"The only thing General Lu did for me was to give momo a ton of gold before banishing us and allowed my mother's dowry and inheritance to stay in my possession." Liu Tián Qu said without rancor.
"Other than momo, not one servant of the Lu Family ever came to the rear of the Lu compound where my courtyard was and neither did General Lu. We lived in a compound where hundreds of people live, and less than two hands of people knew of my existence. General Lu had a kitchen built in my courtyard and a hidden moon gate built next to my court where momo and I could enter and exit the compound. I was completely abandoned and left to my own devices." Liu Tián Qu's heart mourned for her predecessor.
"I see, so that's how you were able to leave with no one stopping you?" Wang Fèn Yong said.
"Yes, and that's fine with me since the Lu Family discarded me. I discarded them. I even changed my surname. I couldn't change it to Lei because they treated my mother too horribly. The only name left was Liu. However, never again will I live under anyone's control or shadow. My fate and destiny are my own, and although I am young. I am a very capable and sensible person. That is why I choose not to tell the Liu family of my existence." Liu Tián Qu explained as she looked at the shellshocked couple that was shocked speechless. She wasn't boasting of her capableness. She was just stating facts.
"I am aware that this can only remain hidden for so long. Especially since I went and found my mother's old Butler, who served her with sincerity, love, and dedication to the very end. Even a blind bat will be able to connect the dots."
"To be honest, this was what worried me the most. That the decision I made to invite the returning Four Martial Families will invite the attention of General Lu. That is also why securing my residence was very important to me. I rather open feud on him than to be under his control or have to live under his rule." Liu Tián Qu said as a cold, ruthless look came over her face.
"I understand now," Wang Fèn Yong said.
"I never had a friend before, nor do I know how to say the right things to console you. The only thing I can do is be here if you need help. If you need help, I am here." Wang Fèn Yong said in a voice that almost sounded warm.
"Thank you, Big Brother. That goes both ways. Little Dumpling, and you feel like more than just friends to me, and I have no family to rely on. So that makes me value both of you all the more. If there is anything you need help with, tell me, and I will help you. I am a very capable person." Liu Tián Qu smiled very warmly at Wang Fèn Yong.
The Grand Prince looked at the brave young boy that was abandoned by his family and said, "You are a knowledgeable and resourceful person. However, if anyone gives you a hard time, let me know, and I will help you out."
"Thank you for the thought, Grand Prince. I'm pretty sure I can handle my own matters, but if things get too bad, I will come to find you." Although Liu Tián Qu said that, Liu Tián Qu had no intention of relying on the Wang Royal Manor. She was capable of handling her own affairs. She was quite sure the Grand Prince understood that as well.
Liu Tián Qǔ looked at Wang Fèn Yong and said. "As soon as I get the returning surviving families settled, I want to invite you over to help me search my residence from top to bottom. Something about the residence bothers me. My commander already found an underground barrack that can easily hold thousands of warriors."
"Humph, that Elder Chen really was very daring." The Grand Prince practically growled in displeasure
"I was told that nobles are only allowed to have five hundred house guards. So this discrepancy bothered me. I haven't had time to search the residence yet, but I want to make time because I have a feeling there is more to be found." Liu Tián Qǔ told Wang Fèn Yǒng.
"Okay, let me know when you are ready, and I will come over. I also must inspect your house guards." Wang Fèn Yǒng reminded Liu Tián Qǔ.
"You can come over at any time to do that, Big Brother. Commander Jiang was already informed, so whenever you feel inclined to come, then just come. If I'm not in residence, it doesn't matter. My home is your home. Feel free to come and go as you please." Liu Tián Qǔ said in complete sincerity she made sure to meet Wang Fèn Yǒng eyes and allow genuine sincerity to show.
"So far, Commander Jiang hired two hundred and ninety-two warriors. He is also in the process of looking for land to build my garrison. When you come over, we will sit down and go over everything together. That way, you can report back to the Emperor. I want to be sure not to disappoint him." Liu Tián Qǔ said before smiling sheepishly.
A faint blush tainted her cheeks as she said, "Honestly, although I pulled his tail a bit, I am grateful to him for allowing me to secure my manor and build an army before even confirming my identity. That was something that was very important to me. So I will do my best not to disappoint him."
"Good, very good." the Grand Prince said before asking. "What armies did Commander Jiang hire your house guards from?"
"My Commander didn't hire warriors from any of the armies of the Tolling Lands. Upon my command, Commander Jiang hired my house guards from the martial world?" Liu Tián Qǔ answered the Grand Prince.
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"The Martial World!" The Grand Prince exclaimed in shock.
"Yes," Liu Tián Qǔ confirmed with a nod before taking a large sip of tea, finishing off the last of the tea in her cup.
"Why would you hire from the martial world? No one hires house guards or build armies using warriors of the martial world." Lady Wǔ Gāng Huā said with a voice and face full of concern.
"There are several reasons. The first reason is because nobles don't bother with warriors from the martial world. So the possibility of bringing a spy into my residence decreases significantly." Liu Tián Qǔ informed them after lowering her empty cup of tea to the table.
The eyes of everyone sharped as understanding began to dawn in their eyes.
"The second reason is there is something I noticed as I travel the martial world with my master," Liu Tián Qǔ said as she began to mix truth with lies. "There is an edge and hungriness I noticed in the warriors of the martial world that the warriors of the Tolling Lands seem to lack." Liu Tián Qǔ saw a keen intense light of interest light the eyes of the Lord, Lady, and Heir of Wang Royal Manor.
"I noticed that although the warriors of the martial world live by a different code, then the trained warriors of the various armies of the Tolling Lands. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Not are they only more unpredictable, which I consider a bonus."
"The majority of the warriors of the martial world seem to have that special ability and stamina to go that extra distance. This is something the warriors of the Tolling Lands seemed to have lost. Now that is a bad thing, and that is something that should be corrected as soon as possible. Preferably before the Tolling Lands find itself in another war." Liu Tián Qǔ warned as she looked at the Grand Prince, who was also the Grand Commander of the Tolling Lands.
The Grand Prince nodded in acknowledgment because he knew this was a problem as well, "This is a conversation I just recently had with Commander Jiang. The average warriors of the Tolling Lands have gotten comfortable and complacent. Many of them have lost their edge. That is not the kind of warrior I want over the security of my residence." Liu Tián Qǔ told the Grand Prince.
"Earlier, I was too busy to check out the warriors that were recently hired. But of the two warriors that was manning the front gate of my residence. I liked their sharpness and the look in their eyes."
"When the Imperial City was sealed, I met an Shā Qì Warrior. I can't say that the look in the eyes of the two warriors manning my gate is the same as the Shā Qì Warrior I met. However, that inexplicable essence is there. If there is one person in the Tolling Lands capable of bringing out the full potential of my warriors, it's Jiang Tài Píng of the Jiang family." Liu Tián Qǔ explained to everyone.
"Ah!" The grand Prince exclaimed in shock and understanding. Liu Tián Qǔ watch as understanding exploded in everyone's eyes. It was the Jiang family who trained the warriors who were the best of the best in the Tolling Lands.
Liu Tián Qǔ smiled and nodded in confirmation at the understanding that dawned in everyone's eyes.
"The third reason I decided to hire the warriors of the martial world is that Commander Jiang grew up in the martial world. Most of the newly hired warriors are acquaintances or associates. He understands the warriors of the martial world, and they understand him. So I have no concern in that matter. Once they see that Commander Jiang trust and respects me, they will too. I am 100% sure I can win their trust and loyalty." Liu Tián Qǔ finished explaining her reasons for hiring warriors of the martial world instead of the trained warriors of the various armies of the Tolling Lands.
The Grand Prince gave Liu Tián Qǔ a sharp look as he thought inwardly with concern,'Imperial Grandfather is right indeed. This Young Master is young, but to take him lightly would be a mistake.' The Grand Prince looked at his wife.
Lady Wǔ Gāng Huā met her husband's gaze. She could see that her husband also shared her worries. Of course, Liu Tián Qǔ, who closely watched the couple, observed their concern. Although they attempted to hide it if there was one thing that was not subpar about Liu Tián Qǔ, it was her observation skills. Her observation skills were way above average. How else was she able to survive in the dog eat dog world of big corporations in her previous life?
Noticing their concern, Liu Tián Qǔ said, "Although I am a no-nonsense, blunt, plain-speaking person. I am a very fair person. I am not snobbish, nor am I pretentious. I am very easy going, and I seek peace. I am aware of the magic that Commander Jiang can work when it comes to training warriors. I am also aware that by the time Commander Jiang finish training my house guards and warriors. They would be strong enough to rival the Imperial Armies if not stronger. That is why I made the agreement I did with the Emperor." Liu Tián Qǔ reminded the couple.
When the couple looked over to Liu Tián Qǔ, she continued, "My army will be powerful, that is why I agreed to keep them in reserve for whenever the Emperor wishes to use them. That is also why I agreed to relinquish my army to the Emperor if, at any time, I do something that makes him feel uncomfortable with me having an army as strong as the army that will be in my possession will be. The last thing any Emperor will want is for someone they don't trust and are suspicious of, having an army as strong as I am sure mine will be." Liu Tián Qǔ said, calming the fears of the couple.
The Grand Prince looked at Liu Tián Qǔ with an indecipherable look on his face as he inwardly thought, 'Aiya grandfather is wise. Grandfather said to 'do not judge Liu Tián Qǔ according to his age.' I truly understand now. How is this a thirteen years old child?' However, outwardly, he only nodded in acknowledgment of Liu Tián Qǔ's words.
Liu Tián Qǔ smiled at the Grand Prince, Lady Wǔ Gāng Huā and Wang Fèn Yǒng and said, "I must go back and prepare to receive my guests that should be arriving shortly. I am aware the Wang Royal Manor is very good friends with the returning surviving families. The Wang Royal Manor Courtyard in my residence is very big. It also stands ready at all times. If anyone wishes to come over to visit with my guest or even stay awhile. My home is your home, feel free to come and go as you will." Liu Tián Qǔ said, rising from the table.
"Oh!" Liu Tián Qǔ exclaimed, "I forgot to ask. Will someone please notify the Emperor of the arrival of the returning four martial families. He fought hard to prove their innocence from what I just learned. Think he would want to know of their return."
"I will go take care of it now. Young Master Liu can rest assure, and go prepare to receive the arriving guest." The Grand Prince said before he looked over to Wang Fèn Yǒng and said, "Fèn Yǒng, escort Young Master Liu out and locate Doctor Ru and send him over to the Liu Residence.