Chapter 454 - 206: Triggering the Dumbdown Buff
Seeing the child pitiful and so young, Yun Zheng felt compassion and decided to keep him by his side.
From then on, Lu Wu followed Yun Zheng.
Having suffered the hardships of fleeing and witnessed the bloody and ugly side of the world, he no longer wanted to be at the mercy of others, so he made up his mind to learn some real skills.
The military camp was a magical place, filled with hidden talents possessing secret skills. He went around seeking masters, humbly asking for guidance.
Heaven favors those who are determined. After years of dedicated learning, he finally acquired a set of skills, and with this, he gradually stood out, becoming one of the most capable generals and strategists under Yun Zheng.
His status rose from an ordinary soldier to the Assistant General leading three thousand troops.
Such career achievements are indeed quite impressive.
Though his status is not comparable to the sons of noble Wang Family, Lu Wu is handsome and exceptionally talented.
If it were a main wife, it would be understandable, but it’s just a mere concubine’s position. Is it really worth making that girl give up on Lu Wu?
This puzzled both Yun Zheng and Lady Yun.
The two of them fell silent for a moment and simultaneously turned to look at Lu Wu.
Noticing their gaze, Lu Wu didn’t think much of it, assuming they were worried about him holding the little toddler, afraid he might drop her, so he focused intently.
"Master, Madam, I solemnly assure you once again, I will not drop the little miss."
The couple: "..."
Yun Zheng sighed silently in his heart, turned his head to frown at the view outside the window.
After the hundred-day banquet, Yun Wanchen had told him about Lu Wu’s matter.
He didn’t know the reason the girl betrayed Lu Wu, only assuming she must have some compelling reason.
He thought, she’s just a woman from a brothel; as long as the Yun Family is safe, that woman can’t cause much trouble, and Lu Wu likes her, so let it be.
Everyone knew how well Lu Wu treated that woman, and he didn’t want to damage their long-standing relationship over a woman, so he paid no attention.
Little did he think the reason she betrayed Lu Wu was because a son of the Wang Family promised her a position as a concubine.
Ha, it’s truly laughable!
In that case, that woman can never stay by Lu Wu’s side, nor can she be allowed to influence their relationship.
"If you love children so much, why not marry and have one of your own? You’re two years older than Yun Zhan."
Having come to a decision, Yun Zheng relaxed his brows and turned towards Lu Wu, his eyes glimmering with a dark brilliance.
Hearing this, Lu Wu was quite embarrassed.
He would love to, but Yicui Building holds onto Cui Ning’s contract and won’t release it no matter how much silver he offers; he has no other way.
Had it been any other place, he could have used his authority or worked secretly. But Yicui Building, backed by Duke Rong and Prince An, is the last place for such tricks.
And neither Duke Rong nor Prince An can he afford to offend, lest he causes trouble for his master.
"Uh, I only love Master’s children."
To cover his embarrassment, Lu Wu casually made an excuse, causing Yun Wanqing to roll her eyes inwardly.
[Liar, clearly you can’t get that girl’s contract and are hopelessly in love, waiting for her.]
[Actually, that girl’s contract isn’t that hard to get, just a few thousand silver, which you’ve already spent more than for her over the years.]
[The main reason is your low status, while that girl, despite being in a brothel, holds herself in high regard and dreams of marrying into a wealthy family.]
[She looks down on your refugee background, so she schemed with the madam to put on an act.]
[She plays the pitiful girl forced by evil, while the madam plays the villain holding her contract, stringing you along as you keep pouring silver in.]
[No matter how capable or smart you are, love blinds you. In your eyes, she’s beautiful, pure, and pitiable, and you trust her wholeheartedly, never suspecting her.]
[Thus, you fell for it, being duped out of your money and sincerity, even delaying marriage again and again.]
[Indeed, no matter how clever, love dumbs one down, leading them to be toyed with unknowingly, foolish beyond help...]
Having quietly heard Yun Wanqing’s thoughts, Yun Zheng continued the conversation.
"Is that so? Speaking of marriage, may I ask if there’s any lady you fancy?"
"If so, don’t worry about anything, just tell me. I’ll personally mediate for you; in this capital, be it officials or rich merchants, they will give me some face."
Lu Wu: "..."
Hearing Yun Zheng’s words, Lu Wu felt a bit troubled.
His master clearly knew about him and Cui Ning and had always turned a blind eye, so why interfere suddenly today?
He asked if there was a lady he fancied and specifically mentioned officials and wealthy merchants, indirectly excluding Cui Ning.
After all, Cui Ning’s status doesn’t fall under those categories.
Why is the master opposed to him and Cui Ning all of a sudden?
"Uh, I am of low birth, how could I match a lady from a noble family? I dare not aspire too high."
"Why not? You underestimate yourself."
Yun Zheng did not like his response, and said in a deep voice, "You have countless military merits. If not for the fact that Da Wu Country has many good generals and aristocratic families occupy the good positions, you would have long since been able to lead troops as a general."
"Now, it’s just a matter of opportunity; believe me, that day won’t take long to come."
"In this capital, you are worthy of any lady, including daughters of princes."
Meeting Yun Zheng was both fortunate and unfortunate for Lu Wu.
Fortunately, after being rescued, he was brought to a place where talents are forged, gaining skills and achieving today’s success.
Unfortunately, Yun Zheng’s brilliance overshadowed all his merits like the midday sun.
Only after leaving Yun Zheng could his own light truly shine.
Yun Zheng had already planned to step down after a while and recommend them all to the Emperor.
The Emperor desires to accomplish great things and needs talented people; their abilities should be fully utilized and recognized.
"Thank you for your kindness, Master, but I currently have no plans to marry..."
Lu Wu awkwardly declined, not dwelling much on Yun Zheng’s praise of his abilities, knowing well that Yun Zheng appreciated him.
Good horses are common, but good confidants are rare.
If not for Yun Zheng’s appreciation, relying on his own abilities alone might not have gotten him this far.
The military is a complex place, interspersed with aristocratic influences, and better positions are all occupied, leaving soldiers without backgrounds suppressed, without prospects.
"Sigh, alright then!"
Seeing his persistence, Yun Zheng sighed and said no more.
Yun Wanqing watched Yun Zheng’s troubled look, filled with curiosity.
[Huh, since when did dad become so eager to be a matchmaker?]
[Even looks so disappointed after being turned down?]
[Could it be that matchmaking has some joy I’m not aware of?]
The Yun Family couple: "..."
The little toddler starts imagining again...
[Oh, right, I remember now, dad always disliked brothels and appreciates Lu Wu, probably doesn’t want him to truly marry a woman from such a place, and thus wants to matchmake him, right?]