Chapter 9: Are You Willing

Qin Hongyuan's expression stiffened for a moment, then he waved his hand and said: "There is no need to mention the past; you must understand one thing: I am not seeking your opinion regarding this matter, but rather informing you of my decision! Furthermore, this matter does not bring any harm to Qin Li! Given his status, is it not enough that he can marry the most favored legitimate granddaughter of the Shangguan family? Do you really wish for your son to be looked down upon for a lifetime? Just considering the formidable influence of that old scoundrel Shangguan Tie, once this marriage is settled, who would dare to bully Qin Li? The Shangguan family does not mind your son's less than glorious status, yet you are the one stirring up trouble! I tell you, this matter is settled as it is!"

Are you willing to ... ... ?

Qin Hongyuan continued, "I came to find you so late today because there is something I would like to hear your opinion on!" As he spoke, Qin Hongyuan gazed intently at Qin Li.

In Qin Li's mind, a scene suddenly appeared: a tall and imposing young man looked at him with disdain, a cold smile of contempt playing at the corners of his mouth. With a casual wave of his hand, he unleashed a force that shattered the hard wooden stakes, which had already been battered and pockmarked over the years, into dust, and then said: "Mastery of the basics... is useless!"

Qin He - Tu - Shu Hongyuan was momentarily taken aback, then nodded in agreement

Upon thinking of this, Qin Li's expression slightly changed, and he thought to himself that there is no such thing as a free lunch; it must be either treachery or theft

After Qin Hongyuan finished speaking, he slammed the door and left. He originally thought that by personally coming to tell Qin Hanyue about this matter, she would surely be overjoyed and agree. The daughter of the Shangguan family was indeed stunningly beautiful, of course, ... if one disregarded skin color ... Yet even so, there were still many who were willing to come and propose marriage; it was not as if she couldn't get married! Qin Hongyuan continuously comforted himself, but thinking of his daughter's stubbornness, he felt somewhat troubled. This matter was unlike others; if handled well, the Qin family would surpass the Fang family in one fell swoop! Even so, there were still many who were willing to come and propose marriage; it was not as if she couldn't get married! Qin Hongyuan continuously comforted himself, but thinking of his daughter's stubbornness, he felt somewhat troubled. This matter was unlike others; if handled well, the Qin family would become the true second major family in Huangsha City. The key to this matter lay with Qin Li.

"Is it so? Have you heard of the little princess of the Shangguan family?" Qin Hongyuan asked with a smile, his tone gentle.

You are truly a clever child!" Qin Hongyuan first praised him, and seeing Qin Li's face slightly redden, he felt even more satisfied. He couldn't help but feel a bit regretful, wondering if he had been somewhat excessive in his past indifference towards this child.

Qin Hanyue stood resolutely on the ground, her face full of frost, showing no fear of the imposing authority emanating from Qin Hongyuan. Coldly, she said: "There is no room for negotiation in this matter!" Then, in a voice filled with sorrow, she continued: "Father, I am your daughter, and Qin Li... is your own grandson!"

If other members of the Qin family were to see this, they would likely be astonished, as the head of the family, who has always maintained a serious demeanor, has never shown such gentleness before

Qin Hongyuan seemed to feel that his words were somewhat excessive. He took a deep breath and said in a softer tone: "Xiaoyue, you know, this matter has always been like a thorn in my heart! You know how much father... cared for you back then."

Qin Hongyuan walked to the door of Qin Li's room and raised his hand to knock on the door

Qin Li frowned; although he put on a youthful facade, he did not believe for a moment that Qin Hongyuan seeking him out would lead to anything good. What good could possibly come to him, Qin Li? That would be nothing short of a joke

Qin Li still remembers that when he heard the whispers of the servants, their faces were filled with a look of panic, as if they were afraid.

Qin Hongyuan looked expressionless, coldly gazing at his daughter, a chilling smile appearing at the corners of his mouth: "Grandson? You really dare to say that? You claim he is my grandson? Do you know how much face you made the Qin family lose back then? And do you know how much pressure I endured to protect you and your son? Many times I thought it would have been better if you had never returned, regardless of whether you lived or died. The Qin family only lost one daughter, not gained an illegitimate child!"

Qin Hongyuan had just released the pent-up frustration he felt from his daughter, yet he couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret: this is indeed an excellent talent! ... What a pity ...! ... However, it cannot be used openly for the benefit of the Qin family! Still, it is for the best, as it saves me the trouble of being indirect.

Qin Hanyue smiled gently, her eyes filled with loneliness and tranquility. She nodded slightly and said, "I know, of course I know... If that incident hadn't occurred, I should be... a noble consort by now..."

A voice gently floated through the air: "Yes!"

At this moment, Qin Li had just completed two cycles of cultivation, taken a shower, and felt refreshed. He believed that he was brimming with energy, and if Qin Yong were to stand before him now, he could easily defeat him

Haha

Qin Li suddenly raised his head, looking at Qin Hongyuan, who appeared calm but was betrayed by his eager gaze, and slowly said: "It wouldn't matter if I said I was unwilling, would it?"

As the door opened, Qin Li immediately sensed something was amiss from the footsteps. Turning around, he was surprised to find it was the family head, Qin Hongyuan. Regarding this relatively unfamiliar elder, Qin Li felt neither much fondness nor strong aversion, and he slightly bowed, saying: "I did not expect the family head to come..."

Glancing at Qin Li's room, which was unlit, Qin Hongyuan hesitated for a moment but still walked over in that direction, saying to the air behind him: "Keep an eye on her, don't let her come over and ruin my plans"

Qin Li was in his spacious suite, preparing to rest when he heard a knock on the door. He thought it was the charming maid, Qin Xue, and casually said, "Please come in"

Qin Li smiled awkwardly and did not respond.

"Then, can I meet that... girl?" A strange smile suddenly appeared in Qin Li's eyes, blue skin? Interesting

Qin Li raised his head, and on that youthful face, a hint of just the right amount of bewilderment appeared as he questioned, "Listen to my opinion? Could it be that I can relieve your worries?"

Qin Hanyue's face was devoid of color, biting her lower lip tightly to prevent her tears from falling. Suddenly, she smiled, a smile filled with deep sorrow, and said softly: "I have always known that Qin Li has never held even the slightest position in your heart! But I never expected that you would also think of him as... a little wildling!"

This scene has been deeply etched into Qin Li's soul; although it was not him, he felt a profound empathy for it

As Qin Li was deep in thought, Qin Hongyuan kept observing his expression. At this moment, he smiled gently and said: "Qin Li, you are a clever child. I won't waste time with unnecessary talk. I now ask you, if there were an opportunity that could elevate both you and your mother to a noble status! The days of poverty and humiliation would no longer concern you! No one would dare to mock you or ridicule you again, and you would live a truly luxurious life! Wealth and honor would be yours to enjoy for a lifetime, would you... be willing?"

In my memory, it seems I have heard the servants of the Qin family mention the taboos of the Shangguan family. It is said that there is a girl in the Shangguan family who is the reincarnation of a demon, possessing an extremely ugly appearance. If it were not for the formidable strength of the family head, Shangguan Tie, such a child would likely have been secretly dealt with at birth.

Qin Hongyuan waved his hand, casually sat down, and said directly: "No need for excessive formalities, Qin Li. I have not seen you before and do not know much about you. Surely, you are aware of our relationship; after all, blood is thicker than water. No matter how unwilling I am to admit it, you are my grandson, aren't you?"