I, the villainous eldest prince, will suppress everything!

As the departure date approached, the entire Crown Prince's residence sprang into action at a visible pace.

Not only were servants coming and going, but civil and military officials loyal to the eldest prince were also coming and going frequently, making the palace seem very deserted for a time, which drew a lot of criticism.

But everyone turned a deaf ear, because the First Prince's residence had once again reached a cliff.

They must work together to help the Crown Prince's residence get through this; everything else has to take a backseat.

After defeating the Northern Barbarians, the Crown Prince's residence will rise to a new level. Even if Emperor Xuan doesn't grant it to him, he will have to give the position of Crown Prince to Qin Li. Qin Li will then reward those who have contributed, and each of them will surely benefit.

If he loses, the Crown Prince's residence will crumble in an instant, and his political enemies and adversaries will pounce on him, tearing at his flesh and blood. They will not fare well either.

The servants, civil and military officials, and other staff members in the mansion were all doing their best, and Qin Li, the leader, was not idle either.

The night before the expedition, Qin Li took Xiao Xue'er back to her parents' home, where they were warmly received by Prime Minister Xiao Yuanlu.

As soon as Qin Li entered the room, the obese Xiao Yuanlu grabbed Qin Li's hand and said with a beaming smile:

"Your Highness, my daughter has been behaving well lately and hasn't caused you any trouble, has she?"

"If she causes trouble, feel free to say so, and I'll teach her a lesson."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xue'er, who had been hoping to find an opportunity to complain to Xiao Yuanlu, completely gave up.

It turns out that her father, Xiao Yuanlu, really didn't love her anymore!

From now on, she'll have to rely on herself.

In front of Xiao Yuanlu, Qin Li deliberately put his arm around Xiao Xue'er's shoulder and said with a smile:

"Father-in-law, you flatter me. Xue'er is very well-behaved. I believe it won't be long before you can hold your grandson."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xue'er gritted her teeth in anger, her pretty face puffing up.

She really wanted to stomp on Qin Li's foot hard, making him jump around in pain.

Or they could throw a few punches at him, leaving Qin Li with a bruised and swollen face.

He wants her to have Qin Li's child?

Dream it.

Maybe in the next life.

Do not!

Not even in the next life!

She's been drinking the contraceptive medicine.

Xiao Yuanlu, cradling his large belly, laughed heartily, "Then, thanks to Your Highness's auspicious words, I'm already eager to become a grandfather, hahaha..."

After a few more casual words with Qin Li, Xiao Yuanlu sent Xiao Xue'er away.

"Xue'er, go to the backyard, your mother is waiting for you!"

"Yes, daughter takes her leave!"

After giving a perfunctory reply, Xiao Xue'er turned and left.

Seeing that Xiao Xue'er left without even bowing to her father, he realized that Xiao Xue'er had left.

Xiao Yuanlu was quite angry. Pointing in the direction Xiao Xue'er had left, he said to Qin Li, "This girl is getting more and more unruly as she gets older. But please rest assured, Your Highness, I will find some time to discipline her properly. Only then will she be worthy of the position of Crown Princess."

Qin Li waved his hand, "These are all minor matters. We can discuss them when we get back. Father-in-law, please, there are a few important things I need to discuss with you..."

"Your Highness, please go first!"

Soon, the two arrived at the main hall.

After serving tea, Xiao Yuanlu dismissed all the servants.

He ordered that no one was allowed to approach, or they would be killed without mercy.

Because what he was about to discuss with Qin Li was top secret, a deal that could cost him his life.

After sitting down, Xiao Yuanlu spread his hands and spoke first: "Your Highness, I still don't understand why you took the border mission from the Seventh Prince. The Northern Barbarians are powerful, and our Great Zhou is absolutely no match for them."

"This trip is destined to end in defeat..."

Xiao Yuanlu was filled with remorse, regretting that he hadn't contradicted Qin Li in court that day.

They're on the verge of disaster and have no choice but to act; they don't have many good days left.

It is conceivable that once news of Qin Li's defeat at the border arrives, Emperor Xuan will launch the first attack without even needing his political enemies to make a move.

When that time comes, the once-grand Prince's mansion will crumble and its members will scatter, and the Xiao family will not fare any better.

"Your Highness, are you really so convinced that with the Seventh Prince, the Heir Apparent of the Marquis of Dingyuan, and that son-in-law of the Song family, we will definitely win this battle?"

Xiao Yuanlu looked at Qin Li, wondering where Qin Li got his confidence from and why he was putting all his eggs in one basket with these three.

Upon hearing this, Qin Li smiled.

Whether the main character can win or not is uncertain.

But with three main characters going together, it's unlikely that the Great Zhou will lose this battle.

Based on Qin Li's ten years of experience as a seasoned reader, this battle at the border was a fortuitous encounter arranged by the author, Gou Dai, for the protagonist.

It was a battle that transformed them from being unknown and unappreciated to being known and famous.

Therefore, Qin Li was not worried at all about losing this battle!

He had even planned how to enjoy the glory of claiming all the credit and then return to inherit the position of crown prince.

To put it bluntly, the three main characters are just working for him.

Commonly known as the chosen working class!

"Father-in-law, there's no need to worry. Since I'm determined to take the three of them, I'm confident of victory."

"Father-in-law, you only need to stay in the capital and secure the rear, and await my triumphant return!"

Seeing Qin Li's confidence, Xiao Yuanlu didn't say anything more.

I only took a sip of tea, but I still felt uncertain.

Qin Li also took a sip of tea and said, "To win this battle, the three of them aren't enough; I need one more person."

"This person can be the key to victory or defeat!"

"Who?"

Xiao Yuanlu asked curiously.

"My father-in-law first promised me that I could take this person with me to the border."

Xiao Yuanlu frowned, somewhat surprised: "I know this person? I can decide whether he goes to the border or not?"

If such a person really existed, Xiao Yuanlu would definitely send him, even if it meant kidnapping him.

The key point is that Xiao Yuanlu has no idea who this person is, or who can influence the outcome of the border battle.

Could it be his chief strategist?

While the strategist was indeed formidable, Xiao Yuanlu did not believe he possessed the crucial ability to influence the outcome of a battle.

"Your Highness, please stop keeping me in suspense." Xiao Yuanlu asked impatiently, eager to know who this person was.

"Father-in-law, please promise me first. If you promise, I'll tell you!"

"Very well, Your Highness, I agree!"

Qin Li then said, "This person is my father-in-law's beloved daughter, my fiancée, Xiao Xue'er!"

This is also the reason why Qin Li specially brought Xiao Xue'er back to her parents' home tonight.

Although he could decide whether Xiao Xue'er stayed or left, he still needed Xiao Yuanlu's permission first!

After all, Xiao Yuanlu is her biological father!

Even if you break a bone, the tendons are still connected.

The border is dangerous; going there means suffering.

What if Xiao Yuanlu couldn't bear to see Xiao Xue'er suffer at the border? Wouldn't that be...?

"Xue'er?"

Xiao Yuanlu frowned, his round, chubby face filled with disbelief.

She knew her daughter all too well; she was useless, couldn't lift a finger, and was spoiled and willful.

If she weren't his biological daughter, he wouldn't even bother to look at her.

How can they still be the key to victory or defeat on the border?

Are you kidding me!

Qin Li explained, "Father-in-law, you may not know this, but although Xue'er's meridians are blocked and she cannot practice martial arts, she is very familiar with all kinds of martial arts styles in the world, knowing them like the back of her hand!"

"They'll be incredibly useful at the border!"

"I humbly request that you, Father-in-law, allow me to take her with me to the border!"

After speaking, Qin Li stood up and bowed deeply to Xiao Yuanlu.

Xiao Yuanlu quickly stood up and reached out to help Qin Li's arm, saying, "I just promised Your Highness that Your Highness would take her there. You must not perform such a grand ceremony."

Changing the subject, Xiao Yuanlu added, "However, I really don't understand how she can influence the outcome of battles on the border. I would appreciate it if Your Highness could enlighten me."

Qin Li smiled again and whispered to Xiao Yuanlu.

After hearing Qin Li's plan at the border, Xiao Yuanlu's eyes widened in shock, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "This actually works?"

"Whether it works or not depends on human effort. Father-in-law, just wait for my good news in the capital..."