Marriage Alliance

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The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Fox Clan palace. As the evening settled, a sense of anticipation filled the air. A flurry of activity surrounded the arrival of an unexpected guest: Alpha King Jin Guangshan of the Peacock Clan, accompanied by his two sons, Alpha Jin Zixuan and Omega Jin Guangyao. Their arrival was as regal as it was unexpected, their presence a sign of potential alliances and new relationships.

In the grand hall, the young nobles gathered once more, curious about the new arrivals. Omega Wei Ying, always eager for excitement, leaned toward his cousin, Omega Jiang Yanli, who seemed more reserved than usual.

"Do you know why they're here?" Wei Ying asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Jiang Yanli shook her head gently, her serene expression hiding any anxiety she might have felt. "I'm not entirely sure, but I suspect it has to do with alliances."

As they spoke, Alpha King Jin Guangshan entered the hall, his sons following closely behind. Jin Guangshan's presence was commanding, his eyes sweeping over the room with calculated interest. Alpha Jin Zixuan, with his proud bearing and refined features, exuded an air of authority, while Omega Jin Guangyao, his delicate features contrasting sharply with his brother's, observed the room with a keen and hopeful gaze.

King Jin Guangshan's eyes fell on Jiang Yanli, and he approached her with a warm, if somewhat calculating, smile. "Jiang Yanli, it is a pleasure to meet you," he began. "I have come with a proposal that I hope will strengthen the bonds between our clans."

Jiang Yanli inclined her head gracefully. "What proposal might that be, Your Majesty?"

Jin Guangshan gestured to his eldest son. "I propose a marriage alliance between my son, Jin Zixuan, and yourself. Such a union would bring great honor and strength to both our clans."

A hushed silence fell over the room as everyone waited for Jiang Yanli's response. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composure. "I am honored by your proposal, Your Majesty. However, such a decision requires careful consideration and the consent of both our families."

Jin Zixuan, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "I hope to earn your favor, Jiang Yanli," he said sincerely, his eyes earnest and respectful.

As this exchange unfolded, Omega Jin Guangyao's attention was riveted elsewhere. His gaze lingered on Alpha Lan Xichen, the elder of the Twin Jades. For Jin Guangyao, it was love at first sight. Lan Xichen's serene demeanor and quiet strength captivated him completely. However, Lan Xichen's focus was entirely on Omega Jiang Cheng, who was engaged in a spirited conversation with Alpha Nie Mingjue.

Jin Guangyao's heart sank slightly, but he refused to give up hope. He approached Lan Xichen, mustering his courage. "Lan Xichen, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, his voice soft but steady.

Lan Xichen turned to him with a polite smile. "The pleasure is mine, Jin Guangyao. How are you finding the evening?"

"It's quite eventful," Jin Guangyao replied, his eyes briefly flicking to Jiang Cheng before returning to Lan Xichen. "Your presence adds to its charm."

Lan Xichen's smile deepened, though his attention seemed to drift back to Jiang Cheng. "Thank you, Guangyao. I hope we can all become good friends."

Jin Guangyao's heart ached with unspoken affection, but he nodded, determined to find a way to win Lan Xichen's heart.

Meanwhile, Wei Ying watched the unfolding dynamics with keen interest. He nudged Wen Ning, who was sitting beside him. "Looks like things are getting interesting. What do you think?"

Wen Ning, ever observant, gave a slight smile. "There's a lot at stake tonight. Alliances, affections... It's like a dance."

Wei Ying grinned. "Well, I do love a good dance. Let's see how this plays out."

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