CHAPTER 802: CHAPTER 800: THE LETHAL POWER OF CONVERSATION

Yin Long’s gaze paused briefly on Ye Xinyan’s face. This girl is quite cunning; she must have some idea, which is why she’s so eager to stop Zhao Gang from heading south.

"Go on, go on. If there’s anything you don’t understand, have Dagang tell you." Yin Long waved his hand, urging Ye Xinyan out.

Sitting down beneath a flower stand at Marquis Zhongyong’s Mansion, Zhao Gang told Ye Xinyan that Marquis Zhongyong had agreed to recommend him to Wei Dongyang’s command and that he would soon head south to eliminate the sea bandits.

Wei Dongyang is a renowned general of the Great Xia Dynasty, skilled in naval battles, having led forces in Tangzhou and Huzhou for many years, adept at dealing with sea bandits. The court has decided to appoint him as the commander in chief to eliminate the sea bandits and stabilize the region.

Upon hearing Zhao Gang’s words, Ye Xinyan’s face immediately fell. She hoped Zhao Gang would stay safely in the capital, wait for the rumors of Madam Yin’s separation to die down, and then discuss marriage, get married, and live a good life together.

As for Zhao Gang’s position and status, they never entered her considerations.

But then, Zhao Gang hit her hard; he volunteered to head south to suppress the bandits, specifically the sea bandits.

Fighting wars is inherently dangerous, and even more so on a battlefield where one is not skilled. The risks are obvious.

Even if it weren’t for Madam Yin’s situation, Ye Xinyan would still worry about Zhao Gang’s safety, given the affection he showed her. Now, she had just stirred things up to separate Madam Yin from the Duke’s Mansion...

Her behavior should be decent enough, so what’s with this move? Isn’t it too tricky?

If she hadn’t been constrained by behavioral norms after staying here for years, Ye Xinyan might have wanted to rub her cheeks hard to remind herself what era she was in.

For someone like her, who grew up in a peaceful era, war seems a distant thing. But the concept of protecting the nation is indeed there, being an unshirkable responsibility for every citizen.

She hesitated for quite a while, unable to find a reason to stop Zhao Gang, and in the end could only ask tentatively, "Uncle Zhao hasn’t participated in naval battles, right? With you going to the battlefield like this, might it introduce variables to the otherwise stable situation?"

Zhao Gang was inwardly moved by Ye Xinyan’s concern for his safety, as he knew that at heart, Miss Cousin was essentially a good child, even more so now.

He comforted Ye Xinyan, saying, "It is said to nurture soldiers for a thousand days, to use them for a moment. I hold a military position and receive the court’s official salary. When the court’s territories are invaded, and the people’s lives are threatened, it’s our duty to go to the front lines. As for naval warfare strategies, I am only a seventh-grade military officer, responsible for following my superiors’ orders and bravely killing the enemy. As for the subtle changes in battle, they can’t escape military tactics, all of which I can handle."

Ye Xinyan felt gloomy for quite some time, waved her hand to send Jiu Yue and the people from Song Ping’s Household far away, and in a low voice asked Zhao Gang, "Uncle Zhao, does your volunteering have anything to do with my mother?"

She looked intently at Zhao Gang, trying to discern any changes in his expression.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Gang widened his eyes as soon as he heard her question, stood up with a whoosh, and stared blankly at Ye Xinyan. Then, his face gradually turned red, and his gaze awkwardly looked away.

Seeing Zhao Gang’s reaction, Ye Xinyan immediately became delighted. She mischievously smiled, tugged on Zhao Gang’s sleeve, and whispered, "Uncle Zhao, sit, let’s talk."

When Zhao Gang turned his gaze back, his expression had nearly returned to normal. He sat down with a slight frown, and with a serious demeanor, said, "Miss Cousin shouldn’t speak so recklessly. A woman’s reputation is most important. Great Aunt has just separated and returned to her family; if there are any unsavory rumors because of this, how will Great Aunt live in the future?"

Ye Xinyan pouted, somewhat displeased, and said, "I’m worried that if you go, Uncle Zhao, and the bandits aren’t subdued in three or five years, you won’t be able to return in time. If Grandfather and my uncles look for a suitor for my mother, I’m afraid you, Uncle Zhao, might miss my mother’s marriage."

Zhao Gang’s face turned blue instantly, followed by white, as he opened his mouth but couldn’t utter a word.

"No, no, Uncle Zhao. My words...well, didn’t quite express it right. What I mean is, if you’re delayed in the south and don’t return for a long time, wouldn’t my mother’s marriage be delayed? Where would we find a suitable person then, don’t you think?" Ye Xinyan quickly tried to make up for it.

She only heard Zhao Gang’s sanctimonious words and wanted to probe Zhao Gang a bit more to make a better decision. She never intended for Zhao Gang to go to war with a burden on his mind.

Well then! If he goes to war with this mindset, how could he focus on the battle, and who knows what the outcome would be!

Ye Xinyan’s attempt to remedy the situation didn’t seem to have much effect; it might have even backfired?

Zhao Gang’s face looked even uglier, and his right hand subconsciously went to his chest. Miss Cousin, this kind of dramatic dialogue, shouldn’t it only be used against the enemy? It has absolute lethality, you know?

"Ah, Uncle Zhao," Ye Xinyan sighed and said, "My mother’s thoughts are simple, so she doesn’t think that much. I think Uncle Zhao is a morally upright and very dependable person. I wouldn’t care about Uncle Zhao’s background and official position, and I think my mother wouldn’t judge people that way either. So, Uncle Zhao, I think your actions are quite unnecessary."

Zhao Gang hesitated for a moment and still said, "We are military men receiving the court’s salary. When the court is at war, it is our duty to go to the front lines. If I can earn a higher military merit and official position on the battlefield, it will also provide a guarantee and honor for the family. Isn’t this what a man should do?"

This left Ye Xinyan dumbfounded, highlighting part of the difference between Zhao Gang and Ye Hongyang, a definite sense of responsibility, right?

When Zhao Gang said these words, his expression had already calmed down. He initially thought of taking a gamble in this war, and if he could earn a military merit and rise two ranks, he would return and ask the marquis to give Great Aunt to him in marriage.

Now, with Miss Cousin’s words, he felt reassured and could go to war with peace of mind.

Miss Cousin could at least represent half of Great Aunt’s opinion; if the marquis and general agree, his greatest wish in life would be fulfilled, and that would be enough for this life.

Although the conversation with Zhao Gang didn’t stop him from volunteering, both parties were quite satisfied. Ye Xinyan was naturally satisfied, and Zhao Gang unexpectedly found peace of mind. His lifelong wish now had a hope, giving him full confidence.

Before Ye Xinyan returned to Duke An’s Mansion that evening, she whispered with Madam Yin for quite a while. She asked Madam Yin to find a way to have Marquis Zhongyong and Yin Xiaocheng select good men from around them to accompany Zhao Gang, ensuring an extra layer of safety protection.

Although even without Madam Yin’s suggestion, based on the bond from childhood between Yin Xiaocheng and Zhao Gang, they would probably think of this too. However, having one more person mention it is always a bit more secure.

When Ye Xinyan returned to Duke An’s Mansion, it was already dark. It was midsummer, fully dark, and the time was likely approaching the early Hai Hour, indeed a bit late.

Duke An was strolling in the courtyard, followed cautiously by An Nian.

Seeing Ye Xinyan return with two maids and a matron, Duke An didn’t have a pleasant expression and waited until she approached and greeted him before sourly saying, "You still know to come back?"