Chapter 126: Using Emotion as a Strategy, Supporting with PowerAfter Dai Youheng's series of deflections and attacks, his mixture of truth and lies in his deep emotional analysis and ambitious declaration, even Xu Jiujiu, with her superior intellect and habit of controlling situations, felt her mind in disarray for a moment. It was as if she had stepped into a mist woven from sweet words and calculations, losing her bearings.She turned slightly, avoiding Dai Youheng's overly intense gaze. Her fingertips unconsciously brushed the edge of a memorial on the table, trying to steady her mind and force the conversation back on track."Alright, stop talking about this." Her voice regained some of its usual coldness, but upon closer listening, a faint, imperceptible tremor could still be detected. "I believe you had no choice back then, Youheng."She looked up, her gaze becoming calm and scrutinizing once more as the logic of a Star Luo princess gradually returned. "However, you must understand that wanting to marry me cannot be achieved through mere sentiment and talent alone. In the current White Tiger Dukes Mansion, you indeed possess an unprecedented advantage. Compared to those two semi-crippled Legitimate Sons, you are exceptionally talented and are already a teenage Spirit King. Plus, your body is intact; there is no doubt about that."Changing the subject, she pointed out the most critical issue. "But your status as an illegitimate son is an indisputable fact. Within the Dai Family, this might be somewhat compensated for by the principle of respecting the strong, since regardless of being legitimate or illegitimate, you still carry the Dai Family Bloodline. However, on the Zhu Family's side—"Xu Jiujiu's expression grew solemn. "Duchess Zhu Man and the Zhu Family forces behind her will never sit idly by and watch you rise. If you gain power, it is equivalent to completely severing the Zhu Family's legitimate orthodox status. They will certainly try every possible means to stop you, even resorting to extreme measures. You have no maternal family support and lack Foundation and background in the military and the court. This is your greatest disadvantage."Hearing this, instead of being worried, a confident, even slightly roguish smile played on Dai Youheng's lips. He looked at Xu Jiujiu with burning eyes, his tone incredibly firm. "No, Your Highness, you are wrong. I have a background, and the most powerful one at that—and that is you standing by my side."He leaned forward slightly, his voice resolute. "As long as I am with you and have your support, no matter the Zhu Family or any difficulties, I have the confidence to trample them all!"Inside his Sea of Consciousness, the Snow Empress simply couldn't bear to watch. "Here we go again! These sweet words just roll off your tongue. Hmph, kid, your greatest background is clearly what this Empress provides you!"As for the Snow Empress's nagging, Dai Youheng continued to act as if he hadn't heard, letting her vent her dissatisfaction.Xu Jiujiu was choked up by his blunt words, her cheeks heating up. She couldn't help but give a light "psh." "Slick-tongued! You have indeed changed a lot, except when you're in front of me, you still have this improper look!"She took a deep breath, trying to put on her princess's majesty. She stood up and walked back to the princess's throne, which symbolized power and status. Sitting down, her expression became serious and earnest. "Youheng, you are right. I can be considered your background. I will also keep my promise and use my power to fully assist you in seizing the inheritance rights of the White Tiger Duke.""But ultimately, the most important thing is your own effort and performance." Her eyes were sharp as she began to plan his future path. "In terms of Spirit Master strength, you have already proven yourself in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Elite Academy Tournament, which has earned you high prestige. Next, you need to show talent in other areas and accumulate more political capital."Her slender fingers tapped the armrest as she pondered. "I originally considered letting you enter the Western Army Group for training.Military merit has always been the fastest way for noble children to accumulate prestige. But—"She paused and shook her head. "Firstly, you have no Foundation or prestige in the army, and the internal structure of the Western Army Group is complex. Especially among the middle and high-ranking generals, the Zhu Family's influence cannot be underestimated. With your current strength and status, you would surely be restricted everywhere and might even encounter unpredictable dangers.""Secondly." She looked at Dai Youheng, her eyes showing a hint of concern. "Military affairs are complicated and trivial; they would take up a lot of your time and energy. You are currently in the golden period of rapid Cultivation improvement. Strength is the basis of everything. If you can break through to a higher Realm in the short term, or even become a Titled Douluo in the future, then many of the problems bothering you now will no longer be problems."Dai Youheng listened intently and asked at the right moment, "Then, in Your Highness's opinion, how do you plan to arrange things for me?"Xu Jiujiu had obviously given it deep thought and answered calmly, "The military path is not suitable for now. So, we will start with political affairs to first increase your prestige and influence in the court and at the core level of the Empire.""For the next two years." She looked at Dai Youheng, her tone unquestionable yet carrying a unique trust. "Stay by my side. First, go all out to Cultivate spirit power and break through to a higher Realm. In the past, you lacked resources in the Dukes Mansion, far inferior to Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin. But from now on, your Cultivation resources will be supported by me. I guarantee that the resources you obtain will not be inferior to what they once had by even a tiny bit!""Second," she continued. "Aside from Cultivating, stay by my side and assist me with some government and administrative affairs during your leisure time. I will teach you how to weigh interests, how to see through people's hearts, and how to navigate this whirlpool of power with ease. This will not only train your abilities but also allow you to gradually contact and accumulate your own network.""When your strength is greater and your Foundation is more stable, and you no longer fear the Zhu Family's open and hidden attacks, I will find a suitable opportunity for you to enter the military for training and seize that most important military capital. What do you think of this arrangement?"After hearing this, Dai Youheng's face broke into a brilliant smile. "Of course, it's great! Since Your Highness has personally said that I should stay by your side for the next two years, I naturally couldn't ask for more. I will certainly follow Your Highness's orders and will not stray a single step."His focus was quite peculiar, as if he didn't care about the rest at all and only heard the words about staying by Xu Jiujiu's side.Xu Jiujiu's face turned red again because of his off-track answer, and the serious atmosphere she had worked so hard to establish almost collapsed.She couldn't help but scold him, "You guy! I said so much and analyzed so many pros and cons, and it turns out you only heard that one sentence, didn't you? Be serious! If you don't meet my requirements, if your strength stagnates, or if you handle political affairs in a mess, even if I am willing to marry you, our Star Luo Royal Family will never allow it!"Dai Youheng immediately pulled back his playful expression, stood up straight, looked at Xu Jiujiu with firm eyes, and made a solemn promise, "Rest assured, Your Highness! Since you have paved this path for me, I, Dai Youheng, will definitely go all out! I will not let you down!">
