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

Zhou Zheng's black iron armor gleamed coldly in the sunlight. He suddenly pulled on the reins, and the horse neighed and reared up, kicking up dust that blinded everyone.

Before the horse had even come to a steady stop, Zhou Zheng dismounted and strode toward Meng Qi, his face radiating an undeniable air of menace.

“General Shenwei, His Majesty has ordered that the Lord of Chiyan Border City and the General be summoned to the palace immediately for an audience with the Emperor.”

Zhou Zheng's voice was icy, his eyes scanning back and forth between Meng Qi and Shen Man before finally landing on the box full of bombs, his pupils contracting slightly.

Meng Qi's heart sank; he hadn't expected the news to reach the Emperor's ears.

Bringing Shen Man into the palace at this moment would be tantamount to putting himself in danger, but he could not disobey the emperor's command. He gripped his double maces tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

“Commander Zhou, these Crimson Flame people are carrying dangerous weapons. If we let them enter the palace rashly, something might happen. I must be responsible for His Majesty’s safety.”

Zhou Zheng snorted coldly, "General, are you questioning His Majesty's decision? His Majesty is already waiting in the main hall. I hope you will not keep His Majesty waiting."

After saying that, he waved his hand, and the guards behind him approached in a surrounding manner, subtly encircling Meng Qi and Shen Man's group.

Shen Man, however, seemed detached from the matter, elegantly adjusting her sleeves and a meaningful smile playing on her lips. "General Shenwei, there is no need to worry. This city lord has come here with no ill intentions. I truly only wish to make a deal with His Majesty of your country."

Having said that, she lightly lifted her foot and walked towards the city gate. Her composed demeanor suggested that she had long anticipated this turn of events.

Meng Qi gritted his teeth and forced himself to put away his double maces, pondering to himself. If he were to obstruct the process now, it would only make people think he had something to hide.

Seeing this, Zhou Zheng said to Shen Man, "Lord Ding, please!"

All the way there, Meng Qi's heart was in his throat.

The horse swayed unsteadily, but his thoughts were perfectly clear.

He had no idea how many of his secrets this little girl who had suddenly appeared in the country knew.

Who exactly is this friend surnamed Meng that she mentioned?

Was the emperor's sudden summons a coincidence, or had he already sensed something?

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but he couldn't make sense of them.

Along the way, Shen Man and the others seemed quite relaxed, looking around.

Everyone thought they were just watching the spectacle, but little did they know that they were secretly observing the surrounding scenery and terrain.

About half an hour later, the royal palace of the Mi Kingdom appeared before everyone's eyes.

Shen Man looked up and felt that the palace of the Mi Kingdom was much simpler than the palace of the Chi Yan Kingdom.

The vermilion palace walls stretch for no more than three miles. The bronze kylins guarding the top of the walls have weathered the elements, their edges covered with mottled green rust, but they are far less dazzling than the nine gilded dragon-head ornaments on the eaves of the Crimson Flame Palace, which gleam brilliantly in the sunlight.

The imperial road leading to the palace gate was paved with stone slabs and was so narrow that only two carriages could pass side by side. It was far less wide than the eight-zhang imperial road in front of the Crimson Flame Palace, which was wide enough for horses to run.

After entering the palace gates, it took less than a quarter of an hour to reach the main hall where the Mi Emperor received them.

Shen Man looked up and saw that in the main hall, the Mi Emperor sat high on his royal throne, his eyes sharp as he looked them over.

His Highness and his courtiers whispered among themselves, occasionally casting curious glances at them.

Shen Man, however, walked into the main hall with her head held high as if strolling in a leisurely garden. She bowed before the Emperor and said, "Ding Man, the city lord of Chiyan Border City, greets Your Majesty. I have heard that Your Majesty's rule brings peace and prosperity to the country. Seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved."

Emperor Mi nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the box filled with bombs. "I heard that Lord Ding brought some rare items with him. I wonder what they are that could make our renowned General Shenwei so nervous?"

Meng Qi's heart tightened, and he subconsciously looked at Shen Man.

Shen Man chuckled and gestured for her men to open the box. “Your Majesty, please take a look. This is a firearm newly developed in my border city. It is extremely powerful. If your country possesses it, it will surely ensure the safety of the border, and even expanding your territory will be a piece of cake.”

As the box was opened, the bomb was revealed to everyone, causing an uproar among the courtiers.

Seeing the glint in the Emperor's eyes, Meng Qi grew increasingly uneasy. If the Emperor became interested in these weapons, his position would be in grave danger, and the secret he had kept hidden for so many years could be exposed by Shen Man at any moment.

Seeing the reactions of the courtiers, Shen Man was secretly pleased, but on the surface he remained humble and said, "Your Majesty, although these firearms are powerful, they also require certain skills to operate. I have also brought several skilled craftsmen with me, who can provide guidance to your country."

Emperor Mi stroked his chin, his eyes filled with excitement. "That's excellent. May I ask what conditions Lord Ding has for this cooperation?"

Shen Manying smiled and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and I will not beat around the bush. I would like to use these things to exchange for one person with Your Majesty."

"Oh, I wonder who Lord Ding wishes to exchange with me?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Qi's heart leaped into his throat.

He hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter needs to be carefully considered."

Shen Man seemed not to hear Meng Qi's advice. Her gaze swept over him like a venomous snake, and a meaningful smile appeared on her lips. She turned to Emperor Mi and said, "Your Majesty, the person I want is General Shenwei."

These words caused an uproar in the court. The officials whispered among themselves, discussing the matter animatedly, with exclamations and questions rising and falling.

Meng Qi's face turned deathly pale instantly, his hands unconsciously pressing on the double maces at his waist, his eyes filled with terror and anger.

Emperor Mi was also taken aback, his brows furrowing. "Lord Ding, what is the meaning of this? General Shenwei is a pillar of our dynasty. What do you want with him?"

Shen Man bowed gracefully and replied calmly, "Your Majesty, General Shenwei's reputation is renowned throughout Chiyan. I have heard that he distinguished himself in the Meng family army in his early years, mastering General Meng's military tactics and possessing unique skills in troop deployment and defeating the enemy in battle."

She looked up at the Mi Emperor, her eyes full of earnestness, "Now I intend to build an elite army in the border city, to emulate the illustrious reputation of the Meng family army in the past. But without the guidance of a good general, even with elite troops and powerful weapons, it will be difficult to achieve anything significant."

She paused briefly, turned slightly to Meng Qi, and smiled meaningfully: "Looking at the world, who is more familiar with the tactical essence of the Meng family army than General Shenwei?"

If the general could go to the border city and provide guidance throughout the entire process, from training soldiers to formulating strategies, this new army would surely be able to reproduce the invincible style of the Meng family army.

In this way, our Crimson Flame Border City can remain peaceful, and the border of the Secret Kingdom can be less turbulent. It's a good thing for both countries.

Emperor Mi fell into deep thought, and the discussions in the court grew increasingly noisy.

Meng Qi was extremely anxious. He knew that if he were exchanged for Chi Yan, his secret of many years would be exposed.

He hurriedly knelt down and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to the Kingdom of Mi and must not go to Chiyan. Moreover, I know nothing about Chiyan's firearms and fear there may be a trap."

Shen Man remained calm and said, "Your Majesty, I, Ding Man, have always been committed to integrity. If the general can help my border city, I am willing to give him more firearms and guarantee ten years of peace on the border between the two countries."