novelnext Chapter 126 Using Emotion as a Strategy and Mutual Support
Chapter 126 Using Emotion as a Strategy and Mutual Support
Chapter 126 Using Emotion as a Strategy and Mutual Support
After being bombarded by Dai Youheng's seemingly contradictory yet deeply affectionate analysis and ambitious declaration, even Xu Jiujiu, with her exceptional intelligence and experience in controlling situations, was momentarily confused. It was as if she had stepped into a fog woven from sweet words and scheming, leaving her somewhat disoriented.
She turned slightly to avoid Dai Youheng's overly intense gaze, her fingertips unconsciously brushing the edge of a memorial on the table to calm herself and forcefully steer the conversation back on track.
"Alright, let's stop talking about this." Her voice regained some of its usual coolness, but upon closer listening, one could still detect a subtle fluctuation. "I believe in your predicament back then, Youheng."
She raised her eyes, her gaze returning to calm and scrutiny, the rationality of the Star Luo Princess gradually returning. "However, you must understand that marrying me is not something that can be accomplished by mere desire and talent. In the current White Tiger Duke's Mansion, you do indeed possess unprecedented advantages. Compared to those two half-crippled legitimate sons, you are exceptionally talented, already a young Soul King, and in addition, your body is intact. There is no doubt about that."
Changing the subject, she pointed out the most crucial issue, "But your status as an illegitimate son is an undeniable fact. Within your Dai family, this might be somewhat mitigated by the principle of respecting the strong, since regardless of whether one is legitimate or illegitimate, they are still of Dai blood. However, in the Zhu family—"
After a long silence, his expression turned serious. "Duchess Zhu Man and the Zhu family power behind her will never sit idly by and watch you rise to power. If you gain power, it will be tantamount to completely severing the legitimate status of the Zhu family's direct line. They will definitely try every means to stop you, even resorting to extreme measures. You have no maternal family support and lack a solid foundation in the military and the court. This is your biggest disadvantage."
Upon hearing this, Dai Youheng showed no concern. Instead, a confident, even slightly roguish, smile appeared on his lips. He stared intently at Xu Jiujiu, his tone unwavering, "No, Your Highness, you are wrong. I have a foundation, and the strongest foundation at that: you standing by my side."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice firm, "As long as I'm with you and have your support, I'm confident I can overcome any obstacle, no matter what the Zhu family or what difficulties I face!"
The Snow Emperor couldn't bear to watch any longer in his mind's eye. "Here we go again! These sweet nothings just flow out of his mouth. Humph, your greatest strength is clearly what I, the Emperor, provided you with!"
Dai Youheng ignored Xue Di's rambling and let her vent her frustrations.
Xu Jiujiu was taken aback by his blunt words, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she couldn't help but lightly spit out a retort, "You smooth talker! You've certainly changed a lot, but you're still this unserious person in front of me!"
She took a deep breath, striving to project the dignity of a princess, rose and walked back to the throne that symbolized power and status, sat down, and her expression became serious and earnest. "Youheng, you're right, I can be considered your foundation. I will also keep my promise and use my power to help you win the right to inherit the White Tiger Duke's title."
"But ultimately, it all comes down to your own efforts and performance." Her gaze was sharp as she began to plan his future. "In terms of Soul Master strength, you have already proven yourself in the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament, which has earned you immense prestige. Next, you need to showcase your other talents and accumulate more political capital."
She tapped the armrest lightly with her slender fingers and pondered, "I originally considered sending you to the Western Army Group for training."
Military merit has always been the fastest way for noble children to accumulate prestige. But—”
She paused, then shook her head. "Firstly, you have no foundation or prestige in the military, while the Western Army Group is deeply entrenched, especially among the middle and high-ranking generals, where the Zhu family's influence cannot be underestimated. With your current strength and status, you will inevitably be constrained at every turn, and may even encounter unpredictable dangers."
"Secondly," she looked at Dai Youheng, her eyes filled with concern, "military affairs are complicated and trivial, taking up a lot of your time and energy. You are currently in the golden period of rapid cultivation improvement, and strength is the foundation of everything. If you can break through to a higher realm in a short period of time, or even become a Title Douluo in the future, then many of the problems that are troubling you now will no longer be problems."
Dai Youheng listened attentively and asked at the opportune moment, "Then, in the princess's opinion, what are your plans for me?"
Xu Jiujiu had clearly given this matter considerable thought, and calmly replied, "The military path is not advisable for the time being. In that case, let's start with politics, first increasing your prestige and influence in the court and at the core of the empire."
"For the next two years," she said, looking at Dai Youheng with an unquestionable tone, yet also carrying a unique trust, "you will stay by my side. First, dedicate yourself to cultivating your soul power and strive for a higher realm. In the past, you lacked resources in the Duke's mansion, far inferior to Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin, but from now on, I will support your cultivation resources. I assure you, the resources you receive will be no less than what they had in the past!"
"Secondly," she continued, "in your spare time from cultivation, you will stay by my side and assist me with some government affairs and matters. I will teach you how to weigh interests, how to understand people's hearts, and how to navigate this vortex of power with ease. This will not only hone your abilities but also allow you to gradually build your own network of contacts."
"Once you are stronger, more established, and no longer afraid of the Zhu family's open and covert attacks, I will find a suitable opportunity for you to enter the military for training and acquire that most important military merit. What do you think of this arrangement?"
Upon hearing this, Dai Youheng smiled brightly and said, "Of course! Since Your Highness has personally said that I will stay by your side for the next two years, I would be more than happy to do so. I will definitely follow Your Highness's orders and will not stray even a step away."
He was completely focused on the key points, as if he didn't care about what came after, and only heard the words "stay by Xu Jiujiu's side".
Xu Jiujiu's pretty face flushed red again at his off-topic answer, and the serious atmosphere she had worked so hard to establish almost crumbled.
She couldn't help but scold him, "You! I've said so much, analyzed so many pros and cons, and this is all you've heard? Get serious! If you don't meet my requirements, if your strength stagnates, and if you handle government affairs terribly, even if I'm willing to marry you, our Star Luo royal family will never allow it!"
Dai Youheng immediately dropped his joking expression, straightened up, looked at Xu Jiujiu with unwavering determination, and solemnly promised, "Your Highness, rest assured! You have paved this path for me, and I, Dai Youheng, will do my utmost! I will never let you down!"
>