“Ajin, what you say makes a lot of sense. You must find a way to strengthen your own power. Just like the soldiers at Hangu Pass now, they are all loyal to you. As long as you give the order, they will rush forward without hesitation, no matter what kind of dangers lie ahead.”

Speaking of the soldiers of Hangu Pass, Ji Wuge couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

Sikong Jin remained silent for a while before nodding and saying seriously, "I understand what you're saying. Don't worry, I, Sikong Jin, will not be the one to suffer. If you want to use me as a pawn, you'll have to pay a price."

At this point, Sikong Jin paused, pondered for a moment, and then continued, "My lord, I should return directly to Malan City. My 44,000 banner troops are currently near Malan City, and there are some things that need to be done as soon as possible, otherwise it would be a shame to miss this opportunity. This time, I finally found an excuse to legitimately seize military power. If I don't find something to delay, I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain to the Sikong Mansion and the Emperor. I also need this army to help me get some supplies for the winter."

Sikong Jin spoke very casually, since she had already planned to go straight back to Malan City anyway, and she couldn't let her long-considered plan be disrupted.

However, Xingqi Tian and Ji Wuge exchanged a glance, their expressions both somewhat serious, their eyes filled with worry.

Why are you looking at me like that? What's wrong?

Sikong Jin glanced at the two of them, somewhat puzzled.

Xing Qitian nodded to Ji Wuge, who then lowered his voice slightly and said, "Don't forget the assassination order sent by the Emperor of Liao to kill you. It hasn't been revoked yet. Aren't you worried? My intention is to arrange several highly skilled bodyguards to protect you in secret. These bodyguards are a team secretly trained by my lord, and they are exceptionally skilled. Why don't you thank my lord quickly?"

"Actually, the reason I did this was because of Hua'er."

A hint of helplessness suddenly appeared on Xingqi Tianwen's gentle face. He turned his gaze to Sikong Jin, his tone heavy but also gentle and kind. "Ajin, you saw what happened to Hua'er just now. When the Emperor bestowed the marriage, he said that the wedding would take place in three years. But now... For the past year or so, although she has stayed in Hangu City, her heart is not here. Now that you are going to stay in Malan City for a long time, instead of living a life of wandering and chaos, I am relieved."

"So, this time, let Hua'er go with you. She's... sigh, daughters grow up and leave home. As her father, I can't control her anymore. Letting her go with you will also fulfill her wish. It's better for you two to be together than to be separated, unlike what happened between me and her mother back then."

Upon hearing Xing Qitian's words, Sikong Jin was immediately startled, feeling a sudden headache. She cursed herself inwardly, feeling utterly miserable. Her fair and delicate face stiffened for a moment.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking like this? Something so wonderful has happened, have you gone crazy with joy? What an enviable treatment!"

Seeing that Sikong Jin's face was stiff and he didn't reply for a long time, Ji Wuge assumed that Sikong Jin was too excited, so he couldn't help but lean close to Sikong Jin's ear and tease him, "Ah Jin, you're really lucky. The Ninth Princess, such a beautiful woman, is with you and still can't forget you. She's devoted to you and you're still not satisfied? Such a wonderful thing didn't even happen to your older brother!"

"Ji Wuge!"

Sikong Jin let out a frustrated groan, glanced at Ji Wuge, lowered her voice, and said with a half-smile, "How about I let you have this wonderful opportunity? I'm not very good at taking care of girls or coaxing them. You've dated so many girls, you must be very experienced. Why don't you do me a favor and take care of her until I marry her?"

It is said that love can grow over time. If Ji Wuge and Princess Xing Fuhua spend a lot of time together, they should be able to spark a romance, right?

She didn't believe Ji Wuge could resist a girl as charming as Xing Fuhua. She thought that if Sikong Jin were a real man, the Ninth Princess would probably already be in her clutches.

Unfortunately, I had the will but not the ability!

Sikong Jin's face fell in frustration.

'Ahem! '

The two almost missed the fact that there was another expert, Yukichi Ten, beside them. Their whispered conversation eventually reached Yukichi Ten's ears. He coughed lightly, and the two of them came back to their senses.

A smile immediately appeared on Sikong Jin's delicate face. After what seemed like a long period of deep thought, she finally shook her head and said, "My lord, I think this is inappropriate. I feel more at ease if Hua'er stays with you in Hangu City. Malan City is very remote and not far from the Liao army's border. If there is any disturbance, the Malan Grassland area will probably be the first to be affected. Moreover, even if I return there, I will probably be frequently away from home. In just over a year, she will marry me, Sikong Jin. I think it is better for her to stay by your side and keep you company. Besides, Hangu City has a better environment and is safer than Malan City!"

Upon hearing Sikong Jin's words, a hint of seriousness suddenly appeared on Xing Qitian's gentle face. A sharp glint flashed in his deep and gentle eyes as he stared intently at Sikong Jin's clear and beautiful face. His piercing gaze seemed to penetrate Sikong Jin's very being.

Sikong Jin was slightly taken aback, and couldn't help but lower her head somewhat guiltily, pretending to drink tea.

It was truly a painful situation, and she absolutely could not agree to it. If she delayed Xing Fuhua like this, she was afraid she wouldn't even be able to forgive herself.

After a while, Yukichi turned his gaze away and didn't say much. He just remained silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, before suddenly saying, "You should talk to Hua'er about this yourself. She hinted at it to me before."

Sikong Jin could only give a wry smile and nod repeatedly, as if she had made up her mind, and promised, "Please rest assured, my lord, I will definitely treat the Ninth Princess well from now on."

Although he said this, he felt a deep sense of depression. It seemed that he had to make things clear and make amends to Xing Fuhua later. Such a good girl, it was a waste to be with her like this!

When do you plan to set off back to Maran?

Sensing the somewhat somber atmosphere, Ji Wuge thought for a moment and then asked this question.

"I plan to leave tonight. Seeing that everyone is safe and sound, I feel relieved. I came to Hangu City mainly to see you all."

"So rushed? Aren't you planning to stay a few more days?"

Ji Wuge frowned and asked.

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