You Go and Ask, It's Easier

She had no choice but to go ask her father for help and see if he could come up with a solution.

So she headed to the Ziwei Pavilion to find her father.

As soon as she walked in, she realized her eldest brother was there too.

Her father was talking to her brother: '...Jason, your mother mentioned that you're of marriageable age now, but you're still a commoner. She blames me for not caring about you!'

Jason Zhuo smiled slightly and replied, 'Mother misunderstood you! You've talked to me about this before, but I know you need reliable help here, so I didn't go.'

'Now, you really are at the age to marry,' Minister Zhuo said. 'Being a commoner does affect things. I'll arrange for you to take a post in the military!'

'But... if I have my own official post, I'll inevitably have work duties and won't be able to fully support you,' Jason Zhuo frowned. 'I've handled many things for you before. If I leave, I'm afraid it'll be inconvenient for you!'

'It's fine, go ahead! You can't let this delay your lifelong happiness,' Minister Zhuo said.

Jason Zhuo paused, thinking of Grace's swollen face from yesterday and her vulnerable look when she asked him for protection. He answered, 'Alright, I'll go then! Thank you, Father.'

Grace heard this and happily called out, 'Dad!'

Minister Zhuo let her in and asked, 'Grace, did you need something?'

'Dad, I need an Azure Tusk from an Azure Elephant that's over a hundred years old, and it must've been stored for at least ten years. Can you help me?' Grace asked.

'Hmm?' Minister Zhuo frowned. 'What do you need that for?'

'...I have my reasons.'

'You're not a Spirit Master, what could you possibly use it for?'

'It's for Bobby Zhu. He's been searching everywhere for it,' Grace said, having already prepared her excuse. 'He asked me, and he seemed really anxious!'

Bobby Zhu is currently in the Spirit Alliance, and his job these days is to search for spiritual herbs and run errands.

Minister Zhuo suddenly understood. 'I see... There is one, but it's a family treasure. It's not something I can just hand over to you!'

'Please, help me think of a way!' Grace pleaded. 'Last time, Bobby got dragged into trouble for no reason. Don't you feel even a little guilty?'

That incident last time was actually caused by his daughter, Cindy Zhu.

Minister Zhuo instantly felt a pang of guilt and couldn't bring himself to refuse.

After a moment's thought, he turned to Jason Zhuo and said, 'Jason, you may go now.'

'Yes, Father.' Jason Zhuo bowed, gave Grace a quick smile, and left.

'Dad, is it possible?' Grace asked again.

'Did you hear everything I just said to Jason?'

'Mm-hmm. It's great that big brother can join the military,' Grace said with a bright smile.

'Here's what we'll do: Go talk to General Evan Xiao and ask him to help arrange something for your brother. If it works out, I'll find a way to get you the Azure Tusk.'

'What? You want me to go to General Evan Xiao?' Grace pointed at herself in disbelief.

'Military recruitment only happens once a year. The last round just ended. If your brother wants in, he'll need a special recommendation from the General,' Minister Zhuo explained.

'But you're the Prime Minister! Why do I have to do this?'

'It's easier if you go!'

'But you keep making me run errands for people—doesn't that make you feel awkward?'

Minister Zhuo: 'Not at all.'

Grace: '...',

'Go on, if you help your brother, you'll also be helping Bobby Zhu,' Minister Zhuo said, patting her shoulder.

...