Yuan Cheng gazed at the sail that had nearly merged with the color of the waters, standing motionless for a long time.

Li Yan knew his thoughts and said, “Miss Mo Zi is an extraordinary woman of our time. She will surely turn danger into safety and transform misfortune into fortune. Prime Minister Yuan need not worry.”

“You all regard her as an omnipotent extraordinary woman, but in my eyes, she’s simply the person I want to cherish in the palm of my hand for a lifetime.” Yuan Cheng slowly withdrew his gaze. When he turned his head back, his face was already calm and composed. “Elder Li, please summon the commanders of each unit. Aren’t there those who refuse to submit to me? It’s time to win a great victory.”

Li Yan had originally worried that Yuan Cheng was too immersed in romantic sentiments and had forgotten the urgent situation at hand. Only now did he completely set his mind at ease. He responded and went to gather all the people of influence.

Ten days later, Mo Zi followed Chapter Mu’s boat into Chenzhou.

Although they had encountered government troops inspecting along the way, they had dismissed them all with silver. Even having reached a situation besieged on all sides, Nande’s officials and soldiers were still accepting bribes, arrogantly assuming the common people were merely causing minor disturbances. Moreover, since Xinzhou and Chenzhou were under the court army’s control, letting in some suspicious boats wouldn’t affect the overall situation.

“Madam, Mister Chapter requests an audience.” A maidservant reported from outside.

Those forty women had been trained for Mo Zi by the Thunder Gate over a year ago at Yuan Cheng’s request. Their martial skills might not be particularly high, but they all knew hand-to-hand combat, with strength no less than men’s, and could be useful at critical moments. As for Chapter Mu, while his eyes were lustful, his courage was insufficient. Having also received a chest of silver, after boarding the boat he would inquire after their well-being once a day, but was otherwise fairly well-behaved.

“Why is he here again?” Luo Ying pursed her lips.

A’Yue and A’Hao immediately lowered the pearl curtain and stood behind Wu Youyan.

“We’re probably approaching the entrance to the secret waterway.” Mo Zi marked the map, rolled it up and set it aside, then spread out a sheet of paper pretending to write. “Please invite Mister Chapter in.”

As soon as Chapter Mu entered the cabin, he routinely sketched a glance toward the pearl curtain, then plastered a smile across his face and gave Mo Zi a shallow bow. “Madam, today’s drunken crab at lunch was truly exceptional.”

“If Mister Chapter likes it, we’ll have the chef make it again tonight.” Mo Zi signaled for tea to be served. The chef had been replaced—the original one could finally concentrate on steering the boat.

“Good, that’s good, but this evening meal will have to be prepared by the cook after disembarking.” Chapter Mu took a sip of tea—the fragrance filled his nostrils. Everything to eat, drink, wear, and use on this boat was finer than anything he’d ever seen. Bringing back such a grand gift to Tiger King this time, he would surely receive a promotion and title.

“Oh, we’ll arrive at Tiger King’s base tonight?” Mo Zi smiled, just as she had predicted.

“Madam is clever.” Chapter Mu felt dazzled. Such a beauty—tsk tsk. Escorting a bride, escorting herself into the tiger’s mouth. Tiger King probably wouldn’t let her go. If Tiger King tired of her, perhaps he could have her. Poor that fellow surnamed Yuan would be cuckolded.

“Is there anything we need to prepare?” Though Mo Zi couldn’t read minds, every time she saw Chapter Mu’s squinting, lustful expression, she became more vigilant about the road ahead.

“No need, no need.” Chapter Mu gave a sinister laugh. “It’s just that this waterway is absolutely secret. Without Tiger King’s word, I dare not casually reveal it to others. Therefore, in a while, I must trouble Madam and your people to gather in the large cabin with doors and windows tightly shut, not looking outside.”

Mo Zi pondered for a moment before speaking. “Mister Chapter, my own sister is to marry Tiger King’s son. From now on, we’ll be in-laws. Moreover, my husband has already agreed to honor Tiger King as supreme. Once the two provinces are taken, we’ll merge into Zicao’s main camp. With such frequent comings and goings, along with such a substantial dowry, is this still insufficient to gain your trust?”

Chapter Mu was prepared. “It’s not that I doubt Madam’s sincerity, but this matter is of great importance and requires Tiger King’s personal authorization.”

“Very well, Mister Chapter is merely following orders. Rest assured, we’ll comply with your instructions. But please, when you see Tiger King, tell him truthfully of Prime Minister Yuan’s genuine sincerity in seeking alliance.” Since the other side was being perfunctory, Mo Zi responded in kind. This was a contest of surprise victory, requiring patience, caution, and the ruthlessness to act decisively when needed. She temporarily set aside her disgust and responded with a smile.

“Naturally. Not only I, but even Tiger King, upon seeing Madam and Madam’s sister, will surely understand Prime Minister Yuan’s sincere heart in devoted submission.” Chapter Mu’s greedy gaze fixed again on the fair little hands of the maidservant serving tea.

“That’s good then.” Mo Zi acted as if she saw nothing. “When you need us to go to the large cabin, just inform us, Mister Chapter.” What? A sincere heart in submission? Ha!

“Soon, in another hour.” Chapter Mu ultimately underestimated Mo Zi. He finished his tea, stood up to take his leave. “I’ll make preparations first.”

Mo Zi held her cup to see the guest out.

“Lecher!” After he left, Luo Ying cursed. “Those rolling eyeballs gleaming green—seems he’s having sweet dreams.”

“Petty people in this world can only show off. They never have the ability to realize what’s in their hearts. Let him dream until his head spins—that way he can’t see the truth clearly, which makes things convenient for us.” Mo Zi was confident, her manner composed. “Go tell your husband to have people enter the water in an hour and observe the route carefully.”

Luo Ying agreed and walked into the inner chamber. There beneath the floorboards was a secret passage leading directly to the bottom cabin.

Wu Youyan came out. Behind her, besides A’Yue and A’Hao, was another woman—Qiu Shuang.

Qiu Shuang had joined the Righteous Yuan Army with Ding Gou. The two were previously bickering but affectionate enemies, though their relationship wasn’t yet publicly clarified. This time for the wedding escort, she had come along. Among these people, the most nervous was Wu Youyan. In the ten days since departure, she hadn’t genuinely laughed once. Although openly there were Qiu Shuang, Hua Ying, A’Yue, and A’Hao acting as dowry maids who would protect her every step of the way, and secretly Mo Zi had brought experts like Zan Jin and Ding Gou to watch closely, when she thought about marrying a bandit’s son—even if it was fake—she couldn’t relax. However, no one had forced her to do this. To stay, she had chosen to be Mo Zi’s sister. She didn’t regret it, but she couldn’t achieve Mo Zi’s calm composure.

“If we return safely from this, I’ll have Yuan Cheng acknowledge you as his sister.” Mo Zi observed outside through the window crack, speaking casually.

Wu Youyan was startled, stammering, “This… this won’t work.” Somehow, she had a feeling toward Yuan Cheng that was both close and fearful.

“It won’t work.” Qiu Shuang, with her beautiful figure, sat down beside Mo Zi. “With Prime Minister Yuan’s temperament, even if you were his real sister, don’t expect to act coquettish with him. More likely, he’d use you as a honey trap against enemies just like now. The only one he’ll treat as treasure is my sister here, and no one else.”

Mo Zi raised her eyebrows. “Is Miss Qiu learning from someone’s habit of talking to herself? Since when am I your sister?”

Qiu Shuang wasn’t embarrassed or annoyed. “You’re magnanimous. Don’t hold those past confused accounts against me. I truly won’t covet your Lord Yuan anymore. Shall we be genuine sisters?”

“You’re being so generous that if I don’t agree, I’ll look petty.” Mo Zi raised her teacup, clinking it against Qiu Shuang’s cup. “Elder sister, my respects.”

“Can I go walk on the deck?” Wu Youyan felt envious in her heart. Hadn’t she followed along precisely to experience such freedom? To escape that shackling monarch identity, to see the magnificent mountains and waters, to contemplate what she wanted to do with her future.

“Of course you can. It’s not time to be locked in a dark room yet.” After Mo Zi finished speaking with a smile, she called Zan Jin from outside. “Follow her, don’t let Chapter Mu’s people offend her.”

Zan Jin didn’t look at Wu Youyan, but said to Mo Zi, “Better not to go out. If I follow her, I can’t watch over you. Or you could assign a few more maidservants to accompany her.”

“Zan Jin, you now have Big Brother’s bearing.” There was hardly any trace left of the nagging fool.

“Brother Mo, we’re very close now. We must be even more careful.” Only then did Zan Jin glance at Wu Youyan. “Don’t do unnecessary things.” This wasn’t directed at Mo Zi.

Mo Zi naturally understood Zan Jin’s meaning. “I’ll listen to you. Won’t go out.”

Zan Jin strode back outside the door.

“My apologies, it seems this isn’t a good time to go out for fresh air.” Mo Zi apologized to Wu Youyan.

Qiu Shuang also said, “I know you’re nervous, but you’ve been a bride getting into the sedan chair a second time now. Just steel your heart and close your eyes.”

“Stop being counterproductive.” Mo Zi glanced askance at Qiu Shuang, then unfastened something from her waist and handed it to Wu Youyan.

Wu Youyan stared at the simple, elegant little sword. “For me?”

“This little sword was given to me by Zan Jin. I can’t give it away casually—I’m lending it to you temporarily. It’s extremely sharp, sealing the throat at the sight of blood. It’s helped me solve quite a few problems. Small and easy to carry, take it as a talisman for protection.” Mo Zi’s treasure.

“Can you use it?” Qiu Shuang asked. Not to belittle her, but given her noble status, she’d never even touched spring water, let alone a blade.

“I’ve never used one.” Yet Wu Youyan accepted it. “But I’ve watched my brother use one.” Speaking of her elder brother, her eyes grew somewhat sore.

Mo Zi said no more. “Remember, sometimes relying on yourself is better than relying on others.”

Wu Youyan nodded emphatically.

An hour later, Chapter Mu invited Mo Zi to the large cabin. After counting heads, he stayed inside with them to monitor, his mouth polite: “I apologize for the inconvenience to Madam and Miss.” But he didn’t know there were dozens more people beneath their feet, silent but busy as worker bees.

Before long, Mo Zi heard a deafening roar, and everything began to shake violently. Teacups and teapots on the table danced wildly, crashing and rolling all over the floor. The maidservants and guards huddled together from this sudden motion, small cries gathering as one, but still not louder than the thunderous booms overhead.

Mo Zi was sitting but fell sideways.

Chapter Mu had secretly chosen a good position, one hand gripping a ship’s pillar, calling out warnings, while his other hand seemingly reached to support Mo Zi, though his expression harbored ill intent.

Mo Zi had long been on guard against him. She’d walked the Frightened Fish Rapids as if on level ground—this degree of shaking couldn’t alarm her at all. Moreover, all the tables and chairs were fixed to the floorboards; she could grab hold anywhere to avoid falling. But she deliberately wanted to teach this lecher a lesson, so she pretended to lunge toward Chapter Mu. Her right fist knocked away his opportunistic claw, her left hand swung toward his face with full force, making him see stars. She circled the pillar to get behind him, kicked up with one foot, and sent him flying out. She watched with satisfaction as he wailed and rolled over broken porcelain shards to crash against the wall.

As heaven and earth shook, she sat steadily in her chair, smiling with eyebrows dancing in delight.