It's true that Yu Ling's plan needed Zhang Han's help, but the main purpose was to get rid of him and let the Black Armor Army leave the capital.

Zhang Han, unaware of Yu Ling's ulterior motives, was deeply moved by the prince's sudden display of righteousness and repeatedly agreed.

Only after Zhang Han left to carry out his orders did Yu Ling finally succumb to her injuries, spitting out a mouthful of black blood and feeling dizzy.

[Host... Ouch! Are you alright?]

The system in the space was practically heartbroken, exclaiming that if things really couldn't go on, they should just give up on this mission and wait to die so they could survive in the next world!

"How can this be?"

Yu Ling's hand touched the communication code that Ying Qi had left for him in her bosom.

"I've planned so much, and it was just one step away, one step..."

Just one step away from completely eradicating the emperor's hatred, and even gaining the help of Gu Cheng and his sister, and... Bai Qingyue...

"I actually thought he had returned to the Valley of Divine Healers? Ha! That medicinal fragrance emanating from him, I would never forget it after just one whiff... Ha... Bai Qingyue, if I were still a tree... Sigh, I really want to use him as my nourishment..."

The medicinal fragrance emanating from its body attracts plants, and conversely, repels poisonous insects that live on plants. Its potent effects are evident. Although the scent is extremely faint to humans, how could it escape the notice of Yu Ling, the tree demon?

What?! The host means...?

The system wasn't stupid; it had just been through various arduous self-rescue missions with other hosts, which made it overly cautious and prone to overreacting. Now, with Yu Ling coming to the rescue and the mission seemingly within reach, it had already calmed down and was even more boldly speculating...

Could it be that Bai Qingyue is still in the capital?

"Hmph, not bad."

With a hint of helplessness in her voice, Yu Ling wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, got up, tidied herself, and continued,

"It's funny, but that day he was staying in a house next to Shadow Seven's little workshop..."

The person who could save his life might be right beside him, but he could only cautiously stay away, afraid that others would find out and eliminate him completely to prevent future trouble. How pathetic...

"Knock knock knock"

The sudden knocking interrupted his thoughts. Yu Ling was speechless. Who would be looking for him so early?

"Uh, Brother Yu, the young master Wen came last time..."

Before Yi Luo could finish speaking, she was coldly interrupted by the woman beside her.

"It's me, Gu Wen."

The woman was none other than Gu Wen, who had come looking for Yu Ling. Gu Wen's self-disclosure of her identity made Yi Luo, who was beside her, very embarrassed. She hadn't recognized her former friend when she was dressed as a man. However, when they first met, Yi Luo was in dire straits, and Gu Wen was just a lowly palace maid who did shopping. They had overcome their difficulties by calling each other sisters.

Now that their identities are so different from before, and given that Gu Wen was trying to keep it a secret, it's understandable that she wouldn't recognize them.

"I need to be alone with him for a while, Sister Yiluo, you..."

Seeing the door open, Gu Wen saw Yu Ling, who was lazily leaning against the doorway with a casually draped outer garment over her shoulders. She turned to look at Yi Luo beside her and said...

"Don't let anyone disturb the two of us."

Although Yiluo didn't know what was so important, she still respected Gu Wen's status as the daughter of a general, so she nodded in agreement and stood guard not far away.

"Come in and talk."

Yu Ling stepped aside, and Gu Wen naturally walked in. Yu Ling glanced at Gu Wen, who looked completely at ease, and then at Yi Luo outside the door, who seemed indifferent. Without greeting her, she simply closed the door tightly.

He wasn't sure if Yi Luo knew his true identity, and it would be bad if things went wrong.

Yu Ling led Gu Wen to sit opposite her at the table. She boiled water, burned incense, and brewed tea in one smooth motion, displaying the demeanor of a refined young nobleman. Back then, this was his favorite thing to do. As for whether the former regent would do it or not, he couldn't be bothered to care.

"Miss Gu Wen, why are you in such a hurry to find me?"

After refilling Gu Wen's teacup and pouring herself a cup, Yu Ling slowly began to speak.

Instead of immediately answering Yu Ling's question, Gu Wen first picked up her teacup and took a sip. Her eyes immediately lit up; the tea was fragrant like orchids and osmanthus, and tasted like sweet dew. She truly hadn't expected that An Jingqiu, the dignified Regent, would possess such skill.

Sipping her tea slowly, Gu Wen said,

"I wonder what Your Highness thinks of the Xiongnu's repeated disturbances and disruptions to the nation's prestige?"

Yu Ling raised an eyebrow at Gu Wen, not expecting her to ask about this matter. It seemed that something had happened on An Jingxuan's side, and he could no longer control the civil and military officials... Otherwise, why would Gu Wen be so desperate as to seek help from her former enemy to discuss countermeasures?

Thinking of this, Yu Ling felt relieved. She slowly and deliberately toyed with her teacup, and under Gu Wen's complicated gaze, she slowly spoke, saying...

"Oh? The Xiongnu? I can't say for sure. Besides, it's An Jingxuan who should be worrying about this right now. What does it have to do with me?"

Gu Wen seemed to have anticipated this answer, and quickly replied,

"Your Highness, you are mistaken. No matter what, you are of royal blood. Now that we are being bullied like this, are you really going to stand by and do nothing?"

"Sigh... it's not us, it's you all..."

Yu Ling immediately retorted.

"I am no longer the emperor, nor am I the regent I once was. I am now just a dying man. Let An Jingxuan worry about these trivial matters himself."

Gu Wen asked repeatedly, but received only negative answers or had the topic changed. She refused to help the Xiongnu cause trouble. Seeing that Yu Ling's attitude was really firm and she really didn't want to offer advice to the country anymore, Gu Wen began to get anxious.

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