C17 Engagement

"How could Wang Lei, just a Head of a martial arts school, have the audacity to stir up trouble at the County Seat! It appears that Wang Peng, the Young Lord of Duskmond, was the one pulling the strings!"

"It seems Wang Peng had his eye on Qin Xue a year ago and intended to propose to her. Unfortunately, he was too slow to act, and Yang Rui swooped in first. That explains why Wang Lei stepped up to challenge Yang Rui and pick a fight!"

"Duskmond and Brittlecoast are neighboring towns, and their families have always gotten along well. After today's incident, it remains to be seen whether they can maintain their harmonious relationship."

"Wang Peng is the sole son of Wang Qi, the Mayor of Duskmond, and Qin Xue is the only daughter of Qin Ming, the Mayor of Brittlecoast. Wang Peng tried to cause trouble for Yang Rui at Qin Xue's engagement ceremony, but ended up being publicly humiliated. It would be odd if they managed to maintain a cordial relationship after that!"

"Do you think Wang Peng would dare to spar with Yang Rui?"

"Definitely not! With just one punch, Yang Rui seriously injured Wang Lei, a peerless warrior. If Wang Peng were to spar with Yang Rui, he'd just be setting himself up for misery and disgrace."

"..."

The guests at the County Seat, both in the inner and outer courtyards, watched the standoff between Yang Rui and Wang Peng at the entrance to the inner courtyard, whispering among themselves with looks of surprise.

Their murmurs, though quiet, reached the ears of Wang Peng, a first-rate warrior, filling him with shame and rage. He longed to strike down Yang Rui on the spot to quell the fury in his heart!

Yet, Wang Peng retained a shred of reason, aware that he was no match for Yang Rui. To attack would only result in a beating and further humiliation. So, despite his seething anger, he held back, biding his time to exact a revenge a thousandfold on Yang Rui.

"Yang Rui, you've really outdone yourself! We'll see about that!"

Biting back his rage, Wang Peng shot Yang Rui a venomous glare. With a cold huff, he turned on his heel and strode out of the County Seat.

"Young Master Wang, take care! If you ever wish to spar with me, I'm always ready to oblige!"

Yang Rui's voice was icy as he watched Wang Peng's retreating figure.

Wang Peng's stride faltered upon hearing Yang Rui's challenge. His heart surged with even greater murderous intent, and he swiftly exited the County Seat without looking back.

"Wang Peng is furious with embarrassment. This will certainly make for interesting times ahead!"

"Wang Peng is accustomed to throwing his weight around in Duskmond. Having been humiliated by Yang Rui today, he's bound to harbor a grudge. Yang Rui could be facing some serious trouble!"

"Yang Rui is the mayor's son-in-law. Even if Wang Peng is out for revenge, Yang Rui has nothing to fear!"

"..."

Witnessing Wang Peng's hasty departure, the onlookers whispered among themselves, their voices tinged with schadenfreude.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the engagement ceremony is about to commence. Please don't linger here any longer. Make your way to the engagement hall immediately!"

At that moment, Qin Ming approached the entrance of the inner courtyard, his face beaming as he addressed the crowd.

Utilizing his innate aura, Qin Ming's voice boomed, enveloping the entire County Seat. The guests ceased their murmurs and proceeded toward the engagement hall.

"Throw him out!"

Once the guests had dispersed towards the engagement hall, the commander of the City Guards, seeing Wang Lei on the ground with blood at the corner of his mouth, commanded the County Seat guards with a fierce look.

"Yes, Commander!"

The guards responded promptly, lifting Wang Lei and escorting him out of the County Seat.

The County Seat's former meeting hall, now adorned for the engagement ceremony, was a sight of festivity. A one-meter-high platform covered with a red carpet stood at the front, featuring a grand armchair, while hundreds of chairs were arranged behind it for the guests.

As the guests settled into their seats, Yang Rui, looking dashing in festive attire, and Qin Xue, resplendent in her red military garb, gracefully ascended the platform.

"Welcome, honored guests, to the engagement ceremony of Miss Qin Xue, the esteemed daughter of Brittlecoast's mayor, and Mr. Yang Rui, head of the Oakenbreak Yang family. My name is Lin Hai, the steward of the County Seat, and I have the privilege of hosting this joyous occasion."

At that moment, Lin Hai, clad in a celebratory robe, ascended the stage with swift steps. Overlooking the hundreds of guests gathered below, he commenced the engagement ceremony.

An hour later, the ceremony concluded. The guests rose from their seats and departed the hall, heading to the banquet held in the inner and outer courtyards of the County Seat. Meanwhile, Yang Rui and Qin Xue followed Qin Ming to a small conference room within the inner courtyard.

"Yang Rui, you were quite impulsive today! Regardless, Wang Peng is the Young Lord of Duskmond. By being so confrontational and humiliating him, you've deeply offended him. How are we from Brittlecoast supposed to maintain a good relationship with Duskmond after this?" Qin Ming, seated at the head of the table, sternly chastised Yang Rui.

"Dad, the fault lies with Wang Peng today. How can you blame Rui? If Wang Peng doesn't care about the relationship between Brittlecoast and Duskmond, why should we? I believe Rui did the right thing. Since Wang Peng had the audacity to cause trouble at our engagement ceremony, he deserved to be put in his place without any regard for his dignity!" Qin Xue, clenching her fists and with a face flushed with indignation, loudly countered as soon as Qin Ming finished.

"Xue, you've only just become engaged, not yet married, and already you're siding with Yang Rui! Once you're married, will there still be room for your father in your heart?" Qin Ming said, shaking his head in resignation as he saw Qin Xue defending Yang Rui before he could even speak.

"Father, Rui is going to be my husband, so naturally, I'm on his side! But you'll always be my hero, Father. How could there not be a place for you in my heart?" Qin Xue quickly approached Qin Ming, wrapping her arms around his in a playful manner.

"Alright, enough with the cutesy act," Qin Ming said, gently extracting his arm after indulging her for a moment, a soft smile on his face.

Then, turning his attention to Yang Rui, he continued, "Yang Rui, Wang Peng is a man of narrow mind and vengeful spirit. By shaming him so publicly today, he's not likely to let this go easily."

"For your safety, it's best not to leave Brittlecoast for the time being. Stay here until things calm down, then you can go back to Oakenbreak Town."

Yang Rui, realizing there wasn't much difference between staying in Brittlecoast and returning to Oakenbreak, gently nodded and replied, "Yes, father-in-law."

"Today marks your engagement; let's go and attend to our guests!"

Once Qin Ming received Yang Rui's agreement, he smiled slightly, rose to his feet, and led Yang Rui and Qin Xue from the small reception room toward the banquet in the inner courtyard.

The guests privileged enough to be at the inner courtyard's banquet were either formidable warriors or individuals of esteemed status, boasting impressive family backgrounds. Qin Ming's gesture of introducing Yang Rui to the guests was a clear attempt to pass on the County Seat's influential network to him.

The inner courtyard's guests, recognizing Qin Ming's intentions, warmly received Yang Rui, eagerly engaging in conversation and offering toasts.