Every Family Has Its Own Difficult Sutra

Feng Lingbo and his wife fell silent. Shang Chaozong's intention to marry 'Chicheng' was clear: it wasn't out of affection, but to leverage their influence for a slim chance of survival. However, their daughter was one of their key generals, and marrying her off easily seemed problematic. On the other hand, if, as Shang Chaozong claimed, the "hundred thousand Crow Generals" could be held as a bargaining chip, the Imperial Court's pressure on them would undoubtedly lessen, making their daughter's marriage seem acceptable.

"You're a disciple of the Shangqing Sect. Your reputation, compared to Prince Ning's, doesn't seem much better. Whether Shang Chaozong accepts you is another matter, but why should we offer you protection?"

Bai Yao, leaning against a pillar behind them, suddenly interjected casually.

Niu Youdao turned his head and casually parried, "I've been expelled from the Shangqing Sect. I have no further affiliation with them!"

Everyone present was stunned. While other things could be said carelessly, disavowing one's sect in the cultivation world was considered an act of extreme disrespect, bordering on patricide. No one dared to speak lightly of it. Could Song Yanqing's ambush be related to this?

Bai Yao slowly emphasized again, "Regarding your dealings with the Song family, my Tianyu Sect wants no part of it." It was the same sentiment as before: the Tianyu Sect had no reason to protect him, so he should fend for himself.

Niu Youdao was unfazed. What a joke! When he parted ways with Shang Chaozong and the others at Nanshan Temple, he had already mentioned the Song family's retaliation. He had said he would handle it himself, so why would he come all this way for nothing? Facing Feng Lingbo, he smiled and said, "I forgot to inform the Prefect, but my master is Dongguo Haoran. I am the only remaining disciple under my master's tutelage. Prince Ning's success in refining the hundred thousand Crow Generals was entirely orchestrated by my master. I might be able to help in the search for those hundred thousand Crow Generals! If you don't need my assistance, I will leave without disturbing you!" The implication was that they should decide for themselves.

This fellow was actually Dongguo Haoran's disciple? Everyone was speechless. If it were true, it was indeed possible. The relationship between Prince Ning and Dongguo Haoran was no secret.

Bai Yao slowly closed his eyes, rendered speechless.

Feng Lingbo found it somewhat strange. "Putting aside Shang Chaozong's character, Shang Chaozong is not currently in a position of leadership. Why are you following him so diligently?"

Niu Youdao's expression remained unchanged. "Recognizing a hero, valuing a good man!" It seemed to be a response to his earlier persuasion of Feng Ruonan.

Feng Lingbo let out a cold snort and glanced sideways. "I know Shang Chaozong somewhat. While he's not incompetent, he's not as capable as his father. He wouldn't have resorted to this, or he wouldn't have fallen into a trap and been imprisoned back then. Was it Lan Ruoting, a disciple of Luo Shaofu, who designed this plan and sent you as a negotiator?"

Luo Shaofu was Lan Ruoting's mentor and a confidant of Prince Ning. He was also Prince Ning's foremost strategist. Prince Ning's ability to sustain himself for so many years in adversity was largely due to Luo Shaofu's contributions, and his reputation was known throughout the land.

Niu Youdao, who disliked being in the spotlight even in times of peace, certainly wouldn't seek it in this chaotic era. He immediately nodded, "I wouldn't dare to hide anything. It was indeed Mr. Lan's suggestion!"

"Lan Ruoting... a great master produces a talented disciple!" Feng Lingbo sighed with emotion and then looked at Niu Youdao, asking, "Are you willing to serve under me?" He was somewhat impressed. He wasn't blind; the man's eloquent persuasion in the hall was a skill, a talent.

His gaze then shifted to Yuan Gang. He noticed that Shang Chaozong had quite a few capable subordinates: the glib-tongued Niu Youdao, the strategically minded Lan Ruoting, and Yuan Gang was also good. He wondered if there were others and looked forward to it. If they could indeed bring Shang Chaozong's group into their fold, it might not be a bad thing.

Niu Youdao smiled and said, "The Prefect and the Commandery King will be family from now on. Serving the Commandery King is naturally serving the Prefect; there's no difference. Henceforth, if you have any commands, how dare I disobey?" It was as if Shang Chaozong had already married Feng Ruonan.

Peng Yulan couldn't help but exclaim, "What a silver-tongued talker!"

Niu Youdao met her gaze with a smile and cupped his hands again. "Thank you for the compliment, Madam. However, I sincerely hope you will soon become the mother of the Princess Consort!" His gaze then turned to Feng Lingbo, awaiting his definitive reply.

The word 'Princess Consort' made Peng Yulan's heart flutter again, but her mood became exceptionally complex. Marrying off their daughter like this seemed...

"I will consider this matter further!" Feng Lingbo said slowly, pondering.

At this point, with Feng Lingbo's attitude so softened, Niu Youdao knew the matter was all but settled. However, given its significance, Feng Lingbo couldn't make the decision alone and would likely need to consult the Tianyu Sect behind the scenes.

Niu Youdao didn't want to offend him and reminded him, "There's one thing I must remind the Prefect. The Commandery King is still waiting for news at Nanshan Temple. With such a grand display of preparations for the wedding, people from the Imperial Court have likely already learned of the news and reported it. It's hard to say if the Commandery King has any cultivators or experts from the Imperial Court monitoring him along the way. If this drags on, the Commandery King might be in danger. Whether you agree or not, I hope you can send someone to provide escort, to prevent the Commandery King from falling victim to foul play!"

These words caused Feng Lingbo and Peng Yulan's expressions to turn serious.

Peng Yulan: "Serves you right! Who told you to make such a big fuss?"

Niu Youdao thought to himself, if he didn't make it widely known that Shang Chaozong was marrying Feng Ruonan and leveraging the influence of Guangyi Commandery, how could they make the Imperial Court wary? If they secretly controlled them, wouldn't that lead to complications? Naturally, he had to cut off any potential ulterior motives from their side first.

He could only smile and continue to urge, "It's not advisable to delay regarding the Commandery King; delays can lead to unforeseen changes!"

Feng Lingbo immediately looked at the old man who had just returned and said sternly, "Shou Nian, you will personally lead a few experts to Nanshan Temple to provide escort. The rest of the escort party will follow shortly!"

Niu Youdao glanced at the old man who had just made a move against Yuan Gang and mentally noted his name!

"Yes!" The old man responded, turned, and strode out. Reaching the doorway, he clapped his hands, and a precious sword appeared from nowhere, which he caught with a clang. His entire demeanor changed, no longer resembling a subservient old servant.

Niu Youdao narrowed his eyes slightly. It seemed there were many experts within the Prefect's Mansion; even an ordinary-looking old servant was not simple.

However, he could understand. If that were not the case, Feng Lingbo would likely have been eliminated by people from the Imperial Court long ago.

As they exited through the side door, four men in black followed Shou Nian. The five of them mounted their horses and galloped away. Shou Nian led the way, his wide sleeves billowing in the wind, his robes fluttering.

Shortly after the five left the city, five hundred cavalry thundered out, heading in the same direction.

The initial five rode ahead, changing mounts at post stations along the way. The five hundred riders certainly wouldn't have that many horses for changing, so their speed would inevitably be slower.

Not long after, another rider left the city. It was a personal guard Niu Youdao had arranged to go ahead and deliver a message. Shang Chaozong's side was completely unaware, and there was a fear of potential misunderstandings.

The sky began to darken...

Within Guangyi Commandery City, discussions were rife. The citizens were all talking about Feng Ruonan's marriage to Shang Chaozong.

In the Prefect's Mansion, the message to the Tianyu Sect had been sent, and they were awaiting a reply.

In the study, by the flickering candlelight, Feng Lingbo paced back and forth, pondering. He asked, "Madam, do you think the Tianyu Sect will agree?"

Peng Yulan, sitting beside him, put down her teacup. "What Niu Youdao said is completely reasonable. The Tianyu Sect has no reason to miss an opportunity to strengthen itself. This matter is entirely worth the Tianyu Sect's covert efforts. There shouldn't be any unexpected issues."

"I think so too, but regarding Ruonan..." Before Feng Lingbo could finish, a servant arrived from outside, presenting a secret letter.

Feng Lingbo took the secret letter, read it, and let out a cold laugh. He turned to the servant and ordered, "Send word to our people in the Capital City to lie low for now."

"Yes!" The servant acknowledged and left.

Peng Yulan stood up and walked over. "What happened in the Capital City?"

"Wang Heng! Niu Youdao killed his son-in-law. What else do you think could have happened?" Feng Lingbo handed her the secret letter.

Peng Yulan took it and read it. The content stated that Wang Heng hoped Feng Lingbo's side would help detain Niu Youdao and escort him to the Capital City, claiming it would be a favor he owed Feng Lingbo.

Wang Heng's favor was insignificant compared to the hundred thousand Crow Generals. Peng Yulan understood her husband's stance when he told their people in the Capital City to lie low. She asked, "How should we reply to Wang Heng?"

"With the uproar caused by the wedding, Wang Heng will soon learn the news. Do we still need to reply?" Feng Lingbo waved his hand, dismissing the matter. Instead, he sighed, "Ruonan is not getting any younger; she should have been married long ago. This has become a worry of mine, but she's not satisfied with anyone she meets. Where in the world is there a perfect man? Ultimately, she's a bit too proud and puts on a brave face to hide it. You, as her mother, should try to persuade Ruonan. Women talk more easily to each other. Be patient and explain things to her clearly... Alas, to be honest, marrying Ruonan off like this is indeed somewhat improper. But then again, once Shang Chaozong relies on us, he'll have to watch his step. It's better than marrying someone we can't control. If our daughter marries him, we can also rest assured; at least we won't suffer a loss. You talk to her properly."

"Sigh!" Peng Yulan sighed and nodded. She knew in her heart that if the Tianyu Sect made a decision, her daughter would have no choice but to agree.

Then again, her daughter was too formidable, and her appearance wasn't exactly charming. Normal men were afraid to marry her. As the years passed, she had long passed the age of marriage, and her mother was also anxious. Although she knew that Niu Youdao was a silver-tongued negotiator, she thought about it and realized that what he said wasn't entirely unreasonable. Marrying Shang Chaozong wasn't bad at all. If her daughter didn't marry, she wouldn't, but if she did, she would become a Princess Consort. This outcome was actually the best possible, and she had no complaints. She completely understood Shang Chaozong's demands for benefits. She also knew some things clearly: given her daughter's appearance, personality, and temper, any man willing to marry her was likely doing so for the Feng family's background. The same applied to Shang Chaozong.

"I'll go see that girl." Peng Yulan left with a sigh. Every family has its own troubles.

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