Li Qingluo's heart skipped a beat, a flicker of panic rising within her. She didn't know what to say and fell silent.
Li Daoqiang didn't mind. This mother-in-law of his was no pushover; even he sometimes couldn't grasp what she was thinking. Of course, he didn't care either. As long as she wouldn't harm him, that was enough.
After having lunch with Li Qingluo, Li Daoqiang hurriedly left. Li Qingluo watched the boat fade into the distance until it vanished. Her expression shifted unpredictably for a long moment before she turned and returned to the manor.
Patiently taking a boat back to Canhe Manor, Li Daoqiang found Murong Fu. "Brother Murong, I have a matter I need to trouble you with," Li Daoqiang said, his expression turning serious.
Murong Fu's heart tightened. Here it comes. Feeling a mix of tension and anticipation, he replied without hesitation, his tone resolute: "Brother Li, you're too polite. Your matters are my matters. Speak freely. I, Murong Fu, would go through fire and water for you without hesitation."
"Good, I, Li Daoqiang, haven't misjudged you. Brother Murong, then I won't stand on ceremony." Li Daoqiang declared boldly.
"Please, go ahead." Murong Fu gestured cooperatively.
Li Daoqiang's expression shifted slightly, tinged with recollection and delight, as he slowly said, "Last night, I met a rare and extraordinary woman named Murong Qiudi. To be honest with you, Brother Murong, I was smitten at first sight. Since I've encountered such a remarkable woman, how could I let her slip away?"
His face grew solemn, and he spoke earnestly: "Brother Murong, you know me. I've never liked forcing women. For every woman I cherish, my feelings are genuine. Qiudi is your clan sister, so I'd like to ask you to play matchmaker once more, to arrange a marriage between Qiudi and me. That way, our bond can grow even closer. Brother Murong, what do you think?"
Murong Fu's expression was grave and serious. After a moment's thought, he nodded slowly and affirmed, "Brother Li, Qiudi is the most outstanding woman of the Murong clan. Of course, if you wish to marry her, it's certainly possible. I wholeheartedly support it. However..." A hint of hesitation appeared, as if he wanted to say something but held back.
"Brother Murong, speak your mind. Whatever it is, it won't affect our friendship," Li Daoqiang said firmly.
"Then I'll be direct." Murong Fu nodded, his tone serious: "Brother Li, you're well aware of Qiudi's excellence. According to the Murong clan in Ming, they never intend to let her marry out. You should understand the reasons. So, while you're more than worthy of Qiudi, they won't agree."
Li Daoqiang frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then nodded slowly and said in a low voice, "I understand. That's not unreasonable. No one would want to marry off such an outstanding daughter; they'd only seek a son-in-law who joins the family. The fault lies in Qiudi being too exceptional. Brother Murong, rest assured. I, Li Daoqiang, am a reasonable man, and I never force women. Besides, we're friends, so it's fine. I won't insist."
His tone carried a hint of regret but remained open, showing a magnanimous spirit of being able to let go.
Murong Fu was taken aback, a sudden shock hitting him. Could Li Daoqiang really give up? It wasn't impossible. Li Daoqiang indeed never forced women—even the enchantress Wanwan was by his side without coercion. It was conceivable he might choose to back out for various reasons. The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. But he didn't panic. He nodded and expressed gratitude: "Thank you for your understanding, Brother Li."
Pausing, his expression hardened with resolve: "But please rest assured, Brother Li. Since you consider me a friend, I, Murong Fu, will never betray your trust and loyalty. No matter what, I will do my utmost to make this happen."
Li Daoqiang's face grew serious, appearing moved. The next moment, he slapped Murong Fu heavily on the shoulder and declared with bold vigor, "Good brother."
Murong Fu felt a surge of joy and replied earnestly, "It's only right, Brother Li. You're too kind."
"Enough pleasantries. If this succeeds, I'll remember it all," Li Daoqiang said, patting his chest with sincerity.
"Brother Li, truly, there's no need for such courtesy." Murong Fu shook his head repeatedly, his tone full of genuine warmth.
After a pause, he added cautiously, "But I'm sure you can guess this isn't simple. They'll likely have extraordinary demands. So, Brother Li..."
Li Daoqiang nodded inwardly. After several setbacks in society, Murong Fu had finally matured. He knew that taking the matter entirely upon himself just now might harm Murong Qiudi's standing after marriage. So he quickly added weight to her position. His demeanor, tone, and gestures were flawless. He had truly grown up. Strangely, Li Daoqiang felt a hint of satisfaction. After all, he'd played a significant role in that growth.
Without any hesitation, he assured him, "Brother Murong, go ahead and negotiate. No matter what, I won't put you in a difficult position. Besides, you know as well as I do that by now, there aren't many things in this world I can't accomplish."
His calm tone carried an overwhelming dominance, leaving Murong Fu envious and convinced. He nodded without a second thought, expressing his trust.
"Then, Brother Li, please wait. After the wedding, I'll go discuss it."
"Good, no rush. For now, your wedding takes priority," Li Daoqiang said politely.
After a few more pleasantries, Li Daoqiang took his leave. Murong Fu was startled again—had he done something wrong? He quickly asked, "Have I been remiss in hospitality, Brother Li, that you're leaving in such haste?"
"Brother Murong, you misunderstand. I truly have urgent matters to attend to. That's why I came to visit a few days early. I'm sorry for the short stay," Li Daoqiang said with genuine apology.
Murong Fu felt a bit relieved—it wasn't his fault. Yet a weight settled in his heart. With Li Daoqiang gone, many things would be harder to control. Finding another opportunity like this would be difficult. But he had no reason to stop him and couldn't. He could only exchange more polite words.
After they parted, Murong Fu immediately convened a meeting with Murong Zheng and Murong Qiudi in the secret chamber. He recounted the details in full and sighed, "No wonder Li Daoqiang arrived so early. He truly had important business and came early to show me respect."
Murong Zheng and his daughter believed it. Li Daoqiang had come early without Wang Yuyan, and there was no reason for him to deceive them. They couldn't help but lament the poor timing.
After a moment of silence, Murong Qiudi smiled faintly and said, "There's no rush. His leaving a few days early isn't a big deal. As long as he still harbors thoughts of me, a delay of a few months might even be beneficial."
Murong Zheng and Murong Fu pondered this, said little, and simply nodded. After a brief discussion, they dispersed.
The next day, Li Daoqiang left Canhe Manor with his people, seeing off by Murong Fu as they departed Lake Tai. They moved swiftly, heading northwest.
After a short while, Wanwan couldn't help but ask in a coquettish tone, "Chief, are you really leaving just like that?"
"What else should I do?" Li Daoqiang replied with interest.
"The beauty hasn't been won yet," Wanwan teased with a playful smile.
"Heh, it's only a matter of time. Why rush? I never hurry when it comes to beauties," Li Daoqiang said with a smile, his gaze meaningful as he looked at Wanwan.
Wanwan instinctively moved back a little, a chill running through her heart. She knew the remark was aimed at her. Quickly steadying her heartbeat, she naturally changed the subject: "Chief, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Is there something more important than a beauty?"
"You little girl, if you want to know, just ask. And you dare to provoke me with a challenge?" Li Daoqiang said with a faint smirk.
"Wanwan was wrong." Wanwan's face instantly drooped, and she admitted her mistake pitifully, faster than a child caught misbehaving.
Li Daoqiang glanced at her and chuckled, "Not bad. Making mistakes isn't the issue; it's the attitude that matters."
Wanwan fumed inwardly. *I'll admit my mistakes today, but one day, I'll make you pay for all of them.* On the surface, she nodded obediently, looking agreeable.
Li Daoqiang withdrew his gaze and said seriously, "There are only two things more important than a beauty: enough silver, and another beauty."
Wanwan's eyes flickered imperceptibly, a slight relief washing over her. From his tone, it seemed likely about a woman. That probably meant it wasn't related to her master's affairs. So her master was still doing well, without needing Li Daoqiang's intervention. Good.
Thinking this, she feigned curiosity and asked meekly, "So, Chief, is this about silver or a beauty?"
Li Daoqiang smiled, and gradually, an unshakable determination emerged in his expression—an indescribable, domineering resolve. He glanced at Wanwan and said softly, "A beauty. One I'm determined to have."
Wanwan was stunned, a shock running through her. She had never seen such an intense, resolute stance toward a woman before. Not even toward her had Li Daoqiang shown this. Suddenly, a sour feeling stirred within her, along with a fierce curiosity and defiance toward that woman. Why her? Though she knew this emotion wasn't good, Wanwan couldn't help it. She was silent for a few seconds, then narrowed her eyes slightly and gave Li Daoqiang a deep look.
(Chapter 2, thanks for the support. That's all, sleep well.) ......