My wife, Wei Gui, was 1.9 meters tall and fought against the Tang dynasty for the throne.

Li Ju pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "General, how could I dare refuse your kind offer?"

Yuwen Shu nodded in satisfaction and glanced behind the screen.

Behind the screen, a slender figure moved slightly.

Yuwen Yue stepped out from behind the screen.

She wore a pale yellow silk dress with a plain gauze half-sleeved outer garment. Her black hair was styled in a high bun, adorned only with a single red gold hairpin with pearls. The dress was simple and elegant, exuding grace.

She was graceful and elegant, with delicate features. Her demeanor was not like that of a typical young lady, but rather carried the bold and heroic spirit of a Xianbei noble family. Her eyes were calm and composed, and one glance revealed that she had seen many proper occasions.

She walked up to Li Ju, curtsied, and said softly, "Junior Supervisor Li."

Li Ju rose and returned the greeting: "Madam Yuwen."

Their eyes met.

Yuwen Yue looked up at him, her gaze filled with curiosity, but also with the sharp scrutiny unique to women from military families.

—Is this the boy who received so much praise from his father? At eighteen, he was a fifth-rank official, the Marquis of Wu'an County, in charge of grain transport, guarding Luoyang, and cutting off Yang Xuangan's grain supply route.

She had assumed that such a person would be sharp-tongued and arrogant.

But the Li Ju before me was calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant. He neither tried to curry favor nor pretended to be aloof. He had more composure than those sycophantic scions of powerful families.

The slight disdain in her heart vanished at that moment, replaced by something indescribable.

Yuwen Shu glanced at his daughter, then at Li Ju, and said with a smile, "Junior Supervisor Li, I still have a few official documents to approve. Yue'er, why don't you take Junior Supervisor Li for a stroll in the garden? Don't neglect our guest."

Yuwen Yue lowered his eyes: "Yes."

This is to give him and Yuwen Yue some private space.

He did not refuse, and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "I'm sorry to have bothered you, Madam Yuwen."

The two left the main hall and walked along the corridor to the backyard.

Yuwen Yue walked ahead, her pace unhurried and her figure graceful, showing neither the coquettishness of a young lady nor the arrogance of someone with a haughty air.

Li Ju followed behind her and felt that although the woman was quiet, she seemed to possess a calm and composed demeanor, which was definitely not that of an ordinary pampered woman.

The autumn colors in the garden are in full bloom, with maple leaves as red as fire and chrysanthemums blooming proudly against the frost.

Yuwen Yue stopped under a maple tree, turned to look at him, her gaze clear yet with a hint of understanding.

"Junior Supervisor Li, Father said that you cut off Yang Xuangan's grain supply route, guarded Luoyang, and managed the canal transport. You are a young talent." Her voice was clear and gentle, neither humble nor arrogant. "I originally thought that you were just brave and resourceful, but after meeting you today, I realize that you are calm and composed and can hide your sharpness."

Li Ju was slightly taken aback: "Madam Yuwen, you flatter me."

Yuwen Yue gently raised her hand, brushing away a red leaf from her shoulder. Her tone was calm, yet her words were incisive:

"Li Shaojian is in charge of the Water Conservancy Bureau and holds the key to the Grand Canal transport. He seems to have great power, but in reality, every step he takes is fraught with difficulties."

The warehouses, weirs, and watermen along the canal are mostly former troops from Guanzhong and Longxi, and former officials from the general's office. Although you have a position, you may not be able to enforce your orders.

Others only know that you have His Majesty's trust, but I know—what you lack is not talent, but foundation, influence, and someone who can support you from below the surface.

Li Ju's heart skipped a beat.

These words hit the nail on the head regarding his most hidden difficulty.

He looked at the girl in front of him and began to seriously examine this woman from the Yuwen family for the first time.

"Lady Yuwen, you see things very clearly."

Yuwen Yue smiled slightly, a faint smile, yet one that carried great weight:

"I grew up in the manor, used to listening to my father and his advisors discuss military, political, and grain transport matters. If you only want to be a peaceful marquis, marrying me will be a protective shield. But if your heart is... more than that, then my Yuwen family can offer you more than just protection."

She spoke very softly, yet it was like a pebble thrown into Li Ju's heart.

The two walked to the pavilion, where a maid served them tea.

The autumn wind blows through the corridor, and the red leaves rustle.

Li Ju spoke first, making his bottom line clear: "Ju already has a legal wife. Wei Shi has shared hardships with me, and I will not betray her."

He thought she would be disappointed and saddened.

But Yuwen Yue merely raised his eyes, his gaze calm and serene, and nodded:

"I know. I never thought of being the principal wife. When a man achieves success and establishes his career, the stability of his home ensures the stability of his external affairs. The principal wife should manage the household affairs; this is the proper way."

She paused, her voice soft yet firm:

"What I want has never been a title. What I want is for the Yuwen family to be at your service when Li Shaojian rises to a higher position, and for me to share your burdens. The Grand Canal, the granaries, the old troops in the army, the political winds in the court... I understand these things better than others, and I have more access to them."

Li Ju looked at her, remaining silent for a long time.

He originally considered this marriage merely a way to avoid disaster, a stopgap measure.

Only now did I suddenly understand—

This is not a marriage alliance; it's like a helping hand sent from heaven.

What he gave away was not just Yuwen Shu's daughter, nor just a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Seeing his silence, Yuwen Yue continued softly:

"His Majesty is suspicious of you lately because of Yang Xuangan's turmoil. The more innocent you are, the more dangerous it is for you. It would be better to take advantage of the situation and get closer to the Yuwen family, so that people will think that you are indulging in personal affairs, relying on the powerful and wealthy, and have no ambition... In this way, you can withdraw unscathed and remain hidden in the abyss."

A glint of light flashed in Li Ju's eyes.

This plan was exactly what he had in mind, and even more comprehensive.

He slowly cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his tone now more solemn:

"Lady Yuwen... Your insights are truly remarkable. I have learned a great deal."

Yuwen Yue rose and gave a slight curtsy: "The garden is finished, Li Shaojian, please return. I will speak to my father."

Li Ju stood up and cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Madam Yuwen."

She turned and walked away, her posture still serene, but in Li Ju's eyes, she was completely different.

Yuwen Shu was waiting for her in his study. Seeing her enter, he put down the documents he was holding and asked, "How did it go?"

Yuwen Yue sat down, picked up the teacup, but did not drink.

"Father," she whispered, "is better than I thought."

Yuwen Shu looked at her, his gaze deepening.

"So what do you mean?"

Yuwen Yue lowered his eyes for a moment, and when he looked up again, there was no ripple in his expression. He simply said quietly, "Your daughter will leave the decision to Father."

Yuwen Shu nodded, feeling much more at ease.

Luoyang, Jishanfang.

Gao Shilian stuffed the last volume of the book into the box, tied the rope, and straightened up.

He was in his early forties, with a thin face, three long strands of beard, and a scholarly air about him.

My friend came to my door yesterday, saying that his mother had passed away and he needed to go home for the funeral, but his boss wouldn't allow him to take leave. He also asked me for help because no one was available to take on the task of escorting grain to Liyang.

He originally held a sinecure at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and had nothing to do, so he agreed to take the job.

Changsun Wuji stood by the door, his brows slightly furrowed. He was eighteen or nineteen years old, already grown up, with a handsome face and a composure beyond his years.

"Uncle, the waterways are treacherous, and this is not our duty. Why wade into these muddy waters?" he said in a low voice.

Gao Shilian waved his hand: "It's just helping a friend out, escorting a few boatloads of grain. What trouble could there be? Don't worry, he won't harm me."

Empress Zhangsun came out from the inner room, carrying a blue cloth bundle in her hands. She was only ten years old, not yet fully grown, with delicate features and bright, dark eyes, like two pieces of black jade soaked in water.

"Uncle, I've prepared provisions and a change of clothes for the journey." She handed him the bundle, her voice soft but tinged with worry. "Please be careful on your journey and come back soon."

Gao Shilian took the bundle and patted her head: "Wugou is so sensible. Wuji, take good care of your sister. I'll be right back."

Before Changsun Wuji could say anything more, Gao Shilian had already picked up his bundle and strode out the door.

As the sound of horses' hooves faded into the distance, Empress Changsun stood at the doorway, gazing at her uncle's retreating figure, and softly asked, "Brother, will Uncle be alright?"

Changsun Wuji was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "No." He closed the door, turned and went back into the house, but the worry between his brows never disappeared.

In the imperial court, the censors stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to impeach Li Ju, the Junior Supervisor of the Water Conservancy Bureau, for embezzling grain transported from Hedong to Liyang. Although the amount is not large, his actions are despicable. Furthermore, Li Ju has an overly close relationship with Yuwen Shu, and they frequently interact, which suggests they may be forming a clique. I request Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly."

The entire court was in uproar.

Some people looked surprised, while others whispered among themselves—everyone knew that Li Ju was young, promising, and prudent in his actions, yet he had fallen because of embezzlement.

Some people, however, had a look of schadenfreude in their eyes, waiting to see what would become of the young marquis.

Yang Guang sat on the throne, his brows slightly furrowed.

He glanced at Li Ju, his eyes filled with surprise—in his mind, Li Ju was a capable, honest, and reliable official.

Why did you suddenly become greedy? Was everything you did before just an act?