"With the Demon God leaving Southern Mei, this is the perfect chance to have the Eldest Princess act as soon as possible. Our forces can only help her in secret, not openly. If anything changes, our people must withdraw immediately. That will greatly reduce the risk we take. Ninth Imperial Younger Brother, now is the best time to act. Who do you think we should send to lead our people hiding in Southern Mei?"
The emperor's brow was solemn, his expression showing a rare seriousness.
The Empress Dowager looked over at him and nodded in approval at his words.
Her emperor son was finally learning to use his wits.
Xia Siheng smiled slightly. "Didn't you recruit Commandery Princess Jade Glass to your side, Empress Dowager? As it happens, she's in Southern Mei right now!"
The Empress Dowager's eyes lit up.
"She certainly lives up to my expectations."
Zhong Youyan was intelligent and resilient, with considerable martial arts skills. Even the Empress Dowager felt she could not match her kindness or her love for her country and its people.
She truly admired Zhong Youyan.
She admired her so much that she considered Zhong Youyan a model for the women of the Great Xia Dynasty.
Now she had seized the initiative by going to Southern Mei. With her intelligence and her passion for helping women, no one could be better suited to the task.
"Good. If Zhong Youyan returns with this achievement to her name, I certainly won't stint on her rewards. Ninth Imperial Younger Brother, make the arrangements. As for the Demon God..."
"I'll go! I'll go!"
Xia Wanwan called out in her clear little voice, even raising her short little arm.
She wore a Solid-Gold Baby Bracelet that the Empress Dowager had specially commissioned, with a little bell dangling from