Your Happiness, Your Son Will Take Care Of!

Eastern Palace, in the study.

Zhu Gaochi sat alone behind his desk, sighing, feeling as if the whole world had turned gray.

The Great Snow Dragon Riders had been assigned to the Ministry of War. Command was nominally handed over to him, but he, the "Commander-in-Chief," was firmly pinned in the Capital City, unable to move.

This feeling was worse than killing him.

He found fault with everyone now, especially his "good-for-nothing son," Zhu Zhanjun, who had complained behind his back.

"Rebellious son! Truly a rebellious son!"

He picked up a book, wanting to calm himself by reading for a bit, but he couldn't focus on a single word. His mind was filled with the mighty and valiant image of the Great Snow Dragon Riders.

Just as he was so depressed he felt like he was growing mushrooms, the study door was pushed open again.

Zhu Zhanjun, carrying a food box, slipped in with a fawning smile.

"Father, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Your son has brought you something delicious."

"Not eating! I'm full of anger!"

Zhu Gaochi turned his head away, refusing to look at him.

"Don't be like that, Father."

Zhu Zhanjun grinned playfully and leaned closer, opening the food box.

A wave of icy coolness, mixed with a strange fruity aroma, instantly wafted out.

Inside the food box was a crystal-clear glass bottle containing a brown, bubbling liquid.

Beside it was a plate of ice cubes, and several plates of brightly colored, uniquely shaped fruits.

There were bright red strawberries, golden mangoes, and purple grapes.

In this season when the snow blocked the mountains, these fruits were more precious than gold.

"What is this?"

Zhu Gaochi's curiosity finally overcame his temper.

"Something good."

Zhu Zhanjun picked up the glass bottle, expertly popped it open with a "pop" sound using a bottle opener, and poured the liquid into a glass cup filled with ice.

"Sizzle..."

Bubbles churned in the cup, looking quite amusing.

"This is called 'Cola,' another specialty from my master's side. It refreshes the mind and brings boundless joy."

Zhu Zhanjun handed the cup to Zhu Gaochi.

"Would you like to try?"

Zhu Gaochi took it with doubt and took a small sip.

The cold, sweet, and stimulating liquid slid down his throat, and an unprecedented, marvelous sensation exploded within him.

"Cough... Cough... Delicious!"

His eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but take another large gulp.

"This... this stuff is much tastier than the iced plum juice in the palace!"

"Of course."

Zhu Zhanjun picked up a piece of mango with a fork and offered it to him.

"Father, try this too. Tropical fruit, good for the complexion."

Zhu Gaochi ate it in one bite, the sweet and soft texture making him close his eyes in happiness.

After a few cups of "Cola" and a large plate of fruit, Zhu Gaochi's earlier gloom had completely vanished.

He looked at his son, who, though unreliable, always managed to come up with various good things to make him happy. The anger in his heart subsided.

"You, you just use these things to shut me up."

He poked Zhu Zhanjun's forehead, saying with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"Father, aren't I doing this for your own good?"

Zhu Zhanjun looked wronged.

"Your health, you know it yourself, right? If you really went north, in the freezing cold, what if your old illness flares up?"

"If anything were to happen to you, wouldn't Mother skin me alive?"

Zhu Gaochi fell silent at this.

He knew his son was telling the truth.

His body was indeed not suited for long journeys, let alone fighting on the battlefield.

He sighed, his expression dimming again.

"But someone has to resolve the war in the north."

He said with deep worry, "As long as Arutai is still out there, the northern border will never know peace."

"With over a hundred thousand troops bogged down on the grasslands, the daily consumption of grain and fodder is an astronomical figure."

"The Treasury... it can hardly hold on any longer."

"Father, you can rest assured."

Zhu Zhanjun patted his chest and said confidently.

"It's just Arutai, isn't it? A mere clown."

He took out a map from his embrace and spread it on the desk.

"Look," he pointed to the border between Great Ming and the Mobei grasslands on the map, "Arutai is currently taking advantage of the cold weather to play guerrilla warfare with us."

"Our main army is clumsy and has difficulty with logistical support, so we can't catch him at all."

"However, my three thousand Great Snow Dragon Riders are different."

A light called "control" flickered in Zhu Zhanjun's eyes.

"They don't fear the severe cold, are extremely mobile, and each one is worth a hundred men."

"Dealing with small units like Arutai's is simply overkill."

"I've already had General Zhang Fu draft an operational plan."

He pointed to a spot on the map. "In three days, the Great Snow Dragon Riders will set out from here, circle behind Arutai, and cut off all his escape routes."

"Then, General Xue Lu will lead the main army in a feigned attack on the front lines, driving them into the encirclement I've set up."

"At that time, a single charge will solve all the problems."

Zhu Gaochi looked at the clear arrows and markings on the map, and listened to his son's confident analysis. The worry in his heart gradually gave way to a strong sense of confidence.

He realized that his son, without him even noticing, had already grown into a commander who could devise strategies and achieve victory from a thousand miles away.