"I think we can lure the snake out of its hole and make those who want to harm His Majesty come out on their own."

The commander of the Imperial Guards wholeheartedly agreed: "The Princess is right, this is an excellent idea!"

Qi Hanlin nodded in agreement, agreeing that they could proceed with the plan.

They then discussed some specific details of the plan in more detail before Xu Yuehuai prepared to go back.

"From then on, everything proceeded according to plan!" Xu Yuehuai said to everyone.

Qi Hanlin pursed his lips and said, "Okay, Aunt, be careful on your way back."

"Um."

She turned and left, walking home, her heart filled with satisfaction and joy. She knew her mission was not yet complete, and she would continue to strive for the prosperity of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

As the sun sets, Xu Yuehuai's figure casts a long shadow on the road, as if telling her story. And in her heart, there is a deep sense of anticipation and confidence for the future.

After returning to the Prince's residence, Xu Yuehuai immediately gathered all the remaining guards. Her expression was somewhat solemn, but her eyes revealed a firm determination.

She whispered a few words to her guards, who then nodded in shock and immediately withdrew from the study.

Xu Yuehuai sat alone in the study where Qi Guze used to sit, looking at the books he had previously flipped through, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

She thought of Qi Guze, the man who had accompanied her through countless days and nights. He always smiled gently at her, embracing everything about her with his broad mind.

But now, he is gone, leaving only this empty study and her longing.

"Aze, I wonder when you'll be back?" Xu Yuehuai murmured softly, a hint of anticipation and unease flashing in her eyes.

She knew she couldn't dwell on the past forever; she still had responsibilities and missions to fulfill.

Just then, Qi Ziang pushed open the door and entered. Seeing her melancholy expression, he immediately came over to comfort her, saying, "Mother, I will protect you well in place of Father." His voice was gentle yet firm, as if carrying a particularly warm power.

Xu Yuehuai looked up at him, a hint of warmth flashing in her eyes.

“Thank you, Zi'ang,” Xu Yuehuai said softly. “I know I need to pull myself together, for the sake of the Prince’s Mansion, for your sake, and for my own sake.”

"Yes, Mother!"

Qi Ziang stepped forward and put his arm around Xu Yuehuai's waist, and she hugged his small body back.

The two felt very warm and cozy, and the atmosphere around them relaxed, no longer as oppressive as before.

In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai knew that the royal family needed to be reborn and that she herself needed to become strong so that the family could stand firm amidst the turmoil of the four kingdoms.

Therefore, she decided to let Tie Xiong lead the secret guards in training, planning, and strategizing, so that they would remain vigilant and sharp under the shadow of war.

Tie Xiong was a burly man with a resolute gaze; he was the leader of the secret guards. He knew his mission and understood Xu Yuehuai's expectations.

He led his bodyguards in day and night training, strategizing how to deal with the impending crisis. They were positioned in the shadows, like cheetahs waiting for their prey.

Xu Yuehuai knew that only by becoming strong could she revitalize the Prince's Mansion. She was not afraid of difficulties and challenges, nor of failures and setbacks. She believed in her abilities and wisdom, as well as her determination and perseverance.

She usually goes to Tianxianglou to teach the chefs how to make new dishes, and in the evenings she oversees everyone's training.

Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng were also training with the guards. Although they were young, their perseverance and determination were astonishing.

They were not afraid of hardship or fatigue, only wanting to protect themselves and their families during the war. Their actions and efforts earned them the respect and trust of many.

As time went by, Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng continued to grow and improve.

They grew from innocent children into responsible, courageous, and wise teenagers, proving their value and ability through their actions and efforts.

Tie Xiong watched Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng's figures, his heart filled with respect and pride. He knew that these two youngsters were the hope and future of the Prince's Mansion, and had already become role models for the guards.

On the training field, Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng were drenched in sweat, their faces etched with determination and resolve. Their eyes were filled with longing for the future and a thirst for victory.

Xu Yuehuai watched their figures, her heart filled with relief. She knew that her decision was correct, and the children were adapting to this turbulent situation in their own way.

Even if I'm not by their side in the future, they will be able to live well.

She also believes that under their leadership, the Prince's Mansion will surely be able to regain its vitality and embrace a brighter future.

On this day, Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng were practicing swordsmanship together in the courtyard. During their practice, Qi Ziang accidentally cut his hand with Tie Chunsheng's sword, drawing a little blood.

Upon seeing Qi Ziang injured, Tie Chunsheng immediately stepped forward and asked, "Ziang, are you alright? Are you serious?"

Qi Ziang smiled and said, "It's nothing, just a minor injury." Although he said it was fine, the wound was still a little painful.

Afterwards, Qi Zi'ang went into his room alone to treat his wounds. He took out some medicine, gently applied it to the wounds, and then carefully bandaged them.

Although the process was simple, Qi Ziang did it very seriously, as if he were doing something important.

In the afternoon, Xu Yuehuai returned from Tianxiang Tower. She was somewhat worried after hearing Tie Xiong mention Qi Ziang's injury.

She walked into Qi Ziang's room and saw her son applying medicine to himself like a little man, which made her feel very gratified.

Xu Yuehuai gently pushed open the door, walked to Qi Ziang's side, and said, "Ziang, let your mother apply the medicine for you."

Qi Ziang looked at his mother with some surprise and nodded.

Xu Yuehuai gently picked up the medicine and carefully applied it to Qi Ziang's wound. She gently massaged Qi Ziang's arm, her eyes filled with love and pride.

Looking at his mother's expression, Qi Zi'ang felt a deep warmth in his heart. He knew that his mother had always cared about him, and that he had always been working hard to grow up.

This small wound made him realize even more that only by becoming strong could he protect the people around him he wanted to protect.

Tie Xiong and Xu Yuehuai walked out of the room together. They smiled at each other, both happy for Qi Ziang's growth.

"Young master is truly mature for his age. It is remarkable that he has such insight and courage at such a young age."

Xu Yuehua nodded and said, "Yes, seeing Zi'ang so strong makes me really happy."

On this day, Qi Zi'ang not only improved his swordsmanship but also grew spiritually. He knew that only by becoming strong enough could he face the various challenges in life.