Chapter 155 Extra 3
Zhao Xinglie's name strikes fear into the hearts of surrounding small states, because this year he destroyed Goguryeo, cut off the head of the Goguryeo king, and hung it on the city wall for several days as if venting his anger, before turning his attention to the Xianbei.
Gang is truly tough, and Hu is truly fierce.
Wei Li found it strange. Could it be that he had been reborn, and even the course of events had changed?
But forget all that. It's less than half a month until his father-in-law died in his previous life, so saving his father-in-law's life is the most important thing.
But given his current small physique, it would be quite strenuous for him without regular training.
Although Zhao Xinglie was certain that his fate in this life would not be the same as in his previous life, he still felt restless and uneasy as the date approached.
The key is that the thought of her daughter's fate in her previous life breaks her heart.
Unfortunately, he was too far away to beat Zhao Xingzhen up, so he could only walk around the camp with his hands behind his back to relieve his frustration.
If a leader wants to go for a walk, subordinates must accompany him no matter how tired they are.
General Xie, Xie Qingyu's father, yawned as he followed behind Zhao Xinglie, his head almost touching the ground.
He was a scholar-general; whether his body could withstand the strain is another matter, but generally speaking, his daily routine was very regular.
In a secluded corner of the shooting range, a boy held a bow. With a clang, an arrow shot five zhang away, hitting the bullseye.
He wore the clothes of an ordinary soldier, and like them, he tied his hair up. Although young, he had a great spirit.
When General Xie saw that the emperor was interested in the young man, he was about to go forward and call him over when Zhao Xinglie grabbed him and gestured for him to be quiet.
Zhao Xinglie turned sideways to hide himself and squinted at Wei Li.
Wei Li drew another arrow from the quiver on the ground, skillfully nocked it, and shot it out with a whoosh.
He frowned. Sure enough, his body had shrunk, and his strength was not as great as when he was an adult.
Zhao Xinglie stood in the corner and watched for a while. He saw that the boy's brows were furrowed deeper and deeper, and his eyes were becoming more and more fierce. He seemed tireless, shooting one basket of arrows and then pulling them out to continue repeating the action. He touched his chin and thought, "Not bad, not bad."
"What's your name, kid?" He stepped forward and patted Wei Li on the shoulder with a smile, showing no airs whatsoever.
Wei Li's body stiffened; he had never been this stiff in either his past or present life.
This stiffness stems from a son-in-law's fear of his father-in-law; it's innate.
He silently repeated, "I can't lose face, I can't lose face, I can't lose face," then slowly turned around, knelt on one knee, and bowed his head, saying, "Your Majesty."
Zhao Xinglie noticed the child's stiffness and assumed it was just nervousness from seeing the emperor.
Hey, is he really that scary? He's actually very kind and gentle.
He then gently patted Wei Li's shoulder with his broad hand, "Stand up."
Look how scared this child is, he doesn't even dare to look at him.
Zhao Xinglie then placed his hands on Wei Li's shoulders and arms, pinched his bones, and praised him like a kind elder, "Not bad, very sturdy, and well-built."
Wei Li felt a chill run down his spine; his hair felt like it was about to explode.
Because I was a thief, I felt guilty.
If he knew he was his son-in-law in his past life, he wouldn't have been so forceful; he probably would have wanted to strangle him.
"Thank you... thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty..." Wei Li stammered.
Zhao Xinglie then affectionately put his arm around his shoulder and asked him his name, age, and where he lived.
He felt an inexplicable fondness for this kid.
However, Zhao Xinglie has a bad memory. Even if you ask him, he won't remember, so he simply stops trying and keeps calling him "little boy."
On the contrary, they seemed very intimate, which made everyone look at Wei Li in a different light.
A hero's origins are irrelevant; perhaps this will win His Majesty's favor and lead to him marrying a princess and becoming her consort.
However, we still need to observe further.
Previously, Xie Qingyu, the young master of the Xie family, was quite favored by the emperor, but now he has fallen out of favor and the emperor is unwilling to summon him. It is unknown how long this young man can remain in favor.
While Wei Li was nervously following his father-in-law, it actually made things easier for him, eliminating any possibility of endangering his father-in-law's life, health, or safety.
His father-in-law also taught him a lot.
After the war with the Xianbei ended, Zhao Xinglie, relying on his memories from his previous life, captured the Xianbei king and exchanged him for cities, cattle, and sheep.
Zhao Xinglie was surprised that Wei Li, despite his young age, was so brave. So many people had died and so much blood had been shed, yet he hadn't even blinked, forcefully breaking through the encirclement to reach Zhao Xinglie's side, his posture subtly protective.
He increasingly felt that the child resembled him, possessing the same drive and courage as he had when he was a child.
"If only he were my son," Zhao Xinglie couldn't help but sigh.
Hearing that the child had no parents, Zhao Xinglie felt that this child must have been arranged for him by God.
Yining's body is no longer suitable for having another child, and Adan can't even sit still for a moment. This child just happened to appear at the right age and at the right time, and is just right for his temperament.
If properly nurtured, he might just be able to carry on his legacy.
"Would you like to change your surname?" Zhao Xinglie asked him indirectly.
Anyway, this child has no parents, and the surname was just picked on a whim, so changing it won't have any impact, and it won't offend his ancestors.
His meaning was already very clear, and even his trusted confidants were stunned for a long time. Did His Majesty mean to adopt the child as his godson?
That status would be extraordinary; although one could not inherit the throne, one would still be second only to the emperor in the future.
What incredible luck did an orphan have?
Wei Li was terrified; he naturally understood the meaning behind Zhao Xinglie's words.
How could he possibly become Zhao Xinglie's adopted son?
Then wouldn't he become Brother Zhao Xiheng?
The relationships are all messed up!
He shook his head and hurriedly knelt down, saying, "This subordinate does not seek fame or fortune, but only wishes to repay Your Majesty's kindness in recognizing and supporting me."
This meant he didn't want to change it. Zhao Xinglie didn't think much of it either. The throne should belong to the capable. Even if he passed it on to an outsider, it would be better than passing it on to the brothers Zhao Mingchen and Zhao Mingjin.
He still vividly remembered the rotten things Zhao Xingzhen did in his past life. How could he possibly pass the throne to his son?
Dream on!
Zhao Xinglie taught Wei Li from the very beginning, starting with the Four Books and Five Classics and the Analects, just like he was teaching his son.
Wei Li never expected that in his previous life, Zhao Xiheng forced him to study, and in this life, Zhao Xiheng's father personally forced him to study.
Anyway, wherever I go, the Zhao family will force me to study.
Reading makes people progress, but reading also makes people thin.
Wei Li finished reciting the Four Books and Five Classics once, and he lost a lot of weight. The returning army had already arrived in Jinyang.
He followed Zhao Xinglie and others into the city, where he was welcomed by the people along the way, and the streets were practically deserted.
He had experienced this kind of scene many times in his past life, so he didn't find anything exciting about it and remained calm.
Zhao Xinglie couldn't help but turn around and look at Wei Li, then clicked his tongue.
You see, he has a good eye. This kid is steady and doesn't show his emotions.
"Father and Mother! I want to fight alongside His Majesty in the future and become an invincible general!" A thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy held his parents' hands, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the majestic His Majesty standing before the ranks.
"Great! Our Azure Dragon is the best!" his mother encouraged gently.
"After all these years, Qinglong still admires His Majesty the most."
Before Zhao Xinglie and his entourage even entered the city, the news that he had returned with a boy had already spread throughout the entire palace.
Although the palace maids appeared outwardly respectful and composed, they secretly wondered if the child might be His Majesty's illegitimate son.
Her Majesty currently has no son, but she will surely have one in the future. What is the purpose of this suddenly appearing child...?
Zhao Xiheng, perched on a tree, overheard the whispers of two palace maids.
She furrowed her delicate brows, her eyes darted around, and nimbly jumped down from the tree, scaring the two palace maids out of their wits.
"You two dared to speak ill of our lord, go and receive your punishment." Zhao Xiheng raised her chin and then left arrogantly.
No, she had to go find her father and ask him clearly, could it be that the child was really born to him and another woman?
Anyway, she doesn't believe it.
When Zhao Xinglie led Wei Li into the inner palace, they saw a red cloud flying over from afar. He grinned and pointed to the approaching red cloud for Wei Li to see, "Look, your sister is here."
Wei Li's expression was exactly like someone who was constipated. Who wanted to be Zhao Xiheng's brother? He wanted to refute but didn't know how, and even if he did, it didn't seem right. In the end, he could only squeeze out a dry sentence, "This subordinate dares not accept such an honor."
Zhao Xiheng lifted her skirt and rushed over like a little calf, her little face flushed from running.
Zhao Xinglie squatted down, caught her, and tossed her up in the air, exclaiming, "Oh my, our A-Dan has grown taller again!"
He affectionately tickled Zhao Xiheng's cheek with the stubble that had just grown on his chin.
Zhao Xiheng's maids and nannies took a long time to catch up, panting heavily, and knelt down to pay their respects, a whole group of them.
Wei Li suddenly frowned. Hmm, it seems he still hasn't been good enough to Zhao Xiheng. She's so young and yet so many people are at her beck and call.
Zhao Xiheng nestled in Zhao Xinglie's arms, pointed at Wei Li, and asked, "Father, who is he?"
Zhao Xinglie turned around with a smile and said to her, "This is your brother."
Zhao Xiheng became unhappy and pouted, "I don't have a brother. My mother didn't give me a brother. Whose child is this?"
She was spoiled and willful, never considering others' feelings, and only caring about her own pleasure when she spoke. Everyone doted on her, and no one dared to say a harsh word to her. If she weren't inherently good, such pampering would have led her to murder or arson.
Even now, when she's being rude, Zhao Xinglie doesn't say anything to her, but simply asks, "Does A-Dan not like this brother?"
He was afraid that Zhao Xiheng wouldn't like Wei Li, and the two children wouldn't be able to get along. After he passed away, A-Dan wouldn't even have anyone to talk to, and she would be so lonely.
Even if Ah-Dan gets a husband in the future, he still wants to leave her an older brother so that someone can stand up for her if she is bullied in the future.
Although, given her personality, the chances of her being bullied are almost zero.
"I don't like it." Everyone was talking about the possibility that he might be Aye's child, and Zhao Xiheng didn't like it.
Wei Li saw what Zhao Xiheng looked like at nine years old and found it a bit amazing. She was quite pretty when she was little, just like he remembered.
Zhao Xiheng, that little liar, lied. Zhizhi's personality is exactly the same as hers, spoiled to death.
However, she said she didn't like him, which made him a little sad.
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