Dragon-Marked War God Chapter 3 – Brother, please marry into the Mu Rong family

Although Jiang Chen felt quite pleased inside, he maintained an absolutely pitiful expression on his face. He kept his true emotions concealed perfectly.

“Brother, you are the one in this family who cares for me most. Truly, I have no desire to marry Miss Mu Rong. Since you are my elder brother, couldn't you take my place and marry her instead?” Jiang Chen implored, his tone dripping with sincerity.

“Ah, brother, you know I would help if I could, but I am merely a fostered son. Even if I were willing to marry into the Mu Rong clan, Father would never permit it. This arrangement was made specifically for you,” Jiang Ru Long replied, feigning an expression of deep helplessness. In reality, he was secretly gloating; if Jiang Chen was determined to refuse, he would gladly step in to take the opportunity for himself.

“If you truly agree, I can ensure that tomorrow you will be the one standing in my stead to wed Miss Mu Rong!” Jiang Chen declared, thumping his chest with emphasis.

“Are you serious?” Jiang Ru Long felt a surge of genuine excitement.

“Absolutely,” Jiang Chen responded, radiating an aura of total confidence.

“Very well, since we are brothers, I shall do you this favor and marry Miss Mu Rong myself.” He spoke as if granting a grand request, though his inner thoughts were already overwhelmed with ecstasy.

“You really are the best brother I could ask for,” Jiang Chen said, feigning a look of immense gratitude as if he were on the verge of tears.

“Brother, here is the plan. Tomorrow, during the ceremony in the main hall, simply remain silent and act as though you know nothing. Leave everything to me,” Jiang Chen instructed.

“Done. I shall leave you to your rest,” Jiang Ru Long said, patting Jiang Chen’s shoulder before turning to leave. He wondered how his useless little brother intended to pull this off, though he suspected it would probably result in a chaotic scene, just like in the past.

‘Not only will my status within the Mayor’s mansion rise by marrying Miss Mu Rong, but I will also secure a firm foothold within the Mu Rong family! How foolish can he be to throw away this proposal and hand it to me? Still, he has done me a great service. Once I possess enough power in both households, I shall find a way to dispose of him for good,’ Jiang Ru Long silently mused, his true face appearing the moment he stepped outside.

Inside the room, a cold, sharp smile crept across Jiang Chen’s face. ‘Trying to scheme against me? You have just signed your own death warrant.’

The next morning, the mayor’s mansion was alive with activity, adorned in festive ribbons and lanterns. It was a momentous occasion, as an engagement between these two families was unprecedented in the history of Fragrant Sky city.

“The head of the Mu Rong family has arrived!”

Following the booming announcement from the guards, a hulking, muscular figure stepped through the main entrance. His massive frame made the mayor appear slight by comparison. Roughly forty years old, he wore an ornate, flowery robe and traversed the hall with the predatory grace of a tiger. This was Mu Rong Zhan, the head of the Mu Rong family and a renowned business tycoon.

“Haha, a warm welcome to you, Brother Mu Rong. I trust your visit will be pleasant,” Jiang Zhen Hai greeted him warmly, stepping forward to meet his guest, accompanied by Jiang Ru Long and Jiang Chen.

“It is my pleasure, Mayor Jiang. I take this engagement between our families with the utmost seriousness,” Mu Rong Zhan replied.

Though Mu Rong Zhan appeared blunt and forthright, Jiang Chen saw him for exactly what he was: a cunning, experienced old fox.

Jiang Chen glanced behind the man, but the path was empty. Mu Rong Zhan had arrived alone, which was significant in itself. Few events in Fragrant Sky city were important enough to warrant his personal presence, yet his solitary arrival was enough to represent the entire Mu Rong clan.

“Please, let us step inside, Brother Mu Rong,” Jiang Zhen Hai said, leading the party toward the main hall with a welcoming gesture.

Inside, Jiang Zhen Hai took his seat opposite Mu Rong Zhan, while Jiang Chen and Jiang Ru Long remained standing behind him.

“Brother Jiang, I’ll be direct. I have come today to finalize the union of my daughter with your family. We should settle the date for the formal marriage ceremony between your son and my daughter,” Mu Rong Zhan stated matter-of-factly.

“Indeed, once they are united, both of our families will usher in a new era of prosperity for Fragrant Sky city.” Nodding in agreement, Jiang Zhen Hai turned to his younger son. “Chen, step forward and greet your future father-in-law.”

“Marvelous! Your son has quite the handsome appearance!” Mu Rong Zhan complimented, eyeing Jiang Chen. In truth, he was aware that this was mere flattery; everyone in Fragrant Sky city knew of Jiang Chen’s reputation as a good-for-nothing playboy with abysmal Cultivation talent.

Yet, Mu Rong Zhan did not care. He appeared entirely content with this future son-in-law, prioritizing the strategic interests of the family over personal matters.

“Father, I believe there has been a misunderstanding,” Jiang Chen said, feigning profound shock. “Isn't this marriage intended for my elder brother?”

Both Jiang Zhen Hai and Mu Rong Zhan were taken aback. Mu Rong Zhan shifted his gaze toward Jiang Ru Long, his eyes filled with appraisal. ‘Now this is a talented, fine-looking young man. He has reached the ninth level of the Qi Jing Realm at such a tender age.’

“Chen, stop these foolish remarks,” Jiang Zhen Hai scolded, his brows knitting in frustration.

“Father, I am not being silly. Given my own qualifications, I am hardly the right match for Miss Mu Rong; I would only bring her suffering. My elder brother, however, has already attained the ninth level of the Qi Jing Realm. Among the youths of Fragrant Sky city, there is no one else as qualified to marry Miss Mu Rong. I am simply too young. Even though they have not yet met, Elder Brother is deeply interested in her. They would be a perfect match, and it would solidify our relationship with the Mu Rong family,” Jiang Chen declared, delivering his speech with calculated confidence as he showered his brother with insincere praise.

Standing right beside him, Jiang Ru Long nearly broke down in tears, touched—or so it appeared—by how much his younger brother cared for him.

“Haha, so Brother Jiang wishes to see his eldest son wed? I never realized Jiang Ru Long was so sentimentally attached to my daughter... this is truly a rare arrangement,” Mu Rong Zhan remarked as he boomed with laughter. While the marriage was meant to be purely beneficial, given the choice between the two suitors, he was no fool—he certainly didn't want the useless one.

Jiang Zhen Hai was absolutely livid, practically yearning to throw his youngest son out right then and there. Yet, observing how pleased Mu Rong Zhan appeared, he kept his peace. Jiang Chen’s bold claims about Ru Long’s feelings had made it impossible to back down without causing a scene that would offend the head of the Mu Rong family.

“Ru Long, step forward and meet your father-in-law,” Zhen Hai said, offering a strained, hollow smile.

“Greetings, father-in-law,” Ru Long said, bowing with profound respect.

‘Go ahead, smile and be happy while you can, for you shall be weeping soon enough,’ Jiang Chen contemplated. He cleared his throat and added, “Mr. Mu Rong, my elder brother has one further request.”

“Oh? Speak your mind. There is little that cannot be achieved when Brother Jiang and I cooperate,” Mu Rong Zhan replied, clearly in high spirits.

Jiang Ru Long, however, was stunned. He glared at Jiang Chen, desperately trying to recollect if he had ever mentioned such a thing—he found nothing.

“My brother told me he has admired the Mu Rong household for a long time. Should he marry into your family, he would desire nothing else in this life,” Jiang Chen said with a bright smile, his metaphorical fox tail finally showing.

Jiang Ru Long’s face turned deathly pale at these words.

“Brother, what nonsense are you spewing?” Jiang Ru Long demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

“Brother, isn't that what you told me yesterday? Oh, I understand... you are just too shy to admit it yourself! Fear not, your younger brother will speak for you. Father and Mr. Mu Rong are both here, so your wish shall surely be granted! Besides, your long-standing admiration for Miss Mu Rong is no secret, is it?”

Mu Rong Zhan felt a swelling sense of pride at the young man's words, secretly thinking that even this supposedly useless boy had a surprisingly silver tongue.

“Brother, you...” Jiang Ru Long was beginning to panic. While he wanted to marry Miss Mu Rong, he had no intention of marrying *into* her family. He had planned for her to move into the mayor’s mansion, not the other way around.

If he left the mayor’s residence to become a member of the Mu Rong clan, he would be cut off from his own family’s influence. His years of toil would vanish, and as someone married into the house, he would likely be denied any real authority, leaving him open to humiliation. His future would be effectively extinguished.

“What? Don't tell me what you confided in me yesterday was a lie? Was it a lie that you admire the Mu Rong family? This doesn't sound like you at all, brother,” Jiang Chen countered swiftly, giving his brother zero room to backtrack.

This had been his plan all along, calculated down to the last detail. Jiang Ru Long was so infuriated he could barely restrain his urge to strike Jiang Chen dead on the spot. Jiang Chen’s words had maneuvered him into a corner from which there was no escape.

Jiang Ru Long was no fool; he realized he had been trapped. What he could not fathom was how this teenager—who had always been a fop, solely interested in play—had suddenly developed such diabolical cunning.

‘You are still miles away from defeating me,’ Jiang Chen thought with a smirk. Since Ru Long was clearly aiming for his life, he would have to pay a steep price. Today was merely the prologue.

“Haha, I had no idea your eldest son held my daughter in such high regard. Jiang Ru Long is a man of great reputation in Fragrant Sky city, so it would be a honor to have him join our family! Once we are one unified house, no force in this city will dare stand against us!” Mu Rong Zhan roared with laughter.

In stark contrast, Jiang Zhen Hai’s expression was dark as a thundercloud. This chain of events was completely outside his calculations. First the suitor changed, and now he learned his second son was being married off into a different clan entirely.

“Ru Long, is this truly your decision?” Jiang Zhen Hai asked, peering at him. If he could help it, he would never let Ru Long marry into someone else's household. Much of the Jiang family’s business was funneled through his management, and he was a vital asset. Yet, he felt compelled to honor his son’s wishes if that was truly what he desired.

“Father, this is indeed what he wants. I know my brother’s heart better than anyone; he must be overjoyed to see his wish coming to fruition! Uncle Mu Rong, you must look after my brother once he moves in—do not let him be slighted by others,” Jiang Chen said, seizing the opportunity to speak for Ru Long while reinforcing his bond with Mu Rong Zhan.

“Haha, fear not! Who would dare look down upon my own son-in-law?” Mu Rong Zhan responded with gusto.

Jiang Ru Long clenched his fists tightly, hidden beneath his robes. He was absolutely seething; his schemes, his labor, and his future were all unraveling before his eyes. Yet, in this atmosphere, there was no way out. Mu Rong Zhan was radiant with joy, and to reject this now would permanently fracture the alliance between the two clans.

“Haha, congratulations, Brother Jiang, and congratulations to Uncle Mu Rong! Today is indeed a glorious day. Uncle, now that we have reached an agreement, why not invite Miss Mu Rong to join us? I would love to see what she looks like,” Jiang Chen suggested.

“Yes, an excellent point. I have heard that your daughter rarely appears in public; she is a lady of true, refined character. Since we have concluded our business, it is only proper that we meet her now,” Jiang Zhen Hai said, succumbing to the inevitable.

“Haha, my daughter, Mu Rong Xiao Rou, is already on her way. She shall be here momentarily.” Mu Rong Zhan guffawed heartily. The hall buzzed with festive energy, save for Jiang Ru Long, who stood there with a stiff, forced smile, hiding his internal wreckage.

“Wow! Even her name implies grace and beauty—a lady from such a respectable family must be entirely different from the common folk. She must look just like an angel! Brother, you truly have secured yourself a wonderful wife!” Jiang Chen continued his relentless praise for a woman he’d never seen, all the while using every word to dig the knife deeper into Jiang Ru Long.

Cough, cough...

Jiang Chen’s sycophantic words were interrupted by Mu Rong Zhan, who suddenly began coughing violently. He choked on his tea, sputtering across the table as he heard his daughter described as a delicate angel.