Chapter 10, so it is

"Father, is Acon going to the capital as a hostage?" Yun Fei gasped as she looked at him, her pair of autumn eyes brimming with surprise and confusion

The King of Qin had long been eyeing Luoyang, and under the pretext of purging the court, he clearly aimed to seize Zhao Min's position. The court had to resist the King of Qin while also guarding against the King of Wu, which left them stretched thin and lacking in strategy. Therefore, they entrusted the military forces of Nanyang to Yun Dingquan, hoping to use his strength to campaign against the King of Qin. However, they feared that Yun Dingquan might harbor ulterior motives, so they summoned Yun Cong to the capital, ostensibly to serve as a companion to the emperor, but in reality, as a hostage.

For Yun Cong, it is a calamity, but for Yun Dingquan, it is a tremendous piece of good news. He does not care for any general of cavalry, nor does he regard the small forces of Nanyang. However, he can justifiably rally under the banner of the Son of Heaven to suppress the rebels, occupy Guanzhong, and take the opportunity to strengthen his own power

Three days later, Yun Dingquan returned to Jingzhou. Because Lin Qinghe was pregnant and the carriage was moving slowly, he hurried back after only escorting Lin Qinghe to the border of Luzhou.

Yun Dingquan placed both hands on her shoulders and said earnestly: "Sending Acon to Luoyang to be a companion reader for the emperor is merely a temporary measure. Afei, your mother has always been ignorant, short-sighted, and lacks understanding of the bigger picture. You should go and persuade her."

Yun Fei suddenly seemed to see her father, who had saved the beauty seventeen years ago. At that time, he descended from the heavens like a deity, radiating such dazzling brilliance that her mother believed she had encountered a hero of unparalleled greatness

Yun Fei became increasingly convinced that Wei Dongting's visit to her home had nothing to do with her, and naturally, she wisely chose to remain silent about the events of that day

As Deng Yunding walked ahead, she quietly followed, tiptoeing to the outside of the living room, where a clear male voice could be heard from within

Yun Dingquan glanced at the invitation, stood up and said: "Please, go ahead." As he spoke, he hurriedly left the study and walked away briskly

Yun Fei watched her father's back, her smile gradually fading. The silver had become a protective talisman for her mother, but as for how long it could protect her, she was uncertain. She could only strive to hold on until A Cong grew up and became successful; by then, no one would be able to shake her mother's position.

He frowned and said, "In the future, do not take such liberties. What if someone answers your question, how would that be handled"

After the argument between Yun Dingquan and Su Qingmei, the lingering tension remained. When faced with his daughter's inquiries, he remained silent until he entered the study, at which point he said: "The King of Qin raised an army under the pretext of clearing the court of corrupt officials to march east and seize Luoyang. The court has appointed me as the General of the Cavalry, overseeing the military forces of Nanyang to campaign against the King of Qin. Allowing Yun Cong to enter the capital is for him to serve as a companion reader to the emperor, not as a hostage."

"I have something to discuss with you." Her bright, sparkling eyes gazed directly at him, not mischievous nor cunning, but rather a rare display of earnestness.

Father, this is the eighty thousand taels of silver that I won from a bet with Mother

Yun Dingquan asked excitedly, "Your mother's money?" His first thought was that Su Yong'an had indeed left her a considerable sum.

At that moment, Yun Qi outside the door reported, "My lord, there is a young master Wei outside seeking an audience." He then presented an invitation letter.

Yun Fei was not afraid at all and said loudly: "In this chaotic world, the people of Jingzhou are still able to live and work in peace, prospering in times of peace. Father, your contributions cannot be overlooked. This sum of silver is merely a donation from the merchants in the city, taken from the people to be used for the people; what is wrong with that? Furthermore, I did not force them to give money; they came voluntarily to try their luck and seek support. I only wish to raise funds for you, to help you achieve great things. Father, rest assured, I will also make sure to retrieve the silver from Mother for you."

After a while, Yun Dingquan returned from outside the main gate

Father, what has happened

He possesses a handsome appearance, and at forty, he is in the prime of his life as a man, full of spirit and ambition. Strangely, he has a dazzling brilliance about him.

Yun Fei suddenly realized that Wei Dongting had come for this matter

Hearing these words, Yun Dingquan felt his anger gradually dissipate. Although he scolded his daughter for her recklessness, he could not help but secretly marvel at her ability to come up with such a method, effortlessly earning nearly one hundred thousand taels of silver in just two days. She truly possessed both courage and insight, displaying exceptional intelligence.

I have long admired the esteemed reputation of Lord Yun

It seems that this young and beautiful second daughter holds a position in her father's heart that is rather insignificant, not as important as his territory. Yun Fei feels that it is indeed necessary to remind Lin Qinghe to be more vigilant.

Upon hearing this, Yun Fei understood that her brother had no choice but to go. In the face of the world, what does one son amount to? Moreover, Lin Qinghe was already carrying a new child.

Yun Dingquan snorted and left with a flick of his sleeve

Yun Dingquan stared in shock at his daughter's rosy, delicate cherry lips, as she spoke of the matter with the clarity of pearls falling onto a plate. Infuriated, he slammed the table and stood up, glaring as he scolded, "Nonsense!"

Yun Fei thought that the two were arguing over money, but upon hearing that it concerned Yun Cong, she became anxious: "What exactly is going on? Mother, please take your time and explain."

Yun Fei smiled and said: "Mother is quite well, just a bit gloomy. Father, you should comfort her more, and that will be enough."

Mother, what is the matter?

Upon hearing the name "Young Master Wei," Yun Fei's heart skipped a beat. When she saw Yun Qi giving her a knowing glance, her heart sank instantly; it must be Wei Dongting. Anxiously, she began to stomp her feet in frustration. He had clearly destroyed that piece of Xue Tao's note and had agreed to let the matter rest. Why was he now seeking her father? This fickle and treacherous man.

Su Qingmei was both angry and anxious, crying so hard that she could hardly catch her breath, unable to articulate her thoughts clearly. Yun Fei got up and left the room, catching up with Yun Dingquan at the hanging flower gate.

Yun Dingquan felt an immense sense of comfort upon hearing these words; his daughter truly understood and was considerate, knowing exactly what he desired most

It is indeed him! Just as she was about to eavesdrop, she heard her father politely say, "General, please come in."

There are indeed not many people whom a father would greet with such respect. Yun Fei was both surprised and curious about what kind of identity Wei Dongting possessed

Wei Dongting opened the door, and to his astonishment, standing outside was Yun Fei

Thereafter, she recounted the matter of placing a wooden box outside the governor's mansion to solicit suitors.

Could it be that she asked her mother for money, but her mother did not give it to her, leading to a falling out? Yun Fei hurriedly ran inside and saw Su Qingmei in tears, crying so hard that she could hardly catch her breath

She was in a hurry, breathing slightly heavily, with a pale face adorned with a faint blush, resembling a flower slightly intoxicated by the spring breeze. Tiny, adorable beads of sweat adorned the tip of her delicate nose, making one unable to resist the urge to reach out and wipe them away

"Father, have you really made your decision?" Asking this question, Yun Fei knew it was already unnecessary, but still held onto a glimmer of hope that her father would, considering Ah Cong's youth, choose not to agree.

After the death of Emperor Jing, King of Qin and King of Wu each occupied Guanzhong and Jiangdong respectively, standing in opposition to the court. Meanwhile, Chancellor Wei Zhuo supported the posthumous son of Emperor Jing, Zhao Min, as emperor, and struggled to maintain a precarious hold in Luoyang

Yun Fei hurriedly left the window, retreated to the corridor, and bent down to hide behind a cluster of wisteria trees

As long as you defeat King Qin and occupy Guanzhong, possessing the territories of Qin, Chu, and Yu would be equivalent to holding half of the empire. The next day, you can use the emperor to command the feudal lords, raise an army to attack Wu, and great achievements can be accomplished

Strangely, the two were unaware of what they were secretly discussing, and it took them a full half an hour to emerge from the private chamber

Yun Dingquan led him into the secret room on the right side of the living room, which had always been the place where Yun Dingquan discussed confidential matters with others. Seeing that even the corners of the walls could not hear, she anxiously stamped her feet under the window

Yun Dingquan took a few steps and suddenly asked Su Qingmei in an unprecedented manner, "How has your mother been these days?"

Yun Dingquan made a sound of acknowledgment. He has always been one to keep his emotions hidden, but today he surprisingly displayed a rare expression of joy, indicating that Wei Dongting was discussing a matter of great benefit with him.

Yun Fei sighed and said: "But my mother absolutely refuses, saying that this sum of silver must be reserved for my dowry. I told her that as long as my father can achieve great success, even if I have nothing, I can still marry in a grand manner. My mother did not believe me, so I made a bet with her."

She walked out of the study, but instead of persuading Su Qingmei, she immediately took Song Jingyu to the Ruchun Inn

"No, it won't happen." Yun Fei smiled sweetly, and the image of Wei Dongting flashed through her mind. If it weren't for his deceit, how could she have gotten someone to answer her question.

Yun Fei emerged from behind the Lingxiao tree and greeted with a sweet smile: "Father, have the guests left?"

She walked along the corridor towards the backyard, where the courtyard, just after the rain, was filled with a gentle breeze and soft tobacco scents, a blend of green, red, and light blue. At the corner of the corridor, a few branches of elegantly poised gardenias extended out, their petals washed clean and pure by the rain, resembling sweet porcelain. Unable to resist, she paused, selecting a plump and full flower from the lush foliage, inhaling deeply the serene fragrance.

Yun Dingquan furrowed his brows, a hint of impatience flashing through his mind, yet his steps still headed towards the direction of the backyard

"Father, you have returned." Yun Fei smiled sweetly, walked into the study, and first placed the box containing the silver notes on the desk.

Suddenly, she remembered Lin Qinghe. The scenery of October passed in the blink of an eye. Once she gave birth to the child, she would have to return to this home. What should she do then? She stared at the flower bushes and began to think of a strategy. After a while, she suddenly heard her mother's cries coming from the drooping flower gate

"No," Yun Fei shook her head and said with a smile, "I know that what Father needs most right now is money. The sum of money in Mother's hands is also sitting idle, so I thought I would ask for it on behalf of Father."

Silver and troops are the most lacking resources for Yun Dingquan at present, yet he desires both silver and face.

Wei Dongting and Yun Dingquan walked out of the hall together, with Yun Dingquan personally seeing him to the door. Judging by his expression, he was radiant and certainly not angry

Faced with such a large sum of money, he truly could not lose his temper, especially since the matter had already passed, and his daughter was perfectly fine and had not been married off, leaving him with nothing to say

Ah Fei, upon seeing her daughter Su Qingmei, felt as if she had encountered a savior. She tightly grasped her hand and said: "Your father intends to send Ah Cong to the capital as a hostage"

Her heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly walked over. Before she reached the corridor, she saw Yun Dingquan coming out from inside with an angry expression on his face

When it comes to grand ambitions, Yun Dingquan does not hide his aspirations and plans for world domination in front of his daughter, and his usually stern and cold expression instantly comes to life.

General! Yun Fei was taken aback; he was actually the son of Prime Minister Wei Zhuo and the uncle of Emperor Zhao Min! No wonder his martial arts were unparalleled, even Song Jingyu was no match for him

This is? '' Yun Dingquan has just returned and is still unaware of what has happened during his absence. Upon opening the box, he sees it filled to the brim with silver notes. He raises his head in astonishment, '' Where did this money come from? ''