Rumors

"We've finally reached the city," Li Ming said with a smile as he opened the curtain, relishing the gentle breeze and trying to catch a glimpse of the cityscape. After working together with Li Xuan and the Li Clan, he felt a sense of relief, knowing that his safety was somewhat assured for the time being.

Observing Li Ming's more relaxed demeanor, Li Xuan felt a surge of happiness, understanding that he had gradually accepted their presence and formed a stronger bond with them. She hoped that this relationship would continue to grow, allowing the Li Clan to receive both wealth and knowledge.

However, as soon as Li Ming opened the curtain, he noticed the strange expressions of the people around him. While he wasn't particularly bothered by it, knowing that he was a foreigner and that people often viewed outsiders with curiosity, the overheard conversations took a peculiar turn.

"Did you see that? That person is in the same carriage as Young Miss Li Xuan."

"What is their relationship? I've seen them together several times in the past few days."

"Could it be that Young Miss Li Xuan is going to marry them?"

"I've heard rumors that the Li Clan is making preparations for a marriage."

"But what kind of man is he to be considered worthy of standing by the young miss's side?"

The whispers and judgments puzzled Li Ming, causing him to furrow his brow in discomfort. Li Xuan, with her heightened senses from her martial arts practice, widened her eyes in shock.

She hadn't expected the conversation to take such a turn. While rumors were known to circulate easily, this one seemed more deliberate and targeted. She turned to Li Ming, concerned, and tried to call his name, "Li Ming..."

"It's fine. I don't really care about the rumors, but... what do they mean by the Li Clan preparing for it?" Li Ming's frown deepened. "I thought we were merely business partners."

"I'm not aware of any such preparations. While rumors can easily surface, this one feels orchestrated," Li Xuan replied. She knew that according to the standards of this world, as an unmarried woman, she would need to marry soon to avoid any negative reputation. Therefore, Li Ming assumed the rumors were a consequence of him being seen with her frequently in recent days.

However, Li Xuan raised a finger to emphasize her point. "Didn't you hear? They specifically mentioned marriage, which my father never informed me about. It's peculiar because my father always considers my opinion first. This only started after Li Heng met us yesterday. Have you forgotten what Li Heng said?"

Now that Li Ming pondered it, he realized that Li Heng had indeed mentioned marriage. It seemed that Li Xuan was implying that Li Heng might be behind these rumors. Li Ming, torn between not wanting to involve himself in the Li Clan's power struggles and the desire to understand the situation, fell into silence.

"I suspect Li Heng is intentionally spreading these rumors," Li Xuan continued. "By arranging a marriage between us, a stranger who arrived in the city a few days ago, it serves to diminish my position, allowing Li Heng to gain an advantage in becoming the patriarch by eliminating me."

"I have to tell you... I don't want to be entangled in your family's power struggles," Li Ming stated firmly, glaring at Li Xuan.

"I completely understand your concerns, and I share the same sentiment. I have no intention of becoming the matriarch, but that won't stop me from contributing to the family. Rest assured, I will handle this matter," Li Xuan said with a polite bow. "I apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Li Ming scratched the back of his head, feeling uncertain about how to respond to Li Xuan's sincere determination. "Whatever. I just want it resolved as quickly as possible. I'm here solely to fulfill my task."

"Yes," Li Xuan nodded. "Don't worry. I will resolve it within one or two days."

"Alright, then," Li Ming agreed, realizing that Li Xuan was resolute in handling the situation. "Also, please inform me immediately when the tools from Elder Han arrive. I will need them to separate the oil."

"Certainly," Li Xuan acknowledged. She wanted to witness Li Ming's oil separation process, but due to the current rumors, it would be inappropriate for her to stay by his side.

With the conversation concluded, they arrived at the mansion, greeted by a city abuzz with the circulating rumors. The news had spread so rapidly that it seemed the entire city was aware of it.

Their problems, however, were far from over. Upon entering the mansion, they noticed numerous people bustling about, preparing for something.

"Young Miss, you've returned?" one of the guards bowed respectfully to Li Xuan and informed her, "The patriarch is waiting for you. He hopes you'll come to meet him as soon as you arrive."

Li Xuan furrowed her brows in confusion. "Alright, I'll go see him. Please escort this gentleman to his quarters."

"Yes, Young Miss."

Before leaving, Li Xuan turned to Li Ming, clasping her hands together. "I apologize, Mr. Li. It seems I cannot accompany you back and may have caused you some discomfort."

Li Ming nodded, not uttering a word. The situation had become more complicated than he had anticipated. He had planned to return to his room and prepare his rifle in case anything went wrong.

Meanwhile, Li Xuan made her way to the meeting room. The elders had already concluded their meeting, leaving only her father, Li Changming, and Li Heng. Li Heng wore an evil smile, seemingly satisfied with the progress, while her father's serious expression indicated that the matter at hand was no triviality.