Chapter 523: Proposing Marriage to the Heimu Family Again

The Qian Family and the Sun Family were wiped from the records of Heimu Prefecture overnight; such a matter cannot be suppressed.

The coolies at the docks are spreading it, the merchants in the city are spreading it, and even the old men sunning themselves under the city gate arches are spreading it.

On the surface, everyone says it was the remnants of the Red Lotus Sect seeking revenge and setting fires, but those with real eyes and ears smelled a different scent long ago.

The Red Lotus Sect is incapable of wiping out two century-old clans in the Heimu Prefecture overnight.

If it truly were the Red Lotus Sect, that would be fine, as the authorities are already offering a bounty for their capture, but everyone knows that was not the handiwork of the Red Lotus Sect.

Those who should know will know sooner or later,

those who should not know, do not ask,

and even if you ask, you will not know.

From this, one can see the disparity in status and strength.

The Hong Sect and the Canal Gang are keeping their lips sealed on this. Leng Feng keeps his subordinates in check.

Cheng Feng did not wait for the rumors to ferment on their own.

That afternoon, he had someone deliver a post to the Heimu Family.

He did not use the name of the Hong Sect or the Canal Gang, nor did he sign his own name; he simply wrote the four characters "Old Friend Invites for Tea" on the dark gray post and noted the time and place.

The location was the old spot, the same as before: the Fengbo Pavilion surrounded by river water.

The people of the Heimu Family knew who the visitor was at a glance.

The three characters "Fengbo Pavilion" were the best token of identity.

At the hour of the Dragon the next day,

when the Heimu Family arrived at the Fengbo Pavilion with their people, Cheng Feng's men were already there.

This time it was for tea, and they specifically chose a pavilion overlooking the water to show sincerity.

The Patriarch of the Heimu Family, Heimu Canglong, climbed the steps, and before he reached the entrance, the bamboo curtain was already lifted from within.

A young man of extraordinary bearing stood before the door, a faint, unreadable smile on his face.

Compared to half a year ago, the old man's appearance had not changed much; he still had a square face, short beard, deep-set eye sockets, and a pair of eyes with restrained brilliance like two old wells.

He wore a crow-blue robe and held a string of ebony prayer beads in his hand; the moment he stood there, he possessed a heavy, imposing air that commanded respect without anger.

Following behind him was a middle-aged man, none other than Heimu Fangrong, who had once crossed paths with Cheng Feng.

Having witnessed Cheng Feng's prowess, he no longer possessed his former arrogance and tyranny.

Today, Heimu Fangrong stood respectfully by the Patriarch's side, his gaze sweeping over Cheng Feng before dropping down.

"Young Brother Cheng, I trust you have been well." Heimu Canglong spoke first, his voice like a great bell; although he was smiling, he maintained the decorum of an old-school figure hosting a guest.

"Patriarch Heimu, please." Cheng Feng cupped his hands, neither humble nor pushy.

The two took their seats. Heimu Fangrong stood behind Heimu Canglong like a wooden stake, so quiet he was almost invisible.

Before long, someone brought a pot of freshly brewed tea; as the steam rose, the room was filled with the bitter yet sweet fragrance of tea.

Cheng Feng poured a cup for Heimu Canglong first, then added one for himself, before speaking unhurriedly: "Patriarch, you must have heard about the affairs of the Qian and Sun families."

Heimu Canglong picked up his teacup and took a sip, his expression unchanged: "Heimu Prefecture is only so big; if a fire burns half a street and I, this old man, haven't heard of it, then I have been a Patriarch in vain."

"That is good." Cheng Feng nodded. "The Hong Sect and the Canal Gang took action last night.

The Qian and Sun families crossed the line first; not only was the post I sent torn up, but they also beat the brothers who delivered it.

Jianghu matters are settled in the Jianghu; I gave them a chance, but they did not want it."

He spoke with extreme calmness, as if discussing the most ordinary of transactions.

Heimu Fangrong's eyelids lifted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but after glancing at Heimu Canglong's back, he held his tongue.

Someone made you lose face,

and you wipe out their entire family???!!!

And you say it so lightly???

Heimu Fangrong felt lucky that his surname was Heimu.

At the very least, Cheng Feng had spared his life before.

Heimu Canglong studied Cheng Feng for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "You are indeed more direct than you were half a year ago."

"Some things, when circled around, only lead to complications," Cheng Feng said.

"I invited the Patriarch out today not only to clarify this matter, but there are two other things I wish to discuss with the Heimu Family."

"Speak freely."

Cheng Feng pulled the Black Iron token from his robes and placed it gently on the table. Heimu Canglong's gaze fell upon the token, first freezing, then he sat up a bit straighter.

The surface of the iron token was rough and its edges worn smooth, but the two characters "Shangqing" in the center were carved extremely deep, casting a dim, cold light in the morning sun filtering through the teahouse window.

"Shangqing Sect, Outer Disciple." Heimu Canglong took a deep breath, his voice sinking slightly. "You have... already entered the Immortal Gate?"

"Not yet officially initiated. In three months, I will accompany the Zhennan Prince to the Shangqing Sect," Cheng Feng said. "The news has not been spread; today I tell only the Patriarch."

A sharp light flickered in Heimu Canglong's eyes. Having governed the Heimu Family for decades, he knew all too well the weight of the three characters "Shangqing Sect."

Let alone an Outer Disciple, even being a servant in an Immortal Gate is an opportunity that mortal families would fight to the death for.

This young man before him was still fighting for territory at the Heimu Prefecture's canal docks half a year ago,

yet now he has reached this level???!

And, there is also the Zhennan Prince...

That is an Immortal Seed!!!

Heimu Fangrong was also clearly shocked; his gaze toward Cheng Feng changed repeatedly, filled with astonishment, envy, and a trace of indescribable melancholy.

"So that is how it is." Heimu Canglong nodded slowly. "The Qian and Sun families did not die unjustly. To dare to trip up someone connected to an Immortal Gate at the docks is to seek their own death."

Cheng Feng did not take up this topic, but instead gave his teacup a light spin and looked up at Heimu Canglong: "The second matter—I wish to ask for the hand of a young lady of the Heimu Family, as a Concubine."

Once these words were spoken, the private room fell silent for a moment.

The fingers of Heimu Canglong, which were twisting his prayer beads, paused imperceptibly, then resumed their unhurried rhythm.

Heimu Fangrong, however, suddenly looked up with a look of astonishment. He had guessed that Cheng Feng would make a request today, but he had not expected it to be this.

"As a Concubine?" Heimu Canglong repeated these two words, his tone intriguing.

"Yes," Cheng Feng said candidly. "The Heimu Family is the pillar of Heimu Prefecture. If my Hong Sect Wharf Gang is to take root in Heimu Prefecture, we cannot always rely on the edge of a blade to speak."

"The Qian Family is gone, and the Sun Family has collapsed; next, more people will reach out for the business at the docks."

"I need an ally who can hold their own on the surface."

"The Heimu Family needs a blade that can act in the shadows."

"This marriage is beneficial to both sides."

Heimu Canglong did not rush to answer. He sipped his tea slowly, as if savoring every layer of meaning in Cheng Feng's words.

"Only as a Concubine?" He asked again finally, his gaze looking at Cheng Feng with a smile that was not quite a smile. "You already have a Principal Wife?"

"I do," Cheng Feng said. "A wife of humble beginnings, she must not be abandoned."

"Still quite sentimental and righteous," Heimu Canglong nodded. "However, you must know that not every woman of the Heimu Family is willing to be a Concubine. Whom do you want?"

"Let the Patriarch decide," Cheng Feng said.

Heimu Canglong laughed, and this time he laughed out loud. He turned his head and said to Heimu Fangrong behind him, "Go, have the third girl come over."

Heimu Fangrong was stunned for a moment: "Third sister?"

"Just go," Heimu Canglong waved his hand.

Heimu Fangrong responded with a complex expression and exited the private room.

Someone was called to refill the tea.

Cheng Feng and Heimu Canglong no longer mentioned the previous business, chatting only about the situation in the city and the scenery of the docks,

like two old friends chatting about daily life. But Cheng Feng knew that this old fox was testing him. Every word between them carried a sharp edge.

Cheng Feng was not afraid; if this path didn't work,

I would have to take the route of Zhou Yanran.

Double insurance!!!

Sure enough, when they talked about the Great Zhou Martial Arts Tournament, Heimu Canglong suddenly asked: "Having entered the Shangqing Sect, does my worthy nephew have any arrangements?"

"No particular thoughts; once the order is accepted, there is no turning back," Cheng Feng said. "The Patriarch need not worry."

Heimu Canglong nodded with satisfaction: "Then this old man can rest easy."

Before long, the sound of light and steady footsteps echoed outside the private room. The bamboo curtain was lifted again, and Heimu Fangrong led a young woman inside.

The woman looked to be eighteen or nineteen, with a slender figure and an oval face devoid of makeup, possessing a scholarly air in her brows and eyes.

What was important was that her figure was like a ripe peach.

Looking down, one could not even see the scenery at her feet.

It truly fit Cheng Feng's preferences.

Big hips, good for childbearing.

Big breasts, at least the children wouldn't lack food.

She wore a water-blue embroidered jacket paired with a moon-white skirt, and only a simple silver hairpin was pinned in her hair.

The whole person seemed to have walked out of an ink wash painting. After entering the room, she first bowed to Heimu Canglong, her voice clear and gentle: "Greetings, Patriarch."

She then turned to Cheng Feng and bowed slightly; when she looked up, she revealed a pair of clear, distinct eyes, neither flickering nor avoiding his gaze.

"This is a girl from the third branch of my Heimu Family, Heimu Qingquan," Heimu Canglong said. "She has followed her grandmother in worshipping Buddha since she was young, and her nature is quiet. If Brother Cheng does not mind, I will make the decision to betroth her to you as a Concubine."

Cheng Feng looked at the woman. Heimu Qingquan was also looking at him, her gaze peaceful, neither shy nor timid, as if she were looking at someone she already knew would come.

"Qingquan greets Master Cheng," she bowed again.

Cheng Feng stood up and cupped his fists: "I have wronged you, Miss."

"It is no wrong," Heimu Qingquan shook her head gently, her voice soft yet clear. "The Patriarch has said that in this world, there are not many men who can protect one side. I am willing."

Heimu Canglong clapped his hands and laughed: "Good. Then it is settled. Three days from now, Heimu Prefecture will send her over, how about that?"

"Many thanks, Patriarch," Cheng Feng said.

Just then, Heimu Fangrong finally could not hold back. He stepped forward, his voice lowered to a whisper: "Cheng Feng, my third sister is marrying over as a Concubine. If you enter the Immortal Gate in the future, you won't be able to return all year round. What will she do?"

Cheng Feng looked at him without prevarication: "I will make my own arrangements for my woman. If she is willing, she can stay in Heimu Prefecture first. Once I have established a firm footing, I will bring her over."

Heimu Qingquan turned her head, glanced at her brother, and said softly: "Brother, don't ask anymore. I am willing."

Heimu Fangrong opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing more.

This tea appointment did not disperse until near noon.

Cheng Feng rose to leave first. When he reached the door of the tea house, Heimu Qingquan's voice came softly from behind: "Master Cheng."

He turned back.

She stood in the morning light, the hem of her skirt lifted by the wind, her gaze like water: "Three days from now, Qingquan will wait for you in the prefecture."

Cheng Feng nodded and turned, disappearing into the flow of people in the street.

With money, strength, and background,

truly a boundless future!!!

Who could have imagined that a legitimate daughter of the third branch of Heimu Prefecture would marry someone as a Concubine?