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

The Sage Lingxiao stroked his beard and said, "Yi'er, your father, the Emperor, and I have been pondering a solution these past few days. The Duke of Xingguo holds considerable military power and has many supporters in the court; a hasty action may not be successful."

Furthermore, it is said that the Empress has been spreading the news of the Emperor's critical illness throughout the capital, thus firmly grasping the reins of power.

In addition, under the guise of searching for Japanese pirates, they strengthened the defenses of the capital city. If they entered the city openly, they might expose their identities and face death.

Your teacher believes that your most urgent task right now is to first contact loyal and righteous officials in the court and secretly gather strength.

Chu Zhiyi nodded in agreement, his gaze firm: "Master is absolutely right. I have already made plans on my way back to the capital. Currently, besides Cui Jincheng, the son of the Duke of Xingguo, there is another person who holds military power in the court, namely General Weiyuan Guo Zhen. He was once the deputy general under the Marquis of Qingyang, and we had some acquaintance when we fought against the Qi Rong."

Upon hearing this, the Sage Lingxiao nodded slightly and said, "That's excellent. Guo Zhen holds military power. If you can win him over, your chances of victory will greatly increase. However, people's hearts are unpredictable. You need to act cautiously and find out his true thoughts."

Chu Zhiyi's expression was solemn as he solemnly said, "I understand. Once I make contact with General Guo, I will observe carefully to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

After a moment of contemplation, King Kang slowly spoke: "Zhiyi, although Guo Zhen fought alongside you against the enemy, the current situation in the court is complex, and he may not be able to act against his will."

You can first send a reliable person to test the waters. If he is willing to help, then meet him in person to discuss countermeasures.

Chu Zhiyi nodded in agreement, already having made a plan in mind.

After discussing their plans, Xiao Yichen stayed on Guiyun Mountain to catch up with the Sage Lingxiao, while Chu Zhiyi went down the mountain alone.

Back in the tent, Chu Zhiyi summoned Xun Yan and solemnly instructed him, "Xun Yan, immediately take a shortcut to General Weiyuan's residence and secretly request an audience with Guo Zhen. You don't need to reveal your identity; just say you have news about the Emperor to tell him and see how he reacts."

Xun Yan accepted the order, quickly disguised himself, and took advantage of the night to take a shortcut into the capital city.

After entering the city, Xun Yan used his light-footed skills to leap across rooftops and walls, and soon arrived at the back gate of General Weiyuan's mansion.

He raised his hand and gently knocked on the door knocker, producing a regular and steady sound.

A short while later, the door slowly opened a crack, and a servant-like man poked his head out, his eyes full of wariness. He looked Xun Yan up and down and asked in a deep voice, "Who are you looking for?"

Xun Yan lowered his voice and said, "Please inform General Guo that I have urgent news about the Emperor."

A hint of hesitation flashed in the servant's eyes. After a moment's hesitation, he gestured for Xun Yan to wait, and then hurriedly closed the door.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the back door opened again. "My general invites you in to speak with me. Please come with me!"

The servant led Xun Yan into the mansion, winding through the labyrinthine corridors until they arrived at a side hall.

The hall was dimly lit by candlelight. A middle-aged man in military uniform stood with his back to the door, his figure tall and upright.

Xun Yan knew in his heart that this person must be Guo Zhen.

"You said you had something important to tell me about the Emperor. What is it?"

Guo Zhen did not turn around; his voice was deep and authoritative, giving people an invisible sense of oppression.

Xun Yan took a deep breath and said methodically, "General Guo, in fact, the poison in His Majesty's body has been cleared, and his health is already fine."

However, the court is now controlled by the Empress and the Duke of Xingguo, among others, and the Emperor fears danger upon returning, hence his delayed return.

Guo Zhen suddenly turned around, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, staring intently at Xun Yan, his gaze seemingly trying to see through him: "Where did you get this information? And why did you tell this general?"

Xun Yan remained composed and dignified, bowing respectfully as he said, "General, my young master says that among all those in the court, only Marquis Qingyang and General Weiyuan are truly loyal to the Emperor. Unfortunately, Marquis Qingyang has no military power, so my young master has sent me to inform you of this news, hoping that you can lend a hand and ensure the Emperor's safe return to court."

Guo Zhen frowned, his gaze sweeping over Xun Yan as if trying to see through him: "Your young master? Hmph, how can I believe you're telling the truth when you're hiding your true intentions like this? The situation in the court is constantly changing, and the slightest mistake could lead to total defeat."

"Since you claim me to be loyal, do you know that the Duke of Xingguo is now very powerful? If I act rashly, I fear I will be in grave danger, let alone help the Emperor return to court."

Xun Yan bowed slightly, his tone sincere: "General, your foresight is profound, and I understand it. My young master has also considered these difficulties, and has already made arrangements in secret."

"Now, many loyal and righteous men in the court have responded and are awaiting their opportunity. General, you command a large army; if you were to join us, this force would surely grow stronger, enough to rival the Duke of Xingguo and his ilk."

Guo Zhen walked to the table, picked up the teacup, but did not drink it. Instead, he turned it around and pondered for a moment before saying, "Making a scheme in secret? It's easy to say, but I don't even know who your young master is. How can I trust you? In this court, people's hearts are hidden behind their backs. How many people say one thing to your face and another behind your back?"

Xun Yan straightened his back and continued to persuade, "General, my young master's identity is special and cannot be revealed for the time being. This is truly for your sake. If it is exposed too early, it may cause trouble for you."

But please rest assured, General, when the time is right, my son will personally meet with you and tell you the whole truth.

"Right now, rescuing the Emperor from this dire situation and restoring order is the most important task."

Guo Zhen put down his teacup with a dull thud. He looked at Xun Yan again, a thoughtful look in his eyes: "Even if I am willing to help, how can I act based on just these few words from you? The Duke of Xingguo and the others are also very wary of me. If I make any move, they will notice."

A hint of joy flashed in Xun Yan's eyes. He knew that Guo Zhen was beginning to waver, and he hurriedly said, "General, my young master has already drafted a preliminary plan. You can first secretly contact your trusted confidants in the army to consolidate your own power."

At the same time, keep an eye on the movements in the court, and once the right opportunity arises, all forces can exert their strength simultaneously.

With proper coordination, we can definitely break the Duke of Xingguo's control and welcome the Emperor back to court.

Guo Zhen remained silent for a long time before finally speaking slowly: "This matter is too important, and I need to weigh it carefully. Three days later, have your young master wait at Tianqing Temple outside the city, and I will go there to discuss it with him in detail."

If he is truly sincere and has a good plan, I, Guo Zhen, am not one to fear death; I will certainly serve the Emperor with utmost loyalty.

Xun Yan was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you, General! I will certainly convey your message. My young master will be waiting for you at Tianqing Temple in three days."

After saying this, Xun Yan, led by a servant, quietly left General Weiyuan's mansion, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.

Guo Zhen stood in the side hall, gazing in the direction Xun Yan had left, remaining motionless for a long time, secretly wondering who the young master who had orchestrated this was.