After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 197 Military Uniform Transformed into a Feminine Makeup

Wen Caifu seemed startled by Duan Zhuo's sudden action, and her cheeks instantly turned hot.

She struggled, but found that Duan Zhuo's arms were like iron clamps, tightly holding her, making it impossible for her to move.

"Duan Zhuo, let me go! What nonsense are you spouting now?"

Wen Caifu was both ashamed and angry, and her voice trembled slightly.

Duan Zhuo showed no sign of letting go. He stared at Wen Caifu with a serious look in his eyes: "I am serious."

"Just consider me a scoundrel. I've asked you this question twice, and now I just want an answer."

He never felt that he needed a marriage, a woman.

After all, given his current status, there's no need for him to harm anyone anymore.

The fact that Wen Caifu was rushed up the mountain was entirely due to a series of unforeseen events.

Duan Zhuo originally had no intention of ruining Wen Caifu's reputation; his words back then were merely a threat.

He only wanted to embarrass Pei Yanzhi, but he forgot that reputation is more important than anything else for a woman.

Duan Zhuo thought that after experiencing all this, Wen Caifu would try to kill herself.

But after she figured everything out, she took the initiative to distance herself from these conflicts.

When did Duan Zhuo start to pay attention to everything about Wen Caifu?

He couldn't quite put his finger on it; it seemed that beneath her decisive and ruthless exterior lay an indescribable feeling.

Unlike the shackles imposed on women by the world, Wen Caifu's name should have been the gentlest flower, but she was not.

Therefore, Duan Zhuo's gaze was repeatedly drawn to Wen Caifu.

Until he found himself falling deeper and deeper into her.

Wen Caifu was both angry and confused, her mind blank. She never expected Duan Zhuo to say such a thing at this moment.

"Could it be that the chief has injured his brain?"

"You're not answering because you think I'm not good enough for you?"

She didn't say it outright, but Duan Zhuo overthought it on his own. After realizing what was happening, his gaze darkened.

Indeed, he is now just a bandit who has turned to outlaws.

"I never said that."

Wen Caifu turned to look at him, only to find that Duan Zhuo was very close at that moment.

His breath brushed against her face, and the warm, moist touch made Wen Caifu's face unconsciously flush.

"So, what are your thoughts?"

Duan Zhuo's voice deepened slightly, and his originally aggressive face now showed a hint of resentment.

His hand tightened unconsciously. Wen Caifu bit her lower lip, took a deep breath, and said, "I just never thought about this."

Her voice was very soft, as if afraid it would be easily blown away by the wind.

Duan Zhuo frowned slightly, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes: "With Pei Yanzhi ahead of me, I naturally can't compare to him."

His tone carried a hint of self-deprecation, "This status is indeed not worthy of you."

"no!"

Wen Caifu hurriedly retorted, her voice unconsciously rising as she took a deep breath.

"I just think that how things started was too absurd."

"I don't understand you, and I don't understand why you want to marry me..."

Her eyes darted away, avoiding Duan Zhuo's burning gaze.

Duan Zhuo remained silent for a moment, then released Wen Caifu.

"Then from today onwards, let's slowly get to know each other, shall we?"

"As for my identity, heroes emerge in chaotic times, and I've traded military uniform for a beautiful woman's dress."

Wen Caifu was startled. She looked up at Duan Zhuo's serious expression, and her defenses began to crumble.

She recalled all the care Duan Zhuo had shown her these past few days. Although he appeared to be a ruthless bandit, he had never harmed her in the slightest, and had even saved her when the soldiers stormed Xiangguo Temple.

Turbulent times breed heroes, and military uniforms are exchanged for feminine attire... Could it be that he's planning to join the army?

"Let me think about it..."

Wen Caifu said softly, her voice tinged with hesitation.

"Okay, I'll wait for you." His voice held a hint of expectation, "No matter how long."

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside, and the second brother rushed in in a panic.

Upon seeing the scene inside, his eyes widened instantly, and he stood there awkwardly, stunned: "Uh... I... did I come at the wrong time?"

Duan Zhuo then released Wen Caifu, his expression returning to a somewhat serious tone, and asked, "What happened?"

The second brother quickly snapped out of his daze and said, "Boss, Lu Yongkang has sent men again. This time they seem to have brought even more powerful siege weapons. We need to think of a way to deal with them right away!"

Duan Zhuo's face darkened, and he immediately stood up, ignoring the pain from his wounds, and strode outside.

As Wen Caifu watched his retreating figure, a sense of worry welled up in her heart. She gritted her teeth and followed him.

The two arrived at the watchtower together and frowned as they looked down at the densely packed soldiers below.

"Is Lu Yongkang planning to take over the village?"

Wen Caifu's voice came from behind him. Duan Zhuo turned around to look after hearing it.

"How did you come?"

Before Wen Caifu could answer, Duan Zhuo told the second son to take Wen Caifu away.

Just as the second son was about to reach out to pull Wen Caifu, he saw her take a step back, her gaze firm.

"Now that I'm here, I'm not leaving." Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable determination.

Duan Zhuo frowned, his eyes filled with worry: "It's too dangerous here, you should go back first."

Wen Caifu tilted her head slightly, looking directly into Duan Zhuo's eyes: "Although I don't understand warfare, I have a brain and can help with strategizing. Didn't I help out at Xiangguo Temple that time?"

She recalled how, despite her fear, she had offered advice when the mutinous soldiers stormed into Xiangguo Temple, which made Duan Zhuo look at her differently.

He remained silent for a moment, then finally relented: "Then stay close to me and don't wander off."

Wen Caifu nodded vigorously, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

She and Duan Zhuo stood side by side on the watchtower, looking down at the enemy troops below the mountain.

The siege equipment gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and the soldiers stood in neat rows, their morale high.

Lu Yongkang has now diverted his troops to attack the mountain stronghold, presumably because he has his eye on the stronghold's current strength.

Moreover, the road below the mountain stronghold is the most convenient path to the capital.

Taking over the counterfeit goods would only bring benefits to Lu Yongkang, with no drawbacks.

"They were very well prepared this time."

Duan Zhuo's expression was solemn as he said in a low voice, "These siege weapons look like they could easily breach our gates."

Wen Caifu looked at the equipment, her mind racing.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she whispered something to Duan Zhuo.

Duan Zhuo's eyes brightened slightly, and he gave her an approving look: "That's a good idea."

He immediately turned to his second brother and said, "Take some men and dig a trap right away, and be quick!"

The second son nodded repeatedly and hurried off with his men.

The village is easy to defend but difficult to attack. Even if Lu Yongkang wanted to take the village, he would have to put in some effort.

However, he has strong troops and weapons. Under such high-intensity attacks, even the most easily defensible places can be easily breached by him.

Therefore, they had to let Lu Yongkang know once and for all that dragging things out would not benefit him.

The reason I fell in love with him/her was not because of his/her perfect appearance, but because his/her personal charm outweighed everything else.

They attract me, and I will love them unconditionally.
(End of this chapter)