Chapter 170 Finding a Backer
Chapter 170 Finding a Backer
The spirit rice within the jade pendant's space grew tall and robust, each stalk exceeding the height of a person, its ears of grain plump and heavy, bending the stalks. This spirit rice was not only abundant but also of superior quality, imbued with rich spiritual energy. It was estimated that each acre of spirit rice could yield over a thousand catties, several times, even dozens of times, more than ordinary rice. Such a yield was astonishing; if this spirit rice could be cultivated in the real world, it would bring about a tremendous transformation and development to agriculture.
Smoke billowed across the front lines, shouts of battle and the clashing of weapons echoed through the sky. Soldiers fought bravely and relentlessly, while their generals calmly directed the battle, responding swiftly to every change in the situation. This was the battlefield where their fathers and brothers led their armies. However, at this very moment, the imperial court back home did something shocking—they cut off the supply lines to the front! This news struck like a bolt from the blue, shocking and enraging everyone. Without supplies, how could the soldiers continue fighting? How could they hold out? Could this war still be won?
A fierce blizzard swept across the border region, with howling winds sweeping across the land and snowflakes falling like goose feathers. On this vast land, cold and silence enveloped everything.
The most heartbreaking victims of this blizzard were the brave warhorses. Due to the extreme cold, most of them froze to death in the icy landscape. They were once the warriors' most loyal companions, accompanying them on the battlefield, but now they had become victims of the blizzard.
The dead warhorses lay silently on the snow, their bodies covered with a thick layer of snow, seemingly blending into their surroundings. Their bodies were stiff and cold, their eyes lifeless, evoking immense regret and sorrow. Each horse was a life, having given countless drops of sweat and effort for its master, only to leave this world forever.
This sudden disaster plunged the border troops into dire straits. Without enough warhorses, the soldiers faced even greater challenges and difficulties. Troops that could previously advance swiftly became sluggish, and their combat effectiveness was severely hampered. However, faced with this situation, the soldiers did not lose heart; they continued to hold their posts with unwavering faith and indomitable will. Despite their deep sorrow, they knew that only by persevering could they defend their homeland and protect their people.
On this sunny day, a gentle breeze caressed her face, and birds sang merrily. However, for her, this beautiful day was shattered by something—the war on the frontier was escalating, and her father and brother were fighting bravely there, enduring hardship. Upon hearing this news, she was filled with anxiety and restlessness. She knew she couldn't stand idly by; she had to do something for them. After careful consideration, she made a bold decision: to travel to the frontier to deliver supplies to her father and brother. Although she knew the journey was long and dangerous, she went without hesitation, for she had only one thought in her mind: to help her family through this difficult time.
My father has disappeared, and there has been no news of him since. His fate is unknown. This situation fills me with immense anxiety and worry. I don't know where he is now, whether he is safe and healthy, or whether he has been harmed or encountered any danger. Every day is filled with unease and fear, worrying about the worst possible outcome. Every night I toss and turn, unable to sleep, my mind constantly replaying various possible scenarios.
The Regent? He's a figure whose every move shakes the capital! He not only commands a large army but also manipulates the powerful ministers at court, wielding immense power. His decisive and ruthless methods inspire fear. Who would have thought such a formidable figure could have such a tender side? He not only holds actual power in the country but also boasts countless supporters and followers. How could such a dangerous and mysterious man possibly be the object of his youngest daughter's affections?
The Left Prime Minister's brows furrowed, his gaze grave. His heart felt as if it were being gripped by an invisible pressure, filled with endless worry and doubt. His thoughts churned like a surging tide, countless possible scenarios flashing through his mind. Each idea made him uneasy, as if countless fine needles were pricking his nerves.
He couldn't help but question whether he had overlooked some important detail or missed some crucial clue. This self-doubt plunged him into deep confusion, leaving him unsure how to handle the situation. His heart raced, his breathing became rapid and heavy, and an inner turmoil hung over him like a dark cloud, impossible to shake off. He knew the cruelty and ruthlessness of political struggles; if his youngest daughter were truly caught up in this emotional entanglement, she would likely face enormous risks and challenges. Moreover, given his status and position as regent, whether he would genuinely care for his youngest daughter was also uncertain.
However, faced with her father's doubts and concerns, the youngest daughter did not back down or hesitate in the slightest. On the contrary, she firmly expressed her love for the Regent and said she was willing to pay any price for it. This persistence and determination made the Left Chancellor feel helpless and heartbroken, but at the same time, it made him realize that his youngest daughter had grown up and was capable of independent thinking and making her own choices.
Despite lingering concerns and anxieties, the Prime Minister decided to respect his youngest daughter's choice. After all, love is an emotion that cannot be explained by reason; perhaps only through personal experience can she truly understand its essence. He only hoped that on this thorny and arduous path, his youngest daughter could maintain a clear mind, remain undisturbed by external influences, and forge her own path to happiness.
Who is the Regent? He is second only to the Emperor! He wields immense power, able to manipulate events at will. How could she possibly covet such a figure? She is merely a commoner, of lowly status, powerless and without influence, worlds apart from the Regent. Even if she harbors a sliver of longing, she should be acutely aware of the gap between herself and the Regent, rather than blindly pursuing him. Such unrealistic thoughts will only bring her endless pain and distress. She should be keenly aware of this, cherish her current life, and not chase after things that are not meant for her.
She knew perfectly well that her relationship with the Regent was like that of water and fire—completely incompatible. An insurmountable chasm seemed to exist between them; their personalities, stances, and beliefs were diametrically opposed. She was filled with wariness and suspicion towards the Regent, for he wielded immense power, was deep and enigmatic; while the Regent harbored resentment towards her, seeing her as a thorn in his side.
Although he held a high position and wielded immense power, the regent did not want to see him so successful and at ease. This was because the regent would feel that this person might threaten his position and power, making him uneasy and wary. Therefore, the regent might try to limit or suppress this person's influence to maintain his own advantage and control. However, this person was no pushover; he was well aware of the regent's thoughts and began secretly plotting to prepare for the potential challenge…
"You unfilial and disobedient daughter! Don't you know that the Regent and I have always been at odds, like oil and water?" The father glared at his daughter, his hair standing on end, his hand trembling as he pointed at her, as if to unleash all the anger in his heart. His voice, filled with uncontrollable rage, filled the entire room with a tense atmosphere. The daughter stood there with her head down, silent, but her eyes revealed a stubbornness and defiance. She knew her behavior might displease her father, but she still stood by her choice.
The Left Prime Minister was already burning with rage, and now he was even more enraged by Miss Wang. His eyes widened in fury, and his cheeks trembled slightly with anger. He raised his right hand and slapped Miss Wang across the face with all his might. The sharp "smack" echoed throughout the entire residence. The slap was extremely heavy, and Miss Wang's cheek immediately swelled up. She covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Father! You actually hit your son! How can I bear this?" The young man knelt on the ground with a thud, his face filled with shock and grievance, tears streaming down his face like a burst dam. His voice trembled as he said, "Father, don't you know? From childhood to adulthood, I have never done anything to betray our family! Why are you treating me so cruelly today?" He then bowed his head, pressing his forehead tightly to the ground, as if apologizing to his father. However, deep down, he was filled with incomprehension and resentment.
The Regent's gaze was as cold as a knife, radiating a chilling aura. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, seemingly able to see through any conspiracy. His steps were steady and powerful, each one carrying unparalleled authority and pressure. His voice was deep and magnetic, yet it revealed an irresistible tone of command. Anyone who saw his ruthless expression would feel fear and dare not easily disobey his will.
"The Regent told me today that he fell in love with my daughter at first sight and hopes that I can help him make it happen. Upon hearing this, I was quite surprised. My little daughter is usually very shy. How could she be so infatuated with the Regent? Could it be that I, as her father, have been too negligent and failed to notice her feelings?" the Left Prime Minister pondered to himself.
Back home, the Left Prime Minister hurriedly summoned his youngest daughter and asked her for her opinion on the Regent. The little girl blushed, lowered her head, and refused to speak. The Left Prime Minister grew even more worried; he knew his daughter's personality—if she didn't have feelings for the Regent, she wouldn't be so shy.
The Left Prime Minister decided to personally visit the Regent to understand his true thoughts. Upon meeting the Left Prime Minister, the Regent made no secret of his affection for his youngest daughter. He said that he had seen her at a banquet and was immediately captivated by her beauty and gentleness, and had never forgotten her.
The Left Chancellor hesitated upon hearing this. He knew the Regent held immense power and influence, and that if his daughter married him, she would undoubtedly enjoy a life of wealth and luxury. However, he also worried that the Regent's power might pose a danger to his daughter. The Left Chancellor decided to observe the Regent for a while longer to see if he was truly suitable for his daughter.
Wang Jingjing's face was filled with disbelief; her eyes were wide open, as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. Her mouth was slightly agape.
Madam Wang looked at her daughter with deep concern, her heart filled with worry and unease. She knew that her daughter was in puberty, and it was natural for her to be interested in the opposite sex, but she also understood that excessive indulgence in emotions could bring many problems.
Madam Wang couldn't help but recall her own experiences in her youth, when she too had been infatuated with love and almost lost herself. She didn't want her daughter to repeat the same mistakes, so she decided to guide her properly.
So, Mrs. Wang began to closely monitor her daughter's every move, trying to find out the reason for her infatuation. She discovered that her daughter often read romantic novels and watched TV dramas on her phone, and would even stare blankly at the male protagonist on the screen.
Mrs. Wang realized that these fictional stories might be influencing her daughter's values, causing her to harbor unrealistic fantasies about love in real life. To address this issue, Mrs. Wang decided to have an honest conversation with her daughter.
“Honey, Mom knows you’re interested in romance now, which is perfectly normal. But you have to understand that real-life love isn’t as perfect as it is in novels and TV dramas,” Mrs. Wang said gently.
The daughter looked up at her mother, her eyes filled with confusion.
“Those stories are just figments of the authors’ imaginations and do not represent real life. Moreover, true love requires the joint efforts of both parties to cultivate it in order to last,” Mrs. Wang continued.
The daughter seemed to have taken some of the advice to heart, and she nodded gently.
"Mom hopes you can focus more on your studies and growth. When the time is right, you will naturally meet the right person." Mrs. Wang stroked her daughter's hair and gave her an encouraging smile.
From then on, Mrs. Wang not only paid more attention to her daughter's inner world, but also actively provided her with beneficial books and activities to help her establish correct values and a positive outlook on life. At the same time, she encouraged her daughter to participate in more social activities, expand her social circle, and give her the opportunity to meet more outstanding people.
As time went by, her daughter gradually moved past the infatuated stage and became more mature and rational. Mrs. Wang was immensely gratified to see her daughter's transformation. She knew that her efforts had not been in vain, and her daughter was finally able to grow up healthy and happy.
The Left Prime Minister stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief. His gaze was fixed on his youngest daughter, as if trying to see through her to the depths of her heart. He couldn't understand how his obedient and adorable little daughter could suddenly develop feelings for the Regent.
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