Chapter 343: Establishing the Betrothal

Early the next morning, as dawn was just breaking over Jiangcheng, a few distinguished guests arrived outside Jiangnan Wangfu.

Tang Zongjie came with his father Tang Zhen and several core members of the Tang Family.

To receive the Tang party, the gates of Jiangnan Wangfu had long been opened, and Jiangnan Wang himself led the residence's officials, standing at the entrance to welcome them.

Old Master Tang, Tang Family Head, you have traveled hard; please, come in!

As the Tang party appeared at the street corner, Jiangnan Wang stepped forward proactively, his tone respectful.

Although he is of the Imperial Clan, when facing a Heavenly Human Realm master, he dares not show any negligence.

After all, under his command there have been no such experts.

Tang Zhen, however, was dignified, giving Jiangnan Wang a slight nod.

Prince, you are being courteous.

Thank you, Prince, for personally greeting us; we have troubled you.

Not at all; Miss Tang's matter is my matter as well, no need for formality.

Jiangnan Wang smiled, turned aside and made a beckoning gesture.

Please come inside; let's discuss in the reception hall.

Having said so, Jiangnan Wang personally escorted Tang Zhen and Tang Zongjie toward the inner reception hall of the residence.

He Bin and two other Grandmasters followed behind.

Seeing Tang Zhen arrive in person gave them much reassurance.

With a Heavenly Human Realm Old Master presiding, the culprits who abducted the lady dare not act too brazenly.

Soon, the party arrived at the reception hall.

After both sides were seated, Tang Zongjie spoke anxiously first.

Our young lady has been kidnapped, her fate unknown; please, Prince, inform us as soon as possible—what is the identity of the Heavenly Human Realm individual who acted against her?

However, Jiangnan Wang only smiled without replying, his eyes carrying a hint of profound meaning.

Tang Zongjie, seeing this, instantly understood.

Jiangnan Wang is still plotting about his own daughter's affair!

Last night, He Bin had told him in detail Jiangnan Wang's intention to form a marriage alliance with the Tang Family.

At the time he found it somewhat unbelievable—how could the illustrious Jiangnan Wang, of such noble status, set his sights on his own willful, capricious daughter?

But he then thought it might indeed be an opportunity.

Because the Song Family knew that Tang Ruoxi was kidnapped due to fleeing a marriage; they not only explicitly refused to intervene, but also voluntarily dissolved the engagement.

Now the Tang Family, though powerful in Chuandu Cheng with countless masters, remains merely a regional clan, unable to appear on the official stage.

If they could leverage this marriage to become Imperial relatives, the Tang Family's status would undoubtedly rise, and they could stride freely throughout the Empire.

Although Jiangnan Wang is merely an idle prince, he is of Imperial blood and also the current Emperor's paternal uncle.

With that connection, whatever trouble the Tang Family faces in the future will have an extra layer of protection.

Tang Zongjie calculated in his mind, yet his face remained unchanged.

He glanced at his father Tang Zhen beside him; seeing no response, he tentatively asked.

Prince, my young lady is as delicate as willow, willful and unruly, ignorant of propriety, truly unfit for your priceless stature. Your noble status surely surrounds you with many esteemed ladies; why would you set your eyes on my daughter?

His words were both modest and an attempt to probe Jiangnan Wang's true intentions.

He truly could not fathom what Jiangnan Wang coveted about the Tang Family.

Hearing this, Jiangnan Wang burst into hearty laughter.

Lord Tang, you are overly modest! Though I reside in Jiangnan, I have long heard of Miss Tang's reputation. Miss Tang is as beautiful as a flower, straightforward in nature, exactly the type I favor.

Moreover, the Tang Family of Chuandu has been established for a hundred years, with deep foundations and countless masters, contributing significantly to the Empire. I have long cherished a divine friendship with the Tang Family and have wished to associate with them. If we could seal a marriage alliance, it would be perfect.

Jiangnan Wang's calculations were crystal clear in his mind.

The Tang Family's influence in Chuandu is considerable; with their support and the Yunding Xie Family's connections, his stakes in vying for the throne would undoubtedly surge.

Tang Zongjie, listening to Jiangnan Wang, became even more certain of his own conjecture.

As expected, Jiangnan Wang indeed coveted the Tang Family's power.

Nevertheless, that's nothing; each simply takes what they need.

Seeing that Tang Zongjie still gave no response, Jiangnan Wang realized that merely talking about wanting to marry the Tang Family's eldest daughter was certainly impossible.

So he shifted his tone.

Lord Tang, Old Master Tang, if Ruoxi is willing to marry me, I am ready to offer ten thousand taels of gold, a complete Heaven-level Technique, and additionally, the Imperial Secret Treasure Shenpo Pearl!

"What? Shenpo Pearl!"

Upon hearing this, the previously silent Tang Zhen's complexion changed instantly.

The gold and Heaven-level Technique are valuable, yet with the Tang Family's resources, they are not unattainable.

But the Shenpo Pearl is different; it is a secret treasure exclusive to the Imperial Royal Family, said to nurture the Divine Soul and boost a warrior's comprehension and cultivation speed.

Even a veteran Heavenly Human Realm master like Tang Zhen, with the Shenpo Pearl's nourishment, has a great chance to break through his current realm and advance further!

One must know that not every Heavenly Human can become a Martial Saint.

The most crucial factor is the strength of the Divine Soul!

Tang Zhen has been stuck in the Heavenly Human Realm for decades, never finding a chance to breakthrough.

The Shenpo Pearl is, to him, the treasure he has long dreamed of!

Jiangnan Wang watched the shocked father and son, a smile spreading across his face.

He knew the Shenpo Pearl would certainly move them.

Tang Zhen inhaled deeply, striving to calm his inner excitement.

Prince, are you serious? The Shenpo Pearl—are you truly willing to offer it as a betrothal gift?

Naturally, it's true.

Jiangnan Wang nodded, Tone affirmative.

"As a lone member of the Imperial Clan, I always keep my word. If Ruoxi is willing to marry me, the Shenpo Pearl, Ten Thousand gold taels and the Heaven-level Technique will be delivered to the Tang Family within three days!"

Tang Zhen's eyes flickered, and his heart had already begun to waver.

The temptation of the Shenpo Pearl was so great that he could not refuse.

He turned his head toward his son Tang Zongjie and gave him a look.

Tang Zongjie instantly understood his father's meaning.

Father is now moved!

In fact, he himself was also deeply moved by the Shenpo Pearl.

With the Shenpo Pearl, the father's strength could likely advance further, and then the Tang Family's power would undoubtedly rise another level.

Moreover, becoming an Imperial relative would bring great benefits to the Tang Family's development.

Weighing the pros and cons, Tang Zongjie felt this marriage was indeed a risk‑free profit.

He then performed a formal bow toward Jiangnan Wang.

"Prince, you are so sincere; if my Tang Family still fails to recognize this, we cannot excuse it. Since Prince truly likes Ruoxi, I will take the lead and agree to this marriage!"

"Good! That's great!"

Jiangnan Wang, upon hearing this, displayed a radiant Laughter on his face.

"Family Head of the Tang Family is indeed straightforward! I knew it; we will certainly become one family!"

Tang Zhen also slowly nodded.

"Prince, since you have shown such great sincerity, from now on I entrust Ruoxi to you for extra care."

"Old Master, rest assured!"

Jiangnan Wang hurriedly said.

"If Ruoxi marries me, I will treat her as a treasured jewel in my palm, love her dearly, and will never let her suffer any grievance!"

Both sides instantly agreed, and formally sealed the marriage contract on the spot.

The atmosphere in the reception hall instantly became harmonious.

Jiangnan Wang had the tea and snacks refreshed, and chatted merrily with Tang Zhen and his son, as if they were already one family.

A huge stone in Tang Zongjie's heart finally settled.

With Jiangnan Wang's help, the daughter should be rescued soon. Moreover, the Tang Family can obtain the Shenpo Pearl and the Imperial Clan marital status, truly a double joy.

"Prince, now that the marriage contract is set, can you tell us who abducted the little girl? What is his identity?"

Ahem...

Hearing this, Jiangnan Wang immediately cleared his throat and became serious.

He looked at Tang Zongjie.

"Father-in-law, if my guess is correct, the one who abducted Ruoxi is named Jiang Feng!"