Shen Jinshu took two steps forward, lowered her eyes and looked downstairs, murmuring thoughtfully, "General Su? Su Jinyang?"

She had heard Prince Li mention Su Jinyang's name several times. He was a born military talent, brave and skilled in battle, and the only bloodline of the Marquis of Zhenbei. He had countless old subordinates under his command, and Prince Li had always intended to bring him under his wing.

Now that Su Jinyang has won the battle, His Majesty will only value him more and more, entrusting him with some military power, and perhaps even grooming him to become the next Marquis of Zhenbei.

The Duke of Ling's mansion is unyielding to both soft and hard tactics, and it holds most of the dynasty's military power. If Prince Li wants to achieve great things, he must win over other military generals and rival the Duke of Ling.

I just don't know what kind of person this young General Su is. Will he be easily won over by His Highness?

Money, status, or beauty—she thought there was something that could move Su Jinyang.

Wealth and status are easy to discuss, but beauty requires careful selection.

Shen Jinshu glanced at Qin Yu, who was standing beside her, her eyes flashing with calculation. She met Xiuyue's gaze but quickly looked away.

She already has someone in mind.

Qin Yu, focused on the direction of the city gate, was obviously unaware of Shen Jinshu's gaze on her and remained all smiles.

She had long heard of General Su's reputation and admired him greatly; now she was finally able to meet him in person.

Shen Yanxi nodded slightly, answering Shen Jinshu's question, "That's right, Zhenbei Marquis's only son, Su Jinyang, is not only the famous General Su, but also the commander-in-chief in the battle against Lin State."

Upon hearing this, the people in the private room immediately looked at Shen Yanxi, as if urging him to continue.

When Shen Yanxi saw that everyone was very curious about Su Jinyang, especially when Song Zhiyu's bright and clear eyes looked at him, he was first stunned. He subconsciously covered up the inexplicable discomfort in his heart, and then told them everything he knew.

"Three years ago, Su Jinyang was ordered to go to the northern frontier battlefield, where he repeatedly defeated the Lin Kingdom and recovered its cities. Today, he is returning to the capital in triumph, and it seems that he will soon be able to inherit the title of Marquis of Zhenbei."

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone suddenly shouted, "They're here! They're here!"

In a short while, the once bustling street fell silent, and everyone stared intently in one direction.

Not far away, the city gate slowly opened, and squads of imposing soldiers marched in unison with firm and resounding steps.

The most eye-catching figure was the young general at the very front of the group. He was dressed in silver armor, with a tall and straight posture, a handsome face, and a spirited air about him. A faint smile graced his elegant face.

He rode a flawless white steed, its hooves thundering, and the spirited young man made the young girls on both sides of the street blush.

At this moment, they could no longer suppress the excitement in their hearts and threw the handkerchiefs and sachets in their hands into Su Jinyang's arms.

"You're still as charming as ever when it comes to girls." The silver-haired old man walking alongside Su Jinyang watched the commotion with amusement, occasionally making a few teasing remarks.

Su Jinyang's sharp gaze swept back and forth among the group of girls, but he didn't see the person he wanted to see. His handsome brows furrowed slightly, and he looked somewhat disappointed.

Didn't my elder brother tell Yu'er that he was returning to the capital in triumph today? Why didn't she come to pick me up?

Has my sister already forgotten me?

Just as he was feeling down, Su Jinyang suddenly felt a familiar gaze fall on his head.

He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly looked up and met Song Zhiyu's eyes.

In an instant, Su Jinyang's bright eyes seemed to be filled with stars and the sea, and his smile bloomed like a warm sun, softening his sharp, angular features.

He knew his sister wouldn't forget him.

Su Jinyang's mood instantly brightened, and he even forgot about the sachet that had been tossed into his hand. His uncontrollable smile revealed a touch of foolishness, completely unlike his usual shrewdness.

Upon meeting Su Jinyang's smiling gaze, Qin Yu blushed instantly and stammered, "General Su is indeed as handsome as the rumors say."

At this point, she had completely forgotten about Shen Yuzhou and couldn't recall her original plan at all.

Wouldn't marrying General Su be a better career prospect than marrying Shen Yuzhou?

Especially when she met Su Jinyang's ambiguous gaze, her heart pounded even harder, as if it were about to burst out of her chest.

Qin Yu noticed that Su Jinyang's gaze kept falling on their private room, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Was he looking at her just now?

"I heard that General Su is not married yet..." Her voice trailed off, her face turning a deep red.

Shen Jinshu concealed the cold glint in her eyes, then changed her expression, saying with a hint of mischief, "Cousin Yu, are you feeling the stirrings of first love?"

After saying that, a smile returned to her face, and she teased him in a seemingly friendly manner, "Indeed, a man as virtuous as General Su is hard to find even with a lantern. No wonder Cousin Yu fell in love with him after just one meeting."

Everyone says that Su Jinyang is indifferent to women and only loves his personal sword. But all men are the same. The reason why there are no women around is simply because he hasn't met the right person or his standards are too high.

Although Qin Yu's family background is not good, she has the advantage of good looks, a gentle temperament, and a bit of cunning. If she can stay by Su Jinyang's side, His Highness's plan will be more than half successful.

It now seems that Qin Yu also has ambitions to climb the social ladder, and she is willing to grant her that wish and give her a chance to do so, but she will have to pay a small price.

Although Song Zhiyu's gaze was always on Su Jinyang, she could hear Shen Jinshu and Su Jinyang's conversation clearly.

What was Shen Jinshu's purpose in deliberately encouraging Qin Yu to get close to her third brother? Was it for the sake of Prince Li again?

The more Song Zhiyu thought about it, the more certain she became of her guess. Shen Jinshu and her third brother had no connection whatsoever, so the only possible reason for her to do this was to get rid of Prince Li.

She wanted to use Qin Yu to win over her third brother. If she succeeded, it would be like adding wings to the Prince of Li, giving him the power to contend with the Crown Prince, and she would also rise in status.

It doesn't matter if we fail; it's just losing a minor piece, nothing serious.

She couldn't help but think of Qin Xu, and her mind suddenly became much clearer; so that was what they were planning.

Song Zhiyu sneered. These Qin siblings had really been thoroughly used.

But then she thought again and dismissed the idea; perhaps they were just using each other.