Promise!

Chapter 258, Harmony

In Cangzhou City, on the first ring road, lies the Cen family, one of the three great aristocratic families.

"What a fool! It would be one thing if he died from his own stupidity, but he also brought trouble to his family, causing the Shangguan family to come demanding an explanation and relinquishing their interests!"

Cen Chongxuan, the head of the Cen family, saw Shangguan Jinfeng off and let out a heavy, cold snort.

Cen Guangsheng, who wiped out Zhan Shengchu's entire family, was only at the Innate True Qi Realm. If nothing unexpected happened, he would marry into the Shangguan family. It was because of this, as well as some grudges and entanglements between the other two families, that Shangguan Yunchang felt a strong aversion to this person and the Cen family.

This man was resolutely rejected by Shangguan Yunchang, and then realized that Shangguan Yunchang seemed to have another lover. His love turned to hatred, and he wanted to use Zhan Shengchu as a weapon. However, he was too clever for his own good and died at Zhan Shengchu's hands, which led to the events that followed.

"The Shangguan family has some impressive methods; they actually managed to get a Corpse Slayer Realm martial artist who cultivates the Black Fiend Technique to willingly become his son-in-law."

Cen Chongxuan felt envious and even considered whether his own family could learn from this, but then realized it wouldn't be easy.

First of all, they can't be people with extraordinary potential, otherwise the other two families won't agree, and it's easy for them to turn the tables. But if they have no potential and are safe in their own right, wouldn't it be better to establish their own family and become an ancestor? Why would they offer themselves up to be bound by others and work like cattle and horses?

It's truly exceptional that someone like Zhuang Jin, who cultivates the Black Fiend Technique and shows no ambition, yet whose cultivation level and strength are recognized and even exceptionally recognized by aristocratic families.

"The Shangguan family is so lucky!" he exclaimed again.

……

The Ge family, one of the three great families of Cangzhou City, is located in a courtyard on the south side.

Ge Zhaoxu—who is also the father of Ge Mingzhi, the younger brother of Ji Tongxiu and a fellow student of Ji Tongwei—is a second-level Innate Qi Realm cultivator and holds real power in the Ge family. At this moment, he is also reminiscing with his wife about Zhuang Jin.

The Ge family's major decisions are naturally the father's concern. At this moment, he is talking about it more as an anecdote. After all, it is indeed a legend for someone like Zhuang Jin, who came from such a background, to have come this far.

Just then, a girl of about sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing a red coat and deerskin boots, came trotting over. A flock of birds in the nearby garden, paved with pebbles and still bearing traces of snow, were startled and took flight in a flurry.

When Ge Mingzhi came in, she heard a familiar figure in her parents' conversation and realized that this was Ji Tongwei's husband.
Her eyes lit up, and she asked, "Father, Mother, are you talking about Tongwei's teacher? He's so capable, and his interactions with us won't bring shame to our family. Does that mean I won't have to transfer classes next year?"

Upon hearing this, Ge Zhaoxu paused slightly.

Zhuang Jin is currently at the Corpse Severing Realm and is also married to the next head of the Shangguan family, which makes him quite influential. After thinking about it, he agreed that Ge Mingzhi would not transfer to another class next year.

"Thank you, Mom and Dad."

Ge Mingzhi's joy was beyond words, and she couldn't wait to share it with Ji Tongwei.

That's often how things are in life. Things that seem impossible to them, even if they're difficult to climb to the sky, can be easily solved as adults change their status and position, with only a slight side effect.

……

Second Ring Road, Qin family's residence, pavilion in the purple bamboo grove in the backyard.

"Brother Zhuang, what brings you here today? I heard this morning that you displayed the power of the Corpse Severing Realm, fought Zhan Shengchu fiercely at Tongfu Teahouse, and almost killed him with your sword. Afterwards, you won the heart of a beauty and news of your marriage spread. What a great event, what great fortune!"

As Qin Douzhan spoke, he poured Zhuang Jin a glass of wine and said enviously.

"Don't flatter me. It was the Shangguan family patriarch who captured Zhan Shengchu. What does it have to do with me? As for winning the heart of a beauty, who knows if it's a stroke of good luck or a disaster?"

Zhuang Jin clinked glasses with Qin Douzhan, and Shangguan Yunchang went to find Ji Tongxiu. He came over here.

"Hahahaha!"

Qin Douzhan knew about Zhuang Jin's situation and understood it to some extent. At this moment, both of them laughed, but one of them had a bitter smile, while the other was making a teasing joke as if watching a good show.

Amidst the laughter, he also sensed that Zhuang Jin's attitude remained unchanged after breaking through to the Corpse-Slaying Realm. He sighed at Zhuang Jin's pure heart and was slightly moved. The slight distance that had arisen due to the difference in strength and status also narrowed considerably.

A gentle breeze rustled through the bamboo leaves, and the remaining snowflakes drifted down like smoke and mist.

After laughing, Qin Douzhan poured Zhuang Jin another cup of wine and sighed, "Back then, the seven of us in our little circle went to the capital, the prefectural city, or joined the Xuantian Division... each of us had our own choices. I thought that only Brother Zhuang was like me, but now it seems that you also had a plan in mind. I am the one who lacks foresight and planning, and is the most incompetent."

"What makes you say that? Whether shoes fit or not, you only know after you wear them. Everyone's choices are based on their own circumstances. Brother Qin, how can you be sure that staying put is worse than taking action?"

Zhuang Jin paused for a moment, then continued, "Others only see my success, but have they ever seen the effort I put in behind the scenes?"

Well, besides luck, it also took a lot of effort to live off Shangguan Yunchang.

Haha, you!

Qin Douzhan pointed at Zhuang Jin and shook his head with a smile at his "getting the benefits and then acting innocent" behavior: "But one thing is true: there is no such thing as a good thing without any bad things in this world. After Brother Zhuang gets married and enters the Shangguan family, he will be subject to some restrictions. I'm afraid he won't be able to live as carefree as before."

"That's true."

Zhuang Jin's eye twitched slightly; it was indeed so.

He was semi-married into the Shangguan family, and the Shangguan family treated him as one of their own, thus avoiding suppression from the Xuantian Division. However, he was inevitably involved in the power struggles among aristocratic families and had to contribute some efforts. He would probably become the dean of the Bailu Martial Academy next year.

The three great families take turns in charge of the Suspended Heaven Division, with a ten-year cycle. This ten-year cycle is the Shangguan family's turn. During this cycle, the White Deer Martial Academy also needs a member of the Shangguan family who has reached the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm to serve as the dean. The Shangguan family elder who took office is over a hundred years old and has only severed one corpse. He is exhausted and has been clamoring to 'retire'. He will probably take over the position next year.

The position of Dean of Bailu Martial Arts Academy is prestigious and offers excellent benefits. It is a leisurely and easy job. However, it is certain that after taking office, it will not be as carefree as it is now. It is impossible to work for one month and rest for two months as before.

However, for Zhuang Jin, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. He can earn resources to replace the resources consumed by the Holy Spirit Pearl, saving them to support him when he reaches the Yin God realm and progresses to a certain stage. After all, once he reaches the Yin God realm, the resources provided by the mid-grade Qingyuan Pot become somewhat insufficient.

For the millions of martial artists in Cangzhou City, the Innate Realm is the ultimate goal. Under the blockade of the Suspended Heaven Division, even breaking through a small realm is a cause for great joy for the Innate Realm martial artists in the city. The three great families of Cangzhou City also regard the Yin God Realm as the highest pursuit. And now, he is already planning for the stage beyond breaking through to the Yin God Realm. In terms of foresight and vision, he is undoubtedly the best in Cangzhou City.

Of course, if you have the corresponding abilities, then 'the stage is as big as your heart'; if you don't have the ability, then you're just aiming too high.

……

In the second ring road of the city, at the Zhuang residence. Previously, in order to manage the household affairs and to cultivate a close relationship with the Ji family, Zhuang Jin deliberately created a 'weakness' to keep Ji Tongxiu here as well. Although she had no title as the mistress of the house, she had the reality of one.

Today, Ji Tongxiu received news of Zhuang Jin's marriage to Shangguan Yunchang. After confirming it, she immediately realized that she was in an awkward situation. With Shangguan Yunchang as the real mistress of the house, where should she, as the 'substitute mistress', be placed?
In that instant, she lost her composure, and even felt an uncontrollable surge of resentment: 'I treated Mr. Zhuang with sincerity, how could he treat me like this?'

Many women possess a remarkable self-consistent logic. In their balance, no matter what you offer on one side—wealth, status, glory, or even the entire empire—they feel that it is enough to maintain equilibrium by simply placing a tiny, fickle expression of their true feelings on the other side.

However, Ji Tongxiu was not the kind of fairy who would "find someone stronger than me and make him listen to me." Such thoughts were only fleeting, caused by the shock of the news and a momentary loss of composure, and were quickly dispelled.

"Mr. Zhuang said long ago that he wouldn't invest any genuine feelings; it was just a transaction. All of this was made perfectly clear beforehand."

"What Mr. Zhuang has given me now far exceeds my expectations. If it weren't for him, I probably would have been forced into marriage with that纨绔子弟 (spoiled brat) long ago, and I wouldn't have enjoyed the privileges I've had for the past few years. I should be grateful and content, thinking about what I can do for Mr. Zhuang, instead of thinking these ungrateful things."

Thinking this through, Ji Tongxiu dispelled that fleeting thought, suppressed the bitterness in her heart, and after some consideration, decided to move out of here.

Although Zhuang Jin will mostly stay at the Shangguan family home after her marriage to Shangguan Yunchang, this place is still considered the mistress's 'territory'. Before, when there was no mistress, she was the one who temporarily took her place. Now that the mistress has appeared, she should naturally be mindful and tactfully give way.

At the same time, it was also thought that Zhuang Jin's entry into the Shangguan family, with its large size and tendency to bully customers, was somewhat akin to a semi-married-in son-in-law, and his situation was likely to be difficult. It was also to make things even more difficult for Zhuang Jin.

……

Ji Tongxiu packed her things and returned to the Ji family. At this time, Ji Gongji also learned about Zhuang Jin's marriage to Shangyun Guanchang and was frowning with worry.

"After the marriage, will the next head of the Shangguan family harbor resentment towards our family because of you, and how might he target us?"

Because of Zhuang Jin and Ji Tongxiu's relationship, the Ji family has gained far more benefits than the Teng family in the past few years. Now, they are in an awkward position because of this relationship, and may even bring trouble upon themselves.

This isn't just Ji Gongji being overly worried; people's hearts are unpredictable. Who knows if that Miss Shangguan might be too possessive of Zhuang Jin and, in turn, harbor malice towards Ji Tongxiu, her 'ex'? Even the slightest targeting from such a powerful figure would be an unbearable burden for the Ji family.

“I’ve met that Miss Shangguan once. She’s not a petty person. Besides, even if what Father said is true… Mr. Zhuang won’t stand by and watch. At most, he’ll just break it off. Our family is much better off than before Mr. Zhuang came.”

That makes sense.

Ji Gongji echoed, but he was unsure in his heart. If the Shangguan family's designated patriarch really insisted on taking action against the Ji family, would Zhuang Jin risk turning against him to protect the Ji family?
Having witnessed too much of the wickedness of human nature, he simply lacked the confidence to do so.

……

Ji Tongxiu's mind was in turmoil as she thought about Zhuang Jin's marriage to Shangguan Yunchang and what her father had said before, and she went back to her room.

Not long after, Ji Tongwei, Ji Tongxiao and other younger siblings, as well as Wei Qinghui, Miao Yuchai and other close friends, and even Jin Qiaohua, whom they hadn't been in contact with for a long time, all came over.

"Sister, don't be upset. The master knows what he's doing and will handle it properly. He won't make things difficult for you."

"Yes, Lord Zhuang is such a great figure. He has now broken through his cultivation level and is also happily married. Sister Ji should be happy."

"Who knows, after the marriage, that master from the Shangguan family might even take Sister Ji with him?"

……

Ji Tongxiu remained calm, her face showing no emotion. Looking at these people, she knew that many of them were less offering comfort and more laughing at her.

She knew very well that very few people in this world truly cared about you, and even fewer truly wished you well. Not to mention her close friends, even her own sister Ji Tongxiao, who had benefited from her in the past, might feel the same way now that she was down on her luck.

Indeed, that's true. Ji Tongxiao missed out on Zhuang Jin, and her jealousy and envy of her older sister Ji Tongxiu far outweighed her gratitude. At this moment, she did feel a dark, twisted, and indescribable pleasure, a morbid emotion of watching Ji Tongxiu fall from the sky and into the mud.

Ji Tongxiu answered each question without revealing anything. She possessed a resilience that was as strong as a reed. This was evident from the time she led the caravan after escaping her arranged marriage. Although she was down on her luck at the moment, she would not let outsiders see it.

Because she knew that she represented not only herself, but also Zhuang Jin's reputation.

Just then, a servant announced that Shangguan Yunchang had arrived.

They've come knocking on our door.

Many people present had this thought in their minds, and some even showed an undisguised anticipation of watching a good show.

Ji Tongxiu's heart skipped a beat. She didn't care that these people were laughing at her, but she was truly uneasy when facing Shangguan Yunchang because of the other party's status as the empress and her family background.

She hadn't forgotten the first time they met at Tongfu Teahouse, when the other person treated her like an ant and didn't say a single word to her from beginning to end.

When they went out and met Shangguan Yunchang, the other party's attitude was quite unexpected. She came over and took Ji Tongxiu's hand: "I just went to the Second Ring Road to look for her. Why are you back, little sister?"

She was indeed magnanimous. Her previous plan was to ignore Zhuang Jin before the marriage, but after the marriage, she would not allow Zhuang Jin to have any other women or engage in philandering.

However, during the Tongfu Teahouse incident, when Zhan Shengchu exposed himself, Zhuang Jin stood in front of him, which moved Shangguan Yunchang and changed her mind. She was willing to accept Ji Tongxiu because she believed that sincerity could be exchanged for sincerity.

Of course, such acceptance requires Ji Tongxiu to recognize her position and the hierarchy, and even more so, she needs to be discreet and not let this relationship bring trouble to Zhuang Jin, herself, or the Shangguan family.

Before Shangguan Yunchang came, she told Zhuang Jin. After Zhuang Jin tested her, he roughly understood Shangguan Yunchang's attitude and went to Qin Douzhan to avoid suspicion, which can be regarded as tacit consent.

"Sister Shangguan!"

Ji Tongxiu was flattered and surprised. He sensed Shangguan Yunchang's goodwill. Compared with her attitude at Tongfu Teahouse last time, his feelings were extremely complicated. He knew that Shangguan Yunchang was now treating him with respect and calling a woman from a second-rate family with a completely different status "sister" was definitely not because of him, but because he had gained a weight on her side that did not belong to him.

She was also a clever person, and she quickly realized that Zhuang Jin must have held a lot of importance in Shangguan Yunchang's heart, so Shangguan Yunchang loved him and therefore treated her this way.

When these "plastic best friends" like Jin Qiaohua, Wei Qinghui, and Miao Yuchai appeared, they had already mentally rehearsed countless exciting and thrilling scenes of tearing each other apart, and their faces even showed undisguised expressions of anticipation. However, when they were caught off guard by this scene of "wives and concubines getting along," they were all so surprised that their mouths dropped open and their jaws almost dislocated.

Shocked and gasping, they simultaneously conjured up the same thought: 'That Venerable Zhuang is truly terrifying!'

……

(End of this chapter)