The Crown Princess is busy fishing

"Pass down the order: quickly surround and wipe out Brother Dao and his gang. Don't let a single one escape!"

Xiao Yunqing's voice was clear and authoritative, and his words carried an undeniable determination.

The soldiers shouted their orders in unison, and the warships pounced on the pirate ship like tigers and wolves.

Dao Ge's pirate ship was now in dire straits.

The entrance to the reef array was blocked by Lin Yuge's two ships, while Xiao Yunqing's fleet was closing in from behind.

He was filled with despair and resentment, yet he was helpless.

He had no choice but to bite the bullet and command the pirates to prepare for battle.

Xiao Yunqing's fleet quickly dispersed, forming an encirclement that trapped the pirate ship in the middle.

The archers drew their bows taut, the arrowheads gleaming coldly in the sunlight, aiming at the pirate ship.

At the command, arrows rained down.

The pirates screamed in agony, and many died instantly from arrow wounds.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Brother Dao wanted to jump into the sea to escape.

However, Xiao Yunqing saw through his plan.

An arrow struck him in the leg, rendering him unable to move, and he was eventually captured alive.

After the battle, he instructed the others to quickly clear the battlefield and aid the wounded soldiers.

Xiao Yunqing walked quickly toward Lin Yuge, her eyes full of concern.

"Yuge, I'm so glad you're alright."

He spoke softly, his voice carrying a hint of relief at surviving a close call.

Lin Yuge's tense nerves finally relaxed completely, and she breathed a long sigh of relief.

"Yunqing, it's good that you came back in time. Otherwise, I really don't know how we would have ended up like this today."

These pirates are extremely vicious. Although we fought desperately, they outnumber us and have the upper hand. If the stalemate continues, the casualties will be even heavier.

"I'm sorry, it was my negligence! I shouldn't have left you here alone, and instead you've been put in such a dangerous situation."

Xiao Yunqing's face was full of self-reproach, and her eyes were full of regret.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuge gently shook her head and comforted her:

"Yunqing, you don't need to blame yourself. Nobody expected that Brother Dao would lead his men to run away beforehand."

The situation at sea is inherently unpredictable; your timely arrival at this critical moment is already a stroke of good fortune amidst misfortune.

Xiao Yunqing, however, still frowned, somewhat annoyed at herself for not thinking things through and putting her in danger.

"If I had taken more precautions and arranged more people around you, you wouldn't have had to face such danger."

Looking at the overly responsible person in front of him, Lin Yuge suddenly walked up to him.

Looking at him firmly, she said:

“Yunqing, you are protecting the entire sea and many people, so it is impossible for you to be perfect in everything.”

And I am not a weak or helpless person.

As she spoke, her face flushed slightly. After composing herself, she continued:

"Yunqing, I've thought about this for a long time, and we've known each other for so long. Although this is my first time experiencing love, I think I have feelings for you."

I just hope we can get to know each other slowly, and that you won't let this relationship affect you.

They then viewed me as a delicate person who needed to be protected under their wings at all times.

To me, relationships are about mutual respect and support, not one party excessively protecting the other.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunqing's eyes instantly lit up with surprise and excitement.

He held Lin Yuge's hand tightly, his voice trembling slightly.

"Yuge, is this a response to me?"

Lin Yuge felt embarrassed by his question and nodded haphazardly.

He quickly changed the subject.

"Let's not talk about that for now. Yunqing, how's the situation on Pirate Island? Have all the pirates been captured?"

Seeing her unusually shy expression, Xiao Yunqing couldn't help but smile.

I temporarily suppressed my joy and responded by following her lead:

"With this surprise attack, the pirate forces on the pirate island have been completely wiped out."

However, they learned from the captured pirates that the pirates still had some hidden strongholds and sentries in the surrounding waters.

"So you're going to stay here?"

Xiao Yunqing gently shook her head.

"I will arrange for Deputy General Geng and his men to continue to wipe out the remaining pirate forces."

These pirates and the spoils must be escorted back as soon as possible.

Firstly, it was to bring these pirates to justice and subject them to due trial, thus putting the people at ease.

Secondly, the captured goods also need to be properly disposed of, including some looted from passing merchants; we must find a way to return them to their rightful owners.

He paused for a moment, his face showing reluctance.

"And I must set off immediately to return to the capital and meet with the Emperor."

We will report the details of this bandit suppression operation and discuss long-term plans for coastal defense.

Moreover, the journey to the capital is long and arduous, and there are many matters to attend to; it is unknown when I will be able to return.

I only hope that this coastal area will remain peaceful during my absence.

Upon hearing that Xiao Yunqing was about to leave for the capital, Lin Yuge's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment and reluctance.

But she quickly composed herself.

He nodded slightly and said:

"Your mission carries great responsibility, which is only right. I only wish you a safe journey and a speedy return."

After Xiao Yunqing arranged the follow-up matters in the Evil Ghost Domain, the group embarked on their journey back to Nanhai County.

Lin Yuge stood at the bow of the boat, gazing at the boundless sea, her heart filled with longing to return home.

Despite knowing that Xiao Yunqing had already sent someone to inform his family of his news.

But she was still extremely anxious, wishing she could fly to her family immediately.

As the ship drew closer to Nanhai County, her heart grew increasingly uneasy.

Seeing this, Xiao Yunqing told the others to return to Hong Kong first, while he himself would send Lin Yuge back.

He gently patted Lin Yuge on the shoulder to comfort her.

"Don't worry too much. Everything at home must be fine. Your family is eagerly awaiting your return!"

Lin Yuge nodded slightly, but could not hide the anxiety in her eyes.

Soon, in Longtan Village, Xiao Yunqing's warship sped towards the shore.

As soon as the boat docked, Lin Yuge jumped off the boat without hesitation.

I hurried home.

Xiao Yunqing followed closely behind.

Along the way, the villagers cast surprised glances at them and warmly gathered around.

"The fishermen's songs are back!"

"Everyone has been missing you since you left."

"Yes! Your mother said you went on a long trip to broaden your horizons, and there's no sure when you'll be back."

Everyone chattered amongst themselves, their faces beaming with simple, genuine smiles.

There was absolutely no indication that they knew she had been kidnapped.

Lin Yuge knew in her heart that this must have been done intentionally by her parents.

So that she wouldn't be bothered by the strange looks from others.

She felt a mix of emotions as she responded to the villagers' warm greetings.

His steps grew increasingly hurried, as he longed to return home and see his family as soon as possible.

Upon seeing the familiar two-story building, Xie Jingwan was sitting at the stone table in the courtyard.

Her face was as pale as paper, her eyes were sunken, and there were dark circles around them.

His eyes were full of fatigue and worry.

Those eyes kept glancing towards the courtyard gate, filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear.

Lin Yuge's eyes instantly reddened, and her throat felt like it was choked by something.

After a long pause, he managed to utter a weak "Mother..."

Xie Jingwan's body jolted upon hearing the call.

He slowly turned his head and saw his daughter, whom he had been longing for day and night.

A flicker of surprise and disbelief crossed her eyes, followed by tears welling up.

She rose shakily, her steps unsteady yet urgent as she walked toward Lin Yuge.

His hands trembled slightly in the air, as if trying to confirm that the person in front of him was not an illusion.

Lin Yuge quickly stepped forward and hugged her mother's frail body tightly in her arms.

"Mother, I'm back," Lin Yuge said, her voice trembling with tears, filled with guilt and longing.

Xie Jingwan sobbed uncontrollably, only stroking her daughter's back repeatedly.

It was as if she wanted to convey all the longing and worry she had felt over the past ten days through her fingertips.