Chapter 1234: Chapter 1207: Behind the Mary Sue 6
After becoming Zhu Anning, Anning began to ponder her next steps.
Undoubtedly, the Zhu Family is now her burden.
If she had arrived in this world without any family, she could have freely pursued her ambitions.
But things are different now, as Zhu Anning has the small noble Zhu Family behind her.
The Zhu Family has various problems, and the Family Head is not entirely sincere toward Zhu Anning, yet Zhu Anning has relied on the family’s resources for cultivation since childhood. Although the Family Head and Mrs. Zhu haven’t treated her exceptionally well, they haven’t wronged her either, providing everything she should have.
If she abandoned the Zhu Family, she would entangle herself with karmic consequences.
Given this, she might as well turn this burden into a sharp blade in her hand.
Anning has never feared anything; she can overturn any disadvantageous situation. Now, it’s just a small Zhu Family, and she is confident she can quickly subdue it, even more so in leading the Zhu Family to be stronger than ever.
"Ningning."
Aunt Feng looked at Anning and saw determination and strong confidence in her eyes.
She wiped her tears, her expression becoming serious: "Aunt supports you. Whatever you want to do, I support you. Feel free to go ahead."
"Okay."
Anning embraced Aunt Feng, whispering in her ear, "Thank you, mother."
The word "mother" almost made Aunt Feng burst into tears.
For so many years, day and night, she had hoped for her daughter to call her "mother." Even if it was just once when no one was present, she would be satisfied.
Yet her daughter had never called her that, and she thought she would never hear it in her lifetime, but today she did.
"Ningning, call me this in private. When others are around, don’t call me that."
Aunt Feng was worried about Anning and carefully reminded her, "After all, it’s improper according to etiquette."
"I understand."
Anning agreed with a smile.
Afterwards, Anning chatted with Aunt Feng for a while and inquired about the events that transpired at home while she was away from the Zhu Family.
Aunt Feng, appearing unassuming and honest, had her own network after years of favor in the Zhu Family.
Many inner courtyard matters couldn’t escape her knowledge.
She told Anning everything that had happened during that period, including today’s visit from Xiao Qing: "At first, I thought Miss was opportunistic, but I didn’t expect her to be quite sentimental and righteous, begging on her knees to prevent the withdrawal of the engagement, even resorting to self-harm if necessary."
Aunt Feng softly explained this incident to Anning: "It seems Miss has a good heart, you should get closer to her in the future."
"Okay, I understand."
Anning agreed with a smile.
Outside, the sky had already turned completely dark, and the Family Head sent someone to urge Anning to go to the front yard.
Anning took Aunt Feng along with her.
Several tables had been set in the front yard, and several important people from the Zhu Family had come to offer congratulations.
Seeing Anning and Aunt Feng arrive, many stood up to congratulate Anning.
Aunt Feng was arranged to sit at the table with the female relatives, while Anning was led by the Family Head for rounds of socializing.
When most of the socializing was done, An Yue finally arrived late.
An Yue’s complexion wasn’t great, and she seemed tired.
After arriving, she first spoke to Anning, smiling weakly: "I haven’t been feeling well today, so I came late. I hope you don’t mind, sister."
Anning also smiled: "How is your health, sister? If you’re really uncomfortable, go rest. We’re family; who would mind? After all, your health is most important."
An Yue smiled outwardly while inwardly thinking that her assumptions were correct; Anning was just a hypocritical person, always speaking nicely, yet acting differently.
"No matter how unwell, I must attend my sister’s joyful occasion."
An Yue said this, then smiled and went with her maid to speak with several of the Zhu Family’s branch girls.
Anning was indifferent, as she didn’t need to socialize anymore. She found a place to sit and ate some food.
After eating, she was called to the study by the Family Head.
The Family Head greeted Anning with a smile: "Sit down. Still hungry? If so, I’ll have the kitchen prepare more dishes for you."
Anning waved her hand: "I just ate, I’m not hungry. Is there something you want to instruct me about, father?"
The Family Head handed a Jade Scroll on the table to Anning: "Here is the information I’ve collected in recent years on the talented youths of the Dongling Continent. Take a good look, and if you choose someone, I’ll have someone contact their family. You’re no longer young, and while not necessary to marry right away, it’s important to decide on a marriage soon."
Anning didn’t take the Jade Scroll: "Father, I don’t want to marry."
The Family Head was stunned for a moment, then a trace of anger flashed across his face: "Nonsense, everyone marries."
Anning was completely unperturbed, she smiled and said: "Father knows my talent is good; I reached Foundation Establishment Stage at fifteen or sixteen. Have you ever thought carefully about my future?"
The Family Head was at a loss for words.
He only thought about marrying Anning into a prominent family, using her beauty and cultivation to gain resources for the Zhu Family, but never considered how far Anning could go.
"Father, think about how many in the whole Dongling Continent have reached Foundation Establishment Stage at my age?"
Anning asked again.
The Family Head counted and went through all the talented youths he knew, finding not a single one.
Anning smiled: "None, right? It means my talent ranks among the top on the Dongling Continent. If I focus solely on cultivation, father, do you think I can possibly reach Golden Core Master before thirty?"
Just this one sentence made the Family Head’s breathing heavier; he was greatly excited by this prospect.
A Golden Core Master! If their Zhu Family produced a Golden Core Master, family strength would multiply!
The Zhu Family only had one Golden Core Master five hundred years ago, but that master had long since passed away, and no other Golden Core Masters emerged from the Zhu Family.
If Anning could become a Golden Core Master, not only in Sifang City but on the Dongling Continent, their Zhu Family would have recognition, and no one would dare easily bully them.
Seeing the Family Head moved by her words, Anning pressed further: "Noble families place great importance on talented offspring, nurturing those with exceptional talent in hopes they become Golden Core Masters or Nascent Soul Ancestors to boost family strength. Father, the journey of cultivation is genderless; with my talent, instead of considering how I can protect the family for centuries, you’re thinking of marrying me off. When I become a Golden Core Master, I will be part of someone else’s family, protecting another’s family."
