Not Docile Enough, but Fit to Be a Concubine
After exchanging pleasantries, the Xiang Clan members began to head towards the area designated by the Academy.
Ordinary cultivators can only stay outside the academy, but these top forces are different. Even if they arrive early, there are places for them to go within the Academy.
The Xiang Clan people each sought out their dwellings.
As for Xiang Li's father, Xiang Ge, he was talking with Meng Yu.
It was nearly evening by then.
Although the Xiang Clan held a prominent position, the status of their Academy was not much different.
Since no other major powers have come, the Academy cannot possibly hold a special banquet to entertain them.
A short while later, Xiang Ge returned to the courtyard.
"Li'er, why don't you go and visit Shen Wenxi, so you can learn more about your fiancée?" Xiang Ge said, looking at her.
Xiang Li gently shook his head:
"As my father says, this matter is bound to succeed. If that's the case, why should I lower myself to visit him in person?"
"Too."
Xiang Ge nodded:
"The Academy should take the initiative in this matter."
Beside her, Xiang Li's mother, Murong Xi, looked at Xiang Ge and asked:
What is the Academy's stance on this matter?
When this was mentioned, Xiang Ge gently shook his head and said calmly:
"The Academy should have heard some news about the matter between Li'er and Shen Wenxi. I haven't brought it up directly yet, but judging from Meng Yu's attitude, he claims that it's not easy to make a decision for that girl, so he's probably not very willing."
Upon hearing this, Murong Xi snorted coldly:
"That girl has only been in the Saint Realm for a short time, and her aptitude is clearly not that great. Our Li'er is destined to reach the pinnacle in the future. It's her good fortune to be willing to be engaged to her. If they're unwilling, then I'm unwilling too. If it's not going to work, then don't give them this opportunity, lest they benefit from our glory."
Xiang Ge waved his hand in response:
"Despite the talk, this engagement must be finalized. That Prophet has made three predictions, foretelling significant changes in the world soon. The Academy's advance Law Contemplation Gathering precisely for this purpose, to allow Li'er to quickly unite with Shen Wenxi, to harmonize yin and yang, and to enhance the fortunes of both sides. Perhaps this will allow Li'er to further improve her aptitude before the world changes."
"Just a girl, with no background or connections. She only benefits from the Academy's attention. How could she possibly have such a big advantage?" Murong Xi shook her head.
Anyway, I don't think that girl is anything special.
Xiang Ge smiled and shook his head, saying:
"This girl is no simpleton either. Xiang Qing confirmed several times that Shen Wenxi isn't as simple as she seems; she's likely hiding something. You know her abilities."
After a pause, Xiang Ge looked at Xiang Li again and said:
"Besides, this matter is ultimately related to Li'er."
"Li'er, what do you think of Shen Wenxi?"
Murong Xi also looked over.
"His cultivation level is a bit low, but his appearance is acceptable, however,"
Xiang Li shook his head:
"I don't like her temperament; she's not obedient enough. She'd be fine as a concubine, but if we're going to make her the principal wife, I'm afraid Father and the Lineage will have to reconsider."
Murong Xi nodded in agreement:
"Of course she can't be the principal wife. This isn't the Academy; we're not a good match. How can I let her be my principal wife?"
Upon hearing Xiang Ge said:
"We certainly won't make her our principal wife, but the Academy has a long-standing reputation and influence, and many people within the Academy care a lot about their image. We still need to maintain appearances in this matter."
"Our Xiang Clan has made a marriage agreement with Shen Wenxi as the principal wife. If she doesn't give us face, that's a matter for the Academy. As for whether she'll be a wife or a concubine after the marriage, who cares about what the marriage agreement says?"
Just then, a servant's voice rang out from outside:
"Master, the warm bath is ready."
Upon hearing this, Xiang Ge looked at Murong Xi and said:
"Madam, let's go relax."
Finally, he also said to Xiang Li:
"Your academy has also made preparations. The hot bath is a specialty of the Academy; Li'er, you should experience it too."
After the voice faded, the two left.
The Academy.
"The Xiang Clan's intentions, as rumored, are not merely about observing the Dharma. The fact that Xiang Ge mentioned marriage suggests he has plans for Wenxi."
After the initial contact, several important figures from the Academy also had a face-to-face meeting.
"The Xiang Clan has great ambitions. They were the ones who connected with that Saint Emperor Murong through a marriage. Now that the Academy is putting all its efforts into cultivating Wenxi, the Xiang Clan naturally has its own plans. However, Wenxi and Xiang Li haven't had much contact with each other. It's too perfunctory to settle things so hastily," someone said.
The other person shook their head:
"It's nothing more than a purely self-serving scheme. How is such a marriage different from selling Wenxi? With Wenxi's talent and intelligence, her future achievements may not be inferior to Xiang Li's. If the two of them get married, her future reputation and fame will likely all go to Xiang Li."
"That's true." One person shook his head and sighed.
"The Xiang Clan are persistent in their pursuit of their goals, unless they give up voluntarily. Since they've brought this up, they must have some plans. If we refuse, who knows what might happen."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a cold snort rang out:
"My Academy has existed for many years and enjoys a high reputation. Other Xiang Clan have only grown under the care of my Academy. Although they are currently at the height of their power, they should not dare to do anything to my Academy!"
Several people nodded slightly in agreement.
The Academy has its Academy pride; it will not easily bow down.
However, some voices still said:
"But it cannot be denied that the Xiang Clan is indeed at its zenith right now. Moreover, the Prophet this time must be a reminder of something. Xiang Li of the Xiang Clan, a person whom the Xiang Clan has been nurturing with all its might, is the descendant of two Holy Saint Emperor. If we can settle this matter with a marriage agreement as his principal wife, it would be a good match and could boost the prestige of our Academy. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea."
"Vice Dean Li." Someone looked over and said:
"What you say makes sense, but engagements shouldn't be viewed solely from a perspective of self-interest. It also depends on the mutual feelings between the two people. If Wenxi and Xiang Li have no mutual desire, then we risk falling into the trap of sacrificing for personal gain."
Vice Dean Li smiled upon hearing this:
"Although our Academy has existed for a long time, its power is not what it used to be. I believe you all understand this. Your wishes and even your emotions are private, while what I say is for the public good. Giving way to the public good is the proper course of action. Although there will be sacrifices, I believe that the necessary sacrifices are worthwhile."
At this moment, another person followed the opening and said:
"If the Xiang Clan can show sufficient sincerity, and establish this matter with a formal marriage agreement, and allow Xiang Li to the Academy, then this matter can be considered."
"Xiang Li Academy?" Someone shook their head.
"I'm afraid the Xiang Clan won't agree."
At this moment, a voice addressed Meng Yu:
"Wenxi was summoned by the dean. What are the dean's plans regarding this matter?"
Everyone looked at Meng Yu.
Meng Yu shook his head:
"Marriage is a major event for a woman, and outsiders cannot make decisions for her. Over the years, the Academy has devoted a great deal of resources and energy to cultivating Wenxi, but to use this as a reason to Wenxi do something for the Academy is nothing short of coercion, and ultimately unacceptable."