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Both being leaders of their respective families, neither was a simpleton. Ye Xixi didn't naively believe that Ning Fengzhi had summoned her just to exchange a few teasing remarks.
Ye Xixi narrowed her eyes slightly, her wariness growing as she began to ponder what Ning Fengzhi truly intended.
From the perspective of businessâwhere one sought the core value of a productâher gaze suddenly sharpened.
'Oh no,' she thought, 'this old fox is trying to steal my son-in-law!'
But it wasn't just about stealing a son-in-law. With Ye Wen already having four fiancées, under normal circumstances, someone like Ning Fengzhi wouldn't bother intervening. Yet here he was, deliberately asking her this question. 'Could it be that he's already seen through our plans to form a new faction?'
Ye Xixi scrutinized Ning Fengzhi carefully, inwardly acknowledging him as the astute "Wisest Man of Tian Dou," a title he truly deserved.
Her family had only recently begun to regain prominence. If a significant share of their power were divided at this early stage of their rise, it would be an incalculable loss for the Ye family. She needed to think of a way to deflect his inquiry.
After some deliberation, Ye Xixi quickly devised a response. Setting down her teacup, she said softly:
"Alas, there's nothing I can do. My daughter is uselessâa hopeless romantic. She's fallen for that boy. You know our family's situationâonly two Nine-Heart Begonias can exist at the same time.
As long as I'm still alive, there's no hope for the family's inherited martial soul in the near future. So, I've let her do as she pleases. After all, that boy shares our surname, and even if he doesn't inherit his own martial soul, he's willing to adopt our children. That's all I can ask for.
Besides, Lord Ning, you know well that the boy is backed by Jade Phosphorous. Aligning our family with him is simply taking advantage of a strong alliance."
"Ah, I see. It must be unfortunate for your family. Madam Ye, please accept my condolences," Ning Fengzhi said, feigning sympathy.
It was as though Ye Xixi truly felt sorrow over her heir's lack of ambition.
The two exchanged knowing smiles, each satisfied with their exchange.
Ye Xixi understood the principle that saying too much could lead to mistakes. After briefly placating Ning Fengzhi, she prepared to excuse herself.
But just as she was about to stand up, Ning Fengzhi spoke again.
"Come to think of it, Madam Ye, we are truly kindred spirits.
I don't mind telling you thisâit's not something to laugh aboutâbut my youngest daughter, Ning Rongrong, was originally groomed to be the successor of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect. Who would have thought she'd also fall victim to love, setting her sights on that boy, Ye Wen.
Would Madam Ye be so kind as to introduce us?
If this succeeds, you'll have my deepest gratitude. In the future, when both our daughters marry into the Ye family, they can keep each other company and avoid being bullied by his other wives."
Upon hearing this, Ye Xixi froze, her heart screaming inwardly.
'Ning Fengzhi isn't here just to gather information or claim a slice of the pieâhe's clearly seen through our plans and intends to outright seize control!'
Ye Xixi's expression darkened as she sank back into her seat. Looking at Ning Fengzhi, whose eyes were obscured by the glare of his glasses in the sunlight, she found his intentions chilling and inscrutable.
"Lord Ning exaggerates. However, I'm afraid I can't assist you in this matter. My daughter married into his family out of mutual affection.
And as far as I know, your daughter has no emotional entanglement with my son-in-law. If Lord Ning intends to arrange a marriage alliance, even if Jade Phosphorous agrees, I doubt my son-in-law will."
Though Ye Xixi was refusing, she knew her position wasn't strong enough to outright reject a man like Ning Fengzhi. Cleverly, she shifted the pressure onto Dugu Bo, making it seem as though he held the final say while subtly emphasizing Ye Wen's importance.
Just as Ye Xixi was wondering what Ning Fengzhi might say nextâ
Ning Fengzhi suddenly burst into laughter.
Ye Xixi: 'What? We're supposed to be scheming against each otherâwhy are you laughing?'
At this moment, Gu Rong, who had been hiding in the shadows, stepped forward slowly.
As a renowned figure and the face of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect, Ye Xixi naturally recognized Bone Douluo. But his presence here left her momentarily confused.
Ignoring Ye Xixi's reaction, Ning Fengzhi turned to Gu Rong with a smile and asked:
"Uncle Bone, what do you think? Doesn't Madam Ye's attitude speak volumes about Ye Wen's excellence and character?"
Gu Rong nodded slowly. Though he felt bitter, the fact that a mother-in-law of such standing was defending Ye Wen already proved how highly sought-after he was.
Still feeling reluctant, Gu Rong pressed further: "Madam Ye, is Ye Wen really that good? Good enough for your daughter to become his fourth wife?"
Ye Xixi opened her mouth to refute but realized from their earlier exchange that Ning Fengzhi had merely been using her as a pawn to reflect Ye Wen's image in her eyes.
The Ye family of the Nine-Heart Begonia wasn't some minor household. For such a prestigious family's noble daughter to willingly marry a mere Soul Sage as his fourth wife could only mean one thing: Ye Wen was extraordinarily exceptional. Otherwise, even if the Ye family did nothing and maintained neutrality, their lineage would endure indefinitely.
Choosing Ye Wen was partly because he had the qualifications to elevate the Ye family further and partly because his character had earned the approval of a prominent family like the Ye clan. Had Ye Wen lacked integrity, no amount of investment potential would have convinced them to act.
In short, Ye Lingling had become the litmus test for Ye Wen.
Ye Xixi felt bitter. She hadn't expected to be outmaneuvered so thoroughly.
Though Gu Rong hadn't received a direct answer, he had already gotten his answer. Sighing deeply, he said:
"Fengzhi, leave Rongrong's matters in your hands. I need some time alone."
With that, Gu Rong opened a black void and stepped inside, leaving the reception hall.
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi's smile faded as he addressed the elegant woman before him earnestly:
"Madam Ye, let's discuss a business deal."
The specifics of their conversation remained unknown to outsiders. However, it wasn't long before Ye Wen learned that he now had a fifth fiancĂ©eâone approved by all the fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law. There was no way to refuse.
At this rate, Ye Wen couldn't help but feel that his kidneys would be half-ruined by the time they matured. One night, during a group dinner, he pleaded:
"Please, five is more than enough! Don't add any moreâI'll die if there are more!"
The elders present were momentarily stunned before bursting into hearty laughter.
By then, however, the faction Ye Wen had founded already counted several Title Douluos among its ranks, no longer fearing external pressures. There was no need for further political marriages.
Yet it was a pityâthe kind-hearted princess would once again tread the path of unrequited love, unable to marry the one she loved.
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