Chapter 635: Matchmaking
This way, they would undoubtedly delegate some authority to the Miao stockade. Although this was temporarily beneficial to enhancing the ties between both sides, there would definitely be more conflicts because of benefits in the future. Qi Haoran shook his head and said, “I have a plan for this matter. I definitely can’t let the Miao stockade take full control. I’ll discuss it with Teacher Liu later.”
Mu Yangling took out the name list and explained Jinhua’s intentions, then asked, “What do you think of a Miao-Han marriage alliance?”
With his lips pursed, Qi Haoran flipped through the name list and asked, “Would my men take a fancy to a Miao girl? And a Miao girl like Jinhua, to boot?”
“Since the Miao people are very accepting of free love, we can just let them interact with each other. Those men can just reject the marriage if they don’t fancy her. There’s only one rule—they can’t pretend to like Jinhua if they feel otherwise, then marry dozens of concubines after taking her as a wife. That won’t be a marriage alliance, but forging enmity.”
Qi Haoran touched his chin and nodded. It was unknown if he was listening, but he did bring the name list with him when he left.
Qi Haoran read through the list and finally chose six trustworthy and active subordinates. When the six of them came out of the main tent, their expressions were a little strange.
When the assistant commanders of the Central Camp saw this, their expressions darkened. One of them said, “His Highness has been making a lot of moves recently. Could it be that he knows what we’ve done in private? Otherwise, why would he find these assistant commanders from the East Camp and West Camp?”
“Didn’t two from our Central Camp go too?”
“How can that compare? Those two brats are still wet behind the ears. One of them is only a lieutenant. In comparison, Liu Dahei from the West Camp is here.”
Assistant Commander Su’s expression darkened slightly. Then, he put on a smile and went forward to pull the bitter-faced Lieutenant Zhong over. He hugged his neck like brothers and asked, “Little Zhong, why is His Highness looking for you? Are you about to enjoy a meteoric rise in your career?”
Lieutenant Zhong looked up and saw that they were all assistant commanders of the Central Camp, and, even worse, they were all famous troublemakers. His heart skipped a beat. He was not stupid and instantly understood. He secretly held his breath, causing his face to turn red as he whispered, “Brothers, stop teasing me…”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Do tell, what’s the good news?”
Lieutenant Zhong hesitated for a moment before saying in a low voice, “His Highness said that Her Highness wants to arrange a marriage for us. It shouldn’t be long before the other unmarried brothers in the camp receive such good news, too.”
Shocked, Assistant Commander Su hurriedly asked, “Who’s the girl you’re talking about?”
Looking as though he was put in a difficult position, Lieutenant Zhong shut his mouth tightly and refused to say anything.
The few of them chuckled and patted his shoulder one after another. They asked, “Is this also the case for Liu Dahei and the others?”
Lieutenant Zhong nodded.
Assistant Commander Su immediately lowered his eyes and fell into deep thought. Considering Liu Dahei wasn’t young anymore, and he was one of the Prince’s most trusted people, it was understandable that he wanted to matchmake him. However, they just didn’t know whose daughter it was, or… perhaps it was one of the Princess Consort’s maidservant?
Although it was a little fawning to marry the Princess Consort’s maidservant as the first wife or side wife, it was beneficial since it provided the opportunity to network with the Princess Consort.
Everyone knew that the Prince and the Princess Consort were a loving couple. Though married for many years, the Prince didn’t even have a concubine or handmaid now.
Assistant Commander Su was tempted. When he looked at Lieutenant Zhong again, his gaze was not so dark anymore. A young lad like Lieutenant Zhong probably could not set aside his pride and desired to marry a lady with a good status. Alas, he did not know that marrying a virtuous wife who could aid him in his career was actually the best thing for him.
After everyone left, Lieutenant Zhong slipped over to meet Qi Haoran when no one was paying attention.
Qi Haoran raised his eyebrows. He didn’t expect Lieutenant Zhong to be the first to see him. He’d thought it would be Liu Dahei.
It seemed that there were times when he misjudged people.
Under Qi Haoran’s half-smile, Lieutenant Zhong blushed slightly and told him what had happened just now. The corners of Qi Haoran’s lips were originally curled up, but upon hearing this, a dark glint flashed across his eyes. After a while, he looked up and said with a smile, “It’s fine, but if they ask who it is, don’t tell them, lest the Miss Ji’an feel embarrassed should the matchmaking fails.”
Lieutenant Zhong nodded repeatedly. “I know that reputation is very important to a girl, so I didn’t divulge a word.”
Satisfied, Qi Haoran asked curiously, “Then are you willing?”
Judging from Lieutenant Zhong’s silence, Qi Haoran understood that he didn’t like Miao girls. He loved Mu Yangling, so he knew that such things could not be forced. Hence, he waved his hand and said with a smile, “It’s fine. You can leave.”
Lieutenant Zhong retreated. As soon as he lifted the curtain, he met Liu Dahei face-to-face. Liu Dahei cursed in his heart, “The new generation surpasses the old.” However, Lieutenant Zhong did not think too much about it and directly cupped his hands before retreating.
When Qi Haoran saw Liu Dahei, he felt that this was more like it. He propped his head up and looked at him.
Liu Dahei rubbed his nose awkwardly. Then, he sat beside Qi Haoran confidently and said with a smile, “Your Highness, we’re brothers, right?”
Qi Haoran nodded reluctantly on account of the fact that they had fought side by side before.
“Then are you going to help your bro out?”
At the thought of Liu Dahei’s character, Qi Haoran nodded reluctantly.
Liu Dahei instantly spat out his grievances. “Brother, you also know that I’m alone and don’t have any relatives to help me settle my marriage. I’m already over 30 years old, but I still don’t have a wife. I didn’t feel particularly strongly about it previously, but now that you mentioned this matter today, I realize that I’m living worse than a dog. Although Miao girls aren’t as gentle and demure as Han Chinese girls, I actually have a thing for shrewish girls. Can you do me a favor and let me meet Miss Ji’an first?”
Qi Haoran looked troubled for a moment before saying, “I haven’t mentioned this to Chief Ji’an yet.”
“…” Liu Dahei slowly sat up straight and looked at Qi Haoran accusingly.
Qi Haoran laughed before retracting his smile. “I really want to bring about a marriage alliance with the Miao stockade. Ji’an dotes on this youngest daughter very much. If we can have him deal with the various Miao stockades, we can at least live in peace with the Miao stockades in the next ten years and focus all our energy on the borders.” Qi Haoran said meaningfully, “I can’t stay in Qiannan for long. I’ll be transferred back to the capital in anywhere between two to six years. At that time, I’ll definitely have to leave a great general behind to guard the southwest and northwest borders of Qiannan.”
Liu Da’s heart skipped a beat. Knowing that what he had been pining for came true, his mouth went dry.
He looked at Qi Haoran with bright eyes. Smiling, Qi Haoran said, “You’re my favorite, Big Brother Liu. The people under me now are all bandits and rebels, and there are many who are disobedient. Considering you and I brothers have collaborated for a longer time, our relationship is on another level. However, whether you can take on this responsibility depends on your ability.”
Liu Dahei lowered his eyes and pondered. Qi Haoran reminded him, “Chief Ji’an’s youngest daughter is a sentimental person. What we want is a marriage alliance, not to become enemies.”
Therefore, Liu Dahei could seduce the other party by means, but he definitely couldn’t use force or despicable schemes.
Liu Dahei coughed lightly and took his leave.
The moment he came out, he turned around to look for Fei Bai. He stuffed all his valuables into Fei Bai’s hands and said in a hushed voice, “Brother Fei Bai, you have to help me.”
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