Baili Meilin is located at the westernmost edge of the Southern Zhou territory, while Miaoyin Pavilion is located at the easternmost edge. The two largest secular forces in the Southern Zhou are both far from the capital, Kangye, just as their masters dislike dealing with the imperial court.

Miaoyin Pavilion is not a pavilion, but a complex consisting of a large and a small manor. The large manor is located on the coast of Jinghai, while the small manor is built on a small island in the sea, with a tower about ten feet high standing there, which is the landmark of the area.

Ming Yingluo possessed the aura and majesty of an empress, yet she was approachable and kind to the common people. While the large manor was not open to the public, the smaller manor frequently hosted song and dance performances, allowing ordinary people to approach and enjoy them.

The local people have come to enjoy the shows at the Myo-on-gaku as a form of daily entertainment, and there are also many tourists who come from far and wide.

Some have even said that the Miaoyin Pavilion area is the liveliest place on the entire Jinghai coastline.

At night, colorful lights hang along the beach, and the windows of the Miaoyin Tower emit twinkling lights. Listening to the songstresses singing on the tower, some locals also dance along.

"We live in a chaotic world, they live in our dreams."

Ming Yingluo led Su Sheng and Cui Wuming for a stroll along the beach. Su Sheng looked at the cheerful people and sighed.

"That's why I dislike the imperial court."

Compared to that day in Silver Valley, Ming Yingluo had a slightly more smile on her face today. She continued, "Those people in the court keep saying that war is to bring a better life to the people, but all they bring to the people is blood, tears and separation. All they care about is the power in their hands."

Su Sheng said, "If I didn't harbor hatred, I should have come here to take a look long ago. The Wonderful Sound Tower is truly beautiful. This place is really wonderful."

Ming Yingluo said, "You can also choose to let go of your hatred. If you're willing, I can help you deal with Zhou Jinghuan."

Su Sheng shook her head, exchanged a glance with Cui Wuming, and said, "I can't let go..."

"My hands are stained with blood."

Su Sheng stretched out her withered hands, trembling as she said, "Now that it's begun, let's see it through to the end..."

Ming Yingluo stopped trying to persuade her.

"Master!"

"Greetings, Master!"

"Greetings, Master!"

The locals who saw Ming Yingluo all came over to greet her.

Ming Yingluo was not accompanied by the Fairy of Wonderful Sound, nor did she have any guards.

Ming Yingluo smiled at them and asked, "How are the crops growing this year, given the ample spring rains?"

"Thanks to the curator, this year's harvest is sure to be good!"

"Uncle, I remember you raise fish. How's it going this year?"

"Master, with you here, the pirates have never come here again, and I'm perfectly fine!"

"I'm glad everyone's doing well. Go have fun, don't worry about me."

Ming Yingluo returned their greetings and continued on her way with Su Sheng and Cui Wuming.

Su Sheng said, "The people here probably only know the owner of the inn, but not the emperor, right?"

“You don’t need to talk to me about these political rhetoric.” Ming Yingluo suddenly looked at Cui Wuming and asked, “How is your injury recovery going?”

Cui Wuming gently bent down and said, "I'm much better. I'll be fully recovered in less than a month. I've always wanted to thank the master."

Ming Yingluo said, "The physicians at Miaoyin Pavilion are also excellent, only slightly inferior to Mr. Minghua. My Prodigal Sword has very strong sword energy, and an ordinary physician really cannot cure it."

Cui Wuming said, "I didn't expect him to be so strong at such a young age. I was careless."

Su Sheng asked, "Has the Master ever fought with that Xiao?"

Ming Yingluo said, "He came to Miaoyin Pavilion to challenge me, but I ignored him."

Su Sheng said, "I have seen Merlin the Overlord in action, and I have also seen you, Master, in action. I believe you are stronger than Nie Zheng, so why are you afraid of me?"

Ming Yingluo smiled and said, "I'm not afraid of him. I just don't want to talk to him. I don't like fighting."

After a pause, Ming Yingluo continued, "This child's identity is very mysterious. Many people are investigating him, but I am not interested in him."

Ming Yingluo raised her hands towards the Miaoyin Tower and said proudly, "This place is neither a temple nor a martial arts world, but just a manor for playing the zither and flute."

At this moment, a fairy maiden named Miaoyin walked over quickly and said, "Master, Prince He has arrived."

Ming Yingluo said calmly, "Then let's go back. We've had enough sightseeing."

Miaoyin Pavilion, inside the Grand Manor.

Upon seeing Ming Yingluo and the other two enter, Zhou Jinghuan stood up to greet them.

"Master."

"Mr. Su."

"Master Cui".

Ming Yingluo gestured and sat down in the main seat, saying, "Sit down, there's no need to be so polite with me."

Zhou Jinghuan smiled and sat down. Now in his early thirties, he looked even more energetic than before, truly embodying the saying "a happy occasion makes one feel refreshed."

Su Sheng asked, "Does Your Highness already know my identity?"

Zhou Jinghuan smiled and said, "Your identity is no longer a secret. In Dongjing, the Su family has already been labeled as traitors."

Cui Wuming roared, "This Zhao Cheng is whipping the corpse of the Su family!"

Zhou Jinghuan said, "That's just how Zhao Cheng is. He'll always try to take advantage of any opportunity. His younger brother, Zhao Zhan, even used the pretext of thoroughly investigating those who colluded with the Su family to take the opportunity to purge a group of dissidents."

Cui Wuming said, "These two brothers are ruthless enough."

Ming Yingluo stood up and said, "I'm going to play the zither now. You guys chat, and I'll treat you to drinks when you're done."

Zhou Jinghuan knew that Ming Yingluo didn't want to hear about these things, so he nodded.

“Zhou Jinghuan, just remember this: I helped you this time to repay a favor, but you must promise not to bring the war to my land, or else… I will kill you.”

After leaving behind a single sentence, Ming Yingluo drifted away.

Zhou Jinghuan smiled awkwardly at Su Sheng and said, "That's just her temper."

Su Sheng said, "It's clear that the Prince and the Master of the Pavilion have a good relationship."

Zhou Jinghuan scratched his cheek and said, "Ming Yingluo spent some time in the palace when she was little, so we grew up together."

Su Sheng said, "Childhood sweethearts."

"I wouldn't dare say that."

Zhou Jinghuan's expression turned serious as he said, "Mr. Su, you are exceptionally intelligent, so I'm sure you know why I asked Ming Yingluo to save you."

Su Sheng nodded and said, "Now that Your Highness knows my identity, you should also know why I assisted Yang Qingzhi in the Northern Expedition."

"I have a deep-seated hatred for Zhao Cheng."

Su Sheng pulled down her hood, revealing her burned face, then looked at Cui Wuming's empty sleeves and said, "The Su family was destroyed. One of us was disfigured, and the other lost an arm—all thanks to him. This is an irreconcilable feud."

"I don't care who I work for; whoever can kill Zhao Cheng, I'll help them!"

"Your Highness, can you kill him? Will you launch a northern expedition?"

Zhou Jinghuan remained calm and said, "Zhao Cheng is a major threat to Southern Zhou. He must be killed, and a northern expedition is definitely necessary."

"But not now."