Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives

It wasn't that he intended to deceive the young girl; on the way to the dining room, Gao Yuan really did ask the System in his mind.

"System, is it possible in the future for me to use a task reward to exchange for a portal to send Yang Xin back?"

This time, the System was not silent and quickly provided an answer.

"The Space-time tunnel is currently closed. Even this System is powerless, unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless you, the Host, can provide enough energy. The System might then be able to attempt to restart the Space-time tunnel, but you, the Host, cannot pass through it."

"Why?"

"Because your appearance, Host, has altered the plot of this world, causing the original protagonist to deviate from their path. If the Host were to leave, it might lead to the collapse of this world."

Gao Yuan understood the System's meaning and nodded.

"Understood. In other words, she has a chance to return, but I do not, right?"

"Correct, Host."

"Anyway, I have no attachments back there. If I can't go back, then so be it. But she still has parents there; it would be wrong for her not to return."

Having reached a consensus with the System, Gao Yuan was filled with motivation. He rubbed his hands together, ready to do something big, but first, of course, he had to have a grand feast.

The reunion dinner was very lavish. Besides various meats and delicious mushrooms, there was also fresh fish sent from the Coastal Defense, which had been kept fresh with ice and delivered by fast horse.

Naturally, Gao Yuan paid for this from his private treasury. Not only did his own family have some, but all the officials' households received a share; even Liu Rengui and the others in Zhongnan Circuit were not forgotten.

According to him, this was also a way to stimulate the market economy.

As it turned out, Gao Yuan's attempt was very successful. He planned to implement it fully next year. In the future, whether for government projects or conscripting laborers for war, a hired labor System would be adopted.

While this might seem like spending much more money, in reality, once the Common People have money, they will naturally spend it. Consumption leads to tax revenue, and the government's coffers will naturally swell.

At the dinner table, Gao Yuan proposed this suggestion again, and it immediately received enthusiastic support from Yang Xin.

This female senior executive from a foreign company utilized all her knowledge, eloquently convincing Zhao Xiyao, Zheng Wan, and Song Yao.

Zhao Xiyao hadn't expected Yang Xin to have such insight. Her gaze toward her changed; no longer was she looking at a seductive vixen trying to steal her man, but rather with appreciation, as if looking at a sister.

"I didn't expect her to be so in tune with Lover. No wonder he chose her to be the Bank President. A woman with such insight could indeed join our family."

Yang Xin was in the middle of her animated explanation when she suddenly felt a strange gaze, which made her feel a bit odd.

General Yang Zhan was nearly six years old. He was taller and sturdier than other children his age, and his features were full of heroic spirit. This made Gao Yuan very happy; that card he used back then was not a waste at all.

Feeling Gao Yuan observing him, little General Yang Zhan wasn't embarrassed. Instead, he leaned into Gao Yuan's ear and whispered.

"Brother-in-law, everyone says you are an invincible, Ever-victorious general. Can you teach me martial arts?"

"Don't you already have a master?"

"Don't even mention him. Master is always away, and I've already mastered the few moves he taught."

From his disdainful tone, Gao Yuan saw a proud young genius, the kind that usually ends up as a wasted talent.

Since he was his future general, Gao Yuan patiently explained things to the little fellow.

"Actually, whether it's my Spearmanship or your master's, there are no overly complex moves. We practice every day for the purpose of perfecting the same moves to the extreme;"

"As long as every thrust of your spear is a step faster than others and as powerful as a thunderbolt, you can be unrivaled in the world even with just one move."

General Yang Zhan admired Gao Yuan from the bottom of his heart. Moreover, the little fellow was certain that Gao Yuan was his brother-in-law, so he was even more convinced.

Hearing Gao Yuan's words, the little fellow climbed down from his stool, gave a respectful bow, and said loudly and seriously.

"Thank you for clarifying my doubts, Brother-in-law... Mmph..."

Even though Gao Yuan moved lightning-fast to cover the little fellow's mouth, that shout of "Brother-in-law" still silenced the entire room.

Even without turning around, Gao Yuan could feel murderous gazes stabbing into his back, making cold sweat break out.

The final result was Yang Xin dragging the little fellow away by his ear, scolding him, "I told you not to shout nonsense! I told you not to talk rubbish!" as they left.

The guests were gone, and Gao Yuan's last shield was gone with them. He could only huddle piteously in the corner, looking at the four women with a face full of fear.

"Wives, children's words carry no weight. This is a misunderstanding!"

Little Chili Pepper was aggressive, standing over Gao Yuan with her hands on her hips.

"A misunderstanding? I don't think so. If you hadn't done something, how could such a small child misunderstand?"

Zheng Wan sighed, her voice tinged with resentment.

"In the end, it's because Zhao Xiyaos informal address and I have lost our looks with age. No wonder you couldn't resist cheating on us outside."

Song Yao also had a face full of grief and indignation.

"If you really wanted her, you could have just told us directly. We aren't unreasonable people, but for you to do this... sob sob..."

Gao Yuan turned a pleading gaze toward Zhao Xiyao, thinking his primary wife should be able to understand him.

To his surprise, Zhao Xiyao, who had been sitting upright and solemn, actually sighed.

"It seems I have been derelict in my duties as the primary wife. After the New Year, I will make a trip to the Yang Family to speak on your behalf."

Gao Yuan glanced at the sky outside; he felt it was about to snow—a heavy, feather-like snowfall.

That night, in the bedroom of the main courtyard, after their intimacy, Gao Yuan was talking privately with his wife. Unexpectedly, one sentence from Zhao Xiyao startled him so much he sat bolt upright.

"Zhao Xiyaos informal address, I really don't have those kinds of thoughts. Don't overthink it."

"Lover, whether in terms of financial power or ability, Yang Xin could be a great help to you. Taking her into the family would bring a hundred benefits to our household and no harm."

Gao Yuan helped the woman lie back down before speaking.

"Yang Xin and I are friends, partners, and part of a community of shared interests. So you don't need to worry about her being used by others."

Seeing that his words didn't seem false, Zhao Xiyao dropped the subject, and the two continued to chat about their plans for next year.

According to Gao Yuan's plan from the end of the year, the entirety of next year would be for recuperating and waiting for opportunities. Although the results of the Khmer war had been initially integrated, it was still only the beginning.

Most importantly, Gao Yuan had a premonition that there would soon be an opportunity in the Central Plains.

"If the Northern Liang Army or Western Kang Army really invades Jiannan Circuit, I'll prepare to dispatch troops to take over Jiannan Circuit. Once the Sichuan region is in our hands, we will never lack grain again."

"What about South of the Ranges? Are you really not planning to accept the Xian Family?"

"There's no need to rush with the Xian Family. If we accept them now, they will feel it was because of their help that we gained South of the Ranges, which would inevitably lead to some friction."

Zhao Xiyao nodded.

"So you plan to wait until they are at their wit's end before you appear. That way, they will be deeply grateful to you, right?"

Gao Yuan wore a gratified smile and reached out to scratch the woman's nose.

"The one who knows me best is Zhao Xiyaos informal address!"

"After being together for so many years, how could I not know what you're thinking?"

Sometimes, people really do appear right when they are mentioned. The two were just getting ready for a second round when the voice of one of the Female Soldiers came from outside.

"Reporting to Grand Princess and Commandery Duke, someone is outside requesting an audience. They say they have come from South of the Ranges to discuss important matters."

"From South of the Ranges?"

Gao Yuan and Zhao Xiyao looked at each other, unable to hide their surprise.

"Zhao Xiyaos informal address, come with me."

Zhao Xiyao shook her head and wore a playful expression.

"Forget it. If I go, how will they be able to use a Honey trap on you? Go on!"