strictlysupreme Chapter 86 Argument in the Tent
Chapter 86 Argument in the Tent
A few days ago, the Third War Zone received an uninvited guest.
Since Yue Haoran had repeatedly sent magical messages to the Second Prince Auscheng without receiving a reply, he simply went directly to the Third War Zone to personally confront him and demand an explanation.
At this moment, the atmosphere was subtle in the tent of General Oscheng of the Third War Zone.
Yue Haoran sat to one side with a gloomy expression and a cold face, while Ao Sicheng sat on the other side with a helpless look and a tired expression.
Looking at his grandfather's icy face, Oscheng could only force a smile and try to smooth things over.
"Grandpa, of course I know what you're talking about, but there's more than one way to attract talent, isn't there? Besides, I'm so busy every day that I don't have time or energy for romantic things!"
Yue Haoran snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over him like an icy blade, his tone quite unfriendly.
“When His Majesty summoned everyone for discussion, I reminded you, but you and your son didn’t take it to heart at all! Later, I sent you messages, more than one, but you ignored them. Do you think I’m meddling? I did all this for your royal family! Humph, you really don’t know how lucky you are.”
He paused here, his gaze sharp as if it could pierce through Oschen's heart.
"I've been secretly investigating these past few years, and that genius who awakened to full mental strength is almost certainly that little girl from the 'Six Six Great Fortune' team. Don't tell me you didn't even find out this information."
Oscheng was slightly taken aback, and looked away somewhat guiltily, but still remained stubborn.
"The members of the 'Six-Six Great Fortune' team are indeed quite good. I... I've heard about her, but I'm not sure if she is—"
Yue Haoran coldly interrupted him, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes.
"Unsure? Just wait for someone else to beat you to it! Let me tell you, the easiest time to make your move is while she's still young and her feelings are still innocent. Once she falls for you, she'll belong to your royal family. At that time, her talent and strength will be at your royal family's disposal. You should understand the implications of this, right?"
He sneered, his gaze carrying a hint of intimidation.
"Do you think she's just a genius? Once her talent is revealed, the prestige of the royal family will likely be greatly affected! Do you know how much those powerful figures in the capital want to bring her into their camp before she even rises to prominence? She's destined to stand at the pinnacle! Once she matures, she can easily shake the foundations of the empire, and even cause the royal family to change hands. Do you really think you can rest easy? There are plenty of people who want this position!"
Every word Yue Haoran spoke was resounding, like a heavy hammer striking Auscheng's heart one after another. Although he was the second prince of the royal family and was used to storms, he was speechless at this moment because of his grandfather, and only felt a terrible headache.
"Cheng'er, listen to me carefully."
Yue Haoran stared at him coldly, his voice low and powerful, like a nail hammered into Aosicheng's ears.
"No matter what method you use to get close to her and befriend her, you must make her one of yours. Otherwise, I want to see if you can bear the consequences if she stands against the royal family in the future!"
Oschen's back stiffened, and he felt a chill run up his spine. He took a deep breath and forced a weak smile.
"Grandpa, you're being too blunt... How can you use calculations to win someone's heart? Besides, we can use our sincerity to make her willingly choose to stand on our side—"
"Sincerity?"
Yue Haoran snorted coldly, his eyes sweeping over Aoscheng like sharp blades, interrupting him without any politeness, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"How convincing do you think what you just said was? Emotion is the deepest bond! Only emotion can make her truly stay by your side. Do you really think you can keep her with so-called 'sincerity'? Power and status are easily attainable for a truly strong person; they are not worth mentioning. Only emotion is the only way to bind her!"
He paused, his sharp gaze piercing Oscheng again, his tone even more stern.
"Besides, do you think this is a losing proposition? Her talent and potential are more than enough for you, in fact, you're marrying above your station! In other words, the value she can bring to the royal family is immeasurable! This marriage is an incredible opportunity for you, what more could you possibly want?"
Oscheng frowned, took a deep breath, and tried to suppress his irritation, his face showing a hint of helplessness.
“Grandpa, feelings can’t be calculated. Have you forgotten what happened to Aunt Linlang? Back then, the former city lord of Luoshui City and his family schemed against Aunt Linlang for power. What price did they pay in the end? Feelings that are forcibly calculated may not be a good thing, but may even lead to disaster. Feelings should be earned with sincerity. Forcing them will only backfire!”
No sooner had he finished speaking than a clear, cheerful laugh, tinged with amusement, rang out from outside the tent.
"Grandpa, what good news is it that you only told my second brother but didn't want to tell me?"
As the words fell, a figure strode in; it was none other than the Empire's eldest prince, Auster.
Auster, dressed in a crisp military uniform, looked very energetic. His handsome face wore his usual smile, but there was a hint of inquiry and deeper meaning in that smile.
He stepped into the tent, his gaze sweeping over Yue Haoran and Ao Sicheng, a slight smile playing on his lips, his tone laced with teasing.
"This is not fair! My second brother has monopolized Grandpa's 'care,' how can I, as the elder brother, bear this?"
Upon hearing this, Yue Haoran frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and said indifferently, "Your Highness, what are you doing here?"
Auster appeared relaxed, seemingly oblivious to Yue Haoran's attitude. He casually walked into the tent, a half-smile playing on his lips.
“Grandpa, the news of your arrival in the Third War Zone wasn’t exactly kept secret. As the eldest grandson, it’s only right that I come to pay my respects and express my filial piety and respect.”
He spoke flawlessly, his tone seemingly respectful, but his sharp eyes scanned back and forth between Yue Haoran and Ao Sicheng, trying to glean any clues from their expressions.
Auster raised an eyebrow slightly and said casually, "However, I think I overheard Grandfather mentioning something about a 'great opportunity for marriage' just now, which makes me, as the eldest grandson, a little confused. As my grandfather, are you only thinking about my second brother? Look at me, as the eldest brother, I'm still all alone. Don't you worry about me?"
Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Yue Haoran's eyes, his expression grew even colder, and his tone was devoid of any warmth.
"Your marriage is naturally His Majesty's concern; it's not my place to worry about it. If you're in a hurry, you can go directly to His Majesty and he will arrange everything for you. As for other matters, they are probably none of your concern."
He paused slightly, his gaze piercing Auster like a blade, his words carrying a warning.
"Your Highness, don't try to meddle in everything, lest you bring trouble upon yourself."
Auster's smile froze for a moment before quickly returning to normal. He shrugged as if he didn't care, the same nonchalant smile still on his lips.
“Grandpa is right. In that case, I won’t say anything more. However, the fact that Grandpa personally made a trip to the Third War Zone and even issued such a warning shows that this matter is indeed of great importance.”
His gaze shifted to Oschen, his smile deepening, carrying a hint of ambiguous mockery.
"Second brother, it seems you are truly luckier than me, to have your grandfather go to such lengths to plan for you. He has personally delivered a tremendous opportunity for marriage to you. I wonder if you have thought about how to seize it? Your grandfather is not one to care about anyone so much easily, so don't disappoint him."
Upon hearing this, Oscheng frowned slightly, his expression complex. He was about to offer an explanation, but when he met Yue Haoran's cold gaze, he swallowed the words that were about to come out. He lowered his eyelids, took a deep breath, and silently suppressed the emotions in his heart.
The atmosphere inside the tent instantly became even more oppressive. Yue Haoran's expression was cold and stern, showing no sign of compromise, while Auster's gaze held a hint of amusement and contempt. Caught between the two, Auster was in a dilemma, but could only remain silent and endure without uttering a sound.