Rong Ning's expression turned solemn as she quickly reviewed the northern defense deployment map in her mind.

Rong Ning personally deployed this defense plan, and she knew it better than anyone else.

She went around and took out the princess's seal from her bosom, giving it to Aying and instructing her, "Take my token and go to Xifeng Ridge to find General Yang. He's the closest one to here."

He and General Wang are both my right-hand men, people I trust. Have him lead his troops to provide immediate support.”

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Ah Ying accepted the token with a determined expression, then turned and disappeared into the night, heading towards Xifeng Ridge to seek help.

Rong Ning, along with You Jiang and the remaining trusted followers, continued to conceal themselves and conduct a more thorough reconnaissance of the manor's surroundings. Under the cover of night, they silently approached the edge of the manor, attempting to find any possible loopholes or weaknesses.

"Your Highness, look over there,"

One of the confidants pointed to a corner of the estate where there seemed to be a weaker defense, "Perhaps we can try to break through from there."

Rong Ning looked in the direction her confidant pointed, her brows furrowed as she weighed the pros and cons in her mind.

She knew that if the operation failed, the consequences would be unimaginable, and she had to make a decision as soon as possible.

"Okay, that's it, but we'll have to wait for A-Ying's turn."

They had to time it perfectly to ensure that reinforcements could arrive in time.

Finally, at the break of dawn, when everyone was fast asleep and the manor was at its quietest, Rong Ning decisively gave the order, "Action!"

But we must proceed with caution; if discovered, we must retreat immediately and not linger in battle.

The trusted followers nodded in agreement, and then, led by Rong Ning, they silently approached the weak point. Using the terrain as cover, they drew closer to their target step by step.

Just as they were about to approach the manor, a faint sound suddenly broke the stillness of the night. Rong Ning's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately signaled everyone to stop and listen attentively.

"Oh no, a patrol!" he shouted, pulling her along with the reins.

Rong Ning quickly looked around and saw a patrol of soldiers walking towards them.

She made a quick decision, waved her hand, and led her confidants to retreat swiftly, hiding in the nearby woods.

The patrol passed by their previous location, found nothing amiss, and continued their patrol.

Rong Ning and the others only dared to emerge from the woods after the patrol team had gone far away, to continue their reconnaissance mission.

Time ticked by, and Rong Ning and her group finally found a relatively safe entry point. They cautiously approached the manor, and using the cover of night and the terrain, successfully infiltrated its interior.

However, the situation within Zhuangzi was far more complex than they had imagined.

The governor's confidants were well-trained and heavily guarded.

Rong Ning and the others had to remain vigilant at all times to avoid being discovered.

They searched the village thoroughly and suddenly discovered the imprisoned people of Yanhe County in a hidden dungeon.

The people were dressed in rags, their faces were pale and emaciated, and they had clearly suffered inhuman torture.