TPITWOHEF

Chapter 145

"General Duoti, what are your suggestions for the sparring sessions between our soldiers on both sides?"

That day, Xiao Yunzhou summoned Duoti to the imperial study.

He introduced Hou Yuchuan, the commanding officer of West Mountain, to Duoti. "Duoti, feel free to speak your mind."

Xiao Yunzhou was also worried that Duoti's heart was still in Chu even though he was physically in Jing, and might harm his precious Little Princess.

So he had Wei Zheng bring the Wet Nurse, holding the Little Princess behind the screen in the imperial study.

"As the King of Jing commands." Duoti was sturdy in build, his voice booming like a temple bell as he placed his right hand on his chest.

With his thick brows and large eyes, he appeared exceptionally upright and honest, not like someone with ulterior motives.

From start to finish, his posture was impeccable, showing complete obedience.

Hou Yuchuan, standing by the side, flashed a look of appreciation. "Brave warrior of the grasslands, a hundred tales cannot match seeing you in person. After our sparring, let us share a drink."

Duoti hesitated before nodding. "Thank you for the hospitality."

He seemed ill-at-ease with social interactions.

Xiao Yunzhou was speechless.

If he didn't know in advance that Duoti had been bribed by the King of Chu and was full of schemes, Xiao Yunzhou would have almost believed Duoti's 'honest and straightforward' persona.

[Wow, this Duoti is a ruthless man.]

[His pretense means nothing. In the past, when he was bullied and beaten by his brothers, he didn't utter a word and endured the hardship.]

Through the gap in the screen, Xiao Chuchu saw the armor Duoti was wearing in the study.

Hearing Duoti's 'watertight' response, she immediately thought of the 'live stream' she had seen at the foreign quarters these past few days.

[In the foreign quarters these days, the Ministry of Rites has been serving him lavishly, but he refuses it all.]

Xiao Chuchu clicked her tongue, amazed by this man's perseverance.

[The emperor father has been away at West Mountain for so long, and Duoti has been living like a vagrant in the foreign quarters for just as long.]

"Huh?" Xiao Yunzhou was stunned.

[In the freezing cold, he doesn't use a brazier in his room at the foreign quarters, and even though there are beds with quilts, he doesn't sleep on them. He just lays a straw mat on the ground and sleeps in his clothes.]

[The sumptuous meals, fine wines, and delicacies prepared by the foreign quarters, he doesn't touch a single bite. He returns them untouched, saying he brought his own grassland food.]

[He's almost reduced to gnawing on tree bark.]

"What?!"

Xiao Yunzhou stared wide-eyed at Duoti, who didn't seem particularly haggard.

What is he doing?

Didn't his daughter just say that the King of Chu had bribed Duoti with generous gifts?

He had thought Duoti was greedy, which is why he had instructed the Ministry of Rites to serve him lavishly, sparing no expense.

"Ahem, Duoti, have you been comfortable staying at the foreign quarters these past few days?"