Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 250 - 249. Arranging the marriage all by oneself out of supposed wisdom
249. Taking Mate Selection Into Her Own Hands
Household of the Murong Family
The splendid and majestic estate was in no way inferior to an imperial residence in scale. Perhaps due to the master’s small family, the entire estate exuded an eerie and decadent atmosphere. The opulence, created by countless priceless treasures, gave one a heavy, suffocating feeling. The moment Murong Mingyan entered the gate, a group of servants was already waiting respectfully. Upon seeing her return, they joyfully rushed forward. "Eldest Miss, you’re finally back! The Family Head was worried to death."
Murong Mingyan frowned in distaste. She looked up at the fawning expressions on the servants’ faces and the exquisitely carved and painted eaves and beams of the magnificent buildings around her. Unconsciously, the image of a white-clothed man, elegant and ethereal as a banished immortal, flashed through her mind. Biting her lip, her eyes glinted with determination.
"Grandfather, Grand Uncle." Before she could return to her own quarters, Murong Mingyan was summoned to the study by the Murong Family Head. In the study, it wasn’t just the Family Head; her Grand Uncle, Murong Xiong, whom she had feared since childhood, was also present. The Murong Family Head snorted coldly. "So, you still know how to come back?! You are the Eldest Miss of the Murong family. Who gave you permission to run off as you please?"
Murong Mingyan lowered her head, nervously twisting the silk handkerchief in her hands, not daring to speak. To outsiders, she was the precious and noble Eldest Miss of the Murong family. However, growing up, she never had a say in front of her grandfather and Grand Uncle. She could only listen when they spoke. But now... they were going to discuss her marriage, her entire future. Seeing her obedient demeanor, the Murong Family Head’s anger subsided somewhat. His tone softened slightly as he said, "Tomorrow is the last day of the Martial Arts Conference. Your Grand Uncle and I have already decided. We will marry you to Pavilion Master Ling Tiehan of the King of Hell Pavilion."
"But... Ling Tiehan is already forty years old!" Murong Mingyan looked up in astonishment, the words tumbling out before she could stop them. Forty years old! To the seventeen-year-old Murong Mingyan, he was practically an old man. If her father were still alive, Ling Tiehan would be several years older than him.
"Silence!" The Murong Family Head’s face darkened, and he looked at Murong Mingyan with exasperation. "What of it if he is forty? Considering Ling Tiehan’s martial prowess, status, and influence, he is still quite young. Do you think there are many men in this world who can rival Lei Zhenting? I would have liked to marry you to Prince Ding, but unfortunately, Prince Ding doesn’t think much of you; he didn’t even bother to come."
Mercilessly ridiculed by her own grandfather, Murong Mingyan flushed crimson with shame. Soon, her face turned deathly pale, and she was unable to speak for a long moment.
After all, she was his own granddaughter, his only remaining blood relative in this world. Seeing her in such a state, the Murong Family Head sighed. He finally softened his expression and said patiently, "We went to all this trouble for your sake. There are only a handful of truly capable men in this world. Prince Ding’s refusal to attend clearly shows he values neither you nor the Murong family’s wealth. Furthermore, everyone knows of Prince Ding’s deep affection for Princess Consort Ding. Even the capital of the Northwest is named after the Princess Consort. Even for the sake of his reputation for being deeply in love, and for the Xu Family, Prince Ding would never abandon the Princess Consort to marry you. If you were to marry him, you could only be a concubine. As for the Emperor of Great Chu and Prince Li, the Emperor of Great Chu already has the Liu Family by his side, leaving no room for us. In our view, it will also be difficult for Prince Li to achieve much. But Ling Tiehan is different. He is the Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion. He resides in Xiling, yet he maintains a good relationship with Prince Ding. This unique position keeps him independent of conflicts, and no one dares to offend him. Moreover, Ling Tiehan is not yet married. If you marry him, you will be the Pavilion Master’s wife. With the Murong family backing you, who in this world would dare to disrespect you?"
Murong Mingyan stubbornly bit her lip, remaining silent. No matter how much her grandfather praised Ling Tiehan, in her eyes, how could Ling Tiehan, dressed in plain cloth and with an unremarkable appearance, ever compare to the dashing and elegant Young Master Qingchen?
If Ye Li were present, she would undoubtedly have scoffed at Murong Mingyan’s judgment. This wasn’t to say Ye Li considered Ling Tiehan superior to Xu Qingchen; rather, the two men were entirely different types. Ling Tiehan might not possess the handsome features of men like Xu Qingchen, Mo Xiuyao, Third Feng, or Han Mingxi, but he was tall and powerfully built, with a resolute, ruggedly handsome face and an imposing, dignified aura. Even amongst these famously handsome figures, he was by no means one to be easily overshadowed. Moreover, while Xu Qingchen might appear more good-tempered on the surface, Ye Li would likely argue that Ling Tiehan actually had a softer heart.
If Ye Li had to choose a husband between these two, she would most likely choose Ling Tiehan over Xu Qingchen. This, from another angle, explained why Young Master Qingchen, despite his unparalleled looks and intelligence, remained unmarried. Sometimes, excessive gentleness can be a form of distance and indifference. It was just a pity that Murong Mingyan did not understand this.
Murong Xiong snorted coldly. "This old man knows what a young girl like you is thinking. You just think Ling Tiehan is much older than you and not as handsome as many of the young gentlemen attending the Martial Arts Conference. It seems the Murong family has spoiled you far too much. Do you think your looks are all that remarkable? You went to see that young man from the Xu family tonight, didn’t you? Were you rejected? Your looks might be considered beautiful in Ancheng City, but Great Chu is not Xiling. That Xu Qingchen has traveled the world; what kind of beauty hasn’t he seen? Someone like you, standing next to him, probably doesn’t even look as good as he does! You needn’t complain about Ling Tiehan’s age. At forty, he can maintain the appearance of a thirty-year-old. At seventy, he’ll still look like he’s in his forties or fifties. Do you think you’ll still be a beauty at fifty? By then, he’ll be the one despising you! If you were to marry that young Xu or Mo Xiuyao, I fear you’d be cast aside before you even reach thirty."
"Grand Uncle!" Murong Mingyan had never endured such humiliation in her life. This humiliation, delivered by her own family, made tears stream down her face, unstoppable no matter how she tried to wipe them away.
"Ahem... Uncle..." The Murong Family Head coughed lightly, also feeling Murong Xiong had gone too far. While Murong Mingyan’s beauty wasn’t unparalleled, she certainly wasn’t so plain as to be despised. The title of Ancheng City’s foremost beauty wasn’t self-proclaimed by them. Although his uncle wanted to knock Mingyan down a peg so she wouldn’t be so unaware of her own standing, some things were best not overdone.
Murong Xiong glanced at Murong Mingyan but ultimately said no more. The Murong Family Head then looked at Murong Mingyan and stated, "In any case, your Grand Uncle and I have already decided this matter. There’s no need for further discussion."
How could Murong Mingyan resign herself to this? Steeling her resolve, she knelt before the Murong Family Head. "Grandfather, Mingyan has a better idea! Pavilion Master Ling might not be the best choice." The Murong Family Head raised his graying eyebrows. It wasn’t that he looked down on Murong Mingyan; he simply knew his granddaughter’s capabilities all too well. Naturally, he didn’t believe Murong Mingyan could have any good ideas. Murong Mingyan quickly said, "Young Master Qingchen!"
The Murong Family Head’s expression changed, and he rebuked angrily, "I’ve told you so much, yet you remain obstinate! In the end, you’re just infatuated with Xu Qingchen’s handsome face, yet you dare to speak so pretentiously. Don’t forget who has provided you with this life of luxury all these years!" Murong Mingyan looked at the Murong Family Head with tearful, aggrieved eyes. Murong Xiong, standing to one side, frowned and raised a hand to stop his nephew’s furious outburst. Staring at Murong Mingyan, he said, "Let’s hear it."
Overjoyed, Murong Mingyan quickly said, "Young Master Qingchen is peerless in his intelligence and strategy. If... if we could persuade him to marry into the Murong family..."
The Murong Family Head snorted. "Marry into our family? You wish! Don’t you know what kind of family the Xus are? It would be incredibly difficult to even get him to agree to marry you, let alone marry into our family!"
While saying this, the Murong Family Head felt a twinge of annoyance himself. Nothing was more vexing for someone who prided himself on his family than to admit inferiority to others. In the eyes of the world, even if the Xu family were destitute, their status would likely be considered far higher than the Murong family’s. So-called scholarly family... Hmph!
Murong Mingyan recalled Xu Qingchen’s indifference, and her beautiful eyes couldn’t help but dim slightly. She continued, "Grand Uncle and Grandfather are so resourceful; there must be a way. If Young Master Qingchen could join the Murong family, given his relationship with Princess Consort Ding, we wouldn’t need to associate with assassin organizations. The Xiling imperial family wouldn’t dare to trouble the Murong family easily either. Moreover, with Young Master Qingchen’s help, how could the Murong family not rise to greater heights?"
Hearing this, the Murong Family Head hesitated. It would indeed be excellent if the Murong family could rise higher. If Xu Qingchen married into their family, the Murong family and the Xu family would become relatives. More importantly, the Murong family’s great-grandchildren would be the sons of the world-renowned Young Master Qingchen! Who then would dare to label their descendants as mere wealthy merchants? But... the Xu family has always been disdainfully proud; how could they agree to such a proposal? He cast an inquiring gaze at Murong Xiong, hesitated for a moment, then said, "If that’s the case, Xu Qingchen is indeed more suitable than Ling Tiehan. After all... Ling Tiehan, as a leader of assassins, is probably not easy to control. However, this matter... is unlikely to succeed."
Murong Xiong squinted his old eyes, pondering, a sharp, fierce gleam shooting from them. He said arrogantly, "What’s so difficult about it? That I, Murong Xiong, am willing to marry my grand-niece to him is his good fortune!" It wasn’t because Murong Mingyan was good enough for Xu Qingchen, but because Murong Mingyan was *his* grand-niece. The prestige of being the world’s number one martial artist gave him enough confidence to believe that Xu Qingchen would not refuse this proposal. The Murong Family Head looked at Murong Mingyan kneeling on the ground, her eyes full of expectation, then looked at the supremely confident Murong Xiong, and finally agreed.
This year’s Martial Arts Conference could be described as having started with great excitement but ending in bitter disappointment. Half of the top ten experts chosen on the second day of the competition were dead before the third day’s matches even began. As for how they died, everyone had their suspicions. After all, everyone wanted to be the son-in-law of the world’s richest man, but the Murong family happened to have only one daughter. Naturally, contestants sought to reduce their rivals as much as possible. So, when only half of the original top ten experts appeared at the start of the matches, no one was the least bit surprised.
"Pavilion Master Ling, do you intend to go on stage and test your skills this year?" the Southern Garrison Prince asked with a smile, turning to Ling Tiehan, who sat to one side, meditating with his eyes closed.
Although he appeared calm, the Southern Garrison Prince was extremely wary of Ling Tiehan. This time we met, I actually couldn’t gauge Ling Tiehan’s true depth at all. This meant that even if Ling Tiehan wasn’t stronger than me, he definitely wouldn’t lose to me by even half a step. Yet, Ling Tiehan was a good ten years younger than him. Thinking of Mo Xiuyao, who was another seven or eight years younger than Ling Tiehan, a sense of fatigue and helplessness washed over the Southern Garrison Prince. Compared to Mo Xiuyao, I am already old. My son should have been the one to compete with Mo Xiuyao. Unfortunately, my son is still far from being as capable as Mo Liufang’s son. Glancing back at Lei Tengfeng, who sat behind him, the Southern Garrison Prince began to reflect. Had I planned things too meticulously for Tengfeng, to the point that he now falls short of Mo Xiuyao in every aspect? Perhaps... after we return, I should let him take charge on his own...
Ling Tiehan opened his eyes and said indifferently, "I’m not interested. Why doesn’t the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince give it a try?" Among these so-called rising stars, apart from that young man named Ren Qining who showed some promise, no one else was worth his attention. Having just fought Mo Xiuyao, Ling Tiehan had no interest in sparring with juniors for the time being. Besides... there’s an even more formidable opponent in Ancheng City now. Ling Tiehan lowered his gaze to his right hand resting on the armrest, then casually shifted his eyes towards the magnificent and grand estate of the Murong family in the distance.
The Southern Garrison Prince laughed heartily. "Tengfeng’s meager martial skills are hardly fit for the stage. Besides, he’s not part of the worldly society, so there’s no need for him to get involved in such petty squabbles." This last remark was directed at Lei Tengfeng. Since the Murong family would never marry their daughter into the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, whether Lei Tengfeng competed or not was utterly meaningless.
"Father is right," Lei Tengfeng nodded in agreement. The Southern Garrison Prince nodded in satisfaction and looked at his son with some relief. "Tengfeng, after returning to the capital, you shall lead troops south to take up garrison duty."
Hearing this, Lei Tengfeng was inexplicably overjoyed. I know Father’s strategic intentions. Asking me to lead troops south at this time meant he was allowing me to command independently! If I led them well, I could gain true military authority of my own! Seeing that his son understood his meaning, the Southern Garrison Prince patted his shoulder. "You’re no longer young; it’s time you learned to stand on your own. Your father is also getting old..."
"Father is in his prime! This son thanks you, Father..." Lei Tengfeng said.
The Southern Garrison Prince and his son discussed these matters openly, with no intention of concealing them. Even Xu Qingchen, who was feigning sleep nearby, appeared utterly indifferent. This was, in fact, a test from the Southern Garrison Prince directed at Xu Qingchen. Young Master Qingchen’s talent was renowned, but many matters required more than just talent; decisiveness and ruthlessness were also necessary.
The terrain at the border of Nanzhao and Xiling was complex, making a swift victory impossible. Therefore, from the moment he first considered attacking Nanzhao, the Southern Garrison Prince had no intention of launching a surprise attack for a quick win. Consequently, secrecy was relatively less important. Or rather, if he could ascertain Xu Qingchen’s true depths, the Southern Garrison Prince would consider it worthwhile even if it meant leaking some military intelligence.
If Xu Qingchen chose to save Nanzhao, it would show that he was soft-hearted and not a threat. If Xu Qingchen chose to stand idly by, there wouldn’t be too much to worry about either. But if Xu Qingchen used Nanzhao and Xiling to check each other, or even did something else... then, in the Northwest, besides Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, there would be one more person to be wary of.
Xu Qingchen neither pretended not to hear nor showed any particular interest in the topic, as if the Southern Garrison Prince and his son were merely engaged in ordinary family conversation, a father praising his son. Opening his eyes, he looked at Lei Tengfeng and said with a faint smile, "Congratulations, Heir Lei."
Lei Tengfeng smiled. "Thank you, Young Master Qingchen." The smile, however, did not reach his eyes. My life has actually been quite stifling. Although my talents and methods are quite good, the towering mountain that is my father, the Southern Garrison Prince, looms over me, leaving no room for me to truly shine. If I perform well, it’s ’like father, like son.’ If I err, I’m the ’rotten shoot from good bamboo.’ In terms of methods, ability, and insight, even if I’m not Mo Xiuyao’s equal, I’m certainly not inferior to the likes of Yelv Hong, Yelv Ye, Mo Jingqi, or Mo Jingli. Yet, whenever people mention me, their only impression is ’Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince.’ Lowering his head, a resolute light flashed in Lei Tengfeng’s eyes. I will definitely show the world what it means for the student to surpass the master!
"This humble one greets Young Master Qingchen." As Xu Qingchen and his two companions were casually conversing, a middle-aged man, dressed like a servant of the Murong family, approached and paid his respects to Xu Qingchen.
Xu Qingchen sat up, nodding with a smile. "There’s no need for such formalities." The man, however, looked at Xu Qingchen with an added measure of fawning and ingratiation in his eyes. He smiled. "Not at all. The Old Master and our Master invite you, Young Master, to the estate for a discussion." Murong Xiong and the Murong Family Head had not appeared at the tournament grounds all morning. Although the crowd was surprised, there was nothing much to say. The Martial Arts Conference had always been an event free from outside interference, and the Murong family had already done more than enough by organizing it this time.
No one present was an ordinary individual; they naturally noticed the servant’s distinct attitude towards Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen frowned slightly. "May I ask what guidance the Murong Family Head has for me?"
The man gave an obsequious smile. "The Family Head naturally has important matters to discuss with Young Master Qingchen." Xu Qingchen nodded and rose. "In that case, please lead the way."
Ling Tiehan, who had been sitting to one side, also stood up and smiled. "I have long admired the prestige of the Murong family. Might I also pay a visit?"
"This..." The messenger hesitated. The Family Head and the Old Master definitely wouldn’t want Ling Tiehan to visit now. But Ling Tiehan was the Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion, the chief of assassins; how could a mere servant like me withstand his imposing aura? Ling Tiehan did not press him, smiling magnanimously. "No need to be troubled. It’s just that this Pavilion Master has a rather good relationship with Prince Ding and the Princess Consort, and I also promised Prince Ding I would ensure Young Master Qingchen’s safety. Since it is inconvenient for me to go, then I shall have to ask the Murong Family Head to come out and reminisce with Young Master Qingchen."
And you call this not making things difficult? The messenger’s face turned a shade of green. He forced a smile. "Young Master Qingchen is our guest. The Murong family will naturally ensure his safety."
"Wasn’t the first person at the Martial Arts Conference to make a move against Young Master Qingchen someone from the Murong family?" Leng Liuyue, sitting behind Ling Tiehan, said coldly.
"In that case, Pavilion Master Ling, please come as well," the messenger said through gritted teeth. The order I received was to bring Young Master Qingchen over, no matter what. If I fail, the Old Master usually deals with the incompetent person first, before even asking for reasons.
Watching the group depart, Lei Tengfeng frowned and said, "Father, is the Murong family planning to..."
The Southern Garrison Prince sneered, a harsh glint in his eyes. "That old scoundrel Murong Xiong is looking for death. This Prince will grant him his wish!"
