sbdcsierra Chapter 498 The Grave of Marriage
Chapter 498 The Grave of Marriage
Passing through the front hall, Shen Xu saw the renowned "Drunken Immortal Pool" of Drunken Immortal Residence.
It was a spirit pool occupying the center of the ship's cabin.
The pool water was not ordinary clear water, but an amber-colored nectar infused with a large amount of Drunken Immortal Lotus Dew and top-grade spiritual herbs, exuding an intoxicating aroma of wine and medicine, with spiritual energy rising in the air.
The poolside is meticulously carved from warm jade, layered like flower petals.
The crystal chandeliers embedded in the pool walls and dome illuminate the entire space as bright as day, and the light refracts into a mesmerizing and colorful hue in the misty, ethereal water vapor.
Shen Xu looked up and saw two large seats high up opposite the main entrance of the inner hall, overlooking the entire Drunken Immortal Residence. They were decorated with the patterns of the Four Directions Sword Alliance and the Crimson Origin Sect, but they were too high for him to see clearly.
Meanwhile, numerous True Flower Envoys and Fragrance Envoys, like butterflies flitting among flowers, silently moved between the seats, carrying huge crimson-gold trays laden with a multitude of top-quality wines and delicacies.
Shen Xu had tasted many of the dishes last night, so he naturally knew how they tasted, which made him swallow hard.
"Junior Song Han greets all the seniors!" Song Han bowed gracefully to everyone in the hall.
As long as Hundred Flowers City remains within the territory of the Crimson Origin Sect, even with Green Wood as his backer, this person is destined to be unable to overturn the tide.
"Ling Shuang also greets all the seniors." Ji Ling Shuang bowed gracefully, but the worry between her brows remained.
"Shen Xu, isn't it a bit too rude of you to still be using your illusory appearance here?" A slightly cold voice reached his ears.
Shen Xu knew that this was a reminder from the Sword Alliance's reincarnation, so he removed the illusion from his face and replied, "This disciple did not intend to conceal anything; it was a choice made out of necessity. I ask for the understanding of all the seniors."
Ji Ling Shuang immediately looked at Shen Xu with a shocked expression, "So he is Shen Xu. What is his identity in the Sword Alliance? And what is his relationship with Lord Qing Mu?"
"What's the helplessness?" the voice asked again.
"This disciple is acting on Lord Qingmu's orders to conduct a secret investigation in Hundred Flowers City. Since it is a secret investigation, it is necessary to conceal one's appearance."
"Is that matter related to the farce you staged today?"
“Of course there is a connection, and the key to the matter lies with Miss Ji beside me, but for certain reasons I cannot say more,” Shen Xu said with a smile.
"Since this concerns Lord Aoki, I won't ask too many questions. However, today is the day the Song family and the Ji family are signing their marriage agreement, so please don't spoil the mood."
Upon hearing this, Ji Ling Shuang's face turned ashen. If even invoking Lord Aoki couldn't make a difference, what chance did she have left?
"I am a rather suspicious person, and Miss Ji is very important to the matter I am investigating."
So I dare to ask, why did the Song family want to form a marriage alliance with the Ji family?
To put it bluntly, the Ji family doesn't seem to be qualified to be associated with the Song family.
Furthermore, Mr. Song and Miss Ji do not have much of an emotional foundation, making this marriage seem somewhat unusual.
I cannot rest easy until I understand the reason.
“Shen Xu, my marriage to Ling Shuang is a matter between the Song and Ji families. It’s not your place to interfere,” Song Han said coldly.
"Young Master Song, you are mistaken. Besides the matters entrusted to me by Lord Qingmu, I also have Senior Guo's entrustment to me. How could I not be able to handle Miss Ji's marriage!"
As I said before, unless the Ji family refuses to acknowledge that Senior Guo is a member of the Ji family, I am determined to handle this matter. I cannot allow Miss Ji to entrust her affairs to the wrong person!
"I fell in love with Ling Shuang at first sight, and the difference in our social status had no effect on me."
It was out of respect for her and the Ji family that I formally engaged to her. I will not allow you to doubt my true feelings for Ling Shuang!
"You really like Miss Ji?" Shen Xu asked with a hint of amusement.
Song Han keenly sensed that Shen Xu had set a trap for him, but he had no other choice now.
"Of course, my love for Ling Shuang is as clear as day!"
Hearing this answer, Shen Xu smiled and said, "You don't need to prove your love for Miss Ji to heaven and earth, you only need to prove it to Miss Ji."
"True love is about fulfillment and respect. If you truly love Miss Ji, you should respect her choices."
Even if you don't intend to give up, you should still make Miss Ji willingly marry you.
I have always believed that a marriage without an emotional foundation is destined to be a tomb, and now Miss Ji has a lot of opinions about you, Mr. Song.
"When you truly win Miss Ji's favor, I will definitely present Young Master Song with a grand gift."
"It's all arranged by parents and matchmakers; how can she decide such a major life event as marriage on her own?" Ji Hong immediately stood up to retort.
"As far as I know, Miss Ji was raised by Senior Guo since she was a child! As Senior Guo's client, I seem to be more suitable than you to decide Miss Ji's marriage!" Shen Xu looked coldly at the middle-aged man.
“Our ancestor is dead, so you can say whatever you want. And what makes you think you can prove that what you say is true?”
"I'm standing here now to fight for Miss Ji's interests, not to profit for myself!" Shen Xu's words were firm and resolute.
The middle-aged man took a deep breath and looked at Ji Ling Shuang: "Ling Shuang, can you tell me why you are unwilling to marry Young Master Song? What exactly is it about Young Master Song that you are dissatisfied with?"
“Father, Young Master Song is very good, but Ling Shuang’s ambitions lie elsewhere. I promised the old ancestor that I would protect Guiyun Pavilion for her for the rest of my life.”
Before our ancestor passed away, he instructed the family to respect his opinions, but what did you do? How did you treat me? Ji Ling Shuang looked at the middle-aged man with eyes full of resentment.
"We're doing this for your own good, why can't you understand our good intentions!"
Guiyunfang was originally a product that our ancestors barely managed to maintain. How long could you hold on without our ancestors?
"As long as you are willing to marry into the Song family, I believe that with Young Master Song's understanding nature, he will help you protect Guiyunfang," Ji Mingyu earnestly advised.
“Father, how to maintain Guiyun Pavilion is my business, you don’t need to worry about it.”
Having come this far, she was determined to go all out; she absolutely could not marry into the Song family.
This is both her promise to her ancestors and her rebellion against fate!
Just as Ji Hong was about to offer further advice, a slightly aged but robust voice from the high platform laughed and said, "I think what young friend Shen said makes some sense."
Before embarking on a happy marriage, it is important for the couple to understand each other.
Moreover, since it's a matter between the younger generation, it's best not to interfere too much. Besides, I don't want the Song family to have a daughter-in-law who is full of malice towards them.
This Hundred Flowers Festival is a great opportunity. Xiao Han, you should spend as much time as possible with Ling Shuang in Hundred Flowers City these days. As for the engagement, there's no rush.
"Your grandson obeys!" Song Han bowed and said.
“Ling Shuang, you are not willing to enter into a marriage agreement with Xiao Han now. I wonder if you would be willing to spend some time with Xiao Han and get to know him better? Perhaps you will have a new idea after that.”
Master Yanyang walked from the main seat to Ji Ling Shuang's side and asked in a very kind manner.
"This junior is willing!" Ji Ling Shuang lowered her head.
Today's outcome was already beyond her expectations, so how could she dare to have any other thoughts when facing the Venerable Yanyang in front of her?