Chapter 382 - 201: Confirmation of the Marriage Alliance (Part 2)

Chapter 382: Chapter 201: Confirmation of the Marriage Alliance (Part 2)

The group escorted Qin Huaiming back to the small courtyard and sat down at the stone table. Yang Zhong immediately served hot tea. Qin Huaiming picked up his cup but didn’t drink right away, instead looking at Yang Wenjian, who was standing respectfully to the side.

"Wenjian..." Qin Huaiming’s tone was affable. "How has it been getting to know that young lady from the Wang family these past two days? Don’t hold back. Speak your mind."

Yang Wenjian hadn’t expected to be asked this question first. A faint blush colored his cheeks, but he steadied himself, thought back for a moment, and replied, "Director Qin, Miss Yufei is well-mannered and educated. Her speech and bearing are those of a lady from a prominent family. It’s quite pleasant to converse with her."

He tried to suppress his youthful shyness and give an objective assessment.

"Mm..."

Qin Huaiming nodded and set down his cup. "I had someone make special inquiries about this Miss Wang. Among the direct female descendants of her generation in the Wang family, she is exceptionally well-bred. She is versed in music, skilled in calligraphy and painting, and has a calm disposition. She is not an arrogant or spoiled person."

He paused, his gaze shifting to Yang Wenjian, his tone becoming formal. "Since your initial impression is favorable, this matter can be discussed. I have already arranged a meeting with Patriarch Wang and will be paying him a visit shortly. If you are willing, we will formally negotiate your marriage to Wang Yufei. What are your thoughts?"

Yang Wenjian’s heart skipped a beat. He knew this was a momentous decision affecting not just his own future, but that of the entire Yang family. Suppressing the swirl of emotions inside him once more, he met the gazes of Qin Huaiming and his brother, Yang Wenqing, and said, "Wenjian... is willing."

Seeing his earnest expression, Qin Huaiming broke into a satisfied smile. He raised a hand to calculate the time, then said, "Good. There’s no time to lose. Wenqing, Tang Yuan, accompany me to the Wang family residence. Wenjian, you will wait here in the courtyard."

"Yes."

Yang Wenjian bowed in acknowledgment.

Qin Huaiming led the way out of the small courtyard, with Yang Wenqing and Tang Yuan following close behind.

The three of them boarded Qin Huaiming’s Flying Shuttle. The hatch closed, and the shuttle rose silently into the air.

Inside the Flying Shuttle, Qin Huaiming was piloting it himself. He suddenly spoke. "Wenqing, do you think your master is being a bit too hasty?"

Yang Wenqing, sitting in the copilot’s seat, paused to reflect before speaking frankly. "This disciple is indeed a little puzzled. A marriage alliance between two families is a major affair. Logically, it should be approached slowly, with several more meetings to deepen mutual understanding before a decision is made."

Qin Huaiming sighed. "The internal and external situation has been changing too quickly these past few years. The Jade Whale Sect is pressing forward step by step at sea, and the Merfolk Race is stirring up trouble in the shadows. The East Sea may seem prosperous, but in reality, a fierce undercurrent is surging. In times like these, many things can no longer be done by the book."

He glanced sideways at Yang Wenqing. "The Wang family has operated within the Civil Affairs Bureau system for several generations. Marrying into their family isn’t just about finding a good match for your brother. It’s for you, and for our Xuanyue Lineage, to find an ally in the East Sea—especially within the Provincial Government’s administrative system."

"More importantly..."

Qin Huaiming’s tone grew heavier. "Only by completing this marriage alliance and establishing our partnership with the Wang family can your master feel at ease transferring you out of Lingshan County. Otherwise, the foundation you’ve painstakingly built over several years there, the political achievements and prestige you’ve accumulated, could easily be taken over or erased by your successor after you leave."

Yang Wenqing carefully processed his master’s words, then asked, "Master, do you think it’s time for me to be transferred out of Lingshan County?"

"You’ve already reached the Fourth Transformation of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. It’s time to pull you from the front lines so I can personally guard you during your cultivation. After the upcoming competition between the Three Sects, you should strive to reach Fifth Transformation Perfection within three years. Then you can slowly nurture the Spiritual Qi in your Qi Sea and aim to break through to the Foundation Establishment Stage before you turn forty."

"I will follow all of Master’s arrangements."

As their conversation concluded, the Flying Shuttle began to descend. Below, the sprawling expanse of Yunxi Garden was faintly visible. Qin Huaiming focused on piloting the shuttle, guiding it toward the same visitor landing pad Yang Wenqing’s group had used the day before.

A steward from the Wang family, who had clearly been notified in advance, was already waiting respectfully with two servants. After Yang Wenqing and the others disembarked from the Flying Shuttle, he bowed and led the way, saying, "Director Qin, Director Yang, Steward Tang, the Patriarch is awaiting you in Chongde Hall. Please follow this humble one."

They passed through the familiar moon gate and covered corridors. The path was identical to the one from yesterday, but the atmosphere was more solemn than when Yang Wenqing had come alone.

Upon stepping into Chongde Hall again, they saw Wang Chongshan seated in the host’s chair as before. Seeing Qin Huaiming, he rose and came to the entrance to greet them. "Director Qin, your esteemed presence graces us. Please forgive me for not coming out to meet you!"

"Patriarch Wang, you’re too kind. Forgive my sudden intrusion," Qin Huaiming replied with a warm smile, clasping his hands in a salute.

The two parties sat down as host and guests, and a serving girl brought tea.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qin Huaiming got straight to the point. "Yesterday, Wenqing received the aid of Patriarch Wang’s Divine Art and broke through his bottleneck in one fell swoop. My Xuanyue Lineage will remember this kindness. Thank you for your profound friendship, Patriarch Wang!"

Wang Chongshan stroked his beard and smiled. "Director Qin, you exaggerate. It was a small effort. Director Yang has a profound foundation; his breakthrough was a natural progression. This old man merely gave him a gentle push."

Qin Huaiming smiled and then took a scroll from his Storage Bag. It was the "Cyan Pine Longevity Painting," personally created by a senior from the Xuanyue Lineage who was skilled in calligraphy and painting.

The cyan pine in the painting was tall, straight, and vigorous, symbolizing resilience and long life. It was not only an elegant piece but also carried an implicit blessing for Wang Chongshan himself and for the everlasting prosperity of the Wang family’s foundation. Though the gift was modest, the sentiment was profound, perfectly befitting the etiquette between fellow cultivators.

Wang Chongshan clearly understood the meaning behind it. He accepted it with pleasure, adding a few words of praise for the painting’s artistic skill and atmosphere.

Once the formalities were complete, Qin Huaiming set down his teacup. His expression turned a little more formal as he looked at Wang Chongshan and said directly, "Patriarch Wang, aside from expressing my thanks, I have come today with another matter to discuss with you."

Wang Chongshan seemed to have anticipated this. His expression remained unchanged as he gestured with his hand and said, "Director Qin, please speak freely."