Held in Zhu Zhuyun's arms, Zhu Zhuqing gradually felt the panic in her heart subside a little.
She buried her face against Zhu Zhuyun's stomach and gave a muffled murmur, her voice thick with nasality:
"Mm..."
Just then, footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate. Zhu Zhuqing jerked her head up and instinctively rose from her chair.
Zhu Zhuyun followed her gaze and saw Zhu Mingyuan and Su Yu walking in side by side, both looking relaxed.
"Father! Su Yu!"
Zhu Zhuqing hurried over to them, a lingering trace of tension still in her voice.
"How did it go?"
Looking at his daughter's reddened eyes, Zhu Mingyuan patted her shoulder with aching tenderness:
"Don't worry. Everything's settled. Dai Tianfeng has already issued a decree dissolving your engagement to Dai Mubai."
"Really?"
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes went wide. She could hardly believe her ears.
Su Yu stepped forward, took a clean handkerchief from his sleeve, and gently wiped the moisture from the corners of her eyes:
"Really. The engagement has been dissolved. From now on, you'll forever be my Zhu Zhuqing!"
The moment the news was confirmed, the taut strings of Zhu Zhuqing's heart suddenly relaxed.
She threw herself into Su Yu's arms and hugged him tightly, the anxiety she had harbored for so long pouring out as tears.
But this time, they were tears of relief!
Watching from the side, Zhu Zhuyun shook her head with a smile:
"All right, all right. This is something to celebrate. Why are you crying?"
Zhu Zhuqing sniffled and looked up at Su Yu, tears shimmering in her eyes:
"Father! Su Yu! Thank you!"
"Silly girl. There's no need to be so polite with me."
Su Yu reached out and ruffled her hair, his eyes filled with affection.
"From now on, you have me."
Zhu