The enemy forces came with overwhelming momentum, just as Qiao Mu had predicted—the Longwu Army retreated step by step, and in just two days, had fallen back inside Yicheng.

Once the city gates were shut, everyone finally had a moment to catch their breath.

But a very serious problem now lay before them.

Watching Di Wu Ya’s complexion improve with each passing day, everyone understood clearly that it was all thanks to Feng Jiu’er.

She had kept watch over Di Wu Ya nearly day and night without rest, her complexion growing paler by the day, her figure visibly thinner.

Having not seen each other for over two days, when they finally met again, even Ye Luosha could not bring herself to voice any resentment toward Feng Jiu’er.

When Ye Luosha and Emperor Ji entered the hall, Yu Jingfeng was already standing inside, anxious.

“Miss Jiu’er, I truly could not find it. These past two days, I sent men to every apothecary in Yicheng. And today, I personally slipped into the imperial capital.”

“Yet not a single pharmacy within the imperial capital carried this medicinal herb. And there is something very strange—while inside the imperial capital, I felt as though I was being watched the entire time.”

“After moving from place to place, not only did I fail to find the medicine, I was relentlessly hunted down.”

Qiao Mu paid no attention to the newcomers, but turned her head to look at Feng Jiu’er.

“Perhaps they know this is the critical medicine for saving the Ninth Prince, and sent people to sweep it all away beforehand.”

“With Yicheng in its current state, many residents have already fled. It would not be difficult for the other side to enter and ransack the apothecaries.”

“The imperial capital lies at the foot of the throne—at a single word from the Emperor, not only would every pharmacy refuse to sell this medicine, they would scour the entire city to apprehend anyone attempting to purchase it.”

“My thinking aligns with Miss Qiao’s.” Yu Jingfeng furrowed his brow deeply.

“Miss Jiu’er, there is only one night left. If we cannot obtain the medicine, His Highness the Crown Prince, he…”

“Tomorrow is the critical day—the medicine must be had.” Feng Jiu’er glanced at the newly arrived visitors, then rose to her feet.

Emperor Ji was wheeled in by Elder Shi, Ye Luosha walked at his side, and among those who entered behind them was also Di Fei Mu.

Emperor Ji looked at Feng Jiu’er and gave a small wave of his hand, and only then did Feng Jiu’er take her seat in the head chair.

“What medicine is it?” Ye Luosha withdrew her gaze from Feng Jiu’er and fixed it on Yu Jingfeng, asking in a low, measured tone.

For these past two days, she had been riding continuously across the battlefield, with no time to return and see Di Wu Ya.

This was the first time Ye Luosha and Feng Jiu’er had seen each other since their encounter outside the city walls.

Yu Jingfeng turned, cupping his hands in a respectful salute: “Grand Matriarch, Palace Mistress, Second Prince.”

Di Fei Mu said nothing. After entering, he glanced at Feng Jiu’er, then turned and headed toward the inner chamber.

Qiao Mu rose and followed Di Fei Mu’s lead.

“In response to the Palace Mistress’s inquiry—it is one of the medicinal ingredients in the treatment prescription Miss Jiu’er wrote for His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“I dispatched many of our brothers to search, and they searched for two days, but still could not find it. Tomorrow is now the final day, and the most critical one.”

“At this point, none of us know what to do.”

“What is Wu Ya’s condition right now?” Ye Luosha asked quietly.

“His Highness the Crown Prince’s color looks much improved, but Miss Jiu’er said tomorrow is the critical day, and this medicine…”

“Tonight, I will make my way into the imperial capital.” Feng Jiu’er rose once more and stepped forward.

“Yu Jingfeng, come inside—there is much I must convey to you before I leave tonight.”

Feng Jiu’er glanced at Yu Jingfeng, then turned and walked toward the inner chamber, paying no further attention to those who had entered.

“Miss Jiu’er, you cannot go to the imperial capital—it is far too unwise!” Yu Jingfeng fell into step behind her.

“Do you have a better idea?” Feng Jiu’er asked in a low, firm voice.

“I…” Yu Jingfeng raised his eyes for a moment, and his breath fell heavy with gloom.

He had failed to handle even such a small matter—what face did he have to show before His Highness the Crown Prince? And if Miss Jiu’er entered the capital and something went wrong…

The two quickly entered the inner chamber, where Qiao Mu stood guard outside and did not go in.

The Ninth Prince was so revered—and above all, he was not her man. It was not her place to intrude.

As Feng Jiu’er and Yu Jingfeng went in, Di Fei Mu came out from within.

“Miss Jiu’er, if you enter the imperial capital now, I fear it may be a trap.” Yu Jingfeng still could not put his mind at ease. “Today, I have already alerted the enemy.”

“If they are certain we will go back in search of the medicine, perhaps what awaits you is a net cast across heaven and earth.”

“Such nagging.” Feng Jiu’er turned and swept Yu Jingfeng with a glance, continuing forward. “Come in quickly—I have things to say.”

Yu Jingfeng had no choice but to follow. Just as Miss Jiu’er had said, he truly had no other recourse.

Di Fei Mu stepped away from the partition screen as Feng Jiu’er and Yu Jingfeng walked in.

Behind the screen, Di Wu Ya sat quietly in the bathing tub, his eyes closed.

Today, his complexion was far better than before.

Feng Jiu’er gazed at that face—no matter how many unforeseen dangers lay ahead, she felt it was worth it.

Since her mother had sacrificed herself to repay a debt, it was only right that she repay it by saving Di Wu Ya.

Feng Jiu’er had not asked a single word about what had happened between Zhan Li Yue and Di Wu You, yet deep inside, she still felt a pang of sorrow.

Especially for Di Wu You—the bond between her and him would not change regardless of anything.

She had never imagined that before they could meet again, the two of them had already been parted by the divide between the living and the dead.

Feng Jiu’er crouched beside the bathing tub, took Di Wu Ya’s arm where it rested on the rim, and placed her long fingers on his pulse point.

“Yu Jingfeng, the coming hours are critical. Whether His Highness the Crown Prince can pull through depends entirely on the next twelve hours.”

“Mu Mu, do not leave tonight either—I will not be here, and having one more person will put my mind at ease.”

Di Fei Mu, standing outside the partition screen, made no reply, only waiting quietly.

Every word Feng Jiu’er said to Yu Jingfeng, Di Fei Mu committed to memory.

Once Feng Jiu’er finished her instructions, the inner chamber at last fell quiet.

Yu Jingfeng stepped out from behind the partition screen.

Feng Jiu’er gave Di Wu Ya a thorough examination, then came out as well, stepping before Di Fei Mu and Yu Jingfeng.

“Miss Jiu’er, you intend to enter the palace? All the medicines from the apothecaries have been swept away—they may all be inside the imperial palace, but entering the palace is far too dangerous for you.”

Yu Jingfeng thought it over and over, still uneasy.

“I have my own way.” Feng Jiu’er swept a glance at Yu Jingfeng, then looked at Di Fei Mu. “Just now—you understood everything clearly, did you not?”

“I am worried that Yu Jingfeng alone will not be able to manage everything.”

“Long Yi, come down.” Di Fei Mu met Feng Jiu’er’s gaze and said calmly.

Long Yi, who had been keeping watch on the overhead beam, leapt down with silent grace and landed before Di Fei Mu.

“Second Prince, Miss Jiu’er.” Long Yi cupped his hands in a salute toward the two.

Not only Long Yi—for these past two days, the Feilong Shi’er Qi had remained stationed at Di Wu Ya’s side at all times.

They were like invisible men—if there was no need, they would absolutely not show themselves before others.

“Tonight’s affairs are your responsibility—yours and Yu Jingfeng’s. Did you hear everything clearly just now?” Di Fei Mu looked at Long Yi, his voice low and firm.

“No problem—heard everything clearly.” Long Yi cupped his hands. “Does the Second Prince intend to personally escort Miss Jiu’er into the city?”

Di Fei Mu gave a slight nod, saying nothing more.