Qiao Zhen bluntly stated, "Trading one human life for the turmoil of a dynasty seems like a worthwhile trade, doesn't it? It's more than worthwhile; it's a windfall."
Ma Taifu never expected that such a simple matter would involve so much.
Qiao Zhen didn't really care how Grand Tutor Ma viewed the matter; she simply needed him to relay these things to Ye Huaijin and Xun Yin.
No civil official in the court supports Ye Shangzhou, and not all military officials are on his side. The situation is very bad for him. If Ye Huaijin also abandons him, then Ye Shangzhou will truly be isolated and helpless.
Qiao Zhen waved her hand, not caring about Ma Taifu's reply, "You can go back now."
Ma Taifu didn't understand the intrigue and power struggles involved, but Ye Huaijin was perfectly clear about them; otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to his image as a brave, resourceful man with a heart for the world.
When Qiao Zhen returned to her room, Ye Shangzhou was already lying on the edge of the bed, radiating a listless aura. His downcast eyes and silent demeanor inexplicably tugged at Qiao Zhen's heartstrings. She helped Ye Shangzhou sit up, "Why don't you sleep a little longer?"
Ye Shangzhou hugged Qiao Zhen and rubbed against her.
It seemed as if he was extremely dependent on her.
But that's the truth. The better Qiao Zhen treated Ye Shangzhou, the more dependent Ye Shangzhou became on her. And Ye Shangzhou was also able to control her temper; whenever she got angry, he would put on a pitiful act.
As I said before, when Ye Shangzhou played the victim, Qiao Zhen would be willing to give him her life.
The breeze through the window today was cool and slightly damp, and the rosemary by the window was covered with light dewdrops, which made one's eyes feel refreshed.
"I can't sleep." Ye Shangzhou really couldn't sleep; he was afraid that what happened yesterday would disappoint Qiao Zhen.
Subtly, the dreams he had at night unconsciously skewed his thinking and habits towards Qi Yijuan. Strictly speaking, Qiao Zhen was cheating.
"It's still early, you should rest a while longer." Qiao Zhen pulled the thin blanket over Ye Shangzhou. The weather was getting colder, and there were going to be a few more rain showers. She was afraid that Ye Shangzhou's legs would ache then, and there would be a few more bloodsheds.
Ye Shangzhou hated his legs. If he didn't have such legs, he wouldn't have to rely on others to go anywhere every day, and those old scoundrels wouldn't dare to have any disloyal thoughts. But besides hating them, he felt mostly powerless.
Seeing Ye Shangzhou's dejected appearance, Qiao Zhen went over and hugged him. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
He is an indestructible person.
Seeing that he really didn't intend to rest any longer, Qiao Zhen helped him get up. "Today it's Grand Tutor Jin who's here. Perhaps it won't be as boring as the previous two Grand Tutors. You should study hard, okay? I'll stay with you."
Ye Shangzhou lifted Qiao Zhen's chin, his expression unchanged, "What are you after?"
Qiao Zhen smiled and said, "If the Tu Da Ye Dynasty prospers, I will be able to live as a lady for a long time. I haven't had enough of this wealth and honor yet."
Ye Shangzhou leaned in and kissed Qiao Zhen hard, his gaze darkening. "Silly girl."
Isn't he just stupid? He has a leg ailment, and if it weren't for his military power and ruthless nature, he would have been devoured by those wolves and tigers long ago, leaving only a skeleton. Yet only Qiao Zhen still harbors the thought of making him a wise ruler.
Qiao Zhen didn't say anything more.
After the morning court session, Grand Tutor Jin left the palace with Ye Shangzhou and Qiao Zhen. On the surface, there were only five people: Grand Tutor Jin, Ye Shangzhou, Qiao Zhen, Xiao Xunzi, and the coachman. However, vigilant and sharp-eyed guards were lurking all around.
The carriage also contained large bunches of grapes, pastries, some nuts, and several jars of fruit wine.
Grand Tutor Jin led the group to a village in the capital. The fields were golden, and the rice looked heavy with ripe grains. Men in jackets were busy harvesting.
“Young master, madam, let’s rest here for a few hours today, watch the kites, and see the happy children.” Grand Tutor Jin lifted the curtain of the carriage. “There is a pavilion over there; you and your wife may use it as you please.”
Qiao Zhen carried Ye Shangzhou down, "Where do you want to go? You can sit on that earthen slope too."
After getting off the carriage, Grand Tutor Jin smiled and carried a hoe towards the golden rice paddies.
Ye Shangzhou found it rather novel. He had encountered villages during his campaigns, but they were only dilapidated ruins, filled with the smoke and despair of war. Nothing like the scene before him. The villagers seemed to be enjoying themselves and living in peace and tranquility.
"Let's go to that earthen slope."
He pointed to a high slope that offered a panoramic view of the fields.
Qiao Zhen looked at the earthen mound and steadily carried Ye Shangzhou over. "Please sit down." She crossed Ye Shangzhou's legs.
"Xiao Xunzi, bring all those things over." Qiao Zhen gave the order, and Xiao Xunzi happily went to bring over all the food from the carriage.
Ye Shangzhou frowned as he looked at those things.
Qiao Zhen happily hugged it to her chest, "Aren't you going to eat it? It's all mine."
Ye Shangzhou originally disliked eating scraps or non-dietary foods; in his eyes, they were all unnecessary and trivial things.
But Qiao Zhen was munching away with relish, making loud smacking noises as she ate the nuts, which even Ye Shangzhou couldn't help but glance at.
Is it really that delicious?
Qiao Zhen placed the shelled walnut kernels in Ye Shangzhou's hand, "They're delicious."
The children passing by all stared longingly at Qiao Zhen. Qiao Zhen also particularly liked those tiny dolls, so she distributed all the soft pastries. Then, taking advantage of Ye Shangzhou's inattention, she stuffed a piece of pastry into his mouth. "How is it? Doesn't it taste delicious?"
The cloying sweetness melted in his mouth, and Ye Shangzhou licked his teeth with the tip of his tongue; the fragrance still lingered. He couldn't help but frown, "Too sweet."
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