Custom dictated that one wear festive colors for an engagement, but Gao Qilin insisted on plain attire to mourn his father’s death. Though Song Renyi didn’t know the specific reason, he didn’t press the matter.

Gao Qilin came to his senses and quickly forced a somewhat stiff smile.

"It’s nothing. I just hadn’t imagined today’s event would be so grand."

"Hahaha."

Song Renyi let out a booming laugh and clapped him on the shoulder, his tone tinged with pride.

"My dear nephew, you underestimate the Song Clan. While the Song Family wouldn’t dare call itself a great and prestigious house, here on our home turf in Ning’an Prefecture, we still have some roots and a reputation to uphold.

Never mind the ordinary Noble Sects; even the Government Office and the Prefecture Army have to show us some respect. In time, my boy, you’ll see much more."

"You are right, Uncle. My perspective was too limited," Gao Qilin agreed, lowering his head to hide the complex emotions in his eyes.

"Master, Young Master Lu Maozhi of Luoyun Manor has arrived."

A Song Family disciple hurried over to report.

A barely perceptible shadow flickered in Song Renyi’s eyes before he instantly plastered on an even more enthusiastic smile.

"Young Master Lu’s presence truly brings honor to my humble Song Clan! My boy, come with me to welcome our distinguished guest."

"I am at your disposal, Uncle."

Gao Qilin certainly didn’t dare to refuse.

...

Outside the Song Mansion, a clamor of voices filled the air.

Dressed in an azure brocade robe and holding a gold-inlaid fan, Lu Maozhi cut a dashing figure. He was handsome, but his features were marred by an air of ineradicable arrogance. He turned to the exceptionally beautiful woman in a lavender gown beside him and smiled.

"Zhilan, look. The Song Family has put on quite a show. But when we get engaged, the celebration will be many times grander. I’ll make you the most envied woman in all of Ning’an Prefecture."

Hearing this, Wang Zilan’s delicate brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Her tone was level, laced with detachment.

"Young Master Lu, our engagement has not been formally finalized. I’m afraid addressing me so familiarly is improper."

Lu Maozhi was gently rebuffed, but he wasn’t annoyed. Instead, he simply laughed.

"Haha, don’t be offended, Zhilan. I was just being too eager and a bit presumptuous. Besides, it’s only a matter of time. Why be so formal?"

Clearly, from the way he spoke, Lu Maozhi already considered this marriage alliance a done deal.

After all, Wang Zilan was exceptionally beautiful and came from a notable background. He had long coveted her—in fact, one could say he craved her. It was entirely due to his insistence that this alliance was on the table.

Wang Zilan said no more, but a look of deep helplessness and despair flashed in her eyes.

’As the legitimate daughter of the Wang Family, she had long come to terms with the idea of a political marriage. Sacrificing personal feelings for the family’s benefit was the destiny of a child from a Noble Family. And yet, the one her family chose for her was none other than Lu Maozhi.’

’Although he held the title of one of the Ning’an Ten Heroes, she knew full well his strength and aptitude were hardly top-tier. It was mostly due to the all-out support of Luoyun Manor.’

’His character was also deplorable. Not only was he a lecher with a flock of concubines, but he also acted with ostentatious impunity.’

’How could she possibly be willing to entrust her life to such a man?’

’What weighed on her heart even more was the impending conflict over the Wushan Yuan Ore. In recent years, the Wang Family had been suffering from a lack of new talent, and its standing had become unstable. They urgently needed a powerful ally.’

’And Lu Maozhi’s older brother, who was training with an Upper Sect in the State City, was rumored to be returning soon. He would undoubtedly be a key figure in the Wushan conflict.’

’It was precisely this fact that had inclined the Wang Family to agree to the marriage proposed by Luoyun Manor.’

’In the face of the family’s interests, her own desires were utterly insignificant.’

’She had considered finding another source of support, like Chen Sheng of the Jingwu Bureau, whose reputation had been skyrocketing recently. If she could get on good terms with him, she might gain some leverage to negotiate with her family.’

’Unfortunately, the last invitation she sent had been politely declined on the grounds that he was in seclusion.’

’Wang Zilan didn’t know the real reason. She could only assume he was either taking out his anger on her over the broken engagement with Han Ling’Er, or he simply had no intention of getting entangled in the Wang Family’s affairs. A sense of helpless despair washed over her.’

"Young Master Lu, you honor us with your presence! Forgive me for not greeting you sooner," Song Renyi said as he hurried out with Gao Qilin. A fawning smile was plastered on his face as he gave a deep bow.

"There’s no need for such formalities, Clan Leader Song."

Lu Maozhi gestured dismissively with his fan, his posture reeking of arrogance.

"Thank you, Young Master."

Song Renyi straightened up, and his gaze fell upon Wang Zilan. He quickly clasped his hands in another salute. "And Miss Wang! Your presence also brings great honor to our Song Family!"

He then gestured to Gao Qilin, who was standing beside him.

"My boy, hurry and pay your respects to Young Master Lu and Miss Wang."

Not daring to slight them, Gao Qilin stepped forward and bowed.

"I am Gao Qilin. Greetings, Young Master Lu, Miss Wang."

As his eyes swept over Wang Zilan, a flash of stunned admiration for her ethereal beauty appeared in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a faint shadow of gloom.

He knew that the legitimate daughter of a top-tier Noble Family like her was destined to be a woman he could never have.

"Mm."

Lu Maozhi grunted noncommittally. His gaze swept over Gao Qilin for a moment before he lost all interest, turning back to Song Renyi with a smile.

"It’s quite a coincidence, Clan Leader Song. My engagement to Zhilan is also about to be finalized. When the time comes, you must be there to share a celebratory drink with us."

"Of course, of course."

Song Renyi replied without a moment’s hesitation.

"Rest assured, Young Master. I will be sure to prepare a generous gift to congratulate you and Miss Wang on your joyous union!"

No one present was particularly surprised by the alliance between the Lu and Wang families. News of it had been circulating among the upper echelons of Ning’an Prefecture for some time; only the formal ceremony remained.

"Haha, how thoughtful of you, Clan Leader Song." Lu Maozhi clearly enjoyed the flattery.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Song Renyi personally led Lu Maozhi and Wang Zilan into the mansion.