Chapter 663: Chapter 197: The Truth of the Game
Three Generals Camp.
The residence of Advisor Ning Zhuo.
In the simple reception hall, only Liu Er, Ning Zhuo, and Zhao Xi were present.
Zhao Xi sat in the main seat, with Ning Zhuo accompanying him.
“At your service, Lord Zhao!” Liu Er stood before Zhao Xi, cupped his hands, and bowed.
He looked sincerely at Zhao Xi, wholeheartedly expressing his gratitude for his assistance.
Zhao Xi glanced at Liu Er, his gaze pausing on the dried blood at the corner of Liu Er’s mouth.
Just now, Shuangjing brought the quartermaster to attack, and Liu Er took the hit himself, getting injured and spitting blood, but he endured without treatment.
Zhao Xi nodded slightly, extended a finger, and pointed at Liu Er, “You’re a sensible one, very good.”
Then, he casually waved his hand, “Sit down.”
In Zhao Xi’s mind, he didn’t care much about Liu Er, this mixed-blood Golden Core demon; his main focus was on Ning Zhuo.
Back in Canglin Immortal City, Ning Zhuo had already had dealings with Zhao Xi.
At that time, Ning Zhuo used Nascent Soul-level treasure from the remains of the Old Monster in Stone, generously bribing Zhao Xi and even aiding the Red Flower Camp.
Therefore, Zhao Xi now wore a smile and chatted with Ning Zhuo with the demeanor of an old friend.
After some small talk, Zhao Xi joked, “To be honest, when I first met Young Master Ning, I never would have guessed you would become the son-in-law of the Upper General Mansion and Mu Lan’s husband.”
He rubbed the armrest of the wooden chair and sighed, “The changes in this world are truly beyond imagination, how mysterious!”
Ning Zhuo smiled, but his heart tightened slightly, knowing that they had reached an important topic.
He didn’t hesitate and immediately said, “Regarding this matter, it was also a coincidence for me, and I had to brace myself to step up.”
“I believe, given the situation at the time, Lord Zhao, you are already well aware.”
Zhao Xi laughed heartily at once, pointing at Ning Zhuo’s nose and jokingly scolded, “When I heard about it, I was also dumbfounded.”
“No one’s goals were achieved, except for you; you reaped the greatest benefit in the end.”
“Your luck is really enviable. Tsk tsk…”
The smile on Ning Zhuo’s face disappeared immediately, and he shook his head bitterly, “Lord, after this happened, I received a stern letter from my family, with heavy censure and reprimand.”
“To be frank, I am one of the most valued heirs in my family, responsible for an arranged marriage with the Royal Family of Southern Bean Country.”
“This incident indeed put my family in a very passive position, and our relations with the Southern Bean Country have encountered significant turbulence.”
“Because of my sudden decision, the losses for my family are much greater than outsiders imagine.”
Ning Zhuo spoke with a heavy expression.
Zhao Xi tilted his head slightly and said in a mysterious tone, “In that case, I would suggest that you and your family move directly from the Southern Bean Country to Liangzhu Country.”
Ning Zhuo shook his head, “Lord, if I may speak bluntly.”
“This is almost impossible!”
“Firstly, my family struggled hard, paid a huge price to finally establish a foothold in Fire Persimmon Immortal City of the Southern Bean Country and developed rapidly. Moving to Liangzhu Country would mean starting over, and the cost is too high.”
“Secondly, Liangzhu Country borders North Wind Country. My family was forced to flee from North Wind Country years ago. Living so close to our old adversary is not good for both my family and Liangzhu Country.”
Ning Zhuo spoke to this point, stood up, and cupped his hands towards Zhao Xi.
He looked solemn, “Therefore, the engagement between General Mu Lan and me must be annulled!”
“The reason it is still maintained now is for two main reasons.”
“Firstly, since the fact is already established and my family has paid the price, I’m considering if I can use this identity to work something out to compensate for some of my family’s losses.”
“Secondly, considering the current military situation, the Red Flower Camp is the best ally of our Three Generals Camp. During this period, I definitely will not annul the engagement with General Mu Lan. This will not be good for all parties!”
“When the time is right, I will annul the marriage with General Mu Lan as agreed.”
Zhao Xi appeared relaxed, but in reality, his eyes were focused, carefully observing Ning Zhuo’s every subtle expression change.
Zhao Xi only saw frankness and sincerity.
He and Liu Er both secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The Upper General Mansion was one of the most prestigious in Liangzhu Country, holding a high position. Ning Zhuo, having the identity of a son-in-law, would immediately be stepping into the court of Liangzhu Country, and in a high position still!
Naturally, the court officials of Liangzhu Country did not wish to see such a foreigner occupy such a position.
Ning Zhuo had been fully aware of this from the beginning.
So, from the start, he made his attitude and decisions clear to all parties.
One of Zhao Xi’s secret tasks on this front-line trip was to assess Ning Zhuo to determine his views on the Upper General Mansion and his intentions.
Ning Zhuo’s response delighted Liu Er and satisfied Zhao Xi.
With this, Zhao Xi felt motivated to continue the conversation.
Zhao Xi squinted with a smile, “Young Master Ning Zhuo, take a seat, let’s continue the conversation. Your initiative to offer me the mechanical artifacts this time shows high consciousness and benefits the army. Whatever you want, as long as I can decide, I will arrange it for you immediately.”
Ning Zhuo also smiled, sat back down, and said, “I have mainly two requests.”
“Firstly, I would like the National Power Bricks. After using this treasure, the impression was so profound that I couldn’t get enough of it.”
Zhao Xi laughed heartily, “Sure!”
Ning Zhuo then continued, “Secondly, I wonder if there are any items that can accelerate cultivation.”