Chapter 232: Wang Ruyan's Choice

Yang Yueqin is seventy-two years old this year. Her husband is Wang Shuyuan.

She bore Wang Shuyuan two sons and two daughters, but only Wang Ruyan possessed spiritual roots.

When Wang Shuyuan and their daughter went to the front lines, Yang Yueqin hadn't had a good night's sleep. Seeing Wang Shuyuan return alone, her expression tightened, and she quickly asked, "Husband, where is Yan'er? Why didn't she come back with you?"

"She's chatting with Fellow Daoist Wang outside. My dear, we can start preparing her dowry; a daughter grown up cannot be kept at home!"

"Fourth Brother, what exactly is going on? If Ruyan marries outside the family, it will be very difficult for the two of us to support the family."

Wang Shuming's brow furrowed slightly as he asked curiously.

Wang Shuyuan gave a wry smile and recounted the entire incident.

After listening, Yang Yueqin let out a long sigh of relief and said, "It's a good thing you met Senior Wang, otherwise the outcome would have been grim."

"Indeed! We had very little spiritual power left at that time, and even with array talismans, we couldn't have fended off the enemy. The leader of the Hundred Spirits Sect actually didn't want to stay. It was Fellow Daoist Wang and his elder sister who persuaded the Hundred Spirits Sect disciples to remain. Yan'er took a Blood Burning Pill to disrupt the Hundred Flowers Sect disciples' spellcasting, which left her without spiritual power for half a year afterward. Fellow Daoist Wang insisted on escorting us back to Wei State, even getting into a big argument with the Hundred Spirits Sect disciples over it. Based on just these two points, Yan'er could be entrusted to him. I just don't know if Yan'er likes him, or if she'd prefer a marriage alliance with another power, which is what Third Uncle implied."

Wang Huashan had hinted to Wang Shuyuan that he should find a good marriage for Wang Ruyan.

Rather than having Wang Ruyan marry a stranger as a tool for alliance, it would be better for her to marry someone who genuinely likes her.

The Wang family openly has four Foundation Establishment cultivators and three second-tier spiritual veins. If Wang Ruyan were to marry Wang Changsheng, it would also bring certain benefits to Wangjiabao.

At this moment, Wang Ruyan walked in, her expression somewhat dazed, seemingly lost in thought.

"Yan'er, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

Yang Yueqin quickly walked over and asked with concern.

"I'm fine, Mother. I have something I want to ask you. Father, Seventh Uncle, I'll go back to my room first."

Soon after, Wang Ruyan returned to her boudoir, and Yang Yueqin began to comb her hair.

"Yan'er, did Wang Changsheng say something to you?"

Upon learning that Wang Changsheng liked Wang Ruyan, Yang Yueqin started calling him by his full name.

Wang Ruyan hesitated slightly, then repeated what Wang Changsheng had said.

"That boy is considerate; his method is good, and it works for everyone on the surface. Yan'er, do you like him?"

"I like him a little, but I don't know if he likes me because of Great Uncle or if he genuinely likes me."

"Yan'er, which of the magic tools you use is made from a single material? He should genuinely like you. No matter how influential Third Uncle is, he wouldn't need to risk his life for it. I'm not forcing you to marry, but let me tell you this: Third Uncle previously sent a letter, hinting that your father should find you a good marriage. I hope you marry someone who loves and cherishes you, not just as a tool for alliance, marrying a stranger you've never met. If he treats you well, that's fine, but if he treats you badly, you'll have nowhere to turn. The Wang family's strength isn't comparable to our Wang family, but it's not weak either. Marrying into it wouldn't be a disservice to you."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruyan's expression tightened, and she exclaimed, "What? Great Uncle wants Father to find me a marriage? What did Father say?"

"Your father, like me, hopes you marry someone who loves and cherishes you. If you were to marry a descendant of another Core Formation cultivator, your happiness would depend entirely on Third Uncle. Should Third Uncle pass away someday, there's no telling if your husband's family would continue to treat you the same. But if you marry someone who truly loves and cherishes you, Third Uncle's presence or absence won't make much difference. This Wang Changsheng, he should genuinely like you. While Third Uncle's influence might be a factor, it's mostly because he truly likes you. Sincere affection is the most precious thing. If you don't want to marry him, then make it clear early on, don't waste his time, and prevent him from resenting you. If you don't become a couple, you certainly won't remain friends; don't believe talk about being friends if you can't be spouses. Putting all those complicated relationships aside, I ask you, do you like him?"

"I like him, but I don't know if he genuinely likes me or if it's because of Third Uncle. If he likes me only because of Third Uncle, it makes me feel uneasy."

"Silly girl, is there any magic tool that is cheap, high-quality, and comes with free warranty? Is there any magic tool that has all functions? There's no such thing as perfection. Wang Changsheng does like you, and Third Uncle's influence is certainly a factor, because you yourself are thinking that way, and others will too. If you like him, then agree sooner rather than later!"

Wang Ruyan's face was flushed with shyness, and she showed a hesitant expression, saying, "Mother, how can you be like this, rushing to marry off your daughter? Besides, in matters like this, a daughter shouldn't be too forward, should she? It might lead to gossip."

"Mother is afraid that your Third Uncle will order your father to directly designate someone for you, and then will you marry or not? Happiness is in your own hands. If you like him, I'll have your father send someone to invite him to visit our home. As long as we hint at your feelings, the rest is up to Wang Changsheng. If he doesn't know what to do, then it simply means you two aren't destined. What do you think?"

Wang Ruyan's face was covered in a blush, and she nodded.

"Good, I'll go tell your father right away."

When Wang Changsheng returned to Green Lotus Mountain, Wang Mingyuan was directing the clan members in rebuilding their homes; most of the original buildings had been destroyed in the war.

Seeing Wang Changsheng return safely, Wang Changyue's face was filled with joy.

"Brother, you're finally back! Mother can get a good night's sleep now."

Wang Mingyuan walked over and said with a smile, "Alright, your brother has things to do. Don't pester him now. You can talk when we have dinner tonight."

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly, took out an exquisite food box, and said in a doting tone, "I know you like sweets, so I bought you some peach blossom cakes."

"Only my brother spoils me! I'm going to tell Mother this good news."

Wang Changyue, beaming with joy, carried the food box and left.

Arriving at a quiet courtyard, Wang Mingjiang was talking to Wang Changfeng.

Seeing Wang Changsheng return, they were both very happy.

"Ninth Brother, you're finally back! Twenty-first Uncle and I were worried something might have happened to you."

Wang Changsheng smiled slightly and said, "I'm fine. Where is Seventh Uncle? Hasn't he returned?"

"Seventh Brother stayed in Qingyue Market. This time was too dangerous. If it weren't for you, Changsheng, and your return, our family would have almost been annihilated. To be cautious, I had Seventh Brother take some clan members, mostly young and strong, to stay in Qingyue Market in case of unforeseen events. Oh, right, Changsheng, why did it take you so long to return? Were you on some dangerous mission?"

Wang Changsheng didn't hide anything and simply recounted the events.

Wang Mingjiang and Wang Changfeng listened, secretly surprised.

"Risking your life for a beauty, you're quite bold, young man! I just wonder if she'll appreciate your gesture. If she doesn't, you won't still cling to her, will you?"

"No, feelings can't be forced. If she agrees, that's ideal. If not, it's fine too; we'll simply go our separate ways in the future."

Wang Changsheng said casually, but inwardly he was very anxious.

He certainly liked Wang Ruyan, but there was definitely an element of Wang Huashan involved. Although Wang Huashan had already retreated to Chu State, he was still a Core Formation cultivator. As long as he was alive, the Wang family would have an extra protective charm. Anyone wanting to target the Wang family would surely have to consider Wang Huashan.

Of course, he genuinely liked Wang Ruyan; he just didn't know if Wang Ruyan liked him.