However, after careful consideration, one could understand the Western Ming Emperor’s intention behind this imperial edict.

Back when it was revealed that Chu Li was Yun Guangyao’s son, the Western Ming Emperor had immediately sealed off Prince Ning’s residence, imprisoned everyone in the mansion in the Ministry of Justice, and issued arrest warrants for Chu Li and Mu Yunjin, leaving no room for negotiation in any matter.

Now, just as Chu Qing issued a declaration of war announcing his intention to seize the Western Yuan throne, the Emperor hurriedly released this imperial edict to win back Chu Li’s allegiance.

The implication was obvious.

Unfortunately, the Emperor’s current edict was nothing more than a desperate struggle.

“This old emperor is quite pitiful when you think about it,” Daoist Feng Xuan sighed.

Mu Yunjin put away the imperial edict and pursed her lips, unsure of what to say.

In truth, the Western Ming Emperor was indeed a victim. He had no idea that the son he raised for twenty years was someone else’s child, so his rage and humiliation were understandable.

But after everything that happened, how could Chu Li return to the palace and serve him as if nothing had occurred?

…

…

Sigh.

Mu Yunjin sighed and glanced sideways at Chu Li.

Sensing her gaze, Chu Li turned to look at her. “Qin Munan has returned to Butterfly City.”

“…” Mu Yunjin was momentarily stunned before comprehending.

Indeed, with Qin Munan back at the palace, the responsibility of leading troops into battle would naturally fall to him. However, with Shen Wanning, Black Robe, and others on the opposing side, who knew what underhanded tactics they might employ?

“I learned something else while I was out these past few days,” Daoist Feng Xuan looked around before continuing.

Everyone turned their attention to him.

“On the twenty-ninth day of the year, the Eastern Lin crown prince, Rong Jiu, has already ascended to the throne and is now the ruler of Eastern Lin,” Daoist Feng Xuan finished, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at Mu Yunjin.

Mu Yunjin pursed her lips. “Has Rong Min made any counterattack?”

Daoist Feng Xuan shook his head. “Not yet, but the future remains uncertain.”

“Indeed, the once harmonious landscape of the Canghua Continent no longer exists,” Mu Yunjin lamented.

As she spoke, a hand gently encircled her waist as Chu Li leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Mu Yunjin, this isn’t something you should worry about.”

“Hmm, you’re right,” Mu Yunjin agreed, pursing her lips with a nod.

“Alright, alright, let’s get back to our game. Even if the sky falls, it won’t land on us,” Qiqi interrupted, and everyone dispersed.

Walking back to the chess board, Mu Yunjin sat cross-legged, quietly watching Chu Li, when suddenly, she remembered something urgent.

“Chu Li, this is bad!”

Chu Li’s hand holding the chess piece trembled slightly, seemingly startled by her sudden outburst. He turned to look at her. “What’s wrong?”

“Mu Xiarou and Third Concubine are still in Lin Yin City! I don’t know if they’ll run into Chu Qing and the others!” Mu Yunjin suddenly thought of these two people.

They had previously rescued them from Noble Consort Qin Shuning and arranged for them to stay in the remote Lin Yin City. It would be terrible if they encountered Chu Qing and Qin Muyue now.

“Don’t worry, My Lady. Before the war declaration, many Lin Yin City residents fled toward the imperial city. Third Madam and Fifth Young Miss have likely escaped as well,” Ding Xian said from the side.

Huang Yan nodded in agreement. “Yes, His Highness has had people secretly protecting them all along. Now we just need to connect with the secret guards.”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin’s anxious heart relaxed a little.

……

In the imperial palace, chaos still reigned.

“Well? Any news of Chu Li?” The Western Ming Emperor sat in the imperial study, immediately questioning as soon as Eunuch Lu entered.

Eunuch Lu shook his head and approached the Emperor. “Your Majesty, there’s no news of Prince Ning, but this old servant has some good news to report.”

“What good news?” the Emperor asked.

“General Qin has arrived and requests an audience,” Eunuch Lu said in a low voice.

Hearing this, the Emperor’s eyes brightened momentarily before his brows furrowed. “What does he want?”

Eunuch Lu shook his head.

“Summon him,” the Emperor commanded, then added after a pause, “And send more guards here.”

Eunuch Lu nodded and left.

Shortly after, Qin Munan, dressed in silver armor, entered the imperial study. His face was pale and gaunt, clearly having recovered from a serious illness.

“This humble servant greets Your Majesty,” Qin Munan knelt and paid his respects to the Western Ming Emperor.

The Emperor fixed his gaze on Qin Munan, not immediately bidding him to rise. His eyes were filled with deep meaning. “Munan, where have you been these past few days?”

“This servant was recently poisoned with a strange toxin that affected my mind. My life hung by a thread, but fortunately, Prince Ning’s wife saved me.”

Qin Munan kept his eyes lowered, his eyelashes trembling slightly when mentioning the Prince Ning’s wife. After steadying himself, he continued, “This servant has come today to request Your Majesty’s permission to lead troops into battle. I will certainly capture the rebels in one strike and restore peace to Western Yuan!”

“But how can I be sure you haven’t colluded with that girl Qin Muyue?” The Western Ming Emperor gazed sternly at Qin Munan.

He had once trusted the Qin family completely, never imagining that one day they would betray him!

Now, with half of Western Yuan’s soldiers under Chu Qing’s command, he couldn’t risk giving the other half to Qin Munan.

At the mention of Qin Muyue, a coldness never before seen erupted in Qin Munan’s eyes, making them terrifyingly calm and profound.

Then, Qin Munan slowly extended his hand and rolled up his sleeve, revealing a series of shocking scars before the Emperor’s eyes.

The scars were newly healed, still blood-red in color.

“This…” The Western Ming Emperor opened his mouth, unsure what to say.

“If Muyue could be so cruel to her brother, how could I possibly show her mercy?” Qin Munan laughed self-mockingly.

Hearing this, the Emperor hesitated no longer. He decisively declared to Qin Munan, “Very well! I shall trust you this once! Effective immediately, I appoint you as Commander-in-Chief, with Imperial Guard Commander Lin Ping and Secret Guard Commander Wang Mao joining you in battle!”

“Tomorrow, lead thirty thousand troops to Lin Yin City and capture those rebels in one decisive action!”

Qin Munan nodded and clasped his hands. “This servant obeys Your Majesty’s command!”

With Qin Munan now in charge, the Western Ming Emperor’s tense heart relaxed slightly. Compared to the previous days when he couldn’t even find a Commander-in-Chief, having Qin Munan in command certainly gave him more peace of mind.

Moreover, Qin Munan had just mentioned Mu Yunjin, indicating he had private contact with her, which meant that perhaps Chu Li and Mu Yunjin might also help Qin Munan with strategy in this campaign.

With these thoughts, the Emperor felt that everything had been arranged perfectly.

When Qin Munan walked out of the imperial study, silence engulfed the surroundings, the atmosphere unbearably heavy.

In the past few days, no one knew the living hell he had endured at the foot of Screen Peak. The lovesickness poison had penetrated deep into his marrow. The elderly Master Murong had used poison to combat poison to eliminate the toxin in his body.

And that process of fighting poison with poison involved enduring the torment of parasitic insects, suffering the agony of bleeding from all seven orifices daily.

After regaining consciousness, recalling the near-death experience during detoxification, he couldn’t believe that all this was done by the little sister he had doted on since childhood.

Nor could he believe that they had truly rebelled against the kingdom.

Standing on the steps, Qin Munan suddenly found himself immersed in a wave of heartache and confusion.

At that moment, a sweet, clear voice rang out from one side, filled with delight: “Brother Munan, it’s you!”

Qin Munan was slightly startled and turned toward the source of the voice. There stood Chu Qingyuan, dressed in a clear water-green gauze dress, with a pretty, cute face, bouncing toward him.

Seeing Chu Qingyuan, Qin Munan regained some composure and slightly curled his lips. “Greetings, Ninth Princess.”

“Brother Munan, why are you standing here alone? Are you also here to see Father?” Chu Qingyuan hadn’t seen Qin Munan for a long time. Although she told herself not to like him anymore, her heart still couldn’t help but beat rapidly upon seeing him.

Qin Munan’s body trembled slightly, and he smiled faintly. “I’ve already seen your father. I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

With that, Qin Munan began to walk away.

After taking a few steps, he felt his sleeve being pulled and turned back. “Does the Princess have something else?”

Chu Qingyuan nodded, moved closer to Qin Munan, and whispered, “Brother Munan, is Father in good spirits today? I specifically had soup prepared for him. After what happened with Sixth Brother recently, Father hasn’t been willing to see me. I’m afraid he might refuse to see me today as well.”

After speaking, Chu Qingyuan hung her head dejectedly.

“His Majesty is in good condition today. Go see him and keep him company,” Qin Munan said gently.

“Really?” Chu Qingyuan immediately beamed with joy and released Qin Munan’s sleeve. “Then goodbye, Brother Munan.”

With that, Chu Qingyuan turned around, instructing the palace maid carrying the soup to follow, and headed toward the imperial study.

Watching this scene, Qin Munan shook his head helplessly and walked toward the palace exit.

……

In River Moon City, at the Governor’s Mansion.

Mu Yunjin and Chu Li specifically took advantage of today’s leisure to visit Xu Heyu in River Moon City. Since the detoxification last time, Xu Heyu had remained weak, hardly leaving the house.

“Silly, just drink some plain water,” Qu Xinyao poured tea for Chu Li and Mu Yunjin, then separately poured a cup of plain water for Xu Heyu.

Xu Heyu accepted it with a smile, his eyes full of tenderness as he looked at Qu Xinyao.

“Give her plain water too,” Chu Li spoke up, pointing at Mu Yunjin.

Qu Xinyao was momentarily surprised and raised an eyebrow. “What’s this about?”

Mu Yunjin smiled at Qu Xinyao. “What do you think?”

Hearing this, Qu Xinyao’s gaze immediately shifted from Mu Yunjin’s face to her abdomen. “Could it be that you’re pregnant?”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin smiled with curved eyes and nodded.

“That’s wonderful news! But Yunjin, I can’t imagine what you’ll be like as a mother. You’re so rough around the edges…” Qu Xinyao tilted her head in thought, then poured a cup of plain water for Mu Yunjin.

Mu Yunjin snorted lightly, “You’ll see in eight months!”

Then, changing the subject, “What about you? Have you and Governor Xu decided when to get married?”

Hearing this, Qu Xinyao’s face reddened, and she sat down beside Xu Heyu. “We’re not in a hurry.”

“Hmm, then let me ask differently.” Mu Yunjin turned to look at Xu Heyu. “Governor Xu, when do you plan to marry Sister Xinyao?”