yeah so no

It’s pretty disingenuous for Claude to tell Yulan it’s up to Violet to pick who she wants. As if Claude isn’t the most eligible bachelor in the nation, as if his father isn’t the highest authority in the land, as if Yulan isn’t an illegitimate child without position or background.
Even if Violet WANTED to pick Yulan, she might not be allowed to. And that’s not necessarily Claude’s fault, but he should at least be honest with himself that the playing field is NOT even and he’s got way more practical advantages than anybody else.