As she left, Su Fu’s expression was grave.
She spoke in a subtle, cautionary tone: “Earlier, the heir said that the Xiling Kingdom wouldn’t dare provoke our country for the next few years. But now, the General’s household is powerful and conspicuous—it will inevitably draw the envy and resentment of many. If the Xiling Kingdom attacks our borders again in the near future, then…”
Hearing this, Xiao Junhe furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
He realized he had completely overlooked this issue.
Su Fu continued solemnly, “Perhaps the Xiling Kingdom currently lacks the resources or finances to start a war, but if someone aids them… The General’s household now wields military power, and many officials in the court may feel threatened. You must act with extra caution in the future, and be vigilant about those around you.”
Xiao Junhe’s face grew equally serious. If Xiling were to invade, His Majesty would certainly dispatch him or his father to defend the border.
And if he were to die on the battlefield…
Then the Xuanjia Army’s military authority…
Moreover, once they left the capital, the General’s household could face countless schemes, both overt and covert. The thought sent a chill down his spine.
He studied Su Fu carefully, astonished that such a young woman from a sheltered upbringing could perceive the political and military situation so clearly.
His eyes darkened slightly. He realized he still did not fully understand Su Fu…
“I will remember what you said today,” he said, then added cautiously, “But this matter must not be spoken of to anyone, not even hinted at.”
“I understand.”
At the teahouse, Xiao Junhe watched Su Fu’s carriage disappear into the distance. He withdrew his gaze and called into the room, “Cangnan.”
Dressed in black, Cangnan appeared expressionless. “Master.”
Xiao Junhe’s expression was cold. He lowered his voice. “Send someone to the northern border. Tell them to keep watch on Xiling’s movements at all times.”
Thinking of Su Fu’s warning, he added, “Also, investigate whether anyone has been contacting Xiling frequently in recent times.”
“Yes!” Cangnan said, disappearing from the room immediately after.
Back at the Su residence, Su Fu ran into Su Qing.
Su Qing swayed her hips as she approached. Seeing Su Fu just returned from outside, she asked, “Elder sister, you went out?”
“Yes,” Su Fu replied calmly.
“You’ve been leaving the residence often lately. Could it be that you’re up to some secretive business?” Su Qing sneered.
Su Fu’s lips curved slightly in a faint, enigmatic smile, though it did not reach her eyes. She showed no outward anger at Su Qing’s words.
Her tone was calm as she said, “You’d better speak cautiously, second sister. One wrong word could bring disaster upon yourself.” Though lightly said, the warning beneath her words was unmistakable.
Su Qing snorted. “Elder sister, you haven’t even married into the General’s household yet, and you’re already scolding me as if you were the heir’s consort?”
Then she laughed lightly. “Elder sister, you’ve not yet married into the General’s household. Anything could still change. A reminder from your sister—don’t get too proud too early, or you may face embarrassment in the future!”
As she passed Su Fu, a sly smile lingered on her face.
“Miss, do you really intend to let the eldest miss marry Heir Xiao?” Xiaoshui asked.
“With her? What right does she have to marry Heir Xiao? Heir Xiao wouldn’t even look at someone like her,” Su Qing said disdainfully.
Not long after the marriage edict was issued, by the next morning, the entire capital was abuzz. Everyone knew that the eldest miss of the Su family was about to marry into the General’s household.
The sudden news shocked many, particularly the officials at court, who wondered what His Majesty’s true intentions were behind this decision.
Unmarried young ladies in the capital were filled with envy and jealousy. Why was it that she would marry Heir Xiao?
Rumors and gossip spread quickly through the streets and alleys.
Some claimed Miss Su was stunningly beautiful and talented; others whispered she was cunning and ambitious.
Regardless of the truth, her marriage had become the hottest topic of conversation.
Su Zhe attended court that morning.
Colleagues congratulated him on becoming related by marriage to the Protector-General. Even those who normally had little contact with him now smiled in his direction.
Of course, not everyone was pleased—Lord Wu and Su Zhe’s father-in-law were far from happy.
After court, Su Zhe hurried to catch up with Lord Wu.
“Lord Wu!”
Lord Wu’s face was dark as he shook his robe and snorted coldly. “Hmph!”
Su Zhe glanced around and lowered his voice. “Lord Wu, I truly had no knowledge of this matter. His Majesty’s edict was sudden and unexpected.”
Lord Wu’s expression was grim, his words mocking. “Now that Master Su will soon become family with the Protector-General, your status has changed. How could I possibly demand an explanation from you?”
He then swung his sleeve and left.
The moment he turned to leave, Su Zhe’s previously ingratiating smile vanished as if swept away by a fierce wind.
As Su Zhe prepared to follow, Inspector-General Zhou Hong approached. He walked steadily past Su Zhe, expressionless, lowering his voice to speak a word to him.
Two quarters later, the two of them appeared in a private room of the same tavern.
Su Zhe bowed respectfully. “Father-in-law!”
Zhou Hong raised his sharp gaze, his voice hoarse and deep. “What is this about the marriage edict?”
“I… I do not know, sir. I had heard nothing prior. Yesterday, we suddenly received the edict. I do not know how it came about,” Su Zhe said.
Zhou Hong stroked his graying beard, showing some displeasure. “I told you before, your indecision and arrogance have led to this outcome.”
Su Zhe hung his head in apparent shame. “You are right, father-in-law. I did not consider things carefully.”
Zhou Hong, understanding his son-in-law to some extent, may have been secretly pleased that his daughter would marry into the General’s household.
His calculating eyes narrowed, adding a note of severity. “Do you know that Lord Wu’s household is aligned with the Crown Prince?”
Su Zhe was shocked. “H-How could that be?”
“Do you think I married you into Lord Wu’s household purely because of my daughter’s wishes? No! I had my reasons,” Zhou Hong said, his voice hoarse and tinged with anger.
Su Zhe grew anxious, realizing they had now offended Lord Wu. “Then father-in-law, what should we do next?”
Zhou Hong’s eyes darkened.
After a moment, he said slowly, “We must do everything possible to ensure Qing’er becomes the Crown Princess. Otherwise, our political future will be at risk.”