249 Pretending to Be Wise in Arranging a Marriage

out political entanglements. For Ye Li, it’s merely a matter of moving from her family's mansion to the Prince of Ding’s王府. In her previous life, she was too exhausted; this time around, all she needs...249. Being Clever in Arranging a Marriage

249. Being Clever in Arranging a Marriage

Mengmu Family Estate

The mansion was magnificent and imposing, not inferior to the imperial villa in scale. Perhaps because of the few family members, the whole estate exuded a faintly ominous and decadent aura. The opulence piled up with countless priceless treasures gave people an oppressive feeling that made it hard to breathe. As soon as Mengmu Mingyan stepped into the gate, a group of servants were waiting for her. Seeing her return, they happily greeted her, "Miss, you finally came back. Master was worried sick about you."

Mengmu Mingyan frowned in disgust and looked up at the flatteringly smiling servants before her eyes, as well as the intricately carved beams and eaves that were magnificent but heavy. She couldn't help but think of the elegant white-robed man who seemed otherworldly. Tightening her lips, determination shone in Mengmu Mingyan's eyes.

"Grandfather, Uncle Grandpa." Before she could return to her room, Mengmu Mingyan was called by the patriarch of the Mengmu family to his study. In addition to the family patriarch, there was also Uncle Grandpa Mengmu Xiong, who had always filled her with fear since childhood. The patriarch snorted coldly and said, "You still know how to come back! As the eldest Miss of the Mengmu Family, who gave you permission to run off like this"

Mengmu Mingyan hung her head, fidgeting with a handkerchief and unable to speak. To outsiders, she was the precious eldest Miss of the Mengmu family, but from childhood until now, in front of Grandfather and Uncle Grandpa, there had never been any room for her own voice. Up till now, they could only listen when they spoke, but now… what they were discussing was her marriage. Seeing how obedient she looked, the patriarch's anger subsided somewhat. His tone softened as he said, "Tomorrow is the last day of the Martial Arts Conference; Uncle Grandpa and I have already decided to marry you off to the Pavilion Master of the Lord of Hell, Ling Tiehan."

"But… Ling Tiehan is already forty years old!" Mengmu Mingyan was shocked and raised her head, unable to help blurting out. At only seventeen, for her, forty years old was a very old age. If her father were still alive, Ling Tiehan would be several years older than him.

"Shut up!" The patriarch's face darkened as he looked at Mengmu Mingyan with disappointment and frustration, "What is wrong with being forty Considering Master Ling’s martial arts achievements and status, he can still be considered young. Do you know how many people in this world can match the power of Thunder Lord Zhen Ting I would have loved to marry you off to Prince Ding if only he were interested; unfortunately, he wouldn’t even come for a look."

Being so harshly rebuked by her own grandfather, Mengmu Mingyan was blushing with shame but soon turned pale and could not speak for quite some time.

Still, she was his granddaughter and the only blood relation he had in this world. Seeing how she looked, the patriarch sighed and tried to be more patient as he said, "We have arranged such a grand occasion specially for your sake. There are so few people of talent in this world that can match Prince Ding’s abilities; besides, if he did come, it would mean he was interested neither in you nor in our family fortune. Furthermore, everyone knows how deeply Prince Ding loves his wife and that even the capital city of Western Capital is named after her. Even for a man as devoted to love like Prince Ding, there’s no way he would abandon his beloved queen; marrying him would only mean becoming a secondary consort at best. As for Emperor Chu and King Li, with the Liu family already in place around Emperor Chu, we have no room to maneuver, and it is likely that King Li will not be able to rise to power either. But Ling Tiehan is different. He’s the Pavilion Master of Lord of Hell, situated in Western Capital but maintains a good relationship with Prince Ding. Such an independent position leaves everyone unable to offend him. Moreover, as Ling Tiehan isn’t married yet, marrying you to him would make you the pavilion lady and with our family backing you up, who could possibly give you any trouble"

Mengmu Mingyan stubbornly bit her lip without answering; even if her grandfather praised Ling Tiehan endlessly, in Mengmu Mingyan’s eyes, how could a man dressed plainly and unremarkable compare to the elegant and graceful Dustless Scholar

If Ye Li were here, she would definitely sneer at Mu Yingming's taste. It wasn't that Ye Li thought Ling Tiehan was better than Xu Qingchen; rather, the two men were of completely different types. Although Ling Tiehan couldn't compare to Xu Qingchen, Mo Xiuyao, Feng Sanhàn, and other famously handsome figures, he was tall and upright with a stern and majestic appearance that made him stand out among these renowned beauties. Moreover, while everyone thought Xu Qingchen had a better temper than Ling Tiehan, Ye Li believed that Ling Tiehan might actually be more compassionate.

If Ye Li were to choose between the two as her husband, she would likely pick Ling Tiehan over Xu Qingchen. This also explains why Xu Qingchen, despite being universally acknowledged for his good looks and intelligence, hasn't yet married. Sometimes excessive kindness can actually breed distance and coldness. Unfortunately, Mu Yingming didn't understand this.

Mu Xiong snorted and said, "I know your thoughts, young girl. You just think that Ling Tiehan is much older than you and doesn't look as handsome as many of the young gentlemen attending the martial arts conference. It seems like our family has spoiled you too much. Do you really think your looks are exceptional Did you go to see Xu's boy tonight and get rejected Your appearance might qualify as beautiful in Ancheng, but not so much in Dachu. That boy from the Xu family has seen all sorts of beauties around the world; someone like you would be no match for him! You shouldn't mind Ling Tiehan being older than you either. At forty, he can still look thirty, and at seventy, fifty. Do you think you'll remain a beauty when you're fifty It will be his turn to嫌棄you then! If you marry that boy from the Xu family or Mo Xiuyao, I fear you won't even make it past thirty before being discarded."

"Great Uncle!" This was quite harsh; Mu Yingming had never been so humiliated. The insult came from her own family, and she couldn't stop the tears flowing.

Mu Xiong's father coughed lightly and thought that Mu Xiong might have gone too far. Although Mu Yingming wasn't the most beautiful woman in the world, she wasn't entirely unappealing either. The title of Ancheng’s top beauty was not self-proclaimed; while her uncle wanted to dissuade her from overestimating herself, he also knew that going too far could backfire.

Mu Xiong glanced at Mu Yingming but didn't say anything more. Mu Xiong's father then looked at Mu Yingming and said, "In any case, Great Uncle and I have decided on this matter. No need to discuss it further."

Mu Yingming refused to accept this. She knelt before Mu Xiong's father with determination and said, “Grandfather, Mingyan has a better idea. Master Ling might not be the best choice.” Mu Xiong’s father raised his gray brows; he didn't look down on Mu Yingming but knew her well enough to doubt that she could come up with something good. Mu Yingming quickly replied, "Xu Qingchen."

Mu Xiong's father's expression changed and said angrily, "After all I've told you, you still persist in your ways! In the end, it’s just about not wanting to let go of Xu Qingchen's face. Don’t pretend this is a noble idea. Remember who has been supporting you in luxury for these years." Mu Yingming looked at her grandfather with tears and委屈, while Mu Xiong frowned and raised his hand to stop his nephew from shouting, saying sternly, "Tell me why."

Mu Yingming was delighted and quickly said, "Xu Qingchen is unmatched in intelligence. If we could get him to agree to marry into our family..."

Mu Xiong's father snorted coldly, saying, "Marrying into the family You have a good imagination. Don’t forget what kind of household the Xu family is; it’s hard enough getting him to accept you as his wife, let alone agree to marry into our family!"

Saying this made Mu Xiong's father uncomfortable too. Nothing was more galling than making someone who prides himself on his family acknowledge that he isn’t better off elsewhere. But in the eyes of the world, even a penniless Xu family would be considered higher status than the Mu family. So-called families with literary heritage... Hmph!

Mu Yingming thought about Xu Qingchen’s coldness and her beautiful eyes dimmed. She continued, "With Great Uncle and Grandfather's resources, there must be a way. If we can make Xu Qingchen part of our Mu family, relying on his relationship with Princess Consort Ding, we wouldn’t need to involve assassin organizations. The Western Capital Imperial Family would dare not easily harm the Mu family. Furthermore, with Xu Qingchen’s assistance, what difficulty could prevent us from elevating the status of the Mu family further"

Hearing this, Mu Xiong's father hesitated. Elevating the Mu family was naturally ideal, and once Xu Qingchen married into their family, they would become relatives. Most importantly, the next generation of Mu descendants would be Xu Qingchen’s son, renowned throughout the world; who could then say that the children of the Mu family are merely merchants with a reputation for wealth But... The Xu family has always been proud and arrogant; how could they possibly agree to such a proposal Mu Xiong's father looked at Mu Xiong questioningly before hesitantly saying, "If this were possible, then indeed Xu Qingchen would be more suitable than Ling Tiehan. After all… it’s not easy controlling someone like Ling Tiehan who leads an assassin organization. But achieving this goal... is unlikely."

Meng Meng Xiong narrowed his old eyes and pondered, a sharp glint flashing in his gaze. With arrogance, he said, "What's so difficult about it It’s a blessing for him if I’m willing to marry my great-niece to him!" Not because Meng Mingyan was worthy enough to marry Xu Qingchen, but rather because she was Meng Xiong’s great niece. The fame of the number one martial artist in the world gave him sufficient confidence that Xu Qingchen wouldn’t reject this proposal. As the head of the Meng family looked at Meng Mingyan kneeling on the ground with hopeful eyes and then observed the confident expression on Meng Xiong's face, he eventually agreed to it.

This year’s martial arts conference could be described as coming with great expectations but leaving in disappointment. The top ten martial artists selected on the second day of combat had already died halfway through before their third-day fight even began, and everyone knew how they died. After all, everybody wanted to become the son-in-law of the richest man in the world, yet there was only one daughter from the Meng family. Naturally, they would try their best to reduce their enemies by any means possible. Therefore, when ten out of the original top ten martial artists didn’t show up for the fight at all, no one felt surprised.

"High Priest Ling, do you have any interest in trying your hand on stage this year" Prince Southern Command glanced sideways and asked High Priest Ling with a smile as he sat by himself, closing his eyes to rest.

Although his expression remained calm and unperturbed, Prince Southern Command was actually very cautious of High Priest Ling. This time when they met, he couldn’t even see how deep or shallow Ling Tiehan’s cultivation level was, meaning that Ling Tiehan wouldn't lose him in any way if not stronger than him now. However, Ling Tiehan was still ten years younger than him. Thinking about Mo Xiuyao who was seven to eight years younger than Ling Tiehan, Prince Southern Command suddenly felt exhausted and helpless. Compared to Mo Xiuyao, he had already become old.

Originally, his son should be the one competing with Mo Xiuyao, but unfortunately, his son fell far short of Mo Liufang’s son. Glancing back at Lei Tengfeng sitting behind him, Prince Southern Command began to reflect if he had arranged too much for him, causing him to always fall short of Mo Xiuyao Perhaps… after returning home, he should let him handle things on his own…

Ling Tiehan opened his eyes and said indifferently, "No interest. Why don’t you give it a try, Your Highness Southern Command’s heir" Among these so-called new talents, other than the young man named Ren Qining who was worth watching, none of them could enter Ling Tiehan's sight. After having fought with Mo Xiuyao just now, Ling Tiehan temporarily had no interest in fighting such a junior. Moreover… there were still more formidable opponents in Ancheng now. Ling Tiehan lowered his eyes and looked at his right hand resting on the armrest before idly turning his gaze towards the magnificent and grand mansion of the Meng Family not far away.

Prince Southern Command laughed loudly, "Tengfeng’s minor skills are nowhere near enough to take the stage in combat; he is not a person from the martial world either so there's no need to care about this matter of pride." The last sentence was directed at Lei Tengfeng. Since it was impossible for the Meng family to marry their daughter into Prince Southern Command’s household, whether Lei Tengfeng participated in the fight or not didn’t really matter.

"Father is right," Lei Tengfeng answered with a nod. Satisfied with his answer, Prince Southern Command looked at his son somewhat comfortingly and said, "When we return to the capital, Tengfeng will lead troops southward for garrison duty." Hearing this, Lei Tengfeng was surprised yet delighted; he knew his father’s intention of dispatching him. At a time like this sending him south could also be seen as granting him command over an army independently. Seeing that he understood his meaning, Prince Southern Command patted his shoulder and said, "You are no longer young, you should handle things on your own now. Father is getting old…"

"Father is still in the prime of life. Your son thanks father," Lei Tengfeng replied.

The Prince Southern Command and Lei Tengfeng did not make any effort to avoid others while talking about this. Even Xu Qingchen, who was pretending to be asleep on one side, seemed completely unconcerned. This was originally a test that the Prince Southern Command wanted to conduct regarding Xu Qingchen as he knew of his reputation throughout the land, but many things weren’t simply about talent and decision-making and being ruthless were also crucial.

Yunnan and Western Liang’s border had complicated terrain, making swift victory impossible. Therefore, from the beginning when Prince Southern Command first thought of attacking Yunnan, he didn't plan on a surprise attack or quick war. Thus, whether it was secretive or not wasn’t very important at all. Or rather said, if he could probe Xu Qingchen’s true capabilities, even leaking some military intelligence would be worth it for the Prince.

If Xu Qingchen chose to save Yunnan, this showed that his heart was soft and thus not a great threat. If Xu Qingchen chose to stand idly by, they didn’t have to worry too much either. But if Xu Qingchen used Yunnan and Western Liang as mutual restraints or did something else… then… in the northwest besides Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, another person would need to be on their guard.

Xu Qingchen neither pretended not to hear, nor did he deliberately show interest in the topic. It seemed as though Prince Zhennan and his son were merely discussing trivial family matters, with a father praising his son.

Le Tengfeng smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Qingchen." However, there was no genuine joy in his eyes. Le Tengfeng's life had been rather frustrating. Although he possessed both talent and capability, the heavy burden of being under Prince Zhennan's shadow left him with little room to display himself. If he excelled, it would be seen as a reflection of his father's greatness; if he faltered, it would cast doubt on his lineage. In terms of tactics, ability, and insight, even though he might not match Mo Xiuyao in every aspect, he certainly didn't fall short compared to Yelü Hong, Yelü Ye, Mo Jingqi, or Mo Jinglei; however, the only impression people had was that he was Prince Zhennan's heir.

Le Tengfeng lowered his head, and a resolute light flashed in his eyes. He would surely make the world recognize what it meant for the blue to surpass the indigo!

"This servant greets Mr. Qingchen."

Xu Qingchen was just chatting about archery with two others when a middle-aged man, who looked like he worked at the Murong family, walked over and paid his respects.

Xu Qingchen sat up and smiled as he nodded, "No need for formalities." However, the man's eyes revealed more flattery and servility. He said with a smile, "It's an honor, Grandfather and our Master have invited you to chat at the residence."

Murong Xiong and Murong Family's patriarch didn't appear in the martial arts arena that morning, although everyone was surprised, they had no objections since it wasn't unusual for them not to participate.

The people present were all extraordinary individuals; naturally, they could see the difference in how this man treated Xu Qingchen.

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly and said, "I wonder what the Murong Family's patriarch wishes to discuss"

The man smiled apologetically, "Patriarch naturally has important matters to discuss with Mr. Qingchen." Xu Qingchen nodded and stood up, "In that case, please lead the way."

Ling Tiehan, sitting beside him, also got up and smiled, "I have long admired Murong Family's prestige; may I visit"

"This..." The man was a bit troubled. Both Patriarch and Grandfather wouldn't want Ling Tiehan to pay an unexpected visit now, but Ling Tiehan as the leader of Yama Pavilion, with his imposing demeanor, how could he resist Ling Tiehan didn't cause trouble and smiled generously, "No need to worry; just that this Pavilion Master has a good relationship with Prince Dingwang and Consort. I also promised Prince Dingwang that I must take care of Mr. Qingchen properly. Since it's inconvenient for me to go, I can only request Murong Family's patriarch to meet Mr. Qingchen."

Wasn't this causing trouble The messenger's face turned pale as he forced a smile and said, "Mr. Qingchen is our guest; the Murong family will guarantee your safety."

"The first person at the martial arts conference who attacked Mr. Qingchen was from the Murong Family," Liang Liuyue, sitting behind Ling Tiehan, said coldly.

The messenger gritted his teeth and said, "In that case, Pavilion Master can come along too." He received an order to absolutely bring Mr. Qingchen over; if he failed to do so, the usual course of action was for Grandfather to deal with him first before asking why.

As they watched them leave, Le Tengfeng frowned and said, "Father, is the Murong Family planning..." to; her grandson wouldn’t even appoint her as the grand empress dowager after ascending the throne. She had become the first, and perhaps only, empress dowager in history ordered to accompany a decea...