However, Zhao Rui managed to hold real power in the Ministry of War despite not being of direct lineage.
To say he was favored by the Emperor would not be an exaggeration.
The name ’Zhao Rui’ was mentioned between them for the first time.
Lu Ziyuan was momentarily stunned, then quickly recalled Zhao Rui’s identity.
Speaking of which, Princess Duan Yang was his biological aunt.
And Pei Yuxuan should be his cousin, a dignified Commandery Princess with royal blood.
For a couple to divorce, it would also be a disgrace to the Imperial Family.
Yet clearly, Lu Ziyuan had no intention of meddling in such affairs.
At the moment, thinking that she was still concerned about that old man’s sister, his gaze darkened even more.
"Not bad," he said indifferently. "Zhao Rui has some abilities, and he is sociable, never making mistakes in his duties. I do plan to use him more."
Xie Wanqing was speechless, choked up.
She turned her head slightly and looked at the person beside her, hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Are you... planning to retaliate on purpose?"
......
The hall was silent for a moment, then came Lu Ziyuan’s amused voice.
He pulled her into his arms, gritted his teeth and smiled, "Say that again."
"..."
Xie Wanqing was silent for a moment, also somewhat displeased, "You have plenty of military generals at your disposal. Even if you want to promote someone, it shouldn’t be him. Such a treacherous man, who flatters the high and tramples the low, fearful of being implicated, willing to abandon even the bonds of marriage, yet you want to heavily employ him!"
"How is this treachery? To me, the Zhao family is just being astute and sensible," Lu Ziyuan said, holding the back of her neck and lowering his gaze to meet her eyes, "They’re pledging allegiance to me. Shouldn’t I employ them?"
He chuckled, "Why? Do you feel sorry for Princess Pingning?"
In fact, he wanted to ask, are you that concerned about the Pei family?
Even when the old man’s sister’s marriage is troubled, you come to show him attitude.
He loved her, so when she was upset, he didn’t mind being her outlet.
But that didn’t mean he could tolerate her taking out her frustrations on him because of that old man’s related matters.
"Wanwan..." Lu Ziyuan lowered his head to kiss her eyes, gently instructing, "Husband and wife are one, you should consider things from my perspective."
In his view, the Zhao family did nothing wrong.
His aversion and caution towards the Pei family were sincere; even without wielding the knife, he definitely couldn’t treat them with more leniency.
How was the Zhao family wrong in aligning themselves with the Emperor’s intentions?
Cutting ties with the Pei family to show loyalty, there was absolutely nothing wrong with that.
She thought the Zhao family treacherous, standing from the Pei family’s perspective.
Perhaps even considering herself as the Heir’s wife of Duke Pei Mansion.
This notion sent a twitch through Lu Ziyuan’s brow, dissipating any semblance of maintained calm, his gaze darkening.
Xie Wanqing did not sense his feelings at all, only heard his remark ’astute and sensible,’ which immediately stirred a sense of annoyance from nowhere.
"Astute and sensible!"
"Abandoning the bonds of marriage you deem astute and sensible. It seems you really admire Zhao Rui’s character, don’t you?"
She suddenly stood up, escaping his embrace, and mocked, "How did I not realize, you’re such a person."
"Xie Wanqing!" Lu Ziyuan’s face turned livid as he forced down his anger, "Don’t give me attitude because of the Pei family, just this once..."
"Who was talking about the Pei family? Let’s discuss the matter on its own merits," Xie Wanqing sneered, "You think Zhao Rui divorcing to pledge allegiance is astute and sensible, and you greatly appreciate his ’awareness of the situation,’ don’t you?"