Sometimes, knowing when to make concessions is the mark of true power.
"Heh, in that case, this is a private matter between the two families. As jien'er said, why not let the two young people talk? Jian 'er, though unable to cultivate, has already assumed his own responsibilities.
While he has not yet undergone the coming-of-age ceremony, he can make decisions regarding his personal affairs."
Xiao Zhan's smile widened.
Ge Ye intended to agree, but ultimately the decision rested with Nalan Yanran. He could only hope she would make a rational choice.
Xiao Zhan's words were clear enough: neither Xiao Jian nor the Xiao family would refuse to annul the marriage.
As for the supposed "visit to her grandfather," it was more a display of helpless formality than a true threat.
Even if she tried to pressure them, could Xiao Jian....a "waste" incapable of cultivation...survive the journey to the imperial capital? At most, her grandfather would merely comment.
Seeing this, Nalan Yanran found herself quietly admiring Xiao Jian.
His handsome face paired with rational speech had left a strong impression.
Just as men are less harsh toward beautiful women, women often show leniency toward handsome and clever men.
Furthermore, he not only looked the part but was perceptive....she, as the Yunlan Sect's junior sect leader, ought to be magnanimous.
With that thought, she offered a sweet smile. "Very well. That is proper."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan, sitting behind Xiao Jian, pursed his lips.
"Proper? And you came here forcing the Xiao family into such a situation? Were it not for my elder brother's quick thinking, the family's face would have been lost entirely."
At this level, she was hardly fit to be his sister-in-law!
"Miss Nalan, please follow me."
Xiao Jian nodded and turned, leading the way outside.
"Mm."
Nalan Yanran followed him onto the garden path, her gaze lingering slightly.
For now, apart from his inability to cultivate, the Xiao family's third young master met her expectations.
Everyone appreciates beauty, after all.
Yet she could not marry a waste. Strength was as vital a criterion as appearance.
"You are here to annul the marriage, correct?"
Xiao Jian's calm voice pulled her attention back.
Seeing her hesitation, he continued:
"This marriage was arranged by our respective elders, but plans often fail to keep up with change.
I am unworthy of a young lady of your standing, Miss Nalan.
We barely know each other, and there is no attachment between us.
Naturally, marriage cannot be considered."
He paused deliberately, letting her prepare to speak. Then, locking eyes with her, he stated firmly:
"Therefore, this marriage contract should indeed be broken."
Seeing Xiao Jian's perceptiveness, Nalan Yanran felt even more embarrassed.
She thought to herself: maybe I should offer him a bit more compensation… but anything I could give, he wouldn't need!
"However, Miss Nalan, our families do have a bond.
Regarding this annulment, Xiao Jian has a small, humble request."
Nalan Yanran suddenly became alert, fearing Xiao Jian might be retracting his decision.
"Do not worry, Miss Nalan. This marriage is indeed to be annulled. Yet, for the Xiao family, if the woman herself initiates the annulment, I would have to give face to my father, the family head.
So, I hope we can postpone this by three years. At that time, I will personally bring the original marriage contract to your residence and formally annul it. What do you say?"
Xiao Jian's eyes burned with sincerity as he spoke.
Nalan Yanran frowned. She had originally planned to leverage her advantage to coerce them.
But now, seeing Xiao Jian speak with such earnestness, even she felt a pang of guilt.
Clearly, she had been too reckless and had not considered the consequences.
Seeing her hesitation, Xiao Jian's expression dimmed slightly.
"Very well. If you truly do not wish it, then so be it. Xiao Jian is willing to annul the marriage now.
I only ask that you, for the sake of our families' bond, do not make this public. Let it be as if the marriage contract never existed."
Nalan Yanran, a fourteen-year-old girl, had spent every day training her Dou Qi and combat techniques. She had never encountered such a scene before.
A wave of guilt rose in her heart: Am I going too far? He really looks pitiful.
He cannot cultivate and must have suffered much. And I am treating him like this… I'm terrible!
"Ah! No, I didn't mean to refuse! Three years… no problem at all!"
Nalan Yanran blurted out in a fluster.
"You need not force yourself, Miss Nalan."
Xiao Jian had originally intended to test her understanding, a subtle demonstration of logic and strategy....but Nalan Yanran continued:
"This time, it was indeed my mistake. My teacher told me to bring a Qi-Concentrating Pill as a token of apology. Uncle Ge will give it to you shortly."