And so they truly did set out with the brothers of Qingfeng Stronghold in tow.

Although Huo Yan still harbored some misgivings — after all, men of the green forest ways were not so easy to command. Those who had come from the military also had no desire to become entangled with the green forest world.

But Feng Jiu’er’s single line — “True heroes need not be asked their origins” — pressed down every word of concern he had.

It did seem to be the right reasoning, after all. These brothers were each and every one of them skilled fighters. If they were truly willing to serve the nation and its people, they would absolutely make a name for themselves on the battlefield in the future.

Toward evening, the company lodged at the relay station Shan Yidao had mentioned previously.

Because they had the Ninth Prince’s seal token, whatever Feng Jiu’er wished to do at the relay station, the station official cooperated fully throughout, without so much as a single extra word.

After nightfall, Jiu’er personally carried a tray of food and dishes and walked into Mu Mu’s room.

But Mu Mu was entirely unwilling to pay her any attention this evening. Even with her bringing the food, he did not spare her a single glance.

“I know I took a bit of a risk today, but everything was resolved in the end, wasn’t it?”

What was this fellow angry about? Could it be that he was angry with her for being too bold — daring to make a bet with Qiao Mu?

“I truly believed I would win. I wouldn’t have been so daring otherwise.”

She walked over and explained to him: “Qiao Mu has feelings for you…”

He shot her a glare, and she changed her words. “All right, Qiao Mu has feelings for Ninth Imperial Uncle. You wouldn’t understand what it feels like when a girl genuinely likes a man.”

“A melon plucked by force is not sweet. If two people can feel the same way about each other, that is the best possible outcome. So the way I behaved was to help Qiao Mu understand that she could also like Ninth Imperial Uncle in a different way.”

“Never mind, explaining this to you — you wouldn’t understand anyway. At any rate, I won in the end, didn’t I?”

She tugged at Mu Mu’s sleeve. “Come, eat something. I won’t necessarily always have the chance to personally bring you food in the future — shouldn’t you be a little grateful and appreciate the moment?”

“Are you feeling unwell?” Mu Mu’s expression darkened, the frosty chill between his brows deepening further.

“No, I’m fine, I’m just — Mu Mu, sit down with me first and have a meal. There are some things I want to discuss with you.”

Nearly an entire hour later, a thoroughly exhausted Feng Jiu’er finally emerged from the Ninth Prince’s room.

When she came out, she was almost completely spent.

She had not imagined that persuading him would prove even more difficult than persuading a bull — though she had no real idea what persuading a bull was actually like.

In any case, it had been truly exhausting, and truly difficult. Fortunately, everything had been made clear in the end.

Qiao Mu was pacing about in the courtyard, unsure what she was thinking.

Feng Jiu’er was just about to look for her. Without her, Mu Mu would most likely still be unwilling to agree to her plan.

“Qiao Mu.” She walked over.

Qiao Mu glanced at that closed room door before stepping forward to meet her. “General Feng, what are your orders?”

“What are you doing, peeping at the Ninth Prince? Are you planning to show disrespect to the Ninth Prince? Were you thinking of sneaking into his room to take advantage of him?”

Qiao Mu was left completely stunned by what she said, and in the end, even someone as composed as she was had her cheeks flush red at Feng Jiu’er’s words, utterly bewildered.

“I… how could I? General Feng, please stop — I had no intention of taking advantage of the Prince.”

“And you wouldn’t have the ability to, either.” Feng Jiu’er gave her a look, and after quite some time, seeing nothing amiss anywhere in the courtyard, finally pulled her aside.

“Whatever task I ask you to carry out — will you definitely do it?”

“Military orders are as immovable as a mountain, are they not?” She was someone who followed discipline. “Good!” A smile lurked in the depths of Feng Jiu’er’s eyes. “Right now, there is a very important mission, and you must help me carry it out!”