Because of the original owner's identity, he knew too many people, so he inevitably had to be careful in his dealings with others. Yu Ling had done her best to be similar to the original owner.

Therefore, even though Yu Ling harbored many schemes against the King of Dongli, her demeanor, expressions, and attitude were exactly the same as Yi Lanbin in her memory—respectful and humble towards the King of Dongli.

The two remained silent for a long time. King Dongli did not take it to heart. He was still immersed in the grief of the fall of Dongli Kingdom and assumed that his General Yi felt the same way.

Besides, he was, after all, a king. Even if he were taken prisoner and sent back to Beishang, at least he wouldn't have to worry about making a living. But Yi Lanbin probably wouldn't get that treatment and would likely be reduced to a lowly laborer, which he certainly wouldn't want.

That's right... the Northern King will definitely humiliate me to enhance his prestige, so that the people of Dongli will submit more quickly, just like Nanyue did before.

Thinking of this, King Dongli felt a surge of anger, but he quickly suppressed it. When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. He endured it!

The silence ended, and they sat down side by side with Yu Ling. Dong Li Wang was afraid again, afraid that Yu Ling wouldn't be willing to suffer with him, afraid that she might secretly end her own life for the sake of her dignity. He spoke again, trying to persuade her:

"General Yi, if it weren't for your desperate fight, Dongli would have been destroyed long ago. With weaker troops, Dongli was destined to suffer this fate."

Seeing that Yu Ling's reaction was lukewarm, he continued:

"I know you hate Beishang to the core, but the people of Dongli cannot live without you, and neither can I. Even if we, as ruler and subject, are reduced to Beishang, I believe you can find other ways to continue protecting Dongli."

"Protecting Dongli is a good excuse," Yu Ling nodded with a wry smile, her voice slightly hoarse, and said, "Okay."

At first glance, what King Dongli said seemed to make a lot of sense.

But Yu Ling isn't stupid.

Isn't it because he values ​​Yi Lanbin's abilities and his standing in the eyes of the Beishang people that he wants to use himself to improve Yi Lanbin's treatment in Beishang and add weight to his position?

They actually had the idea of ​​selling out their underlings for personal gain?

sure.

You'll see if I act or not, then you're finished!

Besides, it's uncertain whether the Northern King would even look at me. With this excuse that you, the Eastern King, have given me, I can easily survive the mission by just hiding. Isn't that great?

The two exchanged a fake smile.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Yu Ling, who was openly wounded, was taken back to her original prisoner's dilapidated tent by the Northern Soldiers.

The next few days were generally peaceful. Feng Yi was busy handing over military affairs and had no time to care about the prisoners like Yu Ling.

In the military camp, the noisy footsteps came and went, suggesting that the aftermath of the war would not be so simple.

Soon, the day arrived when Feng Yi was to return to the capital of the Northern Sorrow Kingdom.

He imprisoned King Dongli alone in a prison cart, while the other prisoners and ministers were tied up by their hands and herded along.

The wounded were not included and were left in the military camp, but Yu Ling was the only one who was pulled onto the marching group.

Yu Ling guessed that Dongli King might have said something to Feng Yi again.

On the surface, he was dragging his heavily injured body and walking with difficulty, but in reality, he was not falling behind at all, and could even secretly circulate his internal energy to reduce the consumption of his body.

Being a prisoner of war is not an honorable thing, and it is even more shameful for a general to become a prisoner of war. Yu Ling, who was in a bad mood, swept her oppressive gaze around, and even the soldiers who wanted to cause trouble obediently listened to her.

This resulted in the escorting procession moving on foot being unusually quiet.

Chen Wu, who was mixed in with the prisoner escort team, also secretly followed Yu Ling to her side.

Chen Wu probably didn't want to offend Yu Ling, so he didn't say anything pointless. He just walked alongside Yu Ling, pretending to be escorting her, and silently kept her company.

The group, in a grand procession, hurried back to the Northern Sorrow Kingdom.

As soon as they entered the city gate, the road was filled with the cheers and congratulations of the onlookers. Feng Yi rode his tall horse at the very front, leading the way.

In contrast, the Dongli group, lagging behind, were all in low spirits, keeping their heads down and not daring to show their faces.

Only Yu Ling was quite different; she didn't show any of the timidity of those around her. She still walked with her head held high and chest out, standing out like a crane among chickens. A general, no matter how afraid of losing face, couldn't show weakness in front of outsiders!

The journey was long, but it also felt short. After a frantic half-day of travel without taking a break, Feng Yi finally arrived at the Northern City of Sorrow.

King Beishang stood at the city gate, welcoming his triumphant general, while civil and military officials lined up to offer their congratulations.

"This humble general pays his respects to Your Majesty! I have not failed in my mission. The Eastern Li has been conquered, and Your Majesty has unified the Three Kingdoms."

Feng Yi dismounted and walked a few steps to the Northern King, where he knelt and bowed, his voice filled with joy and pride.

"Good! Good! Hahahaha, you truly are a fine son of Bei Shang! Go back quickly to wash and prepare, Xin'er is still in the capital, waiting for your return day and night."

The Northern King helped Feng Yi up and praised him repeatedly.

The Xin'er he mentioned was his youngest princess, who had been engaged to Feng Yi long ago. They were just waiting to hold a grand wedding ceremony together after this victory, so that the whole country could celebrate!

No matter how fierce Feng Yi was, he was still a young, unmarried man. He felt quite embarrassed when his future father-in-law said that, and didn't reply. But the corners of his mouth were practically stretched to his ears in a grin.

After a brief greeting.

The prisoners escorted by the Northern Army were all led away by an official who acted as a guide and his guards, and taken to a remote and desolate village in the capital.

Only King Dongli was brought into the royal palace in the capital by Feng Yi and imprisoned alone.

The tragic fate of King Dongli can be imagined.

Meanwhile, Yu Ling was also quite confused about the current situation.

He had thought that the world was very poor, but after all, the original owner was a great general, and the life he remembered wasn't so bad as to be ridiculous.

but……

Look at this boundless wilderness and those little houses made of mud and hay all around!

Is this a place for people to live in?

The treatment of prisoners of war is terrible!

The most ordinary people in the Northern Sorrow Kingdom live in stone houses!

The official brought the people here and left. A group of guards, seemingly there specifically to manage prisoners, came to take over. One of them, who appeared to be the leader, shouted at the prisoners strung together:

"Why are you all staring at each other like that?"

You are no longer soldiers of Dongli, nor people of Dongli! You are now forced laborers of Beishang, do you understand?

Once you're here, there's only one thing you need to remember: work! Work! Keep working!

If anyone dares to disobey, at best they'll go hungry, at worst... they'll be beaten to death and no one will care!

The prisoners gritted their teeth in anger, making a creaking sound, which only made the leader feel more superior. He looked around a few more times and suddenly noticed Yu Ling, who stood out from the crowd and was just staring blankly at the mud house with a calm expression.

The leader smiled maliciously and said, "If I'm not mistaken, this hero should be General Yi Lanbin?"