Chapter 421 - 220: Who Will You Choose, Me or My Sister

Chapter 421: Chapter 220: Who Will You Choose, Me or My Sister

Nie Family, Grand Conference Hall.

Candlelight blazed, illuminating the hall as if it were day. ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

The finest Nanhai sandalwood smoke curled up from a bronze, beast-shaped censer.

It traced elegant patterns in the air, yet it could not disperse the heavy atmosphere.

Patriarch Nie Tiankun of the Nie Family and the clan’s Grand Elder, Nie Baichuan, sat opposite each other. Both wore grave expressions as they discussed the partnership previously proposed by Chu Zhengnan.

"This Commander Chu... It seems he’s determined to stir up a storm in Yunzhou."

Grand Elder Nie Baichuan stroked the long beard on his chin, his voice low.

"The court is clearly still furious about the Taiping Dao rebellion. This move is not surprising."

Nie Tiankun nodded slightly, seemingly understanding of the situation.

The Taiping Dao rebellion that swept through most of Yunzhou last year was simply too massive.

Although the court later paid a considerable price to suppress it with the help of many major powers from Yunzhou and Qingzhou.

But anyone with discerning eyes could see that the shadows of certain top-tier powers must have been pushing things from behind the scenes.

The court may have been forced to endure it at the time, but settling scores later and making an example of some to warn others was to be expected.

Even if the court’s authority was not what it was in its heyday, it was still the behemoth that ruled the Twelve Provinces of the Central Plains. Its foundations were so deep that no single family or clan could afford to slight it.

Once it freed up its hands and resolved to bring the regions to heel, the power and resources it could mobilize were enough to make any faction wary.

"As the head of the clan, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Nie Baichuan raised his eyes.

"I believe the Nie Family can go with the flow, join in, and seize the benefits we deserve."

Nie Tiankun sat up straighter, his tone serious.

"This might not be a bad thing for our Nie Family."

Unlike purely Jianghu Sects, the Nie Family was a Noble Clan with a thousand-year history. Its relationship with the court was already deeply intricate and intertwined.

Whether in the Central Court Hall or in the various levels of Yunzhou’s local Government Offices, Military Preparation Army, and Jingwu Bureau, Nie Family disciples, students, and old associates were widespread. Their interests were already deeply bound together.

Flatly refusing Chu Zhengnan in this matter would not only risk souring their relationship with this influential Commander—and by extension, the court powers behind him—but it could even displease the reclusive Emperor Mingjing. The losses would far outweigh the gains.

"Since you have weighed the options clearly, then proceed as you see fit."

Nie Baichuan nodded slowly but then added a reminder.

"However, you must handle the nuances and timing carefully. We must demonstrate the Nie Family’s support for the court, but we cannot be the ones charging at the vanguard and becoming the target of all criticism."

"Rest assured, Grand Elder," Nie Tiankun promised solemnly.

With the official business settled, the slightly tense atmosphere in the hall eased somewhat.

Nie Tiankun picked up the Spirit Tea beside him and took a sip. Looking at Nie Baichuan, he turned the conversation to family matters.

"Xiangjun already informed me of the situation upon her return. She said that Chen Sheng of Ning’an Prefecture is a young man of excellent character, methods, and potential. I wonder, Grand Elder... are you more inclined to have Lingshan or Lingxi marry him?"

At the mention of his two precious granddaughters, a complex look appeared on Nie Baichuan’s stern face.

"As for those two girls... I do not wish to interfere too much. Marriage is a family decree, and they cannot escape it. But as for which one of them it will be... let them choose for themselves.

"Whether it is ultimately Lingshan or Lingxi, I... will not forcibly stand in their way."

Nie Tiankun nodded slightly, not too surprised by this.

Nie Lingshan and Nie Lingxi had been clever and lovely since childhood, and were deeply doted on by the Grand Elder.

Although a family marriage alliance was unavoidable, the Grand Elder would still give them some room to choose for themselves within limited parameters.

"Regarding Chen Sheng, since Xiangjun has given her approval and the clan has no objections, the matter is basically settled."

Nie Tiankun continued along the same topic.

"Then... what about the other marriage alliance? Is the Grand Elder more inclined toward the Vast Sea Sect, Zhenyuan Palace, or the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect?"

Nie Baichuan pondered for a moment, his aged fingers tapping lightly on the back of his chair.

"The Vast Sea Sect has old grudges with our Nie Family; a single marriage would be hard-pressed to truly resolve them, so the alliance would have limited meaning. As for Zhenyuan Palace, while there is no enmity between us, their strength is transcendent and their independence too great. The actual benefits our Nie Family could gain from an alliance with them would likely be few."

"In my opinion... the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect might be more suitable. The sect has expanded rapidly in Nanzhao Prefecture in recent years and is on the verge of dominating the region. Because of this, however, they are also in urgent need of a more powerful backer.

"If our Nie Family forms an alliance with them, we can both bring their power into our sphere of influence, increasing our say in the southwestern part of Yunzhou, while the costs and risks involved would be relatively controllable."

Hearing this, Nie Tiankun nodded in deep agreement.

"Your insight, Grand Elder, coincides with my own."

"In that case, after Lingshan and Lingxi have made their choice, the remaining one shall be betrothed to the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect."

Nie Baichuan made the final decision.

"Very well."

...

Meanwhile, Chen Sheng, who was temporarily staying at the Jingwu Bureau headquarters in Yunzhou, had been spending his days quite productively and smoothly, thanks to Chu Zhengnan’s clear support and instructions.

Not only did he have the authority to review numerous files and records on Yunzhou’s various factions, geography, and secret histories, he also gained a clearer and deeper understanding of the province’s power dynamics and undercurrents.

Furthermore, with Chu Zhengnan’s written order, he was able to enter the Jingwu Bureau’s Secret Technique Pavilion and make copies of several high-quality Cultivation Techniques and Secret Techniques.

If these manuals were to circulate in the outside world, they would be considered a heaven-sent opportunity for any ordinary Loose Cultivator.

Even for Chen Sheng, they were an exceptionally valuable supplement to his collection and knowledge.

One of them, a Body Technique Secret Art called "Nine Steps to Heaven," particularly caught his eye.