone is surprised. Gu Yuena's speech was inversely proportional to the previous Gu Yuena. In the past Gu Yuena was very happy when she was betrothed to Ye Suanwu despite not showing it directly. But now ...the girl gave up and looked desperate.

"Fourth Miss, what is the reason you say that?" Clan Leader Ye was curious about the path Gu Yuena thought.

"When in the city back then, Yuena saw Young Master Ye with Fifth Sister. Fifth Brother was very happy. Yuena thought, Yuena is very careless and inappropriate to disturb. Yuena did not want to snatch away the happiness of Fifth Sister. So, Yuena chose to give up and transfer this marriage to Fifth Sister. In addition to letting go of the Ye Clan's distrust towards Yuena, this decision could also save the reputation of both sides. The alliance will keep going." Gu Yuena said sincerely. He then glanced at Ye Suanwu. "Young Master, don't blame Yuena, do you?"

Ye Suanwu was more speechless. Did Gu Yuena's head enter the water? Why did he suddenly say that?

At first he was afraid that Gu Yuena would reveal everything about the kidnapping and get him severely punished, but the girl saved him instead.

Gu Yueli and Ting Le were more incredulous.

"Fourth brother, do you mean it?" Gu Yueli had no idea what she was dreaming of last night until Gu Yuena helped her like this. It seemed like the events of that day made Gu Yuena think that Gu Yueli was better in any respect.

"Yuena, actually you don't have to do that. After all, the kidnapping was also my fault." Ye Suanwu kept his face from looking too happy. Although he was very happy to have escaped from Gu Yuena's shadow, he somehow felt obstructed.

"Young Master, Fifth Sister, if anyone has to make sacrifices, then Yuena will be at the forefront." Gu Yuena smiled sincerely. He faced the Clan Leader, then said, "Clan Chief, what object to my decision?"

Ye Jin smiled. "Not wrong. Indeed the children of the Duchy of Gu were loyal and sincere people. I am Ye Jin, have no regrets about joining the Dukes of Gu Residence."

Gu Shan laughed happily. "really. Friends should protect and love each other. Yuena, your decision is very good."

Gu Yuena smiled meaningfully. "Thank you, Dad."

On the other hand, Ye Suanwu remained unsettled. He knew better than anyone the situation was at that time. If it was like this, was Gu Yuena throwing it away and throwing it at Gu Yueli?

But looking at Gu Yuena who looked still very innocent and simple, it was impossible to have such thoughts. Did Lady Gu force her?

Judging from Madam Gu's satisfied expression, it seemed that it was true. Moreover, Madam Gu did not like Gu Yuena to be engaged to her the most. Although he preferred Gu Yueli and did not like Gu Yuena, he did not hate the girl.

Lan Mei'er watched Gu Yuena carefully. There is no suspicion. But he was more suspicious of Gu Yueli.

If only that obedient and understanding Gu Yuena became his daughter-in-law compared to Gu Yueli, he would not mind. Unfortunately, his foolish son had already chosen a concubine's son. Really ruined his image.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

After the meeting and banquet were held, Gu Yuena walked out of the crowded hall in a good mood. He managed to expel Ye Suanwu and Gu Yueli all at once from his life by uniting the two of them. Really a matching couple.

Gu Yuena walked in carefree steps, took off the 'good boy' mask she was wearing and entered the residence library just like that.

In the eyes of his father, he had contributed to maintaining the clan's good name with the sacrificial method. Soon, he'll move out of that ugly house. So it does not matter if he enters the library to expand more knowledge. He also must as much as possible release the title of 'junk' attached.

Recalling everyone's shocked face when he decided to 'sacrifice', he became laughing himself. At that moment he was eager to laugh, but had to maintain a face of deep pity.

She wants her impact in the eyes of everyone to be a kind woman of understanding and dear brother. In this way, no one will suspect that he has made trouble—as long as it is not caught wet.

"Xiao Hei, next what should we do for the third stage?" Gu Yuena searched for books on the shelf, while Xiao Hei was left sitting on the table watching.

"Meow~"

Gu Yuena glanced at the black cat, then smiled. He took all the books that contained everything about the Yi Empire, from history to finance, politics, and the military. He'll learn everything.

The third stage is ....

Got an important 'work' in Duke Gu's eyes to show his quality.