His Highness the Madman gave in again today.

Third Master Rong, who was rarely home, suddenly returned to the Rong clan.

For the sake of a woman, he abandoned all sense of shame and stubbornly refused to leave the Yun Clan, even though he had no official status. This infuriated the elders of the Rong Clan, but they were powerless to do anything about it.

The key issue is that neither the Rong Clan's Lord nor the old Lord cares and lets him run wild. No matter how angry these old guys are, they can only be angry in vain.

Upon hearing the news of Third Master Rong's return, the elders who were gathered in the council hall discussing clan affairs all looked surprised, thinking they had misheard.

"Third Master is back?"

The Grand Elder snorted coldly, "This is truly a rare occurrence."

"Let's go take a look."

The elders exchanged glances, then stood up and walked outside.

Rong Huaijin walked at a moderate pace, dressed in a dark robe. His eyebrows and eyes still had that aloof look, but he seemed much more relaxed than before, and the gloom in his eyes had faded considerably.

The elders came forward, and seeing his appearance, they breathed a sigh of relief. Before they could even speak, Rong Huaijin had already walked straight past them and headed towards the main hall.

"Third Master!" the First Elder called after him, "Are you staying longer this time?"

"Don't stay."

Rong Huaijin didn't even turn his head: "I came back to get some things and to let my elder brother and sister-in-law know."

The elders paused, exchanged glances, and a sense of foreboding crept into their hearts.

Sure enough, Rong Huaijin entered the main hall and chatted with Rong Yanzhi and Ling Xueyuan for about fifteen minutes. When he came out, he had a small bundle in his hand, obviously back to pack his things.

The First Elder blocked the doorway, his beard trembling: "Third Master, where are you going this time?"

Rong Huaijin glanced at him, unusually without impatience, and said in a calm tone, "Going out for a walk, return date uncertain."

"No return date?!" The Second Elder's voice changed drastically. "You're not just going out for a stroll; you're abandoning the Rong Clan?"

Rong Huaijin paused for a moment, turned his head to look at them, and said, "With Aci and my elder brother here, the Rong clan won't cause any trouble."

"And what about you? You just left like that, without even a title..." The elder was cut off by a faint look from Rong Huaijin, and the rest of his sentence was swallowed back down.

Rong Huaijin didn't explain further, but simply raised his chin slightly: "Move aside."

After saying that, he didn't linger and turned to leave the mountain gate.

The elders stood there, watching his retreating figure without turning back, each one pounding their chests and stamping their feet, too angry to speak.

The First Elder clutched his chest, his voice trembling, "Third Master... he abandoned his family for a woman!"

The second elder, supporting him, also looked heartbroken: "What kind of bewitching potion did that woman from the Yun clan give him...?"

No matter how hard they tried to stop him, Rong Huaijin's figure had already disappeared into the morning light outside the mountain gate.

Meanwhile, inside the main hall.

Rong Yanzhi sat in the main seat, holding a cup of tea that had gone cold. His gaze was fixed on the direction where Rong Huaijin had disappeared outside the door, and his face showed a hint of helplessness.

Ling Xueyuan sat down beside him, poured him a cup of hot tea, and said softly, "It's rare that Ashu has come to her senses and is willing to let Third Brother accompany her out for a walk."

She paused, her gaze softening slightly: "In this life, although they can't get married and have a wedding ceremony like ordinary couples, given my third brother's personality, he won't care about those formalities. Being able to travel around with Ashu as husband and wife, spending day and night together, is probably more comforting to him than any title."

Rong Yanzhi picked up the newly poured tea, took a sip, and nodded: "Third brother has had a tough time these past few years. Now that he has achieved his wish, it can be considered that his suffering has finally come to an end and the clouds have parted to reveal the bright moon."

Ling Xueyuan gave a soft "hmm," leaned back in her chair, and suddenly sighed as if she had remembered something.

"Your third brother's matter is now settled, and Yu'er's marriage is also settled. I can finally feel much more at ease."

Rong Yanzhi put down his teacup and turned to look at her: "What about the other half?"

Ling Xueyuan looked up at him, her gaze filled with a hint of resentment: "Aci."

Rong Yanzhi was silent for a moment, his thoughts touched upon, and he sighed as well.

Ling Xueyuan counted on her fingers: "Aci is almost thirty years old, and he doesn't even have a girl he can talk to. He spends his days either dealing with clan affairs or in seclusion cultivating. When we were his age, our children were already running around."

Rong Yanzhi listened to her rambling without interrupting, simply waiting quietly for her to finish.

"In truth, it's our fault as his parents that we've trapped him in the clan at such a young age. For so many years, he's been guarding this huge clan, working tirelessly every day, never having a moment of leisure for himself..."

After Ling Xueyuan finished speaking, she glanced at him and said, "Say something!"

Rong Yanzhi put down his teacup and straightened his expression: "I've thought about Aci's matter."

Ling Xueyuan sat up straight and waited for him to speak.

"Now that you're feeling much better, why not take this opportunity..."

The couple exchanged a glance and immediately sent someone to fetch Rong Xuanci.

Before long, a stern and upright figure stepped steadily into the main hall.

Rong Xuanci wore a plain white robe, his black hair was tied up high, his eyebrows and eyes were cold and indifferent, and his aura was calm and upright, with the unique majesty of the Rong clan's patriarch.

He bowed slightly to his parents, who were seated at the head of the table, and said in a calm and even tone, "Father, Mother, you were looking for me?"

Ling Xueyuan looked at her outstanding but lonely eldest son, and the sorrow in her eyes could not be hidden.

The more I looked at the child, the more pitiful I felt.

At such a young age, he shouldered the responsibilities of the entire Rong clan, which made him indifferent and devoid of any youthful spirit.

Rong Yanzhi looked calmly at his eldest son and got straight to the point without any preamble.

"Aci, from this day forward, I will take over and manage all clan affairs of the Rong clan."

Upon hearing this, Rong Xuanci's brow twitched almost imperceptibly, and a faint hint of doubt flashed across his cool eyes.

He spoke calmly, "Father, is there trouble in the clan, or have I handled matters improperly?"

Having led the Rong clan for several years, he had never made the slightest mistake, working diligently and without any slackness. He simply couldn't figure out where he had gone wrong.

Rong Yanzhi shook his head, his tone serious and earnest: "No, you did a great job, impeccable."

Rong Xuanci did not understand.

If nothing is wrong, then why suddenly revoke his clan rights?

Looking at his serious and businesslike expression, Ling Xueyuan couldn't help but feel soft-hearted and want to laugh.

This child has spent his entire life working and cultivating himself; he has never had a single thought of romantic love in his mind.

She spoke softly, revealing her true intentions directly: "Aci, you haven't done anything wrong. It's just that your parents want to set you free."

Rong Xuanci was stunned.

His fingers, hanging by his side, stiffened slightly, and a clear look of astonishment appeared on his usually aloof face.

"free?"

These two words had never been part of his life.

Ling Xueyuan nodded, her tone gentle but her attitude extremely firm: "Yes, from childhood to adulthood, you have guarded the Rong clan and shouldered the responsibilities, never living a single day for yourself. Now, your sister's child is already so grown up, yet you don't even have a girl you like."

"So, what your father and I mean is that from now on, you don't need to worry about any of the clan's affairs, big or small. You can relinquish your responsibilities as the clan leader and go down the mountain."

"what?"

Rong Xuanci's eyes were full of confusion. Why would they send him down the mountain instead of letting him be the proper Lord?

He instinctively asked, "What are we going down the mountain for?"

This question made Ling Xueyuan laugh.

Looking at her clueless eldest son, she bluntly said, "Go down the mountain and find a wife."

"..."

Rong Xuanci looked embarrassed and strange.

What's wrong with my mother's brain? She actually sent him down the mountain to find a wife?

Outrageous.

He frowned, his tone carrying a habitual calm: "Father, Mother, clan affairs cannot be neglected, I don't need to..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ling Xueyuan raised her hand to interrupt him: "Your father is in charge of clan affairs, you don't need to worry about them. Right now, the most urgent matter for the Rong clan is your marriage."

Rong Xuanci was speechless for a moment. He had never imagined that one day he would be forced to step down just to make time to find a wife.

Seeing his stiff expression, Rong Yanzhi added a timely comment.

"Aci, this is a decision made jointly by your mother and me. The position of Rong Clan Chief will be temporarily vacant. You can return to your post whenever you complete your mission."

Rong Xuanci took a deep breath: "What are your requirements?"

Ling Xueyuan smiled gently: "It's very simple, just two requirements: a woman, alive. As long as you like her, it doesn't matter if you're from a similar social class or if you have an arranged marriage. Your parents will accept her."

"..."

Rong Xuanci was utterly dumbfounded.

His parents are so afraid that no one will want him.

Rong Yanzhi made the final decision: "You don't need to rush. Take your time looking. When you meet a girl you like and are willing to settle down, then bring her back."

There's no room for negotiation now.

His parents were determined to send him down the mountain to find a partner.

Seeing the earnest expressions on the two elders' faces, Rong Xuanci finally nodded slightly and agreed, "Then... alright."

Ling Xueyuan breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes brightening considerably.

Fearing he might change his mind, she immediately stood up and urged, "Hurry up and pack your things, we're going down the mountain today."

Rong Xuanci: "..."

They really didn't give us any chance to delay.

He was always filial and would not go against his parents' good intentions, so he could only bow slightly and say, "Son, I obey."

After saying that, he turned around and slowly walked out of the main hall.

Back in his bedchamber, he quickly tidied himself up and then obediently went down the mountain.

However, I still felt it was absurd.

He's supposed to go down the mountain to find a wife? Where is he supposed to find one?

You can't just see any girl and...

His short half-day trip left him feeling lost.

He had no idea where to look for people, let alone what kind of person he liked.

The tranquility of the mountains and forests didn't suit him, nor did the hustle and bustle of the city.

Later, thinking of his sister, he went straight to the Nine Provinces Continent to find Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu.

The night was chilly.

After finishing his work, Feng Xingyu accompanied Mo Sangyu and Zhaozhao for a walk in the Imperial Garden to aid digestion.

The air suddenly rippled slightly.

A figure in a cool, white robe appeared out of thin air in the garden pavilion.

Mo Sangyu looked up and was instantly stunned: "Brother? What brings you here?"

Rong Xuanci landed and stood still, his expression indifferent, but a rare trace of weariness and helplessness was hidden between his brows and eyes.

He sat down, picked up the hot tea on the table, and drank it all in one gulp.

After finishing his drink, he said, "My parents chased me down the mountain."

Mo Sangyu was taken aback, and Feng Xingyu also raised his eyebrows slightly, waiting for what would happen next.

Rong Xuanci succinctly explained the Rong family's latest family rules clearly.

"Father has taken back control of the Rong clan and sent me down the mountain to find a wife. If I can't find one, I'm not allowed to go back."

Mo Sangyu burst out laughing on the spot.

A dignified leader, suspended from duty and pressured to get married?

"Hahaha, my parents are too cruel."

Rong Xuanci remained expressionless, showing no sign of laughter.

He was now filled with anxiety: "I have no interest in traveling, nor do I understand romance and human relationships. There are countless affairs piling up in the clan, and my father has not been in power for a long time. I am afraid he will not be able to handle them."

Feng Xingyu smiled and said calmly, "Since you're here, make the best of it. You can stay in the palace for now. The land of Kyushu is vast, take your time to find your way, there's no rush."

Rong Xuanci had no other choice but to nod in agreement.

In the days that followed, the once aloof and busy Rong Clan Lord became a completely idle person.

No need to handle official documents, no need to patrol the barrier, no need to coordinate the clansmen; they simply wake up, eat, and then wander around.

He explored every place that was open to him, from the imperial palace and gardens to the library and the long streets and palace paths.

Idle and bored.

A month has passed in the blink of an eye.

In the past month, he hasn't even seriously looked at many women of marriageable age, let alone girls he likes.

There has been absolutely no progress in matters of marriage.

Rong Xuanci grew increasingly anxious, his mind constantly preoccupied with the Rong clan.

The longer it went on, the more panicked he became.

That evening.

He blocked Mo Sangyu's way back to her bedchamber, his tone urgent: "Yu'er, help your brother choose one."

"Let me choose?"

Mo Sangyu frowned: "Are you sure?"

Rong Xuanci was extremely perfunctory, clearly just putting on a show.

"It's settled. I'll just pick any girl with good character and a clean background, but only if she's willing. I'll take her back to the Rong clan to get married."

This task was a complete waste of his time.

Mo Sangyu sighed, "Brother, marriage is a serious matter; it can't be taken lightly."

"I can't worry about that now, as long as my parents are happy."

"But feelings..."

"Feelings can be cultivated after marriage."

Seeing his expression of being driven crazy, Mo Sangyu was at her wit's end.

"Alright, I'll arrange it. You can check it out yourself."

Rong Xuanci breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Finally, there's a shortcut.

Day two.

Mo Sangyu meticulously arranged an elegant tea banquet, inviting dozens of ladies from distinguished families, each of whom was well-educated, gentle, virtuous, and beautiful.

In the eyes of ordinary people, she is already a girl who is one in a million.

Throughout the banquet, Rong Xuanci sat upright at the table, maintaining a polite and distant demeanor.

Drink tea, sit quietly, and listen to what is said.

Throughout the entire process, he remained calm and composed, without the slightest hint of emotion.

These girls were gentle and graceful, and when they took the initiative to talk to him, he remained polite and distant, responding indifferently.

After the banquet, Mo Sangyu leaned over and asked him, "How was it? Did you find anyone you liked?"

Rong Xuanci shook his head.

He thought he could just pick one randomly, but... he couldn't do it.

He simply doesn't like it; he can't fool himself.

Mo Sangyu sighed, knowing this would happen.

Her brother is actually the type who would rather have nothing than something bad, otherwise he wouldn't still be single now.

Ordinary gentle and demure ladies are simply not worthy of his attention.

Being too soft won't work, being too obedient won't work, and being too dignified won't work either.

For a while, I really couldn't figure out his preferences.

This blind date was completely pointless.

Rong Xuanci was even more frustrated: "Forget it, I'll go for a walk."

The city of fog is bustling and prosperous, with an open-minded populace and a lively atmosphere.

Dressed in white, he walked slowly down the long street, his gaze indifferent as he looked at the passing crowds.

He felt he must be crazy to actually obey his parents, abandoning a bunch of clan affairs to run off and find some kind of wife.

Shouldn't this depend on fate?

"You ungrateful wretch!"

Suddenly, from a secluded alleyway at the street corner, the faint sounds of arguing and harsh shouting could be heard.

Rong Xuanci frowned slightly and looked in the direction of the sound.

Deep in the alley, a jarring scene came into view.