The eldest daughter's scheming, the crown prince's exclusive favor to the venomous concubi

Shangguan Ting's eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Hua Xiangrong, who sat in her seat with a composed smile. It was hard to imagine that such a graceful and elegant woman would come from such a place.

He sized up Hua Xiangrong for a while, then looked at his grandson. He saw the seriousness in Shangguan Hanque's eyes and couldn't help but sigh. It seemed that he really had to gain another granddaughter-in-law from a brothel.

According to the Shangguan family precepts, all members of the Shangguan family, regardless of their gender or social status, can choose their own lovers. They are responsible for their own lives, whether they are born, grow old, get sick, or die, and for their good or bad deeds. If Shangguan Hanque is truly in love, he will certainly not stop him.

In particular, this woman in front of him, with her strong personality and shrewdness, could complement Shangguan Hanque if she were to marry him.

He especially understood the meaning behind Hua Xiangrong's words, which were made with the Shangguan family's best interests in mind. It was just a pity that his foolish grandson couldn't understand anything.

After thinking it over, he sighed and said, "Thank you for your help, Madam Hu. I am very grateful. From now on, I will entrust my grandson to you for guidance."

Shangguan Ting sized up Hua Xiangrong, and Hua Xiangrong was not idle either, naturally taking in the expressions of the grandfather and granddaughter.

Shangguan Hanque still gazed at her with unwavering infatuation, but Shangguan Ting's expression was unexpected.

Although Shangguan Hanque had repeatedly stated that he wanted to marry her and that his family would never interfere, few granddaughters-in-law from a brothel could accept such a situation. But in Shangguan Ting's eyes, there was only scrutiny and inquiry, not a trace of disdain or objection.

Unexpectedly, the Shangguan family members are all so interesting. Could this be considered an unexpected bonus?

As soon as Shangguan Ting finished speaking, she smiled and said, "General, there's no need to be so polite. After all, Yueyue and I are practically sworn brothers. As the saying goes, 'love me, love my dog,' how could I not help the Shangguan family? The Shangguan family is in such a predicament that there's no other way to go. And since the young general is so upright, he can only take this path of being a romantic."

Shangguan Hanque frowned slightly and retorted, "I'm not acting. I'm serious. If I say I'll marry you, I mean it. How could I lie?"

Hua Xiangrong looked at him and asked in return, "Young General said he wants to marry me and likes me, but does he like my face or me as a person?"

Shangguan Hanque asked, puzzled, "What's the difference? Aren't they all you? As long as it's you, I'm happy."

Hua Xiangrong chuckled, shook her head and sighed, "Young general is indeed inexperienced and doesn't understand the dangers of the martial world at all. Young general, there's no need to refute this. I didn't want to say much about this matter. Whether you marry or not is entirely up to my answer."

But after all, you are Yueyue's brother. Even though we have never met, we are still family. To me, Yueyue is my own sister, and I cannot be a heartless person in front of her brother.

You say you love my face and my personality, but have you ever considered that I'm just using someone else's face to blend into this capital? Have you ever thought about my true relationship with the Second Prince? The Lan Yue Tower is not as simple as you think. Have you ever seen my true face?

Saying you like someone blindly without understanding them at all—what if she turns out to be a truly wicked woman? Would you really go against your conscience and morals to continue worshipping her and letting her do whatever she wants?

Shangguan Hanque was taken aback. Hua Xiangrong had a mocking smile on her face. Seeing his stunned expression, she continued, "Have you ever heard what Lanyue Tower was like a year ago? What kind of person was Rongrong back then?"

Your instant attraction at my bedside is nothing but a joke to me, because you only saw Rongrong's face, but never the true nature behind it. Young General, this world is treacherous, just like your imperial court. One wrong move, and you're doomed.

Shangguan Hanque shook his head and said, "I, Shangguan Hanque, am not someone who judges by appearance. I have seen many beautiful people and have never been at a loss. But when I first saw you, I was attracted by your eyes."

The calm, sharp light in your eyes, the playful yet inquisitive gaze, all so endearing—these are all weapons that attract me. For me, it doesn't matter what you look like; as long as you are who you are in my eyes, I like you.

Hua Xiangrong immediately raised an eyebrow and asked, "Could it be that you love me even though I look like an old woman and am exceptionally ugly?"

"Yes, Shangguan Hanque hereby swears that what he said is absolutely true, and if he is lying, may he be struck by lightning."

Shangguan Hanque's sudden vow stirred a slight emotion in Hua Xiangrong's heart. Throughout her two lifetimes, many people had complimented her on her beautiful eyes, but none had ever uttered such praise. This seemingly unrelated statement made her heart tremble.

She narrowed her eyes, trying to banish the strange ripples in her heart, and changed the subject: "Young general probably didn't understand what I said. I was saying that the world is dangerous. Young general should study more so that he won't be sold out and still be counting money for the seller."

Shangguan Hanque said, "No one else can sell me except you."

Hua Xiangrong: ...

What should she do? She seems genuinely moved by those sweet words. What should she do? This guy is quite handsome; what if she falls for him? Little Yueyue, can your brother trick me a little?

Just as Hua Xiangrong was struggling with her inner conflict, Shangguan Ting coughed softly and said, "Han Que, you're right, it's not something you can say lightly. If you say it too easily, it seems like a joke. So, we need to take things slowly."

Shangguan Hanque looked at Shangguan Ting with a puzzled expression. Shangguan Ting cursed inwardly, "You brat! You need your maternal grandfather's help to find a wife? Why don't you just go back to your mother's house and get your brain remodeled before you come out again?"

He coughed helplessly and said, "This young lady is right. You said you liked this girl and directly said you wanted to marry her, but what have you done? You haven't done anything. She doesn't even know what kind of person you are. Who would dare to marry you?"

Shangguan Hanque paused, then said, "Who in the capital doesn't know that I, Shangguan Hanque, am upright, honest, and have a clear distinction between public and private matters, and that I am of impeccable character?"

Shangguan Ting immediately retorted angrily, "With what you've said, no other girl would dare to marry you. You brat, are you still so smug? Look at the little stuff you learned from your father, it's all a disgrace to the Shangguan family."

Shangguan Hanque immediately lowered his head and argued in a low voice, "How have I disgraced the Shangguan family? I was only dismissed from my position as general because the Emperor said I was too young and needed more experience. Otherwise, I am no better than any of the young people in the capital."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Ting sneered, "I'm going to take you down, so what? You're not happy about it? If you're not happy, then keep it to yourself. Do you really think the Emperor is blind? You dare to let my Shangguan family monopolize military power? Do you really think the Emperor appreciates your talent? I'm afraid that you'll lose your life on the battlefield as soon as you become a general. I'm only saving you out of fear that our Shangguan family line will end. Otherwise, I wouldn't want a stupid grandson like you. You're not like me at all."

Hearing Shangguan Ting's words of disappointment, Hua Xiangrong immediately understood what was going on. She said, "The Emperor is too apprehensive and lacks the ability to control the overall situation. Sooner or later, something bad will happen. When that happens, he will still have to rely on the Shangguan family. It's just a pity that he lacks foresight and will ultimately disappoint a family of good generals."

Shangguan Ting sighed, “This is also the calamity of the Shangguan family. My father originally wanted to retire and return to his hometown, but because of the late emperor’s entrustment, the Shangguan family has come to this situation. When he passed away, he had already analyzed the situation of the Shangguan family and told me the final result, which is why I was able to maintain the Shangguan family to its current state.”

Alas! Three generations of generals, yet only one truly guards the border, unable to return to court. And I, though bearing the title of general, have not a single soldier under my command, merely a puppet in the capital. Even more regrettable is my grandson, possessing youthful bravery, yet forced to cower here, to live out his life in obscurity.

Shangguan Ting's eyes were filled with helplessness and resentment towards the future, but what could he do? He could not disobey the emperor, but he was already in a predicament and it would be even more difficult to extricate himself.

Shangguan Hanque was somewhat confused. Shouldn't they have been talking about him and getting married? How did the conversation turn into the fate of the Shangguan family? Besides, he understood what his grandfather was talking about. It was just that the emperor was wary of their family's military power. What was the big deal? If things didn't work out, they could just resign and live in seclusion.

His thinking was naive, but he didn't understand the Emperor's apprehension. He wasn't afraid of the Shangguan family leading the troops, but of their bravery, their driving force, and their appeal.

If the Shangguan family were to start a rebellion, countless people would follow them closely. The emperor was wary of this, fearing that if soldiers and civilians joined in the rebellion, his position would be in grave danger. Therefore, he preferred to lose a capable general rather than risk losing his own position.

Therefore, everyone in the Shangguan family must die.

Hua Xiangrong could no longer describe her feelings. Shangguan Hanque in front of her was completely transparent. He was a big, clumsy guy, even more difficult to deal with than Yueyue, yet also very straightforward. She had a headache and didn't know what to do.

She had initially thought she'd have a fling, and once her monthly affairs were over, she planned to retire gracefully, travel to other places, explore the sights of this new world, find a secluded paradise, lead her female warriors, gather some brothers, and become a mountain queen, living a carefree life.

But now that she's offended Yueyue's brother, she can't play around anymore. But this silly boy's stubbornness makes her feel like it's a pity to give up on him, so she's hesitant.

She suddenly felt a little scared, and her expression immediately turned cold and indifferent. She didn't even look at Shangguan Hanque again.