My father, Gao Huan, is an invincible prince!

Chapter 66 Gao Yang: Let me test her out first!

If one were to marry a daughter who was unwilling and constantly crying, it would only cause further discord between husband and wife.

Although Li Zuwan was a concubine's daughter, she was intelligent, insightful, and upright.

More importantly, she understood him.

She understood the sincerity beneath his rage, his resentment at being belittled, and the ambition hidden beneath his ugly exterior.

So, in a way, they are actually on the same path.

After all, as a concubine's daughter, she probably suffered no less cold looks and grievances in the life of a powerful family than he, the "ugly" legitimate son of the Gao family.

Thinking of this, Gao Yang's expression finally softened completely.

"sit."

He then nodded slightly, pointed to the futon opposite him, and gestured for her to sit down, his voice no longer cold and harsh.

Seeing that he had completely let down his guard, Li Zuwan couldn't help but smile again, and then knelt back down as instructed.

Upon seeing this, Gao Yang also walked over and sat down opposite her, and the two of them looked at each other across the guqin.

However, when the moment of clarity arrived, Gao Yang found himself at a loss for words, unsure of what topic to discuss.

After hesitating for a long time, he suddenly said with a stern face, "Since you wish to serve me with your body, I will test you first: What do you think of the current state of affairs in the world?"

Upon hearing this, even someone as quick-witted as Li Zuwan was momentarily taken aback.

Immediately afterwards, a bright smile spread across her face.

They seemed amused by Gao Yang's serious demeanor, or perhaps they had heard something interesting.

Gao Yang was stunned for a moment upon seeing this, never expecting that this woman, who looked so aloof, would have such a side.

Thus, both of them were astonished by the other.

After a long pause, Li Zuwan was the first to suppress her smile and then pondered, "According to etiquette, women should not interfere in state affairs. However, since the Duke of Taiyuan has inquired, I, a humble woman, will humbly offer my opinion."

Gao Yang was startled awake by the sound, and felt a little embarrassed, but still pretended to be indifferent and said, "Speak freely."

Li Zuwan nodded slightly and slowly said, "Today, the world is divided into three, standing in a tripartite balance. To the west, there is Yuwen Heita, who controls the strategic passes and rivers and is preparing his troops; to the south, there is Xiao Pusa, who enjoys the wealth of Jiangnan and is well-versed in rites and music."

"However, compared to our Great Wei, they are still inferior."

"Because our Great Wei is located in the heart of the Central Plains, holding sway over Hebei and Shandong, with a million households, tens of thousands of acres of fertile land, and an army stronger than any other. If we can unite as one, then unifying the four seas will not be difficult."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yang couldn't help but frown slightly.

Because everyone in the world knows about these things, what he actually wants to hear is not these old clichés.

However, he did not interrupt him, but simply gestured for him to continue with his eyes.

Li Zuwan seemed to have seen through his thoughts, and changed the subject, saying, "However, with the strength of our Great Wei, it seems that unifying the world is only a matter of time. But that is not the case."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yang's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly said, "Go on."

Li Zuwan nodded and stopped being coy, frankly saying, "Our Great Wei may appear outwardly glamorous and prosperous, but in reality, the nobles in Yezhong are corrupt and lawless, oppressing the people and causing their hearts to turn away; and the powerful nobles of Jinyang are vying for power, despising Chinese customs, and deepening the rift between them and the Han people in the country."

"As for the aristocratic families in Hebei, they were further demoted to low-ranking positions, feeling unappreciated and harboring resentment towards the court; for now, the court is rife with factional strife, and the counties are rife with corruption."

Therefore, this is truly a predicament of being beset by internal and external troubles.

After Li Zuwan finished speaking, Gao Yang was even more excited.

He never expected that this sheltered young woman could speak so clearly about the state of the world, so he asked again, "In your opinion, how should this predicament be resolved?"

Li Zuwan smiled and said softly, "In my opinion, we should first secure the internal situation before dealing with external threats. The way to secure the internal situation is first to cleanse the court of corrupt officials, rectify the bureaucracy, and win the hearts of the people; the next step is to appease the powerful families in Hebei, so that they may submit to our cause and be used by us."

"As for the location of the Hegemon's Mansion, King Gao has overall control over the situation, and it is not something I dare to presume to comment on."

"However, if our Great Wei can unite its people, both internally and externally, and share the same desires, it can resist the Rouran in the north, fight against the Yuwen in the west, and attack the Xiao Liang in the south, thus unifying the Han and non-Han peoples and establishing a stable rule over the nine provinces."

Gao Yang was increasingly surprised as he listened, and his initial disdain for the woman gradually turned into genuine appreciation.

This is because this woman's insight was even greater than that of many ministers in the imperial court!

Even compared to him, she is not much inferior.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but ask again, "How...how do you know all this?"

Li Zuwan smiled slightly: "Although I live a secluded life, I have always been fond of ancient books, especially historical records. I know a little about the rise and fall of past dynasties and the gains and losses of the present. In addition, there are often famous scholars in my clan who come and go, discussing the world. I occasionally listen in and gain some insights."

Gao Yang nodded, feeling increasingly satisfied.

Recalling Li Zuwan's earlier mention of "the nobles of Ye," he then asked, "How do you view the likes of Sun Teng and Sima Ziru?"

Li Zuwan said, "They are all just withered bones in a tomb."

Gao Yang raised an eyebrow: "What makes you say that?"

Li Zuwan said, "Those people, relying on their merit in following the emperor, have entrenched themselves in Ye City for years, cultivating cliques, engaging in corrupt practices, and being insatiably greedy. Their former vigor has long been completely destroyed. Now that the Crown Prince has entered Ye City, he holds evidence of their crimes. With the tacit approval of the Prince of Gao and the support of powerful families within, they are truly like turtles in a jar, easily captured in a matter of days. What are they but withered bones in a tomb?"

"What a helpless victim! What a skeleton in a grave!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Yang couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh, all the pent-up frustration in his heart vanishing: "For a woman like you to have such insight, I am truly impressed!"

Li Zuwan remained unperturbed by the praise or disgrace, simply bowing her head and saying, "Lord Taiyuan is too kind."

At this moment, looking at her calm and composed demeanor, Gao Yang sincerely felt that this woman was indeed more suitable for him than the arrogant Li Zu'e.

Thinking of this, the last trace of dissatisfaction in my heart vanished.

Immediately, he took a deep breath, looked earnestly at Li Zuwan, and asked, "I ask you again, do you truly not regret marrying me?"

Li Zuwan met his gaze, her expression remaining calm, and replied, "No regrets."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yang no longer hesitated and immediately said in a deep voice, "Since that's the case, I will take you as my principal wife, and I will never betray you, nor can anyone replace you. If I break this vow, may I be struck down by heaven and earth!"

This time, it was Li Zuwan's turn to be stunned.

Unexpectedly, Gao Yang would make such a solemn vow.

"Lord Taiyuan..."

She looked up at the ugly-faced man with burning eyes, opened her mouth as if to say something.

But as the words reached her lips, she found herself with a tightness in her throat and her eyes burning.

In the end, she could only rise and bow deeply to Gao Yang, choking back tears as she said, "This concubine...thanks to my lord."

Gao Yang reached out to help her up. Their eyes met, and they both saw something indescribable in each other's eyes.

It was not just a romantic relationship between a man and a woman, but also the meeting of two lonely souls, two people abandoned by the world who found each other's home in the vast sea of ​​people.

They were all people who had been wronged by fate.

But neither of them was willing to accept their fate.

Outside the pavilion, a gentle breeze blows, and the willow branches sway lightly.

The guqin on the table gleamed with a warm luster in the sunlight, as if it too were witnessing this moment of promise.

After looking at each other for a long time, Gao Yang awkwardly reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

He then gently took her hand and said with a smile, "Why are you crying? Today is an auspicious day. Come with me to see your brother and father to set the wedding date."

His hands were rough yet strong, radiating the passion of youth.

Li Zuwan blushed slightly, but did not break free; she simply nodded gently.