The Road to Glory

Chapter 193 "Her Father Is a Menace!"...

Wei Pingjin's advisor emerged from behind the artificial rockery only after Wang Wanzhen had completely disappeared into the distance, gazing thoughtfully in the direction she had departed.

With numerous guests at the Wei residence tonight, the courtyards designated for distinguished male and female guests to rest were situated on the eastern and western sides respectively.

Wang Wanzhen was heading toward the eastern courtyard—the accommodations for male guests.

Zheng Hu followed Xiao Li into the temporary quarters arranged by the Wei residence, then somewhat awkwardly scratched the back of his head and said, "Sorry, Second Brother, I almost caused trouble for you again."

The warm yellow glow from lanterns beneath the corridor eaves cast shifting patterns of light and shadow across the heavy snowfall beyond the overhang.

Xiao Li's stern, handsome features were carved into contrasting planes of illumination: "Why did you resort to public violence during today's funeral?"

Zheng Hu hung his head: "I acted impulsively. I originally intended to settle the Military Armor matter quickly, so I brought the fully completed documentation to Marquis Wei's residence to find that turtle spawn. Who would've thought the bastard wouldn't even look at it and instead demanded the military advance the payment first? Isn't that pure mockery? Seeing his smug face made my blood boil, so I beat him up."

Xiao Li asked: "When they dared to create difficulties to this extent, didn't it occur to you it might be a trap?"

Zheng Hu froze, then anger flickered across his face again: "Was it really that dog spawn Wei Qishan pulling the strings?"

Xiao Li halted and looked at him sideways.

Zheng Hu dropped his gaze again under the scrutiny before Xiao Li finally spoke coldly: "Had the other party provided even a marginally reasonable pretext today, your assault wouldn't have been resolved so easily."

Zhang Huai, who was accompanying them, added: "Our lord speaks truth. Whether it was the Second Young Master Wei's instigation or not, General Zheng shouldn't have resorted to violence during the funeral. This incident can be considered a fortunate coincidence—the merchant guild head acted thus yet lacked adequate justification to manage the aftermath. To cover for his master, he had no choice but to use that flimsy excuse and shoulder all blame himself, giving us an opportunity to take over the guild."

"But had the mastermind laid more thorough plans, General Zheng's violent conduct at the funeral of the Northern Frontier Marquis could be interpreted, at minimum, as disrespect toward the Marquis. At worst, it could be portrayed as the military oppressing civilians and seizing military supplies by force."

Here, his eyes darkened slightly: "With the Northern Border situation currently unstable and our lord newly ascended, if this matter were publicized, the former interpretation would sow discord between our lord and the Wei faction's old guards, while the latter... would make our lord lose the people's support in the Northern Border. This move that appears to merely delay armor production is truly vicious!"

Zheng Hu looked bewildered. While he had indeed acted in anger when striking the man, he'd also believed himself to be in the right, hence he hadn't backed down when Wei Pingjin arrived.

Now, hearing Zhang Huai's explanation, he felt a chill run down his spine, realizing how close he'd come to causing disaster. He hurriedly assured Xiao Li: "Second Brother, I understand my mistake now. Henceforth I'll think thrice, even four or five times before acting, and never repeat this offense!"

Xiao Li glanced at him: "Three months' salary deduction upon our return."

Zheng Hu quickly responded: "Three years would be fine too!"

A wind rose, blowing snowflakes into the covered corridor where they left faint damp marks on Xiao Li's robes. As the party advanced further, the sternness on his face finally softened slightly: "Aside from Xiao'an, you're the only one who still calls me 'Second Brother', Tiger.""Little An is gone, and you've followed me down this path. Only by preserving your life will there be someone to keep calling me 'Second Brother' in the future."

These words instantly reddened Zheng Hu's eyes.

He grinned, "Second Brother, don't worry. I'm tough as nails and value my life dearly. Even if you become emperor someday, I won't change how I address you!"

Though he meant it as a joke, Zhang Huai instinctively glanced at Xiao Li.

Xiao Li's expression remained unreadable as he patted Zheng Hu's shoulder, saying, "However we brothers left Yong City, that's how we'll all return intact."

"There are numerous military affairs to attend to. Since you're here, I'll return to handle them. You'll stand guard here in my place tonight."

According to Liang customs, during the great mourning night, visiting mourners were expected to keep vigil throughout the night.

The opera stage in the memorial hall courtyard would perform all night long.

However, since many female guests and elderly attendees couldn't endure the entire night, the residence had prepared resting quarters for distinguished guests.

Zheng Hu readily agreed.

Xiao Li then turned to Zhang Huai, "The strategist shall remain as well. Today's events contain many peculiarities - ensure no further complications arise."

Zhang Huai nodded, "Huai understands. Huai will have people keep watch on the Wei residence and the merchant guild leader."

After a slight nod, Xiao Li turned to summon horses, but a guard stationed outside hurried in: "My Lord, the Princess seeks you."

Hearing "Princess," Xiao Li's eyes lifted almost reflexively.

The guard continued, "She awaits outside the courtyard."

As if comprehending something, the unusual light in Xiao Li's eyes faded as he said, "Admit her."

Soon after, Wang Wanzhen in plain white mourning clothes was escorted by guards into the main hall.

Xiao Li sat in the host's seat above, using the interval to review urgent memorials, with Zheng Hu and Zhang Huai standing on either side.

Wang Wanzhen's mourning garments were thin, her slightly loosened falling horse hairstyle cascading over one shoulder. The fading red mark on half her face resembled smeared rouge, creating a striking half-face makeup effect, though her expression remained as composed and peaceful as ever.

After glancing at Zheng Hu and Zhang Huai in the room, her gaze settled on Xiao Li, "This Princess has matters to discuss with the Marquis alone."

Xiao Li continued reading the memorial, "They are my trusted confidants."

Implying she could speak freely.

Wang Wanzhen smiled ambiguously, her tone carrying precisely measured provocation, "This Princess dares to come alone before the Marquis. Could it be the Marquis fears this Princess?"

Xiao Li unfolded another section of the memorial, indifferent, "See the guest out."

Wang Wanzhen's expression stiffened, realizing this so-called former Jin Princess held no weight in his eyes. Her attempted provocation now appeared utterly ridiculous.

Steadying herself, she said, "What this Princess wishes to discuss will interest the Marquis."

"Concerning Southern Liang's Princess Han Yang and this empire."

Xiao Li finally looked up, tilting his chin slightly toward Zheng Hu and Zhang Huai, "You may withdraw."

Both Zheng Hu and Zhang Huai knew Wang Wanzhen's title as former Jin Princess was nominal. Zheng Hu merely glanced at her before leaving, while Zhang Huai's scrutinizing gaze lingered on her with silent threat and warning.

Wang Wanzhen stood ramrod straight, aware of Zhang Huai's stare yet keeping her eyes forward, the corners of her lips curling in a barely perceptible arc.——As long as Xiao Li had ambitions for this realm, then the move she made tonight was the right one.

To avoid suspicion, Zhang Huai and Zheng Hu did not close the door after stepping out, but instead stood by the courtyard gate, occasionally glancing back toward the main hall.

Inside the room, Xiao Li tossed the memorial in his hand back onto the desk and leaned back slightly. "Speak," he said.

His gaze was cold and sharp, almost too intimidating to meet directly.

Wang Wanzhen swept her eyes over his handsome yet icy face. As the wind blew in through the wide-open door, she lifted a hand to gather the mourning robes that fluttered around her. Having long heard of Xiao Li’s past, she knew they were cut from the same cloth, and an inexplicable shudder ran through her at that moment.

Suppressing the palpitations in her heart, she raised her eyes to meet Xiao Li’s gaze directly. Her eyes blazed with ambition, yet also revealed a restrained affection. Her voice was so soft it seemed almost seductive:

"My Lord, your wisdom and courage are unparalleled, and in military strategy, none can rival you. You are a hero of our age. I truly cannot bear to see you remain subordinate to others. However, the Princess Han Yang of Southern Liang is of the legitimate Wen imperial line and now commands the people’s hearts. Since you have just taken control of Northern Wei, if you wish to contend for the throne against her in the future, your reputation must remain untarnished. Continuing to support the Wei family and waging war against Southern Liang under the banner of restoring Jin is the only way to avoid appearing inferior. Yet this is deeply unfair to you, My Lord..."

Her eyes at that moment seemed to hook into one’s very soul: "I am willing to bear you a child, who will one day rightfully inherit the throne."

Since Wei Pingjin was content to be a puppet, she had no choice but to seek a more promising ally.

Xiao Li aimed for the realm, yet he lacked a legitimate claim to contend for the throne against Princess Han Yang of Southern Liang. But she had one.

If the two of them were to have a child together, with Xiao Li’s protection, she would have no fear of Wei Pingjin. If necessary, she could even eliminate Wei Pingjin and claim the child was his. The old Wei loyalists would not only raise no objections but would continue to support her and her son.

By then, she would not have to rely entirely on Xiao Li. Instead, she could use the old Wei loyalists to keep him in check, creating a delicate balance of power between the two factions.

Once the realm was stabilized and the time was ripe, she could gradually weaken Xiao Li’s influence and use the court officials to remove him—such a plan was entirely feasible.

For her, this was even more advantageous than when Wei Qishan was alive and she had to play the part of the former Jin princess, always treading carefully.

Back then, she had to remain cautious in every way, only able to bide her time after having a child, using the identity of the former Jin princess.

Cooperating with Xiao Li… a child would tether this fierce wolf who had risen swiftly in the Northern Border. With Wei Pingjin gone, the child in her womb would be the only remaining Wei bloodline, earning the support of all the old Wei loyalists.

For Xiao Li, this was also entirely beneficial. Supporting his own bloodline to ascend the throne was far better than propping up a Wei family puppet who might one day turn against him.

Wang Wanzhen believed the offer she presented was more than enough to persuade Xiao Li.

Yet after hearing her words, the last shred of patience seemed to vanish from Xiao Li’s already cold and weary expression. The deep crease of his double eyelids flattened slightly as he lifted his gaze, making his eyes appear even more piercing. "Is this what you asked me to dismiss my attendants for, Madam Wei?"

The address "Madam Wei" made Wang Wanzhen’s face stiffen once more.

He would not even deign to address her as "Princess" for the sake of appearances!Wang Wanzhen knew full well he looked down on her. Suppressing the sudden surge of humiliation in her heart, she forced a faint smile and maintained a composed demeanor as she continued:

"You are an intelligent man, my lord. The attitudes of the Wei clan's old subordinates during today's armor commissioning in the military camp have made things clear. Even if you have taken over the trading company, the relationships between the major noble families and the Wei clan throughout the Northern Border are like the tangled roots of ancient trees beneath the earth—not easily dismantled. If the child I carry becomes the sole bloodline of the Wei clan, then the entire Wei clan will naturally fall into your hands..."

She wanted to say more, but noticed that Xiao Li's gaze was no longer just cold—it was filled with disgust. He spoke with icy severity: "On the night of the Marquis of Shuobian's grand funeral, the young mistress of the Wei clan should be keeping vigil."

It felt like a sharp slap across Wang Wanzhen's face.

Her composure shattered, leaving only humiliation behind.

His words might as well have outright accused her of being an unfaithful wife, sneaking out to seduce another man on the night of her father-in-law's funeral.

Wang Wanzhen took several slow breaths to suppress the fury rising within her. Her delicately applied, understated makeup now revealed a trace of sorrowful self-mockery: "I thought, since you and I both rose from the bottom, you would understand why I strive so desperately to climb higher. All I seek is stability..."

She gazed mournfully at Xiao Li, her face full of anguish, then actually began to remove her mourning garments: "I only wish to become a pawn in your hands, to help you conquer this realm. I beg for your mercy..."

Xiao Li hadn't anticipated this move from her. He snatched a stack of documents from the desk to shield his eyes, the disgust in his gaze nearly overflowing from beneath his thick, dark lashes. He coldly shouted toward the door: "Tiger!"

Even Wang Wanzhen, willing as she was to sacrifice her dignity, couldn't continue undressing after Xiao Li called for someone.

Overwhelming shame and humiliation crashed down upon her, instantly twisting into a venomous, malicious rage within her heart.

She had completely lost face here today. Fighting back the tears welling in her eyes, she fastened her garments and strode swiftly out of the room, ignoring Zhang Huai and Zheng Hu who came rushing in at the sound of the commotion.

"Second Brother, you called?" Zheng Hu brushed past Wang Wanzhen, giving her ashamed expression only a brief glance before heading straight into the room.

Zhang Huai lagged a few steps behind, only hearing Xiao Li's cold command: "Prepare my horse. I'm returning to the Military Camp."

His gaze when it fell upon Wang Wanzhen held more scrutiny, but then his initial hostility faded—clearly not considering her capable of swaying Xiao Li.

Wang Wanzhen felt another wave of humiliation.

She summoned every ounce of self-control she possessed to maintain a relatively normal appearance on her face. Leaving the courtyard and reaching a secluded bamboo-lined path, she could no longer restrain the malice coursing through her. She violently threw her lantern to the ground and stomped it to pieces.

In the flames ignited by the spilled lantern oil, she clenched her jaw, allowing large tears filled with venom and hatred to fall from her eyes.

They had both crawled out of the mud—how dare he humiliate her like this when she had lowered herself to such depths?

He was merely born a man, merely found it easier to seize power and climb higher than she did!

Wang Wanzhen's shoulders shook with sobs, but her eyes grew increasingly determined and hardened.

A voice inside told her it didn't matter. She would keep climbing. If this path proved impassable, she would find another way.

And she would repay today's humiliation.As she raised a hand to wipe her tears, a neatly folded handkerchief was offered from beside her.

Instantly, she suppressed the anger and resentment on her face, turning warily to look at the newcomer.

Xiao Li returned to the Military Camp in the dead of night. After removing his snow-covered cloak, he sat wearily behind the desk piled high with reports and memorials, rubbing his temples. He retrieved the scroll he had placed in the painting cylinder that morning, unrolled it, and gazed at the young woman depicted in white brocade adorned with gold, standing amidst a peony garden. Only then did the perpetual furrow in his brow ease slightly.

He cleared a small space on the desk, laid the painting to one side, and finally leaned over the table to rest lightly.

The young woman in the painting wore a smile at her lips, as if gazing back at the viewer beyond the canvas.

A thousand miles away in Southern Chen, Wen Yu, exhausted from days of arduous travel, took a sip of the nourishing soup Mudan had simmered for half a day, only to succumb once more to morning sickness.

Zhao Bai, frantic with worry, immediately summoned the military physician, but the physician dared not prescribe any medication.

For the time being, they had to conceal Wen Yu’s pregnancy, pretending instead that she had caught a chill, and brewing a pot of cold medicine as a cover.

After much commotion, it was only when Wen Yu regained her composure and reassured Zhao Bai that she was fine that Zhao Bai finally stopped pacing anxiously like a headless fly.

Propped up against the headboard with soft pillows, Wen Yu instructed Zhao Bai, who refused to leave her side, “Once we enter the royal court tomorrow, dispatch the Azure Guard to make contact with Fang Mingda.”

Zhao Bai replied, “I know what to do, Your Highness. Please focus on recovering your health first.”

Her eyes fixed on Wen Yu’s still-flat abdomen, she refrained from speaking ill of the child, but with barely concealed anger, she muttered, “His father is nothing but trouble!”