Yang Jiaoruo nodded slightly, "I dare not let Your Highness worry, I am much better now."

For more than a year, Yang Jiaoruo fought like a daredevil, shedding blood on the battlefield, more valiant than any man. Zhou Ji thought highly of her and even appointed her as a general.

"You make me both at ease and worried. On one hand, I feel I should entrust you with important responsibilities, but on the other hand, I feel that as a woman, you shouldn't be fighting so bloodily. Alas... It's hateful that among my million-strong army, I don't have many people I truly trust," Zhou Ji sighed.

Yang Jiaoruo sensed something unusual. "Does Your Highness have a task for me to complete?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ji hesitated, looking as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

"Your Highness need not trouble yourself. Even if it means going through fire and water, I, Jiao Ruo, will not hesitate!" Yang Jiao Ruo's face was resolute, revealing an unwavering determination.

Zhou Ji gently shook his head. "I know you can handle it well, but I'm not sure if I should do it."

Yang Jiaoruo asked in confusion, "What is it that has troubled Your Highness so much?"

Zhou Ji sighed deeply, his gaze turning sorrowful.

"Our army has captured several major cities in the past year or so. It seems to have been smooth, but in reality, it was not."

"The territory occupied by Zhuang Jun is much larger than that of our army, and the danger posed by Zhuang Jun to us is even greater than that posed by the imperial court."

"As a general, you should know that we have spare troops while fighting against the imperial court, but Qianxue is reluctant to attack Zhuang's army."

"I've discussed this matter with Qianxue several times, and she's always been unwilling to be enemies with Zhuang Jun. I think she wants to live in peace with Zhuang Jun and rule the world together!"