Chapter 46: The Prince - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 46: The Prince

Xiao Tingyi raised his head once again to look at the Duke of Wei, his eyes as calm as water without any emotional fluctuations, appearing both serene and indifferent.

Having been involved in court politics for many years, he had seen many talented young individuals, but none were as deep and mysterious as Prince Ding.

The Duke of Wei considered himself to be knowledgeable about people and his eyes had seen through countless individuals. However, when facing Prince Ding, he couldn't even guess a single thought.

Prince Ding appeared weak on the surface but played the chess game with fierce and decisive moves, leaving no room for error. It was evident.

No wonder he had been away from the military camp for ten years but still firmly held the Southwest Dingwang Army in his hands, surpassing the embroidered pillows in the Eastern Capital by tens of thousands of miles. Dealing with someone like him, it was better to be straightforward rather than play mind games. Therefore, after a brief consideration, the Duke of Wei spoke up.

"Today, inviting Your Highness to my mansion is indeed for a favor."

Xiao Tingyi held a black piece in his hand, his expression calm, neither responding nor expressing his stance.

Such a response made the Duke of Wei, who had spoken first, somewhat embarrassed. However, at this point he could only continue with determination.

"In my family, I have two young nephews, both passionate and skilled in martial arts since childhood, with a desire to serve the Great Jin Dynasty. Therefore, I have come here to ask Your Highness to consider their enthusiasm and make an exception to allow them to join the Dingwang Army for training."

Picking up the hot tea beside him, the tea leaves had just been scalded with boiling water, causing them to float up and down vigorously, gradually unfolding their aroma. The scent of the tea was as refreshing as the snowy peaks of a thousand mountains, truly excellent tea.

Even the tributes from the palace couldn't compare.

Xiao Tingyi remained silent, but his attendant Yang Zhao took over the conversation.

"Your Grace may not be aware, but the recruitment office of the Dingwang Army is always stationed at the Ministry of War. If the two young masters are interested in joining the Dingwang Army for training, they can simply go and sign up. With their abilities, they are sure to excel."

His words were like saying nothing at all. The Duke of Wei knew about this matter, but if his nephews were to register, they would likely start as common soldiers. How many years would it take for them to climb up to the position of general or even marshal?

The Wei family was eager to help the Ninth Prince establish his dominance, and military power was indispensable for that. Therefore, if they could place their own people in the Dingwang Army, it would be greatly beneficial.

"Captain Yang jests. How could I not know? It's just that the recruitment office has always recruited common people from humble backgrounds. I remember that according to the laws of Great Jin, if members of noble families join the army, they can directly advance to the rank of Captain. I wonder what Your Highness thinks?"

Indeed, there was such a provision in the laws of Great Jin. However, since Xiao Tingyi took over the Dingwang Army, this provision had long been rendered useless. Regardless of one's background, military achievements were the only criterion. Yang Zhao looked at the Duke of Wei coldly, realizing that he was indeed an old fox, exploiting this loophole.

Just as he was about to refuse, Xiao Tingyi spoke slowly, his voice as melodious as a jade qin.

"As long as the men of Great Jin are willing to serve the court, the Dingwang Army will naturally not refuse. It is a blessing for the Wei family to have such enthusiastic nephews."

Upon hearing these words, the Duke of Wei was overjoyed.

After thanking him repeatedly, the stone that had been hanging in his heart finally loosened slightly.

However, his joy was short-lived. Xiao Tingyi continued speaking.

"However, before I took over the Dingwang Army, I obtained a decree from His Majesty, allowing promotions based on military merit regardless of one's background. It is because of this that our army has been invincible, sweeping through the South Yue. With the imperial decree in place, it is somewhat difficult for the Duke of Wei."

The smile that had been on the Duke of Wei's face froze, suddenly feeling a bit awkward after being labeled by such a big hat. After a moment of slight confusion, he quickly changed his expression.

"I see. Since His Majesty has issued such an edict, I dare not make exceptions for Your Highness. Please disregard what I said earlier. I apologize for troubling Your Highness."

"Your Grace is too polite. Everything is for the sake of Great Jin, so there is no harm in asking for Your Highness's opinion."

Xiao Tingyi took a sip of tea lightly, speaking in a calm tone.

His whole demeanor was impeccable, like a transcendent immortal, impossible to grasp or provoke, making him very difficult to deal with.

The Duke of Wei had been trying to win him over for quite some time, but after several attempts, he hadn't received a clear response.

Today's matter didn't really matter; as long as the eldest prince couldn't win him over, it was fine.

"Dong dong." two knocks sounded at the door, and the servants announced that several princes had arrived.

"I understand. You may leave, I will be there shortly."

The intentions behind the Wei family's invitation to the influential figures in the city were well known to everyone.

Initially, the Duke of Wei had considered marrying his granddaughter into the Dingwang Mansion, but after several attempts, he had failed to elicit any response. Unfortunately, such a good match had slipped through their fingers.

Looking at Xiao Tingyi in front of him, who still appeared aloof and detached, the Duke of Wei couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret.

In the waterside pavilion, the guests arrived one after another.

The young gentlemen and ladies of the Eastern Capital each had their own circles, standing together in groups of three or four, either discussing the latest jewelry and makeup trends or arranging rendezvous with the beauties by the pool, not feeling lonely at all.

The exquisitely dressed Liang Luo and Wen Yuwei, who were usually the center of attention at such gatherings, now had somewhat worried expressions on their faces.

Normally, they would be the ones standing out with Wei Lanxuan, but today, they were overshadowed by Bai Sihan, who had just met.

As a daughter of a minor branch of the Bai family, she unexpectedly displayed such skill and cunning, causing Wei Lanxuan to not only hold her in high regard but also engage in lively conversations with several other young ladies from different families, integrating herself quickly.

Wen Yuwei became increasingly displeased.

Compared to Liang Luo, her background was even more inferior, despite her uncle's high position. She was only a niece and therefore many people treated her politely.

Seeing Bai Sihan take her place, her vanity made her increasingly dislike this Miss Bai.

The grumbling in her heart about the Feng and Bai families seemed to grow stronger. Just a few days ago, the Feng family had given her a warning, which she still remembered clearly. Now, Bai family's daughter had stolen her limelight. Holding her wrink

led handkerchief, she thought about how to ruin her.

"Yuwei, what are you looking at?"

Wen Yuwei, who had been lost in thought, was suddenly startled by the person next to her, her cousin Wen Mengsheng.

"Cousin, I wasn't looking at anything. Weren't you supposed to be at the academy? Why are you here?"

Wen Yuwei was somewhat puzzled. When she left in the morning, she had asked him if he wanted to come along, but he had declined.

Why was he here now?

📌 To Read The Latest Updates Click 👇👇

▶▶Rebirth of the Noble Daughter  

Next Chapter ▶▶