Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1228 - 410: The Zhao Family Makes Its Move, Joy and Inferiority, Parental Love, the Old Xiang Family’s Pride

Often, Zhao Long felt as if everything happening around him was just a dream, fearing that one day he'd awaken to find it all gone. But once he accepted the reality, his heart swelled with boundless thanks to Lord Xia Hong and a profound loyalty to the Great Xia.

Though Zhao Long's mind raced with various ideas, this distraction lasted merely an instant.

After a brief hesitation from Zhao Hu and Zhao Bao, Zhao Bao finally advanced, his face etched with concern as he spoke: "Big brother, there could be trouble with Yuanxiu’s marriage; it looks like Lord Xu might be thinking of going back on it."

Zhao Long froze upon hearing those words. His brows knitted together, and he demanded sharply: "You say there might be trouble, yet also that he's considering backing out—that doesn't add up! Make it clear!"

The arrangement for Zhao Yuanxiu to wed Xu An had been personally settled by Zhao Long with Xu Ning back in early August at Bashang, with Zhao Hu and Zhao Bao in tow. He was well aware of the details, yet Zhao Bao's statement made no sense, demanding immediate clarification.

"Right after we left the main hall, Lord Xu pulled me aside abruptly and offered an apology, mentioning that his brother Xu An’s betrothal could shift. He wants to consult Xu An first, then provide me with an answer."

As Zhao Bao laid out the details, Zhao Long's scowl grew more intense.

Xu Ning was no stranger to him; Zhao Long knew him as a man of honor who honored his commitments. He'd consented just last month, and scarcely a month had passed—how could he possibly think of withdrawing now?

No!

Zhao Long swiftly pinpointed the flaw in Zhao Bao’s account: "Lord Xu merely stated he'd consult his brother Xu An before replying; he didn't outright declare he'd back out. Allow him to inquire—Xu An is respectable enough, yet our Yuanxiu from the family holds her own worth, so perhaps..."

Mid-thought, he trailed off, spotting the faint unease on Zhao Bao’s face, and soon pieced it together, his frown returning as he asked, "Are you keeping something from me?"

Xu Ning hadn't backed out; he'd only mentioned checking with his brother. Still, Zhao Bao had hurried to him, claiming outright that the marriage was in jeopardy—this raised clear red flags.

The real issue rested in whatever Xu Ning sought to confirm!

With Zhao Bao still faltering and lost for words, Zhao Hu, standing nearby, creased his forehead several times before moving ahead and murmuring lowly: "Big brother, Lord Xu’s brother Xu An once took a liking to a young woman called Ji Jiang. Back in Wuyuan, Yuanxiu clashed with Ji Jiang at times. Third brother fears Xu An might turn down the union with Yuanxiu over Ji Jiang."

Zhao Bao nodded vigorously right away, adding: "That's right, big brother; that's how it is, with Xu An..."

Yet Zhao Long shot him a fierce look, cutting him off before he could continue.

"Do you think I'm an idiot? If Xu An merely liked her in the past, what reason would he have to spurn Yuanxiu's marriage over Ji Jiang?"

Anger laced Zhao Long’s tone clearly. Once done, he fixed a stern gaze on Zhao Hu, then turned to Zhao Bao with a grave tone: "Tell me everything about Yuanxiu and Xu An—what's truly at play here. Hide one more thing, and I'll head straight to Lord Xu to cancel the betrothal myself!"

Zhao Hu held some fear toward his elder brother; after that glare, he ducked his head and stayed quiet.

Zhao Bao's features twisted in reluctance, yet recalling his oldest daughter's betrothal, he clenched his jaw and at last revealed the full story.

As Zhao Long absorbed the tale, his expression grew stormier, and only when Zhao Bao concluded did he grasp the full turmoil surrounding his niece's wedding.

"So Xu An and Ji Jiang have shared affections for some time, positioning Yuanxiu as the interloper. That explains... explains why you rushed the July dispatch, urging second brother and me to Bashang to seek Xu Ning's approval. Third brother, what words can I find for you..."

At Zhao Long’s remark, Zhao Hu couldn't resist countering: "Big brother, isn't that overstatement? Xu An and Ji Jiang shared no formal betrothal. Yuanxiu lived with us in Wuyuan alongside Xu An, sharing days and nights for ages— that's no wrongdoing!"

Zhao Long hesitated briefly at that. For one, as her uncle, labeling his niece an interloper was improper. Besides, romantic entanglements were messy affairs. On reflection, Zhao Hu's defense stood solid without fault.

His response came swift; after a short reflection, he scoffed at once: "If nothing's amiss, then why seek me out?"

The faces of Zhao Hu and Zhao Bao stiffened instantly.

"You both know Xu An's bound to pick Ji Jiang ultimately; Yuanxiu's betrothal is all but certain to fall through, isn't it?"

Zhao Bao's countenance grew taut at those words, and he begged: "Big brother, back in Wuyuan, Yuanxiu vowed she'd wed no one save Xu An. That's the reason for the July messages to you and second brother, aiming to lock it in with Xu Ning ahead. Should this union falter, she'll probably resent me forever."

From his side, Zhao Hu chimed in solemnly: "Big brother, this betrothal mustn't go awry. It concerns Yuanxiu’s prospects, and folks throughout Xia City are aware of her pledge to Xu An. Should Xu An initiate the breakup, Yuanxiu loses all dignity, and the Zhao Family's honor takes a hit too!"

In response, Zhao Long bellowed furiously at them both: "Does the Zhao Family's prestige outweigh the Xu Family's?"

Zhao Hu and Zhao Bao jumped in surprise, holding their tongues thereafter.

Though the Xu Family counted fewer members, Xu Ning and Xu An had stood as devoted early aides to Xia Hong from the Mud Slope era onward. Last September, Xu Ning suffered wounds while probing Dajue Temple, lingering in a dazed, crippled state for half a year. All in Great Xia deemed him irreparable, but Xia Hong employed Master Wusheng’s vital parts to restore him, granting even a superior battle body aptitude—this feat alone highlighted Xu Ning's esteemed position in Xia Hong’s regard.