At the Songjiang Prefecture garrison, the Thirteenth Prince was frantic, like an ant on a hot pan, as he hadn't heard from the Seventeenth Prince for several days. He had people keep watch around the island every day, but the island seemed calm and showed no unusual activity.
It had been three days, and the Thirteenth Prince could no longer wait, so he urgently summoned Shi Cong.
"How is it? Any news on Seventeenth?" Thirteenth Master asked Shi Cong as soon as he saw her. Shi Cong shook her head uneasily, then comforted her, "Seventeenth Master is clever and quick-witted. This is his second time on the island, so he should be fine. Besides, if Seventeenth Master's identity were exposed, the island would definitely take corresponding measures. The most effective way would be to kidnap Seventeenth Master to threaten us... Right now, there's no news from the island, which might actually be a good thing!"
The Thirteenth Prince nodded, but he was still uneasy. Zhu Wanqing was no ordinary person, so she couldn't be analyzed using the same methods as ordinary people. Thinking of this, the Thirteenth Prince's heart sank, and he felt extremely uneasy.
"No, I can't let Seventeen take such a risk..." Thirteen said uneasily after pacing back and forth.
Shi Cong pondered for a moment, then frowned and asked, "What does Thirteenth Master mean?"
"Launch the attack immediately! Regardless of whether Fourteenth Brother changes his mind, wipe them out first! I can't let Seventeenth Brother be alone and helpless on the island. If anything happens to him, I'll never know what will happen to me!" Thirteenth Master said decisively. Seeing Thirteenth Master's resolute gaze, Shi Cong had nothing to say. After all, the first failed encirclement was his own mistake, which had caused so much trouble.
Without hesitation, Thirteenth Master and Shi Cong quickly gathered all the soldiers and directed five large ships to sail across the sea. This time, learning from the previous experience, the five ships were dispersed, intending to land on the island from several different directions.
The island's defenders quickly spotted the Thirteenth Prince's boat and signaled to Zhu Wanqing by beating drums and waving flags.
Zhu Wanqing hadn't expected the Qing army to arrive so quickly, but she remained calm and summoned all the hall masters. Zhu Wanqing, heavily pregnant and dressed in military uniform, entered the hall.
Seeing Zhu Wanqing's attire, everyone realized that a fierce battle was about to begin, and the atmosphere became tense.
"Sisters, the Qing army is invading now. This is our only and last chance. The White Lotus Sect has grown and developed to its current state over the years entirely thanks to the strong support of you all. Now, Zhu Wanqing once again implores you all to fight for the White Lotus Sect and for our homeland!" Zhu Wanqing spoke passionately and eloquently, her emotions infecting everyone present.
"Fight for the White Lotus Sect! Fight for our homeland! Fight for our leader!" A shout echoed throughout the hall.
Seeing everyone prepared to fight to the death, Zhu Wanqing's eyes reddened with emotion. She raised her hands to comfort them, saying, "Sisters, you are all Wanqing's family. No matter what the outcome is, I will be with you..." As she spoke, Zhu Wanqing glanced at her maid and gestured for her to bring out her weapon.
Seeing this, the gang leaders hurriedly knelt on the ground and cried out, "No, Master, you can't go! The task of resisting the Qing army has been entrusted to us. Master, you should leave the island first..."
"Yes, Master, we are all lowly people. We are only able to live with dignity because of your kindness. We are willing to do anything for you, including die..."
"Yes, Master, you can't go..."
Moved to tears, Zhu Wanqing helped each of the hall masters to their feet, sobbing a few times before beginning to plan the next phase of the battle. This time, the entire White Lotus Sect, residents and soldiers alike, took up arms and awaited Zhu Wanqing's commands.
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