Glory

"But many of your father's subordinates were originally followers of Shi Kun, weren't they? Lu Guanyu can easily win them over, but you've never served in that army," Ye Yaming said.

Lu Guanyi hadn't detailed the court situation or border faction dynamics to her, and she had originally intended to feign ignorance.

But worried for Lu Guanyi's safety, she no longer wanted to pretend she knew nothing. Two heads are better than one—she hoped Lu Guanyi could discuss matters with her. Even if not for discussion, just sharing his thoughts and decisions would spare her constant anxiety.

As Lu Guanyi had said earlier, husband and wife are one, sharing both fortune and misfortune. His honor and disgrace were tied to hers. She couldn't remain in the dark about everything.

Her words made Lu Guanyi's eyes brighten again.

A smile playing on his lips, he said softly to her, "People naturally pursue advantage and avoid harm. Those who followed Shi Kun did so because he was the heir of Duke Wei. Now, knowing full well that following Lu Guanyu leads nowhere, why would they stick with him? So you needn't worry about that."

"Besides, I suspect my father has his reasons for arranging things this way."

He paused here, narrowing his eyes and lowering his voice. "With Lu Guanyu gone to the border, Shi Shi will have no spare attention. She still owes a life for my mother. My father, bound by marital affection, can't easily move against her, but he doesn't oppose me seeking justice for my mother."

Ye Yaming was somewhat shocked. "Did he tell you that?"

Lu Guanyi shook his head. "I inferred it from his words."

Ye Yaming: "..."

When it came to ruthlessness, Lu Zhongyong took the prize. But it made sense—"kindness doesn't command troops." If he were soft-hearted, he wouldn't have reached his current position.

"Some things are hard to say. But by doing this, while you avenge your mother's death, you'll also bear the emperor's suspicion and public condemnation."

Lu Zhongyong was cunning. If he acted against Shi Shi himself, certain people would surely whisper to the emperor, saying Lu Zhongyong disregarded marital bonds—after all, a day as husband and wife brings a hundred days of grace, especially since he was promoted by Duke Wei. The emperor would then see him as cold and unfeeling, unfit to hold vast military power.

By not acting himself but hinting that Lu Guanyi should, under the guise of letting him avenge his mother, Lu Zhongyong shifted all negative consequences onto Lu Guanyi.

But they were father and son—these words were hard for her to voice. Moreover, Lu Zhongyong's welfare was tied to Lu Guanyi's. Even Lu Guanyu understood this, and she and Lu Guanyi naturally did too.

This was probably why Lu Guanyi, aware of his father's intentions, still followed along.

She said, "Do what you think is right, without worrying about me. I'll handle my affairs here, so you won't be distracted or have concerns behind you."

Lu Guanyi stopped walking, looking down at her with deep emotion. "Ming'er, thank you. In this world, besides my grandparents, only you stand by my side and always consider my interests. Marrying you is the fortune of my lifetime."

Seeing the profound affection in his eyes, Ye Yaming was deeply moved.

She smiled at him. "Husband and wife are one. I married you, so naturally, your well-being is mine."

Stifling the urge to kiss her, Lu Guanyi took her hand and continued walking."Do you know why my grandfather gave me the name 'Guanyi' (Observing the Game)?"

Ye Yaming's heart stirred: "Does it mean not letting you participate in court disputes?"

Lu Guanyi looked down at her and smiled: "Correct."

"Although we descendants of military generals see protecting our home and country as our duty, the Great Jin is powerful. Even without me, not an inch of territory would be lost. Yet I've deeply experienced the court's turmoil since I can remember. Wasn't my mother's life also destroyed by this struggle for power? Had she married an ordinary commoner, she could have lived peacefully."

"So Grandfather hoped I would only observe the chess game, not become a chess piece, staying far from conflicts."

"My father now holds military power, but the situation isn't optimistic—he's walking on thin ice. There are colleagues scheming to seize authority, and superiors growing suspicious. The situation with the Great Jin is also complex, and war could break out at any time. Seeing him like this makes me uninterested in this position."

"If one day I return from the border, laying down my armor to become a simple farmer, would you think me unpromising?" At this point, he looked down at her.

Ye Yaming gazed back at him, suddenly finding this man increasingly pleasing to the eye.

Not everyone caught in the vortex of power could so clearly recognize the dangers around them. That Lu Guanyi could see through the illusions and understand everything was truly rare.

"I wouldn't think you unpromising—I'd consider it my good fortune," Ye Yaming said seriously.

She stared at Lu Guanyi: "I've never sought wealth and glory, only peace and happiness."Here, she smiled faintly: 'Having married you, perhaps you don't believe my words, thinking I'm just trying to deceive you.'" But there's plenty of time—you'll have opportunities to understand."

"I believe you," Lu Guanyi stated resolutely.

Though he had only lived twenty years, the bitterness and warmth of human relationships he'd experienced surpassed what others might in forty years. He prided himself on his discernment.

If Ye Yaming had coveted wealth, her attitude when they first met wouldn't have been so indifferent; when he proposed engagement, she wouldn't have pondered rather than showing delight. He felt that without the emperor's arranged marriage, she might have needed careful consideration before deciding to marry him so easily.

Ye Yaming definitely didn't marry him for the title of Heir to the Marquis of Xuanwu.

Ye Yaming didn't take his words seriously.

Belief or not didn't matter. Barring unforeseen changes, they would have a long time together. Everything could be left to time to prove.

"But if you retire to farmlands, what will happen to your father's army?" Ye Yaming asked.

Lu Guanyi smiled wryly: "So although I have this intention, it might have to wait until after I take over the border military authority. Perhaps a few years, perhaps over a decade."

Ye Yaming nodded: "Alright."

As they spoke, the two unknowingly reached the front courtyard, where Ye Yaming noticed more servants around.

"Young Master, Young Mistress," people greeted along the way.

Just then, a middle-aged man dressed as a steward hurried out from the main hall and said to Lu Guanyi and Ye Yaming: "Young Master, Young Mistress, the Marquis requests your presence."

Lu Guanyi strode across the threshold.

Although the main hall's entrance was wide enough for two to walk side by side, Ye Yaming still paused a step, waiting for Lu Guanyi to enter before lifting her skirt and stepping into the main hall.Upon entering the room, she strictly adhered to etiquette, standing half a step behind Lu Guanyi with her head bowed and eyes lowered, not looking upward. However, she could feel several gazes in the room fixed upon her.