Chapter 636 - Chapter 636: Guest

Chapter 636: Guest

Editor: Atlas Studios

Fei Bai accepted everything and said with a smile, “Sure, sure.”

Liu Dahei knew that there was a chance. Since the Prince had already told him so much, how could he not give him some other information?

Fei Bai said in a low voice, “Miss Ji’an has a straightforward personality. She likes, um, tall and majestic men.” Fei Bai glanced at him suggestively and said, “Assistant Commander Liu, some girls are easy to coax. Perhaps just a small trinket can help you win her heart.” Fei Bai deliberately emphasized, “It doesn’t need to be too expensive.”

Liu Dahei became distressed.

Being of a tall and majestic build, he felt that there was nothing wrong with him. After all, he had relied on his burly figure and strength to turn from a farmer into a bandit leader. However, he said, “Brother Fei Bai, you also know that because I’ve been exposed to the elements all year round, my face is as tanned as my name. Unfortunately for me, young girls tend to like handsome youngsters. Take for instance, Lieutenant Zhong from the Central Camp…”

Although Lieutenant Zhong was not a fair-skinned pretty boy, he had two strong points that Liu Dahei could not catch up to no matter what. Firstly, Lieutenant Zhong was young enough. At 21 years old this year, he was much younger than Liu Dahei, who was already in his thirties.

Secondly, although Lieutenant Zhong was not a fair-skinned pretty boy, his face was handsome enough in comparison with the tanned and rough men in the army. Liu Dahei felt that if he were to compete with Lieutenant Zhong in winning the affection of a girl, unless there was something wrong with the girl’s eyes, he wouldn’t stand a chance. Hence, Liu Dahei hoped to use the back door to interact with Miss Ji’an in advance and leave a good impression on her.

Fei Bai said awkwardly, “Assistant Commander Liu, Miss Ji’an is very doted upon and doesn’t leave the Miao stockade easily. How would you get the chance to meet her? If you ask me, I think you should listen to His Highness. When Miss Ji’an comes that day, try your best to present your best self.” Fei Bai went against his conscience. “At least you know her preferences before the other guys do.”

Liu Dahei looked at him resentfully. If the ‘hardware’ was so inferior, no matter how good the ‘software’ was, it was useless. Anyone with a little rationality would know how to choose.

Fei Bai looked away sheepishly.

Liu Dahei could only look for Lin Man to come up with an idea. Since this kid had a lot of concubines and was very popular in brothels, he must be adept at coaxing women. Since the ‘hardware’ could not make it, he could only hope to perfect the ‘software’. Perhaps Miss Ji’an’s brain would go haywire and choose him?

Lin Man widened his eyes and said, “Are you really planning to marry a Miao girl?”

“Speak softly. I only told you about this. His Highness doesn’t want us to divulge it to other people.”

Lin Man pursed his lips. “I won’t tell anyone, but the Miao women are too valiant. I heard that even their chief doesn’t have a concubine. Are you really planning to not take a concubine for the rest of your life?” Trembling, Lin Man said, “Fortunately, His Highness didn’t look for me.”

With a snort, Liu Dahei said, “I think His Highness didn’t look for you because he knows what a playboy you are. He’s looking for someone to get married, not become enemies.”

Liu Dahei kicked him with the tip of his foot and said, “Hurry up and tell me. Is there any way to please a woman?”

“Simple.” Lin Man extended a finger and said, “One word: money. As long as you have money, just spend it with all your might. No matter how valiant a girl is, you can still pry open her heart.”

Liu Dahei didn’t believe him. “Do you think she’s like one of your prostitutes? Her father is the chief of the Miao stockade. She doesn’t lack money.”

Lin Man pursed his lips. “She doesn’t lack money because she hasn’t used it before. I’m not asking you to give her money directly. How unromantic would that be? I’m asking you to spend money on jewelry and clothes. No woman doesn’t love these things. If you don’t believe me, if you give her a set of ruby jewelry the moment you meet her, she will definitely rush into your arms.”

Liu Dahei’s expression darkened, then he turned around and left. He felt that coming to look for Lin Man was the wrong decision. He didn’t know how others would feel about being gifted ruby jewelry the moment they met. But if someone gave him expensive items on their first meeting, he would definitely suspect that person of having ill intentions.

Fei Bai lowered his head and replied, “Only Assistant Commander Liu came to ask me for information…”

Qi Haoran waved his hand to dismiss him. He turned to Fan Zijin and said, “That’s why I like to use Liu Dahei. Although he’s not educated, he’s very smart. None of the soldiers in the three armies can compare to him.”

“Is he trustworthy, though?”

Qi Haoran nodded. “He has no parents and doesn’t even have a family. If he wants to climb up, he can only rely on the grace of His Majesty. It’s most reassuring to use such a person. Other than being on close terms with Lin Man, his relationship with the other assistant commanders is average. As long as Big Brother shows him some kindness, he won’t form a clique for personal gain.”

A person like Liu Dahei was ambitious, capable, and smart enough. In addition, he did not have any family friends or connections in the Imperial Court, so Qi Haoran felt most assured to use such a person.

Most importantly, this person was ruthless but loyal. Back then, he and Lin Man had only met by chance when they happened to besiege Qi Haoran together. However, they had been able to help each other subsequently.

Seeing that Qi Haoran had such a high evaluation of him, Fan Zijin also put in a little more effort and asked, “Then you’re hoping it’d be him? What if Ji’an’s youngest daughter doesn’t like him?”

Qi Haoran replied with a smile, “Since when did the generals of Great Qi have to act according to the intentions of a Miao stockade? It’s naturally good if it can succeed, but if it can’t, as long as Liu Dahei maintains his original heart, I’ll still favor him.”

Ultimately, the marriage with the Miao stockade was just icing on the cake. The army would still operate as it should, regardless of how it turned out.

“I’ve already sent someone to invite Chief Ji’an. He has also agreed to come to the military camp as a guest tomorrow. You can stay tomorrow too. We’re going to talk about planting herbs.”

Fan Zijin was surprised. “Magistrate Liu will be here too?”

Planting herbs was a local government matter, so Liu Qing naturally had to be in charge.

Qi Haoran said with a smile, “Of course. Otherwise, what reason would I have to invite Ji’an over?”

This time, Qi Haoran invited the Ji’an family, including the women. If they were Han Chinese, they would definitely decline because how could a woman be a guest at the military camp?

The Miao people, however, were not that particular. In addition, their youngest daughter, Jinhua, kept making a fuss about going out to play, so Chief Ji’an reluctantly agreed. However, he asked his wife, Alu, and eldest daughter, Hanlan, to keep a close eye on his youngest daughter and not let her get into trouble.

Mu Yangling also went out early to fetch Madam Liu to the military camp. This time, Little Madam Xia didn’t go because she wasn’t feeling well. Moreover, she didn’t really want to go to a place like the military camp.

As the hosts, they received the Miao chief at the entrance of the military camp and they walked into the military camp, with the men leading the way and the women following behind.

Chief Ji’an was very interested in Qi Haoran’s training. When he passed by the drill ground, he couldn’t help but stop in his tracks. So, Qi Haoran took the opportunity to invite him. “Chief Ji’an, do you want to go over and take a look?”

“Sure, sure.” With a smile, Chief Ji’an walked towards the drill ground.

While Jinhua was looking around excitedly, Mu Yangling asked everyone, “They’re going to the drill ground to watch the soldiers train. Should we go to the tent or follow them?”

Just as Hanlan was about to answer that they go to the tent, Jinhua quickly said, “Let’s go and take a look.” Jinhua looked up and said, “Everyone says that His Highness’s troops are invincible and defeated the West Xia soldiers. I really want to see how powerful they are.”

Mu Yangling nodded with a smile. “Then let’s go take a look together.”

Seeing her sister’s excited expression and seeing Madam Liu’s smiling expression, Hanlan thought that this was normal among the Han people. Putting her guard down, she followed them to the drill ground.

Just as they stopped training on the drill ground, Liu Dahei noticed them coming over. He instantly clamped his legs together and puffed out his chest. After some thought, he said to Assistant Commander Su, who had walked off the stage, “Assistant Commander Su, I don’t think your guys performed well just now. Since I brought a platoon over this time, do you want to compete?”

Assistant Commander Su was displeased. Just as he was about to mock him, he looked up and saw Qi Haoran walking over. He snorted coldly in his heart. Thinking that Liu Dahei wanted to show off in front of the Prince, he said, “Of course there’s no problem. It’s just that this is the Central Camp. I’m afraid that Assistant Commander Liu will say that I have the advantages since I’m the host.”