The reason wasn't complicated.
First, he was currently at the height of his fame and worried someone might scheme against him over this matter.
Second, the Black Dragon Stronghold had two grandmaster-level martial artists, and he didn't trust Duan Yanqing.
Ding Dian—he feared someone might target him and, through him, scheme against Ding Dian.
Third, it had been a month or two since he'd heard from Murong Fu, and he wanted to check on the situation.
So, with no major matters pressing, he didn't mind making the trip himself.
This time, to save time, he brought people along and rode hard, whipping the horses all the way.
After four days, they arrived at the shores of Taihu Lake in Gusu.
Manjue Villa.
"Mother-in-law, your son-in-law has come to pick up Yuyan." Li Daoqiang gave Li Qingluo a slight nod and a light smile.
Li Qingluo's gaze held considerable satisfaction. She had originally thought Li Daoqiang wouldn't come in person.
Unexpectedly, he had.
This greatly honored her.
"Hmm." She nodded calmly, maintaining a composed expression, and said indifferently, "Daoqiang, let me introduce you. These two are from my Wang family's main branch in Lin'an.
They are also Yuyan's uncles."
Hearing this unfamiliar form of address and those words, and seeing the faint, smug pride in his mother-in-law's brows, Li Daoqiang immediately understood.
With a hint of a smile, he looked at the two middle-aged men beside him, gave a slight nod, and said nothing.
An air of superiority was unmistakable.
The two men felt a bit uncomfortable but showed no sign of it.
They both clasped their hands in greeting, wearing friendly smiles.
"We've long heard of Chief Li's reputation. Meeting you today, it's truly well-deserved. You and Yuyan are a match made in heaven, hahaha!" one said cheerfully.
The other quickly added with a laugh, "Indeed, this marriage is truly a perfect match."
Li Qingluo's lips curled into a cold smile, tinged with mockery.
She straightened her back even more.
In all these years, this was the first time she'd seen these two so humble.
"You flatter me." Li Daoqiang's smile grew a bit, but he still only spoke lightly.
His haughty attitude remained unchanged.
The two men didn't mind and continued to praise him in unison.
Li Daoqiang accepted it all, watching his mother-in-law grow more and more arrogant, finding it amusing.
He was happy to indulge her.
With his backing, his mother-in-law would surely gain more status and benefits in the Lin'an Wang family.
And then, naturally, he would reap corresponding rewards.
Of course, with Yuyan as the link, the Lin'an Wang family was now tied to him.
Thus, he also became a layer of their foundation.
This was one of the terrifying aspects of marriage alliances among great families.
Mutual benefit, layer upon layer, with tangled relationships.
Touch one, and you might unknowingly provoke a whole group.
Since this situation applied to him, he had no objection.
The martial world was never just about fighting and killing.
And his attitude was fine.
Li Qingluo hadn't even introduced the names of these two men.
Clearly, though they held some status in the Lin'an Wang family, they weren't at the top.
Given his current strength and position, he could ignore them.
Their attitude said it all.
He also understood why the Lin'an Wang family hadn't sent their top figures.
First, he was still a bandit.
Second, Wang Yuyan wasn't explicitly his principal wife.
Under these circumstances, naturally, no top-tier figures would come.
After a while, he sent the two men off.
Li Qingluo's smile grew warmer. "The Lin'an Wang family has sent quite a dowry this time, totaling about one million taels of silver.
Plus what I've prepared, the people you brought probably aren't enough. Better to use Manjue Villa's people."
Li Daoqiang's eyes flickered. That dowry was no small matter.
He nodded with a smile. "Whatever you say, Mother-in-law."
Li Qingluo paused, then sobered. "The Lin'an Wang family clearly wants to win you over. That's no surprise, but don't trust them lightly."
"Haha, of course. Rest assured, Mother-in-law." Li Daoqiang said confidently.
Li Qingluo nodded and said no more.
She trusted Li Daoqiang wouldn't be taken advantage of.
Besides, the Wang family was, after all, Yuyan's natal family.
The stronger the natal family, the higher Yuyan's status.
So a brief reminder was enough; saying more would be self-defeating.
"Mother-in-law, if you have nothing else, you might also visit the Lin'an Wang family more often. We're all relatives, after all—blood is thicker than water, wouldn't you say?" Li Daoqiang said gently with a smile.
Li Qingluo's eyes flickered. Instinctively, she felt Li Daoqiang had ulterior motives.
Then, she let it go.
That was normal. It showed Li Daoqiang knew how to leverage every relationship, which was clever.
She nodded seriously. "Don't worry, I will."
The implication was clear: she understood and would help build connections.
Li Daoqiang caught it and nodded in satisfaction.
After discussing the matter of picking up Wang Yuyan, he headed to Yanzihu.
"Brother Murong, thank you for coming to pick me up in person."
At the bow of the boat, Li Daoqiang said politely with a smile.
"Brother Li, you're too kind. Coming to pick up Cousin Yuyan and visiting my Canhe Manor is my honor," Murong Fu replied very courteously.
His attitude was naturally more deferential.
The reason was simple: Li Daoqiang's actions in the Apricot Grove.
Overwhelming strength could change everything.
As they chatted amiably, it was as if they were just catching up and exchanging friendship.
That night, Murong Fu hosted a banquet for Li Daoqiang, and his two sisters also appeared.
The charming A'zhu and A'bi carried themselves with a bit more of a refined lady's demeanor.
Clearly, they had undergone considerable training recently.
Li Daoqiang exchanged a few pleasantries with them before they excused themselves.
After all, they were women, with more formalities.
Over an hour later, the banquet ended.
After settling Li Daoqiang, Murong Fu, with a grave expression, discussed matters with Deng Baichuan in the study.
"Still no definite news from that side?" Murong Fu asked, somewhat dissatisfied.
Deng Baichuan felt helpless. Though this matter seemed to be under his charge, it was actually handled by Murong Bo.
He didn't know how far it had progressed.
But after so long, only two messages had come, both saying they were still deliberating.
The young master's displeasure was understandable.
He said solemnly, "Young master, still none. But that's normal.
This matter is no small thing. The three families on that side must be carefully discussing it.
And the candidate isn't easy to choose."
"Hmph, I think they simply don't take the matter of restoring the kingdom to heart," Murong Fu said coldly.
Deng Baichuan remained silent. This wasn't something he could comment on.
After a few moments, Murong Fu calmed down. "There are currently three eligible young ladies on that side. Who do you think is most likely?"
Deng Baichuan thought for a moment. "Young master, among the three, Miss Murong Jiu and Miss Murong Xian are still young and much doted on at home.
I've heard they have lively personalities and might find it hard to adapt to the Black Dragon Stronghold.
Miss Murong Qiudi, on the other hand, has reportedly helped Master Murong Zheng manage household affairs for several years. She's steady and mature.
In terms of ability and temperament, Miss Qiudi should be the most suitable.
However, Miss Qiudi has quite a reputation in the Ming Empire's martial world. Marrying her to Li Daoqiang might cause significant repercussions.
So their hesitation is understandable."
"Hmph, they hesitate, but the longer this drags on, the worse it gets. The sooner, the better," Murong Fu said, still dissatisfied.
Deng Baichuan nodded in agreement.
Of course, sooner was better.
Having her bear Li Daoqiang a child early would bind him.
"Qiudi is indeed a good choice. I'll send another letter later, focusing on Qiudi.
Send it as fast as possible. What repercussions? With a little arrangement, given Li Daoqiang's current strength and status, what repercussions could there be?" Murong Fu said with irritation.
"Yes."
Deng Baichuan could only respond.
Soon, a letter personally written by Murong Fu left Yanzihu, heading swiftly toward the Ming Empire.
(I feel ashamed facing everyone. I slacked off another day. The medicine I've been drinking has left me with no energy. I lay in bed and typed this out bit by bit on my phone.)
······