Chapter 91

"Without a just cause, and with enemies on all sides, and now with my injuries, if you continue to tell others about our so-called mutual affection, it would be like sending yourself to the netherworld. What I am telling you today is just this..." Li Yunzi narrated calmly, yet she was also hesitant and uncertain.

Zhu Minglang couldn't fail to understand what Li Yunzi was trying to convey.

"You trust me, so you tell me these things, but why do you say such words that can be easily misunderstood at the end? If I were a straightforward man, I might think you want to part ways with me," Zhu Minglang said.

"We..."

"You can be straightforward if you need me. I'll pack my things and move in tomorrow. Uh, I mean, move in to protect you," Zhu Minglang said.

Li Yunzi looked at Zhu Minglang with a serious expression, feeling a mix of relief and helplessness.

She was relieved that Zhu Minglang understood what she didn't say.

She was helpless because she didn't want Zhu Minglang to get involved in this, as her own future was uncertain.

"There are still some things I haven't told you, but if you make this decision, it will be a matter of life and death, and it's not as simple as just protecting me..." Li Yunzi hesitated for a moment, then decided to explain her other plans to Zhu Minglang.

At this point, Zhu Minglang shook his head, not intending to listen further.

"I trust my judgment." Zhu Minglang smiled, raising a cup of tea in place of wine to toast to Li Yunzi.

In Wutu, the radiance of the Valkyrie shone over the land, and countless people revered her as a faith.

Zhu Minglang never believed in anything; he only believed in himself and his ability to judge people.

Li Yunzi was not distant or unreachable.

She was a real woman.

People only saw the side of her that was rumored, but he had seen her true self.

She treated everyone equally.

This equality meant she did not curry favor with the powerful and the upper class, and it also meant she was not close to the poor and the laboring masses.

So in this chaotic land, there was only one female ruler, only one Li Yunzi.

Even with a vast army, there were few who truly trusted her.

Zhu Minglang understood Li Yunzi's feelings. She was telling him these things so he would understand her situation and back away, but it also showed that she needed a trustworthy person by her side at this moment.

Wasn't that person himself?

A slightly awkward but at least trustworthy person who wouldn't harm or betray her.

Instead of giving her some love armor, it was better to protect her closely.

To be honest, Zhu Minglang didn't really trust the seemingly loyal guards around her, especially now that she was injured and in a precarious and weak state...

"Thank you." Li Yunzi didn't act coy.

Being able to understand each other meant they had a tacit understanding.

Moreover, Li Yunzi had something to discuss with Zhu Minglang, and her intention was to have him protect her in the coming days.

If he didn't understand or was frightened by the upcoming difficulties, then it would be a missed opportunity, and Li Yunzi wouldn't want a promising dragon master to get involved in her affairs...

I will guard the lady's reputation alone.

Zhu Minglang never thought his boast would come true.

Of course, Zhu Minglang also understood that making this decision meant he had to be more cautious in his actions. What she said earlier wasn't just to scare him off.

"Only beautiful stories without genuine trials, in the end, are just fleeting love... Uh, I mean, insincere, superficial friendship." Zhu Minglang said.

"Keep your distance from Nan Lingsha." Li Yunzi reiterated.

"Alright."

Zhu Minglang nodded, almost raising his four fingers to swear to the heavens that he would draw a clear line with his sister-in-law and would not covet her just because they looked alike!

...

Walking out of the Li family's royal courtyard, Zhu Minglang's expression became more serious.

Although he lived a humble life raising silkworms, it didn't mean he was unaware of the bigger picture.

Li Yunzi was in extreme danger, and she could be overthrown by the masses at any moment. At that time, her fate would be even more tragic. With his current strength, he couldn't turn the tide.

Was she walking on thin ice, or was she planning her strategy?

Unfortunately, everything was too urgent.

In fact, if given more time, becoming the revered master of this Zulong city-state was not impossible. Little Bai Qi's growth rate was even faster than he had expected...

But something was chasing Li Yunzi, which was why she remained anxious despite her many victories.

She urgently needed to establish a country, as a country could give her a sense of security.

What was pressuring her must be even more terrifying.

Of course, it wasn't all heavy. Thinking about the phrase "even with a vast army, there are few who truly trust her," Zhu Minglang couldn't help but feel a bit proud.

In Li Yunzi's heart, he was always such a reliable man!

To see through the superficial and recognize his true nature from his ordinary but handsome appearance, the lady indeed had a keen eye.

Facing the challenges together, then living a peaceful and fulfilling life, the once mundane life suddenly became exciting and inspiring!

...

Inside the courtyard, Shuang'er walked out from behind the thin screen, her lively eyes fixed on Zhu Minglang's figure. Once Zhu Minglang was completely out of sight, she brought the freshly brewed tea.

"Miss, I didn't expect the groom to look so refined and easy-going, a bit weak and casual, but he also has a sense of responsibility and courage, not like someone from a small place..." Shuang'er muttered beside Li Yunzi.

Li Yunzi raised her gaze and looked at her maid.

Shuang'er initially didn't think there was anything wrong with what she said, but as soon as she remembered how she addressed Zhu Minglang, her cheeks turned red, and she hurriedly admitted her mistake: "Shuang'er is straightforward and speaks without thinking, Shuang'er knows she was wrong."

Straightforward and speaks without thinking??

That means this girl really thought that!

Li Yunzi waved her hand, dismissing the girl, and then closed her eyes to rest, listening to the rain fall.

Whether she could get through this crisis was still uncertain. Even if a hint of romantic sentiment arose in Li Yunzi's heart, it would soon be overwhelmed by the current situation.

...

In the main courtyard of the Li family's royal residence.

Nan Lingsha stood in front of the pear wood hall, where no one else was present except for Li Ying sitting in the main seat.

"No guards?" Li Ying asked, somewhat surprised.

"Uh, she's having tea with Zhu Minglang," Nan Lingsha said.

"That's strange. We received word that she was seriously injured. Why wouldn't she have a guard with her?" Li Ying asked, puzzled.

"Father, were you involved in what happened to Yunzi in Yongcheng?" Nan Lingsha asked.

"How could I! Despite her constant seizure of family power and disregard for my authority and dignity as the head of the family, she is still my daughter. How could I do such an inhumane thing?" Li Ying said, somewhat angry.

"Then who did it? Some things only our family knows... Now Yunzi is acting like a madwoman, constantly seizing power and raising troops. What is she doing if not seeking revenge?" Nan Lingsha asked, puzzled.

"You just need to understand one thing: I only hope for the stability of the Zulong city-state. Yunzi and I have different ideals, and I will only confront her openly and honestly," Li Ying said, his tone softening.

Nan Lingsha didn't ask further. She bowed and turned to leave.

"It's raining, put on your windbreaker," Li Ying reminded her.

"I'll take a sedan chair."

"I'll have the servants bring the sedan chair for you. Wait here," Li Ying said.

"I want to go see the lanterns on the river."

"Someone, go tell the street workers to clean the river street," Li Ying shouted.

...