My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

The hall was quiet, and the evening breeze blew through the windows, carrying the last warmth of the setting sun.

Mr. and Mrs. Li stared intently at their son, holding their breath as they awaited his reply.

Li Xuancang was not a pedantic person; he knew that chaos was coming, with regional warlords carving up the country, evil forces spreading, the court in turmoil, and internal strife surging in the military camps.

Born into poverty, with no family background or clan support, he relied entirely on bloody battles and sheer courage to get where he is today.

Today, military generals are forming cliques to check and balance each other, creating difficulties at every turn. The political situation is complex, and there are constant storms ahead.

The Pei family, as the top civil officials in Anzhou, controlled the civil administration of the entire prefecture, and had a deep and extensive network of connections.

This is a political marriage, where both sides get what they want.

More importantly, after a lifetime of hard work and a peaceful life, my parents are now filled with joy and eager anticipation.

He fought on the battlefield year after year, his life hanging in the balance, and it was his duty as a son to bring peace and comfort to his parents.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Xuancang made his decision.

He looked at the two elderly people's nervous yet expectant faces and smiled slightly.

"Father, Mother, I agree to this marriage."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the anxiety, worry, and concerns that had been weighing on Mr. and Mrs. Li's hearts vanished.

The two elders were overjoyed, and a huge weight was lifted from their hearts.

"Good! Good! Good!"

"I'm so glad my son agreed! That's wonderful!"

Li's mother's eyes welled up slightly, filled with both relief and joy.

"Your parents know you're sensible, which is a great blessing. From now on, our family can live a stable and secure life, and you'll have someone to support you when you're out there fighting for your dreams."

Mr. Li nodded repeatedly, his expression relaxed and full of relief.

"The Pei family has a discerning eye for talent, and my son has made a good match. This marriage will surely become a celebrated story in the future."

Seeing the two elders' joyful expressions, Li Xuancang felt a sense of peace in his heart.

All that he fought and risked his life to protect was, in the end, nothing more than the peace and well-being of his parents and the warmth of home cooking.

"Brother, am I going to have a sister-in-law?"

Li Xiu, the eldest sister, carrying Dou Dou, and Li Ling'er walked quickly over; the two of them had been eavesdropping outside the door.

Li Xuancang took the exquisitely beautiful Dou Dou from his eldest sister's hands, his face full of affection, and replied, "This matter still needs to be decided by both parties and should not be publicized casually."

Although both parties are interested in marriage, it has not been finalized and it is not appropriate to announce it to the public.

"Uncle, Uncle..."

Dou Dou giggled in Li Xuancang's arms, her chubby little face making Li Xuancang love her dearly.

The next morning, Li Xuancang went to the military camp.

After much deliberation, I decided to report the matter to Du Tianfeng.

He came from humble beginnings and had no powerful connections in the army. He rose to his current position entirely thanks to Du Tianfeng's support, trust, and gradual cultivation.

Personally, Du Tianfeng appreciated him, protected him, and repeatedly gave him guidance.

From a public perspective, as a military general, marrying into a high-ranking and powerful family would easily involve factional opinions and military-political connections.

Such a significant matter cannot be concealed.

Whether out of respect or military regulations, he had to report the truth and seek Du Tianfeng's opinion.

Li Xuancang straightened his clothes and went alone to Du Tianfeng's private tent.

Du Tianfeng had just finished dealing with the chaotic military situation on the border and was sitting alone in his tent, drinking tea and resting.

"There has been no fighting or military affairs lately, so what brings you here to see me?"

Li Xuancang bowed respectfully and, without beating around the bush, explained the whole story.

"My lord, I have come today to report on a very important matter of my life, and I humbly request your guidance."

Upon hearing this, Du Tianfeng's expression turned serious, and he became interested.

Immediately afterwards, Li Xuancang told him in detail about the Pei family's visit to the residence and the fact that Prefect Pei Hongwen wanted to marry off his eldest daughter.

After speaking, Li Xuancang stood respectfully with his hands at his sides, earnestly requesting instructions.

"I am young and inexperienced. This marriage involves both military and political circles, and is a union of officials and generals. I am afraid there will be factional rumors and criticism within the military."

"Although I have made up my mind, I dare not act on my own initiative. Therefore, I have come to seek your opinion, and I would like to ask you to help me distinguish the advantages and disadvantages and to guide me on the right and wrong."

Du Tianfeng held his teacup, his eyes deep and thoughtful, listening quietly to the entire conversation without uttering a sound for a long time.

He was initially surprised, then suddenly realized, and a hint of approval and satisfaction slowly rose in his eyes.

Surprisingly, the Prefect of Anzhou, a top-tier civil official family, went so far as to lower himself and take the initiative to arrange a marriage with a rising young general.

What's gratifying is that Li Xuancang, despite his early success and soaring fame, remained humble and even proactively informed him about his marriage plans.

Du Tianfeng put down his teacup, his tone calm and dignified, reflecting the strategic vision of someone in a superior position.

"You took the initiative to report to me and seek my opinion, which was excellent."

"Marriage between military generals and powerful figures is never a private matter, but a public military and political matter."

"You know how to be tactful, avoid suspicion, and respect hierarchy, which already surpasses the vast majority of elderly people."

He paused for a moment, then pointed out the deeper advantages and disadvantages of the marriage.

"Pei Hongwen has been in charge of civil affairs in the whole prefecture for decades. He is deeply entrenched, has extensive connections, and is extremely shrewd."

"The Pei family has been an aristocratic family for hundreds of years, with a strong foundation in civil service, which can make up for your shortcomings of having no background and no help in the officialdom."

"Now that chaos has begun, the court is in turmoil, and factions are everywhere. You may seem to be in a position of power, but in reality, you are isolated and helpless."

Du Tianfeng's eyes were sharp, and he bluntly pointed out the key point.

"This marriage is not about climbing the social ladder; it's about one being a civil official and the other a military officer, complementing each other perfectly."

"You command the elite troops of Anzhou and wield the power of war, while the Pei family controls the civil administration and official connections of the entire prefecture."

Having someone in the government to back you up is entirely beneficial to you.

Du Tianfeng stopped, looked at the composed and humble young man standing respectfully in front of him, and gave him a word of earnest advice.

"The only thing to remember."

"Marriage alliances are about leveraging each other's strengths and achieving mutual benefit; they should not lead to dependence and control, or the loss of a general's true nature."

"You are a warrior on the battlefield, not a vassal of a noble family."

Du Tianfeng gave his earnest advice, every word coming from the bottom of his heart. His words were thorough, insightful, and hit the nail on the head, clearing up all of Li Xuancang's doubts.

After Du Tianfeng's analysis, Li Xuancang suddenly understood, and all his remaining worries disappeared.

He bowed deeply and solemnly, filled with respect and gratitude.

"Your humble servant will heed your teachings."

Looking at Li Xuancang, whose temperament had become increasingly clear and composed, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"When dealing with people from the Pei family, simply maintain a proper mindset and respond calmly."