The eldest daughter of a peasant family: They are all my sisters’ passers-by

Zhou Xingnan tugged at Lan Wangshu's sleeve aggrievedly. If others saw that the little bully in Kyoto had such a side, they would be so scared that they would immediately run back to bed and find a comfortable position to have a good sleep.

This must be a dream, it can't happen in real life.

"Jingyang, you are not young anymore. Since you call me elder, I will say something arrogantly. Studying is not for fame, but for protecting yourself. You said you want to go to the battlefield, so you have to rely on force? That means you will always be risking your life. Using soldiers requires wisdom. If you don't understand the art of war, you will never be able to stand on your own."

Lan Wangshu pulled the person aside somewhat helplessly, looked around, and spoke in a low voice.

"General Zhennan was brought up by the Duke of Zhenguo. Look at the Duke of Zhenguo, so what? When the aristocratic families attack you, they must be looking for a weak target. There are many ties behind you. You can pretend to be stupid to paralyze others, but you can't be really stupid and let others slaughter you."

Zhou Xingnan's eyes widened. He had never heard these words before.

"But that's not what they said. They said my family had great military achievements, my father was good at making money, and my family had military power. No one dared to do anything to me. I just needed to live my life to my heart's content."

"Who told you these words?"

Lan Wangshu frowned, his face looked very serious, and he stared at Zhou Xingnan with his sharp fox eyes.

"Those noblemen in Kyoto."

Lan Wangshu was so angry at him that she was speechless. She couldn't figure out whether Zhou Xingnan was really stupid or just pretending to be stupid.

"There was a marquis who had a title to inherit. He had no legitimate son, but two illegitimate sons, so he would eventually choose one to be adopted by the mistress. The mistress said it would be better to educate both of them and see who was more capable when they grew up. The marquis agreed. The biological mother of one of the illegitimate sons had a close relationship with the mistress, so she was very strict with him since he was a child, but she was more caring for the other child. She took the illegitimate son out to play every day, fed him good food, dressed him well, and used good things. If he didn't want to study, she would let him go out to play. As a result, this doted illegitimate son became an ignorant and unskilled second-generation rich man. No matter what trouble he caused, the mistress would solve it. Later, the trouble he caused became more and more serious, and his character became more and more domineering. He was stupid and arrogant, and soon he was killed by the marquis and sent to the countryside. He had an accident on the way and his body was nowhere to be found."

Zhou Xingnan didn't know why, but it sounded inexplicably familiar. He scratched his ears and cheeks in annoyance.

"I understand what the boss said. I am the one who is pampered."

"This is called flattery. They lift you up high, letting you do whatever you want, and then let you fall from the highest point to break your bones. If they want to cause trouble, they can send a junior to cause a conflict with you, and then use this as an excuse to stir up trouble."

Zhou Xingnan bit his lower lip hard and listened to Lan Wangshu's words.

"Everyone has their own preferences. These two are both illegitimate sons, but the mistress still likes and dislikes them. You said that those aristocratic families have little respect for the imperial power. You are the emperor's people, so how can you listen to their flattery?"

"It is my fault."

Zhou Xingnan gritted his teeth so hard that the bones of his jaw were slightly exposed.

"Boss, what do you think I should do?"

"Remember what I said, running away is the best strategy. If you can't afford to offend them, you can still hide from them. Don't let them find your weakness and use it against you."

"They have been relatively well behaved over the years. Boss, do you think they are going to take action?"

Lan Wangshu sighed. How could a little girl from a remote rural area like her know anything? Of course she had no idea. All of this was just speculation. Even if the aristocratic family wanted to recuperate, His Majesty would not agree.

"The tree wants to be still but the wind does not stop. Better safe than sorry."

There was melancholy in her eyes, and she looked at Zhou Xingnan deeply. People always have to learn to grow up on their own. Chen Yanshu was ill, and things had to be done urgently. This matter would be put on the agenda sooner or later.

Lan Wangshu knew very well that he was already in the game and could not escape, so he could only plan carefully.

"Boss, I may have to go back to Kyoto. Please take care of yourself."

Zhou Xingnan put away his playful smile and looked at Lan Wangshu devoutly. He was truly willing to follow her.

"It's better to go back. Don't act on impulse. Listen more and watch more. General Zhennan has been standing firm for so many years. Naturally, he has some ability to read people's expressions. I'm afraid the court is changing rapidly now."

"Nothing will happen in the short term, but these are just the calm before the storm. I must protect myself and not slack off."

Lan Wangshu was also panicking. She had only been here for half a year and had already been involved in the affairs of the royal family and the aristocratic families. She felt it was unfair that people could not live a peaceful life.

"Don't worry, Boss. I know my limits and will not embarrass you. I will make you look at me with new eyes next time we meet. You must protect yourself as well. If you have any problem, you must come to me. The Zhennan General's Mansion is quite powerful."