Lu Ziyuan had written down everything that needed to be said, and he believed that the two of them would understand it naturally. However, they did not agree with Lu Ziyuan's suggestion.
Lu Zifeng asked, "Hand over all your troops? That's too risky. First, we'll lose our protection. Second, once you have our people, there's no guarantee you won't do something else."
After he finished speaking, he carefully examined Lu Ziyuan.
Indeed, Lu Ziyuan intended for them to temporarily make peace and gather their troops to fight the Xi Rong. However, if they did so, Lu Ziyuan would have even greater power, and then it would be a case of the snipe and the clam fighting while the fisherman benefits.
Lu Zixiu understood this principle as well.
However, he offered another solution: "Seventh Brother, we can cooperate temporarily, but our people will bring their trusted commanders, and you will be in charge. At the same time, we should leave some people in Yuanjing to prevent enemy spies from infiltrating and to prevent certain people from making any moves."
Lu Zixiu's words were pointed. Lu Zifeng glared at him: "Of all things, defending against foreign enemies should come first. At a time like this, anyone who dares to act secretly is betraying the country!"
Fearing they would start arguing, Lu Ziyuan quickly said, "Then let's arrange it this way. At the same time, relying on the food and supplies support from my two elder brothers, I will make this battle quick and decisive, and it won't drag on for too long."
After the three reached an agreement, Lu Ziyuan discussed the details with them, and things were finally stabilized.
Not long after, Lu Ziyuan led an army of over 300,000 men to the border of Yuanqi.
...
On the Island of Consciousness, Zhong Muyu lived a peaceful life, focusing on her pregnancy.
Nearly a month has passed, and she has basically gotten to know all the people here and the island's landscape. Everyone treats her very well, but they don't say anything extra. The strange feeling in Zhong Muyu's heart has not dissipated, so she continues to seek the truth.
After nightfall, Ning'er helped Zhong Muyu to bed and, as usual, went to the high hall to report on the situation. This time, in addition to Master Wen, the clan leader Dongshan Yi and several elders were also present.
"Even though I've made the story seem very realistic, the Holy Maiden hasn't completely believed it. I've noticed she's been trying to find something, but she seems to have no clue what to look for."
Ning'er said these words after giving her report, which was followed by a murmur of whispers.
Master Wen said, “That’s normal. No matter how true a story is, it’s not true. Besides, she never lived on the island, and we don’t know much about her lifestyle. It’s normal for there to be some oversights. But because she’s far removed from everything she used to live, she can’t remember anything.”
Someone suggested reinforcing the seal, but this was rejected by the clan leader, Dongshan Yi. After Ning'er left, Master Wen asked the question that had been on his mind: "Clan leader, you're not still thinking about that matter, are you?"
Higashiyama Yi did not deny it: "If we can use those things freely, we will benefit immensely."
Master Wen narrowed his eyes slightly. What Dongshan Yi was referring to was Zhong Muyu's personal consciousness space. When they captured her and brought her here, they accidentally saw that space through the consciousness link. The dazzling array of things inside was something they had never imagined or seen before.
Just by observing its shape, one can tell that it has great uses.
However, apart from Zhong Muyu, ordinary people cannot access it. At this time, Zhong Muyu's memories and dream magic were sealed, making it impossible for her to enter that space. If we want her to enter the space again, we must restore her memories.
This also puts Higashiyama Yi in a dilemma.
Then the divine master said, "But the clan leader should not forget that once she regains her memories, she will not stay to be used by us. At that time, we will not need those things either."
Dongshan Yi nodded: "That's true. Let time heal all wounds. Of course, everyone should also diligently practice dream techniques; perhaps we can find a way to enter that space."
Master Wen agreed along with the others, but he himself didn't care much about the matter.
He was also tempted by the things in the space, but if it was only for the prosperity of the Spirit Island, that would be fine. He was afraid that someone might have other ideas and want to move back to the mainland.
The Spirit Clan was once oppressed because of its uniqueness, but now there are many people within the clan who believe in the superiority of the Spirit Clan. Giving these people power will only increase the trouble.
...
As the days went by, Zhong Muyu's belly grew bigger and bigger, and she could no longer travel very far. Ning'er was afraid that she would get bored, so she often brought her all sorts of little trinkets, but these things didn't interest her much.
That day, Ning'er caught another cage of grasshoppers for her, and Zhong Muyu finally couldn't resist: "Ning'er, I want to read a book. Are there any good books on this island?"
"Book?"
Ning'er was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course there is. So the Holy Maiden wants to read a book. Please wait a moment, I'll go find it."
I don't know where Ning'er went to find the books. She was gone for a long time, and when she came back, she was carrying a stack of books.
"Your Holiness, these are all stories that have been passed down on the island for a long time, as well as local folk tales. You should like them."
"Thanks."
After thanking her, Zhong Muyu casually picked up a book. The pages were yellowed, indicating it was quite old. Seeing that she was reading intently, Ning'er didn't disturb her any longer and quietly left.
Ning'er, you are really careful. These books are all related to the island, and there is nothing from outside the island. Just looking at some of the paper, they are probably some rare and precious items.
It was always like this, and the more it happened, the more curious Zhong Muyu became—curious about what was happening outside the island, curious about what they were hiding from her.
When Ning'er came to bring tea, Zhong Muyu stacked the books and pushed them over, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, please take these books with you."
"You're not reading anymore? Are these books not good?"
"There are few good stories; most are rather boring. Have you read any?"
After Zhong Muyu finished asking, he saw Ning'er with an apologetic expression on her face. It seemed that she also knew that the contents of these books were not interesting.
“Your Holiness, I am just a maid. I can barely read a few words and I haven’t read many books. Since you find these boring, I will go and find some more for you.”
Zhong Muyu lowered her eyes, seemingly unconcerned about her deception.
"No need. I feel heavy, and it's not good to sit for too long. Go out for a walk and get some sunshine; it's good for your health."
"It's possible, but for your health, you can't go too far or to dangerous places."
Ning'er helped her up and gave her careful instructions.
"Don't worry, you always remind me, so I know what I'm doing."
Ning'er thought about it carefully and realized that Zhong Muyu was indeed quite obedient, always being careful since arriving here. However, Master Wen said that they could not be careless.
The waves crashed against the shore, and a salty sea breeze carried a damp feeling. The two walked down the street, Ning'er introducing her to the latest gadgets, but Zhong Muyu's mind was elsewhere.
Through her observation, she learned that there were ships going out to buy things on the island, but she had never set foot in that port.
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