Heartstrings Resonance: The Beloved Princess of the Female Power

Wutou followed Mu Yunxi silently, and the two walked to a secluded corner. Mu Yunxi stopped and asked in a casual tone, "Did Baili Zhong and the Baili family fall out?"

Wutou hesitated for a moment and said softly, "I guess so..."

Mu Yunxi playfully asked, "Tell me in detail?"

Wutou assumed Mu Yunxi was simply curious about gossip, and knowing she had a close relationship with Emperor Qing Zhao, he unleashed the entire story without reservation: "In April of this year, the Baili family planned to select the next head of the family. Baili Zhong was one of the candidates, but around this time, rumors began to spread within the Baili family that his wife had been having an affair with his cousin, and even that the child was not his biological father. Later, his wife and child tragically passed away, and the Baili family accused him of indiscriminately poisoning them and imprisoned him in a secret chamber. Dejected, he attempted suicide by banging his head against the wall, but accidentally triggered the chamber's mechanism, allowing him to rescue Madam Aliru. Upon learning his grandfather's true identity, he resolutely fled the Baili household with Madam Aliru. With nowhere else to go, he sought the help of Lord Mu (your father). Your father arranged a place for them to live, and it wasn't until something happened to the Empress that the Baili family refused to help, so they turned to him for help."

Mu Yunxi was too lazy to ask him why he knew so much. She could guess with her toes that with Emperor Qing Zhao's gossipy nature and the Baili family being a medical family in Zhao State, how could he miss the opportunity to find out everything about the Baili family?

"Lord Mu, how did you know that Baili Zhong had a falling out with the Baili family?" Wutou asked curiously. He remembered that Baili Zhong had not yet arrived in Beijing when they set out!

"I guessed it!" Mu Yunxi replied, "I just felt that he didn't seem to want to mention the Baili family, and he was with Madam Aliru."

"So, what is Lord Mu's plan?" Wutou asked with a half-smile on his face.

Mu Yunxi started to talk nonsense: "Didn't I build a house next to my house? It would be a waste to leave it empty anyway, so I thought of finding some talented people to move in and add some talent to the place."

Wutou looked at her with an expression that said, "Do you think I will believe this?"

Seeing that he didn't believe her, Mu Yunxi pretended to be helpless and said, "I can't tell you about this plan of mine. Once I tell you, His Majesty will know immediately. So, it's all His Majesty's fault. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have told you without telling you."

As soon as she said this, Wutou immediately begged for mercy: "No, no, no! Can't I just not ask? Don't bring up His Majesty!" After saying this, he quickly looked around, fearing that others would hear him. Mu Yunxi dared to make up stories about Emperor Qing Zhao like this, but he didn't dare. You girl, you are getting bolder and bolder!

Mu Yunxi just smiled at his comment. She had to do what she wanted to do herself and couldn't let Emperor Qing Zhao get there first. He might not take over other things, but he couldn't be sure about this one. It was better to be safe than sorry!

The rain finally stopped after a night of stagnation. When they reached the deck, there was no trace of Pro City, only a few small hills sticking out of the water. Luckily, the Zhaoyang was anchored high, otherwise they would have drifted to who knows where. They had come out to take one last look at their home, only to find it gone. Those who were more vulnerable to tears burst into tears. Finally, it was the chieftain, Arosa, who spoke up to stop them.

After a quick meal of dry rations, the Zhaoyang ship began its return journey. Mu Yunxi looked at the people around her, each one silent, and couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. These people had lost their homes and loved ones, and now had to face an unknown future. They must be feeling very difficult. Thinking of this, Mu Yunxi decided to find an opportunity to talk with them, to offer some comfort and encouragement. After all, now everyone needed to unite and move forward together.

Mu Yunxi took the initiative to approach the crowd and strike up a conversation. She asked each person their name, family situation, and future aspirations, seeking to understand their thoughts and feelings. As the conversation deepened, people gradually relaxed and began to share their stories. Some recounted their experiences in Pro City, while others expressed their concerns and anxieties about the future. Mu Yunxi listened attentively to each person, offering positive responses and suggestions. She assured everyone that while the road ahead was filled with challenges, as long as everyone worked together, they would overcome them and create a brighter future. Encouraged by her words, the crowd's spirits gradually calmed, and they began to grow more confident about the future. They expressed their willingness to join Mu Yunxi in rebuilding their homes. Seeing everyone's renewed energy, Mu Yunxi was deeply gratified.

As expected, the Youdu Navy reappeared at the same place where they had ambushed them last time. However, this time the situation was different; they were surrounded. Mu Yunxi discovered that their hulls were not even as high as the deck of the Zhaoyang ship, but they were outnumbered.

Gazing at the fifteen Youdu warships, Mu Yunxi observed their onrushing momentum and realized they were planning a ramming attack. Despite the Zhaoyang's strength, it would likely be overwhelmed by the simultaneous impact of so many ships. Even more worrying, she noticed the Youdu navy's soldiers were armed with axes and other ship-scaling tools, clearly prepared. Mu Yunxi acted decisively, ordering Quan Zhiduo to immediately initiate defensive measures.

At Quan Zhiduo's command, rows of sharp, serrated blades rose up around the Zhaoyang warship, like the bared fangs of a ferocious beast. This sudden change significantly slowed the Youdu navy's advance. A Youdu lieutenant shouted in panic, "General, they've already made preparations! If we insist on ramming them, their ships may not be damaged, but our own warships will definitely be destroyed!"

At this moment, a row of openings suddenly appeared in the Zhaoyang's cabin, and countless arrows rained down on the Youdu Navy. Since they had just been charging, and were now so close to the Zhaoyang, they instantly became sitting ducks.

Before they could even call for a retreat, they had already lost more than half their men. However, this wasn't the end of the matter. Quan Zhiduo wasn't about to let them off lightly. The archers on the deck were already ready, but this time, their arrows were stained with flames. Quan Zhiduo shouted, "Shoot!" Immediately, a shower of fire erupted like meteors. After several more waves of rocket rain, the Youdu navy was completely routed. Many soldiers abandoned their ships and fled.

Seeing the enemy fleeing in such disarray, Quan Zhiduo, standing at the bow, sneered, "You insignificant ants, dare you dare shake a mighty tree!" His words were met with a resounding, piercing laugh. Just then, he noticed a man in the attire of a Youdu general hastily hiding inside a ship. He immediately ordered his firepower to concentrate on that vessel. Then, he used his slingshot again, smashing the remaining ships to pieces and sinking them to the bottom of the water!

He also said to Mu Yunxi: "Master Mu, look! The navy of Youdu is simply vulnerable! They are no match for us at all. Our warships are so powerful, how can they possibly withstand it? Hahahahaha..."

Mu Yunxi, however, looked at the water surface very calmly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. She asked softly, "Is there any defense under the water?"

Upon hearing this, Quan Zhiduo's smile faded, his expression turning serious. Realizing he had underestimated the enemy, he quickly replied, "We haven't had time to send anyone down to investigate yet!" He then immediately ordered the soldiers around him, "Quickly send a diving team down to the water to investigate for any enemy traps."

The diving team dived into the water one after another. Soon, red blood balls emerged from the bottom of the water, one after another, as gorgeous and dazzling as blooming flowers.

A quarter of an hour later, someone finally came to report: "The underwater enemy forces have been completely eliminated, but many holes have been drilled in the bottom of our Zhaoyang ship, but it has not been penetrated!"

Upon hearing the news, Quan Zhiduo immediately gave an order: "Make some simple repairs and set off immediately!" As he spoke, he looked at the fleeing enemies in the distance, and his anger grew stronger.

The more Quan Zhiduo thought about it, the angrier he became, and he couldn't help but curse: "These bastards! Shoot them to death!" As soon as he finished speaking, another wave of arrows shot towards the enemy.

Mu Yunxi looked at the thousands of corpses floating on the sea and couldn't help but feel worried. She knew that if the bodies were not properly handled, there would be serious consequences. So she asked Quan Zhiduo, "Commander-in-Chief, what should we do with these bodies?"

When she went to Pro City before, there were still some enemies alive, so Mu Yunxi didn't ask much. But this time, there was no one alive as far as she could see, so she couldn't help but ask the doubts in her heart.

"This location isn't far from the Youdu Navy. They'll come to salvage the bodies. They've suffered heavy losses this time. It depends on whether they'll back off! If they don't, I wouldn't mind doing it again!" Quan Zhiduo replied. There was a hint of coldness in his voice, as if he didn't take the enemy seriously.

Mu Yunxi watched the tragic scene unfold before her, a wave of deep emotion welling up in her heart: "War is merciless!" This harsh reality made her deeply aware of the principle that the strong prevail and the fittest survive. In this world, only those with sufficient strength can remain invincible in the fiercely competitive environment. And at this moment, she saw this clearly.

Yet, she had no regrets about crafting the crossbow and the Zhaoyang warship. She knew her goal—to protect herself and those around her from harm. In this challenging and dangerous world, she must constantly hone her abilities to cope with any crisis. So, despite the heartbreaking sight before her, she remained steadfast on her chosen path, unwavering.