Pei Qingyan glanced indifferently at Su Jinyang, who was surrounded by a group of ministers, a barely perceptible smile flashing across his narrow phoenix eyes.

The four siblings had made a promise to meet again in the capital, but now only the second child was missing.

Pei Qingyan's good mood was obvious to the naked eye. Even his colleague sitting next to him was a little surprised. It was rare to see Pei Qingyan so emotionally expressive.

Even when facing the most vicious criminals, his expression never changed, his gentle demeanor carrying a hint of aloofness.

He couldn't help but feel curious, so he peeked out of the hall and wondered if the sun had risen in the west today.

Pei Qingyan is frighteningly stable in his emotions. The last time I saw him with a joyful expression was three years ago when he said he was going to pick up his younger sister to reunite with her in the capital.

His colleagues' probing gazes unconsciously fell on Pei Qingyan, as if they wanted to say something but hesitated.

He assumed Pei Qingyan was happy because the court had won a battle, and never considered his relationship with Su Jinyang.

The two people had no connection whatsoever, so it's understandable that he didn't expect this.

After all, one was a civil official and the other a military general, and they had never even met. They couldn't possibly imagine any connection between the two, no matter how hard they racked their brains.

On the other side, Su Jinyang's face was practically frozen from smiling. He was good at military campaigns, but when it came to dealing with people like Grand Tutor Chu pressuring him to get married, he was truly at a loss.

"General Su has never met the daughter of the Duke of Ling, so it is normal that he has no feelings for her. But my niece is different. Although she is a little dark-skinned and a little chubby, she is gentle and mild-mannered, and she and General Su are a match made in heaven."

Besides, you two grew up together, you were childhood sweethearts, what's that saying again?

With his dark skin and thick beard, Grand Commandant Yao laughed heartily. He really liked Su Jinyang, but it was a pity he didn't have a daughter, otherwise he would definitely have betrothed his daughter to him.

But it's good to keep the good stuff within the family. If he and his niece can get together, that's fine too, it won't benefit others.

After saying that, he secretly glanced at the so-called "other person," the Right Chancellor.

Seemingly oblivious to Grand Commandant Yao's gaze, the Right Chancellor stroked his beard and spoke in a low voice, "If I remember correctly, Grand Commandant Yao's niece knocked out one of Minister Li's eldest son's teeth just yesterday..."

Commander Yao choked, and a blush appeared on his dark face.

Upon hearing this, even the usually serious and upright Grand Tutor Chu couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Grand Commandant Yao really knows how to spout nonsense; who in the capital doesn't know his niece's infamous reputation?

He betrothed his niece to Su Jinyang; isn't that harming someone?

Seeing that Grand Commandant Yao was speechless, the Right Chancellor smiled and continued, "My daughter is beautiful and talented, and is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy and painting. She is far better than your troublemaking niece."

He also had his own ulterior motives. In this vast capital city, besides Pei Qingyan, Su Jinyang was the only suitable man for him.

Whether in terms of character or future prospects, Su Jinyang is the best choice for him.

"Thank you all for your kind intentions, but Jin Yang has no intention of getting married at the moment. He only wants to make contributions and serve His Majesty."

Su Jinyang stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and spoke sincerely, which was actually a tactful way of declining.

The group was somewhat disappointed. They opened their mouths, wanting to say a few more words of advice.

Before he could even finish speaking, Su Jinyang's lips curled into a smile, a smile that held a hint of mischief and calculation.

Suddenly, he changed the subject, “Lord Pei is not young anymore, and he doesn’t have a confidant by his side. He should be more anxious than I am. You gentlemen might as well consider him first.”

Su Jinyang subtly drew everyone's attention to Pei Qingyan, implying that in terms of looks and talent, the eldest brother was the real darling.

Pei Qingyan paused in his tea-drinking, never expecting that this trouble would befall him.

He let out a low chuckle, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. He's a man who's been to the battlefield, yet he still has the mentality of a child.

He shook his head and didn't say anything in rebuttal.

Considering that the young man had just returned to the capital, he decided not to hold it against him for now.

It was rare to see Pei Qingyan suffer a setback. The emperor, sitting on his high seat, smiled. Everyone else was secretly looking forward to a confrontation between the two, but no one understood their relationship better than him.

The emperor's gaze was sharp, taking in the expressions of everyone in the hall. His voice, authoritative yet not angry, slowly rang out, "Su Jinyang has rendered great service in defeating the Lin Kingdom and recovering lost territory. For his meritorious service, he hereby appoints you as General of the Cavalry, bestows upon you ten thousand taels of gold, and grants you a thousand acres of fertile land."

From now on, you shall return to the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence. For so many years, I have been sending people to repair the mansion, just waiting for your safe return one day.”

The emperor couldn't help but feel more affection for Su Jinyang when he thought of the loyal Marquis of Zhenbei.

Fortunately, the only bloodline of the Marquis of Zhenbei returned safely and inherited the glory of the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion, allowing the Marquis and his wife to rest in peace.

As soon as he finished speaking, the eunuch presented a sword inlaid with ancient patterns with both hands, slowly walked to Su Jinyang, and respectfully handed it over.

"This precious sword was used by your father when he killed the traitor. Its blade is so sharp that it can cut through iron like mud."

"Now I bestow this precious sword upon you, granting you the power to slay treacherous officials. I hope you will uphold the last wishes of the Marquis of Zhenbei, guard the dynasty's territory, and protect its peace."

The emperor's booming voice echoed throughout the hall. He had granted Su Jinyang such great power, which was enough to show how much he valued Su Jinyang.

Upon hearing this, Su Jinyang knelt on one knee and took the sword with both hands. His slender fingers trembled slightly as he could clearly feel the murderous aura emanating from the sword.

"My lord, I obey the order."

The ministers had different expressions. After the Emperor's actions, they had gained a certain understanding of Su Jinyang's position. They could only win him over, not offend him.

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