Jinling, as the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, had a city area similar to Rongcheng.
However, in terms of historical depth, cultural atmosphere, and overall impression, it surpassed Rongcheng.
Furthermore, it was a city where martial arts flourished. There were over a hundred martial arts schools openly operating, not to mention the local boxing styles.
It was also a place where hidden talents resided. Eight individuals alone were on the Heavenly Talent List.
The Heavenly Talent List was an official ranking.
It comprised one hundred young powerhouses from across the nation, all under thirty years old, with a cap at thirty.
In Jinling, battles occurred almost every year. Those not on the list scrambled to enter, while those on it strived for higher rankings.
The difference between the top ten and the bottom ten, though both were on the same list, was worlds apart.
“Song Yuanfeng, elder brother of the Song family, is ranked third on the Heavenly Talent List, second brother is fifth, and Song Yuanfeng himself is seventh. The Song family’s influence in martial arts is evident. The Murong family has lost its voice in martial arts matters in recent years. If Yuhan marries Song Yuanfeng, it will create a closed loop.
After that, the three major families of Jinling will gain significant influence in the military, political, and business sectors, as well as in other areas. Regardless of Yuhan’s attitude, this matter has already been decided, and she cannot refuse it!”
In the Murong family’s council hall, all the high-ranking members of the Jinling Murong family were present. The Murong family from the capital had not yet returned and was expected in about a month.
“The family head is correct. Murong Yuhan is a daughter of our royal lineage. Girls born into prominent families never have much choice, unless the other party can show us value!”
“It’s fine, they have returned. Yuhan is currently in the family. Make arrangements for her to meet Yuanfeng. After the meeting, we will discuss the wedding date.”
One by one, they spoke, never considering Murong Hanqi’s feelings.
To them, nothing was more important than the family’s interests. As a family, one should consider the family and prioritize its interests.
“I disagree! I will not marry Song Yuanfeng!”
Just then, Murong Hanqi suddenly appeared outside the council hall, her face cold, as if she had returned to her position managing the Murong Group.
Old Master Murong, seated at the head of the table, glanced at Murong Hanqi, seemingly not expecting her to be there.
“Yuhan, your grandfather is doing this for your own good. We are a royal lineage; we cannot marry into a lower status. Not many families are a good match for us. The Song family is an excellent choice. The future achievements of the three sons of the Song family will be considerable. Marrying into their family is also for the consideration of the family, and for you.”
The Old Master continued to persuade her. If Murong Hanqi could not be appeased, it would cause significant trouble.
The incident involving Murong Ye had brought shame upon the entire royal lineage. Even now, some people remembered it. How much time had passed? Decades, perhaps? Yet, people still remembered these things.
Murong Hanqi looked at her grandfather and relatives present, her heart chilling.
“Grandfather, I already have someone I love, and I have given myself to him. He said he would come to propose, and I believe him. I can tell you clearly that my boyfriend holds a high position and wields real power. If you truly anger him, the Murong family cannot bear it, nor can the entire Jinling.”
Murong Hanqi scanned everyone present, speaking calmly. She hoped that these words would convey to them that her boyfriend was no ordinary person, let alone a commoner. If they truly angered him, no one in this city could withstand it.
Although it was the truth, there was no evidence to convince them. Moreover, he had said that he would resolve this matter. His mission was to apprehend war criminals!
War criminals were more important than herself.
Those people were like time bombs, capable of exploding at any moment, affecting ordinary people and social order.
She understood him and therefore wanted to buy more time for Ye Longlin.
However, she had not expected that upon hearing this, her grandfather’s face would immediately darken. These words did not pressure him; instead, they enraged him, making him feel that Murong Hanqi was challenging his authority!
“Guards, take her away, confiscate all communication devices, and confine her for one month until the wedding day!”
Two guards appeared, escorted Murong Hanqi, and led her away.
“Grandfather, just one month, give me one month, and I will prove it to you. Grandfather…”
Murong Hanqi’s words did not make the Old Master change his mind, and she was directly confined.
In the courtyard, Kong Bailu emerged with a complex expression and said helplessly to Murong Hanqi, “Why did you have to anger the Old Master? You’re not confined yet, are you?”
Murong Hanqi sat in the courtyard with red eyes. Hearing this, she looked up slightly, “Mom, why can’t Grandfather listen to me? If my Mu-tou knows I’m getting married, he’ll definitely be angry. I’m afraid…”
She feared he would destroy the Murong family overnight, feared he would spill blood in the Jinling River in his wrath, and feared he would lead an army of one hundred thousand, arriving in this city as the Heavenly King.
And the Murong family and the Song family, as the culprits, would undoubtedly turn to ashes under his rage!
For someone of that caliber, such actions were intolerable.
Similarly, they inherently disliked families.
“Sigh.”
“If you liked an ordinary person, you probably wouldn’t see him again in this life. But the person you like is not ordinary. He is at the pinnacle of power. All you can do is trust him.”
Kong Bailu sighed deeply, recalling the Emperor’s robe she saw on the day of the national sacrifice. Her heart was still unsettled; it was too… astonishing!
“I’m going to find Monk Jikong.”
After a long while, Murong Hanqi finally got up and left the small courtyard.
“Summon Master Jikong!”
Jikong, whom they referred to, was the abbot of Wanfo Temple and a master of Buddhist Dharma. He had resided with the Murong family for years.
He had lost a bet with the Old Master back then and stayed here as a guardian of the Murong family, a Zhenzhu strongman.
This year marked his tenth year.
“Old monk, old monk, this young lady is here! Have you missed me?”
Murong Hanqi shouted as she entered the Hall of Rituals.
Monk Jikong sat cross-legged on a prayer mat with his palms joined. He slightly opened his eyes, revealing a kind smile.
“Amitabha, Jikong pays his respects to the Royal Princess.”
Jikong rose and bowed. Murong Hanqi waved her hand dismissively and sat on the prayer mat, her small face filled with displeasure.
“The Royal Princess seems troubled. Is it about your beloved?”
Jikong smiled slightly, stroking his white beard, and spoke to the heart of the matter.