My Sexy CEO Wife

Chapter 590 - 587 Good Omens

"Father!" Bai Mudan picked up the teapot and filled Bai Daqing's cup to the brim, "You must distinguish between those who are close and those who are distant. I am your daughter, Dongfang Jian is your son-in-law, and Gao Fei is merely a subordinate of yours. You must know in your heart who is close and who is distant..." As she spoke, Bai Mudan gave Dongfang Jian a glance.

The moment Dongfang Jian stood up, he declared resolutely, "Father-in-law, I swear to heaven that I will be filial and cherish you! I will love Mudan deeply, and if I fail, let me die a death pierced by a thousand arrows!"

"Nice words are easy to say, but the key is whether you can turn them into actions," Bai Daqing said with an indifferent tone.

"I will use my actions to prove myself to you, Father-in-law!"

"Prove what?"

"Prove that I am a worthy son-in-law, and that Mudan has not misjudged me."

"Good, I will wait for your proof."

"Father-in-law, your son-in-law has a question and would like to seek your guidance," Dongfang Jian hesitated.

"Speak," Bai Daqing said as he picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"May I ask, Father-in-law, how to be a commendable Wan Fuchang?" asked Dongfang Jian gently.

"You need only focus on one point," he replied.

"Which point?" Dongfang Jian posed, attentive.

"Satisfy His Majesty the Emperor."

"His Majesty the Emperor?" Dongfang Jian echoed, puzzled.

"Correct," Bai Daqing nodded, "Putting it nicely, we are His Majesty's subordinates. Speaking less flatteringly, we are His Majesty's servants. If His Majesty is pleased and happy, naturally, he will not mistreat us. On the contrary, should we incur His Majesty's wrath, our good days would be over... Do you understand what I'm saying?" The fact that Bai Daqing could say this much showed that he had already accepted Dongfang Jian in his heart.

Dongfang Jian nodded, "I do understand a bit! As long as I please His Majesty and make him happy, my position will be unassailable, right?"

"Merely pleasing him is not sufficient," Bai Daqing shook his head, "You need to achieve some accomplishments and gain His Majesty's recognition. Only in this way will your position be secure and you might even climb higher." Dongfang Jian was already a Wan Fuchang. A promotion from there would mean becoming a city lord. Bai Daqing set down his teacup on the table, "Although our acquaintance has been brief, I can tell that you are a bright man, and you also have your methods. As long as you don't stray onto the evil path, your future will surely be boundless and surpassing me might even be possible."

"Father-in-law flatters me," Dongfang Jian hastily waved his hand, "I consider it a stroke of great fortune to have become Wan Fuchang. I have never thought of surpassing Father-in-law..."

"To be an outstanding man, the first thing one must have is ambition. With ambition, one can continue to grow."

"I..."

"I'm getting old and there are things beyond my strength! To be frank, I never dreamed that I could become a Prince one day. His Majesty has placed his trust in me, and I will certainly repay him! A warrior dies for those who are worthy of his service!" After saying this, Bai Daqing calmed his emotions, "The only thing I cannot rest easy about is Mudan. Mudan is my daughter, the person I care about the most in this life, and I wish for her happiness! For her to live a carefree and joyful life! Dongfang Jian, you'd better not fail Mudan, otherwise, I will never let you go." His voice grew stern as he spoke, "Even if you flee to the ends of the earth, I will still find you and kill you!"

In his heart, Dongfang Jian sighed. The conversation had come full circle.

After all, Bai Daqing still did not trust Dongfang Jian, which was why he kept harping on him with his words.

Dongfang Jian felt rather frustrated inside, but his face betrayed none of his emotions; remaining inscrutable was a necessary trait for a success.

Dongfang Jian had no choice but to stand once more, swearing to the heavens, pledging to treat Bai Mudan well.

"Father-in-law, what must I do to please His Majesty, the Emperor?" Dongfang Jian humbly asked for guidance.

"There are two concerns that have always troubled His Majesty."

"Which two concerns?"

"First, the inability to ascend to the Immortal Realm, and second, the rampant banditry."

"Ascension to the Immortal Realm is too difficult, I can't help His Majesty with that... As for the bandit problem... I might just have some ideas..."

"Do you know how Gao Fei came to be appointed as Wan Fuchang?" Before Dongfang Jian could reply, Bai Daqing went on by himself, "It's because Gao Fei made significant contributions in the bandit suppression campaign, single-handedly slaughtering tens of thousands of bandits. His Majesty was overjoyed and, in recognition, appointed Gao Fei as Wan Fuchang by imperial decree."

"I understand," Dongfang Jian nodded, "I know what to do now."

...

Having received advice from Bai Daqing, Dongfang Jian began to gather his strength to confront the bandits. Dongfang Jian had some tricks up his sleeve, setting traps to lure the bandits in... then he led the army to encircle them... claiming victory in several skirmishes.

In one month, he had killed nearly ten thousand bandits.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Dugu Jingtian was very pleased and issued a decree to reward Dongfang Jian. Spirit Stones and Spiritual Medicines were bestowed in abundance. Later, Dugu Jingtian even met with Dongfang Jian personally, praising him as a man of talent and valor, a rare and excellent general.

It was clear to see that Dongfang Jian had made the list for key cultivation. As long as he didn't mess up, his career was bound to soar, his future limitless.

"Don't be arrogant! Keep up the good work and strive to accomplish even more." This was Bai Daqing's advice.

"Well done! Worthy of being my husband! I love you to death!" These were Bai Mudan's words.

"Show off all you want, you'll have your day of tears!" These were Gao Fei's words.

The one who was most upset about Dongfang Jian gaining the Emperor's favor was Gao Fei! The most frustrated was also Gao Fei! And the most infuriated was still Gao Fei!

In Elysium, only Gao Fei knew the details of Dongfang Jian's background, and likewise, Dongfang Jian was privy to Gao Fei's. The two had reached a tacit agreement: no matter the rivalry, neither would disclose the secret that the other hailed from a different world, for some things must not be spoken, lest they invite immense trouble.

If one word could describe Dongfang Jian, it would be "riding high."

He had a wife, his career was on the upswing, his life full of hope.

Dongfang Jian was busy, so busy that he barely had time to sleep—by day he fought bandits, by night he attended to Bai Mudan; from time to time, he also made visits to see Bai Daqing, joining him for meals, tea, conversations, and games of chess... Dongfang Jian could clearly sense that Bai Daqing's attitude towards him was warming, a very good sign indeed!

One morning, Dongfang Jian hurried to the Prince's Mansion, "Father-in-law, what urgent matter do you have for me?" Dongfang Jian was handling official duties at the barracks when suddenly someone reported that Prince Bai sought him. Immediately dropping his duties, he rushed over.

When it came to his father-in-law Bai Daqing, Dongfang Jian dared not show the slightest neglect.

"Take a seat," Bai Daqing pointed to the chair opposite him.

"Yes." Dongfang Jian approached, pulled out a chair to sit, straightened his back, widened his eyes, perked up his ears, "May I know what matter brings me here, father-in-law?"