Chapter 46: The Marriage Arrangement

"Miss Wu, we've only just met for the first time. Wouldn't this be..."

Xu Mingyuan's words became somewhat halting.

"Wouldn't what?"

"Your Xu family and my Wu family are well-matched in status. Now that we've met, I find your appearance acceptable, your martial prowess exceeds mine, and the Xu family atmosphere is what I aspire to. I'm willing to marry you. Don't you want to marry me?"

"Or is it that I don't catch Second Young Master Xu's eye? Do you find me distasteful?"

"Of course not." Xu Mingyuan waved his hands repeatedly, his eyes showing he couldn't handle this situation. "Miss Wu is forthright, completely different from all the women I've met. It's admirable."

"Then isn't that fine?"

"But we have no feelings for each other."

"Feelings?"

"More or less. My elder brother and sister-in-law are like that."

"Such things do exist in the world, but they're rare. When aristocratic families marry, most still consider family background and character, and whether the union can bring benefits to both families after marriage. If it can, then they marry. As for feelings, they can develop slowly after marriage. If we truly can't get along, we can also not interfere with each other. This humble one absolutely won't prevent Second Young Master Xu from taking concubines or the like."

Miss Wu smiled sweetly and continued, "You're the business prodigy praised by all the family heads. How could you not calculate the benefits a marriage alliance between our two families would bring?"

Xu Mingyuan thought again and again, always feeling something was off, yet also feeling there was no problem.

The Xu family naturally wasn't afraid of the Wu family, but as currently Qingjiang County's foremost aristocratic family, with family members serving as Qingjiang County magistrate, the Wu family's foundation was still considerably stronger than the Xu family's.

If he took the lead and truly united the other four aristocratic families to deal with the Xu family, the Xu family's path would be extremely difficult.

A marriage alliance could ease the tension between them. By yielding some benefits, it would buy the Xu family several years or even over a decade of development time.

He believed that by then, the Xu family could definitely replace the Wu family's title as the foremost aristocratic family.

After some hesitation, Xu Mingyuan sighed. "Miss Wu, you've convinced me."

"I'll tell my mother that I'm willing to marry you."

"As for feelings, we'll probably just have to cultivate them slowly."

Though both Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingwei prioritized the Xu family, in matters of the heart, Xu Mingwei was persistent and devoted, while he, having dealt with various aristocratic families and wealthy merchants for years, was accustomed to weighing the pros and cons of everything and calculating gains and losses.

Even though he too hoped for a relationship like his elder brother Xu Mingwei's, he couldn't help but weigh it as well.

"Then, happy cooperation."

"Mm, happy cooperation."

Xu Mingyuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but he also somewhat admired her. Probably only someone with her personality would dare be so bold.

How could ordinary aristocratic young ladies from sheltered families dare speak so uninhibitedly and directly?

Afterward, Xu Mingyuan told Xu Chuan about this matter.

Xu Chuan was also slightly stunned, then smiled. "Such women are rare in the world. Ahyuan, you're quite fortunate, boy."

"This marriage your mother chose for you is excellent. She's suitable for entering our Xu family."

"She wants to pursue martial arts, and our Xu family can fully support her."

"As for feelings, time will tell! Love grows over time."

"Your mother and I were like this. If I had been picky back then, I probably wouldn't have you boys."

"You don't need to worry about the marriage arrangements. Your mother will handle it for you. Just remember to treat her well after she enters our family."

"Yes, Father."

Late at night, Xu Chuan also praised Bai Jing well, saying she had found an excellent match.

"Having spent so long with husband, this wife naturally knows somewhat what kind of woman husband appreciates."

"It's not me getting married. Why pick someone I like?" Xu Chuan shook his head with a smile.

"Because husband is the family head. In the children's hearts, your status is much higher than mine. If you're not satisfied, even if they like someone, they'll give them up."

Xu Chuan thought about it and realized this was indeed true.

"Wife understands me. Today wife worked hard entertaining the Wu family. Your husband will reward you well."

"You rascal!"

When Xu Mingxuan and the others learned this news, they all congratulated Xu Mingyuan.

On the Wu family's side, after much deliberation about this marriage, they agreed. Using a concubine's daughter they didn't particularly value to gain some benefits from the Xu family was quite worthwhile.

As for whether to deal with the Xu family later, they could take it one step at a time.

A mere marriage relation meant little to a century-old aristocratic family and could be severed at any time.

At the Wu residence, in the Orchid Fragrance Courtyard, the courtyard where the Wu family head's second wife resided and where Wu Rushan had grown up since childhood.

A brightly dressed lady entered the courtyard and saw Wu Rushan practicing her fists.

"Shan'er, good news!"

"Little Mother."

Wu Rushan stopped her movements, casually wiping the perspiration from her forehead, and cupped her hands toward her.

"Shan'er, your father has agreed to the marriage alliance with the Xu family. Second Young Master Xu's character and appearance are among the best in Qingjiang County, and you're marrying as the legitimate wife."

"You can finally live a good life."

As she spoke, the brightly dressed lady lowered her head, pulled out a handkerchief, and wiped tears from the corners of her eyes.

Wu Rushan was her daughter, born a concubine's child. She unconventionally liked practicing martial arts and wasn't favored by her father.

Now to find such a good husband was heaven's blessing.

"No, tomorrow I must go to Yun'an Temple to offer thanks. You'll come with me."

"Understood, Little Mother." Wu Rushan's heart filled with joy, then she asked curiously, "By the way, Little Mother, do you know why Father agreed?"

"Did he get something promised by the Xu family?"

"Not sure, but that's something between the Xu family and your father to consider. What does it have to do with you? Don't ask too many questions. Just stay home and await marriage."

"The wedding date is set?"

"Not yet. The three letters and six betrothal gifts haven't even been exchanged. Why, are you anxious to marry over?"

The brightly dressed lady said with a smile, "You already met Second Young Master Xu when you went to the Xu residence with the first lady last time, right? How was it? Is he as the rumors say?"

"His appearance isn't particularly handsome, but he's clean-featured and proper, modest and courteous. Though called a business prodigy and busy with commerce, he doesn't forget to practice martial arts. His strength is above mine."

"You girl, it seems you've truly fallen for the Xu family's boy."

"That's good too. Little Mother can finally set aside a worry. Oh right, I remember his family has a daughter, about ten years old, just right for your brother Feng. After you marry over, you can matchmake a bit."

"If he can marry a legitimate daughter of the Xu family, Feng will certainly gain face before your father."

Wu Rushan smiled faintly and casually agreed.

…

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

The Xu family's legitimate eldest grandson's full-month celebration naturally invited guests far and wide to celebrate.

Of the Wu, Fang, Wang, He, and Cao families, only the Wu family came.

Many families and wealthy merchants were astonished to see the Wu family head's wife and several others arrive.

"How strange. The Wu family was at odds with the Xu family not long ago. Today they actually came to celebrate their legitimate eldest grandson?"

Many families were puzzled.

When the eating and drinking was about done, Xu Chuan suddenly announced, "Everyone, today Xu thanks you all for honoring us by attending my grandson's full-month celebration."

"Besides this, there's another joyous matter I wish to announce."

"My son Mingyuan will become engaged to Family Head Wu's beloved daughter in half a year. As for the wedding date, Family Head Wu and I have discussed it. Given that both are still young, we've decided the wedding will take place next October."

"Haha, congratulations, Family Head Xu! Your family truly has one joyous occasion after another!"

"Yes, who would have thought you'd become marriage relations with the Wu family so quietly."

The various family heads all raised their cups in congratulation.

Xu Chuan said, "It's all because Family Head Wu gives face. Otherwise, how could my son be qualified to seek Family Head Wu's beloved daughter in marriage?"

His words were flawless, giving the Wu family great face.

"Family Head Xu is too kind. It's my daughter who's marrying above her station."

"Come, Brother Wu, today you and I must drink to our hearts' content."

The next day, this matter spread throughout all of Qingjiang County.

The four families—Fang, Wang, He, and Cao, all called at the Wu family's door. They only left after an hour.

As for what they discussed, no one knew. However, Qingjiang County remained calm and peaceful.