Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1188 - 1177: Wealthy Merchant

"Many thanks to General Zhao for your righteous help. Please, move to the residence and have your wounds treated!" Ye Qiu approached with a bright smile.

Zhao Xiong, serving under Prince Linsan, was gravely wounded, his entire left shoulder nearly severed. His bloodshot eyes fixed on Ye Qiu, radiating an almost violent aura.

"What in the world did you employ?" Having tasted blood and witnessed the demise of his opponents, he gradually regained composure and posed the question.

"Merely a minor technique a country doctor chanced upon. I presume General would disdain it. General, please proceed inside first." Ye Qiu’s demeanor remained respectful, yet his posture was impeccably straight; not a hint of fear, flattery, or obsequiousness marred his expression.

The suspicion in Zhao Xiong’s heart intensified. He had intended to inquire directly, but a swift survey revealed his own forces had suffered immense casualties. He spoke with caution, "My presence is tainted by blood today. It would be improper to enter your gates. I shall return another day to discuss significant matters with Family Head Ye."

"This..." Ye Qiu feigned hesitation for a considerable duration. "Since General Zhao is so insistent on such formalities, I shall not compel you to remain. Might I suggest General accepts a few physicians from the residence to accompany you?"

"There is no need. I brought army medics." Zhao Xiong’s complexion grew even more pallid from blood loss. "Family Head Ye need not escort me out. I will return in a few days."

"Take care, General Zhao."

Observing Zhao Xiong’s retreating figure, Ye Qiu’s gaze grew increasingly somber. Prince Donghe’s forces were now annihilated, and Prince Linsan’s men were nothing but battered remnants, posing no threat. Even if the two Princes dispatched reinforcements upon hearing the news, it would require at least a month for their arrival.

Moreover, the armies of the two Princes were destined for further confrontation. A month's span provided ample opportunity for him to execute numerous plans.

"Brother, I heard Prince Linsan’s dispatched troops were victorious. Why did I not see them enter the residence?" Ye Lu hurried over and inquired.

"Ah, General Zhao sustained injuries. He appears distrustful of us and has already departed with his men," Ye Qiu stated dismissively.

Ye Lu was vexed by his nonchalance and silently berated Ye Qiu for his lack of foresight. The Ye Family would inevitably need to align with Prince Linsan; what benefit was there in alienating one of Prince Linsan’s key generals?

Did her elder brother comprehend the gravity of the situation? Her aspiration for an Empress investiture and her son’s future claim to the Crown Prince title necessitated crucial alliances. This was the opportune moment to forge favorable connections. Why couldn’t her brother endeavor to retain him?

"In which direction did they go? I shall dispatch two physicians to assess his condition and send along some provisions and supplies for their journey," Ye Lu declared, making arrangements aloud, entirely oblivious to Ye Qiu’s darkening expression.

"Third Sister, he is but a minor General. We have not even established an alliance with that faction. There is no need to hasten and allow them to condescend to us," Ye Qiu remarked in a low, serious tone.

Noticing his tone, Ye Lu felt a brief tremor of apprehension, but upon reflection, disdain resurfaced. What did this inferior elder brother truly grasp? Zhao Xiong commanded tens of thousands of troops under Prince Linsan. The very fact that he was dispatched indicated he was extending the Ye Family a courtesy. Naturally, she ought to treat him with utmost deference.

However, unable to elucidate the full picture to her brother, she rolled her eyes and stated, "Elder Brother, he was dispatched by Prince Linsan, after all. Our family will inevitably align with Prince Linsan, and I too will eventually marry into his retinue. Why not seize this chance to cultivate a good relationship with him? Once we align ourselves, we shall have someone to depend upon."

Ye Qiu frowned at her words. "Since when did I consent to aligning ourselves with Prince Linsan?"

Ye Lu’s eyes widened in shock. "Elder Brother, do you comprehend the implications of your statement? Did we not reach an accord on this matter previously?"

Ye Qiu cast a sidelong glance at her. "I merely stated that I would consider it. Our Ye Family possesses extensive assets; there is no necessity to live under another’s dominion."

"But can you not perceive the current state of affairs? If we fail to align with Prince Linsan, we will inevitably be absorbed by another power sooner or later," Ye Lu countered, her expression growing grim.

Ye Qiu’s gaze sharpened. "I possess the capability to guarantee the security of our entire Ye Family branch."

"Elder Brother, your confidence is truly remarkable," Ye Lu scoffed. "Capability? Aside from wealth, what else do we possess? Our family is currently a tempting prize coveted by all. Do not jeopardize the entire clan due to a fleeting emotion."

"This is not a fleeting emotion. I have devised a foolproof strategy."

Ye Lu felt little inclination to reply. As a transmigrant who had already read the novel, how could she be ignorant of the future trajectory? Prince Linsan was destined to ascend the throne, becoming the emperor. Furthermore, the Ye Family's name was conspicuously absent from the narrative. It was highly probable they were already dismembered by various factions at the war's outset due to this contemptible elder brother's obstinacy.

Should this insufferable elder brother court death, she harbored no desire to accompany him!

"You speak so carelessly, without fear of repercussions. What resources do you possess to confront them? A single regiment from their side could obliterate us with minimal effort. The soldiers of Prince Donghe perished here today—are you not concerned about potential retribution?" Ye Lu articulated her thoughts with unreserved frankness. Leveraging her foreknowledge, she exhibited a complete lack of deference towards Ye Qiu in his capacity as Family Head.

"Third Sister, is this how you address your elder brother? The reason Prince Donghe's men met their demise today stems from their unbounded avarice and the pre-existing enmity between Prince Linsan and him. What relevance does this hold for our Ye Family? I preside as the Family Head. My word is law. Third Sister, make haste and offer your apologies to your brother." Before Ye Qiu could voice his displeasure, Ye Cheng erupted first. In recent days, certain directives issued and actions undertaken by Ye Qiu had already solidified Ye Cheng's convictions, making him intolerant of Ye Lu's perceived disrespect.

Yet, upon hearing his words, Ye Lu felt no trace of remorse. Instead, she mused that this second elder brother, Ye Cheng, had also become utterly spoiled and useless, devoid of any independent judgment.

"Elder Brother, if you refuse to address General Zhao, then I shall." She departed abruptly, lifting her foot with purpose towards the exit.

"Detain the Third Miss," Ye Qiu commanded icily. "Henceforth, without my express authorization, the Third Miss is forbidden from leaving the premises at will."

"You wouldn't dare!" Ye Lu pivoted sharply. "I am the Third Miss of this household. I possess my own inherent rights. You have no authority to confine me."

However, Ye Qiu met her defiant gaze directly and declared, "Prior to Father's passing, he entrusted this family to my care. This bestows upon me the right to enforce discipline. Third Sister, the matters concerning our entire Ye Family are not within the purview of an unmarried young lady to dictate."

Ye Lu clenched her jaw. She harbored a profound abhorrence for this archaic society, where women were utterly denied basic human rights. She vowed that once she attained the position of Empress in the future, she would dedicate all her efforts to elevating the status of women.

"Elder Brother, you will come to regret this decision. Without Prince Linsan's backing, you will inevitably succumb to those who seek to dismantle the Ye Family." Ye Lu continued to spew her vindictive words as she turned to depart.

"My affairs are not for you to meddle in. Remain at home and accompany Mother." Ye Qiu ceased further argument and departed directly with Ye Cheng.

Observing his retreating figure, Ye Lu ground her teeth, a strategic plan beginning to form within her mind. She concluded that this insufferable elder brother was beyond redemption, but she refused to be so foolish as to follow him towards ruin. She was resolutely determined to forge an alliance between the Ye Family and Prince Linsan, resolutely determined to marry Prince Linsan, resolutely determined to ascend as Empress and revel in the sensation of ten thousand people prostrating themselves before her!