ATPnovel Chapter 84 Proposal
Chapter 84 Proposal
The morning light of Jiangnan shines through the intricately carved wooden windows onto the rosewood floor of the main hall of the Su family mansion.
The hall was filled with the fragrance of incense, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Su Changming, the current head of the Su family and the richest man in Jiangnan, sat upright in the main seat.
This businessman, who was over fifty years old and had a lean face, looked ordinary, but in fact he already had the cultivation level of a Grandmaster in the early stage, but he just kept it hidden.
His eldest son, Su Mo, stood respectfully by his side.
Below the hall, Lin Chen was dressed in a formal black and gold brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a golden crown on his head, a rare sight for him.
Although his face still wore that lazy expression, his attire already displayed the majesty befitting a Duke of Zhenguo.
Xiao Yulou and Yuan Tiangang sat on either side, while Zhou Tong and Zhang Qingsu, two of the Eight Vajras, stood by the door.
"Your Excellency's presence is an honor to my humble abode." Su Changming rose and cupped his hands in a respectful yet humble manner.
Lin Chen returned the greeting with a smile and said, "Uncle Su, you are too kind. I have come today to discuss two important matters."
"Speaking."
"Firstly," Lin Chen said solemnly, "I, Lin, wish to marry Miss Su Xiaoxiao and have come here to propose marriage."
There was silence in the hall.
A glint flashed in Su Changming's eyes, and he pondered for a moment before saying:
"The Su family is deeply grateful for the Duke's kindness."
However… there are already seven wives in the Duke’s mansion. If Xiaoxiao were to marry into that family, her status would be…”
"They are all secondary wives," Lin Chen said decisively.
"To be honest, Uncle, my grandmother had already made arrangements for me to 'shoulder the responsibility of eight households' and continue the bloodline of my seven brothers."
Although I have the title of sister-in-law to my seven sisters-in-law, we are not officially married yet.
After I reach adulthood, I will hold a wedding ceremony, and all eight wives will be equal wives, regardless of their order of birth.
He paused, then added:
"As for the position of the principal wife... there are other arrangements, which cannot be disclosed at the moment, but I assure you that Xiao Xiao will not be wronged."
These words were spoken frankly, and Su Changming understood two meanings:
First, the matriarch of the Lin family had made arrangements long ago; this was a family decision.
Secondly, the position of the principal wife belongs to someone else, but she has a special status.
"Father," Su Mo whispered.
"The Duke of Lin is extremely sincere. He has gone through the proper procedures of formal marriage, with all the formalities followed. She will be a concubine as soon as she enters the manor. The etiquette is impeccable."
Su Changming nodded slowly, but said:
"Lord Duke, this matter depends on Xiaoxiao's own willingness. Marriage is a major event and cannot be forced."
"That's for sure," Lin Chen said with a smile. "Although I'm a playboy, I know that forced relationships are never happy."
As soon as the words were spoken, a soft yet firm voice came from behind the screen:
"Father, I do."
Su Xiaoxiao stepped out from behind the screen.
She had dressed up specially for today, wearing a bright red embroidered gold dress and her hair was styled in a high bun.
She walked into the hall and gave Su Changming a graceful bow:
"Although my daughter has only known Mr. Lin for a short time, she knows that he is a sincere person."
The young master did not look down on me because of my humble merchant background; on the contrary, he treated me with the utmost respect and courtesy. My daughter wishes to return to the capital with him.
Looking at the determination in his daughter's eyes, Su Changming knew that she had made up her mind.
With a long sigh, he said, "So be it. A daughter is meant to stay at home. Since you are willing, I will grant your request for this marriage."
He looked at Lin Chen: "Lord Duke, I entrust my affairs to you. The matters concerning the three letters and six rites..."
"The proper etiquette will not be neglected," Lin Chen said solemnly.
"Today, Mr. Lin will first present the betrothal letter. After returning to the capital, he will ask his grandmother to formally send a matchmaker to conduct the engagement, auspicious betrothal, and betrothal ceremony to set the wedding date."
Before that, Xiaoxiao can return to the capital with Mr. Lin and stay at his residence for a while to get acquainted with the ladies.
This arrangement is reasonable, giving face to the Su family while also taking into account the actual situation.
"Alright!" Su Changming finally nodded. "Then this marriage is settled!"
Lin Chen stood up and bowed respectfully: "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle."
Xiao Yulou also stood up and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Uncle, congratulations, little sister. From now on, we are family."
Su Xiaoxiao blushed slightly and gave Xiao Yulou a graceful bow:
"I hope you will take good care of me in the future, sister."
"We're all family, no need to be so polite," Xiao Yulou said affectionately, taking her hand in his.
The atmosphere immediately became harmonious.
Su Changming ordered a banquet to be prepared, and everyone moved to the flower hall.
During the meal, Lin Chen brought up the second matter.
"Uncle, although the Grand Canal Gang has been destroyed, the Grand Canal Merchants' Association is now practically defunct," Lin Chen said.
"I plan to hold a conference of the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce in Suzhou in three days and invite all the major families to come and discuss matters."
At that time, a new Jiangnan Canal Transport Chamber of Commerce will be formally established, supervised by the imperial court and spearheaded by the Su family.
The imperial court takes 20%, the Lin family takes 20%, the Su family takes 10%, and the remaining families each take 50%.
Su Changming's eyes lit up:
"The Duke is very generous, but... other families may have objections."
"Feel free to raise any objections." Lin Chen casually picked up a piece of sea bass.
"Whether I agree or not is up to me."
These words sounded domineering, but Su Changming felt a chill run down his spine.
He understood the unspoken meaning—this wasn't a discussion, it was a notification.
"The Su family will definitely cooperate fully," Su Changming said solemnly.
Just then, the butler rushed in, his expression grave:
"Master, Cui Yongfu, the chief steward of the Cui family in Jiangnan, and Zhou Wenxuan, the steward of the Zhou family in Jiangnan, have jointly sent a visiting card, saying they wish to pay a visit to the Duke."
Su Changming frowned: "They're quick."
Lin Chen smiled: "You've come at the right time. Tell them to come to the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce conference in three days. They can discuss anything at the conference."
"Yes."
After the butler left, Su Changming whispered:
"Lord Duke, the Cui and Zhou families are, after all, among the five great families, ancient clans with branches all over the world."
Although Cui Mingyuan and Zhou Ming committed crimes, their families have deep roots and should not be underestimated.
"Uncle, don't worry." Lin Chen put down his chopsticks and said calmly.
"I know my limits. As long as they know what's good for them, I won't go all out to kill them. But if they don't know what's good for them..."
He didn't finish speaking, but a flash of cold light in his eyes made Su Changming's heart skip a beat.
After the banquet, Lin Chen took his leave.
Su Xiaoxiao escorted him to the gate of the mansion and said softly, "Young Master... will Xiaoxiao be able to attend the grand gathering in three days?"
Looking at her expectant eyes, Lin Chen smiled and said, "Of course I can go. You are my betrothed, so it's only natural that I should show my face on such an occasion."
Su Xiaoxiao blushed even more: "Then...then Xiaoxiao will prepare well."
"Okay." Lin Chen patted her head. "Go back now. See you in three days."