Wandering Swordsman |

Five days later, Shen Mo appeared in Luoyang City.

Unlike the gentle beauty of Hangzhou, Luoyang, an ancient and magnificent city, carries a profound sense of history and a grand aura. Its wide, straight streets are lined with towering buildings, as if every inch of land tells a story of past glory. The streets and alleys are bustling with pedestrians and vehicles, and various accents mingle, creating a unique and lively atmosphere. Shen Mo couldn't help but marvel at how grand and orderly everything here seemed, a stark contrast to the tranquil waterways and traditional houses of Hangzhou.

Upon arriving in Luoyang, Shen Mo did not immediately go to the Murong family. He knew that acting rashly would only bring unnecessary trouble to himself and Murong Qing. Therefore, he first found a restaurant in the city to settle down, intending to rest for a while before making further plans.

The restaurant was bustling with noise, and Shen Mo sat quietly in a corner, listening to the chatter around him.

"Have you heard? Yesterday, the head of the Huangfu family brought his son to Luoyang again," someone whispered.

"I've not only heard about it, but I also saw the Huangfu family's procession enter Luoyang yesterday. The scale of their procession was so grand that it was no exaggeration to say it was the emperor's procession," another person chimed in, his eyes filled with amazement.

"Yes, I saw it too. A whole hundred carts of silks and satins, gold and silver jewelry were being transported. I wonder what they're going to do with them?" Someone nearby also came over, looking very curious.

"Come closer, I'll tell you the details... I have a relative who works as a long-term laborer in the Murong family. According to him, those hundred cartloads of priceless goods were used by the Huangfu family to propose marriage." The speaker lowered his voice mysteriously, his eyes flickering.

Although the people behind them were speaking very quietly, thanks to his profound martial arts skills, Shen Mo was still able to easily hear what they were saying.

"Propose marriage? Propose marriage to whom?" one of them asked in a low voice, his tone revealing a hint of excitement and curiosity.

"Who else could it be?" The man who spoke earlier smiled mysteriously, his eyes gleaming as if he possessed an incredible secret. "Naturally, it's the seventh young lady of the Murong family, one of the 'Four Beauties' who have gained fame in the martial arts world in the last two years: Murong Qing."

As soon as he finished speaking, the small circle fell silent, and everyone's faces showed expressions of sudden realization.

"It's actually the Seventh Miss!" one of them couldn't help but interject, his voice barely audible, "And who is the Huangfu family arranging this marriage for?"

"In my opinion, it must be Huangfu Feilong, the eldest son of the Huangfu family, who is currently the most prominent young generation in the martial arts world and one of the Nine Young Masters," another young man guessed confidently.

"None of that is correct." The middle-aged man who spoke first shook his head smugly and continued in a low voice, "My relative who works as a long-term laborer in the Murong family told me that the Huangfu family came to propose marriage for their second young master, Huangfu Hui. It seems that they want Huangfu Hui to marry into the Murong family, so that the two families can form a powerful alliance, achieving a win-win situation and becoming even stronger."

After he finished speaking, the others nodded, their expressions complex, a mixture of envy and regret.

However, these words struck Shen Mo like a thunderclap. His once calm heart was now rippled with waves.

"Murong Qing..." he murmured to himself, his brows furrowing unconsciously.

That name, like a gentle breeze, dispersed the dust from the depths of memory. The image of her turning back with a smile on her face on the day we parted in Yunnan years ago seems like it happened just yesterday. But now, she's to become the object of a marriage alliance between the Huangfu and Murong families?

The moment the thought crossed his mind, a profound emptiness washed over Shen Mo, as if a piece of his most tender spot had been gently ripped away. He couldn't help but wonder: Did she still remember him? The boy who had promised to come to Luoyang to find her?

Once the thought appeared, it quickly coiled around his mind like vines, making him feel suffocated for a moment. But soon, he shook his head vigorously, suppressing these emotions.

He silently vowed to himself, "Since I made a promise back then, no matter how much wind and rain lies ahead, I will not back down."

The sunlight streaming through the window fell perfectly on his shoulders, as if draping him in an invisible armor. Shen Mo's gaze hardened; he knew he had to see Murong Qing as soon as possible and understand the truth behind everything.

......

The scene then shifts to the Murong family's reception room, where a somber atmosphere permeates the space.

Sunlight streamed through the carved windows, casting dappled patterns onto the polished floor, but failed to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the air. The Huangfu family had brought not only lavish betrothal gifts but also an imperial edict, attempting to coerce the Murong family into agreeing to the marriage.

The imperial edict read: "I have heard that the Murong family's businesses span the land, making them incredibly wealthy; the Huangfu family has served the court for generations, achieving remarkable merit. I now wish to facilitate a marriage alliance between the two families, forging a bond of goodwill to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the nation." This edict acted like an invisible shackle, attempting to firmly bind Murong Qing's fate to Huangfu Hui's side. However, facing such immense pressure, Murong Liang, the head of the Murong family, remained unfazed, vowing to protect Murong Qing's happiness.

"Nephew Huangfu," Murong Liang began slowly, his voice steady and powerful, "You have come here not only to propose marriage, but also with His Majesty's decree. Our Murong family is deeply honored, but ultimately, the decision of marriage rests with the parties involved."

Huangfu Haotian smiled slightly, a hint of meaning in his eyes. "Uncle Murong, His Majesty's intentions are very clear. This marriage alliance is not only a support for each other's families, but also for the peace and prosperity of the nation. If the Murong family refuses this, His Majesty will likely be displeased."

Murong Liang shook his head slightly, his eyes flashing with determination. "Nephew Huangfu, what you say makes sense. But our Murong family has always respected our children's choices and will not interfere."

Huangfu Haotian frowned slightly, his tone somewhat forceful, "Uncle, you should think this through. If our two families were to form a marriage alliance, we would definitely be able to join forces and overwhelm the other six great families. But if the Murong family insists on not complying, it may bring unnecessary trouble."

Although Murong Liang had his concerns, he understood even more clearly that the future of his family should not be held hostage by such means. "Nephew Huangfu, the Murong family knows what it's all about. We will seriously consider His Majesty's suggestion, but the final decision rests with Qing'er herself."

Huangfu Haotian remained silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "In that case, let's wait another day and come back tomorrow to hear the Murong family's reply."

Murong Liang nodded and said gently, "Thank you for your understanding, Nephew Huangfu. Please rest at your residence today, and we will discuss this matter again tomorrow."

As Huangfu Haotian and his entourage left, the entire hall fell silent. Murong Liang sat alone in the main seat, his gaze distant, as if contemplating something important.