Chapter 157: The Duke's Resolution

Driven by the moment and a surge of righteous indignation, Xiaya blurted out those words. It was also because, having heard the legendary tales of the Tulip family from Ruer and the others a few days ago, he already held a deep sense of respect in his heart for this legendary ducal house and founding pillar of the empire. Now, upon learning that the "old fellow" who had raised him might actually be a descendant of this legendary family, a sense of kinship and affinity arose within him. He felt a profound injustice on behalf of the tragic fate that had ultimately destroyed the Tulip family.

His words were terribly treasonous, filled with phrases like "fuck them and rebel." While the poor wretch beside him turned pale and looked at him with complex eyes, even Cavicil could not help but flicker his gaze, narrowing his eyes as he studied Xiaya closely.

Observing Xiaya's indignant expression, Cavicil narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly, his tone carrying a deep underlying meaning: "One acts according to the position one holds. For that emperor to treat the Tulip family in such a manner is naturally chilling to the heart. Yet, upon careful reflection, from his perspective in that position, such a course of action cannot simply be called wrong."

Xiaya glared and snapped angrily, "I heard an old saying while hunting in the mountains: Once the prey is hunted down, the hounds are cooked and eaten! That is an ungrateful act, utterly despicable! And you are still speaking up for that emperor?"

Cavicil stared at Xiaya, shook his head, and sneered, "As an emperor, he naturally has to bear the responsibility for the ruling status of his own imperial house! Just imagine, if that emperor who struck against the Tulip family had not done so, once that mediocre prince ascended the throne in the future, he would still have struck against the Tulip family. Only, with such a mediocre ruler, the outcome might well have been reversed; it would not have been the Tulip family that was exterminated, but the imperial house! If that emperor had not acted thus, what else could he have done? Since you are so furious, you might as well ask yourself: if you were in the emperor's shoes, what would you do?"

Faced with this question, Xiaya was instantly rendered speechless.

If it were me... what should I do?

The roughneck opened his mouth. Driven by a sense of justice, his first impulse was to say: Naturally, abolish that good-for-nothing prince once and for all.

Yet, upon second thought: Human affections always favor those close and distant; no matter how flawed one's own son might be, he is, after all, one's own flesh and blood! Blood is thicker than water, and bones connected even when broken. No matter how great an outsider's kindness may be, an outsider remains an outsider. Although people speak of eliminating family for the sake of righteousness, that level of sagehood transcends the boundaries of human nature... Xiaya knew he could never manage such a thing!

He was inherently the kind of person who favored those close to him over abstract principles. How could he possibly utter words like "sacrificing family for righteousness" at this moment?

Seeing Xiaya lost for words, a trace of an uncanny smile flashed in Cavicil's eyes. He slowly continued, "Kid, this is the first lesson I am giving you! In this world, there is no absolute right or wrong; there are only different stances. From an outsider's standpoint, one naturally feels the emperor was in the wrong and sympathizes with the Tulip family. But from the perspective of the imperial house, one would feel that although the emperor's actions were ruthless, they were decisive and exceedingly wise. His cruelty toward the Tulip family was, in fact, a supreme act of benevolence toward the imperial house itself!"

Though Xiaya desperately wanted to retort, he searched his mind and could not find a single word to refute Cavicil. Although his face still wore a look of disdain, Cavicil's words had already taken root in his heart.

Deep within his mind, he suddenly heard Dora let out a sigh: "This Cavicil is truly worthy of being called a wise man."

Hmph, what wise man? It's nothing more than sophistry.

Xiaya still tried to maintain a tough facade in his heart, but he vaguely understood that Cavicil's words could hardly be dismissed with a simple label of "sophistry"... At that moment, the three people in the secret chamber wore different expressions: Cavicil stared at Xiaya, Xiaya looked somewhat shaken, and the poor wretch beside them wore a gaze filled with deep anxiety.

After all, she was a member of the imperial family, and a faint sense of unease was beginning to take root in her heart.

Why on earth was Cavicil saying all these things to this roughneck today?

Right now, the roughneck was highly favored by the emperor and was gradually showing a tendency to turn his heart in loyalty toward the imperial house. Adeline had also heard of the Lance Emperor's various actions in promoting and appreciating Xiaya. Given Xiaya's temperament, when others treated him well, he never hesitated to pour his heart out in return. With the emperor treating him thus, he might genuinely end up loyal to the old emperor in the future.

At a time like this, Cavicil's words... seemed... seemed somewhat... seemed as though they were deliberately spoken to undermine Xiaya's attitude toward the imperial house! While ostensibly recounting the secrets of the former Tulip family, such words actually weakened Xiaya's goodwill and affection for the imperial house!

Was not Cavicil always loyal to the Lance Emperor? Why on earth was he suddenly doing this?

***

"When the Tulip family declined in former years, although the imperial house outwardly maintained an appearance of great favor toward them, behind the scenes they executed several ruthless measures. The youngest daughter of the last Grand Duke Luke died of a sudden illness shortly thereafter, and no one could guarantee whether there were hidden undercurrents involved. However, when it comes to silencing witnesses, matters generally amount to just that. Yet, the Tulip family actually preserved another branch of their bloodline—something the imperial house never anticipated.

"The daughter of the last Grand Duke Luke was reportedly stunningly beautiful, a woman of peerless appearance. The last Grand Duke doted on his only daughter immensely, but a dispute later arose concerning her marriage. Rumors had it that the Grand Duke's daughter had extraordinarily high standards; she favored scholars over warriors. Since the Grand Duke had spent his entire life in military campaigns, he naturally preferred the dashing young military talents of the army and selected a young army officer as a husband for his daughter. Unfortunately, the Grand Duke's daughter despised the choice, leading to numerous conflicts between father and daughter. Yet, the Grand Duke possessed an unyielding temperament and forcefully finalized his daughter's marriage. Privately, however, the Grand Duke's daughter had another lover—a mutually cherished romance with a fairly well-known scholar of the time. In the end, she secretly conceived a child out of wedlock and even bore a son! When the Grand Duke discovered this, he considered it a profound disgrace and utterly refused to acknowledge the matter, keeping it strictly concealed. Fortunately, heaven willed it so, and this very secret actually preserved a surviving branch of the Tulip family's bloodline. After the Grand Duke's death, his daughter also met a bizarre and sudden end through illness, but the illegitimate child had already been quietly hidden away by loyal confidants within the Duke of Tulip's estate.

"This mansion here was originally a secret, private property of the Tulip family, unknown to outsiders. Later on, the descendants of the Tulip family changed their names and lived here in seclusion, passing it down through generations until this very day."

At this point, Cavicil lowered his voice and said, "I have heard that every single Grand Duke of the Tulip family was a peerless figure of their era. Aside from possessing extraordinary innate talents, the Tulip family also held secret, hereditary martial arts techniques. The Duke of Tulip once swept across the world as an invincible commander, excelling in both civil and military arts, standing out as a figure without peer in his generation—all thanks to practicing the family's secret arts from childhood. Aside from the Tulip martial arts techniques, there were also the military strategy notes left behind by the founding Grand Duke of Osgiliadia from his campaigns across the continent. With the additions and writings compiled by all thirteen succeeding generations of Grand Dukes, these notes can truly be called the invincible art of war with which the Tulip family conquered the world! That single item alone is worth a king's ransom! Legend has it that there is also hidden within the Tulip family its greatest secret treasure! That object is the ultimate secret behind the four centuries of unflagging prestige enjoyed by the Tulip family! Once that item is obtained, one may hope to possess the formidable strength of the former Duke of Tulip, and thereafter sweep across the world, invincible in the contemporary era!"

Hearing this, Xiaya felt his face grow hot, and he could not help asking, "What kind of thing could be so miraculous?!"

Cavicil sneered as he looked at Xiaya. "If I knew, why would I have come here? Hmph..."

Xiaya pondered for a moment. "According to what you said, the old fellow is a descendant of the Tulip family. Then... could it be that all these things are in his hands?" Yet, upon reflection, among the items the old fellow had left him, where was there any trace of a secret treasure belonging to the Tulip family?

Though that fire fork was wondrous, it was still far from being invincible across the world.

As for any military strategy manuals, Xiaya had merely glanced through a few tattered books the old fellow kept hidden. While they were decent enough, they hardly qualified as miraculous.

"Could it be that the secret treasure of the Tulip family you speak of is right behind the iron doors of this secret chamber?" Xiaya glanced at the three iron doors on the three walls and frowned, saying, "Since it can't be opened, why not find a way to tunnel in from the side and take a look?"

Cavicil laughed mockingly. "How could it possibly be that simple! This door is guarded by a miraculous magical formation. After pondering over it for many years, I've determined that it is a form of spatial magic. While there must undoubtedly be another world hidden behind this door, it is certainly not as simple as carving out a secret room behind a wall. Even if you were to tunnel in from the side, you would never find a thing. The only pathway is to open this iron door; the iron door itself is undoubtedly a spatial magic passage, and only through this passage can one reach the hidden realm within."

Xiaya rolled his eyes, stared at Cavicil, and suddenly blurted out, "Hey! You locked onto me the moment I arrived in Yan京 (Yanjing); I reckon you've been plotting to get your hands on this secret treasure of the Tulip family all along, haven't you?"

Cavicil looked at Xiaya, his expression calm as he replied indifferently, "You wouldn't be wrong to put it that way. Back when I first met him and we forged a friendship, he told me all about this long ago... After he left, I spent many years trying to figure out how to open the magical door here, but found no method. The things here belong exclusively to the Tulip family; I harbor no covetous intentions in my heart, but a measure of curiosity is inevitable."

Pausing for a moment, Cavicil smiled as he looked at Xiaya. "Do you know why I made an appointment to meet Duke Minas here today?"

Xiaya shook his head. "How would I know?"

Staring intently at Xiaya, Cavicil said slowly, "Not only did I know you arrived in Yanjing, but Duke Minas knew it as well long ago! You are his trained disciple, and the two of us are the only ones who know this secret. Otherwise, if word got out, do you think the emperor would treat you so kindly?"

Xiaya's expression shifted.

Back then, the last Grand Duke Luke had pointed to the heavens and sworn a curse—if such a curse came from anyone else's mouth, people would simply treat it as hot air, but the Duke of Tulip... the prestige accumulated over generations cast too many mystical halos over this family! How could the imperial house dare to take such a risk? The last Grand Duke's daughter was murdered; while there may have been an intent to silence witnesses, the primary motivation was undoubtedly to cut the weeds and eliminate the roots! The Grand Duke's curse that "the empire shall inevitably perish at the hands of the Tulip family" would naturally make the emperor palpitate with anxiety. To ensure absolute safety, eradicating the lineage was the only option!

And now, even though several centuries had passed, once this matter came to light... Although he himself was not a descendant of the Tulip family, the old fellow was his adoptive father, and he had been personally trained by him, making him half an inheritor of the Tulip family!

According to Cavicil, the imperial house would stop at nothing to safeguard its ruling status! In the past, wasn't the Duke of Tulip, a pillar of the empire, hunted down and destroyed? Let alone himself, a kid emerging from the countryside who had merely achieved a few merits—although the emperor looked upon him favorably, the moment this became entangled with a curse threatening the empire's rule... the emperor would likely slaughter him with a single blade without the slightest hesitation!

"Duke Minas knows... So what!" Though Xiaya put on a tough front, his heart was drumming anxiously. An impulse to "flee" involuntarily rose within him.

Cavicil burst into laughter and shook his head. "The curse of yesteryear was merely the imperial house harboring a guilty conscience, which is why they took it so seriously. As for myself and Minas, we are both outsiders; setting aside our current stances, neither of us truly takes that kind of curse to heart. I imagine it was merely words spoken in a fit of anger by the last Grand Duke Luke. Besides... Duke Minas will not harm you."

With a complex expression, Xiaya scrutinized Cavicil's face, attempting to read some clue from his demeanor. Yet Cavicil's expression remained cold and detached, revealing nothing as he continued evenly, "Duke Minas, myself, and him... the relationship among the three of us back then was exceedingly complex, woven with both gratitude and grudges, and it is difficult to sum up in a few words. However, in light of past events, he cannot bring himself to act against you with malice. Otherwise, the moment you arrived in Yan京, what awaited you would not have been commendations and rewards, but arrest by the Secret Guard."

Saying this, Cavicil gave a light smile. "The reason I made an appointment to see Duke Minas today was to demand this mansion from him! He gifted this estate to Minas back then, but after all, it belongs to the Tulip family. Now that he is gone, you are his successor; in reason and fairness, this estate belongs in your hands. The reason I arranged to meet Duke Minas here today was precisely for this matter. Just moments ago, after discussing it with him, he agreed to hand over the mansion... Therefore, starting tomorrow, you will be the master of this estate."

This final sentence gave Xiaya a massive shock!!

"You're saying... this mansion belongs to me?!"

Cavicil smiled without a word, simply gazing quietly at Xiaya. Xiaya's expression shifted, emotions of joy and apprehension flickering across his features until he finally gritted his teeth and said, "You! What on earth is your real intention?!"

Cavicil replied leisurely, "Returning property to its rightful owner—what intention could I possibly have?"

Bah! It would be a miracle if you didn't have alternative motives!

Xiaya cursed viciously in his heart.

Yet... after all, this was such a massive estate! Though somewhat dilapidated, it was magnificent, built upon a mid-mountain slope not far from the sea. Judging solely by its construction cost, it was far beyond what a newly risen minor nobleman like Xiaya could ever hope to own! Leaving aside factors like the Tulip family, the sheer value of this estate alone constituted an absolute windfall!

(No, no... something's wrong!) Though a hint of joy bubbled up within him, a strong sense of unease prevented Xiaya from letting down his guard. He stared hard at Cavicil. "You... you're deliberately pushing me down this path, aren't you?!"

Cavicil smiled. "What path?"

"The heir of the Tulip family!!" Xiaya shouted aloud. "If I take this estate, my identity as the heir of the Tulip family is set in stone! There'll be no shaking it off even if I wanted to!"

Cavicil chuckled. "Even if you didn't take this estate, do you really think you could shake off this identity?"

"............"

Cavicil looked at Xiaya for a moment and sighed. "If your facial features, your hair, and the color of your eyes didn't contradict all the hallmarks of the Tulip family lineage, I'd almost be tempted to believe you were that fellow's biological son. Ah... my intentions are not yet ripe to be laid completely bare before you. However, you need not worry; I have no intention of harming you right now."

He spoke with an air of complete detachment, his composure as unruffled as an ancient well, though his gaze swept casually and intentionally across Adeline's face.

Adeline felt a creeping tide of anxiety. For various special reasons, she had always harbored a profound dread of this most trusted advisor by the emperor's side. Being caught by Cavicil while secretly meeting Xiaya here today compounded her original fear with the terrifying prospect that Cavicil might expose her identity with a single word. Consequently, her heart had pounded with relentless trepidation from the very beginning. Fortunately, for reasons unknown, Cavicil had completely refrained from puncturing the secret; he hadn't even directed a single extra word toward her. Yet, those occasional glances—clear and profound, seemingly freighted with an omniscient understanding—were already enough to turn Adeline's legs to jelly.

Moreover... moreover... Adeline harbored an even deeper and more terrifying thought: The words Cavicil had spoken to Xiaya today already contained a multitude of treasonous and blasphemous statements! He hadn't bothered to conceal them in the slightest! And while her relationship with the emperor was somewhat peculiar, she was nonetheless a member of the imperial house... Could it be that Cavicil was expressing so many taboo sentiments—intolerable to the imperial house—right in front of her, without caring at all whether she leaked them?!

Or rather, was he deliberately saying these things to Xiaya right in front of her?!

"The estate belongs to you, the secrets here naturally belong to you, and as for the legendary secret treasure of the Tulip family, it is all yours as well—provided you can find it," Cavicil said indifferently. "Beyond that, I know you must have many questions about that old fellow's past. However, the time has not yet come to tell you those things. There's no need to ask, for I won't tell you if you do... As for Minas, that fellow won't even deign to see you, so you needn't count on learning anything from him either."

With those words, Cavicil finally stood up, casually dusted off his robe, and glanced at Xiaya. "Before you leave Yanjing this time, I will not see you again. Meeting you here today and telling you all this—well, I've already said far too much. If you wish to know more, find a way to make yourself stronger. Without formidable strength, many secrets... are simply impossible to guard."

Having spoken, Cavicil swaggered away, turning to ascend the stone steps. Xiaya stood stunned for a moment before calling out instinctively, "Hey! Wait up!"

"What is it?" Cavicil paused and turned back with a smile.

"You... you said you won't see me before I leave Yanjing? Then... does that mean the matter of becoming your disciple is off?" Xiaya hesitated, suddenly blurting out the words. The moment they left his mouth, even he was somewhat surprised. Becoming a disciple? Could it be that the words of this mysterious old fellow had genuinely moved him?

"Ha!" Cavicil laughed, a look of mockery in his eyes as he gazed at Xiaya. "Of course you must become my disciple. Can't you send someone to deliver a formal apprenticeship petition? You stupid fool! You're spitting image of your adoptive father—meticulous in major affairs, utterly careless in minor ones!"

A strange, whimsical smile touched Cavicil's lips. "As for the apprenticeship, you had best not resist it anymore... If you refuse, I might just harbor a bit of annoyance, and some things that shouldn't be spoken aloud might accidentally slip out."

Xiaya's face turned pale as he watched Cavicil stride leisurely away.

When only Xiaya and the poor wretch remained in the room, Xiaya let out a long, shuddering breath. He had mustered every ounce of courage to face Cavicil; now that the man was gone, his tension dissipated, instantly replaced by a wave of soreness in his limbs and an overwhelming fatigue. His clothes were soaked through with cold sweat!

"What the hell... Every time I see this guy, he scares me half to death! Damn it, the next time I see him, I won't say a word—I'll just slash at him with my sword!" Xiaya muttered furiously.

In the back of his mind, Dora offered an unsparing, chilling sneer: "If you dare do that... the one who dies will definitely be you!"

Xiaya: "..."

Though he felt a twinge of resentment, he found himself utterly unable to refute her. Unpalatable as Dora's words were, they... they seemed to be the absolute truth!

Beside him, the poor wretch had slumped straight down onto the floor. With Cavicil's departure, Adeline was likewise drenched in sweat, a mixture of shock, suspicion, and the lingering relief of a near-death escape gripping her heart. Her state was far more pathetic than Xiaya's. Noticing her condition, Xiaya frowned and stepped over to haul her up. "What's wrong with you? You've looked terrified of that guy the entire time."

The poor wretch offered a bitter, wretched smile and muttered vaguely, "In Yanjing, who isn't afraid of him?"

***

Amidst the night, along the highway leading toward Osgiliadia, a cavalry troop was advancing at a measured pace. Though the hundred-odd horsemen moved at a modest speed, their formation was neat and solemn. Twenty cavalrymen fanned out in front, forming a search and reconnaissance line, while the flanking guard detachments maintained absolute discipline.

Encircled in the very center of this hundred-man cavalry escort were the aged Duke Minas and his son, Roddy.

Neither father nor son rode in a carriage. Despite his advanced age, the old Duke strictly adhered to his own famous maxim: A soldier does not ride in carriages.

He sat astride a fine steed, the heavy cloak draped across his shoulders fluttering in the night wind. Beside him, Roddy rode shoulder-to-shoulder with his father, wearing a guilty expression and occasionally stealing nervous glances at his father's face.

Pushed by Adeline's earnest pleas, he had reluctantly lent his family's secret estate to Adeline and Xiaya for their rendezvous. Never had he imagined that his father would suddenly arrive in the middle of the night! The old Duke strictly forbade outsiders from entering this property, and now that his father had discovered his clandestine actions, a severe thrashing was the least he could expect!

Sure enough, as they rode, the old Duke's expression suddenly shifted. Pulling sharply on the reins, his horse came to an immediate halt! His horsemanship remained as skillful as ever, proving that although the old Duke had long since left active military service, his equestrian skills had not grown rusty.

The moment Duke Minas stopped, the surrounding family iron guards halted in unison. Well-trained and disciplined, the hundred-odd cavalrymen maintained a rigorous formation even during an abrupt stop, quickly fanning out to establish a perimeter.

Without a word, the old Duke simply sat in his saddle, raising his head to gaze up at the starry night sky. A complex expression crossed the aged face, and those eyes—usually clouded with age—were now blazing with sharp light!

After being lost in thought for a moment, Duke Minas finally let out a sigh. He turned his head to look at his apprehensive son and gave a soft huff. "Roddy, come here."

Roddy sighed inwardly: Here it comes! Nursing a mental groan, he could only urge his horse to draw slowly closer. Knowing his father's temperament, he understood that if he put on a weak, pleading display, his father would only grow angrier. It was far better to face the music with forthright boldness; that might suit his father's tastes better and perhaps result in a lighter punishment.

"Father!" Roddy sat straight in the saddle, summoning his courage to meet the old Duke's eyes directly as he said in a deep voice, "I agreed to a friend's request tonight... I've made a mistake, and I accept whatever punishment you deem fit. Beat me or penalize me, I will say not a single word of complaint!!"

The old Duke smiled faintly, a look that seemed to see right through his son's bravado, making Roddy inwardly flustered. His heroic posture inevitably lost its edge, and his gaze began to dart away.

After a moment, Duke Minas said indifferently, "Do you know where you went wrong?"

"Huh?" Roddy blinked in surprise.

"Hmph." Duke Minas sneered, fixing his son with a piercing stare. "Did you think you could hide what you went out to do today from this old man? Princess Adeline begged you, and you lent her the estate to rendezvous with her lover... Hmph, I'll settle this wrong with you slowly later! But what you shouldn't have forgotten is my strict command: of all the family's estates lying idle, why did you have to use this particular one?"

Roddy smiled bitterly. "It's just because... this place is the most remote... Cough, cough, Father, well... I..."

Frowning, the old Duke looked at his son and said coldly, "As a true man, one's actions should be open and aboveboard! I know you've shared a close bond with Adeline since childhood, and you couldn't bear to refuse when she asked a favor of you. Hmph! You're my son, how could I not know your feelings toward Adeline? Since you fancy her, you should have fought for her boldly instead of putting on such an act! What was the point of helping her rendezvous with her lover? To display your magnanimity and broad-mindedness? Ridiculous! Hmph! Do you think you're some kind of romantic saint?! Fool!"

Roddy's face flushed red, and a surge of grievance sparked a flash of anger within him. "Father, acting open and aboveboard is what you taught me! Adeline... she has never had any romantic feelings for me whatsoever. Since that's the case, why should I pester her and engage in such pathetic, cowardly behavior?! Better to grant them happiness and ruthlessly sever my own delusions once and for all!!"

His voice grew heated as he continued, "I am your son, a true man of the Minas family! In this lifetime, my primary duty is to achieve military merit and establish a career. Why should I ever worry about failing to find a fine match in the future?!"

Duke Minas froze for a moment. He looked at his son, then finally nodded slowly. "Thinking that way isn't wrong either. Hmm... I never approved of you and Adeline anyway... Hmph, your sister was married off to the crown prince because circumstances left me no room to refuse, and her unhappy life ever since remains a source of bitter regret in my heart." At this point, the old Duke's expression turned desolate, and he let out a long sigh laden with guilt. "Marrying into the imperial house—such things may look glorious on the surface, but they are ultimately far from simple! Moreover, this Princess Adeline's background is complicated, and her standing in the emperor's heart is... hmph hmph! I only feared that getting deeply involved with her would bring you no good. Since you've figured it out yourself and are willing to let go, that is for the best!"

Roddy's face was flushed crimson. He gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Pondering for a moment, the old Duke cast a glance at the guards around them, then asked in a low, deep voice, "Let me ask you... you met that kid named Xiaya today. What do you make of him?"

Roddy sensed clearly that when asking this question, his father's expression turned solemn, as though he attached immense importance to this fellow named Xiaya.

"..." Roddy pondered briefly before answering slowly, "He is destined for greatness!"

"Oh?" The old Duke smiled, a smile carrying profound meaning as he looked into his son's eyes. "You've only met him once, yet you render such a high judgment?"

Taking a deep breath, Roddy replied, "He is currently basking in immense glory, and the emperor's favor toward him is known to all. When I met him, he was neither arrogant nor impatient. And as he was leaving... he said: 'A soldier does not ride in carriages!' Hmph... Over the years, I've seen countless hypocritical fellows; many put on a decent front when they first start making a name for themselves, but lose their heads the moment they taste success. Yet that kid genuinely maintains the true character of a soldier—it's not a facade. To retain that essence while currently basking in such glory—not losing one's head when successful—is no small feat! With the emperor's favor, provided his own capability isn't lacking and he holds onto that mindset, achieving greatness will naturally be effortless. Furthermore... I judge his abilities to be considerable! While talking of defeating Hastings might sound like a joke, surviving an encounter with Hastings on the battlefield is no small achievement in itself. Besides, even if the defeat of Hastings was fabricated, slaying the O丁 (Odin) prince and commanding troops to hold a stronghold against the Odin grand army—none of those things could possibly be fake."

Listening quietly, the old Duke seemed to be ruminating over his son's words. Sitting in the saddle amidst the howling wilderness wind, despite his advanced age causing his complexion to gradually grow pale in the bitter chill, he seemed entirely oblivious to it. Finally, after a long while, a sharp glint flashed in the old Duke's eyes, as though he had finally resolved a difficult dilemma in his heart.

"Roddy!" He narrowed his eyes, fixing his gaze upon his son with a piercing brilliance. "Over the past few years, I've repeatedly suppressed your promotions. Although the emperor intended to elevate you and brought it up several times, I intercepted them. I know you haven't said it aloud, but you've harbored resentment in your heart. My reasons I will not spell out for you; you will naturally understand in time."

Roddy was stunned. He hadn't expected his father to bring up this matter on such an occasion and at such a time. Drawing a breath, he lowered his voice and said, "I understand Father's profound intentions. Our family's tree is too tall and attracts the wind; your prestige in the army is too great. If I were to rise too rapidly, it would inevitably invite disaster. It is better to maintain a low profile..."

"Hmph, you say you understand with your mouth, but your heart refuses to accept it." Duke Minas let out a cold laugh, interrupting his son without the slightest politeness. "What you say sounds pretty, and the logic is sound, but in your heart, you still haven't cleared the hurdle. Over the past two years in Yanjing, you've lived dissolutely, indulging in all sorts of improper behavior, carrying the faint air of someone giving up on themselves. You're my son—do you think I wouldn't recognize that you were deliberately putting on that act to show me?" Having said this, the old Duke smiled slightly, warmth flashing in his eyes as he looked at his son.

Faced with his father's smile and that meaningful gaze, Roddy suddenly felt a surge of warmth and his heart began to pound heavily. "Father... Do you mean by this... have you finally changed your mind?"

"Submit a report to the military department tomorrow... I am transferring you to the Mol (Moore) county border," the old Duke said after a brief pause, his tone indifferent. "You will start as a deputy commissioner of military equipment. Since you said that kid is capable, go and serve as his second-in-command. Within three years, if you accumulate military merits, I will naturally transfer you elsewhere to hold independent command."

Joy surged in Roddy's heart!

Born into a military family, how could he not know that while the post of a county's military equipment commissioner was not exceptionally high in rank, the actual authority wielded was immense! Although he was merely going to serve as a deputy under that Xiaya, he was a duke's son, the future Duke of Minas! He had no need to bicker over a minor military equipment post; given his family background, independent command and rising to become a general or commander were merely matters of time.

Moreover, the borderlands were precisely the finest arenas for a real man to establish a career! With the tense relations between the empire and Odin leading to endless wars over the years, spending three years at the border meant there was never any shortage of battles to fight!

When the time came, earning a few major merits would mean he hadn't lived this life in vain as a true man!

Observing his son's flushed, excited expression, Duke Minas sighed inwardly: May my decision not be a mistaken one... Having a military background, once he made up his mind, he discarded hesitation. Shaking his head firmly to banish remaining stray thoughts and ignoring the lingering misgivings in his heart, he gave a shout, flicked his whip, and spurred his horse into a gallop. After riding a short distance, he looked back and called out warmly to Roddy with a smile, "Stupid boy, still not keeping up!"

Overjoyed, Roddy watched his father. In recent years, his father's majesty had grown increasingly stern, rarely displaying tenderness even toward his own children. Yet today, for reasons unknown, he had suddenly turned so benevolent toward him. More importantly, his father's promise was precisely what he desired most. In high spirits, Roddy cracked his whip and urged his horse forward in hot pursuit. Feeling immensely liberated in the wilderness, had his stern father not been right beside him, he would have loved to let out a few wild shouts to vent the sheer joy bubbling in his chest.