Princess, she is the one who facilitated the extradition.

As soon as the two ghosts left, Gui Yao sat up.

The old woman's words were clearly meant for her to hear, and she kept her promise; she had only kept watch for her once, and she had already fulfilled her promise.

Having spent three years traveling among the people, she had naturally heard of the Baiyue people.

However, the Baiyue people had strict rules: outsiders were not allowed to enter, and members of the tribe were not allowed to leave. Furthermore, they were forbidden from engaging in witchcraft or sorcery with the world. Otherwise, the heavens would punish the entire Baiyue tribe with the annihilation of their souls.

Therefore, the Baiyue people have always existed only in legends. There has never been any Baiyue people in the world, nor has anyone ever actually entered the Baiyue land.

The Empress, living deep within the palace, was unlikely to have any connection with the Baiyue people. Her request for the Duke of Zhenguo to escort her to Baiyue strongly suggests that this idea originated from the Duke of Zhenguo.

But how did the Duke of Zhenguo become involved with the Baiyue?

Or was it all just a lie to deceive the Empress, which is why the Empress is still unaware of her death?

But it was the woman in the black robe who gouged out her eyes and tried to kill her...

Could it be that the Duke of Zhenguo, while outwardly agreeing to the Empress's request to imprison her in Baiyue, is actually handing her over to the Black Robe?

What is his relationship with the man in black?

Cooperation?

Or was the man in black originally one of his men?

Who was it that attacked the Five-Colored Army...?

Too many mysteries remain, and it will take time to unravel them one by one.

But what is certain is that her troubles with the Five Colors Army are inextricably linked to the Duke of Zhenguo.

Although she has not yet found any women from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion who have been living outside, the fake princess must also be a member of the Duke of Zhenguo's family.

The last time the emperor bestowed a marriage, it was probably also to incite internal strife within the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

Thinking of this, she shook the bell on her ankle.

Mao Dan was dozing off beside Qing Qing when he received a message from his master and immediately flew to Prince Jin's mansion.

Xiao Huaijin was a keen sleeper, and as soon as it arrived, he opened his eyes.

"The master wants the fake princess to know that the Duke of Zhenguo is very satisfied with the emperor's bestowal of marriage."

Mao Dan stood by his bedside and said, "Also, when the fake princess returns to the capital, we can't give her a chance to fake her death and escape."

Xiao Huaijin sat up. "I have already written to Nan Yao, asking my sister-in-law, the Crown Princess, and my eldest sister to come to Dasheng with the fake princess."

Help him propose to Yao Yao.

"The Imperial Advisor will also accompany them. With them there, the fake princess will have no chance to fake her death."

Mao Dan was quite satisfied.

The prince always thinks things through for his master, anticipating his needs, making him a very good choice for a husband.

But still feeling a pang of jealousy that its master's heart had been half taken by the prince, it asked suspiciously, "Is it safe?"

Xiao Huaijin flicked its head. "My eldest sister is a wise and brave general of Nan Yao, who has never been defeated."

The Imperial Advisor is wise and meticulous, and they also attach great importance to this matter.

Nan Yao's empire is not so easily coveted. If she tries to fake her death, her elder sister and the others will seal up even the cracks in her window.

Mao Dan retorted defiantly, "The prince is quite proud of himself. He's not as powerful as his sisters at home, and now that he's married, he's not as powerful as his wife."

"If anyone speaks ill of me in the future, Your Highness must not take it out on my master."

It has heard plenty of gossip in the streets. Some men are less capable than their wives, and because they are inherently inferior, they are jealous of their wives and cause them all sorts of trouble.

Before the betrothal gifts have even been delivered, Mao Dan is already worrying about his master's married life.

Xiao Huaijin laughed, "Mao Dan, Yao Yao considers you family, so from now on, we're family too."

Your place in Yao Yao's heart is unshakeable. Marrying me will simply mean having more people who will love her, and love you too.

My heart is warmed.

To be fair, aside from competing with it for the master's position, the prince treated it extremely well.

But it was a stubborn bird. It shook its feathers and said, "Ugh, that's so cheesy! I'm my master's darling. If you dare treat me badly, hmph..."

It whimpered and burrowed into Xiao Huaijin's sleeve, "I'm so sleepy, I need a nap."

This was the first time it had crawled into Xiao Huaijin's sleeve, and Xiao Huaijin understood that this was a symbol of its closeness to him.

He smiled and stroked Maodan. In his heart, although Maodan was a bird, its status was no different from that of his brother-in-law.

The only problem is that my brother-in-law is a bit possessive, but thankfully he's a reasonable person.

The emperor seemed to be a possessive person. Ever since the imperial letter arrived, he used to always smile when he saw him, but now his eyes always held a hint of criticism.

We need to finalize the marriage before the father and daughter recognize each other, otherwise it might be difficult to deal with the father-in-law.

Thinking of this, he got up and planned to write another letter to Nan Yao, urging them to set off as soon as possible.

Seeing this, Mao Dan assumed that Gui Yao valued his words, and felt more satisfied. He then curled up in Gui Yao's sleeve and went to sleep peacefully.

Gui Yao, however, couldn't sleep at the inn. After eating something, she also went to the dilapidated temple.

Inside the dilapidated temple, Shen Ran was already urging Zhang Er and the other man to set off.

Zhang Er feigned ignorance and said, "May I rest for a moment longer?"

In July, he was terribly cold all over, but his forehead was burning hot, and his head felt so heavy he couldn't lift it.

"Please don't make things difficult for us. The imperial edict clearly states that we cannot be treated with special consideration. We have already traveled slowly enough for the past two days out of respect for the Duke."

Shen Ran remained unmoved. "To delay any longer would be to disrespect the emperor's authority, a crime that no one can bear. Let's go."

But he was horrified; this ghost was truly powerful.

Last night she wanted to see how the ghost would deal with the two of them, but naturally she didn't see anything.

But seeing Zhang Er's face flushed red with fever today, it must be the work of a ghost. Otherwise, how could the strong and robust Zhang Er suddenly become so weak overnight?

Zhang Er had no choice but to struggle to his feet.

After standing still, she looked at Bai Shi, who was still lying on the straw, and said, "Weiwei, you have to walk by yourself today."

When illness strikes, it comes like a landslide; he could barely stand and could no longer carry Bai Shi.

Madam Bai could tell he was ill, but she didn't want to walk on her own; it was painful and she felt disheveled. So, worry appeared in her eyes. "Master, are you alright? I'm so worried about you."

But he didn't move an inch.

Zhang Er shook his head, appreciating Bai's concern, and reached out to pull Bai's hand.

Madam Bai, however, said with tears in her eyes, "Master, I am in pain and really cannot walk."

"Stop dawdling."

Shen Ran urged again, she was really annoyed by this woman's affectation.

Having no other choice, Zhang Er picked up a stick and used it to carry Bai Shi on his back.

This illness made him walk even slower, his feet felt like they were walking on cotton, and if it weren't for the stick supporting him, he might have collapsed long ago.

Bai was also uncomfortable on his back. He still had a shackle around his neck, unlike the previous two days when he could snuggle in his arms to rest. Now he could only straighten his back and hold onto his arm to keep himself from falling.

Therefore, after a short while, Madam Bai couldn't take it anymore. "Master, I'm in too much pain like this. Can you hold me like before?"

Zhang Er was in no better shape. He was barely holding on by his last breath, and Bai Shi was clinging tightly to his arm. Now he didn't even have the strength to speak, afraid that if he opened his mouth, his strength would give out.

But Bai was used to his willingness to grant her every request, and seeing his silence, she twisted her body in grievance.

With this movement, Zhang Er lost his footing and fell to the ground.

Gui Yao unleashed a burst of spiritual energy, causing Zhang Er to press heavily onto Bai Shi.

His shackles pressed against Bai's sternum, causing her excruciating pain. Coupled with the suffering of the past two days, this made her lose her reason. "Doesn't the master know his own worth?"

Why didn't you fall forward, or even just a little to the side? Master, are you trying to kill me because you think I'm a burden to you? How can you be so heartless, Master...?

Zhang Er found it hard to believe.

He was already seriously ill, and his feet were completely out of his control.

If he falls forward and Bai Shi lands on him, wouldn't he be the one who gets injured?

He followed her into exile for her sake, and though he too was beaten fifty times, he carried her the whole way.

Today, if she had eyes, she could see how serious his illness was, but she showed no compassion and still refused to walk by herself.

It was her struggle that caused them to fall, and in return, she accused him of being heartless.

Zhang Er got angry too, struggled to get up, and said, "Then you can leave by yourself."

Seeing that he was angry, Bai regretted saying what she really felt, but Zhang Er was already walking unsteadily forward.

Shen Ran kicked her. "Keep up, or I'll have to use the whip."

She had no choice but to walk on her own.

Gui Yao channeled another burst of spiritual energy into Bai Shi's body.

The pain in Bai's body gradually disappeared. She took a step and it didn't hurt as much. She took another step and was able to walk normally.

She was delighted, and then a hint of smugness arose within her.

After all these years together, when has Zhang Er ever given me a hard time? He just abandoned me after I was exiled. Isn't he just taking advantage of the fact that I need his help on the road?

She quickened her pace and caught up with Zhang Er, wanting to show him who might be taking care of whom along the way.

Zhang Er already harbored resentment, and seeing her walking as usual only fueled his anger.

It turns out she could walk, but he had to carry her for two days. He must have fallen ill suddenly because he was tired from carrying her for those two days.

But she doesn't care about me at all.

But after so many years of relationship, Zhang Er suppressed his resentment. When it was time to rest, he pursed his dry lips and said, "Weiwei, boil some water for me."

He was burning up, feeling like his body was being dried out, and really wanted a sip of hot water.

But as soon as Bai sat down to rest, the pain returned. "My body aches, I can't get up."

She was perfectly fine just now, but now that I've asked her to help boil water, she's started experiencing body aches.

Zhang Er's eyes darkened. "Go, borrow a fire to boil water."

Bai had never been treated like this before, and with her body aching more and more, she cursed him in anger.

Zhang Er was also disheartened and naturally wouldn't give in to him as before.

For the first time, the once loving couple had a fight.

Seeing this, Shen Ran vaguely understood something and urged the two to continue their journey.

Zhang Er was even thirstier and more tired after not getting any hot water and having an argument.

After standing up, Bai found that her pain had subsided. She looked around suspiciously, feeling that something was amiss.

Shen Ran lashed her with his whip, the pain making her dare not linger any longer. She strode forward, and the sinister look in Zhang Er's eyes grew ever stronger.

Gui Yao jumped down from under the tree, clapped her hands, and said, "Let's go, it's time to go back."

"That's it?"

Bai Yunshu still felt unsatisfied. "What if they make up again?"

"It won't get better."

The old woman remained calm and composed, saying, "This journey will be difficult. Once a rift is formed between two selfish and vengeful people, it will be difficult to repair. In my opinion, it won't be long before these two become enemies."

She looked at Gui Yao, "Besides, the princess has already arranged for people to go ahead."

Bai Yunshu's eyes brightened slightly. "What arrangements?"

"When Zhang Er is completely convinced that Bai can walk, but deliberately hinders him, my men will make Bai break his leg."

In the past, Zhang Er was willing to take care of Bai Shi because of love, but after his heart turned cold and they even became enemies, he only hated Bai Shi more and more for being a burden to him.

With Shen Ran and the others around, he couldn't abandon the Bai family; the rest of his life would be spent hating and killing each other.

After listening, Bai Yunshu smiled and said, "Then I'll trouble you to burn letters and tell me their fate from now on."

Gui Yao nodded, looking towards the capital, "Then you guys come with me to scare some more people."

Bai Yunshu hurriedly asked, "Who are you trying to scare?"

Gui Yao smiled, "Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince and Empress should have heard of her death by now.