Bai Yu's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said with a smile, "Yiyi, you're always so sensitive."

However, his surprise and doubt surged like a tide.

He began to re-examine Xu Yuehuai, wondering just how many secrets this woman was hiding.

Xu Yuehuai did not let her guard down. She knew that Bai Yu's suspicions had not been dispelled, and she had to be even more careful.

She began to delve deeper into Bai Yu's plans and actions, trying to find his weaknesses. She discovered that although Bai Yu wielded immense power, his heart was filled with fear and unease. This became Xu Yuehuai's greatest weapon in her fight against him.

Deep within the palace, Xu Yuehuai moved stealthily, like a nimble night cat.

She knew that wisdom and courage alone were not enough for her to gain a foothold in the complex royal palace. She needed more supporters and allies to fight against the powerful Bai Yu. Therefore, she decided to take the initiative and seek out those who harbored resentment towards Bai Yu.

On this hazy, moonlit night, Xu Yuehuai donned a long black robe, her face veiled with a thin gauze, revealing only her eyes that shone with unwavering determination. She quietly made her way to a corner of the capital, to a secluded grove of trees, a place where nobles held private gatherings.

“We can’t go on like this. Although Bai Yu is ostensibly acting in the best interests of Dongsang, he has been using up manpower and resources. If this continues, the entire country will be hollowed out.”

"He is not the rightful heir; he is merely sitting on the throne temporarily!"

"We'd better find someone else to replace him!"

"We must never allow someone like him to continue being our king!"

"This country needs to recuperate and thrive; it cannot continue to build blindly like this!"

...

Xu Yuehuai was like a cheetah hidden deep in the forest, silently lurking behind an ancient tree, her ears twitching slightly as she caught every sound around her. Her gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, peering through the gaps in the leaves at the gathering crowd.

She heard them whispering, and every word pierced her heart like a needle.

They complained about Bai Yu's tyranny, feared the darkness of the future, and were lost in this endless suffering.

A raging fire ignited within Xu Yuehuai—an anger at injustice, a yearning for freedom, and a determination to change. She knew that at this moment, the wheel of her destiny had begun to turn!

She took a deep breath, as if drawing strength from the earth, and slowly emerged from behind the tree. Her voice was not loud, but it was full of determination and power: "I know you are all angry and desperate about Bai Yu's rule, and so am I. I propose that we unite to fight against him and for our future!"

"What? Who are you?"

Why should we believe you?

"You weren't sent by that person to test us, were you?"

What exactly is your purpose?

The crowd erupted in an uproar. Doubt, surprise, fear, anticipation... a mix of emotions mingled together. Some questioned her identity, some doubted her motives, and some even suspected she was a spy sent by Bai Yu.

Xu Yuehuai remained unmoved; her eyes held only unwavering conviction.

She smiled, a smile brimming with wisdom and confidence. Instead of immediately revealing her identity, she spoke in a more resolute voice: "I have come here not to be your enemy, but to fight alongside you. My goal is to overthrow Bai Yu's tyranny and bring peace and freedom to our homeland!"

"Can this person's words be trusted?"

"Does she really want to join forces with us?"

Can we trust her?

"Just because she shares the same goal as us, and because she managed to find her way here all alone, she's either our enemy or our friend. Why don't we trust her this once?"

Xu Yuehuai's words struck like lightning, instantly resonating with everyone present. They began to whisper amongst themselves; some wavered, others began to believe. Xu Yuehuai's heart was filled with joy; she knew her first step had been successful.

"You don't need to give me results so quickly. I'll wait for you to decide whether you want to cooperate with me."

After saying that, Xu Yuehuai disappeared like the wind, leaving behind a note with a location.

In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai transformed into a cunning fox, cleverly disguising herself and traversing every alley and avenue of the capital.

She moved with a light step, like a willow catkin in the wind, silently blending into the crowd. She traveled to every corner of the capital, from bustling markets to quiet alleys, from luxurious mansions to simple residences.

With her keen insight and extraordinary wisdom, Xu Yuehuai talked with all sorts of people, listened to their innermost thoughts, and tried to understand their ideas.

She not only learned about the customs and culture of the capital, but also gained insight into people's inner world. Using wisdom and courage as her weapons, she gradually won people's trust and support.

“Alright, let’s fight against this tyrant Bai Yu together.” An angry nobleman clenched his fist and said firmly.

“We are willing to believe you.” An old man’s eyes shone with hope, his voice trembling but firm.

"If you need anything, just let us know." A young soldier straightened his chest, indicating his willingness to serve Xu Yuehuai.

Meanwhile, the people Xu Yuehuai had secretly contacted all found the locations on the notes she had left behind. They came from different social classes and backgrounds, but all shared a common goal—to overthrow Bai Yu's tyranny. They all expressed their willingness to follow Xu Yuehuai and fight alongside her!

Xu Yuehuai was filled with joy and excitement. She knew that her actions had resonated widely and garnered support.

However, she was also aware that the process was fraught with danger and uncertainty.

On this day, Xu Yuehuai, dressed in an elegant green dress and with a veil lightly veiling her face, strolled along the bustling streets of the capital. Her steps were light and graceful, as if she were walking on clouds, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world.

The streets are lined with shops selling all kinds of goods, and pedestrians come and go in an endless stream, creating a magnificent and prosperous scene.

"Knock knock knock..."

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility.

Xu Yuehuai frowned slightly, a sense of unease rising in her heart.

A burly man, looking hurried and seemingly oblivious to the pedestrians ahead, rammed straight into Xu Yuehuai!

Xu Yuehuai's eyes narrowed, and she subtly shifted her body to the side, skillfully avoiding the man's charge. However, just then, a gust of wind swept by, and the man grabbed a corner of her veil, nearly tearing it off. Xu Yuehuai's heart tightened; she knew something was wrong.

She quickly reached out her slender hand, grabbed the other corner of the veil tightly, and pulled it back forcefully.

Although she managed to keep her veil, her movements attracted the attention of those around her. Xu Yuehuai's heart sank; she knew she had been exposed to everyone's gaze.