Chapter 273
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
The group walked out of the main hall, and by the lakeside, a small boat was already drifting toward them. On the boat were three people—one standing at the bow with an ugly face, loudly calling for Jiaotong, was Commander Murong. Behind him was a soldier holding a box in his hands, while the last person was a servant steering the boat.
Commander Murong saw the group emerging from the hall and immediately raised his hand, waving enthusiastically. However, when he noticed no one responded, he awkwardly lowered it.
As the boat reached the shore, before it could even steady itself, Commander Murong leaped ashore and strode forward. When he got closer, he glanced around and asked: “Which one of you is Uncle Xu?”
At that moment, his eyes lit up upon spotting Xu Jiaotong, who was hiding behind the others. He called out loudly: “Jiaotong! Look at you, being so courteous. Since even my esteemed father-in-law has come to Jingyue City, why didn’t you tell me earlier? I would have prepared a generous gift and come to pay my respects. Now I’ve come in such a rush and without proper preparations—please don’t take offense.”
By this time, the servant and the soldier had also come ashore. The servant looked anxious and said: “Master, I tried to stop him, but I didn’t dare offend this officer, so I had no choice but to bring him here.”
Flood Dragon King Xu waved his hand and said: “It’s fine, you may go.”
Commander Murong’s eyes immediately lit up, and he saluted Flood Dragon King Xu respectfully, saying: “Uncle Xu, I am Murong Jian. I have long admired your great reputation. Meeting you today is truly an honor. I came in a hurry, but I have brought a small gift as a token of my respect.”
Flood Dragon King Xu glanced at the box in the soldier’s hands and said indifferently: “I have also heard of Commander Murong’s reputation for a long time and have always wanted to meet you. However, I have been busy with many affairs and never had the chance. It was my negligence. Now that Commander Murong has come in person, I must be the one lacking in manners. Please, come inside.”
Hearing this, Murong Jian’s face lit up with joy. “Really? Uncle Xu, if I had known you wanted to see me, I would have come much earlier!” Then, glancing around, he remarked, “I’ve been here a few times before, but I never realized this backyard was so grand. If it weren’t for Qi—” He suddenly seemed to realize something and quickly corrected himself, “If it weren’t for hearing that Uncle had arrived in Jingyue City today, I wouldn’t have had the fortune to visit.”
These words were full of holes—even Zhang Xiaohua could understand them. He chuckled inwardly and thought, This guy is truly a fool.
Flood Dragon King Xu smiled faintly and said: “Since Commander Murong has come, you are a guest. By the way, Commander Murong, since fate has brought us together today, let me introduce you—”
Before he could finish, Murong Jian waved his hand repeatedly and said: “No need, Uncle! We’re all family here, no need for such formalities.”
Although he said this, he had already stepped into the hall with one foot.
Inside, the servants had just set up a new wine table at the head of the hall. In the center were five tables, and whether due to Flood Dragon King Xu’s instructions or the servants’ keen awareness, Qin Shiyue’s table was placed at the center, while the newly added table was right beside it.
Murong Jian strode forward without hesitation, glancing at the central table, which still had some leftover dishes. He frowned slightly, then turned back to Flood Dragon King Xu with a smile. “Uncle Xu, you truly understand me well. I had planned to act courteous for a bit, but who knew you would truly treat me as one of your own? You even left the main seat for me. Uncle, please, take the seat of honor. Although I’m here as a guest from afar, from now on, I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Flood Dragon King Xu almost had his nose twisted out of shape. Calling you a fool is an understatement—you’re something else entirely! He could only respond awkwardly: “Well… Commander Murong, today we have an esteemed guest visiting. We didn’t know you would be coming as well, so we may have neglected you.”
Murong Jian was stunned for a moment and asked in surprise: “Oh? An esteemed guest? Who might that be? Allow me to pay my respects!”
Qin Shiyue was fuming. Damn it! I’m standing right here in the middle of the group, yet all your eyes see are beauties and their fathers. Do you even have a shred of basic etiquette?
In fact, Murong Jian’s arrival had already disrupted the seating arrangements in the hall. Earlier, outside the hall, Flood Dragon King Xu had intended to introduce Qin Shiyue, but Murong Jian had barged in, cutting him off mid-sentence. Now that the topic was being brought up again, Flood Dragon King Xu felt somewhat embarrassed on Qin Shiyue’s behalf.
Spreading his hands, Flood Dragon King Xu respectfully gestured towards Qin Shiyue and said: “This is an honored guest from our Heavenly Dragon Sect, Lord Qin Shiyue.”
Murong Jian had never even heard of the Heavenly Dragon Sect. He had only taken notice of the South Sea Flood Dragon Palace because of his admiration for Xu Jiaotong. He assumed this Heavenly Dragon Sect was just another insignificant faction among the wilderness, nothing compared to his legitimate imperial status. A hint of disdain surfaced in his expression as he sized up Qin Shiyue, then cupped his hands and said: “Your nephew, Murong Jian, greets Uncle Qin. Though this is our first meeting, I have long heard of your great name—like thunder piercing my ears! Uncle Qin, despite your age, your skin is remarkably well-maintained. You still look quite youthful. May I ask how old you are? Have you reached 50?”
A faint flush crept onto Qin Shiyue’s face, and he chuckled: “Good nephew, your uncle here has only just reached that age, yet I’m fortunate enough to meet such an outstanding young man like you. It truly brings me great comfort.”
Murong Jian was delighted. “Really, Uncle Qin? You can actually see my true nature? You must be a sage! Please, take the seat of honor.”
With that, he respectfully invited Qin Shiyue to the main seat.
The people from the Three Seas and Seven Waters factions were dumbfounded. Some felt at a loss, while others stifled laughter. Seeing that the two had already taken their seats, they had no choice but to sit down as well.
Everyone took their seats again, and the banquet resumed. However, with an outsider present, the atmosphere wasn’t as lively as before. Not that Murong Jian cared—after taking a few bites, he raised his cup and began toasting Qin Shiyue and Flood Dragon King Xu. After a few rounds of drinking, he grew more talkative. Unfortunately, all his words revolved around governmental affairs, his tone filled with the pride and arrogance of an official from outside the martial world. His conversations had nothing in common with Qin Shiyue and Flood Dragon King Xu, who only exchanged amused glances. They merely humored this “good nephew” of theirs, patiently waiting for the real show to begin.
Sure enough, after a while, Murong Jian couldn’t help but glance at Xu Jiaotong, who had remained silent with her head lowered. After carefully choosing his words, he said: “Uncle Xu, I have visited several times, yet I was never able to meet you. This time, I’ve come especially because I have an important request.”
Flood Dragon King Xu glanced at Qin Shiyue and thought, Lord Qin, here it comes! Now’s your chance to back me up.
Qin Shiyue gave a slight nod. Only then did Flood Dragon King Xu feel at ease. With a smile, he said: “Commander Murong, if there’s something you need, just say it.”
Murong Jian was delighted by his straightforwardness. He waved his hand, signaling to the soldier behind him. The soldier stepped forward and carefully placed the small box he had been holding onto the banquet table.
Murong Jian smiled and said: “Uncle Xu, ever since I first laid eyes on Miss Jiaotong, I have thought of her day and night. I feel that in this life, I must marry her and no one else. I have long wished to formally propose but was never able to meet you. Today’s visit was rather rushed, but this is my betrothal gift. After today, I will personally invite my Seventh Uncle-in-law—that is, this city’s garrison commander—to come and serve as a mediator. What do you think?”
Flood Dragon King Xu looked at the small box with great interest and said: “Commander Murong, I seem to have heard that you already have seven concubines in your household. How is it, then, that you claim to be so devoted to my daughter, to the point of declaring that you will marry none but her? If you do take Jiaotong as your wife, will she be your principal wife or merely another concubine?”
Murong Jian’s face remained calm, his heart steady as he replied: “Uncle, that is where you are mistaken. Love in this world has no limits. The concubines I married before—I truly loved them. And my desire to marry Jiaotong is also sincere. One cannot say that having loved someone in the past means one can no longer fall in love with another now. Besides, if there is true love between us, Jiaotong would not concern herself with matters of status. My principal wife is the daughter of the Assistant Magistrate of Shayu City, a woman of noble birth, suitable to manage the household. My concubines are also daughters of officials, virtuous and capable. I believe that if Jiaotong were to become my concubine, she would not be dishonored. What do you think?”
Flood Dragon King Xu was so enraged that he laughed instead. “Dear nephew, you are truly meticulous in your planning. Everything has been arranged so thoroughly.”
Hearing this, Murong Jian was overjoyed. “So, Uncle Xu, you agree? This box contains one thousand taels of gold notes as my betrothal gift. Even when I married my principal wife, the betrothal gift was not this generous. I hope Uncle can see my sincerity.”
Flood Dragon King Xu burst into laughter. “Commander Murong, I truly appreciate your sincerity. It is an honor that you hold my daughter in such high regard and have even offered such a generous betrothal gift. However, alas, my daughter is already betrothed to another. It seems you have come too late.”
Murong Jian’s dark, ugly face actually turned pale. “Uncle Xu, are you deceiving me? I have already inquired about this—Jiaotong has not been betrothed to anyone. If she were, why was I not informed earlier?”
Then, gritting his teeth, he added: “Uncle Xu, even if she is engaged, the marriage has not yet taken place. Tell me, who is this man? I will ask my Seventh Uncle-in-law to step in. He will ensure that man withdraws from this engagement. Would that be acceptable to you?”
Zhang Xiaohua almost spat out the food he was eating. Is this guy dense? Flood Dragon King Xu’s rejection couldn’t be any clearer, yet he still thinks it’s just a matter of persuasion.
Flood Dragon King Xu found himself in a dilemma, seeing Murong Jian’s persistence. Hesitating, he said, “Well…”
At that moment, Qin Shiyue chuckled and said: “My good nephew, what you’re doing is making your Uncle Xu rather uncomfortable. You see, this man you speak of—he is neither far away nor hard to find. In fact, he is right before your eyes.”
Murong Jian froze. He quickly scanned the room. Most of those present were middle-aged or older. Then his gaze landed on Zhang Xiaohua and Ying Fei, who were sitting beside Xu Jiaotong. His expression darkened, and he growled: “Uncle Qin, you don’t mean those two sitting beside Jiaotong, do you? That young one is just a servant—surely it isn’t him. Could it be that plain-looking man? He’s so unremarkable that he’d vanish in a crowd. How could Jiaotong possibly fancy someone like him? Or is it that this man has relatives in the government, and you all find it difficult to refuse him? Is that why you’re going along with this engagement so reluctantly?”
Lowering his voice, he added: “If that’s the case, just tell me. I have ten thousand ways to make him regret it. If he dares to compete with me for a woman, he must be tired of living.”
Qin Shiyue shook his head with a smile. “No, no, you are mistaken.”
Murong Jian was dumbfounded. “Then who is it?”
