424 Suggesting Something Promiscuous (2/2)
”It is definitely a better approach than before,” Yu Zhen said and nodded. ”However, since you are talking about the war budget, Commander Zhang will object.”
”Oh, he is the Representative for the military,” Li Xueyue said. She recalled the large, burly man. He was old, but strong, with a scar running down the left side of his face, blinding his left eye.
”Yes, he will argue that the war budget should remain untouched, for in case a war breaks out in the near future.”
”Do you anticipate another war?” Li Xueyue remarked. ”The strongest Kingdoms of this enormous continent are already allies with us. Jiangsu, Wuyi, and Nanhui.”
”Jiangsu is suspicious, especially after their previous encounter with the late Emperor of Wuyi.”
”Yes, but Jiangsu is not stupid. They know an attack on Hanjian is also an attack on Nanhui. Both Hanjian and Nanhui are Warrior Kingdoms with efficient fighters and a large military.”
Li Xueyue pressed her lips together. ”Additionally, Wuyi will not join Jiangsu's side, so even if Jiangsu wants to be mischievous, they will have no one to support them.”
Yu Zhen fondly smiled in her direction. She knew so much… People truly underestimated her, didn't they? Li Xueyue was full of surprises.
”Indeed.”
”Which means there should be no anticipation of war, at least for the current generation,” Li Xueyue deadpanned.
”I'm afraid you're right.”
Li Xueyue's lips twitched. It was with great difficulty that she suppressed a triumphant smile. And now that this problem was out of the way…
”We should discuss Duke Han now,” she said.
Yu Zhen frowned. ”Or, we should take a break, and do something much more fun.”
Li Xueyue threw him a pointed look. He raised his hands in defense, smiling in amusement.
”I was merely joking, Crown Princess.”
Li Xueyue snorted. As if anyone would believe him. Especially with his ploys of keeping her out of the frontlines, worrying that it would burden her.
”I know you're worried about me,” she said.
”I always will.”
”But keeping me as an idle woman by your side will drive me insane. Tasks like this do not burden me at all,” she said.
”Yes, but you are the type to not voice your complaints. I can never be reassured you are truly fine.”
Li Xueyue was touched by his sincerity. ”The same can be said about you.”
She interlocked her fingers and folded her hands in front of her lap. ”How about this?” she suddenly suggested.
”We should, quite frankly, share our thoughts and feelings more often. For example, if we're truly burdened by something, we will work hard on voicing it. That way, it is easier for us to be more aware of what's going on with the other.”
”Ah, yes, communication—something we've always emphasized, but forget,” Yu Zhen remarked. ”If we swear on this, will you uphold it?”
”Will you?” she shot back.
Yu Zhen let out a dark laugh. ”Then, let us swear on this. There is no going back.”
Li Xueyue chuckled in amusement. ”You make it seem like I am swearing my life away.”
”And to seal the deal…” Yu Zhen tapped his lips, a devious glimmer in his eyes, dark like ash.
Li Xueyue laughed again. Even at a time like this, he enjoyed cracking jokes. What a man she had married. Somehow, this little quirk of his made her love him even more, if that was even possible at all.