Chapter 621: Conversation between Father-in-law and Son-in-law

"Actually, my expectations aren't high," Yun Ting said, taking a sip of wine with a relaxed attitude. "As for Zhuozhuo and I, we'll set our own rules. As long as you don't get in the way, I'll be thankful."

"Have you told Zhuozhuo?" Xiao Yan asked in a deep voice with a sharp gaze.

"She said so," Yun Ting couldn't help but raise the corner of his mouth with a hint of pride, "She didn't object."

If you don't object, then you naturally agree.

Thinking of this, he talked about Xiao Yan and Qi Niang's marriage again.

"This event was so grand, it makes me feel very pressured looking back!"

"I should have given my abandoned mother a wedding long ago."

When mentioning Lu Qiniang, Xiao Yan's eyes became much gentler.

Love is always a feeling of indebtedness, but love is everlasting.

Ten years had passed since the moment they were bought by Lu Qinniang, and they were all over thirty years old.

But that affection is like old wine stored in a cellar, becoming more mellow and profound.

"Aren't you afraid of making too much of a fuss and giving the capital a reason to talk about it?" Yun Ting swung his wine glass slowly, his eyes testing him. "That Zhang Heyao is eagerly hoping for bad luck for you."

"He's more than just hoping for bad luck for me," Xiao Yan sneered, hitting the nail on the head, "He's hoping for my death."

"That's just you being unrefined," Yun Ting teased with a grin. "It would be fine if you didn't die, but you even pretended to be dead, making everyone happy for nothing. If I were Zhang Heyao, I'd be gritting my teeth in hatred too."

Xiao Yan didn't bother to pay attention to him, his expression became serious again: "The people in the capital will never tolerate me commanding such a large number of troops."

His idea coincided with Daya's.

Rather than waiting for the imperial power's butcher knife to fall, it is better to take the initiative and cut off your arm to survive - the knife you cut yourself can at least avoid the vital parts.

"Are you planning to hand over the military power?" Yun Ting became serious.

Jiang Xuan also unconsciously tightened his grip on the wine glass.

Xiao Yan said calmly, "Your Majesty, first you tipped me off through Mr. Zhuge, and then you used Jiang Yi to try to win me over. Your thoughtfulness and skill are truly admirable."

"Stop beating around the bush," Yun Ting said anxiously, leaning forward slightly. "Just tell me, what are you planning?"

"Since the Empress strongly advocates for women to enter the government," Xiao Yan said word by word with a sharp glint in his eyes, "then I hope that the military power in the northwest will be in Jiaojiao's hands!"

Yun Ting was stunned for a moment, then he clapped his hands and praised: "This is a good idea!"

The Northwest was originally the foundation laid by Xiao Yan, and now San Ya has also proved her ability with her outstanding military exploits.

This move not only preserved the core strength of the Northwest Army, but also hit the empress's heart, which was a brilliant move.

"Xiao Yan, was this your plan before?" Yun Ting asked.

"No." Xiao Yan shook his head calmly, "The original plan was to ask the Emperor for permission to stay in the northwest with my entire family and guard the border."

Yun Ting: "..." The corners of his mouth twitched, and he said unhappily: "Okay, okay! You haven't thought about me, have you?"

If Erya really stayed in the northwest, wouldn't all his efforts be in vain?

It's really self-inflicted.

"But after Wang Changling came to find Qi Niang, I actually felt uncomfortable."

What he gave to his abandoned mother was really too little.

Looking back on the past, no matter he was at the center of the storm in the capital, or in the muddy and bumpy life of exile in Qiongzhou, no matter he was down and out or in a high position, Lu Qiniang always stood behind him silently, willing to be the shadow behind him and support a family for him.

But the brilliance of his abandoned mother should also be seen by this world.

This was also the reason why, later on, when the Queen revealed her deep meaning, Xiao Yan's heart was still shaken even though he knew that it contained the plot of "killing the donkey after it has served its purpose".

——More than anyone else, he wanted to give Qi Niang a chance, a stage to prove herself.

His abandoned mother was no less capable than any other woman in the world, no matter how distinguished her family background or how amazing her talent.

Since it was inevitable that women would enter officialdom, why couldn't his abandoned mother take the lead among all the women in the world?

Admittedly, the royal family's goal was to weaken his influence, but he could accept it.

This time, it's his turn to lift it.

Lift up his abandoned mother, lift up Zhaozhao, lift up Jiaojiao, lift up Zhuozhuo, so that they can break free from their shackles and bloom the most dazzling brilliance in the world of their own choice.

He was willing to be the silent and firm cornerstone behind them.

"If this step can truly be taken," Xiao Yan's voice carried the power of foresight into the future, "it will not only change the officialdom. Women will gradually become involved in all aspects of life. This world shouldn't be just about men fighting outside. If women step out of the backyard, it will be a blessing for both the country and the family."

It was because of Lu Qiniang that he truly understood the tenacity and upwardness of women, and understood the tremendous influence a mother has on a family and even the surrounding environment.

Women deserve better education, a broader vision, and the right to step out of their homes.

"Xiao Yan, that's difficult."

Yun Ting stopped joking and spoke in a serious tone.

There is no need to think too much, just look at his own family and you will know that the obstacles are overwhelming.

This resistance comes not only from the high walls built by men, but also from the women themselves who are ingrained in old rules and customs.

Not only are they unwilling to step forward themselves, they will also use the most vicious words to slander and humiliate those who bravely take a step forward.

“No matter how difficult it is, someone has to do it.”

Xiao Yan's gaze was as firm as a rock.

That was the wish of his abandoned mother and his three daughters, and naturally it became the direction of his struggle for the rest of his life.

"At worst," he said calmly, yet with immense force, "I can start over again."

His life has been full of ups and downs, but this time, his "exit" was a choice he made willingly.

"Good! Well said!" Yun Ting stood up suddenly, raised his glass high, his eyes full of admiration, "Come, I toast to your broad-mindedness and sense of responsibility!"

Jiang Xuan, who had been silent all this time, also raised his glass silently, his eyes calm and determined.

"What about you?" Xiao Yan looked at Yun Ting with a questioning look.

As for Jiang Xuan, he didn't need to ask any more questions because he knew his heart well.

"Whatever Zhuozhuo wants to do, I'll accompany her to the end. But if she doesn't want to get involved in your affairs, I'm henpecked and wouldn't dare disagree with her."

After a pause, Yun Ting continued, "But actually the pressure isn't on me. Zhuozhuo just wants to make money, at most to become a royal merchant. But Zhaozhao—"

He looked at Jiang Xuan.

A person like Zhao Zhao is definitely not an ordinary person.

If she were to end up like this, she would definitely be the one who turned the tide.

Even a blind man could see how much the Queen relied on her. She was clearly counting on her to charge into battle and cut through the thorns.

Jiang Xuan met Yun Ting's gaze and uttered only eight words, yet they carried a weight exceeding a thousand pounds: "Whatever Zhao Zhao wishes, that is what I wish."

"Good, good, good." Yun Ting clapped his hands and praised, "Good brother-in-law."

"You're not yet." Jiang Xuan replied expressionlessly.

Yun Ting: “…”

He almost choked, pointing at Jiang Xuan and scolding him with a smile: "I told you, you're so mean. You said the mood was set to this point, but you insisted on ruining it."

He stroked his chin and said, "There's one thing you haven't considered—"