Plans for the Future After Chapter Seven

"What? Betrothing me to the Crown Prince? I refuse!"

A fair-featured young woman stood upright, clutching her sword tightly, her expression fierce as if ready to confront and eliminate the Crown Prince.

"That's right, sister. We can't just let this slide."

Beside her stood a burly man, winking slyly as he spoke.

"Bi Yutang, stop stirring up trouble. You were the one who told me the Crown Prince started living a decadent life as soon as he returned to the capital."

"And now that he’s about to become your brother-in-law, you have no reaction?"

Bi Yutang quickly forced a smile.

"Sis, you can’t say things like that. The current Emperor himself arranged this marriage. Even our father can’t oppose it, let alone me. I can’t exactly go assassinate the Crown Prince in the street, can I?"

"Even if he’s fallen out of favor, a scoundrel, or without backing, he is still a prince. If I were to act rashly, you’d be pleased, but our family would suffer."

Bi Yutang shrugged his hands and looked at his sister, Bi Ruxue.

She snorted coldly, sheathing her sword, and slapped Bi Yutang sharply.

"What are you standing there for? Get moving! Find out everything you can about the Crown Prince! Do you really want such a rotten man as your brother-in-law?"

Bi Yutang had no choice but to hurry out of the room to gather intelligence.

But... where is Father? He went home after the court session. Where could he have gone?

...

Zhou Hao looked somewhat bewildered at the earnest Grand General before him.

Unlike the Third Prince and the Empress, the Grand General genuinely cared for him.

As soon as the court adjourned, the Grand General had him placed in a sedan chair and sent to the medical clinic.

If the wounds weren’t treated promptly, they would fester and cause trouble later.

"Grand General, do you really have to go this far?"

Zhou Hao still wanted to consider his next moves, but beside him was the physician taking his pulse, with prescriptions and acupuncture needles ready.

They only awaited the doctor’s diagnosis before administering the proper treatment.

The Grand General sat calmly on an oversized chair, grabbing a jug of wine and gulping it down.

"How is that unnecessary? You can’t have the future son-in-law coming to marry my daughter covered in wounds."

"What if word gets out that my daughter’s husband is cursed?"

He broke off a piece of roast chicken beside him and stuffed it in his mouth.

"These court officials are always squabbling. If you ask me, they should settle it with a fight at the training grounds. Whoever wins, we follow."

The Grand General’s rambling surprisingly gave Zhou Hao a sense of warmth.

...

But the Grand General’s level of involvement was somewhat unusual.

"Grand General, let me be frank. Although I am the Crown Prince, it’s impossible for me to contend for the throne."

"You are a respected Grand General. Many men would want to marry your daughter. Why choose me?"

If he didn’t clarify this, Zhou Hao’s mind wouldn’t settle.

The Grand General controlled half the military power of the Great Zhou, wielding immense influence. Many sought his favor.

Zhou Hao truly doubted that a Grand General of such stature would favor him.

"You’re a sharp one," the Grand General said, wiping his mouth and handing Zhou Hao a chicken leg. "Alright, I’m just saying—you’re a prince from a barbarian land. To others, that’s a disadvantage, but to me, it’s perfect."

"I’ve reached the pinnacle of my career; my power is at its peak. Any further ambition would unsettle the Emperor."

"So naturally, he must find someone he sees as no threat for my daughter’s husband."

"Besides, your boldness dwarfs that of the other princes. Compared to you, they’re mere fledglings. If I don’t seize this chance to call you ‘father-in-law,’ I might never have another."

Though imposing, the Grand General was meticulous and knew deceiving Zhou Hao was unwise.

It was better to speak sincerely.

After hearing this, Zhou Hao pondered for a moment.

The Grand General didn’t seem to be lying, nor did he have ulterior motives.

Moreover, when an elder brother marries, his younger brothers should bring wedding gifts, right?

He would organize a group, and whoever brought gifts would loudly proclaim the amount, letting nearly the entire capital hear.

Those who gave less would lose face!

The Emperor’s granted fief was hardly a prize.

Better to seize this chance to benefit, mentally preparing to rebuild the territory from scratch.

"Alright, father-in-law, it’s settled then. Shouldn’t we discuss this with your daughter?"

The Grand General didn’t care for such trivialities.

"Parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words—this was decreed by His Majesty himself. My daughter won’t back out. Whether she agrees or not is irrelevant."

"At worst, she might slap me a couple of times in anger. That’s nothing."

Zhou Hao’s worry about married life grew stronger.

"But don’t think I want you to be a lazy prince."

The Grand General shifted his tone, looking at Zhou Hao.

He admired Zhou Hao’s spirit. If he misjudged him, the marriage could be ruined.

Zhou Hao didn’t meet the Grand General’s gaze but surveyed the doctors around.

This place had too many ears for private talks.

"No worries. They’d never betray a secret," the Grand General assured.

As if he’d sent Zhou Hao to any random clinic!

Every doctor here was personally selected by him, trustworthy in skill and discretion.

"Do you know where my fief will be?"

Before making plans, Zhou Hao needed to know the facts.

"No idea. But it will be some cold, remote borderland. If it were fertile land, you wouldn’t get it."

The Emperor was still negotiating, how could a general know?

This boy was still testing the Grand General’s influence—calculating and shrewd.

"First, recruit craftsmen and soldiers to build a solid foundation. I’ll need your help drafting a list of disabled soldiers."

"Disabled soldiers? They can’t fight anymore."

The Grand General frowned, not understanding Zhou Hao’s intent.

"They may not fight, but they can train recruits. Don’t forget, they are veterans, albeit ragged ones."

To build an army, the old must train the new, forging a disciplined force.

But the regular veterans couldn’t be won over or recruited.

If he dared act, the Third Prince would inform the Emperor.

This matter was complicated.

Not aiming for rebellion? Then why involve old soldiers? Just to honor them with food and drink?

Who would believe that?

Disabled soldiers were his best choice.

They struggled in life. With some support, they’d become loyal.

No matter the army’s size or structure, they wouldn’t speak out.

Hearing this, the Grand General’s gaze shifted repeatedly.

It seemed Zhou Hao already had a plan.

He wasn’t after the crown prince title—but targeting the Emperor’s throne itself.