4414

Chapter 4414: Discrimination

If he didn't leave the city, how would his Second Imperial Brother dare to make a move? He had lingered in Luyu Pass for several days; it was time to return to the capital. He truly wanted to see what grand scheme his Second Imperial Brother could pull off right under his nose.

"Your Majesty, Young Master Qi Ba has arrived."

Duan Yue raised an eyebrow slightly and looked back.

Between two rows of soldiers, a refined and handsome man in white robes moved like flowing wind. Behind him followed a slender woman with her face covered by a white veil, revealing only a pair of beautiful eyes.

Duan Yue's gaze fell only on Young Master Qi Ba, not noticing the woman whose beautiful eyes were intensely fixed on him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Young Master Qi Ba, Qi Rui, bowed respectfully, his movements perfectly standard.

The woman behind him took two steps forward, knelt, and bowed. "This humble commoner, Qi Liren, greets Your Majesty."

A strategist beside Duan Yue leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "The Third Miss of the Qi family."

Duan Yue swept a noncommittal glance at the woman, then nodded. "Dispense with the formalities."

"Qi Ba," Duan Yue directly asked the young master, "How is the matter I asked you to consider progressing?"

Young Master Qi Ba quickly bowed again. "It is the honor of my Qi family to contribute to the nation. Qi Ba is willing to follow Your Majesty and serve like a dog or horse."

Duan Yue was not at all surprised by Young Master Qi Ba's attitude; he simply nodded and said, "Good."

"Since that is the case, you shall follow me from now on." Duan Yue spoke half a sentence, then looked at Qi Liren behind Young Master Qi Ba. "Her?"

Young Master Qi Ba's expression was a bit awkward. His family had insisted that his third sister come along today when they heard he was to meet His Majesty, absolutely demanding that he bring her. He had repeatedly said that His Majesty wasn't interested in this, but his unreliable father stubbornly insisted he bring his third sister. Now, he couldn't find any other excuse.

"Third... Sister, is the most talented person in our Qi family," Young Master Qi Ba smiled somewhat awkwardly. "To outsiders, everyone only knows that my talisman skills are outstanding. In truth, my third sister is slightly better than I am."

With words spoken to this extent, even a fool would understand that the Qi family wanted this third young lady to stay by His Majesty's side.

Duan Yue's expression was calm, and he shook his head. "It is commendable that Third Miss Qi has a heart to serve the country. However, there is a distinction between men and women. I currently do not need any female attendants."

Everyone exchanged glances.

Qi Liren paused, but she didn't get angry. Her voice slowly stated, "This humble commoner, however, heard that Your Majesty has a female physician with exquisite medical skills by your side, named Tu Xiuxiu."

Young Master Qi Ba quickly turned back and gave his third sister, Qi Liren, a meaningful look. What his third sister said wasn't that directly disrespecting His Majesty's face? His Majesty had just said he wouldn't have female attendants, and then Qi Liren contradicted him...

Duan Yue glanced at Young Master Qi Ba. "Physician Tu is married."

Everyone: ...

What did that mean? Did His Majesty discriminate against unmarried women?

Duan Yue, however, remembered that day beneath Daxing Mountain, when Physician Tu knelt before him and said: Tu Xiuxiu only hoped for a chance to contact those in the military to inquire about her husband, who disappeared from the army six years ago. Whether he was alive or dead, Tu Xiuxiu only wanted a final answer for peace of mind.

Could Tu Xiuxiu be the same as other women? No, of course not.

Duan Yue said nothing more, turned, and ordered, "Return to the capital."

Qi Liren took two steps forward and loudly called out to his departing figure on horseback, "I will make you look at me differently!"