Although he had already guessed as much and even deliberately voiced it earlier, that was merely a test. Murong Fu couldn't be certain whether Li Daoqiang had truly reached the level of a peerless expert. Now, hearing Li Daoqiang say it himself, he was sure. The bandit before him, likely younger than himself, had indeed attained the realm of a peerless expert.
His mind stirred—jealousy and resentment arose, then quietly faded. Even the hidden bitterness within him dissipated by more than half. The turbulent emotions he felt about Li Daoqiang marrying Yuyan calmed down. Befriend him. Do everything possible to befriend Li Daoqiang. This thought surged violently, dominating most of his thoughts.
"Brother Li, rest assured. Leave this matter to me. I will ensure that Cousin Yuyan marries you. I will never reveal your strength," Murong Fu vowed firmly, almost patting his chest. His tone grew more intimate, directly referring to himself as "I."
"Haha, good. I'll leave this to you, Brother Murong," Li Daoqiang said with a relieved smile.
"I won't let you down, Brother Li," Murong Fu affirmed.
Li Daoqiang nodded, then added with a hint of concern, "Brother Murong, I think I've offended Madam Wang just now. I can tell. What kind of betrothal gift should I offer to satisfy her? Don't hold back—this is my affair, so speak freely."
Murong Fu was quite pleased at this. The more Li Daoqiang valued his cousin, the better. After a moment's thought, he said, "Brother Li, my aunt has always had a temper. But with my persuasion, combined with your status and strength, as long as you show sincerity, that should be enough."
Li Daoqiang nodded thoughtfully, then paused and said earnestly, "How about this? I'm willing to offer ten million taels of silver as a betrothal gift. Brother Murong, tell your aunt that as long as I marry... Yuyan, is it?"
"Yes, my cousin is eighteen this year, her name is Yuyan," Murong Fu quickly confirmed.
"Mm. Tell your aunt that once I marry Yuyan, I, Li Daoqiang, will treat her like my own mother and support her from then on," Li Daoqiang declared firmly.
"Brother Li, rest assured. I'll relay your words and persuade my aunt to agree to this marriage," Murong Fu promised without a hint of doubt, as if it were already settled.
Li Daoqiang's smile grew warmer and more sincere as he chatted amiably with Murong Fu. He was very satisfied. Murong Fu had indeed played along, worth the face he'd given him. With Murong Fu personally persuading, even if Wang Yuyan was unwilling, coupled with Li Qingluo's parental authority and matchmaker's words, she—a well-behaved girl—would have little room to resist and could only resign herself to fate. Once she accepted, it would be easy to handle. It didn't matter if she didn't love him in her heart. As long as she resigned herself and belonged to him, that was enough. As for Li Qingluo, he wasn't worried at all. She was still a sensible person.
Though Murong Fu's heart still ached faintly, his outward demeanor grew warmer and closer. With a peerless expert before him, soon to be a relative, he couldn't afford any mishaps. Cousin Yuyan must marry Li Daoqiang.
After chatting for a while, Li Daoqiang took the initiative to say, "Brother Murong, why don't you go speak to her now? I'll wait here."
Murong Fu didn't hesitate. "Good. No time like the present. Brother Li, wait a moment. I'll go propose to my aunt on your behalf."
Li Daoqiang politely stood and saw him off a couple of steps. Watching Murong Fu leave, he sat back down, content, and continued sipping tea. His thoughts drifted to that ethereal maiden. Scene by scene, vivid and clear, like the figure he'd seen on TV in his youth in another world, remembered for so long. Wang Yuyan was even more beautiful, more celestial. Truly like a poison for men. A lifetime he'd never want to forget. A smile curled at the corner of his mouth. He suppressed these thoughts and began pondering what came after obtaining Wang Yuyan. Wang Yuyan wasn't just about her beauty; she also represented many benefits. She might not know how to claim them herself, but as her husband, he couldn't let that slide.
Meanwhile, Murong Fu found Li Qingluo, who was sulking.
"Aunt."
After a respectful bow, seeing Li Qingluo still displeased with him, Murong Fu's attitude grew even more deferential. "Aunt, I've come to discuss a major matter with you."
Li Qingluo glanced at him and snorted coldly. "What major matter? Still about that Li Daoqiang?"
"Exactly," Murong Fu nodded, his expression serious.
Li Qingluo shot up, fury boiling over. "He's still not satisfied? What does he want? And are you in cahoots with him to extort me?"
"Aunt, you misunderstand. It's not that. And how could I conspire with someone to extort you?" Murong Fu shook his head helplessly.
Li Qingluo glared at him but said nothing, her anger unabated.
"Aunt, Li Daoqiang has taken a liking to Cousin Yuyan and wants to marry her," Murong Fu confessed, suppressing a pang of pain.
"What!" Li Qingluo was stunned, eyes wide in disbelief. "Li Daoqiang has his eye on Yuyan?"
"Yes, Aunt. Li Daoqiang is a peerless expert of the world, young and accomplished—a rare match. He and Cousin Yuyan are a perfect pair," Murong Fu said earnestly.
"Murong Fu, do you know that Yuyan—" Li Qingluo glared at him, holding her breath, but stopped mid-sentence. Her gaze flickered, thoughts churning. Though it was infuriating that Murong Fu was pushing Yuyan toward Li Daoqiang, on second thought, it might be a good chance to sever Yuyan's ties with him. As for Li Daoqiang... a flicker of hesitation arose.
Murong Fu's heart ached again. Pretending not to catch her meaning, he ruthlessly cut off those romantic entanglements and sincerely advised, "Aunt, I know you're hesitant, but think about it—Cousin Yuyan is of marriageable age. Li Daoqiang may be a bandit by identity, but so what? With his strength as a peerless expert, who would dare bring up his status? Even the Lin'an Wang family wouldn't utter a word. Cousin Yuyan is heavenly, but how many young men in the world can match Li Daoqiang? They are the most suitable."
He paused, then continued, "Besides, Li Daoqiang has offered ten million taels of silver as a betrothal gift and vowed to treat you like his own mother. That shows his sincerity."
Seeing Li Qingluo silent, seemingly pondering, he sighed helplessly, "Aunt, I have to say what must be said. You know what kind of man Li Daoqiang is—a bandit through and through. Once he sets his sights on something, he'll stop at nothing to get it. We can't stop him. Even the Lin'an Wang family wouldn't fight to the death for Cousin Yuyan, would they? Impossible. It's better to go along with his wishes. Become his mother-in-law, and even the Lin'an Wang family will have to treat you with respect, never daring to slight you again."
Li Qingluo's face shifted several times, as if recalling something. A trace of ruthlessness and hatred surfaced. Suddenly, she seemed to understand and shot Murong Fu a cold glare. Men, indeed, were all worthless. For the sake of his so-called restoration, he unhesitatingly pushed Yuyan into Li Daoqiang's arms. Heartless wretch. Still, some of Murong Fu's words rang true. Li Daoqiang might indeed be a good choice.
After a long silence, Li Qingluo said coldly, "Fine. I'll go see Li Daoqiang and discuss this face-to-face."
"Aunt, please." Murong Fu beamed and gestured.
Li Qingluo snorted dismissively and strode toward the main hall. Murong Fu, long accustomed to her attitude, paid it no mind.
They entered the hall. Li Daoqiang stood up courteously. Facing Li Qingluo's probing gaze, he was completely at ease, exuding confidence without a hint of restraint.
After a few seconds of silence, Li Qingluo spoke, her tone somewhat aloof: "Chief Li wants to marry Yuyan?"
"Indeed. I was captivated by Miss Yuyan at first sight, like seeing a celestial being. I must marry her," Li Daoqiang declared without hesitation, his tone firm and assertive.
Li Qingluo frowned, displeased. This was hardly the attitude of a son-in-law. But knowing his status and strength, she held back and said coldly, "Yet I've heard that Chief Li is already married."
"Haha." Li Daoqiang laughed lightly. "It's normal for a man to have multiple wives and concubines."
As Li Qingluo's face darkened, he added seriously, "But rest assured, Madam Wang. I am sincere toward Miss Yuyan. I promise to treat her well, and no one will bully her."
Li Qingluo's expression didn't improve. Her chest heaved as she suppressed her anger.
"Aunt, Brother Li is straightforward but values trust. He'll treat Cousin Yuyan well," Murong Fu interjected.
Li Qingluo gritted her teeth in silence for a moment, then said solemnly, "Fine. If you want to marry Yuyan, so be it. But the three letters and six rituals must not be omitted. You must marry my daughter properly and grandly."
"Naturally. My woman won't suffer. What other women have, mine will have. What others don't, mine will too," Li Daoqiang declared confidently.
Li Qingluo's expression softened slightly. She pressed, "Yuyan must be the principal wife."
"Heh." Li Daoqiang smiled, not objecting. "I have no issue with that, but among my women, there are top-tier experts. I'm just worried Yuyan might not hold that position steady."
Li Qingluo was at a loss for words. Murong Fu was too. He wanted Yuyan as the principal wife, but against a top-tier expert, she couldn't compete. Li Qingluo's face darkened, her chest heaving more intensely.
(Chapter 1, thanks for the support. Please subscribe for the full story.) ······