Guo Jiwang smiled calmly.
Back then, his brilliance extended far beyond simply being a successful candidate in the imperial examinations.
"So Shuangren has such a talented advisor as Mr. Guo!"
Xu Cheng remarked that it made much more sense in him that Wu Shuangren was able to accomplish so much at such a young age.
"My lord's achievements today are mostly due to his own abilities; I, Guo, have only added icing on the cake."
Guo Jiwang saw through Xu Cheng's thoughts and spoke directly.
"..."
Xu Cheng was stunned again.
My lord!
This is a title used when one considers oneself as the other party's personal retainer; it is almost exclusively reserved for the most powerful and influential.
Xu Cheng had heard of Guo Jiwang's deeds and naturally knew what a madman he had been back then.
To be able to make Guo Jiwang call him lord and willingly serve him as his lord, this Wu Shuangren...
Xu Cheng thought he had already thought highly of Wu Shuangren, but he was shocked again as soon as they met!
"Come on, everyone, please have a seat."
Wu Shuangren gestured for the group to sit down.
After the four people were seated, Wu Shuangren ordered more dishes and wine to be served.
None of them rushed to get down to business.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became more lively. Xu Cheng raised his glass and looked at Wu Shuangren:
"My son's promotion to the position of Assistant Commander of Yi Province is largely thanks to Shuangren's help. I toast you!"
Wu Shuangren raised his wine cup. "Uncle Xu, you flatter me. I was able to lead the Yi Province Militia to repel the Mount Liang rebels, and that was largely thanks to Brother Xu's help. We've all achieved something together."
Since the matter had been brought up, the conversation naturally turned to the Yuan Clan.
"The Yuan Clan of Nanyang mistakenly believed that my son was in charge of the Yi Province Militia, which is why they condescended to curry favor with my Xu Family."
Xu Cheng asked frankly, "I wonder how Shuangren plans to deal with the Yuan Clan next?"
Wu Shuangren also spoke frankly, "Next, I would like to ask the Xu Family to continue to cover up my secrets and to help me make contact with the Yuan Clan."
"Excuse my frankness, but given the status of the Yuan Clan of Nanyang, if they were to discover that we have been deceiving them all along, the consequences would likely be severe!"
This is Xu Cheng's biggest concern.
"Forgive my frankness, but if that day truly comes, with me backing the Xu Family, the Yuan Clan won't be able to do anything about it as they please."
Wu Shuangren looked directly at Xu Cheng and spoke calmly.
These words were so domineering that Xu Cheng was stunned for a moment.
He turned to look at Guo Jiwang, and even though Wu Shuangren had already shocked him enough, he was still skeptical of what he was saying.
After all, that was the head of the Four Great Aristocratic Clans!
Guo Jiwang then spoke up, "Lord Xu is worried that the Yuan Clan of Nanyang will take their anger out on the Xu Family after learning the truth, provided that the Xu Family is of no help to the Yuan Clan of Nanyang at that time. But as long as the strength of the Yi Province Militia continues to grow, such a thing will not happen."
The Yuan Clan has already taken the initiative to befriend the Xu Family because of the strength of the Yi Province Militia. As long as the Yi Province Militia grows stronger, even if the Yuan Clan learns the truth in the future, their priority will be to continue to use them, rather than to seek revenge.
Xu Cheng pursed his lips and fell into deep thought.
After a moment, he looked at Wu Shuangren and asked, "Given the strength of the Yuan Clan of Nanyang, why don't Shuangren just be honest and ask for their support?"
Wouldn't it be better to tell the truth now than to risk alienating Yuan Clan by learning the truth later?
This is what Xu Cheng couldn't understand.
"Because I only want to cooperate with the Yuan Clan, not to be dependent on them."
Wu Shuangren spoke frankly.
"..."
Xu Cheng was speechless for a moment.
He had previously thought that Wu Shuangren was not arrogant despite his youth, but now it seemed that the other party's arrogance was hidden in his heart!
Even though Wu Shuangren now Yi Province Militia and several thousand more in Rong Province, he is still not qualified to discuss cooperation with the Yuan Clan.
Only someone like Dong Zhuo of Shannan Circuit, could have spoken with the Yuan Clan on equal terms.
If Wu Shuangren reveals his identity to the Yuan Clan in order to gain Yuan Clan support, he will inevitably have to obey their Yuan Clan.
Moreover, because he had no connections in the government, it would be much easier for the Yuan Clan to control him.
Wu Shuangren clearly did not want the Yuan Clan's people to interfere in Yi Province.
The Xu Family, as a military family originating from Jiannan Circuit, may have declined, but its foundation remains. Yuan Clan wants to control them, they won't use such domineering methods.
This will give you more leeway in many things.
Xu Cheng had completely understood Wu Shuangren's plan.
What the other party truly cares about is not the Yuan Clan's support, but time!
Wu Shuangren only wanted to develop his own strength without attracting attention or being hindered.
It would be better if someone supported him, but even without support, he is confident that he can make a name for himself!
Xu Cheng realized that tonight might be the night that completely changes the fate of the entire Xu Family Lineage!
By agreeing to deceive the Yuan Clan with Wu Shuangren, the Xu family is now completely bound to them. If Wu Shuangren falls from grace in the future, the Xu Family will inevitably face the wrath of the Yuan Clan!
However, if he rejected Wu Shuangren and chose to serve the Yuan Clan, he would gain the position of Assistant General of Yi Province for free and also establish connections with the Yuan Clan.
No matter how you look at it, the latter is more reliable.
"Shuangren has just turned eighteen; is she yet to be married?"
Xu Cheng pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked.
"Ah?"
Now it was Wu Shuangren's turn to be stunned.
Xu Cheng leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest. "I have a young daughter, in the prime of her life, well-educated and reasonable, with exceptional beauty."
"Father!"
Xu Jing, who was standing to the side, suddenly became a little anxious.
Xu Cheng ignored him and stared at Wu Shuangren.
The Xu Family has indeed declined compared to its peak, but it is still considered a middle-to-upper-level Lineage in the entire Jiannan Circuit. Even if it cannot form a marriage alliance with the top aristocratic families in Jiannan Circuit, it can certainly settle for second best.
In the past, Xu Cheng would never have considered marrying his daughter to a local militia commander; it would have been beneath him!
However, if it's someone like Wu Shuangren, then that's a different story.
Even setting aside Wu Shuangren's current career, just considering his status as First Rank powerful clan like the Yuan Clan would probably be willing to take him as their son-in-law!
Xu Cheng thought about it more and more and felt that this was a good idea.
If Wu Shuangren had truly revealed his identity to the Yuan Clan, then it might not have been her daughter's turn at all!
More importantly, if the two families were to unite through marriage, there would be no more gaps in their cooperation. The Xu Family could then cooperate with Wu Shuangren in dealing with the Yuan Clan without any worries about being betrayed in the future.
Wu Shuangren will also receive the full support of the Xu Clan!
"..."
Wu Shuangren fell silent.
He certainly understood the benefits of a marriage alliance with the Xu Clan, but the matter was too sudden for him; he was completely unprepared.
Influenced by her parents in her previous life, Wu Shuangren had no expectations for marriage or love.
After becoming famous, he had many girlfriends, changing almost every year. He seemed like a playboy, but in reality, he was heartless.
If it were another woman, Wu Shuangren might have readily agreed.
But this is Xu Jing's younger sister, and judging from Xu Jing's attitude just now, he seems to value her highly.
Wu Shuangren instinctively didn't want to harm others.
? 195 The main branch of the Xu Clan, the first year of Guangxi.
Could it be that Shuangren is already engaged?
Xu Cheng Wu Shuangren looked troubled and hesitated to give an answer, Xu Cheng couldn't help but press for an answer.
Wu Shuangren realized that he couldn't hesitate, whether he agreed or not, and immediately said:
"Uncle Xu, you misunderstand. I am not engaged. I am only focused on my career and have never thought about romantic relationships. I was a little stunned for a moment. I hope you will forgive me, Uncle Xu."
Xu Cheng nodded, accepting the explanation.
Given Wu Shuangren's young age and the extent of his achievements, it's only natural that he's single-minded.
"It's time to think about marriage."
Xu Cheng stopped there.
Since it was his daughter's wedding, he couldn't appear too eager, so the two sides didn't discuss the topic again.
Wu Shuangren secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The banquet ended with everyone enjoying themselves.
After seeing Xu Cheng and Xu Jing off, only Wu Shuangren and Guo Jiwang remained in the room.
Guo Jiwang looked at Wu Shuangren and asked directly, "Does our lord have any concerns about not wanting to form a marriage alliance with the Xu Clan?"
Wu Shuangren did not answer directly, but instead asked, "Do you think I should form a marriage alliance with the Xu Clan?"
Guo Jiwang replied without hesitation, "While it may not be the best outcome, it's quite suitable."
With Wu Shuangren's talent, strength, and current achievements, his background is enough to make people overlook it.
Even if he wanted to marry the daughter of Four Great Aristocratic Clans, it wouldn't be impossible.
It's no exaggeration to say that if Wu Shuangren wanted to rise to prominence through marriage, he could do so with ease.
For example, by taking advantage of this opportunity, one can catch the eye of the Yuan Clan, become Yuan Clan son-in-law, and thus rise to prominence in one step!
But choosing this path means that Wu Shuangren's maximum potential in this life is to become a top-tier advisor.
Even if he becomes Great Grandmaster in the future, he can only become one of the pillars of the Yuan Clan, and will never become the true leader.
Because his surname is Wu, not Yuan.
Based on Guo Jiwang's understanding of Wu Shuangren, he knew that the other party would never be content to be subordinate to anyone!
Therefore, when it comes to marriage alliances, all top-tier wealthy families are out of the question.
Given Wu Shuangren's current achievements, even if he were to marry into a less prestigious family, he would still find it difficult to maintain a dominant position.
Therefore, Lineage like the Xu Family, which can be considered upper-middle class within the same region, would be the most suitable choice.
Moreover, the Xu Family is a military family, not an aristocratic family, which can make up for Wu Shuangren in military affairs, and the two complement each other.
"Does the gentleman think the Xu Family is a good fit for me?"
Wu Shuangren asked.
Guo Jiwang nodded. "Although the Xu Family has declined, their former kinship ties remain. Within Jiannan Circuit, the Xu Family's foundation and connections can be of great help to our lord."
At its peak, the Xu Family had marriage alliances with some prominent families in Jiannan Circuit. Even though it has declined now, the Xu Family's overall strength still ranks in the upper-middle range in Jiannan Circuit.
That's why the Yuan Clan mistakenly believed that the Yi Province Militia was run by the Xu Family, given their background and resources.
"In that case, I will send someone to deliver a message to my parents tomorrow."
Wu Shuangren made a decision.
Guo Jiwang looked at him. "Has the lord decided to form a marriage alliance with the Xu Family?"
Wu Shuangren nodded. "Yes!"