Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C304. Meeting the Parents.

Chapter 304: Meeting the Parents

After a grueling half-day of waiting, Gu Yanxi finally found himself face-to-face with Wu Yong.

"Your Highness," Gu Yanxi greeted, his tone steady, sharp, and wrapped in restrained authority.

"Spare the formalities," Wu Yong replied curtly, his voice as blunt as his demeanor. Gu Yanxi's sharp gaze narrowed as it swept over Wu Yong, clad head to toe in full armor. His voice cut through the air like a blade, "Why the war gear? Are we bracing for battle?"

Without a word, Wu Yong removed his helmet, placing it heavily on the table, and drained an entire pot of tea like a man who hadn't had a moment's peace in days. Only then did he speak, his voice weighted with fatigue, "The grasslands are stirring with unrest. I heard you were in the city last night and planned to meet you at the manor. But before the sun even thought about rising, news of trouble

Gu Yanxi leaned back slightly, his mind already dissecting the implications. "Word has it the grasslands haven't seen rain in over three months. The fields are ruined, and the livestock—cattle, sheep, everything—are dying by the hundreds."

Wu Yong nodded, his tone grim. "Correct. I've already filed a report."

Gu Yanxi's brow creased, his thoughts razor-sharp and unforgiving. "I'll bring it to His Majesty's attention when I return. For now, act as you see fit. Handle it swiftly."

Wu Yong's shoulders seemed to loosen slightly, though his edge remained. "That would be ideal. I won't sugarcoat it—our borders are a hair's breadth from chaos."

Gu Yanxi's lips curved into a wry smile, sharp as a knife. "When have our borders ever been stable? It's the same dance every year—guard the gates and hold the line."

For a moment, Wu Yong was caught off guard, then laughed—a short, bitter sound. He couldn't argue. The Wu family had been bred for this very purpose, after all.

Without another word, Gu Yanxi pulled a folded piece of paper from his chest, extending it toward Wu Yong. "Keep these people under close watch."

Wu Yong opened the document, his eyes scanning the names with the sharp precision.

Weren't these the same notorious folks who once ran wild in Yingshan Pass? "Are they playing at something deeper?"

"It's far too soon to pin them with ulterior motives, but one thing's for sure—they've got their own schemes brewing. Now, if I told you they're working as a group, would you believe it?"

"A group?" Wu Yong's expression turned stormy. These people? Sworn enemies, every last one of them. He'd heard his men endlessly gossip about their constant clashes—skirmishes that left neither side backing down. And now they expect us to buy into this charade? Who the hell do they think they're fooling?

"Keep your eyes on them," came the calm yet cutting order.

"Understood," Wu Yong replied stiffly.

Gu Yanxi lifted his teacup, taking a measured sip, his tone sharp but detached. "The Hua family must not draw undue attention. Keep their movements controlled."

Wu Yong's grin, however, betrayed defiance. "Your Highness, the Hua family's current standing has nothing to do with me. Elder Hua's talents are undeniable. One effortless move, and he's achieved all this. A man like him in my ranks, and you expect me to leave him untapped? That's not going to happen. With him here, everything runs smoother for me—and honestly, I'm aiming for an even easier ride."

"How you use them is up to you," he cautioned, "but when you write your report, don't mention them excessively. You should understand the principle of 'too much of a good thing is a bad thing'."