705 Nation. Family. (2/2)

”No worries. There's no hurry.”

Yun Yang comforted them. ”The descendants of the Shangguan Family possess the innate character of Shangguan. The reason I've placed them here is so that they can learn as much as they can. Secondly, it's to pave their way for the future. Thirdly, it's to… stretch their endurance a little further. Actually, there are still more reasons. All in all, there is only benefit, without any detriment to them.”

”It's not necessary to be overly concerned about their innate temperament. After all, they'll be in the Board of War or on the battlefield after this,” Yun Yang said, ”Besides, the future Shangguan Family of Generals won't have that many worries!”

”No more worries…” Shangguan Lingxiu muttered and could not help the overlapping joy and sadness that surged within her.

No more worries… For how many years had the Shangguan Family of Generals been struggling with these words, like a nightmare that engulfed them. Now, it had actually been dissolved by Yun Yang. Thoroughly, there were no more worries, forever.

Recalling that Yun Yang spoke about paving their way, with the foundation these children had in the Residence of Yun now, perhaps the Shangguan Family of Generals could truly prosper with the advantage of noble titles.

Of course, the preceding condition was that they were not planning to rebel!

Without anticipating too much of the future, this really should not be an issue, by just looking at the current childhood friendship between these Shangguan children and Bao'er.

Therefore, the burdensome responsibilities that had always weighed down Shangguan Lingxiu could be lifted off of her shoulders now. The sudden presence of ease almost made her cry happy tears.

”There could be, at most, four who can really go into the battlefield among these six nephews of yours.” Yun Yang delivered his voice straight to Shangguan Lingxiu. ”The other two can play the role of pigs that devour the tiger. It's best for them to stay on the Board of War. You know this well enough.”

You know this well enough! How could Shangguan Lingxiu not know?

She sobbed as she replied Yun Yang. ”I know it, I really do. I'm already more than content now! Still, do you know… how I wish the numbers you mentioned could be reversed…”

Yun Yang was speechless.

Three of the Shangguan children went up to her furiously. ”Aunty, you're crying… Who made you cry? We'll beat them up!”

There was one more child who was hesitant, pausing where he stood, pretending to be studying. There were two more who exchanged glances with each other before lowering their heads and refocused their attention on the books.

Yun Yang and Shangguan Lingxiu observed the different reactions of these six children to the sudden episode, all of them wearing contrasting expressions. Yun Yang looked deep in thought while Shangguan Lingxiu appeared to be comforted.

There was only Bao'er who rubbed his palms and fists together while saying, ”Who dares bully my uncle?”

Shangguan Lingxiu rolled her eyes.

'Bully your uncle? Everyone on the continent… Is that enough?'

…

In the palace, when the emperor was done tackling national affairs, he had specifically kept Qiu Jianhan behind.

Since the war at the Fortress of Resilience, Qiu Jianhan had been in a coma. Every time His Majesty wanted to talk to someone to dispel his woes or just for a personal chat, he was always taken aback to realize that he had no one, and was lonesome for a good while.

Now that Qiu Jianhan had finally awakened and was fully recovered, the emperor was back to his old self, utterly delighted. He had summoned for the old marshal even more frequently, almost asking Old Marshal Qiu for a chat after the assembly daily.

Qiu Jianhan was bemoaning his fate. Who could take the daily overtime?

Everyone else was dismissed from work punctually, but he had to work a few additional hours… the Emperor's kindness did not seem to be too much of a great thing after all!

'Always looking for me for company, but why didn't I see you increasing my stipend? Asking for the pleasure of my company for nothing…'

Qiu Jianhan muttered inwardly but he looked wonderfully serious on the exterior. ”Your Majesty, is there anything that you need?”

”I shall adhere to formal procedures strictly, without any personal feelings. Can the second prince's life be saved?” His Majesty was levelheaded and got straight to the point.