Murong Yan did not want a live-in son-in-law; he sought maximum benefit.
The so-called "chongxi" (a custom of marrying someone to ward off illness or bring good luck) was merely an excuse.
As a master martial artist, how could he believe such nonsense?
The alliance with the Situ family was what he truly desired. With a marriage alliance with the Situ family, he would obtain a rare medicinal herb from them. With that herb, his body could recover.
He did not want Murong Yanran to know that this was a transaction, hence the excuse of "chongxi."
However, he never expected Murong Yanran to give herself to an orphan.
"Mutual affection, impossible to restrain," Qin Han Chu said calmly.
"Grandfather, you only wanted someone for chongxi, so it doesn't matter who I marry, does it?"
"Since we love each other, why won't you fulfill it?"
"This way, I can fulfill the chongxi for you and also achieve my own happiness. It's a win-win." Murong Yanran said.
Zhao Meiqing also chimed in, "Dad, I think Yanran is right. Young Ning is an orphan, so it's perfect for him to be a live-in son-in-law in our Murong family. My husband and I would gain another son."
"A live-in son-in-law?"
"Sounds nice, but isn't it just keeping a good-for-nothing?" Murong Yanran's cousin, Murong Yansu, sneered coldly.
Qin Han Chu's gaze fell upon Murong Yansu, and he said coldly, "Want to fight?"
"Fight me?"
"Do you want to humiliate yourself?" Murong Yansu chuckled.
Murong Yanran leaned closer to Qin Han Chu and whispered, "My cousin has great martial arts talent. He's already at the peak of the seventh rank."
"Peak seventh rank and you're already so conceited?"
"Haven't you seen a true martial arts prodigy?" Qin Han Chu scoffed without mercy.
Murong Yansu, at twenty-three years old, reaching the peak of the seventh rank was certainly a sign of great potential. Hearing Qin Han Chu's sarcasm, Murong Yansu's anger flared, "Fine, let me see what strength you have, kid."
Qin Han Chu looked at Murong Yan and said, "If I win against him, will you agree to my marriage with Yanran?"
Murong Yan still held high hopes for Murong Yansu. Qin Han Chu was about the same age as Murong Yanran, with at most mid to late seventh rank strength. It would be difficult to defeat Murong Yansu.
"Agreed. If you defeat him, it will prove you have some value," Murong Yan said.
Qin Han Chu smiled and nodded, "Deal."
"Can you do it?" Murong Yanran asked with concern.
Qin Han Chu smiled, "Don't worry, I'm very strong."
"Really?" Murong Yanran also felt Qin Han Chu was taking a gamble. Despite Murong Yansu's arrogance, his combat strength was not weak.
Qin Han Chu walked forward with a smile and made a gesture of invitation to Murong Yansu.
"Don't worry, I won't kill you," Murong Yansu said indifferently.
Qin Han Chu smiled, "Give it your all. You only get one chance to attack."
"This kid is quite arrogant."
"So full of himself. How can such a person be worthy of Yanran?"
"A good cabbage is being ruined by a pig." The Murong family members began to murmur as soon as Qin Han Chu finished speaking. To defeat Murong Yansu in one move, one would need at least early eighth rank strength. How could an orphan, without the boost of resources, possibly achieve such strength? Lacking strength yet boasting, they looked down on him.
Hearing their discussion, Murong Yuntian's expression was displeased. If Qin Han Chu lost, he would also lose face.
"Yes, this one move is enough to defeat you." As the words fell, Murong Yansu lunged towards Qin Han Chu.
Whoosh!
Murong Yansu's fist ferociously struck towards Qin Han Chu's chest. Qin Han Chu's expression was calm. He took half a step back and grabbed Murong Yansu's hand. Before Murong Yansu could react, he felt a force pulling him forward. At that moment, Qin Han Chu kicked Murong Yansu's chest. Murong Yansu tried to dodge, but his fist was caught in Qin Han Chu's hand.
Bang!
Qin Han Chu kicked Murong Yansu, sending his body flying. He let out a muffled groan. At this point, Qin Han Chu released Murong Yansu's hand.
Slap!
Murong Yansu fell to the ground, landing face-first. The pain in his chest made his body feel as if it were falling apart. In just one move, he had lost!
The entire Murong family was shocked by Qin Han Chu's strength. Zhao Meiqing's lips curved into a smile. This son-in-law was quite good. Murong Yuntian's eyes were filled with surprise. He hadn't expected Qin Han Chu, at such a young age, to possess such martial arts prowess. Being able to defeat Murong Yansu so easily meant he was definitely at the eighth rank. Reaching the eighth rank at twenty years old already marked him as a prodigy within the Dragon Gate. If he received the Murong family's resources, Qin Han Chu would have a chance to reach the ninth rank by twenty-five. Murong Yan also looked at Qin Han Chu with shock.
"That's amazing!" Murong Yanran was first stunned in shock, then shouted happily.
Qin Han Chu walked back to Murong Yanran with a smile and said, "I told you, I'm very strong."
Murong Yanran gave Qin Han Chu a thumbs-up, "Impressive."
Qin Han Chu smiled and said no more. Murong Yanran looked proudly at Murong Yan, "Grandfather, a promise is a promise. Our marriage is settled." Murong Yan had spoken first, and it was now difficult for him to go back on his word.
"Retire for now." Murong Yan turned and left.
"Let's go." Murong Yanran said, taking Qin Han Chu's hand.
"Wait, I want to fight you again."
"I was careless earlier." At this moment, Murong Yansu, clutching his chest, said angrily.
Qin Han Chu smiled, "A fight to the death wouldn't give you a second chance."
"You... you don't dare to accept, do you?" Murong Yansu said angrily.
"I just don't want to waste time on you." After speaking, Qin Han Chu and Murong Yanran returned to Murong Yuntian and his wife. Qin Han Chu's words made Murong Yansu's face flush. He had intended to step on Qin Han Chu, but instead, he lost face in front of his family. Being defeated in one move was an absolute disgrace.
"From now on, we're all family. Let's not be unhappy over such small matters," Zhao Meiqing said with a smile.
"Sister-in-law, whether we become family is still uncertain."
"Dad has already arranged this marriage with the Situ family."
"Now that you've broken the agreement, how will the Situ family let this go?" Murong Yansu's father said, his face grim.
Murong Yuntian snorted, "What does he want? This matter hasn't been made public yet. What loss has the Situ family suffered? If they want to make a fuss, does the Murong family fear them?"
"Elder Brother truly has a strong spirit," Murong Yansu's father said sarcastically.
Zhao Meiqing still smiled. "We'll be going now. On Yanran's engagement day, you must all grace us with your presence." After speaking, Zhao Meiqing led the way out. Murong Yuntian glanced at Qin Han Chu, his gaze much gentler than before.
"To all my uncles and elders, I bid you farewell." Murong Yanran happily bowed to everyone, then led Qin Han Chu out by the hand.