I alone am the Honoured One!

Sitting on the soft cushions of the couch, Rui Yuying rested her chin lightly on her knuckles, and her long lashes lowered slightly as she hummed under her breath.

Zhao Tian sat beside her with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Across from them, Long Xuan, Rui Guzhi, Rui Lian's grandfather and key elders of the Rui Clan were sitting.

Each one shifted uneasily under the Matriarch's gaze, and none dared to speak first.

"So... you all just assumed that he likes Rui Lian?"

Long Xuan coughed lightly and spoke "Matriarch… It is not entirely baseless. Young Tian… has shown remarkable concern for Rui Lian. He saved her life, risked his own against a Paragon."

"Well, it was I who first proposed the idea."

Rui Yuying's gaze sharpened.

Long Xuan offered a quick, apologetic smile, turning to Zhao Tian "Young Tian has done a great deed for our Star and for the Rui Clan. His valor deserves recognition. So I merely wished for Young Tian's marriage."

Rui Guzhi gave a subtle nod of agreement, though he remained silent.

Long Xuan lowered his head and bowed slightly "Forgive me for making assumptions and for allowing the rumor to spread. Matriarch. Young Tian. I acted without full understanding of the situation."

Zhao Tian shook his head and replied "Senior Long, you don't have to bow. Really. I can understand."

He looked around at the elders. "From a third person's perspective, it might've seemed that way. I won't deny that I acted decisively to protect Rui Lian… but that doesn't mean there was anything romantic behind it."

He glanced briefly at Yuying beside him, who had crossed one leg over the other with a slight smile on her lips.

"Even if she were just a stranger," Rui Yuying added casually as her fingers lightly tapped against the armrest, "he would've still stepped in. That's his nature."

Long Xuan nodded slowly, but there was still a trace of regret on his face "I should have spoken to you both before speaking to the elders. I simply thought the timing… and the emotions… all pointed toward something deeper."

Rui Yuying tilted her head and asked "Did you old foxes plan to tie him to the clan through marriage?"

Huh? Long Xuan was confused and shook his head "No, Matriarch. You have got it wrong... we don't have such motives. I swear on my name as the Emperor of Azure Star and Long Royal Family"

"The idea was only brought up because Young Tian seemed to be very close to her."

He looked toward Zhao Tian with a small, almost fatherly smile "I only wished for his happiness, and in the eyes of many elders, Rui Lian is an ideal match, she is intelligent, graceful, and loyal to the clan."

Rui Guzhi also spoke up "Our actions were not driven by such political calculations. There was no agenda to bind Young Tian by force or scheme."

Long Xuan continued gently, "It was my suggestion, and mine alone. The others merely agreed with what they thought was a logical conclusion based on his actions."

Seeing their genuine confusion, Rui Yuying sighed "So it was that..."

Long Xuan nodded slightly "Yes. We did not conspire to chain him through marriage. If anything, we respected him more than that."

A faint sigh escaped her lips as she muttered, "I see... Seems like I was wrong."

...

Rui Lian hurried through the corridors of the inner residence as she ignored the glances from passing people and maids.

'Why would the elders say something like that? What if he misunderstood...'

Finally, she stopped in front of a door, the room assigned to Zhao Tian.

She hesitated only a second, took a deep breath to compose herself, and knocked gently.

"…Tian?"

There was a brief moment of silence before the door opened, revealing Zhao Tian, casually dressed in light robes with his long hair loosely tied.

A warm smile touched his lips the moment he saw her "Sister Lian. Come in."

Relief flashed across her eyes as she stepped into the room and Zhao Tian quietly closed the door behind her.

The room was simple but well-kept, with sunlight streaming through the window.

A small teapot steamed on the table, and a few books were scattered across a nearby shelf.

Rui Lian turned to him quickly "Tian, I swear, I don't know anything about the marriage rumors. I… I didn't say anything to anyone. It's just that the elders suddenly brought it up and everyone started assuming…"

Zhao Tian chuckled softly as he replied "It's okay. I understand."

He stepped forward and gently took her hand, "Come here, Sister,"

Rui Lian blinked at the gesture but followed as he led her to the couch.

He eased her into a seat before settling beside her.

Then, without a word, he reached for the tray nearby and handed her a cup of freshly squeezed juice.

"Calm down first."

Rui Lian accepted the cup with slightly trembling fingers and took a small sip.

The sweetness helped ease the dryness in her throat.

After a long, quiet breath, she placed the cup down and finally met his gaze.

"…Thank you," she whispered. "I was really worried. I didn't want this to affect our relationship or make you think that I... had any hidden intentions."

Zhao Tian leaned back slightly, "You don't need to explain anything. I know you, Sister Lian."

His voice was filled with quiet confidence, and it made her shoulders sag with relief.

"I already had a chat with the elders," he continued. "Turns out it was just a misunderstanding. Senior Long and the others saw me fighting to save you from the Paragon and assumed it meant something more."

He shook his head with a helpless smile "They just wanted what they thought was best for both of us… but they didn't ask either of us first."

Rui Lian gave a small smile. "They've always been a little eager to decide my future for me. I suppose I can't blame them entirely. You're… well, you're Zhao Tian. Any family would want to secure a connection to someone like you."

Zhao Tian chuckled softly at that and poured himself a cup of juice.

At this time, he heard another knock on the door "Tian?"

"Ah, master, come in. The door is open."

Pushing the door, Yan Zijin stepped in and looked at Rui Lian "Good thing you are also here. What are these rumors I am hearing? You both are getting married?"

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!