Isn't the Plot Unfolding a Little Off?

"Have you ever been to the Imperial Capital?" Yaoye regretted asking the moment the words left her mouth. How old was Xiao Shuang, anyway? What places could a ten-year-old possibly have visited?

(Yaoye's exact age was unknown, so she was set at thirteen, three years older than the protagonist. An older woman by three years, a bride worth her weight in gold.)

Hearing this, Xiao Shuang could only shake his head helplessly and give a bitter smile. "How could I have? I spent most of my time cultivating. I'm not even very familiar with Wutan City."

"Yes, your talent is truly frightening. In a few decades, perhaps the Xiao Family will produce a peerless expert at the Dou Emperor level." Yaoye smoothly changed the subject, then paused before continuing, "Unfortunately, the Xiao Family does not have many resources. That will have no small impact on the speed of your cultivation."

Xiao Shuang nodded. At a time like this, it was safest to follow her lead. "Then what does This Miss mean?"

Many thoughts raced through Yaoye's mind, and she had imagined all sorts of possibilities. Yet her expression remained calm as she said, "I can provide you with better resources—at the very least, far better than what the Xiao Family can offer."

Upon hearing that, Xiao Shuang stepped back and cupped his hands. "I appreciate This Miss's kindness, but everything I have learned must ultimately be used to repay my family. If I were to leave with This Miss, would I not become a man disloyal and unfilial to my family?"

"Besides, with my talent, it is not impossible for me to enter Jia Nan Academy. Only after I return from my studies and revitalize the entire Xiao Family, ensuring that my descendants never have to worry about cultivation resources, can I be called a true man!"

Xiao Shuang's words made both Jia Xingtian and Yaoye tremble slightly. They greatly agreed with his declaration of what a true man should do.

If we can win this person over, he will be a valuable aid to the Royal Family and better help Yaoye rule the Jia Ma Empire! Jia Xingtian's thoughts turned. Only now did he understand Yaoye's intentions. A genius like this had to be recruited early; otherwise, once he grew powerful, any goodwill shown to him would become useless.

A different light flowed through Yaoye's beautiful eyes. The person before her had already pleased her with his appearance, and his personality was an even greater bonus.

"What do you think of me?" After hesitating for a moment, Yaoye puffed out her chest and waited eagerly for Xiao Shuang's answer.

"What does This Miss mean?" Seeing Yaoye like this, Xiao Shuang already knew the answer in his heart, but he still chose to play dumb.

Hey, hey, hey. The book never said this Royal Family Princess would throw herself at him!

"Don't think I don't know. Your Xiao Family has two geniuses, and one of them already has a marriage engagement. Isn't that right?" Seeing Xiao Shuang play dumb, Yaoye gritted her pearly teeth and questioned him again. At the same time, she secretly calculated that if Xiao Shuang rejected her, she would have Great-Grandfather take action and tie him up to bring him back. Surely, if she moved him with emotion and reason, Xiao Shuang would change his mind!

"How did you learn of that?" Xiao Shuang put on an astonished expression. Though he had long known the answer in his heart, Yaoye could not read minds, so what was there to fear?

"Hmph, hmph. This Miss knows a great many things." Yaoye raised her head, looking exceedingly proud.

Jia Xingtian, standing beside them, found Yaoye's behavior somewhat amusing. In his memories, ever since Yaoye had been chosen as the future Empress of the Jia Ma Empire, this child had never been so lively. It seemed that the burden called responsibility had suppressed her natural temperament.

Yes, if she were to become Empress, then even at such a young age, she had to surpass her peers by far in order to gain recognition.

How could her childhood have been happy, then? She had studied from childhood to become Empress. So what if she was a little willful now? Could he not make this decision for her?

With that thought, Jia Xingtian wrapped his voice in Dou Qi and sent it into Yaoye's ears. He said, "Go ahead and follow your heart. Great-Grandfather will handle everything!"

Yaoye was overjoyed upon hearing those words. She had been afraid that Great-Grandfather would disapprove of her idea. If she truly could not gain his permission, she would have had no good options. Now, however, she had no such worries.

Seeing the joy between Yaoye's brows, Xiao Shuang felt somewhat puzzled, though he also formed a few guesses. It seemed Jia Xingtian had secretly said something to Yaoye. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "So long as it does not harm the Xiao Family's interests, everything concerning Xiao Shuang shall be decided by This Miss."

Xiao Shuang had no other choice. Saying that was practically the same as selling himself, but given the current situation, it was better for him to make things clear himself. If he waited for the other party to speak, he would only be forced to passively accept it.

After all, his strength was inferior. If he could defeat Jia Xingtian, there would be no need to think so much. Honestly, dealing with people was exhausting. He truly did hate this feeling.

"Really? Then are you satisfied with This Miss's appearance?" Yaoye smiled and looked expectantly at Xiao Shuang, wanting him to finish the words she had left unsaid.

This Yaoye really is roundabout. I hope I haven't misunderstood what she means. Xiao Shuang gave a bitter smile, then turned and bowed to Jia Xingtian. "Although this is our first meeting, I have already been deeply drawn to this young lady. May I be fortunate enough to enter into a marriage engagement with Miss Yaoye?"

"After I enter Jia Nan Academy to cultivate, in as little as six years or as many as ten, I, Xiao, will certainly break through to the Dou Wang level. I will also prepare a generous bride price to marry Miss Yaoye!"

After speaking, Xiao Shuang met Jia Xingtian's eyes without avoiding his gaze. His words could be considered true to his heart. By then, he could simply remain in the Jia Ma Empire and live out his old age. If a Princess of a nation accompanied him, his transmigration would not have been in vain.

Still, when that time comes, I hope this Princess does not go back on her word. Otherwise...

Jia Xingtian's gaze deepened, and dark yellow Dou Qi surfaced across his body. It seemed that in the next moment, he would strike down this young man who had boasted so extravagantly.

Yaoye also looked toward Jia Xingtian. She shook her head, then pointed at herself and silently mouthed her meaning.

"I'm willing."

Seeing this, Jia Xingtian closed his eyes. He had just told Yaoye to act according to her heart. If he went back on his word now, his credibility in Yaoye's eyes would likely fall to zero.

Although Jia Xingtian had already decided to let things take their course, he still could not help but retort.

"What gives you the confidence to say that? You should know that the strongest member of the Xiao Family is only a Da Dou Shi. What makes you think you can boast so boldly?"

Xiao Shuang stepped forward, neither humble nor overbearing. "Because I reached the Ninth Stage Dou Qi at the age of ten, and in less than half a year, I will become a Dou Zhe. I have confidence in my talent!"