Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1191 - 1180: The Wealthy Merchant

"Brother Zhao, approximately how much longer until we reach the territory of Prince Linsan?" Ye Lu inquired gently.

Zhao Xiong, whose appearance was as imposing as a bear, was in reality a man of great detail, which was why Prince Linsan placed such high value on him. Initially, he had not agreed with the perilous plan of escorting Lady Ye San, but she ultimately persuaded him.

She was correct; she was, after all, the third young lady of the Ye Family. Perhaps by marrying the prince, she might be able to influence the current family head to alter their stance.

The most significant factor was Zhao Xiong's fascination with the gunpowder and the strategic stratagems she brought up, such as diverting the enemy's attention to rescue a surrounded ally, feigning a search for borrowed arrows, linking ships with iron cables, launching a diversionary attack in the east while striking in the west, and employing the tactic of luring a tiger out of its mountain lair. He determined that the third young lady of the Ye Family was far from ordinary.

He mused that if the prince had this lady by his side, she would undoubtedly be invaluable in significant future endeavors. Thus, despite sustaining severe injuries, he risked his life to extract her from the Ye Family.

He envisioned that with such an intelligent woman, the Ye Family would eventually flourish. It was a pity that the Ye Family's head was obstinate and unwilling to heed counsel. Even if their prince were to spare the Ye Family, Prince Donghe likely would not.

He hoped for the Ye Family's head to seek aid, which would allow their prince to exert greater control over the Ye Family.

Ye Lu's evident intelligence commanded Zhao Xiong's profound respect. "Third Miss, we anticipate reaching our destination in about two more days. Kindly endure the hardship a little longer."

Ye Lu, suppressing her physical distress, offered a modest smile. "I am quite well; the true burden rests upon the general, who must attend to us despite his own injuries."

"This is my sworn duty."

"Brother Zhao, I have a request, but I am uncertain if I should voice it," Ye Lu expressed with evident hesitation and difficulty.

Zhao Xiong held a favorable impression of her, appreciating both her wisdom and her beauty. Even though she had not brought much wealth from the Ye Family, he was certain she would capture the prince's favor, hence his unwavering respectful demeanor.

"Miss Ye, please do not hesitate to speak your mind. I shall certainly assist you in any way within my power."

"It is not a matter of great consequence. It is merely that I am unfamiliar with this region and feel somewhat uneasy. Might General Zhao introduce me to someone trustworthy within Prince Linsan's circle?" she inquired shyly.

Zhao Xiong responded with an understanding chuckle, perceiving an opportunity to curry favor with Miss Ye. He proceeded to elaborate in considerable detail.

"The Princess Consort joined the prince's household three years ago; her brother serves as the Vanguard General under the prince and is highly trusted. However, Miss Ye need not harbor concerns; the Princess Consort is devout in her Buddhist practices and treats all with kindness. Furthermore, there are two concubines of lower standing who are nonetheless reliable individuals."

As Zhao Xiong recounted this, Ye Lu inwardly scoffed, for she knew the Princess Consort was far from the serene individual he described. Having read the original story, she knew the female protagonist suffered numerous setbacks due to the Princess Consort's schemes. She was also aware that in the future, the Princess Consort's brother would garner significant acclaim by intercepting a fatal blow intended for the prince, leading the prince to refrain from punishing her, even when she mistreated the female protagonist.

However, with her presence in this new timeline, she vowed that the Princess Consort's brother would never achieve such accolades, nor would she permit the Princess Consort to torment her as she had the original female lead.

Moreover, she was determined to prevent the book's female protagonist from ever getting close to Prince Linsan; the future title of Empress belonged solely to her!

"Thank you, General Zhao, for this valuable information. May I inquire further, which individuals within the military currently hold the prince's favor?" she asked once more.

Zhao Xiong paused at this juncture, casting an awkward glance her way. "My deepest apologies, Third Miss. Due to the gravity of this information, the prince has strictly forbidden anyone from divulging military secrets, irrespective of who makes the inquiry. I regret that I cannot provide you with an answer."

Ye Lu cursed silently in her heart but maintained an outwardly apologetic smile. "It was my oversight to ask; please do not take offense, General Zhao. My sole intention was to gain a better understanding of Prince Linsan. Someone possessing your martial prowess and unwavering loyalty undoubtedly serves as a crucial confidant to the prince, enjoying his immense trust."

Zhao Xiong proudly puffed out his chest. "I have been the recipient of the prince's boundless generosity; my sole desire is to repay him with my utmost devotion."

"You are no longer considered young, General. Have you taken a wife yet? How old are your children?" Ye Lu inquired, attempting to foster a connection.

Zhao Xiong let out a hearty chuckle. "There is much to attend to within the military, and few seem interested in a rugged man such as myself; marriage had not been a primary consideration."

"That's not quite right, General. You're a hero, not just any common warrior. Perhaps you've simply been too busy with your duties to meet suitable women, which explains the delay. You might not realize it, but many admire valiant heroes like yourself!"

"Really?" Zhao Xiong sounded genuinely surprised.

"Absolutely! Why would I lie to you? General, please don't be so humble. With your esteemed position, countless women would be eager to marry you. If you'd be so kind as to trust my judgment, once I settle in Linsan and make connections, I'll certainly look into this for you. I'll even petition the prince to arrange a marriage for you. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Zhao Xiong, completely swayed by her sweet talk, couldn't help but beam. "In that case, I must thank Third Miss in advance."

"That's the spirit! Don't shy away from marriage. Just picture it: finishing your important tasks for the prince during the day, and then returning home to a lovely young lady eagerly awaiting you, ready to warm your bed. How delightful would that be? Within a year, she could bless you with a healthy son, giving you even more motivation on the battlefield for the prince. After all, to whom would your future ducal title be passed down?"

"I could receive a ducal title?"

Ye Lu's face lit up with a satisfied smile. "For someone as capable as Brother Zhao, once our prince achieves victory, he would surely bestow a dukedom upon you. Later, your son could inherit your title without needing to endure the hardships of war, living a life of comfort and ease."

"How can a son be idle?"

"General Zhao, having such thoughts truly shows you're destined for greatness. Your martial prowess is exceptional. If you were to remain unmarried and without heirs, wouldn't that be quite a waste?"

Zhao Xiong, buoyed by Ye Lu's flattery, mused deeply on her words, her logic resonating with him. Indeed, if he continued to fight so fiercely and remained unwed, who would inherit his hard-won achievements?

"But, having grown up an orphan, what if I were to perish on the battlefield?" The thought cast a shadow of discouragement over Zhao Xiong.

"I have faith in General Zhao, but do you not have faith in yourself? And even if you met an unfortunate end, would the prince truly abandon your descendants?"

The reasoning hit home, and Zhao Xiong repeatedly nodded, sheepishly scratching his head with a wide grin for Ye Lu. "Then I shall have to trouble Third Miss in the future. I only have a few simple requirements for a wife: she must be attractive, and preferably a bit plump. I've heard that plus-sized women are more comfortable to hold and are typically better at bearing children."

While outwardly agreeing, inwardly she scoffed at his rather demanding tastes, considering his rough demeanor. Nevertheless, she was pleased to have finally swayed him.