Chapter 1213 - 1202: The Wealthy Merchant
Chapter 1213 - 1202: The Wealthy Merchant
"He agreed?" Ye Lu asked in surprise.
"That’s right." Chen Gaoxuan repeatedly examined the letter, feeling a sigh of relief deep down.
For this was not only an opportunity for him to understand Ye Qiu better, but also because their collaboration meant their strength together would surely surpass that of the King of Xichuan and Prince Donghe. Not only would it solve the current predicament, but in the future, his only opponent would be Ye Qiu, raising the chance of success significantly.
"When the time comes, you’ll go with me," Chen Gaoxuan said, looking at her.
"Me?" Ye Lu hesitated, feeling somewhat anxious, "When I escaped from home, my elder brother immediately declared that I’d been killed by mountain bandits. He won’t acknowledge me. I’m afraid I might ruin the Prince’s affairs."
"Don’t worry, after all, you are siblings by blood. Even if he doesn’t acknowledge you, there’s still the child in your belly, which can reassure him about our cooperation."
Hearing this, Ye Lu’s heart was filled with excitement. She never expected her cheap brother could have such an effect. Once her child becomes the Princely Heir, the Princess Consort and her adopted children will no longer pose a threat.
At this moment, Ye Lu very much wanted to meet Ye Qiu. She wished to prove her earlier decision was not wrong. Even though he is now Prince Ye, what does it matter? The winner takes it all. Once Prince Linsan ascends the throne, how could he compare to her?
She even wanted to persuade Ye Qiu to surrender. In doing so, she and the child in her belly would be even more secure.
It’s golden autumn in October, when shrimp are plump and crabs are meaty. Hero Town was jointly controlled by both forces all in preparation for the meeting between two great figures the next day.
Ye Qiu only brought Ye Cheng and Bai Xianyi to attend, yet countless experts followed behind him. Among them, the most conspicuous were the twins Ye Mo and Ye Sen.
Chen Gaoxuan appeared indifferent, though his heart stirred. If not for Ye Wen’s secret letter, he wouldn’t have known that these twins, seemingly youthful, were the top experts within the Ye Family Army.
He thought Ye Qiu played his cards well. If he hadn’t known and saw Ye Qiu with few guards, wouldn’t he have underestimated him and acted directly against him?
At that time, who would win or lose was uncertain. After all, although he also brought black gunpowder and crossbows, he feared getting caught in the crossfire between experts.
Indeed, those who can hold power can’t be underestimated. He very much wanted to know what exactly Ye Qiu relied on to achieve such success in such a short time? Just because of wealth?
He didn’t believe this alone. Previously, there was the Shen Family of equal standing with the Ye Family. Seeing Ye Family on the rise, the Shen Family couldn’t bear the solitude and thought they could do it too. But what was the result? They were swallowed by several Vassal Kings. So he concluded the Ye Family either prepared for decades earlier or had some special methods.
Chen Gaoxuan believed the latter reason more. After all, if preparations were made decades earlier, the Li Family wouldn’t have been completely oblivious all these years of marriage to the Ye Family.
But what exactly does Ye Qiu rely on? Why is the local support for him so high?
"I’ve long heard of Prince Ye’s fame and Lu’er mentioned you too. I didn’t expect Prince Ye to be so young." Prince Lin Shan greeted proactively, showing ample respect.
Ye Qiu didn’t respond but extended his hand, saying, "Prince Lin Shan is indeed talented, please."
Ye Lu behind Chen Gaoxuan looked at Ye Qiu with wide eyes, as if in disbelief. Is this person really her cheap brother? And Ye Cheng, wasn’t he just a timid bastard? How could he look so imposing?
But seeing Bai Xianyi filled Ye Lu’s heart with apprehension. She was the official female protagonist from the story, the future Empress.
Always thinking that self-interest ruled, Ye Lu now felt a bit guilty as a thief. She anxiously glanced at Chen Gaoxuan, seeing that his attention wasn’t on Bai Xianyi, she felt relieved.
She was curious why Bai Xianyi, such an incredible woman, hadn’t been married by her cheap brother? Wouldn’t it be more secure to make her his wife?
"Is this the Female War God General Bai?" Just as Ye Lu relaxed, Chen Gaoxuan’s topic shifted to Bai Xianyi. Her gaze sharpened.
Ye Qiu happened to look at her. She quickly changed her expression, offering Ye Qiu a friendly yet reserved smile, but Ye Qiu casually looked away, leaving Ye Lu embarrassed.
"Prince Lin Shan is gracious, it’s all thanks to everyone’s favor." Under Ye Qiu’s vigorous promotion of female empowerment, Bai Xianyi felt no inclination for humility, instead, she expressed gratitude openly.
Chen Gaoxuan was momentarily stunned, then revealed admiration in his eyes. Why would such an able and talented woman choose to follow Prince Ye?
He wondered aloud, afraid Ye Qiu and Bai Xianyi might not get along: "I consider myself good enough. General Bai, have you thought of joining my camp? I assure you the treatment would be just as good, if not better, than with Prince Ye. You needn’t worry about Prince Ye’s reluctance. We are about to collaborate, soon we will be one family."
Bai Xianyi’s gaze turned cold: "Prince Lin Shan, that’s kind, but nobody would offer me better than what our master does. I’ve never considered changing my allegiance."
Prince Lin Shan seemed casual about it, sighing: "That’s truly a pity."
Ye Cheng’s gaze towards him became distinctly unpleased. What did he mean? Boldly trying to snatch the woman he fancied?
Bai Xianyi sensed Ye Cheng’s mood, finding it amusing. This was just Prince Lin Shan’s little trick; she wasn’t serious about it, and certainly Ye Qiu wouldn’t be. However, Ye Cheng took it seriously, did he really have no confidence in her?
While Prince Ye and Prince Lin Shan conversed, she subtly pinched Ye Cheng’s arm, then casually drank tea, leaving Ye Cheng elated, practically beside himself.
Ye Lu caught sight of this scene and understood. It became clear why Ye Qiu didn’t marry Bai Xianyi—apparently, Bai Xianyi ended up with Ye Cheng. She felt even more assured Bai Xianyi wouldn’t be involved with Chen Gaoxuan.
Yet she somewhat disdained Bai Xianyi’s choice. To leave behind Prince Ye for a bastard with little capability, the protagonist aura truly didn’t work anymore.
She hadn’t considered why Ye Qiu brought Ye Cheng to such an important setting.
Today’s Ye Cheng was no longer the bastard she once looked down upon. Ye Qiu entrusted him with nearly all administrative decisions and the logistics of the Ye Family Army—a heavy responsibility not easily held.
Ye Lu was overly confident in herself and rigidly adhered to the book’s descriptions, unaware people change with their environment.
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