After resolving the issue of food supplies, Zhu Wanqing entrusted other matters of the sect to the seven hall masters and focused on her pregnancy on the island. As her pregnancy progressed and she experienced morning sickness, the island, though fresh, was very humid. Zhu Wanqing felt unwell for several days and could not attend to anything else, focusing solely on giving birth to her child soon.
That day, Zhu Wanqing felt a little better, so she took her maid's hand and, during a moment of leisure on the front porch, playfully poked at a small bird on a shelf. The bird chirped and hopped about, making Zhu Wanqing shrug and laugh, "This little bird is so cute..."
After saying this, she added some water to the birdcage and said lightly, "Unfortunately, it can only be kept in a cage for people's amusement..." Zhu Wanqing was about to get up when her maid quickly reached out to help her, bowing her head and agreeing, "Being able to bring joy to the sect leader is a blessing for this beast..."
Zhu Wanqing smiled faintly, propped herself up, and was about to go back when someone rushed in from outside. Zhu Wanqing turned around and looked at the person, only recognizing him clearly when he was right in front of her—it was the Red-Clad Hall Master!
"Master, there is something that I find very strange, so I came to report it to you..." The blue-robed hall master's expression was solemn, as if something major had happened, which made Zhu Wan's heart sink.
"What's wrong?" Zhu Wanqing carefully protected her stomach, trying to remain calm. The Bluetooth Hall Master said worriedly, "I've been in charge of the island's defenses. Recently, I discovered that five official ships have arrived at Wusong Wharf in Songjiang Prefecture. Songjiang Prefecture is far from the capital. Logically speaking, it's impossible for so many official ships to arrive all at once without war. I'm worried..."
Zhu Wanqing felt a slight unease, her stomach heaving, and sensing something was wrong, she turned and loudly commanded, "Go! Immediately convene a meeting of all the hall masters..." The maid hesitated, but Zhu Wanqing rebuked her sharply, "Right now! Immediately!"
Soon, the seven hall masters arrived at the council hall, and the atmosphere immediately became tense upon seeing Zhu Wanqing's expression. Zhu Wanqing told everyone what the blue-robed hall master had discovered, causing an uproar and a flurry of discussion.
Zhu Wanqing couldn't stand the noise; she felt her stomach churning. She patiently tapped the table and slowly said, "It seems there's some unusual activity from the Qing army at Wusong Wharf. We mustn't let our guard down..."
The red-robed leader, hot-tempered, was the first to retort, "Master, this is impossible..." He then pointed at the blue-robed leader, his tone slightly accusatory, "Have you investigated thoroughly? We've been hiding on this island for so many years, and no one has ever noticed us. How could the Qing army just come like that?"
The blue-robed leader was speechless and awkwardly turned to Zhu Wanqing for help. Zhu Wanqing raised her hand to signal for quiet: "Whether it's true or not, everyone should be careful during this period... It's best not to go in or out of the island anymore, and contact with the outside world should be temporarily suspended!"
Upon hearing this, the black-clad hall master immediately stood up, excitedly saying, "No, Master! Our White Lotus Sect is currently enjoying great success in the martial world. How can we just stop like that? With so many businesses and so many followers, the consequences of cutting off contact would be unimaginable..."
The leader of the red-robed hall also said indignantly, "That's right! Besides, how could the Qing army have found the island where we are hiding? It's heavily guarded, and no outsiders have ever entered or left. It's simply a pipe dream to attack it..."
However, the others agreed with Zhu Wan's suggestion, and the council members had differing opinions and argued endlessly.
Zhu Wanqing felt a little dizzy, frowned, and murmured, "We can't ruin everything for short-term gains..."
Immediately, everyone in the council hall began to chatter, but in the end, they reluctantly accepted Zhu Wanqing's order. Zhu Wanqing stood up and looked at the calm sea outside. She herself found it unbelievable, sighed, and instructed all the hall masters: "From now on, strengthen the island's defenses. Everyone must be on high alert at all times, closely monitoring the situation at sea. Take immediate action at the first sign of any unusual activity..."
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