Chapter 191: Who Do You Want to Marry?

"Brother!" Xiang Youyou's face was gloomy as she said, "If you keep saying that, I will really sever ties with you! Do you think I am such a vain, opportunistic, and despicable woman?"

Li Nianlong shook his head, "I didn't mean that. I just don't want to become a burden to you in the future."

"If you really are my burden, it would be my choice." Xiang Youyou punched him in the chest, half-jokingly, "I am your sister, always will be. If one day we are no longer siblings, it would be because you don't recognize me anymore, not the other way around."

Li Nianlong looked at her, moved by the determination on her otherwise ordinary face.

He smiled slightly, patted her on the shoulder, and continued walking around the city. After a while, he asked, "Are you going to participate in the martial arts tournament?"

"Yes." Xiang Youyou nodded, "Xiang Yu and I are representing the younger generation of the Xiang family this time."

"I can tell you're quite strong." Li Nianlong smiled, "I pride myself on having thick skin, but those punches you threw at me back then really hurt my shoulders. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I realize you've been hiding your strength from me all along!"

Xiang Youyou laughed lightly, "I was just a side branch back then, I couldn't reveal my identity so easily. Weren't you hiding just as much? Even now, I can't fully see through you."

"I'll tell you when the time is right." Li Nianlong looked at her, a hint of apology in his eyes, "There are some things I really can't talk about right now."

"Don't be like that, brother." Xiang Youyou waved her hand, "I understand that everyone has secrets they can't share. I didn't ask about the secret you and Siyu had back then, did I?"

"Now you know!" Li Nianlong had an understanding look, "When Siyu's personality changed, I suspected she was different from ordinary people, so I found a master for her."

Xiang Youyou nodded lightly, "I realized it after meeting them. I never thought Siyu would have special abilities." She paused, looking at Li Nianlong, "Brother, do you also...?"

"Don't look at me like that." Li Nianlong walked through the construction site of the castle, feeling the winter wind, and said softly, "No matter who I am, I am your brother. That will never change."

Xiang Youyou looked at him for a long time and then smiled slightly, "Brother is right. But if we meet at the martial arts tournament, you have to go easy on me."

Li Nianlong laughed, "Don't worry! I'll be gentle."

"And then get thrown down by me?"

"In your dreams."

"Stingy."

That night, Li Nianlong held a barbecue party in the Liu family's courtyard. It was to celebrate the arrival of the Yue sisters and the old lady and to see off Xiang Youyou and Sun Siyu. Considering the cold weather and Sun Siyu's love for lamb, Li Nianlong roasted a whole lamb that night and prepared many vegetable skewers.

Li Nianlong didn't handle the vegetable skewers; the girls who wanted to eat them did it themselves. The mix of meat and vegetables made the girls very happy.

This time, Old Master Liu also had someone to talk to. The old lady and he had many common topics as they were both elderly. The old lady's wisdom amazed Old Master Liu, and his demeanor impressed her greatly. Unfortunately, the old lady was not in good health, otherwise, Old Master Liu would have loved to chat with her all night.

After a night of festivities, it was almost midnight, and everyone went to their rooms to rest, exhausted.

Turning off the lights and lying in bed to rest, Li Nianlong was asked a question by Li Ying, "Menglong, among so many girls, who do you actually like?"

"Ah?" Li Nianlong was stunned, "Mom, why are you asking this?"

"Silly boy." Li Ying smiled helplessly, "You will have to get married someday. These girls are all excellent. Who do you want to marry?"

"Uh..." Li Nianlong scratched his head, "I haven't thought about that."

"You can think about it now." Li Ying said, "Menglong, you're almost twenty-five. It's time to get married and have children. I like all these girls, except for Sun Siyu. Her personality is not suitable for being a wife, and she needs to cultivate her abilities. Don't count on her in the short term. What do you think of Youyou?"

Li Nianlong said helplessly, "Mom, she's my sworn sister."

"Who said sworn sisters can't become wives?" Li Ying persuaded, "The customs are not as strict as they were in ancient times. Youyou is indeed your sworn sister, but she can also become your wife. No one would say anything."

"Well... Youyou is great, but her looks..." Li Nianlong didn't want to seem shallow, but if he were to marry, he would prefer a pretty wife.

Li Ying smiled knowingly, "Genetic mutations are rare. Do you think the eldest daughter of the Xiang family would look so plain?"

Li Nianlong was stunned, "Mom, you mean Youyou is in disguise?"

"Now you realize, silly boy." Li Ying smiled, "I've been observing her for a long time. Youyou is quite beautiful, just different from Ru Yue. One is gentle and graceful, the other is lively and cheerful. If you can't decide, you can marry Youyou first and take Ru Yue as a concubine. If the two Yue girls don't mind not having a title, you can take them as concubines too. I have no objections."

"You may not, but the law does." Li Nianlong said helplessly, "Even Grandpa couldn't marry two wives. Otherwise, Grandma wouldn't have... uh..."

Seeing Li Ying's expression change, Li Nianlong stopped, "Mom, I didn't mean anything by it."

"It's okay." After a long silence, Li Ying shook her head lightly, a trace of sadness in her eyes, "It's been over twenty years. I wonder how your grandma is now."

"She should be fine." Li Nianlong said, "Someone as strong-willed as her must take good care of herself. I'm sure she's living well. Don't worry."

Li Ying thought for a while, nodded, "Maybe. Your grandma's biggest mistake was trying to seize power. If she had stayed as a supportive wife, she would have kept her status as a concubine. If Ru Yue and the Yue girls don't have ambitions of becoming the main wife, there's no harm in taking them as concubines."

Li Ying smiled, "I didn't demand much when I was with him, and that's why I could give you a good life. If I had been the main wife, I would have had to deal with many troubles and jealousy, and I would have aged quickly.

Men always say concubines are better than wives. Women marry to seek material satisfaction from their husbands. Being a concubine is better; you get material needs met without the troubles of being a main wife, and only need to serve the man occasionally. Once you have children, you can shift your emotions to them."

Looking at Li Nianlong, Li Ying smiled, "Like me. But I've been alone for many years, without a man's care, and that's why I've had health issues. Still, I've had a worthwhile life with no regrets."

"Mom... Is that what you've always thought?"

"Do you think I'm shameless?" Li Ying looked at Li Nianlong, "I'm actually a bad woman, not cherishing myself, willing to be someone's mistress for money..."

"Mom, you're not a bad woman." Li Nianlong shook his head, "You were a naive sixteen-year-old when you met him. It's understandable you were attracted by his charm and sweet words. If anyone is at fault, it's him.

In my heart, you're perfect in every way. You gave me life, love, and everything. I've dated many girls over the years, hoping to find someone as good as you, but modern girls are so selfish, unlike you who would give everything for me."

"Silly child, I'm your mother!" Li Ying said, amused and annoyed, "A mother should give everything for her child. Why should a girl give everything for you? Feelings need to be cultivated. You haven't developed deep feelings with those girls, so they will naturally hold back.

Put yourself in their shoes. Would you give everything for a girl you barely have feelings for? Even with deep feelings, like with Ru Yue, would you give everything for her?"

"Well..." Li Nianlong thought deeply: Could I really?

"So!" Seeing Li Nianlong speechless, Li Ying smiled, "You can't be too selfish. Wanting others to give everything while you give nothing is unrealistic. No girl would do that."

"..." Li Nianlong was silent for a moment, then said, "Mom, you're right. I was immature."

"Everyone matures gradually." Li Ying looked at her son lovingly, "Menglong, you've grown up and matured. I'm proud of you. But you need to consider marriage seriously. All these girls are great. I can't choose for you; it depends on your feelings."

After a pause, she added, "Menglong, who do you like the most now? Who do you want to marry?"

Seeing Li Ying steer the conversation back to this topic, Li Nianlong said helplessly, "Mom, can we not talk about this?"

"No

! We must talk." Li Ying said seriously, "I don't ask for much, but you must find a wife this year. If not, I'll leave you and never come back.

Now tell me, which girl do you have the deepest feelings for? Who do you want to marry the most?"