Chapter 674

"Do you dare say you don't mind my humble birth?" Yang Yan sneered. "Everyone knows I'm the granddaughter of a private school teacher. If I marry into an ordinary family, I'm afraid people will mock and gossip about me."

"Whoever dares laugh, I'll beat him to death," Han Rui declared domineeringly.

Yang Yan chuckled. "That's a threat backed by power, isn't it?"

"Our Han Clan are scholars, upright and incorruptible. We despise those flatterers in officialdom most of all," Han Rui said solemnly. "So I absolutely will not allow you to be slandered."

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Yang Yan asked somewhat impatiently. "Stop beating around the bush."

"You mean for me to petition His Majesty for an imperial marriage decree, making you my wife," Han Rui said bluntly.

Yang Yan froze for a moment. A blush surfaced on her lovely face, and she lowered her head shyly, giving a slight nod in tacit agreement.

"You like me?" Han Rui asked tentatively.

Yang Yan lowered her head slightly. She neither admitted nor denied it.

"Heh heh, that makes things easy." Han Rui smiled, his mood brightening. "When we see Father-in-law later, help introduce me."

"Why?" Yang Yan looked up at Han Rui, her delicate brows knitting slightly. "Our family matters have nothing to do with him. What right do you have to seek him out?"

"You're wrong. Father-in-law is a close friend of your parents. He'll certainly help," Han Rui said confidently. After a pause, he reminded her, "Little Sister Yang, there's one more thing I need to make clear."

"Say it." Yang Yan frowned lightly, unable to understand what could warrant such seriousness from Han Rui.

"Though the Yang Family has declined, they are still a prominent clan of Qinghe County, with many relatives by marriage and