Chapter 38: Marriage Arrangement

After Wang Changsheng and the other two had walked away, Wang Yaozu spoke up: "Eldest Sister, there are no outsiders here, so I'll be direct with you. Changsheng discovered a mid-grade spiritual vein of the first order, located at the border between Changping County and Pingyang County. We sent people to set up a formation there, planning to cultivate some spirit grains. Unexpectedly, the Song, Liu, and Sun families of Pingyang County united and sent people to attack our clan members at that outpost. Our ninth brother, eighteenth nephew, and nineteenth nephew were successively killed in battle."

As he spoke, his face was filled with grief and indignation.

Zhao Yuhui's expression changed, and she frowned, asking, "What? Is this true? Why would they target your Wang family for no reason?"

"We don't know either! Although our Wang family is the weakest in Changping County, we're not so weak that just anyone can step all over us. At worst, it'll be a lose-lose situation, but we truly don't want to resort to that unless absolutely necessary. Eldest Sister, the Liu family is related to your Zhao family by marriage. We came here hoping you could mediate. We are all relatives; there's no need to hurt feelings. Any issues can be discussed calmly; there's no need for armed conflict."

"Mediate? Yaozu, while the Zhao family is related to the Liu family by marriage, the Liu family isn't our vassal. I'm afraid we can't get involved in this matter." Zhao Yuhui said, looking a little troubled.

Of course, she wouldn't just take Wang Yaozu's word for it. She believed in keeping personal and public matters separate. After all, both the Liu and Wang families were related to the Zhao family by marriage. Without sufficient benefit, the Zhao family wouldn't side with either.

"Aunt, we simply wish for you to convey a message to the Liu family: that they shouldn't be manipulated by ill-intentioned individuals. We are all family; any issues can be discussed calmly. If it truly comes to a fight, our Wang family won't be afraid. At worst, it'll be mutual destruction." As Wang Mingyuan said this, his eyes were filled with a formidable aura.

"If it's just conveying a message, there's no problem." Zhao Yuhui thought for a moment and agreed.

"Eldest Sister, if possible, we hope you could arrange for the Liu family to send someone over. Our two families could have an open and frank discussion. Some matters can be resolved over a meal; there's no need for armed conflict, don't you agree?" Wang Yaozong adopted a humble posture, addressing Zhao Yuhui respectfully.

"That's right, Aunt! We hope you can act as a go-between and mediate. Aunt, if you can get the Liu family and our Wang family to reconcile, your nephew can promise to impart the art of silkworm rearing to Cousin Ziheng."

Zhao Yuhui's eyes lit up, and she asked incredulously, "Really?"

The Zhao family's main source of income relied on selling spiritual fish. However, spiritual fish took at least two years to raise before they could be sold, which was a very long time. The Zhao family had long wanted to venture into other businesses, but their limited understanding of other industries prevented them from doing so. The Wang family raised several pairs of spiritual silkworms; their silk could be used for crafting artifacts. This brought a substantial income to the Wang family every year. Most importantly, spiritual silkworms could grow and be cultivated as protective spiritual insects for the clan. However, the Wang family strictly controlled the art of silkworm rearing and never divulged it. The Zhao family had attempted to raise spiritual silkworms but had failed. Every cultivation family had its own way of generating wealth. They strictly guarded their internal secrets and would not easily reveal them. The Zhao family had previously sought instruction from the Wang family regarding silkworm rearing, but the Wang family had always refused to teach the core techniques.

The value of the Black Gold spiritual vein was far greater than the art of silkworm rearing. Moreover, the Zhao and Wang families were located far apart. Even if the Zhao family raised a few pairs of spiritual silkworms, it wouldn't affect the Wang family's income.

"Of course, it's true, Aunt. I am the head of the Wang family, and my word is my bond."

Zhao Yuhui took a deep breath, pondered for a moment, and said, "Mingyuan, you must be tired from your journey. Rest well tonight, and I will give you my answer tomorrow."

"Aunt, regarding this matter..." Before Wang Mingyuan could finish his sentence, Wang Yaozu interrupted him: "Alright, then we'll trouble you, Eldest Sister."

"Uncle, Cousin, Sister-in-law," Zhao Ziheng picked up the wine pot and poured a cup for everyone. "Three-Flower Dew is our Zhao family's exclusive spiritual wine; it tastes quite good. Please have a few more cups."

"Then I'll certainly have a few more cups. By the way, Ziheng, Ningxiang is not young anymore. Has she been betrothed yet?" Wang Yaozu deftly changed the subject.

Zhao Ziheng gave a wry smile and said, "That girl has too high standards, and her mother spoils her, unwilling to let her marry so soon. So, I just let her be."

"It's customary for men and women to marry when they come of age. Girls always marry eventually. Are you perhaps thinking of taking in a live-in son-in-law?" Wang Yaozong dismissed the idea.

Zhao Yuhui shook her head and said, "Not at all. This girl has good innate talent; she's only sixteen this year, still very young. I want her to stay by my side for a couple more years. Of course, I also hope to find a good husband for her."

Liu Qinger smiled faintly and said, "Aunt, you're right. As the saying goes, 'a man fears choosing the wrong profession, a woman fears marrying the wrong man.' Marriage is a significant matter and shouldn't be taken lightly. Aunt, Changsheng grew up under your watchful eye. What do you think of him?"

Zhao Yuhui hesitated slightly and said, "Changsheng is honest and upright, without any cunning schemes. He's also Yuzhi's only grandson. I'm quite fond of this child."

"Aunt, let me be frank. My father-in-law and husband both like Ningxiang very much, and I do too. How about we strengthen our family ties even further? I think these two children look like a couple. What do you think?"

"Yes, Eldest Sister, let's strengthen our family ties! Changsheng and Ningxiang grew up together, childhood sweethearts. I remember Yuzhi saying before her death that she hoped Ningxiang would become her granddaughter-in-law. We also really like this child, Ningxiang. What do you think?" Wang Yaozu voiced his agreement.

Zhao Ningxiang was the apple of the Zhao family's eye. And Zhao Ningxiang's mother hailed from the Lin family of Hongye Ridge. Wang Changsheng marrying Zhao Ningxiang would bring significant benefits, both for the Wang family and for Wang Changsheng himself.

Zhao Yuhui was somewhat swayed. She was very fond of her granddaughter, Zhao Ningxiang; had it been anyone else, she would have been married off long ago. Wang Changsheng was her own sister's grandson, and she had watched him grow up since he was a child. If the two were to become husband and wife, she would be truly delighted. Moreover, Wang Yaozu had mentioned it was Zhao Yuzhi's last wish, making it very difficult for Zhao Yuhui to refuse.

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "If it were anyone else, I could agree immediately. But Yuting has only one daughter, and Yuting's maternal uncle is the head of the Lin family. I need to discuss this with Yuting and ask for her opinion. However, Yuting has gone back to her maternal home and won't be back for a while. So, I'll give you my answer after some time."

She neither agreed nor refused.

Wang Mingyuan's eyebrow twitched, and he was about to speak, but Wang Yaozu quickly spoke before him: "No problem. We'll await your good news, Eldest Sister."

The meal lasted for over an hour. After it concluded, Zhao Ziheng personally arranged accommodation for Wang Yaozu's family.

After settling Wang Yaozu and the other two, he went to Zhao Yuhui's residence.

"Mother, you can make the decision regarding Ningxiang's marriage. There's no need to seek Yuting's opinion. You are the elder, and Yuting is your daughter-in-law; she won't object."