The Invincible General quickened his pace, leaving the Left Minister behind. Even though he had threatened the minister to stop his thoughts, the General's sharp face still bore lines of worry. He had no confidence that the minister would heed his warning and not seek the emperor’s favor for an edict. His beloved daughter, Hua’er, would inevitably be forced into an engagement with the young Chi brat. Chi Lingfei, that old Minister, surely wouldn't back down after a mere threat.

    ‘Perhaps I should ensure that young Yuejin becomes disabled. No, that might make Yu Lang pity him, and then issue an edict for Hua’er to marry into the Chi family. My daughter must not end up married to a cripple.’

    The General, who was truly protective of his daughter, pondered before a pleased smile spread across his face as he found a solution.

    ‘Right, why complicate things? If causing injury would pose a problem, then elimination it is. Might as well wipe out any family that dares propose their son to my daughter in one fell swoop.’

    "Yes, this is the way. Haha, let's see who else dares to offer their son to my Hua’er now."

    The General laughed heartily, striding confidently towards his waiting carriage, content with his resolution.

    "Achoo!"

    A man in dragon attire sneezed repeatedly, rubbing his nose puzzledly.

    "Strange, no runny nose, but why did I sneeze so much?"

    Liu Gonggong, the imperial attendant, approached and offered a cup of ginger tea with a fragrant steam. "Your Majesty, please drink some hot ginger tea. Perhaps the sneezing is due to overexertion."

    After gulping down the tea, the emperor handed the cup back and then sat contemplating. He was determined to betroth his son to the General's daughter.

    ‘Should it be the third, the fifth, or the eighth? No matter what, Minglong, your daughter will become the wife of my future heir.’

    Emperor Yu Lang silently thought, his face breaking into a satisfied smile at the thought of his friend's reaction.

    ‘He'd be thrilled to know I value his daughter so highly,’ he chuckled, amused by his own thoughts.

    Alas, if only he knew his dear friend was plotting to eliminate any potential suitors for his daughter, he might abandon such plans immediately.

    "General Zhao, are you heading back to your manor?"

    A young voice called from behind. The owner was a boy in brightly colored clothes, with a delicate face somewhat resembling Emperor Yu Lang.

    "Yes, Your Highness, Eighth Prince. Do you need something from me?"

    "Nothing, I’m just bored and lonely. Nothing to do in the palace."

    The Eighth Prince, Yu Yan, complained casually before faking a sad tone, though his eyes sparkled cunningly, uncharacteristic of a child his age.

    "So, I was wondering if I could visit your manor. Would you take me with you?"

    The General, initially sympathetic towards the young prince, suddenly tensed up. Bringing him wasn't difficult, but it was unusual for the prince to show interest in his manor.

    He narrowed his eyes and stared at the boy's innocent look, the General concluded to himself that the prince was indeed aiming for his beloved daughter.

    ‘Dream on, young boy. Even if you are the emperor’s son, my friend, don't think of claiming my daughter.’

    "I truly apologize, Your Highness. Right now, my daughter is suffering from a serious illness. If you were to go along with me, I’m afraid you might catch the disease from my daughter."

    the general said with a barely audible voice, his face as pale as if drained of blood. Upon hearing this, Prince Yu Yan quickly stepped back, his small, swan-like eyes watching the general with fear.

    "Is your daughter suffering from a contagious disease?"

    General Minglong concealed his smile and immediately nodded in response.

    'Ha, little one, you think you can outwit an adult? You bring cunning, I'll match it with mine. There’s no rule against adults using this strategy, after all.'

    "My daughter has contracted a disease that is transmissible through skin contact. The symptoms include the appearance of pus-filled blisters across the skin. If these blisters persist, they eventually burst, revealing the rotten flesh beneath, with pus oozing out. Most importantly, touching them could transmit the disease to another person. I have already had to send three maids who were caring for her back home."

    As the general narrated, he subtly observed the little prince's reaction. Seeing that the Eighth Prince showed signs of disgust and fear, the General extended his hand forward as though attempting to touch the young prince.

    Prince Yu Yan jumped back, evading the General's hand in terror. His lovely face twisted slightly in loathing, his eyes clearly showing his repulsion before he turned and fled without bidding farewell.

    'Empress Mother... This won't do. I really can't handle this.'

    Zhao Minglong watched the young prince's retreating figure until he was out of sight, then revealed a grim smile.

    'Given your father’s status, I won’t harm you physically. But if there’s a next time, I'll target your heart instead.'

    "Let's go!" At his command, the large carriage promptly headed towards the Invincible Manor.

    Once they had all departed, two young boys emerged from the bushes. The older asked the younger.

    "Brother Five, do you think the general deserves our sympathy?"

    They were the Third Prince, Yu Jian, and the Fifth Prince, Yu Lian, both watching the General’s carriage leave.

    Yu Lian’s gaze followed the General as he left, his dark eyes flashed. He was convinced that the General's earlier words were a lie. However, the smart Fifth Prince would adhere to the principle of not meddling in others’ affairs.

    Thus, he somewhat indirectly responded, "If what the General said was true, then yes, he is pitiable."

    Indeed, if the sickness were real, sympathy would be warranted. But since it was a lie, no sympathy is needed.

    Prince Yu Jian sighed, considering the General's extensive sacrifices for the country and his daughter.

    ‘If the General’s daughter survived her severe illness, I will marry her to compensate for his hardships.’ He silently vowed to himself.

    Subsequently, a rumor spread throughout the capital, claiming the General's only daughter suffered from a contagious disease that disfigured her face and body.

    When Emperor Yu Lang heard this, he was filled with concern and questioned his friend personally.

    Seeing the General remain silent, the emperor felt even more sympathy. Unbeknownst to him, Eighth Prince and Consort De Fei had efficiently spread the rumor, much to the General’s inward delight for their excellent work.

    The only discontent might have come from the Third Prince Yu Jian, who offered to marry the General’s daughter if she survived, making the emperor and the General silently emotional over the unexpected outcome.

    The difference was that the emperor's eyes welled up with tears because he was deeply moved by the generosity of his son, who showed no disdain for his friend's daughter.

    As for the General, his tears were because of frustration, thinking he had successfully removed any other people, only for the Third Prince to suddenly show an interest.

    'Your Highness, why so merciful without even asking first if I desired it or not?'

    The General silently rebuked the prince, his handsome face contorted with a mix of irritation and annoyance at the Third Prince's well-intentioned offer that he found utterly unnecessary.

    However, the emperor wore a broad smile, believing his friend’s tears were due to being deeply touched.

    Meanwhile, the Fifth Prince, wise beyond his age, could guess what was running through the minds of both his father and the General. He had to suppress his laughter until his face turned green, alas...