"Did you see that clearly? Helian Chen really does have feelings for Azhi?"
In the General's Mansion, Dugu Xiong sat imposingly in the main seat, his gaze fixed intently on his two sons.
The two Dugu brothers exchanged a glance and nodded in unison, "They do indeed have feelings for each other!"
To prove he wasn't mistaken, Dugu Erlang gave an example: "Father, Helian Chen is very attentive to Azhi!"
For a man to be so humble towards a woman, it's either because the woman is of high status or because he is in love with her.
Helian Chen was born into the imperial family and was the emperor's most trusted confidant, a dignified marquis.
Dugu Zhi was just a young lady from a military family, and she had only recently received the title of county magistrate.
Even a county magistrate is far less prestigious than a marquis.
However, Helian Chen still served Dugu Zhi diligently and attentively. Apart from the word "love," the two Dugu brothers could not think of any other reason.
Dugu Dalang, being more composed, thought for a moment and added, "Father, I observe that Azhi seems to have a very special relationship with Helian Chen as well."
Dugu Zhi was indeed spoiled by her family as she grew up, and her personality became somewhat arrogant.
For example, a few days ago, I said I was going to the North City, so I just took two people with me there.
He didn't even discuss it with his parents.
This clearly demonstrates his willfulness.
However willful she may be, Dugu Zhi is still a noblewoman, and she has all the proper etiquette and rules to follow.
At least in front of outsiders, she can still put on a facade.
However, when facing Helian Chen, Dugu Zhi seemed to lose all her manners.
"He addressed General Helian by his given name without hesitation, as if he knew him very well and trusted him completely!"
Calling someone by their first name is inappropriate, even if you're close friends.
The only explanation is that Dugu Zhi became arrogant because she was favored.
She knew that Helian Chen liked her, which was why she was so relaxed and at ease in front of him.
They all came from their youth and experienced the ambiguity and tenderness of young girls and boys.
Based on their experience, the Dugu brothers judged that Helian Chen admired Dugu Zhi, while Dugu Zhi also regarded Helian Chen differently.
This couple is probably going to get together!
After listening to his two sons' words, Dugu Xiong did not rush to speak.
His face was ashen, and his eyes were deep and unfathomable.
He bent two fingers and gently tapped the table.
Tap, tap tap~
In the quiet study, the only sound was the gentle tapping of Dugu Xiong on the table.
Dugu Dalang and Dugu Erlang dared not utter a sound, knowing that their father was considering something important.
Perhaps, at this very moment, a major decision concerning his family, or even his entire clan, is being weighed repeatedly in his father's mind.
After a long while, Dugu Xiong sighed softly, "So be it! If Helian Chen really becomes the son-in-law of my Dugu family, it wouldn't be too bad to give him some of the military power of the Northwest Army!"
Originally, Dugu Xiong was puzzled, since Helian Chen was the emperor's trusted and beloved general.
With the battle raging at the front, a general as highly regarded and capable as Helian Chen should be following the emperor into battle.
However, the sage sent him to the western city, under the pretext of "escorting Lady Dugu".
Dugu Xiong was self-aware.
He knew very well that even if his daughter was granted the title of County Lady, she would still be a nobody.
It's completely unreasonable to send a general like Helian Chen to escort her!
The sage still did it, and there must be a reason for it.
After hearing his two sons' reports, Dugu Xiong was certain that he had found the reason: the Emperor must have also discovered the feelings between Helian Chen and Dugu Zhi and intended to help them get together.
Furthermore, the sage intentionally divided the Northwest Army, gradually reclaiming military power.
Sending Helian Chen, the future son-in-law of the Dugu family, also shows the Emperor's goodwill towards the Dugu family.
The sage is not the former emperor; he will not exterminate the military merits.
He still cherishes the memories of their past relationship.
Therefore, he left room for the Dugu family—the military power in the Northwest must be taken back, but it can be handed over to the Dugu family's son-in-law!
"Very well! I accept the saint's kindness!"
Dugu Xiong finally made up his mind.
Although we can no longer hold sway in the Northwest, it's better to hand over military power to our son-in-law than to someone else.
Even the Dugu family wouldn't completely lose their military power.
The Dugu brothers were taken aback. "What? Helian Chen has come to share power with Father?"
Isn't he in love with Azhi?
That brat actually dared to deceive Ah Zhi!
The hot-tempered Dugu Erlang instinctively wanted to roll up his sleeves.
"Stop! What are you doing? You're a father now, how can you be so reckless?"
Before Dugu Xiong could even reprimand him, Dugu Dalang spoke first.
He grabbed his irritable younger brother and gave him a stern look: Behave yourself and stop messing around!
Dugu Xiong was pleased to see that his eldest son could remain calm: he was indeed the eldest son of the legitimate wife, steady and intelligent.
Perhaps they cannot compare to their fathers and grandfathers, but they can still "maintain what they have."
Dugu Erlang still wanted to struggle, but when he looked up and saw his father's dignified appearance, he had no choice but to awkwardly behave himself.
"Helian Chen did indeed admire Dugu Zhi, but besides being a man, he was also a subject of the emperor."
"Ever since the late emperor, the court has wanted to transfer my Dugu clan away from the northwest. After the emperor ascended the throne, he took old feelings into consideration and did not immediately take action!"
"Now that the Sage has personally led the expedition, arriving alone on the northwestern front, do you really think he only wants to wipe out the Turks?"
Dugu Xiong spoke in a deep voice, slowly instructing his sons.
Dugu Dalang was more astute and immediately understood, "Father, do you mean that the Emperor still wants to take this opportunity to reclaim military power in the Northwest?"
Dugu Xiong didn't say anything, but gave his son an approving look.
"Therefore, regardless of whether Helian Chen admires Azhi, the Emperor will send someone to take away his military power."
"But, good fortune is predetermined. Even the sage probably didn't expect that Helian Chen and Azhi would develop feelings for each other."
"If Helian Chen really marries Azhi and gives him military power, it won't benefit an outsider!"
They are definitely much better than other generals that the sage randomly sends.
Furthermore, Helian Chen was not only a confidant of the emperor but also a member of the imperial clan. A marriage alliance with the Helian clan would benefit the entire Dugu clan.
No wonder Father said that; it truly is a blessing from a saint.
"Since the sage has made arrangements in advance, those who serve him should naturally follow them!"
After clarifying these interests, Dugu Dalang followed Dugu Xiong's lead and uttered a few polite words about "loyalty to the emperor and love for the country."
Dugu Erlang was still a little confused. "Father, brother, Helian Chen hasn't proposed marriage yet!"
How did I become the son-in-law of the Dugu family?
Dugu Xiong glanced at his simple-minded son, too lazy to waste words on him.
It was Dugu Dalang who patiently explained to his younger brother, "These kinds of things are best left unsaid; how can you bring them up in the open?"
Among the powerful and wealthy, the key is to "understand rather than speak," especially in marriages involving the exchange of benefits, where it's even more difficult to be too direct.
It's fine as long as each of us understands.
Helian Chen: ...I don't understand!
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