Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

Zhou Qi already lacked self-confidence. In her eyes, Xue Huai was as dazzling as the warm sun, while she herself was merely dull and lifeless, feeling far unworthy of such a sunny, handsome, and outstanding man. Therefore, after Madam Xue's words, she resolved to bury this burning emotion deep in her heart, hidden in the deepest, most untouched place.

She secretly pondered that perhaps she could spend her whole life serving her master, and if a child came into the world, she would devote all her attention to that child. Living such a peaceful and uneventful life didn't seem so bad.

However, fate always loves to play tricks on people. Whenever she hardened her heart to let go, Xue Huai would always appear unexpectedly, gently touching her heartstrings with his unique gentleness and persistence, making the psychological defenses she had painstakingly built crumble instantly.

On the battlefield, Zhou Qi was decisive and ruthless, striking fear into the hearts of her enemies. But faced with this sincere affection, all her strength and rationality were shattered, leaving her utterly defeated.

At this moment, her mind was in complete chaos, a jumble of thoughts that she couldn't make sense of. She truly didn't know what to do: should she muster the courage to stand shoulder to shoulder with Xue Huai and face all the unknowns and challenges of the future together; or should she cut off all ties now and return to her original, ordinary life?

Su Lianxue saw all of this and understood in her heart that matters of the heart are the most tormenting, and only the person experiencing it knows the true taste of it.

So, with a calm expression, she said softly but firmly to the maid who had delivered the message, "You may leave."

After speaking, she slowly turned to face Zhou Qi, her gaze gentle, and said softly in a tender tone, "Sister Zhou, don't make things difficult for yourself. Just follow your heart. There's no need to force yourself or have too many worries. You should know that Xue Huai is not a person without his own opinions. Since he has decided on you, he will definitely do his best for your future. Perhaps giving him a chance is not a bad idea."

Needless to say, Zhou Qi is intelligent and perceptive, and her temperament far surpasses that of ordinary young women. The courage and fortitude she has honed on the battlefield are incomparable to those of a typical, delicate woman.

However, even the strongest person hesitates when faced with love. At this moment, she wavers between love and retreat, truly lacking only someone to bolster her resolve and give her courage. And Su Lianxue will undoubtedly become that person, providing Zhou Qi with unwavering confidence and helping her bravely pursue this love.

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On Lord Xue's side, the eldest prince is determined to compete with Chu Mohan this time.

The eldest prince glanced at Chu Mohan sideways and said sarcastically, "You're always there at any gathering in the capital that requires your attendance. What, are you trying to cultivate relationships with the powerful and influential people in the capital to solidify your position?"

Upon hearing this, Ling Lin felt a surge of anger. How could this eldest prince act and speak so arrogantly and unreasonably!

The second prince was equally furious and felt indignant on behalf of his fourth brother. He couldn't help but say, "Elder brother, you've gone too far with your words. Be careful that Father doesn't find out and blame you."

Previously, after the eldest prince was beaten up by Chu Mohan at the second prince's residence, he rushed to the palace to complain. However, instead of punishing Chu Mohan, the emperor severely reprimanded the eldest prince. This incident quickly spread throughout the city.

That's why the second prince couldn't help but warn his elder brother when he heard him speak so rudely again.

But the eldest prince didn't appreciate it at all, and continued to say to himself, "Why bother with all this trouble? If you follow your elder brother, you can easily make friends with anyone you want." His flippant manner made one want to slap him a couple of times to vent their anger.

As Lord Xue listened to the conversation between the princes, he was secretly alarmed, and quietly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Following the Crown Prince? That idea is utterly absurd. It's better to go back to the border and continue being his great general. The border is strategically important; with a large army there, even if those people in the capital want to harm him, they can't easily do anything about it.

But if he stays in the capital and spends his days hanging out with the First Prince in brothels and taverns, doing all sorts of nonsense, it won't be long before His Highness Prince Rui's illustrious reputation and glorious achievements, built up over so many years, vanish into nothingness.

However, no matter how well Lord Xue understood the situation, he dared not utter a word. It was best to let the princes resolve their own power struggles; getting involved would only bring trouble upon himself.

In truth, Lord Xue was extremely eager to witness Prince Rui's true abilities firsthand. After all, his son, Xue Huai, served under Prince Rui. Although his son admired and respected the prince greatly, it concerned his son's future, and he felt he needed to see for himself to be at ease.

At this moment, everyone around remained silent, each harboring their own schemes, eagerly anticipating how Prince Rui would deal with the eldest prince's malicious harassment.

However, Chu Mohan showed no fear whatsoever. In his eyes, the Crown Prince's actions were nothing more than a brainless display, not worth the trouble or effort. Of course, he was also well aware of everyone's thoughts.

He remained calm, a faint smile playing on his lips, and said, "That would be wonderful. If I had the chance to travel with you, elder brother, I would be more than happy to do so. However, I have recently heard that Mr. Li Daru is lecturing at the Beijing Academy. I have long admired his scholarship and would especially like to visit him and learn from him. I wonder if you could introduce me to him?"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent. Everyone looked at each other, and for a moment no one uttered a sound.

This Li Daru was a well-known "eccentric old man" in the Great Chu. Although he was known for his eccentric personality and strange temper, he was undeniably learned and highly talented. The prominent families in the capital all wanted to invite him to their residences to instruct their children.

After all, anyone who received his guidance was destined to pass the imperial examinations with flying colors. Take Xue Heng, the eldest son of Prince Xue Rong, for example; he was able to become the top scholar thanks to the meticulous guidance of Mr. Li Daru.

Xue Heng, that's a genuine top scholar in the imperial examinations! In the capital, a noble young man like him, both talented and unmarried, is extremely rare. That's why so many young ladies from the capital have come today, hoping to marry this top scholar. Who wouldn't want to seize this opportunity to secure a good marriage for themselves?

The eldest prince fell silent upon hearing this. After all, he had boasted before that as long as one followed him, one could make acquaintances with anyone one wanted. But now, faced with Chu Mohan's request, he was truly at a loss. However, how could the proud and arrogant eldest prince easily admit defeat?