The Yin hour, converted to modern time, would be somewhere between three and five in the morning.

The tail end of the Yin hour — around five o’clock.

“Pick two men yourself. If you discover any trace of the enemy within the ravine, return immediately and we will reconsider — do not attempt to push through.”

The newly recruited soldiers of the Longqi Army they had brought on this expedition numbered only fifty. Forcing their way through would unquestionably put them at a disadvantage.

“Understood.” Shan Yidao nodded. “General Feng, I will head down now and set off with the men at once.”

“It has been a hard road for you.” He had only just returned, and was already being sent back out. The journey ahead would be grueling without question.

But the current situation allowed no room for anyone to let their guard down. They were all in the same position — there was nothing to be done about it.

Shan Yidao nodded, turned, and headed for the door.

Even so, at the threshold, he could not help but glance back, stealing one last look at Feng Jiu’er.

If he was being honest — a Jiu’er this beautiful was someone who was, frankly speaking… a little difficult to be around comfortably.

But in the end, he said nothing. He closed the door and left.

Not long after Shan Yidao departed, Xiao Yingtao came in carrying the evening meal. Jiu’er said, “I will go over tonight myself — you go and check on tomorrow’s provisions.”

“Alright.” Xiao Yingtao looked a touch disappointed, her gaze unable to resist drifting toward the room next door.

Even so, she ultimately lowered her head and murmured softly, “This tofu and braised beef — they’re Mu Mu’s favorites…”

“Xiao Yingtao!” Feng Jiu’er’s expression darkened, her tone perfectly grave. “Mu Mu was not selected for the Longqi Army’s new recruits. He is currently still undergoing training at the Longwu Academy.”

Xiao Yingtao startled, then caught herself and responded immediately. “I understand. I’m sorry, Jiu’er — I will absolutely not make the same mistake again.”

“Go on.” Jiu’er had no wish to be deliberately cold toward her, but within the army, this kind of mistake could sometimes prove fatal.

Xiao Yingtao seemed to have no ill intentions, yet her personality was simply far too exuberant. Entrusting her with something of great importance was something Jiu’er was not yet comfortable with.

Once Xiao Yingtao had gone, she picked up the meal tray and walked into Mu Mu’s room.

“Why did you tell her?” The exchange at the doorway had reached Mu Mu’s ears clearly enough.

Feng Jiu’er — what choice did she have? If she could have helped it, she would not have told a single soul.

“When you stepped down from the carriage earlier today, she recognized you.”

She set the tray on the table before continuing. “I am not about to say anything about matters of the heart again — but she does genuinely care for you, and she knows you well enough.”

Concealing the truth from Xiao Yingtao would therefore be far too difficult.

It was better this way — if she were left to grow suspicious and start investigating on her own, the risk of drawing others’ attention would only grow.

Mu Mu remained as reluctant as ever to have any more contact with Xiao Yingtao than necessary, but things had already reached this point. Saying anything further served no purpose.

“Eat something first. You’ve been in poor shape all day — don’t wear yourself down any further.”

He sat down at the table and pushed the bowl and chopsticks toward her.

His identity here was that of the Ninth Prince, and naturally the Ninth Prince’s room was far quieter than General Feng’s. Everyone dared to seek out General Feng, but no one dared to disturb the Ninth Prince.

“Eat more yourself too — I have a feeling tonight may still hold one more hard fight.”

Jiu’er drew out her silver needles and tested each dish. Finding nothing amiss, she picked up her chopsticks and ate with gusto.

She truly had been exhausted the entire day — tired and hungry both, so hungry that her stomach had been cramping. Mu Mu kept his gaze fixed on her pale face, and only once she had eaten her fill did he speak. “Since there may still be a hard fight ahead, rest here for a short while once you have finished — I will keep watch over you.”