Chapter 403: Chapter 403 - 403: Are You Worthy?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The reason why they left the battlefield was naturally because they had no choice. Some were missing arms and legs, some were blind and sick. None of them were handicaps that could easily find a livelihood in their hometown.

People would not think that their injuries were their medals protecting the country. Instead, the people would only be afraid and disgusted of them. Other than working hard to unload goods at the docks, they could not find anything decent to do. However, the money they earned from moving things was only enough to buy some coarse grain for a living. They could not even support themselves, let alone marry and have children to bring glory to their ancestors.

Even if they could take on this imperial mission and earn some money, how could it be enough to spend for the rest of their lives?

However, Xiaoxiao was not worried. “Mother, I didn’t say that it would only be one trip.”

Xiao Ran looked up. “Then you mean…”

Xiaoxiao said, “Mother, to be able to survive the life and death crises at the border, it can be seen that all the uncles and big brothers are really capable people. Wouldn’t it be a waste of God’s gifts if they can only use their ability to kill enemies as manual labor?”

“Father and Mother, you’ve all seen the current state of the border city. I’m confident in those fruits. In the future, even if all the iron ore is transported, there will be an endless stream of goods to be sent to the Imperial Capital and other places in Great Xia. However, in the past, ordinary escort companies looked down on the border city. No one was willing to deliver them even at a high price.”

“If any merchants want to trade with the border city, they can only spend a lot of money to organize their own caravan. It’s not safe or convenient on the way, so why don’t we…”

Xiao Ran and the others felt that Xiaoxiao wanted to set up an escort company that specialized in border towns. The more they thought about it, the more feasible they felt.

“Our brothers’ skills and vigilance are far beyond those of ordinary escorts. Their familiarity with the border city is even higher than others. Even if we encounter bandits on the way, it’s hard to say who’s afraid of whom. Xiaoxiao, you’re really too smart. I’ll tell the Emperor about this tomorrow!”

If it worked, she would have to get her daughter a reward that was worthy of her.

There was something that Xiao Ran did not tell anyone. When the Emperor asked her to wait for him after the court assembly today, Xiao Ran heard many rumors outside the palace.

If those rumors had nothing to do with her, Xiao Ran would have ignored them. However, she heard Xiaoxiao’s name.

“Do you know that the person who benefited the most from Great General Xiao’s triumphant return is actually her daughter, who has been wandering outside for many years?”

“Oh? What do you mean?”

“Think about it. The Misses of other noble families are all raised in seclusion, but it’s said that the one from the Xiao Family is raised in the countryside. Not to mention studying, she can’t even read. She can’t even do needlework.”

“It’s very rare for a ‘Miss’ like her to find a husband of equal social status in the future.”

“But it’s different after General Xiao’s victory. Look, it won’t be long before the city’s popinjays swarm over like flies that have seen meat.”

“That makes sense. If the General’s Residence falls, no one will care about that girl even if they find her. However, the Xiao Family is highly favored now. Even if they don’t like that girl, they have to give General Xiao face.”

“At the very least, she should be barely qualified to marry a second-generation heir as the first wife.”

At that time, Xiao Ran’s fists hardened. Unexpectedly, that was not all.

The long-tongued people continued, “That might not be the case. Even a rich second-generation heir has to be picky when marrying. Do you know that that girl is raised in the countryside all year round? She’s vulgar and rude.”

“It’s more than that. I heard that the family that adopted her is poor. They raised that girl like a shrew in the market. She’s ugly and stupid…”

It was not an exaggeration to say that if not for the fact that hitting people would only cause more chaos and confirm the rumors, Xiao Ran felt that her rationality was about to run away from home. She would not stop until she hit all those gossipy buggers.

However, she held it in. The more one suppressed rumors, the more they rebounded. The angrier she acted in front of others, the more people would think that she was guilty.

She did not want her daughter, whom she had painstakingly found, to suffer any grievances, so she did not hit anyone.

However, not hitting anyone did not mean that she had to let go of this matter gently. That night, when the others in the family were resting, Xiao Ran saw a few personal guards.

“General, I’ve found out. Those words were spread by the Yan Family.”

Xiao Ran frowned. They could just target her if they had any grudges. Why were they targeting her daughter?

This question was answered the next morning—

After explaining about Xiongnu and officially accepting the contract, Xiao Ran saw someone walk out of the crowd.

“Your Majesty, now that the four seas are peaceful and the people are peaceful, it’s time for us to hold some happy events and celebrate with everyone.”

The Emperor held his stomach in a dignified manner. “Dear official, you’re right. The commoners have been on tenterhooks about the war for a long time. It’s time to relax. However, the Mid-Autumn Festival has passed. Why don’t we wait for the Winter Solstice and hold a temple fair to have some fun?”

It was only autumn, and the winter solstice was still far away. Besides, that minister did not mean that.

“Your Majesty, what I mean is that His Highness the Crown Prince is already at the age of maturity, but the position of crown princess consort is still vacant. As the saying goes, a man can only truly grow up when he has a family. Why don’t we find an auspicious day to choose a consort for the Crown Prince?”

The Emperor couldn’t even care less about his stomach, which was slightly uncomfortable from eating too many crabs. He glanced at Xiao Ran’s ashen face.

Oh, with such an ugly expression, she must already know the Yan Family’s plan.

The Emperor thought uncertainly—would Xiao Ran tear down his throne room later?

He didn’t really want to bother with this minister who was looking for trouble and had nothing better to do. He turned to look at Eunuch De, wanting to find a topic to divert it. However, the Yan Family wasn’t the only one who was rushing to join in the fun today. The Second Prince of Xiongnu, who was originally obediently pretending to be a quail in the hall, suddenly stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, I have a request too. I wonder if I can tell you.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

You can’t. Shut up and get lost.

The Emperor wanted to answer him like this, but this person had already taken care of himself. “Xiongnu negotiating with Great Xia to rebuild the diplomatic relationship between the two countries is also a matter worthy of celebration and importance. Other than submitting the alliance agreement, I have another matter to ask for Your Majesty’s approval.”

His Majesty disagreed. “The second prince can discuss the matter of diplomatic relations with the envoy later.”

But the second prince wouldn’t listen.

“When I was in Border City, my Eldest Brother fell in love with a woman from Great Xia at first sight. He thought that she was just an ordinary farm girl, but when he found out her identity, he asked me to propose marriage on his behalf.”

Rong Yan, who had guessed what he wanted to say, clenched his fists. As expected, this person said shamelessly—

“I beg Your Majesty to marry the daughter of the Xiao Family to my Eldest Brother!”

“My Eldest Brother is the person most likely to inherit Xiongnu’s throne. If she marries him, the daughter of the Xiao Family will become Xiongnu’s queen in the future. The relationship between Great Xia and Xiongnu will be even more indestructible!”

“Isn’t this the best of both worlds?”

The officials were in an uproar. Even the Yan Family’s party was so shocked by this sudden development that they forgot how to react.

If Rong Yan could tolerate this, he would have killed so many Xiongnu people at the border for nothing.

“In what capacity is the Second Prince making a request to Great Xia now?”

“You’re just a defeated dog.. How dare you dream of marrying the daughter of the Country Protecting General? Are you worthy?”