Chapter 2283 - Go-Between Li Heng! (1/2)

In terms of influence, no minister, or even Emperor Li Heng, could compare to Wang Chong’s power.

Most importantly, even though he had accomplished so many miracles and defeated so many foes, Wang Chong was still only twenty and yet to be married.

The marriage of such a mighty hero was certain to draw everyone’s attention.

Countless maidens of the Great Tang had once dreamed about being the wife of the King of Foreign Lands, but in the end, Wang Chong had chosen the precious Xu Qiqin of the Xu Clan.

Though this had shattered the dream of countless maidens, those in the know within the empire were unsurprised.

Xu Qiqin might not have come from some particularly prestigious family, and she was no imperial descendant, but the Xu Clan was still a clan that had developed some fame over several dynasties.

Moreover, besides the ‘Queen of Logistics’, Xu Qiqin was also known as the number one beauty of the capital.

From this standpoint, the two were undoubtedly a match made in heaven.

As more information got out, those women in the capital, though still envious of Xu Qiqin, lost most of their hostility.

While Wang Chong was campaigning across the land, Xu Qiqin had been quietly giving him support, constantly sacrificing for his sake. When Xu Qiqin was participating in a war, Wang Chong never had to worry about his supply line.

And for Wang Chong’s sake, Xu Qiqin had even quarreled with her own clan. How could anyone stand to be envious of a woman like this?

But what truly raised the level of this marriage was Emperor Li Heng’s intervention.

Not long after he learned that Wang Chong was going to marry Xu Qiqin, not only did Li Heng feel happy for Wang Chong, he also issued a decree offering to serve as a witness to their marriage. In addition, he also offered to propose for Wang Chong and serve as a go-between for the two clans.

This news caused an even greater uproar, making this a marriage for the ages.

Putting aside the outside reaction, the Wang Family Residence was festooned with lanterns and bustling with activity.

Wang Chong’s mother had personally come out to hang up large red lanterns around the estate, and the maids and servants of the estate were also in high spirits as they worked.

Their young master had finally understood and was going to marry the lady of the Xu Clan, and they were all ecstatic.

They didn’t know what exactly had finally opened his mind, but this was what they had all hoped for.

Their young master had done so much for the empire, so he naturally needed to embrace his beloved. Most importantly, he needed to continue the line of the Wang Clan and pass on its traditions and influence.

This was a major event for the Wang Clan, and though the wedding was still two months away, the Wang Clan was jubilant.

“Third Brother, Third Brother…”

In the rear hall of the Wang Family Residence, amidst flickering candles, Wang Chong was enjoying tea and pastries with his older brothers, Wang Fu and Wang Bei, in a rare moment of leisure. But before the brothers could exchange a few words, Wang Xiaoyao, the little sister of the Wang family, rushed inside holding two drumsticks.

“I’ve met the big sister from the Xu Clan. Mother said that she’ll be part of our family in the future. The big sister of the Xu Clan is truly very pretty. Since she’s going to be our sister-in-law, can’t we just invite her to live with us now?” Wang Xiaoyao impatiently said, her face innocent and bright.

The three brothers all smiled at Wang Xiaoyao’s words.

Wang Xiaoyao was ten-some years old, but she still knew nothing about these matters.

She was more excited than anyone about Wang Chong’s marriage, running off to the Xu Clan almost every day and talking about her sister-in-law every day.

“Yao-er, don’t make trouble. Miss Xu has yet to cross the threshold, so how can she just randomly start living with us?”

Second Brother Wang Bei casually glanced at Wang Xiaoyao and coldly said, “Little Sister, if you continue to make trouble, your second brother will have to take back those golden drumsticks he had made for you.”

Wang Xiaoyao turned ghastly pale and quickly hid the drumsticks behind her, a wary look on her face.

“What you gave me is mine! Second Brother, I’m going to tell Mother that you’re bullying me!”

Wang Xiaoyao glared angrily at Wang Bei. Cradling the drumsticks like they were babies, she ran out. Even from a distance, it was possible to hear her fuming.

“Mother, Second Brother is bullying meee!”

The three brothers couldn’t help but shake their heads and smile.

The Wang family had only this one daughter, so all of its members let her off easy and pampered her. Thus, even though Wang Xiaoyao had grown much stronger over the years, her personality hadn’t changed at all.

Once Wang Xiaoyao had stormed out, the room fell quiet. Wang Fu put down his tea cup and sincerely said to Wang Chong, “Third Brother, you’ve truly matured. Your big brother is proud of you.

“This is a platinum bracelet I happened to come across while in the north. It is exquisitely made and is said to have been the remnant of some ancient civilization. Consider this a little consideration from your big brother, a marriage gift.”

As Wang Fu spoke, he took a platinum bracelet out of a silk bag and gave it to Wang Chong.