This is an inquiry with an armed force.

Zhong Tianque knows this well, yet there's little he can clarify.

After all, she is his own younger sister.

He feels both aggrieved and wronged.

What does this have to do with me?

What's my situation... don't you know?

Seeing Zhong Tianque remain silent, Dongguo Chenxi picked up the teapot and filled Sun Shehu's half-empty cup.

The golden silk-patterned fragrant coat wrapped around her full curves, and as she bent to fetch the pot, the hanging jingling necklace rippled over her collarbone.

Her slender waist and back, her long swan-like neck extended upwards, seemingly touching the tip of one's heart.

When she revealed a subtle smile, two mesmerizing dimples appeared on her cheeks.

To become one of the Empire's three moons, a woman must not only have a distinguished family background but also excel in beauty and art.

Otherwise, there would be no chance of making it onto such a rigorous list.

Dongguo Chenxi looked across with gentle elegance, softly saying, "Mr. Sun, you know as well, Tianque is busy with political affairs at Fengming Palace, rarely having access to military matters…"

Indeed, first, let's clear the responsibility.

We were all confined, only involved in those government affairs you outlined.

A military defeat, what does it have to do with us?

"Although Xiu Xue is Tianque's sister, the siblings have no contact. Tianque, as a brother, is completely unaware of what Xiu Xue has done…"

"If it weren't for seeing the news in the bulletin, he wouldn't even know Xiu Xue had returned... much less what she had done."

"Now, Mr. Sun suddenly brings this matter to Tianque's attention, he would be at a loss... Of course, Mr. Sun, it's clear that we support Lord Military Minister. That's beyond doubt."

"If there is anything we need to do, Mr. Sun, please do not hesitate, we as a couple will do our utmost to cooperate."

These words are neither servile nor overbearing, reasonable and justified, and they express their attitude of supportive cooperation with the Military Minister.

There's no choice, under someone's roof, one must bow the head.

Sun Shehu looked somewhat surprised at Dongguo Chenxi; this woman just recently caused such a scandal...

And now she's understandingly bending over backward to speak for her man.

A reformed wanton is worth its weight in gold?

Quick of thought, Sun Shehu did not care about whether their marital life was harmonious, true or false, what difference does it make?

However, in his heart, he was very satisfied with Dongguo Chenxi's statement.

"Ms. Chenxi is a smart person." Sun Shehu said with a smile, "The Military Minister trusts His Highness, having worked together for so long, there is a certain understanding between everyone."

"Crossing the river in the same boat, if the boat sinks, who can come off well?"

"Exactly." Zhong Tianque nodded in agreement, he wasn't in a position to speak ill of his sister directly, but after Dongguo Chenxi distanced him, it was time to express his own stance.

"Now that everything is laid out, I think the Military Minister there can also be at ease. Coincidentally, there is a matter that requires some help..." Sun Shehu looked at Zhong Tianque, adjusted his glasses on his nose, and said with a smile, "Please do not refuse, dear couple..."

------

Seeing off Sun Shehu, Zhong Tianque looked sullenly at Dongguo Chenxi, asking in a low voice, "Such a matter... how could you agree on my behalf?"

Dongguo Chenxi picked up the cold tea before her, sipping it elegantly and calmly, casting a sidelong glance at Zhong Tianque, and asked, "Did Your Highness have a choice?"

"..."

Zhong Tianque's face flushed red, his chest heaving with more frustration.

Indeed, did he have any other choice?

And because the answer was so evident, he felt a kind of indescribable anger, unsure of how to vent it or whom to confide in.

The Zhong Royal Family... has it declined to this point?

------

Lu Zhiyong arrived quickly, and not only did he come himself, but he also brought ten thousand troops from the Lu Clan's base in the Barren Land and tens of thousands of sets of armor and weapons.

Bringing with them personnel and rations.

It's undeniable, the Lu Clan's support of Tang Fei was relentless and unconditional.

Even Phoenix was immensely envious.

Years ago, even their father didn't get the Lu Clan's full support, yet Tang Fei did.

There's no way around it, in the technological era, no family or clan dares to boast about equating with the Lu Clan, the Mechanical Ancestor.

Even the Mo Family, now under Shen Wuxiang's favor, wouldn't dare declare such.

It's just that they now occupy the supposed 'moral' standing, with an abundance of resources and talent to squander and utilize; over time, it's not impossible to surpass unexpectedly.

A family, a clan, trying to contend against the power of an entire nation is exceedingly difficult.

Unless the nation becomes one's own.

Tang Fei, accompanied by Phoenix and Lu Siyu, went to welcome Lu Zhiyong, who first saluted Phoenix.

Phoenix being the most noble and exalted person on their side, ostensibly the Princess... Lu Zhiyong, as a professional military man, must show enough respect for Phoenix.

If they didn't respect Phoenix themselves, then the banner of the Royal Family's legitimacy they held high would topple.

"General Lu, thank you for your hard work." Phoenix responded with courtly etiquette befitting a princess.

"Serving Your Highness is our duty." Lu Zhiyong stated solemnly.

Phoenix nodded, glanced at Tang Fei and Lu Siyu, and said, "You all have a good gathering, I have matters to attend to, I won't disturb you."

In front of these people, she was evidently an outsider.

"Yes, Your Highness."

After Phoenix left, Lu Siyu looked at Lu Zhiyong and asked, "How is Grandpa's health?"

"It's the same as usual." Lu Zhiyong sighed lightly and said, "However, now he sleeps for longer and longer periods."

Lu Siyu's face dimmed.

With her mother dying young and her father disappearing, Lu Siyu was raised by the Lu Clan, most loved by her Grandpa Lu Qingshan.

Grandpa's health had always been poor, for many years relying on a ventilator and nutrient tank to sustain life.

It's just that the Lu Clan is wealthy and powerful, having achieved significant breakthroughs in life sciences... If it were anyone else's complete organ failure, they would've likely passed long ago.

How could they have survived to now?

So, you have to admit, money truly is omnipotent.

It can even buy life.

Lu Zhiyong patted Lu Siyu's shoulder, comforting her, "Don't worry too much, all these years... hasn't it always been like this?"

His gaze fell on Tang Fei's face, and he said, "When the old man heard I was coming, he specifically called me over to say a few words..."

"What did Grandpa say?" Tang Fei asked expectantly, looking at Lu Zhiyong.

Regarding the old man who always treated him as a dear grandson, Tang Fei held genuine respect and affection in his heart.

Under Lu Yu's guidance, he always thought he was his true grandson, potentially even to inherit the entire Lu Clan.

Later, when his identity was exposed, the old man never changed his care and protective stance towards him.

When Zhong Daoling wanted to kill them, the whole Lu Ban Mountain became like a mortal slaughterhouse.

Wasn't it just to carve out a path to safety for him?

"Hearing about your recent accomplishments, the old man was very pleased." Lu Zhiyong said, "He quoted a great person to convey to you: The world is yours, also ours. But in the end, it's yours."

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