Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 82 Formal Proposal

After the victory banquet, speculation and discussion about the relationship between Starfire Fortress Lord Chen Xing and Cavalry Commander Murong Mingyue stirred within the fortress like an undercurrent beneath the surface of a spring river—subtle yet subtly present. Murong Mingyue's toast and glance, and Chen Xing's public response, were observed and pondered by countless people. Whether they were the elders of Starfire Fortress, former members of the Murong tribe, or newly allied forces, most were pleased with the union. A young fortress lord of great talent and ambition, and a valiant and loyal noblewoman from a foreign tribe—if they could marry, it would undoubtedly be a perfect symbol of solidifying the alliance and uniting hearts, fulfilling most people's ideal of a "hero and beauty."

However, Chen Xing, as the person involved, did not immediately immerse himself in this hazy affection and the expectations of others. He knew that in this chaotic world, especially when it involved two different ethnic groups and two forces that were merging, marriage was by no means a simple matter of personal feelings, but a major political act with far-reaching consequences. If handled properly, it could achieve multiple benefits; if handled poorly, it could also sow the seeds of future troubles.

Three days after the celebration banquet, Chen Xing summoned Wu Xuejiu to his study alone.

The study was simply furnished, the most striking features being a newly painted, detailed map on the wall depicting the current territory controlled by Starfire Fortress and the surrounding power dynamics, along with a pile of simple documents on the desk. Chen Xing didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Sir, everyone saw Commander Mingyue's intentions at the banquet that night. I am no ordinary person either. What do you think is the most appropriate way to handle this matter?"

Wu Xuejiu seemed to have anticipated this. He stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "My Lord, you are wise. Commander Murong is a dashing and heroic figure, deeply devoted to you. Moreover, his three hundred elite cavalrymen all obey his orders. He is truly a perfect match for you, and a blessing to our Xinghuo Fortress. However, as you have worried, this matter concerns the integration of the Han and non-Han peoples, the morale of our people, and even the external display of our fortress's grandeur. We must be cautious."

"Please elaborate, sir."

"Firstly, etiquette cannot be disregarded," Wu Xuejiu said solemnly. "Although Commander Murong has led his troops to surrender and fought alongside us like comrades, he is ultimately of noble lineage from the Murong tribe. There are still several elderly elders in his tribe who represent the traditions and the hearts of the people. If the fortress lord is willing, he should act in accordance with etiquette and marry him formally. This would not only show respect to Commander Murong and his tribe, but also demonstrate that although Xinghuo Fortress started from humble beginnings, it values ​​etiquette and abides by rules, unlike ordinary bandits."

Chen Xing nodded: "That's exactly right. But how should we handle the betrothal ceremony? None of us are experts in this area, and the customs of the Murong tribe are different from those of the Han people."

"That's the second point: the choice of a matchmaker must be careful," Wu Xuejiu said. "A matchmaker is someone who connects the two families, conveys goodwill, and must be a person of high moral character, eloquent, and trusted by both parties. I do have someone in mind."

"Oh? Who is it?"

"Zhao Tiezhu, Commander Zhao."

Chen Xing was slightly surprised: "Tiezhu? He's straightforward, I'm afraid..."

Wu Xuejiu smiled and said, "Fortress Master, Commander Zhao is the most suitable candidate. He is the chief retainer of the fortress, loyal and steadfast, and enjoys a high reputation among the people of the fortress, that's one point. He fought alongside Commander Murong against the enemy, and later took charge of civil affairs and the resettlement of some assimilated people. He has had a lot of contact with the Murong tribe, and he is a straightforward and honest person, which makes him easy to like among those straightforward grassland men, that's another point. This marriage proposal is all about sincerity and weight. Commander Zhao's presence will show the fortress master's seriousness and dispel some people's doubts about the 'cunning of the Han people.' As for the specific etiquette and words, I can explain them to him in detail beforehand, and then send one or two assimilated Hu people who are familiar with the customs of the Murong tribe and fluent in Chinese to assist, and there should be no problem."

Chen Xing pondered for a moment and found it reasonable. Zhao Tiezhu might not be smooth enough, but his sincerity and integrity were indeed the most compelling weapons. "Sir, your considerations are thorough. Then we will follow your suggestion. What is the third point?"

"Thirdly, timing and status." Wu Xuejiu's gaze sharpened slightly. "After the marriage proposal, the wedding date should not be too hasty, nor too slow. Too hasty, and it may appear rushed and frivolous, and there may not be enough time for preparation; too slow, and it may lead to unforeseen changes, causing anxiety among the Murong tribe. In my opinion, it is most appropriate to hold the wedding when the autumn grain is stored and the situation is relatively stable. As for status..." He paused, "When Commander Murong marries into the family, she should be the principal wife of the fortress lord. This is not only related to Commander Murong's personal status, but also to the sense of belonging and loyalty of her three hundred cavalrymen and the Hu people who may come to join her later. Only the position of principal wife can truly reassure the hearts of her tribe and demonstrate our fortress's determination to unite the Han and Hu people and to determine rank based on merit and virtue."

Chen Xing nodded again. Murong Mingyue's abilities, merits, and contributions to Xinghuo Fortress were more than enough to warrant the position of principal wife. This was not only a choice of affection but also a political declaration. "What you say is exactly what I intend. Then please begin preparations. First, communicate with Tiezhu to draft a betrothal gift list, ensuring it is proper yet not extravagant, emphasizing practicality and sincerity. Also, please find a way to communicate with the elders of the Murong tribe beforehand, so that the betrothal delegation doesn't appear too abrupt when they arrive."

"Rest assured, Lord, I understand."

Two days later, everything was ready. Zhao Tiezhu, dressed in a brand-new dark blue cloth robe, his hair neatly combed, and with a rare look of tension and solemnity on his face, led four soldiers, who were also dressed in neat clothes and carrying gift boxes, as well as two guides assigned by Wu Xuejiu who were familiar with Hu customs, out of the north gate of Xinghuo Fortress and headed towards the camp where the Murong tribe lived.

After the Murong tribe submitted, Chen Xing specially designated an area outside the fortress with relatively abundant water and grass, close to the cavalry camp, for them to set up their felt tents and graze their horses. This respected their nomadic customs while facilitating management and communication. At this moment, smoke curled from the Murong camp, horses' hooves pounded, and children chased and played among the tents, creating a scene of peace and tranquility.

The arrival of Zhao Tiezhu and his entourage immediately attracted attention. Soon, Murong Mingyue, having heard the news, came out to greet them with several guards. Today, she was not dressed in military uniform, but in a crimson brocade robe often worn by Hu women, which made her look even more radiant than usual. Seeing Zhao Tiezhu's solemn attire and the gift chest behind him, she seemed to understand something. A very faint blush rose on her face, but her eyes sparkled as she stepped aside and led the group to the largest golden-domed felt tent in the center of the camp.

Inside the tent, the three oldest and most prestigious elders of the Murong tribe, having already received the news, sat upright behind a low couch covered with animal hides. Though old, their gazes remained sharp, carrying the unique dignity and scrutiny of elders of the grasslands. Murong Mingyue sat to one side at the lower end.

Zhao Tiezhu took a deep breath, and following the etiquette that Wu Xuejiu had repeatedly taught him, he stepped forward, cupped his hands and bowed, and said loudly, "Zhao Tiezhu, the civil affairs commander under the command of the Lord of Xinghuo Fortress, has come to pay his respects to the elders on the orders of my lord, and to convey the Lord's sincere greetings and respects to the Murong tribe."

His Mandarin was heavily accented, but he spoke slowly and clearly, each word conveying his utmost sincerity. The tour guide beside him simultaneously translated in a low voice in Mandarin.

The elder in the center, with his white hair and wrinkled face like dried leather, nodded slightly and replied in the Hu language, "Commander Zhao, there's no need for such formalities. Your lord has sent an envoy; may he have something to say?" The guide immediately translated.

Zhao Tiezhu straightened up, his face slightly flushed, but he still tried his best to remain solemn: "Reporting to the Grand Elder, my Lord Chen Xing is a man of great courage and determination, dedicated to bringing peace to the people. Since the founding of Xinghuo Fortress, he has worked tirelessly day and night, wishing only to create a haven for the displaced in this chaotic world. Since Commander Murong led her troops to join us, she has worked together with our fortress to defeat powerful enemies time and time again. The Lord often says that Commander Mingyue is both wise and brave, and unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness. She is truly a remarkable woman in this world, a pillar of Xinghuo Fortress, and also... also someone whom the Lord greatly respects and admires."

He paused, observing the expressions of the elders. The First Elder remained expressionless, while the other two exchanged glances. Murong Mingyue lowered her eyelashes, her hands resting on her knees slightly curled.

Zhao Tiezhu continued, "My lord, deeply grateful for Commander Mingyue's profound friendship and treasuring the brotherhood between Xinghuo Fortress and the Murong Tribe, has specially dispatched me to formally request, with the utmost sincerity, on behalf of my Xinghuo Fortress lord Chen Xing, to marry your tribe's jewel, Murong Mingyue, the cavalry commander of my Xinghuo Fortress!"

After speaking, he bowed deeply again. The soldiers behind him carried the gift chest forward and opened the lid. Inside were no gold or silver jewels, but neatly stacked high-quality salt, bolts of thick cotton cloth, finely forged horseshoes and saddle accessories, dozens of sharp ring-pommel daggers, and some medicinal herbs for treating livestock and common diseases. The gift list was not extravagant, but every item was practical and even scarce in the grassland tribes, demonstrating thoughtfulness.

A moment of silence fell over the tent. The Grand Elder spoke slowly, his voice hoarse: "Commander Zhao, we have seen your lord's good intentions. These gifts are very practical. Mingyue is a good daughter of our Murong tribe, and we old men have long appreciated her kindness."

He then changed the subject: "However, marriage is a major life event, and it concerns the future of both tribes. May I ask Commander Zhao, if Mingyue marries your lord, what will her status be in Xinghuo Fortress? And what will become of my three hundred men of the Murong tribe?"

This issue was expected. Zhao Tiezhu straightened his back and said loudly, "Reporting to the Grand Elder! My Lord has stated: If Murong Mingyue marries, she will be Chen Xing's only legal wife in this life, the mistress of Xinghuo Fortress! Her status and honor will be shared with the Lord! As for the warriors of the Murong tribe, they will forever be the most loyal and closest brothers of Xinghuo Fortress! They will remain Mingyue's subordinates, the backbone of Xinghuo Fortress's cavalry, enjoying the same 'Merit Order' treatment as all fortress residents, earning their future through their own abilities! Their families will also receive the best arrangements! The Lord hereby swears that he will never betray Mingyue, never betray the Murong tribe!"

These words were firm and resolute, without any pretense. The three elders exchanged glances again, the scrutinizing look in their eyes fading, replaced by a slow, satisfied expression. What they cared about most was their daughter's status and the future of their followers. Chen Xing's promise was straightforward and impeccable.

The Grand Elder turned his gaze to Murong Mingyue, his tone softening slightly: "Mingyue, what are your thoughts?"

Murong Mingyue raised her head, her gaze clear and firm. She first nodded slightly to Zhao Tiezhu, then looked at the three elders and said clearly in the Hu language, "Three Atas, I know Lord Chen's intentions. I have also witnessed the rules and future of Xinghuo Fortress. I... am willing."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable determination. Upon hearing this, the three elders finally smiled.

The Grand Elder turned back to Zhao Tiezhu and said, "Commander Zhao, please reply to your lord. The Murong tribe has agreed to the marriage. May the Eternal Heaven bless Mingyue and Lord Chen, and may the bond between Xinghuo Fortress and my Murong tribe be as enduring as the evergreen grass on this grassland!"

Zhao Tiezhu was overjoyed and quickly bowed again, saying, "Thank you all for your kindness, elders! I will certainly bring the good news back!"

News of the successful marriage proposal spread like wildfire throughout Xinghuo Fortress and the Murong tribe's camp, eventually reaching the entire controlled area. Whether Han Chinese residents, Hu tribe warriors, or newly allied forces, everyone was overjoyed. The fortress lord's wedding was not only a personal celebration but also a powerful boost to the stability of the fortress and internal unity. People began to spontaneously discuss and anticipate the upcoming grand ceremony, as if the festive red ribbons could temporarily dispel the gloom under the chaotic sky.

After receiving Zhao Tiezhu's report in the fortress, Chen Xing felt a weight lifted from his heart and couldn't help but feel a genuine sense of joy and anticipation.