She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

The following day, Chu Zhiyi and Danzeng, along with their respective officials, formally signed a letter of credence in the council hall, opening trade between the two countries' border city of Chiyan. Thus, the era of peace and reconciliation between Chiyan and Qirong officially began.

Shen Man also signed a long-term contract with Danzeng to purchase carmine and handed over the method of extracting carmine to Danzeng.

After completing all these tasks, Chu Zhiyi, Shen Man, and the others planned to return to China.

However, just as they were about to leave, Danzeng stepped forward and said to Chu Zhiyi, "Your Highness, may I ask His Majesty of your country to grant permission for intermarriage between the people of our two countries?"

As he said this, his eyes were fixed on Shen Man beside Chu Zhiyi, and the affection in his eyes was undisguised.

Upon hearing Danzeng's words, Chu Zhiyi's heart tightened, and he subconsciously looked at Shen Man.

A hint of surprise flashed across Shen Man's face, then she lowered her head slightly, avoiding Danzeng's burning gaze.

Chu Zhiyi shielded Shen Man behind him without making a sound, a faint smile on his face, and said to Danzeng, "Your Highness, intermarriage between the people of our two countries is a major event. I need to return to my country to inform my father so that he can make a decision. Although intermarriage can promote exchanges between the people and enhance friendship, it also involves many aspects such as the customs and etiquette of our two countries, and requires careful consideration."

Danzeng nodded slightly, but there was still a trace of reluctance in his eyes: "I understand, but Doctor Ding is quick-witted and kind-hearted, which I greatly admire. If His Majesty could grant me permission, it would be my great fortune."

Chu Zhiyi was displeased, but since the two countries had just signed a treaty of commerce, he could not show it and could only say perfunctorily, "I will certainly convey Your Highness's intentions. However, matters of marriage require mutual affection, so I hope Your Highness will not be too insistent."

Shen Man stood behind Chu Zhiyi, sighing inwardly. She had no romantic feelings for Danzeng, only admiring his generosity and sincerity.

When she was sent as an envoy to Qi Rong, she was only focused on promoting trade and never expected it would cause such emotional turmoil.

"Your Highness, you and Ayiguli are both my good friends and my future business partners, but that's all. I hope you won't let me delay your marriage."

Shen Man's words immediately dispelled the gloom on Chu Zhiyi's face. "Your Highness, you heard what Man'er said. Matters of the heart cannot be forced."

"Dr. Ding, I truly like you..."

"Your Highness, we should set off now, lest we miss our journey," Shen Man said softly to Chu Zhiyi, trying to break the slightly awkward silence.

Chu Zhiyi nodded slightly and cupped his hands to Danzeng, saying, "Your Highness, it's time for us to depart. Farewell. The trade route has just opened, and I hope we can work together to ensure that the people of both countries can benefit from it."

Danzeng returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Your Highness, take care on your journey. I await good news."

Chu Zhiyi, along with Shen Man and the rest of the delegation, embarked on their journey back to China.

Chu Zhiyi was in an exceptionally good mood throughout the journey. Although he hadn't received a response from Shen Man after confessing his feelings, at least she hadn't taken a liking to anyone else, which was good enough.

However, Chu Zhiyi's good mood did not last long, because when they left Chiyang City and arrived at a valley between the two countries, a group of men in black suddenly emerged from all around, each holding a sharp blade and exuding murderous intent.

"Assassins! Protect His Highness and the other officials!" Zhi Mo shouted. Fu Kai led his men to quickly form a circle, protecting Chu Zhiyi, Shen Man, Chang Qing, and the others in the middle.

Chu Zhiyi's eyes were cold as he scanned the men in black around him: "It seems someone doesn't want us to return home smoothly."

Shen Man replied, "It must be that Lin Simiao's plan failed, forcing them to take action again. We need to be careful."

The men in black launched an attack, and the two sides instantly descended into chaos. Chu Zhiyi and Zhi Mo fought back fiercely, while Shen Man assisted them, using her medical skills to bandage the wounded soldiers.

"These people are well-trained and are definitely not ordinary thieves. They must be the men of the Duke of Xingguo!" Chu Zhiyi shouted as he fought.

He knew in his heart that the situation was critical and they had to break through as soon as possible. He seized the opportunity and led his soldiers to charge towards the weakest point in the men's defenses.

After a fierce battle, the mission finally broke through the encirclement, but also lost many soldiers.

Looking at the injured crowd, Chu Zhiyi was filled with rage: "Duke of Xingguo, I will never let you get away with this!"

Shen Man comforted him, "Your Highness, let's find a safe place to rest and treat the wounded before we figure out how to return home."

The group settled down temporarily in a nearby village. Chu Zhiyi arranged for people to take care of the wounded while thinking about how to deal with the situation.

Chu Zhiyi frowned and paced back and forth in the room, secretly calculating in his mind: "This assassination attack must be because the Duke of Xingguo learned that our trade was successful and he harbored resentment and wanted to eliminate us completely. We cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom. We must find a way to return to the border city as soon as possible and expose his conspiracy."

Shen Man looked at Chu Zhiyi and said softly, "Your Highness, we are currently short-handed, and the wounded need time to recover. Forcing our way through could be dangerous. Why don't we send someone back to the camp to inform Marquis Qingyang of our predicament and ask him to bring troops to our aid?"

Chu Zhiyi stopped and nodded slightly: "Man'er is right, but the messenger must be absolutely reliable."

Fu Kai stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, please allow me to go. I will do my utmost to deliver the letter to the Marquis and will not disappoint Your Highness."

Chu Zhiyi looked at Fu Kai with a hint of relief in his eyes: "General Fu, this mission is arduous, so I'm entrusting it to you. Be careful and cautious. If you encounter danger, do not linger in battle; preserving your life is the most important thing."

"General Fu, you should ride my Wanfeng back. Wanfeng is familiar with this area and will surely be able to safely take you back to the camp."

"Okay, thank you very much, Dr. Ding!" Fu Kai said as he walked towards Wanfeng's side.

This time, Wanfeng didn't throw a tantrum. After he was settled, she carried him and sped off.

After Fu Kai left, Chu Zhiyi said to Zhi Mo, "Zhi Mo, you take over from General Fu and strengthen the defenses around the village. Arrange sentries to prevent the assassins from attacking again."

Zhi Mo replied, "Yes, Your Highness! I will make the arrangements immediately."

Shen Man was busy treating the wounded. She carefully examined each person's wounds, secretly glad that she had brought enough medicine.

"Don't worry, everyone. As long as you rest well and take your medicine on time, the wounds will heal quickly," she gently comforted the injured.

As night fell, the village fell silent, broken only by the occasional bark of a dog. Chu Zhiyi sat by the window, gazing at the night outside, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

Suddenly, a light footstep sound came from outside. Chu Zhiyi stood up alertly and gripped the sword at his waist.

Zhi Mo hurried in and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, I have spotted some suspicious figures moving around the village. They seem to be watching us."

Chu Zhiyi's face darkened: "It seems they are still not giving up and want to continue targeting us. Zhimo, strengthen the defenses and don't give them any opportunity to take advantage."

Zhi Mo nodded in agreement and quickly walked outside.