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

Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "This matter does indeed require caution. You can send a trusted confidant to Fengzhou. Firstly, this will ensure your safety, and secondly, it will allow you to continue to oversee Rongzhou and stabilize the situation here."

However, the trusted confidants you choose must be loyal, reliable, intelligent, and able to understand your intentions.

Chu Zhiyi nodded slightly, and several candidates quickly came to mind.

After a moment's thought, he said, "I think my attendant Xun Yan is capable of this task."

He is my personal bodyguard, highly skilled in martial arts and extremely loyal. He has followed me through many dangerous situations, and he even accompanied me to Fengzhou. I trust him completely.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly in agreement: "That's very good. You can have him carry your handwritten letter, explaining your situation and your plan to resist the Japanese pirates in detail. Make sure your maternal grandfather and uncle know your determination and sincerity. The contents of the letter must be carefully guarded to prevent it from falling into the hands of others."

"Okay!" Chu Zhiyi agreed and then began preparing the letter.

In Xiao Yichen's thatched hut, he spread out paper, his pen sharp and forceful, pouring his passion and detailed plans for resisting the Japanese pirates into his writing.

Xiao Yichen looked at the busy Chu Zhiyi and nodded to himself.

He has lived in seclusion in the mountains for many years, seemingly far removed from worldly strife, but whenever he hears news of the Japanese invasion and the suffering of the people, the fire of justice in his heart has never been extinguished.

Now that Chu Zhiyi has arrived with the entrustment of the Sage Lingxiao and such a sincere heart, Xiao Yichen knows that the time has come for him to leave the mountain.

After Chu Zhiyi finished writing the letter and carefully sealed it, Xiao Yichen said, "Your Highness, please wait for me a moment. I will pack my things and return to Rongzhou Prefecture with you to fight against the Japanese pirates."

Chu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with surprise, "With you here, senior, I feel much more at ease."

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly, "This is our shared responsibility."

After saying that, he turned and went into the house, where he skillfully packed a few simple clothes and some books.

A moment later, Chu Zhiyi finished writing the letters to the Duke of Ningguo and Li Mufeng, folded them neatly, and handed them to Xun Yan, instructing him: "Xun Yan, on your journey to Fengzhou, please be extremely careful and deliver these letters safely to my maternal grandfather and uncle."

Xun Yan knelt on one knee and said firmly, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission."

After Xun Yan left, Chu Zhiyi, Xiao Yichen, and Zhi Mo bid farewell to the old man surnamed Yue who had led the way and embarked on their journey back to the Rongzhou government office.

Along the way, Xiao Yichen and Chu Zhiyi had a heated discussion about strategies for resisting the Japanese pirates, from how to organize the people more effectively to how to use the terrain to deliver a fatal blow to the Japanese.

Upon returning to the Rongzhou government office, Chu Zhiyi immediately gathered everyone and introduced Xiao Yichen to them.

Upon hearing that Xiao Yichen had come out of seclusion to help, the crowd's morale soared, and cheers rose and fell.

They swiftly rectified official corruption, rounding up officials who secretly colluded with the Japanese, thus revitalizing the Rongzhou bureaucracy. At the same time, they actively recruited volunteers, personally guiding their training and enhancing the army's combat effectiveness.

Thanks to their efforts, the atmosphere of resisting Japanese pirates in Rongzhou became increasingly strong, and the people spontaneously organized themselves, contributing money and labor as they could.

Meanwhile, after five days of tireless travel, Xun Yan finally arrived at the place where the Ningguo Duke's family had previously settled.

However, when he knocked on the door and asked, he learned that the owner of the house was neither the Duke of Ningguo nor Li Mufeng.

"May I ask, sir, where did the Li family who used to live here go?"

Xun Yan panicked, worried that something had happened to them, and hurriedly asked the gatekeeper.

"They moved to Fengling Island, which is twenty miles away from here, half a year ago," the doorman replied.

"Phoenix Spirit Island? Why would they move to the island? Isn't life more convenient here?" Xun Yan asked, puzzled.

"Young man, where did you come from? Don't you know that Young Master Li is the husband of the Lord of Phoenix Spirit Island?" The gatekeeper looked Xun Yan over carefully and suddenly asked.

Xun Yan was startled, but remained outwardly calm. He cupped his hands and said, "So that's how it is. I just arrived from afar and was indeed unaware of this matter. Thank you for informing me. May I ask how to get to Phoenix Spirit Island?"

The gatekeeper pointed east and said, "Keep walking east after you leave the village. When you reach the dock, there's a ferry to Fengling Island. But you'd better hurry, because the ferry is probably leaving soon."

Xun Yan thanked the gatekeeper and hurried towards the dock.

Upon arriving at the dock, just as the ferry was about to depart, Xun Yan leaped up and landed steadily on the deck.

The ferry slowly sailed towards Fengling Island. The sea breeze howled, and Xun Yan's eagerness grew stronger.

Once the ship docked, Xun Yan stepped onto Fengling Island, where the island was tranquil and peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil outside.

He inquired with the islanders about the residences of Duke Ningguo and Li Mufeng, and soon found a magnificent house.

Xun Yan stepped forward and knocked on the door. When the door opened, a servant-like man poked his head out and looked him over warily.

Xun Yan explained his purpose, and the servant told him to wait a moment before hurrying inside to inform the family.

A short while later, Li Mufeng strode out. Upon seeing Xun Yan, he was first taken aback, then exclaimed with delight, "Xun Yan, I didn't expect it to be you! It's been so long, what brings you here?"

Xun Yan immediately knelt down and presented the letter: "This humble servant greets Young Master Li. His Highness is currently in Rongzhou and has specially sent me to deliver important letters to you and the Duke of Ningguo."

Li Mufeng took the letter, opened it, and his expression gradually became serious.

He pondered for a moment, then said to Xun Yan, "Come with me."

Xun Yan followed Li Mufeng into the inner hall and saw Ning Guogong sitting in the main seat.

Xun Yan bowed to the Duke of Ningguo, who gestured that he need not be so formal and offered him a seat.

Li Mufeng handed the letter to the Duke of Ningguo. After reading it, the Duke of Ningguo sighed and said, "Yi'er is a thoughtful child. But the current situation is probably not that simple."

Xun Yan explained the situation in Rongzhou and Chu Zhiyi's anti-Japanese plan to the two in detail. After listening, the Duke of Ningguo nodded slightly: "Yi'er's idea is good, but this anti-Japanese cause still needs more help."

At this moment, Li Mufeng spoke up: "Father, although Phoenix Spirit Island is located in a remote corner, it has accumulated a lot of strength over the years. The island lord is highly skilled in martial arts and has a group of loyal subordinates under his command. Perhaps they can be of help."

After a moment of contemplation, the Duke of Ningguo said, "This matter still needs to be discussed with the Island Lord. Feng'er, go and invite the Island Lord over."

Li Mufeng accepted the order and left, while Xun Yan waited anxiously in the hall.

Shortly after, Li Mufeng led a woman dressed in a tight-fitting outfit into the house. This woman was Xue Fengling, the island lord of Fengling Island, and also Li Mufeng's wife.

She was dressed in a fitted outfit with a black belt around her waist. This outfit not only accentuated her graceful figure but also gave her a heroic air, making her look capable and efficient.

Her hair was tied up high, cascading down her back like a waterfall, swaying gently with her movements, exuding an air of untamed freedom.

"Father, why did you call your daughter-in-law here?"