Uncles, cousins—especially that cousin.
Clearly, this was highly abnormal.
Over a year had passed since he first sensed Murong Fu's designs on him.
Finally, Murong Fu was about to make his move.
Li Daoqiang naturally had no objections to this and accepted it calmly.
In fact, he was even somewhat expectant and curious.
The expectation went without saying—if Murong Fu wanted to scheme against him, then Ah Zhu and Ah Bi were likely just small pawns.
His real chess piece must be extraordinary.
Li Daoqiang was confident enough to endure it, swallow the sugarcoated bait, and fire the cannonball back.
The curiosity lay in who that chess piece was.
Who could give Murong Fu enough confidence to win him over?
With this mindset, he certainly didn't mind attending Murong Fu's wedding feast and falling into his calculated trap.
But the timing was an issue.
The wedding day was half a month away.
His original plan was to head north in about ten days.
After a moment of thought, he made a decision.
If he hurried a bit, there would still be enough time.
He was genuinely quite curious and expectant about this long-prepared chess piece of Murong Fu's.
With the decision made, he immediately revised his rough plans and route.
He stepped up the handling and arrangement of Black Dragon Stronghold's affairs.
In the blink of an eye, seven days passed.
That day, Li Daoqiang led Ge Shutian, Ding Chunqiu, Kou Zhong, Gongsun Zhi, and Wanwan out of Black Dragon Stronghold, racing at full speed toward Gusu.
Three days later, they arrived in Gusu.
"Chief, your arrival is truly Murong Fu's honor," Murong Fu said at the Taihu Lake dock, accompanied by two family retainers, his demeanor respectful.
"Brother Murong, why are you being so distant? Are you saying you don't consider me a friend?" Li Daoqiang frowned slightly, feigning displeasure.
Behind him, Wanwan shot him a strange look, pondering.
What was there in the Murong family that this bandit chief wanted?
Murong Fu felt a slight relief, a hint of warmth and excitement stirring within him. He clasped his fists solemnly. "It is my fault, Brother Li."
"Haha, that's more like it. I don't have many friends in life, Brother Murong, but you're definitely one of them.
If we're friends, then we're friends—how can we judge by status, position, or strength? Brother Murong, you must never do this again." Li Daoqiang laughed heartily, his tone and expression utterly sincere.
Murong Fu was momentarily dazed, a flicker of emotion stirring within him.
He quickly suppressed it, but his confidence in his plan grew stronger.
He nodded firmly and said seriously, "Brother Li's lesson is well taken. I'll punish myself with three cups later."
"Now that's the friend I know. Let's go." Li Daoqiang said with a bold laugh.
With that, the two led the way, followed by the group boarding the boat.
Among them, many exchanged odd glances.
Once on board, while Murong Fu went to prepare some things, Wanwan transmitted her voice with a teasing laugh. "Chief, you're so good to Murong Fu."
"Oh, of course—he's my friend," Li Daoqiang replied calmly.
Suppressing a retch, Wanwan pouted pitifully. "Then my master is also your friend."
The implication was clear: why are you so harsh with her?
"That's different. Your master doesn't truly treat me as a friend.
Besides, friends are friends, and deals are deals—two separate things, not to be confused.
And I've been good enough to your master." Li Daoqiang said flatly.
Wanwan rolled her eyes adorably, ignoring the mention of Zhu Yuyan, and questioned, "How do you know Murong Fu truly sees you as a friend?"
"Heh, you'll find out in time." Li Daoqiang smirked meaningfully.
Wanwan was puzzled. How did this bastard tell the difference?
But though she didn't know, she instinctively felt it couldn't be anything good.
She was about to say more when Murong Fu returned.
Fine wine and some snacks and small dishes were brought up.
Li Daoqiang, Murong Fu, and Wanwan sat at one table, while Ge Shutian and the others sat at another.
The two tables were set up at the bow, where they drank and chatted while enjoying the scenery.
This was a routine Li Daoqiang followed every time he came.
"Brother Li, why hasn Cousin Yuyan come?" Murong Fu asked after punishing himself with three cups and offering some apologies.
To give you a better opportunity and setting, of course.
Li Daoqiang thought to himself, but outwardly he couldn't say that. He smiled and said, "Yuyan is at a critical point in her cultivation and can't be interrupted.
Before I left, she asked me to apologize to you, Brother Murong, for not being able to attend your wedding feast."
Beside him, Wanwan sneered inwardly.
That Wang Yuyan was never one for martial arts—what critical point?
So what was Li Daoqiang really here for?
"No matter, no matter. Cultivation is the most important thing. Cousin Yuyan is too polite." Murong Fu quickly raised his hand with a smile.
He was secretly relieved. Yuyan's absence saved him a lot of trouble.
They chatted and laughed all the way to Canhe Manor.
By now, the place was bustling with wedding preparations.
Noble families had many rules for weddings, and the Murong family was no exception. This time, Murong Fu's bride came from a prominent family in Lin'an.
The wedding preparations should have started long ago.
But based on the invitation sent to Li Daoqiang, it seemed rather rushed.
As if they were eager to get married.
Murong Fu personally arranged for Li Daoqiang and his group, letting them rest first, with a formal welcome banquet planned for the evening.
Li Daoqiang patiently followed the arrangements, calmly waiting.
Meanwhile.
After bidding farewell to Li Daoqiang, Murong Fu went straight to a secret chamber.
Inside, two figures were already waiting.
One was a middle-aged man with an air of righteous dignity.
The other was a gentle, elegant woman, as if she embodied the spirit of the Jiangnan waterways—a stunningly beautiful lady of noble bearing.
Several layers of power were set up to block all sound.
"Uncle, Di Mei." Murong Fu bowed to the middle-aged man and nodded to the woman.
"Fu'er, how is it?" the middle-aged man asked in a low voice, his tone warm and serious.
The woman also cast a calm gaze.
Her autumn-water eyes seemed to speak, gentle and moving like a spring breeze.
Murong Fu remained unaffected, nodding seriously. "Li Daoqiang has arrived. He only brought the demoness Wanwan, Ge Shutian, Ding Chunqiu, Gongsun Zhi, and Kou Zhong.
Wanwan seems like an obstacle, but she shouldn't be a problem—she's not yet Li Daoqiang's woman.
Everything is ready. Now we just need to arrange for Di Mei to meet him."
With that, he looked solemnly at the woman.
These two were naturally Murong Zheng and his daughter, Murong Qiudi.
After so long of planning and preparation, they used Murong Fu's wedding as an opportunity to invite Li Daoqiang and smoothly execute their plan.
Murong Zheng nodded and also looked at Murong Qiudi.
Murong Qiudi's expression didn't change at all, as if they weren't talking about her. She spoke calmly, "I have no problem. Let's proceed as planned."
Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a clear spring flowing gently, seemingly able to soothe one's emotions.
"Mm." Murong Fu nodded, then paused for a moment before speaking cautiously, "Di Mei, Li Daoqiang is no ordinary man. Though he's greedy for wealth and lust, he's definitely not the type to be blinded by beauty.
You must be careful. After marrying him, don't rush.
Slowly build your power, and it's best to bear him a child first."
Murong Zheng's expression remained unchanged, as if they weren't talking about his daughter.
Murong Qiudi's expression tightened slightly, then she nodded gracefully and said seriously, "Brother, rest assured. I understand.
No one underestimates Li Daoqiang. I won't rush. I'll slowly develop my influence in Black Dragon Stronghold until I bear his child, then strive for a higher position and greater influence there."
Murong Fu slowly nodded, seeing her calm and steady demeanor, easing his own tension.
His confidence returned.
He believed that with this cousin's abilities, she wouldn't disappoint him.
Thinking of what he'd learned about her over the past ten-plus days, he felt a subtle sense of inadequacy.
And a deep regret—why was she a woman?
Otherwise...
He quickly dismissed that impractical thought and carefully considered if there were any gaps.
"Mm, once Qiudi gives birth to Li Daoqiang's child, that's when our Murong family will fully support your rise in Black Dragon Stronghold.
Until then, take it slow." Murong Zheng added.
"Everything is arranged. It's up to Di Mei now." Murong Fu bowed to Murong Qiudi.
"Brother, you're too kind. Qiudi is also a member of the Murong family." Murong Qiudi's expression turned serious as she returned the bow.
Murong Fu felt a bit more at ease. After a moment's thought, he said reassuringly, "Di Mei, you're now clear on Ah Zhu and Ah Bi's situation. I'll leave everything to your discretion."
Murong Zheng glanced at Murong Fu, a hint of meaning flickering in his eyes, but he said nothing.
"Ah Zhu and Ah Bi are both intelligent and refined—rare beauties. They'll follow me into Black Dragon Stronghold as planned." Murong Qiudi replied without hesitation, her tone calm.
"Good. Whatever you say, Di Mei." Murong Fu relaxed, smiling.
The sun gradually set, and evening arrived.
Murong Fu held a welcome banquet for Li Daoqiang.
All four of his family retainers attended, along with Murong Zheng.
"Brother Li, this is my uncle, the head of the Murong family of Qixingtang in Ming. He came specifically for my wedding." Murong Fu introduced Murong Zheng solemnly.
Murong Zheng had already risen and bowed. "Murong Zheng greets the Chief."
"Ha, no need for formalities. I'm friends with Brother Murong, and I've long heard of your reputation, Hero Murong. Please, sit." Li Daoqiang said with a smile, giving him some face.
Murong Zheng didn't say much, just nodded to show goodwill and gratitude.
His demeanor was quite humble.
That was inevitable. Li Daoqiang's current strength and status were far beyond his, so he had no choice.
But to ensure Murong Qiudi's standing after marriage, he couldn't appear too lowly, so he kept his words brief.
He left everything to Murong Fu to handle.
(Chapter 1.) ......