Free Web NovelChapter 314: Presenting Betrothal Gifts, Facing Difficulties
**Cai Residence.**
A group of servants dressed in bright red robes carried poles on their shoulders, with live chickens, ducks, and sheep hanging from them. These animals had bright red flowers and decorations on their heads. The festive atmosphere seemed to contrast with the heavy anticipation that lingered in the air. The grandeur of the procession was fitting for a marriage proposal, yet the tension that filled the halls spoke of an uncertain future. The servants moved in silence, careful not to disturb the delicate negotiations about to take place. Even the birds, with their feathers adorned, seemed to sense the gravity of the moment, their movements subdued as they were led towards their destiny.
At this moment, Long Chen gradually walked from outside the mansion into the inner hall, his expression calm but purposeful. His posture was tall and commanding, exuding an aura of power. He was determined to solidify his future today, and nothing could dissuade him from this goal.
The renowned scholar of his generation, Cai Yong, was standing in the grand hall, looking at Long Chen with a puzzled expression. He pointed to the gifts placed on both sides and asked:
“King of Wu, what is the meaning of this?”
Long Chen smiled, clasped his hands, and said, “Master Cai, I have come today to deliver a betrothal gift. I wish to marry your beloved daughter. I wonder if you would consent?”
“Ah... this...” Cai Yong’s eyes shifted slightly, and a trace of helplessness appeared on his face.
He then clasped his hands in return and said, “King of Wu, it’s not that I’m unwilling to marry off my daughter to you. Over the years, you have fought north and south, and the lords of the land fear you. The common people see you as a god among men. If my daughter could become your wife or concubine, it would indeed be a blessing for me.”
As he spoke, Cai Yong sighed and changed the tone of his voice, “However, my daughter was already promised to the Wei family of Hedong years ago. I fear...”
“I fear it’s impossible!”
Upon hearing this, Long Chen smiled warmly and clasped his hands again, saying, “Is that a problem? A single letter from me will ensure the Wei family withdraws. If it comes to it, I’ll find another woman to marry off to them.”
“King of Wu, that absolutely must not happen!” Cai Yong quickly shook his head and smiled bitterly, “King of Wu, I’ve studied Confucianism, where trust and integrity are of the utmost importance. Since my daughter has already been promised, how could I go back on my word? If I were to do such a thing, how would the world view me? I beg you, King of Wu, to reconsider!”
“This...” Long Chen’s hands, raised in mid-air, suddenly froze. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
He had originally planned to settle his marriage with Cai Yan before embarking on his campaign in Yuzhou, and return to marry her after conquering the region.
But he never expected Cai Yong to refuse the marriage.
Though his reasoning was sound, Long Chen was unwilling to accept it.
Why?
Because he already knew that Cai Yan’s future husband would die shortly after their marriage, leaving her a widow.
In that case, wouldn’t Cai Yan become a living widow?
Ultimately, the one who would suffer would be Cai Wenji!
But of course, Long Chen couldn’t just tell Cai Yong that his future son-in-law would soon meet his end and suggest he marry Cai Wenji off to him instead.
Who would believe that?
Ah, he would have to find another plan.
Long Chen clasped his hands towards Cai Yong and said, “Since Master Cai has already made an arrangement, I shall not insist. Farewell!”
“Thank you, King of Wu, for your understanding! Should you have time in the future, please visit my humble residence for a drink,” Cai Yong said with a bow.
After Long Chen left, Cai Yong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
He knew that Long Chen was currently the most powerful man in the Han Dynasty, and yet he had dared to refuse his request.
Luckily, the King of Wu was a reasonable man. If it had been anyone else, they might have drawn their sword on the spot.
Meanwhile, behind a screen, Cai Wenji, who had been secretly listening to the conversation between Long Chen and her father, was already in tears, looking sorrowful and deeply moving, arousing an overwhelming desire to protect her.
Her heart’s true love was Long Chen, and after all that had happened, her admiration for him had only deepened.
Although she didn’t express it outwardly, she had already become utterly devoted to him in her heart.
But now... with her father’s command, was she truly going to marry a man she had never met!?
Cai Wenji, raised under her father Cai Yong’s influence and guidance, had always been obedient and gentle.
But at this moment, a rebellious streak rose in her heart—she wanted to decide her own marriage.
Just like the ancient story of Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun eloping!
Yes! That’s what she would do!
Her marriage would be her decision. freewebnoveℓ.com
Cai Wenji’s bright and beautiful almond-shaped eyes now gleamed with determination.
Upon returning to his residence, Long Chen was equally frustrated. In his heart, he had already considered Cai Wenji as his own, and the thought of her being taken by another filled him with unease.
The more he thought about it, the more restless he became.
He called out to his personal guard commander, Xu Chu, standing outside the door: “Zhongkang!”
Clang! Clang!
“At your service!” Xu Chu’s powerful voice rang out, and his massive frame appeared before Long Chen.
“Go summon Guo Fengxiao to my residence. I have matters to discuss with him.”
“Understood!” Xu Chu withdrew.
Not long after...
Guo Jia arrived at Long Chen’s residence and knelt before him.
“My lord, what urgent matter requires my counsel?”
Long Chen then explained the situation with Cai Wenji to Guo Jia.
After a moment of thought, Guo Jia stroked his beard, smiled faintly, and replied, “My lord, there is a simple solution. I have a plan that will allow Master Cai’s beloved daughter to marry you openly and honorably.”
“Oh?” Long Chen sat up straight, his eyes gleaming like lightning. He asked eagerly, “Please tell me, Fengxiao. I am all ears!”
