After the arranged marriage, she farms and survives under the tutelage of the villainous boss.

"In other words, in His Majesty's plan, neither Xie Shuheng nor Su Shao needs to win. In the end, everyone loses, and the troops are taken back to the Censorate."

"Hehe, this is interesting."

Lu Shao said, "That's why I came. I'm here to keep things in check, and at least I can help. Zhiyun, I need to make things clear to you now."

"In order to better protect your lives, I will stand against you if necessary. Because we are from the same hometown, not only the Emperor, but all the high-ranking officials know this."

"Then your chances of survival on this trip are slim."

Jiang Zhiyun frowned: "This was originally a matter between Xie Shuheng and me. Lu Shao, you should just do your own thing. I don't want you to give up what you've gained over so long for me. It's not worth it."

"He and I can get through this."

Lu Shao was somewhat agitated, his hands gripping Jiang Zhiyun's shoulders, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke, his eyes filled with disbelief and helplessness: "I've already made up my mind about this. Besides, it's not about helping you, it's about helping myself."

"Such a royal family, such a group of people sitting firmly on their high positions, scheming so meticulously. Along my journey, I have seen so many people die of illness and so many refugees wandering around without anyone caring for them. Instead, they are scheming for military power here."

"The outside world is launching an invasion, and the emperor plans to send a princess for a marriage alliance, but instead they are fighting amongst themselves here? That is, in the northwest and southwest, Xie Shuheng is here, so no one is attacking from the surrounding area."

"Do you think it's worth risking your life for such a cold-blooded person?"

The desire to become an official is essentially a desire to serve the country and its people.

If he were to pretend he knew nothing and simply follow the crowd, he wouldn't be Lu Shao.

So it's not just about helping friends, it's also about helping yourself.

Even if it's just a little bit of help to the people, it's still a good thing.

Yunniang's tears also streamed down her face.

Now I finally understand why there were so many deaths and injuries in my past life. It was because the emperor's plan was to cause mutual destruction, resulting in almost everyone dying.

In his previous life, Xie Shuheng fought a desperate battle, leading his brothers in a relentless fight to the very end. After dealing with Su Shao, they still had to deal with the foreign powers. Wave after wave of people.

They pulled through, but few of them survived.

I heard that Xie Shuheng only had a few generals left. Xu Yao lost his leg, and Shen Huichuan was most skilled at making exquisite weapons with his hands, but his right hand was crippled... Thinking about it now, Yunniang felt a chill run down her spine.

When something like this happens, who wouldn't rebel?

Even so, even knowing this, his life will still unfold along the same trajectory. At least in military campaigns, Jiang Zhiyun can't help him.

Her eyes were red, and she excitedly tugged at Lu Shao's sleeve.

"Lu Shao, do you... have any ideas about sending reinforcements?"

"If Bianjing doesn't work, what about other places?"

“Nowhere else can come to our aid; the Emperor has already given instructions. The only place he hasn't mentioned is the Southwest, your previous garrison. The Southwest is absolutely loyal to Xie Shuheng and will definitely come. But…”

He hesitated.

Jiang Zhiyun nodded:

"They can't possibly come from the Southwest; the troops left there are already the limit. If they come again, then the Northwest will also become a place the Emperor needs to conquer, right?"

"..."

Lu Shao didn't speak, but he had already tacitly agreed with what Jiang Zhiyun had said.

Yunniang sighed, even with a hint of helplessness: "Never mind."

"Although there was no hope before, there was at least something to look forward to. Now, it feels like there's no end in sight."

"Zhiyun." Lu Shao looked at her seriously. "I've told you the situation, and I've explained everything to you in detail. In my opinion, I don't think you should stay in the Northwest."

"Xie Shuheng is very capable, but under these circumstances, he may not necessarily win, nor may he have the resources to do anything."

“I can guarantee your safety once you leave the Northwest. Let’s wait and see how things develop. Once Xie Shuheng wins, I’ll bring you out. I believe Xie Shuheng won’t refuse this plan, because he has spoken to me about it privately.”

“I didn’t agree at the time. I said I wanted to know your opinion.”

Lu Shao's eyes were filled with expectation: "I know how you feel about him. But Zhiyun, I also regret it. I dreamed that I could help you once, and I could protect you. If I hadn't been so weak back then, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

Although Lu Shao's emotions had calmed down considerably, he was still resentful about what had happened before.

This is the part of his life that he feels he has wronged Zhiyun for.

Jiang Zhiyun shook her head: "Lu Shao, you know I won't leave now that you've said this much."

“If I wanted to hide, I wouldn’t have come to the Northwest alone with Xie Shuheng.”

“You came alone…” Lu Shao murmured to himself.

He always thought that Xie Shuheng brought her here because of their good relationship. He came to the Northwest to take up his post, still with his wife and child.

I never imagined it would turn out like this.

Zhiyun's feelings are passionate for everyone.

Lu Shao had always envied Xie Shuheng for having Yunniang's best love.

At this moment, it seemed that envy had reached its peak.

Xie Shuheng's love is in the present moment, while Lu Shao can only recall his own current situation...

"I understand, Zhiyun."

"Yes, I won't leave. Even if we die, husband and wife should die together. I'll have to trouble you to raise my little rice ball. The child is still very young."

"But I feel like they'd really like someone as good-looking as you. If our little rice ball likes you, you can mentor and guide him."

Lu Shao wanted to show his smile to indicate that he was not being careful.

But at this moment, there was really no good attitude to be had, so he could only give Jiang Zhiyun a wry smile.

"Thank you very much."

Jiang Zhiyun bowed to Lu Shao, then called out to her mother, Zhang, who was learning to make pastries, and left.

This time, Lu Shao didn't see anyone off; instead, he asked Qiaoyun to deliver the message.

When Qiaoyun returned, she asked with some confusion, "My lord clearly had more to say to that Lady Jiang, so why did he let her leave without saying a word?"

Lu Shao shook his head, his eyes filled with reluctance and a hint of helplessness in his affectionate gaze: "Saying more is meaningless."

"Qiaoyun, seize the moment and do whatever you want to do."

"Don't wait until you're old to regret it."

Qiaoyun nodded, then shook her head: "Actually, I know what you mean, my lord. I also have something to tell you. Because you haven't walked that path, you think that if you had been braver back then, you could have changed the outcome."

"But actually, my lord, you've always been romanticizing the path you've walked. If it really was Lady Jiang who accompanied you all the way, perhaps things wouldn't have been so good?"