Chapter 70: The Topic of Marriage Alliances Arises Again

"I understand, Grandpa!" Murong Xue replied dejectedly. Even though she was disappointed, her face was still marked with unwillingness, as if she wanted to give it a try.

Old Master Murong, ever the sly fox, could see right through his granddaughter's thoughts, but he didn't stop her. Letting Murong Xue try wouldn't hurt; if she succeeded, it would be an unexpected delight, and if she failed, there would be no loss. Besides, it would allow her to interact more with Lin Xue'er and build a good relationship.

"There's another matter I need to discuss with you. Today, I spoke again with the Lin family about the marriage alliance, and this time Old Master Lin agreed!" After mentioning the wine, Old Master Murong continued, explaining his afternoon conversation with Old Master Lin regarding the marriage prospect.

"What? Dad, how could Old Master Lin agree? Lin Feng brought his girlfriend home to meet them this time. What kind of trick is Old Master Lin playing?" Murong Wenjun stared at his father in astonishment, completely bewildered by what he had just heard.

Murong Wenwu and Murong Xue did not react as strongly, but they were equally puzzled, gazing at Old Master Murong, waiting for an explanation.

Seeing them all confused, Old Master Murong calmly explained, "There's no need to be surprised. I haven't finished. I discussed the marriage alliance with Old Master Lin, and the reason he agreed this time is because the match isn't with Lin Feng, but with the Lin family's third generation—Lin Yu!"

"What? You're suggesting Xue'er marry Lin Yu? I won't agree to that! Old Master Lin is playing a clever game, but this is blatantly humiliating our Murong family. How could Lin Yu possibly be worthy of our Xue'er?" Upon hearing that the proposed marriage was with Lin Yu, Murong Wenwu was furious and protested loudly.

"That's right! Grandpa, do you really support me marrying Lin Yu? How could he possibly be good enough for me?" Murong Xue chimed in proudly, addressing Old Master Murong.

"Heh, perhaps you both think Lin Yu is inadequate and unworthy of Xue'er, but I don't see it that way. Lin Feng's emergence has already disrupted the balance among the families in Yanjing. With Lin Feng, the Lin family is destined to become the most powerful in Yanjing. Currently, none of the Lin family's third generation are working within the system; commercially, as long as Lin Feng is around, the Lin family need not worry. So, the remaining male heir of the third generation, Lin Yu, will undoubtedly follow a path within the system. Lin Feng doesn't need the family's political resources, so all those resources will be focused on Lin Yu. In the future, Lin Yu's achievements will not be inferior to those of Old Master Lin. You may not see it now, but in a few years, once the Lin family's influence manifests, countless families will set their sights on Lin Yu. Our Murong family is nothing in comparison." Old Master Murong spoke with some disappointment to Murong Wenwu and Murong Xue. In the whole Murong family, only Murong Wenjun could barely succeed him, and among the third generation, there was no real talent; even Murong Xue, who was recognized by many families in Yanjing, had not met his expectations.

"Dad, you're right. I support your decision. For our Murong family's continued survival, this is a good solution." Murong Wenjun, worthy of being Old Master Murong's chosen successor, quickly analyzed the benefits after hearing his father's reasoning.

"Big brother, you can't say that. Our Xue'er is so outstanding—you shouldn't push her into the fire. Besides, aren't you overestimating Lin Feng? Even with Lin Feng, the Lin family isn't as formidable as you make it sound!" Murong Wenwu stubbornly retorted, no wonder Old Master Murong was disappointed in him. Everything had been explained so clearly, yet he still failed to see the coming tide.

Murong Wenjun was helpless at his brother's protest, especially since it concerned Murong Xue. He could say no more; after all, Old Master Murong was still in charge and he was not yet the patriarch.

Old Master Murong sighed in disappointment beside them. The future of the Murong family weighed on him, especially with the undercurrents now stirring. Murong Wenwu's entire family made him lose hope, and the second attempt at a marriage alliance with the Lin family had once again fallen through.

As for the alliance, Old Master Lin was indifferent. With Lin Feng in the family, the Lin family was not afraid of seeking other alliances. His agreement to Old Master Murong's suggestion was nothing more than a nod to their longstanding mutual support.

That evening, the Lin family's living room was bustling with laughter, echoing through the hall. Everyone was listening to Lin Chuanming and his wife recounting the events at work that day, occasionally casting resentful glances at Lin Feng, clearly blaming him for the trouble.

"Those people were insane, I can't believe it! I lost count of how many pots of tea I served today. Even my partner clung to me all afternoon, following me everywhere, even waiting outside the restroom to make sure I wouldn't escape. Sigh, watching batch after batch of disappointed people leave my office—some were superiors, some even veterans from the General Staff—I must have offended them terribly!" Lin Chuanming complained to the group, his face forlorn.

"Big brother, don't say it's just you—I had the same experience. The scariest part was when the Premier's office sent a secretary to inquire. I didn't dare tell the truth either, just brushed them off. Apparently, the Premier's wife heard about the effects and envied them so much she asked the Premier for some. I only met the Premier's secretary at the end of my workday. You've offended quite a few people, and I doubt I've offended any less!" Lin Chuanyan sympathized with his brother's complaints.

As for Lin Feng's aunts, their situation was even worse. Their transformations were so dramatic that women from their office flocked to them. At first, they managed to handle a few visitors, but as more came, they barely dared open their doors for work, letting their assistants fend off the crowds. Eventually, they refused to receive anyone else.

Old Master Lin listened to his sons and daughters-in-law recounting these stories. Though their tales were exaggerated, he wasn't worried at all, treating it as mere amusement. If others had received the wine while some went without, then there might have been offense; but the wine was tightly guarded by Lin Feng, and no one could get any.

Everyone laughed heartily at the complaints. After the merriment, Lin Chuanming turned to Lin Feng and teased, "Anyway, everyone knows now that this stuff came from you. Since they couldn't get anything from us elders, they're all focused on you. Uncle suggests you be careful when going out these days—don't get cornered outside and unable to return!" Lin Chuanming wasn't joking; since no one could get anything from the Lin family elders, all eyes had turned to Lin Feng.

Lin Feng ignored the elders who profited yet feigned misery, paying no attention to their complaints. When the lively atmosphere had settled, Old Master Lin finally spoke, "Enough of your pretending—don't act so miserable. Everyone outside envies you! By the way, I have some news. This afternoon, Old Master Murong came to ask me for wine, and when he couldn't get any, he brought up marrying Murong Xue into our family. I put Lin Yu forward for it. You're a year older than Lin Feng, and since Lin Feng already has a girlfriend, it's time you found someone too."

"Ah, Grandpa, do you mean the marriage match is with Murong Xue?" Lin Yu was stunned by the news, taking a long moment to recover before asking Old Master Lin for confirmation in disbelief.

"Yes, it's Murong Xue of the Murong family. What, don't you fancy her?" Old Master Lin saw right through Lin Yu's thoughts and teased him with a smile.

"Heh, Grandpa, how could I not? In Yanjing, countless families covet her, and so did I, but her standards were too high, so I eventually gave up!" Lin Yu answered with a mix of excitement and embarrassment.

"Heh, you should be happy! You ought to thank Lin Feng. Originally, the Murong family wanted Murong Xue to marry Lin Feng, but Lin Feng already has a girlfriend. And Ruoxi is even more outstanding than Murong Xue, so Old Master Murong didn't dare protest. In the end, I put you forward. Look at you, you should learn from Lin Feng. High standards are nothing to him!" Rarely did Old Master Lin praise Lin Feng, using him as an example for Lin Yu.

Lin Yu could only smile wryly at the criticism. Of all people, why use Lin Feng as an example? Among their generation in Yanjing, Lin Feng was unmatched. If he were as formidable as Lin Feng, he would have already won Murong Xue.

"Dad, is this settled? Is the Murong family really willing to marry their precious daughter into our Lin family, to Lin Yu?" Lin Chuanyan asked excitedly.

"Hmph, look at you all lacking confidence. Is Murong Xue really that impressive? No matter how outstanding, she's just a woman and will marry eventually. Lin Yu is our family's eldest grandson, why shouldn't he be good enough for Murong Xue?" Old Master Lin grew annoyed at their timid reactions.

"Dad, don't be angry! I think this matter is uncertain. Old Master Murong is older than you, and their family doesn't have someone like Lin Feng who can create miraculous wine, so he's anxious. But he's famous for doting on his children and grandchildren, never losing his temper with them. Honestly, I don't think Murong Xue is suited for our family's alliance. Though the families in Yanjing praise her, outstanding people tend to be proud. It's fine for a man to be proud, but a proud woman is unpredictable. Our family already has Lin Feng—we don't need a proud woman like Murong Xue. If possible, I'd rather choose someone gentle and filial to her parents, someone who would be a better fit for our family's current situation!" Lin Chuanming quickly comforted Old Master Lin, sharing his opinion as soon as he saw the old man getting upset.