Marriage

"Miss Wu, this is only our first meeting. Isn't it a bit..."

Xu Mingyuan's words stumbled.

"A bit what?"

"Your Xu family and my Wu family are considered a match in social status. Now that we've met, I find your appearance pleasing, your martial strength surpasses mine, and the atmosphere of the Xu family is what I yearn for. I am willing to marry you. Don't you want to marry me?"

"Could it be that I'm not to your liking, Second Young Master Xu? That you disdain me?"

"Naturally not." Xu Mingyuan waved his hands repeatedly, his eyes showing a look of being overwhelmed. "Miss Wu is forthright, unlike any other woman I've met. I admire that."

"Then isn't that enough?"

"But we have no feelings for each other."

"Feelings?"

Miss Wu chuckled, covering her mouth. "So, Second Young Master Xu yearns for the mutual love and perfect union found in storybooks."

"Something like that. My Big Brother and Sister-in-law are just like that."

"Such things exist in the world, but they are few. For marriages between great clans, most consider family background and character. After marriage, they consider the benefits the union can bring to each family.

If the benefits are there, then marriage proceeds. As for feelings, they can be developed slowly after marriage. If we truly cannot get along, we can also agree to not interfere with each other. This concubine will absolutely not hinder Second Young Master Xu from taking concubines, or anything similar."

Miss Wu smiled charmingly and continued, "You are praised by the Patriarchs of all the great clans as a business prodigy. How could you not calculate the benefits our two families will gain from this intermarriage?"

Xu Mingyuan thought about it again and again. He felt something was off, yet he also felt there was nothing wrong.

The Xu family naturally wasn't afraid of the Wu family. However, as the foremost great clan in Qingjiang County, with one of its members holding the position of County Magistrate, the Wu family's foundation was still considerably stronger than the Xu family's.

If he took the lead and truly united with the other four great clans to deal with the Xu family, the Xu family's path would be extremely difficult.

An intermarriage could ease the tense relationship between them. By making some concessions, they could buy the Xu family several years, or even a decade or two, for development.

He believed that by then, the Xu family would absolutely be able to take the title of the foremost great clan from the Wu family.

After some hesitation, Xu Mingyuan sighed, "Miss Wu, you have convinced me."

"I will tell my mother that I am willing to marry you."

"As for feelings, I suppose we will truly have to cultivate them slowly."

Although both Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingwei prioritized the Xu family, in terms of emotions, Xu Mingwei was persistent and loyal. He, on the other hand, had been dealing with the magnates and merchants of various great clans for years, accustomed to weighing pros and cons and calculating gains and losses in everything.

Even though he also wished for a relationship like his Big Brother Xu Mingwei's, he couldn't help but weigh the options.

"Then, happy cooperation."

"Mm, happy cooperation."

Xu Mingyuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but he also admired the other party. He estimated that only someone with her personality would dare to be so bold.

How could an ordinary young lady from a noble family dare to speak so unrestrainedly?

Afterward.

Xu Mingyuan told Xu Chuan about the matter.

Xu Chuan was also slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "A woman like this is rare in the world. A Yuan, you are truly blessed."

"This marriage your mother chose for you is very good. She is suitable to join our Xu Family."

"If she wants to pursue the Martial Dao, our Xu Family can fully support her."

"As for feelings, they will develop over time!"

"Your mother and I are just like that. If I had been too picky back then, I probably wouldn't have had you boys."

"You don't need to worry about the marriage matter. Your mother will handle it for you. Remember to treat her well after she marries into the family."

"Yes, Father."

Late at night.

Xu Chuan also praised Bai Jing, saying that she had found a good marriage for him.

"Having been with my husband for so long, I naturally know a thing or two about the kind of woman my husband appreciates."

"It's not me who's getting married, why should I pick someone I like?" Xu Chuan shook his head and chuckled.

"Because my husband is the head of the family. In the hearts of the children, your position is much higher than mine. If you are not satisfied, they will give up even if they like her."

Xu Chuan thought about it, and it seemed to be true.

"My wife understands me. My wife worked hard to entertain the Wu Family today. I will reward you handsomely."

"You rascal!"

Xu Mingxuan and the others learned the news and congratulated Xu Mingyuan one after another.

The Wu Family deliberated on this marriage for a long time. Trading a less important concubine's daughter for some benefits from the Xu Family was very worthwhile, so they agreed.

As for whether they would deal with the Xu Family later, they could take it one step at a time.

A mere marital relationship was insignificant to a centuries-old family, and could be severed at any time.

Wu Family.

Youlan Courtyard.

This was the courtyard of the second wife of the Wu Family Patriarch.

Wu Rushan had grown up here since she was a child.

A gorgeously dressed madam strode into the courtyard and saw Wu Rushan practicing her punches.

"Shan'er, good news."

"Little Mother."

Wu Rushan stopped her movements, casually wiped the sweat from her forehead, and cupped her hands towards the madam.

"Shan'er, your father has agreed to an intermarriage with the Xu Family. The Second Young Master Xu is considered top-notch in Qingjiang County for both character and appearance, and you will be marrying him as the legitimate wife."

"Finally, I can live a good life."

As she spoke, the Gorgeous Madam lowered her head, took out a handkerchief, and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Wu Rushan was her daughter. She had been a concubine's daughter since birth, and was rebellious, fond of practicing martial arts, and not favored by her father.

Now that she could find such a good husband, it was a blessing from heaven.

"No, I must go to Yun'an Temple tomorrow to fulfill my vow. You'll come with me."

"Understood, Little Mother." Wu Rushan's heart leaped with joy, and then she asked curiously, "By the way, Little Mother, do you know why Father agreed?"

"Did he get something promised by the Xu Family?"

"I'm not sure, but that's something for the Xu Family and your father to consider. What does it have to do with you? Don't ask too many questions. Just stay home and wait to be married."

"Is the wedding date set?"

"Not yet, the Three Letters and Six Betrothals haven't even happened. What, are you in a hurry to get married?"

The Gorgeous Madam smiled and said, "You met Second Young Master Xu last time when I went to the Xu Family with the First Madam, right? How was he? Was he as the rumors say?"

"His appearance isn't exceptionally handsome, but he's refined and proper, humble and polite. Although he's known as a business prodigy and is busy with commerce, he doesn't neglect his martial arts practice. His strength is above mine."

"You girl, it seems you've really fallen for that young man from the Xu Family."

"That's good. I can finally put one worry to rest. By the way, I remember they have a daughter, about ten years old. She'd be a good match for your brother Feng'er. Once you're married, you can try to set them up."

"If Feng'er can marry the Xu Family's legitimate daughter, he'll surely gain favor with your father."

Wu Rushan smiled faintly and casually agreed.

One month passed in the blink of an eye.

It was the Full Moon Banquet for the Xu Family's Eldest Legitimate Grandson.

Naturally, guests were widely invited to celebrate.

Of the Fang, Wang, He, and Cao families, only the Wu family came.

Many family patriarchs and wealthy merchants were greatly surprised to see the Wife of the Wu Family Patriarch and several others arrive.

"Strange, the Wu family and the Xu family were just in a huge conflict not long ago. Why would they come today to celebrate their Eldest Legitimate Grandson?"

Many families were puzzled.

When the feasting and drinking were nearly done, Xu Chuan suddenly announced, "Everyone, today I, Fellow Xu, thank you all for gracing us with your presence at my grandson's Full Moon Banquet."

"Besides that, I, Fellow Xu, have another joyous matter to announce."

"My Young Son Mingyuan will be engaged to the Wu Family Patriarch's daughter in half a year. As for the wedding date, the Wu Family Patriarch and I have discussed it. Given that both are still young, we have decided to hold the Marriage next October."

"Haha, congratulations, Xu Family Head. Your family is truly blessed with continuous joyous events."

"Indeed, I never expected you to become in-laws with the Wu family so quietly."

The various family heads raised their wine cups and offered their congratulations.

Xu Chuan said, "It's all thanks to the Wu Family Patriarch's generosity. Otherwise, how could my Young Son possibly marry the Wu Family Patriarch's beloved daughter."

His words were flawless, giving the Wu family ample face.

"Xu Family Head, you are too kind. It is my young daughter who is the one reaching higher."

"Come, Brother Wu, today you and I must drink to our hearts' content."

The matter spread throughout Qingjiang County the very next day.

The Fang, Wang, He, and Cao families all visited the Wu family's residence, and they did not leave until an hour later.

What they discussed was unknown to anyone.

However, Qingjiang County remained peaceful.