Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Wu Changlin's words left Wu Yanqing and Ye Clan silent for a moment.

Indeed, since the moment Wu Changlin faked the marriage proposal, and now Chen Mo has reached Yongkang, the Wu Family has already been swept into the chaos of this world.

Wu Yanqing's cloudy eyes emitted a certain authority, the aura of a Third-Grade Martial Artist radiating from his body, like a waking tiger, he stared intently at Wu Changlin and said, "Was this strategy your suggestion?"

Under his father's pressure, Wu Changlin had no choice but to reveal the truth one by one, stating that it was all Liu Ji's scheme, aimed at forcing the Wu Family to send troops and join the battle.

After listening, Wu Yanqing snorted coldly and slammed the table heavily: "After I refused him initially, I never thought he'd remain in Jiangdong and resort to such lowly tactics to drag my Wu Family into this. It's utterly shameless, and you, rebellious son, to be deceived as well."

"But that Chen Mo, with his wolfish ambition, his recent actions reveal he's eyeing Jiangdong." Wu Changlin said.

"But he wouldn't resort to the same shameless tactics as Prince Huai." Wu Yanqing was furious, finding this scheme utterly disgraceful to the Wu Family's reputation.

"Husband, why don't we follow the mistake and straightforwardly marry Mi'Er to Chen Mo? This way, our Wu Family would not become a subject of gossip, family disgrace wouldn't spread, and with the alliance by marriage, it might prevent him from attacking Jiangdong." Ye Clan knew that blaming wasn't useful now, so she suggested.

But Wu Changlin firmly opposed, believing that Chen Mo's origins were not worthy of his sister.

Given her status and beauty, marrying into nobility was seen as marrying down.

Wu Yanqing glared at Wu Changlin: "You rebellious son, have the nerve to say that? If not for your recklessness, how would things have come to this situation?"

In Wu Yanqing's view, neither Chen Mo nor Prince Huai were good people, but in the present situation, the Wu Family had to choose between the two.

He pondered for a while, then said seriously: "Invite Chen Mo to meet me tomorrow at Qingfeng Temple. If I do not find him suitable, then we'll discuss further actions. If I do find him suitable, I will decide to marry Mi'Er to him, to avoid family disgrace and a loss of trust."

With that, he glanced at Ye Clan, indicating her to speak to Wu Mi about the matter.

Wu Changlin, having no choice, had to agree.

After leaving, Wu Changlin immediately informed Wu Yu and Liu Ji of the events that had occurred.

Upon learning, both their expressions changed, especially Liu Ji, whose face turned extremely grim.

The current developments were obviously beyond his expectations, leaving him with nothing but failure. Failing to force the Wu Family into battle, they instead risk joining forces with Chen Mo, which would be disastrous.

Knowing this, he wished he had set an ambush to intercept Chen Mo while crossing the river, preventing the situation from developing to this point.

"What now?" Wu Yu asked.

Liu Ji thought for a while, his eyes turned determined, and said, "We must go through with it no matter what, tomorrow at Qingfeng Temple, arrange a team. Whether Elder Wu approves or not, signal with a shattered cup, and eliminate Chen Mo."

On hearing this, Wu Yu was shocked.

However, it was met with Wu Changlin's opposition: "Do you know what place Qingfeng Temple is? It's my father's retreat for self-cultivation, and there's a garrison at the foot of the mountain. Without my father's permission, no troops can set foot on Qingfeng Temple. I think this should end here."

After saying this, Wu Changlin left.

Leaving Wu Yu and Liu Ji looking at each other in dismay.

"Sir, I agree with our brother. If the Patriarch does not allow it, in Jiangdong, no one can touch Chen Mo, we should end it here." Wu Yu said.

End it here?

If it ends here, how could Liu Ji report back to Prince Huai?

Upon knowing Chen Mo crossed the river and entered Jiangdong, Liu Ji, foreseeing the success of the plan, had already sent Prince Huai a secret letter, expecting Prince Huai would soon attack Qingzhou.

If by then, the Wu Family does not send troops in response, it would turn into a major issue.

Liu Ji's eyes flashed with a chill, looking at Wu Yu, he said, "Wu Changlin can say to end it here, but as Governor, you cannot."

"What do you mean by that?" Wu Yu frowned.

"Governor, remember, you are also a participant in this plan. If Elder Wu handles the matter with Chen Mo and later investigates this, and finds out that the spies Chen Mo sent, or even the ones posing as the Chen Army on the river, were all arranged by you, what do you think Elder Wu will do to you then?" Liu Ji said solemnly.

Wu Yu's eyes grew dark: "Are you scheming against me?"

"Governor, having reached this point, there's no turning back. You're not Elder Wu's biological son, should he find out you intended to frame Wu Changlin, I fear he won't show mercy," Liu Ji continued.

Wu Yu's expression was stormy, "Most of Jiangdong's troops are under the Patriarch's control. If he doesn't agree to act, what can you do?"

Liu Ji pondered for a moment and said, "If Elder Wu truly decides to marry his daughter to Chen Mo, then we can only wait for when Chen Mo returns to act.

The Jiangdong Navy does take orders from the Governor, right?"

Wu Yu's expression fluctuated before he nodded.

...

Meanwhile, in the Wu Family's inner courtyard.

With such a commotion in the city, naturally the news reached Wu Mi's ears.

However, Wu Mi didn't know the details, and for such an important matter as marriage, her parents would not have failed to inform her beforehand. Thus, upon hearing the news, she initially thought it was false and didn't take it seriously.

It wasn't until nightfall, when Ye Clan approached her and explained the situation, that she realized the matter was real.

The evening breeze rustled past her ears, stirring both her hair and her heartstrings, as she looked at the Xu Changqing laid open in the pan. Her expression froze for a moment.

Seeing Wu Mi's reaction, Ye Clan felt a pang of heartache, stepped forward, and took Wu Mi's hand, "It's all your elder brother's fault for this matter, even I only learned of it not long ago. I've already scolded your brother on your behalf regarding this.

But the master also said he will see Chen Mo at Qingfeng Temple tomorrow. If you find him suitable, then that's best. It's natural for men and women to marry, and you're not young anymore. Although Chen Mo's background is lacking, he is exceptionally talented, powerful, and has grand ambitions. Marrying him wouldn't be too great a grievance for you, Mi'Er.

Of course, if you don't find him suitable, mother will certainly not force you to marry him."

Upon hearing this, Wu Mi pondered for a moment, and softly said, "I understand, Mother."

Yet the unheld pale hand instinctively gripped the edge of the pan tightly.

Ye Clan's words, seemingly gave her the freedom to choose, but for Wu Mi, there was only one choice, which was to marry Chen Mo.

Zhang Jingzhi's praise of her cleverness was not groundless.

Judging from Ye Clan's words, Wu Mi understood the Wu Family was in deep trouble.

Faking a marriage proposal to lure Chen Mo for harm.

If this were known outside, it would be a massive scandal for the Wu Family. Their reputation in the Great Song would be severely damaged. More critically, the Wu Family would lose its integrity, further becoming a target of malicious gossip behind their backs.

The prestigious Wu Family, one of the Seven Great Noble Families, resorting to such shameless tactics to ingratiate themselves with Prince Huai.

And the only way to keep this from the outside world was for her to marry Chen Mo, thereby solidifying the engagement and preventing the family disgrace from spreading.

Her mother and father treated her well, supported her in studying medicine, and even helped her apprentice with Zhang Jingzhi.

Throughout her medical studies, all expenses and needs were unconditionally supported by her parents and the family. They have indulged her, allowing her to reach almost eighteen without being troubled by marriage concerns.

Now, it was her turn to contribute to the family.

...

In the government posthouse, Chen Mo also received the news that the Wu Family Patriarch was going to meet him at Qingfeng Temple the next day to discuss his marriage with Wu Xiaomei.

Chen Mo immediately called Sun Meng and asked him to inquire about the location of Qingfeng Temple.

Upon learning the situation, Chen Mo quickly made arrangements, having brought a batch of upgraded Pottery Bombs with his Personal Guard Battalion to Jiangdong. He instructed them to carry them to Qingfeng Temple the next day, just in case.