Oscar's Story 2
The emperor stared at Oscar for several seconds in the Xia Tian.
Oscar's heart skipped a beat, and he tentatively asked, "Your Majesty wouldn't be suggesting that I... give it a try?"
"Exactly."
Xia Tian smiled and explained, "If you can successfully marry into the Zhu Clan family, then the Zhu Clan and my Cang Lan Empire will have successfully established a relationship. This is a good thing for you, for them, and even for me."
"Furthermore, I think you and Zhu Zhuyun are quite well-matched."
"As the saying goes, 'A woman three years older than you is like holding a gold brick,' she's five years older than you, enough for you to hold several gold bricks."
"Moreover, although the Zhu Clan is no longer as powerful as it once was, they are still the family of the Star Luo Empress, and their foundation remains."
"I've heard some rumors: the Zhu Clan might offer a ten- Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone as a betrothal gift for this marriage proposal."
The words "Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone" seemed to have a magical power, and Oscar swallowed back the words of refusal that were on the tip of his tongue.
He cleared his throat and said, "Since Your Majesty such a suggestion, I will certainly do my best to try."
"Of course, it's not because I'm greedy for those things..."
"I understand, I understand."
Xia Tian waved his hand, his smile deepening, and said, "Go back and prepare. We'll set off in three days."
"The Empire will provide you with paperwork and entourage."
The two exchanged a smile; many things didn't need to be said.
Ao Chen City is located in the southern border of the Cang Lan Empire and was once a hereditary fiefdom granted to the Zhu Clan by the Star Luo Empire.
After the empire was unified, this place was still governed by the Zhu Clan. The current City Lord is the former Spirit Cat Duke, the father of Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhu Qing.
When Oscar arrived, the ancient city was immersed in a strange kind of liveliness.
Young Soul Master dressed in fine clothes could be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys, and the teahouses and taverns were buzzing with discussion, all revolving around one thing: the eldest daughter of the Zhu Clan was choosing a husband.
The process of choosing a son-in-law is so simple as to be almost arbitrary: register basic information such as name, age, Martial Soul, and Soul Power Level in the side hall of the City Lord Manor, and then walk slowly past a hanging gauze curtain.
A figure could be vaguely seen behind the curtain, but its face was unclear.
However, it should be Zhu Zhuyun, or someone else from the Zhu Clan.
After completing this trip, you can return to your accommodation and wait for news.
"What kind of screening is this?"
Among the young talents from the Empire who came with Oscar, some couldn't help but mutter to themselves.
"No face-to-face meeting, just one look and you're ready to make a decision?"
"The Zhu Clan must have their own reasons."
Another person whispered, "I heard there have been several rounds of screening already. Those who have made it this far have basically met all the basic requirements."
"That last glance... perhaps it was just a matter of first impressions?"
Oscar did not participate in the discussion.
He registered his information according to the procedure: 25 years old, level 57 food-type Soul King, Martial Soul Sausage, Innate Full Soul Power.
When he reached the gauze curtain, his steps were steady and composed. He nodded calmly behind the curtain before turning and leaving.
That afternoon, Oscar received the message at the inn where he was staying.
The Zhu Clan family steward personally visited and handed him a gold-embossed invitation, saying, "Young Master Ao, my young lady invites you."
"The marriage is arranged; the wedding will be held in one month."
The imperial talents who accompanied him had complex expressions, including envy, confusion, and a hint of relief.
After all, Oscar is really good-looking, especially his captivating eyes.
To be precise, Oscar is seen by many as a Xiao Bai, so it's not too surprising that Zhu Zhuyun took a liking to him.
At that moment, Oscar accepted the invitation, his fingertips touching the delicate texture of the paper.
He recalled Emperor Xia Tian's meaningful smile, the rumors about the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone, and the days he had spent gradually working his way up within the imperial system.
The path of Food Soul Master is never easy.
Even with Innate Full Soul Power and the support of the empire, one still needs an opportunity and reliance to truly gain a foothold.
The marriage alliance with the Zhu Clan may well have been such a turning point.
A month later, the City Lord Manor in Aochen was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.
The wedding wasn't as sensational as the one held by the young sect leader of the Clear Sky Sect, but it still attracted a large number of guests.
The Zhu Clan has extensive connections, Cang Lan Empire sent an official to attend, with representatives from all the major sects and aristocratic families also present.
Oscar, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, watched as Zhu Zhuyun, also in a Wedding Dress, slowly walked towards him, supported by her maids.
A red silk veil covered her face, revealing only her slender figure and the composed demeanor that subtly emanated from her as she walked.
The ceremony included bowing to Heaven and Earth, toasting guests, and everything was done according to proper etiquette.
During the banquet, Oscar finally saw his new wife's face.
Her features are striking and bold, with a touch of sassiness in her eyes. When she looks at people, her gaze is calm, conveying a sense of composure that comes from life's experiences.
She raised her glass to greet the guests, her words and actions perfectly appropriate, displaying both elegance and grace.
"My father said that although you appear gentle, you are actually very resilient."
When the toasts were being offered to the head table, Zhu Zhuyun suddenly whispered something.
"Having rendered meritorious service in the Extreme North Land, and not being Soul Master raised in a greenhouse, that's a good thing."
"Moreover, your talent is truly remarkable. Although you are a food-type, which makes your combat strength a bit weak, you possess Innate Full Soul Power, making your aptitude exceptional."
"I imagine that if we have offspring, they will definitely be exceptionally talented."
"As for your combat strength, that has never been an issue. Our Zhu Clan has no shortage of combat strength; what we lack are other things."
"And you fit the family's choice perfectly."
"Besides that, I'm very satisfied with you as a person."
Looking at Oscar's face, Zhu Zhuyun's ears couldn't help but turn a little red.
Oscar looked up and met her scrutinizing gaze.
Oscar understood the meaning in that gaze all too well, and his legs went weak.
"You flatter me, Miss."
Oscar raised his glass and said, "I look forward to your guidance in the future."
"Now that you're married, there's no need to call me 'Miss' anymore."
Zhu Zhuyun smiled slightly and said, "Just call me Zhu Yun."
The two wine glasses clinked together lightly.
As Oscar finished his drink, he suddenly remembered the little boy who ran through the smoke from the cooking fires in the military camp many years ago.
Fate, like an invisible thread, led him from a small village on the border of Bala to the military camp of Silves, to the Soul Hunting Town beside Sunset Forest, to the power center of Douluo City, and finally to this ancient southern city, and to the woman beside him.
The path of Food Soul Master may become more stable from today onwards.
As the red candles went out, Oscar witnessed firsthand the physique and energy of a thirty-year-old Beast Martial Soul Master on their wedding night.
In the days that followed, Zhu Zhuyun treated him very well, but the demands contained in this "well-being" gradually overwhelmed Oscar.
In just one month, he had noticeably lost weight, and a few glaring white hairs had even quietly appeared at his temples.
Inside the Zhu Mansion mansion, a Healing Soul Master had just gathered the blue light in his palm.
A warm current flowed through Oscar's body, finally bringing back some strength.