Yongle found her like this a little funny and said, "Earlier you looked like you didn't want anyone to approach you, but now you look like a little fox. You've really changed so quickly." After saying that, he chuckled.

Mu Yunxi wasn't embarrassed at all. Instead, she blinked and said playfully, "You've told me everything, so there's no need for me to be restrained! Besides, I think it's good to let myself go like this. I used to be too restrained and never felt comfortable! If I could do it all over again, I'd like to live more freely within the rules of this era."

Yongle nodded slightly, understanding, and then fell into deep thought. After a moment, she slowly said, "But in Zhaoguo, women are still subject to many restrictions. It's not as free as your era." Her eyes revealed a hint of longing and helplessness, as if she longed for a world full of freedom.

Mu Yunxi patted her shoulder and comforted her, "Don't think too much, let's just live in the present. But then again, do you know whether my father joined any camp in his previous life?" Her tone became serious, and her eyes were fixed on Hua Yin, expecting her answer.

"No, not before I died." Yongle fell into memories and said slowly, "But - in the previous life, your mother and I were good friends in private." After saying that, she looked at Mu Yunxi with a smile on her lips.

Mu Yunxi was slightly startled, then understood. Li Huayin was a princess, and had a brother like the Second Prince. Normally, it wasn't appropriate for a minister's family to get too close to her. But since they were close friends, that was another matter.

Yongle smiled and said, "Otherwise, do you think I would just go with you so easily? I know your mother's character well! Besides, you didn't die, which makes me very curious. I can live my life again, and I can't help but wonder if you have the same experience. So, I often observe you, and from your eyes, I am more and more certain that you are also a reborn person. However, Mu Yunxi in the previous life was only thirteen years old, and it is impossible for her to have such a deep and calm look as yours. So, I once suspected that you were not the real Mu Yunxi. Now it seems that my guess is right, am I very smart?" Yongle covered her lips with her hands for a moment, and Yongle seemed to remember something. Her eyes became dim, her lips opened slightly, and she murmured softly, "I just don't know what happened to my father and brothers after I died..." Her voice was full of sadness and worry, as if the whole world had lost its color at this moment.

"As a princess, despite my noble status, I have many restrictions and constraints. I cannot participate in wars like men, and can only stand quietly in the rear, praying for the country. However, when I learned that Zhaoguo had suffered repeated defeats, my heart was overwhelmed with pain and self-blame.

The Hucha's breach of the northern border has brought immense pressure to Zhao. Even more shocking is that the mysterious land of Youdu has also launched an attack on the western border, plunging Zhao into an unprecedented predicament. Faced with this situation, I can't help but wonder: is Zhao truly so fragile? Or is the enemy simply too powerful?

Yongle lowered her head, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes. She knew she couldn't change the course of the war, but she still hoped to make some contribution to her country. She began to reflect on her past, wondering if she had been too focused on personal gain and neglected the safety of the nation. She was overwhelmed with guilt and regret.

Mu Yunxi said, "Don't you suspect Chen Ruopeng of being a spy? Then what about Lord Chen's family? If so... then they must be among the military camp and the court officials. Furthermore, they were able to kidnap you, so they must have planned it long ago and are very familiar with the route and the situation in Zhao. They didn't choose to go north because they were afraid of going to war with Zhao, but because their real goal was to deliver you to Chen Ruopeng. You are the beloved eldest princess. If I could become your consort, as long as I have the ability, I would definitely be highly valued by the emperor. What other way is there to gain access to the royal family faster than this?" Mu Yunxi frowned and asked in confusion, "I'm just curious, how can they be sure you would be interested in Chen Ruopeng?"

"He's my type. I admire his looks, personality, and talent. When I first met him, I thought he was perfect. He's exactly what I wanted in a partner. That's why all the things that happened later happened..." Yongle said excitedly. As she finished, she seemed to recall things from her past life, and her eyes gradually dimmed.

"It seems...he's a consort tailor-made for you. You might have a spy from one of their groups. This person knows all your preferences," Mu Yunxi said firmly. She paused, then asked thoughtfully, "Has anyone around you ever asked what kind of consort you'd like? Or has anyone else ever asked you what kind of person you'd like to be a consort? Or has anyone else known your preferences?"

Yongle recalled carefully, not knowing who she was thinking of. She shook her head gently, as if denying her own thoughts. She murmured to herself, "No way, that's the nanny my mother gave me."

Mu Yunxi couldn't help but sigh as she watched Yongle like this. She knew the princess had always been well protected, and her title, "Yongle," reflected the emperor's expectation for her—eternal happiness. However, it now seemed that this happiness might only be a superficial illusion.

Mu Yunxi frowned and asked seriously, "How old is that maid? Was she originally a maid serving in the palace, or was she brought into the palace later by your mother?"

The nanny couldn't be a spy, Yongle shook his head and denied it: The nanny was a servant born in the Jin family, a maidservant who came with my grandmother's dowry, and she watched my mother grow up, so she couldn't be a spy.

Mu Yunxi wasn't as optimistic as she was. She analyzed the situation carefully, "Let me make a hypothesis. If that nanny is indeed a spy, then when did these people infiltrate you? The nanny is your great-grandfather's illegitimate child, and she grew up with your grandmother. Let's also assume that one of her parents was a spy themselves, and that the nanny has now taken over this position. Of course, they definitely have more spies than just these. Our current suspects include Chen Ruopeng and his family.

If these speculations are correct, then they've already begun planning; perhaps they've already infiltrated since your grandfather's generation, or even earlier. If that's true, it's terrifying to contemplate. Mu Yunxi pondered for a moment, his eyes deep, as if contemplating something. "It seems their plans are quite grand. This Youdu is truly mysterious. But how could there be so many?" Mu Yunxi pondered. How could a country allow such a thing to grow?

Yongle was silent for a long time, and finally spoke slowly: "I don't know... Maybe, everything is possible...

"Why so many?" "I've read in Zhaoguo's history books that our great-grandfather allowed intermarriage between the people of Zhaoguo and Youdu. Back then, Youdu was open, unlike today, where foreigners are barred from entering. Considering some events from my previous life, your deduction is not impossible." Princess Yongle's body suddenly went cold. She knew that if Mu Yunxi's deductions were true, then it was only a matter of time before Zhaoguo was slowly eroded by outsiders.

Mu Yunxi sighed softly and continued, "So, we can't rule out any possibility. Next, we need to carefully investigate everyone involved in this matter, including that maid. At the same time, we must strengthen your protection to prevent similar incidents from happening again."

"Why so many? I've read in Zhaoguo's history books that my great-grandfather allowed intermarriage between Zhaoguo's people and Youdu; Youdu was still open at that time; and ever since the previous generation, King Yan, inherited the throne of Youdu, he has kept foreigners out, just as he does now. Considering some events from my previous life, your inference is not impossible." Princess Yongle's body suddenly went cold. She knew that if Mu Yunxi's inferences were true, then it was only a matter of time before Zhaoguo was slowly devoured by outsiders.

Mu Yunxi sighed softly and continued, "So, we can't rule out any possibility. Next, we need to carefully investigate everyone involved in this matter, including that nanny."

Princess Yongle nodded vigorously, a determined glint in her eyes. She said with determination, "To prevent a similar incident from happening again, I will not hesitate to report these important findings to my father. This time, I will never allow the same thing to happen again."

"Yes, we should indeed take preventive measures as soon as possible. We must catch all the spies without sparing a single one," Mu Yunxi said in a serious tone.

When did Hu Sha and You Du start attacking Zhao State? Mu Yunxi suddenly asked.

It's still early, at least another twenty years; we still have plenty of time to deal with it. Princess Yongle's eyes grew more determined.

"It's been so long, twenty years... If there were spies among the intermarried couples, this matter would become very complicated... If there are too many spies, it's not impossible for Zhao Kingdom to undergo a major reshuffle in twenty years!" Mu Yunxi rubbed his brows and analyzed with a serious expression. Then, thinking about something, he said, "You won't go to Chen Ruopeng this time, but he will definitely find a way to appear in front of you. What are your plans?"

Yongle lowered her eyes in thought, her brow furrowed slightly. She couldn't think of any good solution. After a moment, she looked up at Mu Yunxi and said, "Please help me think of a solution. None of the methods I've come up with are perfect. I want to use him to lure out the person behind this, but at the same time, I don't want him to get too comfortable."

Mu Yunxi smiled and nodded, agreeing with Yongle's idea. Then she said, "But I think the same as you. If they chose him as your consort, it means he must be special. Furthermore, I think he might be Youdu's trump card in Zhao State. After all, not just anyone can be a consort. His identity must be very special, as he has remained undiscovered for so many years. As your consort... I don't think he needs to deliver the message in person. Even if he did, no one would suspect him. Therefore, I think we can use him to uncover the secrets of Youdu's spies. What do you think?"

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like