As a monarch, it would be very shameful for him to ask his subjects for help if word got out. However, with powerful enemies all around, the number of generals and leaders in Ji who are capable of fighting can be counted on one hand. Apart from the few who are on good terms with the Qin family, there are really not many military leaders that the monarch of Ji can trust.

If a ruler of a country has few capable people at his disposal, wouldn't he become a laughingstock?

Mo Lan walked from one end of the street to the other, hearing only the panicked voices of the people.

Back in the courtyard where I listen to the rain, I move a chair, lean back in the yard, and bask in the warm sunshine, which makes me feel drowsy.

In her hazy state, she felt a shadow loom before her. Mo Lan opened her eyes and looked at Qin Su, who appeared in front of her. "What brings you here at this hour?"

"You've been cooped up in the mansion for so long, you're practically moldy. I came to see you." Qin Su sat down next to Mo Lan, and Wu Feng immediately served them both tea.

"The news has spread throughout the streets and alleys that the State of Ji is besieged on all sides. Not to mention those entrenched feudal lords who want to fish in troubled waters, even neighboring countries are all trying to take a bite out of us. How can you still sit still?"

Mo Lan rolled her eyes at him. Qin Su was a man of deep cunning, and he had almost everything under his control. It wasn't that she was underestimating herself, but she really couldn't guarantee that she could guess Qin Su's thoughts.

"Why should I be restless? The Qin family has handed over all military power, and I am now a prince in name only. Our Qin clan is trapped in the capital and unable to move. The king is taking advantage of the turmoil at the border to support his right and left hands. Everything is developing exactly as he wants, and I am happy to be idle."

Qin Su leaned back in his chair, looking at the white clouds in the sky, a faint hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

"As a military officer, your greatest wish is to serve your country. You may say nice things, but who knows how desolate you are inside? Don't put on an act in front of me. I can't stand your hypocrisy."

Mo Lan snorted. Civil officials are cunning and enjoy playing mind games. It's said that military generals are single-minded, but it depends on the person. When it comes to military power, their minds turn as fast as a whirlwind.

As a general, what he desires most is to have the power to command troops and to be able to mobilize them freely, rather than just having a title without real authority.

Qin Su turned to look at Mo Lan, remained silent for a moment, and finally couldn't help but chuckle, "You woman, your personality is really unpleasant."

Most women would speak gently and kindly in this situation, but she just hurts people's feelings.

"Tch~, your heart is as hard as iron, do I need to give you some nice advice? I knew you were a deep thinker and thick-skinned person all along, I wasn't wrong about you." Mo Lan looked at Qin Su, and seeing his lazy posture, she knew that this guy had already made up his mind.

"Tell me, what do you want? What do you want me to help with?" She had promised before that she wouldn't refuse as long as it didn't go against her conscience.

Qin Su: "...If my request is a bit unreasonable, would you agree?"

"You're being so unreasonable. You yourself said you're asking me to do something I can't accept, so why are you still demanding that I agree?"

Hearing Qin Su's words, Mo Lan rolled her eyes at him. "Let's get this straight, I can't do anything too difficult. You know we each have a large family behind us. It's fine if we take risks ourselves, but we can't drag others down with us."

She's okay with offering help, but no one should force her to do anything that crosses her bottom line.