[COMPLETE] Transmigrated Author: The Quiet Plum

Chapter 73: The Siblings' Deal

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Huang Qiaoli poured her whole attention into reading and knowing the current state of affairs of not just the South but the whole empire.

So much so that her brother had to move to a temporary study. Because she terrorized his study.

She also took this opportunity to kick him out of his courtyard to the Duchess' court. That was why these past few days, the Duke could be seen hovering around his wife except for the times he had to work.

It was safe to say he was breaking Rouli's walls bit by bit. It was a slow process but one he could wholeheartedly do forever. From what he learned from his father, it was that a husband should court his wife even in their old age.

He could wallow in regret for the time he lost, the time he should have spent with his sister and with his wife. His family. But it was too late for that now. Li Yun could only move forward.

While Li Yun was trying to repair his marriage, Qiaoli was trying to get his brother to agree with her deal. What she wanted was the power to be his spokesperson along with some other administrative abilities.

It was a tiresome ordeal, and today Li Yun was interviewing her as a real boss.

"What gives you the audacity to elect yourself in this position?" As much as Li Yun wanted to keep his sister safe from all troubles, she wanted to insert herself in this chaotic world of his.

If so, then she needed to know what she was getting.

"Your application says you want to be my advisor, spokesperson, and even have the right to executive powers in my absence. Quite daring. Wouldn't you think I would suspect you of trying to overthrow me?"

Huang Qiaoli was being stared at with eagle-like eyes. Her brother's famous gentle smile was on his face. But one would feel their backs grow cold because of this enigmatic smile.

However, she was unfazed. She knew he was doing this in hopes of intimidating her to back down.

She couldn't. She didn't want to be useless to him. It was true that the Marquise could live her life without a care for the world. Qiaoli could live comfortably, writing novels. With the cost of her brother facing all hardships on his own.

It was something she couldn't watch.

"I admit I have no patriotic streak in my blood. I can watch everything that happens in this territory with apathy. But as long as you're sitting there as the Duke, I will take it upon me to share the burden."

Qiaoli couldn't count how many times they'd had a similar conversation.

Both of them were stubborn. Both of them had something to protect. But she could see her brother's resolve waning.

Hence, this current situation. She made him promise that he would give an impartial result depending on this exchange.

"Your Excellency, I possess the technical and mental abilities to take on the position."

This was what her brother hated.

Qiaoli was a complete package. If it was any other Duke, she would be employed no matter what.

"Yes, but not for the things you mentioned. You will be hired as an advisor by any other Lord out there. But you're asking for more." Li Yun clutched on to this reasoning.

She wanted autonomy to do what she wanted. No nobleman in their right mind would give that.

"In return, I will integrate the lands under Marquise Yan to the Duchy. The result will be that my title is just an empty shell and I'll be wholly devoted to the duchy."

Li Duke's smile bloomed even more as the air around him seemingly grew colder. Preposterous. She wanted to give up her title and properties just to have the advisor position. This sister of his was like their father back in the day. Endlessly giving Li Yun headaches.

This was the same as thrusting her in the middle of the storm. Did she think the elders of Huang clan were like those geezers she met in Zhong Xin? He sighed, breaking his mask.

"What made you do this? If you want to help, you can just help in the background. Away from potential danger."

Qiaoli gave a small smile. "I already did that before, didn't I? But I learned there are times just directing things in a safe place isn't enough. I don't wish to be helpless again, da ge."

Duke Li couldn't handle the stifling atmosphere so he stood up. The silence stretched on and on until Qiaoli felt a hand on her head.

"Father will see how incompetent I am."

His younger sister shook her head.

"No, you are more than capable. You and da jie handled everything up to now. It's my turn to help too. And I'm ready."

Li Yun was still frowning. "They only respect the strong."

"Worry not. I can't achieve your martial arts but I have other ways."

She was determined to actively participate in the matters of her life from now on. Never again would she be passive.

Slowly, Qiaoli closed her eyes, basking under her brother's warm hand. The memories of what happened to her parents, Old Shang, her parting with the Hong family, Mao Zhen and Si Hai.

Those were things forever etched in her memories.

As much as possible, she didn't want to experience a painful parting again. She knew she couldn't control her fate fully. But she could do the best she could to always keep her loved ones to her side.

The rays of the setting sun entered the windows of the study, casting light on the siblings, giving birth to a picturesque view.

Both were pondering the future that was to come. Both had come to terms that they would protect each other as best as they could.

"I will let you know of my decision after the council meeting. Until then, you're not allowed to bring this up. Learn as much as you can about Huo Ai." This was the compromise Huang Li Yun thought of. 

He wouldn't give in so easily. And she needed to open her eyes to this new world. But words couldn't persuade her so she needed to see it herself.

The Duke turned his back. It was broad and seemed to carry the weight of the world. Qiaoli watched him and stood up to leave. Resolute as ever.