Deng Baichuan spoke.
He felt both helpless and somewhat happy for those two girls.
Helpless because he had to use them to win over Li Daoqiang.
Happy because this way, those two girls would gain a surname, their status and position would rise significantly, and they would have real security from now on, no longer just maidservants.
For them, Li Daoqiang was truly a good choice.
Murong Fu nodded solemnly, agreeing, "Brother Deng, you're right. That's exactly what should be done."
"Master, then should we choose A'Zhu or A'Bi? This matter needs to be decided early." Deng Baichuan said gravely.
Murong Fu hesitated for a moment, then said, "How about... both? The more people there are, the greater the influence on Li Daoqiang."
"Master, I think it's best to choose one from A'Zhu and A'Bi first. That way, it won't seem cheap.
Sending both together would ultimately look a bit unsightly.
Moreover, if both go together, their relationship will be the closest, and then they might inevitably develop rifts with Miss Yuyan and Miss Murong.
Only having three people from different places is the most stable.
Keep one back; if something really happens, we can send her later." Deng Baichuan spoke steadily, as if he had already thought it through.
"Brother Deng, you make a good point. At that time, the most important thing is my cousin-sister.
Sending A'Zhu and A'Bi together would indeed have a bad impact." Murong Fu nodded meaningfully.
He paused, then said firmly, "Let's choose A'Zhu first. A'Zhu is smarter and more reassuring."
Deng Baichuan nodded inwardly, thinking the same as the old master.
"Yes, Master. Shall I go handle this immediately?"
"Go ahead. Have a good talk with A'Zhu. I'll also find time to speak with her personally, formally recognize her and A'Bi as sisters, and then introduce them to Li Daoqiang." Murong Fu instructed.
"Yes." Deng Baichuan acknowledged and turned to leave.
Murong Fu sat alone, pondering for a long time, secretly feeling somewhat pleased.
Thank goodness Brother Deng realized this.
I was truly muddled at first.
I had overlooked the marriage alliances of noble families.
My cousin-sister, my maternal cousin, plus A'Zhu—three of them together—that's how I'll bind Li Daoqiang tightly to my Murong family.
As long as my cousin-sister bears Li Daoqiang's child, creating a blood connection, everything will be stable.
It's a pity he didn't have a biological sister.
Otherwise, it would be even better.
But a cousin-sister, plus a maternal cousin and A'Zhu, is not much different from a biological sister.
With that thought, he felt relieved.
In Li Daoqiang's room.
He had no idea what the Murong family was up to, or he would have been speechless.
I'll admit it—I still underestimated you all.
And, I wasn't wrong about you.
But even though he didn't know, he wasn't the least bit worried.
He believed that Murong Bo and his son wouldn't ruin his plans.
They might even surprise him.
That was the confidence and assurance that came from being powerful and not stirring up trouble.
He was a peerless strongman, only after a single Wang Yuyan, and not causing any other trouble. Who would dare to ruin his plans?
Were they crazy?
After a quiet night of cultivation, when he saw Murong Fu the next day, he wasn't sure if it was an illusion.
Li Daoqiang felt that Murong Fu was even more enthusiastic toward him.
He directly invited him to stay longer at Yanzitai.
After a brief hesitation, Li Daoqiang agreed to stay a few more days.
After all, it wouldn't do him any harm.
Seeing Li Daoqiang agree, Murong Fu said he would return to Yanzitai first in the afternoon to prepare and then host him properly.
His warm attitude made Li Daoqiang suddenly wonder if this guy was up to some scheme.
But under the weight of his overwhelming strength, he calmly agreed.
After noon, Murong Fu indeed returned to Yanzitai alone.
Li Daoqiang naturally stayed behind in Mantuo Manor, feeling completely at ease.
In the main hall.
Li Qingluo looked at Li Daoqiang, who acted as if he were not an outsider at all, and felt stifled inside.
No matter how she looked at him, he was displeasing to the eye.
But she could only endure it, and the more she endured, the more stifled she felt.
She knew herself that this was because both of them had strong personalities, which was why it was like this.
But knowing it didn't mean she could stop being angry.
She snorted coldly many times in her heart and said in a deep voice, "Murong Fu returned to Yanzitai alone and wants you to stay a few more days. He definitely has ulterior motives. You'd better be careful."
Li Daoqiang chuckled inwardly. This Li Qingluo really didn't like Murong Fu, her attitude not polite at all.
On the surface, he smiled and said, "Mother-in-law, rest assured, your son-in-law knows what he's doing."
Li Qingluo hesitated for a moment, then said coldly, "Do you know the Murong family's background?"
"Your son-in-law does not. Mother-in-law, what do you mean...?" Li Daoqiang asked curiously.
"The Murong family are descendants of the former Great Yan Kingdom. For generations, they have taken it upon themselves to revive the Yan Kingdom. They will do anything to restore the country.
So, don't get too close to Murong Fu, and always be wary of him." Li Qingluo directly revealed the Murong family's secrets.
Although her tone was forceful, Li Daoqiang didn't mind and was even quite satisfied.
Clearly, faced with the Murong family and himself, this mother-in-law had unhesitatingly sided with him.
That was good.
"So that's how it is. Thank you for the reminder, Mother-in-law. Rest assured, I definitely won't fall for his tricks." Li Daoqiang said seriously.
Li Qingluo gave Li Daoqiang a deep look, believing his words.
This son-in-law was not only powerful.
From what he had done, it was clear he was no simple person. She didn't think Murong Fu was a match for him.
She was just giving a reminder.
"By the way, Mother-in-law, I've only met Yuyan once. We're getting married in three months. Should I meet with Yuyan again? It would be good to build some feelings." Li Daoqiang changed the subject, his expression expectant and serious.
Li Qingluo felt a bit satisfied inside. After a moment's thought, she said sternly, "Yuyan is young and hasn't experienced much. Suddenly having to marry someone, it's inevitable that she finds it hard to accept.
You can see her, but you need to be more understanding with her."
"Of course. Please rest assured, Mother-in-law. I will definitely cherish Yuyan.
If I don't cherish my own woman, who will?" Li Daoqiang agreed readily, sweet words coming easily.
Basic social skills were not a problem for him.
He was marrying her daughter, so of course he had to say nice things.
Don't think that his attitude toward Li Qingluo had always been quite forceful—that was because of his strength and status.
He was also worried that this shrewd mother-in-law might take advantage of his humility to push further.
So he maintained a forceful attitude, only softening his words slightly.
As long as it wasn't a matter of principle, he would be very tolerant and not care.
After all, he was marrying her daughter.
Giving her some respect was also giving respect to himself.
Li Qingluo nodded, the coldness in her brows easing a bit.
"Then tonight, you and Yuyan can have dinner together."
"Good. Our first family meal together should be grand." Li Daoqiang said happily.
Then, he seemed to realize something, shook his head, and said seriously, "Too grand wouldn't feel like a family meal; that wouldn't be good."
He thought for a moment, raised an eyebrow, and smiled, "I've got it."
"Duan Yanqing, go catch a few fish yourself and send them to the kitchen."
He said to the outside, then turned to Li Qingluo with a smile, "Mother-in-law, I came in a hurry and didn't bring anything good.
Let a grandmaster catch a fish to show my sincerity.
Tonight, our family doesn't need to be too formal. Simple is better—simple shows warmth."
Li Qingluo watched Li Daoqiang talking to himself, her expression first dazed.
A family~!
This guy really didn't hold back at all.
Then, her expression stiffened.
A grandmaster specifically catching fish!
Was this the dignity of a peerless strongman!
The corners of her mouth twitched slightly, and she suddenly found herself looking forward to that fish.
Not for any other reason, but because it was her son-in-law's gesture.
Her brows softened even more.
Looking at Li Daoqiang, he wasn't so displeasing to the eye anymore.
This guy really knew how to handle people.
Li Daoqiang, who had been closely watching Li Qingluo's expression, immediately noticed.
He smiled inwardly.
In his last world, the best way for a son-in-law to deal with a mother-in-law was to flaunt wealth.
Flaunting wealth was nothing to him.
Flaunting power and status had a much greater impact.
How many women in the world could eat fish caught personally by a grandmaster-level expert?
Even Murong Fu would never specifically catch fish for Li Qingluo to eat, despite their relationship as nephew and aunt.
That was the dignity of a grandmaster and a noble scion.
If it were another grandmaster, Li Daoqiang wouldn't order them around like a servant.
But with Duan Yanqing, there was no need to be polite.
What was the use of politeness with someone who was always thinking of killing him?
It was better to seize the time and squeeze his labor dry.
Sure enough, upon hearing the order, Duan Yanqing's face turned extremely gloomy, his already ferocious features becoming even more terrifying.
But he still obediently went to do it.
"Mother-in-law, go keep Yuyan company. Tonight's first family dinner is all on me, your son-in-law." Li Daoqiang said, not holding back at all, acting like the head of the household.
Li Qingluo, unusually, didn't get angry. She kept her expression and nodded.
After Li Daoqiang left, a faint smile appeared on her face, and she went to her daughter's room.
Night fell.
In a modest room, a table of wine and dishes was set.
Li Daoqiang waited patiently. Before long, Li Qingluo arrived with a shy young girl.
It was Wang Yuyan.
The ethereal, fairy-like girl had a pale, simple face, her complexion not very good.
She glanced up at Li Daoqiang from afar, then immediately lowered her head, her face slightly red, not daring to look up again.
She just followed Li Qingluo to the table.
Li Daoqiang watched with a smile. How adorable.
"Yuyan, this is your future husband, Li Daoqiang." Li Qingluo said calmly.
Wang Yuyan's elegant, fair neck immediately turned red. Her delicate little hands were tightly clasped together, showing her agitation.
"Haha, Mother-in-law, Yuyan, let's sit down first." Li Daoqiang gestured with a smile.
Li Qingluo felt the urge to roll her eyes. He really did act like the master of the house.
And now it was "Mother-in-law," not just "mother-in-law."
Hmph.
She couldn't help but sneer inwardly, yet also felt a bit pleased.
She nodded and sat down.
Wang Yuyan sat beside her.
The table wasn't large, with only three chairs. Once seated, the three of them were very close.
Two pleasant fragrances drifted into Li Daoqiang's nose.
One was cool and faint.
The other was warm, refreshing, and carried the innocence of a young girl.
(Chapter 1, delayed today due to matters.)