readytorunbook Chapter 283 Martial Arts Alliance Leader
Chapter 283 Martial Arts Alliance Leader
The night in Qingping Town was thick with darkness, and all was silent. Only the magnificent Su Mansion in the town was brightly lit, shining like a pearl in the darkness.
The vermilion gates of the Su residence were tightly closed, with a gilded plaque hanging high above the lintel bearing the three large characters "Martial Arts Alliance." Under the light of the lanterns, it exuded a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Su Liyue sat by the window in her boudoir, resting her chin on her hand and gazing at the hazy moonlight outside, her thoughts drifting back to the moment she parted ways with Jiang Youan.
A gentle breeze stirs the thin gauze curtains, carrying the rich fragrance of osmanthus blossoms from the courtyard.
She sighed softly, the embroidered handkerchief in her hand unconsciously twisting into a ball. The meticulously embroidered mandarin duck pattern on it now stung her eyes.
"Moon, are you asleep?" A steady, powerful footstep came from outside the door, followed by a deep, kind voice.
"Father, not yet." Su Liyue quickly got up, straightened her clothes, and went to open the door.
The door slowly opened, and a tall, imposing middle-aged man appeared in the doorway. He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his gaze piercing. Though middle-aged, he still possessed a commanding presence, exuding an innate air of authority. This man was none other than Su Liyue's father, Su Zhentian, the leader of the martial arts alliance.
Su Zhentian entered the room, his gaze falling on Su Liyue's slightly haggard face. His brows furrowed slightly. "Yue'er, these past few days I've noticed you've lost your appetite and are getting thinner and thinner. What has happened?"
After hesitating for a moment, Su Liyue finally couldn't hold back and told her father everything about her encounter with Jiang Youan in the capital, their growing friendship, and the longing she felt after their separation. Su Zhentian listened quietly, remained silent for a long time, and then slowly said, "Yue'er, I understand that you are thoughtful and loyal, but the martial world and the imperial court have always kept to themselves. Our Su family has been rooted in the martial world for generations and has rarely interacted with the court. Moreover, you haven't even figured out the true identity of that young master Jiang yet. You must not get too involved and ruin your life."
Su Liyue bit her lower lip, her eyes reddening: "Father, I know you're worried about me, but I can sense that Young Master Jiang is no bad person. He speaks eloquently and has a righteous heart. If it weren't for his help that day, my package would probably have been stolen."
Su Zhentian sighed softly and patted Su Liyue's shoulder: "Yue'er, people's hearts are unpredictable. It's not that I don't want you to pursue happiness, but the world is dangerous, and the court is even more unpredictable. We have to be careful."
Despite her father's repeated persuasion, Su Liyue's longing for Jiang Youan remained undiminished. In the days that followed, she remained melancholy and uninterested in anything. Su Zhentian saw this and was anxious, yet helpless.
That day, the Su family suddenly received a secret letter from the capital. Su Zhentian opened the letter, his expression instantly turning grave. It turned out that the imperial court had recently received a secret report that a mysterious force was secretly gathering, intending to overthrow the martial arts world and disrupt the situation in Xijing Kingdom. In order to maintain the stability of the martial arts world and the country, the imperial court decided to send an envoy to cooperate with the Martial Arts Alliance to jointly deal with this crisis.
Knowing the gravity of the matter, Su Zhentian summoned the elders of the Martial Alliance to discuss countermeasures. After a heated discussion, they ultimately decided to accept the imperial court's request for cooperation. Upon hearing this, Su Liyue felt a glimmer of hope rekindle in her heart, perhaps she could use this opportunity to see Jiang You'an again.
A few days later, the imperial envoy arrived in Qingping Town. Su Zhentian led a group of martial arts alliance disciples to greet him at the entrance of the Su residence. When Su Liyue saw that familiar face in the envoy's procession, her heart suddenly raced, and she almost cried out in surprise. Yes, it was Jiang Youan.
Jiang Youan, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe and wearing a jade crown, exuded royal elegance in every gesture. Su Liyue then realized that Jiang Youan had been concealing his identity all along; he was not an ordinary scholar at all, but the dignified Crown Prince.
Surrounded by a crowd, Jiang Youan entered the Su residence. Su Zhentian hosted a banquet for the imperial envoy, while Su Liyue, feigning composure, sat to the side. During the banquet, Jiang Youan discussed cooperation matters with Su Zhentian and others, but his gaze kept drifting towards Su Liyue. Su Liyue kept her head down, avoiding his eyes, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
After the banquet, Jiang Youan made an excuse and went to the courtyard alone. Su Liyue hesitated for a long time, then followed him out. The moonlight shone on the two of them, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.
"Miss Su, how have you been?" Jiang Youan broke the silence first.
Su Liyue raised her head, her eyes flashing with a complex light: "Young Master Jiang, no, Your Highness the Crown Prince, why did you conceal your identity back then?"
Jiang Youan sighed softly: "Miss Su, it's not that I intentionally concealed it, but I had no choice. As the Crown Prince, every word and action of mine concerns the country. I went out of the palace incognito, hoping to experience life among the common people, but I never expected to form such a bond with you."
Su Liyue felt a surge of grievance and anger: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince is of noble birth, and we are not on the same side. Why do you have to provoke me again?"
Jiang Youan stepped forward, his gaze resolute: "Miss Su, my feelings for you have never changed. The difference in our status should not be an obstacle between us. I have come here for two reasons: first, to discuss the cooperation between the Martial Alliance and the Imperial Court; and second, to see you."
Su Liyue's heart stirred. Looking into Jiang Youan's sincere eyes, the resentment in her heart gradually dissipated. However, she knew all too well that the gap between the Crown Prince and a woman from the martial world was not easily bridged.
"Your Highness, you bear the heavy responsibility of the nation, while I am merely a woman from the martial world. I'm afraid there is little chance for a future between us," Su Liyue said sadly.
Jiang Youan grasped Su Liyue's hand: "Miss Su, give me some time. I will definitely express my feelings to my father and make him accept you."
Just then, Su Zhentian's voice came from behind: "Your Highness, there are some important matters that I hope you will discuss with me."
Jiang Youan and Su Liyue exchanged a glance, then reluctantly released each other's hands: "Miss Su, let me finish dealing with this matter, then we can have a proper talk."
Watching Jiang Youan's departing figure, Su Liyue felt lost and confused.
"Your Majesty, I have investigated Miss Su's background thoroughly. She comes from a family of martial artists; her father, Su Zhentian, is the leader of the martial arts alliance, and Miss Su herself is known for her chivalry and has an excellent reputation in the martial arts world." Jiang Youan's tone was firm, and his eyes were full of anticipation.
Jiang Liushen put down the memorial in his hand, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Youan, and nodded slightly: "Youan, I can see that you are deeply in love with this Miss Su. Since she is of good character, I do not object to you pursuing your own happiness. However, the world of martial arts and the imperial court are always complicated, and you must act with caution."
Jia Xiaoyan stepped forward and looked at Jiang Youan gently: "Youan, your father is right. But when it comes to matters of the heart, missing out can lead to lifelong regret. Go ahead and pursue him with confidence, your mother supports you."
With his parents' approval, Jiang Youan finally felt relieved. He bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Father and Mother! Your son will certainly not let you down."
After leaving the palace, Jiang Youan immediately began preparations for his trip to Qingping Town. He selected a group of elite guards, prepared generous gifts, and set off for Qingping Town.
A few days later, a light drizzle fell on Qingping Town. Raindrops drifted down like silken threads, draping the town in a misty veil. Jiang Youan and his group arrived at the Su residence in the drizzle. The vermilion gates were tightly shut, and the three gilded characters "Martial Arts Alliance" on the lintel were faintly visible in the rain, exuding an aura of authority.
Jiang Youan straightened his clothes and stepped forward to knock on the gate of the Su residence. With a creak, the door slowly opened, and a servant poked his head out: "May I ask who you are?"
"Please inform Alliance Leader Su that Crown Prince Jiang Youan of Xijing Kingdom requests an audience," Jiang Youan said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, the servant's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly bowed, saying, "Your Highness, please wait a moment, I will go and inform you immediately."
A moment later, Su Zhentian personally came out to greet him. He was dressed in a black brocade robe and exuded an extraordinary aura: "I was unaware of Your Highness's arrival. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."
Jiang Youan quickly waved his hand: "Alliance Leader Su, you are too kind. I have come here for two reasons: first, to discuss the cooperation between the Martial Alliance and the Imperial Court; and second, to ask you for a private request."
Su Zhentian invited Jiang Youan into his residence. The two went to the reception room and took their seats as host and guest. Jiang Youan succinctly explained the plan for the imperial court and the martial arts alliance to cooperate against the mysterious force. Su Zhentian listened and expressed his deep approval.
"Your Highness's plan is brilliant, and the Martial Alliance will certainly cooperate fully," Su Zhentian said.
After discussing the important matters, Jiang Youan took a deep breath and mustered his courage: "Alliance Leader Su, there is one more thing. Your son fell in love with Miss Su at first sight, and since we parted, my longing for her has been overwhelming. Your son has obtained the consent of my father and mother and hopes to marry Miss Su."
Su Zhentian was slightly taken aback. Although he had a premonition, he was still somewhat surprised to hear Jiang Youan say it himself. He pondered for a moment and said, "His Highness the Crown Prince is of noble status, while Yue'er is just a woman from the martial arts world. I am worried that she is not worthy of his position."
Jiang Youan said sincerely, "Alliance Leader Su, in my heart, status and position are all fleeting. Only Miss Su's kindness and courage have deeply moved me. I will cherish her and protect her for the rest of her life."
Just then, Su Liyue happened to pass by the reception room and overheard their conversation. Her cheeks flushed, and she was both surprised and delighted.
Looking at his daughter, Su Zhentian already had his answer: "Since His Highness the Crown Prince is so sincere, I can't stop him. But everything depends on Yue'er's wishes."
Jiang Youan stood up, walked to Su Liyue, and looked at her affectionately: "Miss Su, I have overcome many obstacles to come here, just to tell you that my feelings for you have never changed. Would you be willing to give me a chance to enter your world?"
Su Liyue raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes, and gently nodded: "I do."
Su Zhentian, standing to the side, watched the two of them and smiled with relief. He knew that his daughter had found someone she could entrust her life to.