"Brother Zhao, how long do we have until we reach Linsan’s territory?" Ye Lu gently asked.
Zhao Xiong, who appeared as imposing as a bear, was in fact a ticulous man. This was why Prince Linsan valued him greatly. Initially, he did not agree to the risky endeavor of bringing out Lady Ye San, but in the end, she convinced him.
She was right; no matter what, she was still the third miss of the Ye Family. Perhaps by marrying the prince, she might persuade the current family head to change their mind.
The most crucial point was Zhao Xiong’s interest in gunpowder and the strategies she ntioned, like encircling Wei to rescue Zhao, borrowing arrows with straw boats, chaining boats with iron cables, feigning attacks in the east while striking in the west, and luring the tiger out of the mountain. He concluded that the third miss of the Ye Family was no ordinary person.
He thought that if the prince had this lady by his side, she would undoubtedly be instruntal in significant future plans. Therefore, despite his severe injuries, he risked his life to rescue her from the Ye Family.
He imagined that, with such an intelligent woman, the Ye Family would eventually prosper. The pity was that the Ye Family’s head was stubborn and refused advice. Even if their prince spared the Ye Family, Prince Donghe likely would not.
He waited, hoping the Ye Family’s head would co seeking aid, so their prince could better grasp control over the Ye Family.
Ye Lu’s demonstrated intelligence earned Zhao Xiong’s respect. "Third Miss, we have approximately two more days until we arrive; please bear the hardship a bit longer."
Ye Lu, enduring her physical discomfort, gave a sheepish smile. "I’m quite alright, the true burden is on the general, having to care for us despite his injuries."
"This is my duty."
"Brother Zhao, I have a request, but I’m unsure whether to speak of it," Ye Lu hesitated and spoke with difficulty.
Zhao Xiong had a favorable impression of her due to her wisdom and beauty. Despite not bringing much wealth from the Ye Family, she would surely win the prince’s favor, hence his consistently respectful attitude.
"Miss Ye, please feel free to speak. I will certainly aid you in whatever I can."
"It’s not a major issue. It’s just that I’m unfamiliar with the area and feeling slightly uneasy. Could General Zhao introduce to soone trustworthy near Prince Linsan?" she asked shyly.
Zhao Xiong laughed understandingly, seeing an opportunity to win favor with Miss Ye; he proceeded to explain in detail.
"The Princess Consort entered the residence three years ago; her brother is the Vanguard General under the prince, very trusted by him. However, Miss Ye need not worry; the Princess Consort is devoted to Buddhism and treats others kindly. Additionally, there are two concubines with low status but are dependable."
Listening to Zhao Xiong’s recount, she scoffed inwardly, knowing that the Princess Consort was not the tranquil person he described. In the book, the female lead suffered many losses at her hands, and she was aware that in the future, the Princess Consort’s brother would earn great respect by blocking a blow ant for the prince, resulting in the prince refraining from punishing her, even when she mistreated the female lead.
But in this lifeti with her presence, she would never let the Princess Consort’s brother have such achievents, nor would she allow the Princess Consort to bully her as she did the female lead.
Furthermore, she would never let the book’s female lead co close to Prince Linsan; the future empress title was hers alone!
"Thank you, General Zhao, for the information. However, besides that, which figures in the military are favored by the prince?" She asked again.
Zhao Xiong hesitated at this mont, glancing at her awkwardly. "Apologies, Third Miss, as this matter is significant, the prince has ordered that no one is to disclose military affairs, regardless of who asks. I’m afraid I cannot tell you."
Ye Lu inwardly cursed, but outwardly maintained an apologetic smile. "It was rash of to ask; please don’t mind it, General Zhao. I only wished to understand Prince Linsan better. Soone with your martial arts prowess and loyalty surely serves as a crucial confidant to the prince, earning enormous trust."
Zhao Xiong puffed out his chest, "I have received trendous grace from the prince; I wish to give everything to repay him."
"You don’t look young anymore, General. Are you married yet? How old are your children?" Ye Lu said, trying to build rapport.
Zhao Xiong chuckled, "There’s much to handle in the military, and no one seems interested in a rough person like ; marriage hadn’t crossed my mind."
"That’s not right, General. You’re considered a hero, not rely a rough person. You probably haven’t had ti to et girls, hence the delay. You wouldn’t know, but people like admire heroes like you!"
"Really?" Zhao Xiong asked with so disbelief.
"Of course it’s true! Why would I deceive you? General, don’t be modest. With your status, many won would want to marry you. If you trust , when I arrive in Linsan and beco acquainted, I shall inquire earnestly on your behalf, then ask the prince to grant you a marriage. How splendid would that be?"
Zhao Xiong, enchanted by her words, couldn’t stop smiling. "Then I must thank the Third Miss in advance."
"That’s the spirit; don’t resist marriage. Imagine finishing tasks for the prince during the day, only to co ho to a sweet young lady waiting with the light on to warm your bed—how delightful would that be? A year later, she could bear you a healthy son, providing motivation when you fight for the prince. Otherwise, whom would your future duke’s title be passed on to?"
"I could have a duke’s title?"
Ye Lu wore a pleased expression, "For soone like Brother Zhao with such capabilities, surely our prince, once victorious, would award him a dukedom. Later, your son could succeed you without needing to fight wars, inheriting your title for comfort and joy."
"How could a boy be idle?"
"General Zhao, having such thoughts proves you’re destined for great accomplishnts. You have such excellent martial arts talent. If you don’t marry and have sons to inherit, wouldn’t that be wasteful?"
Zhao Xiong, elated by Ye Lu’s praise, began contemplating her words further, realizing her truth. Indeed, if he fought so fiercely and remained unmarried, who would inherit his gains?
"But having grown up an orphan, what if I die on the battlefield?" The thought rendered Zhao Xiong discouraged.
"I trust General Zhao, do you not trust yourself? And even if you et an untily end, would the prince abandon your offspring?"
The logic resonated, leading Zhao Xiong to nod repeatedly, sheepishly scratching his head with a grin for Ye Lu. "Then I shall trouble the Third Miss in the future. I have only a few requirents for a wife: she must be pretty, and preferably plump. I’ve heard plumper ones have a better feel and are good at childbearing."
Outwardly complying yet inwardly scoffing at his ample demands despite his rugged appearance, she was pleased to have finally won over soone.
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