Dragon Tamer

“Having no reputation as a teacher, and having made enemies on all sides, I am injured now. If you continue to tell others about that so-called mutual affection, it is tantamount to sending yourself down the Netherworld Road. What I have told you today is just this…” Li Yunzi was seemingly calm as she narrated, but she also struggled with hesitation.

Zhu Minglang understood the message behind Li Yunzi’s words.

“You trust me, that’s why you’re telling me all this. But why conclude with such misleading words? If I were a straightforward man, I might think you want to part ways with me,” Zhu Minglang spoke up.

“If you need me, just say it. I’ll pack my things tomorrow and move in, uh, I mean, move in to protect you,” Zhu Minglang said.

Li Yunzi looked at Zhu Minglang’s earnest face, feeling both relieved and helpless.

Relieved that Zhu Minglang understood the things she left unsaid.

Helpless because she didn’t actually want Zhu Minglang to get involved in this matter, since her own future was uncertain as well.

“There are still some things I have not spelled out to you, but if you make this decision, it’s a matter of life and death, and it’s not as simple as just protecting me…” Li Yunzi hesitated for a while, then decided to reveal her other plans to Zhu Minglang as well.

Zhu Minglang, however, shook his head, showing no intention of listening further.

“I trust my judgment.” Zhu Minglang’s lips curled into a smile, and he raised his tea in place of wine to honor Li Yunzi.

In Wutu, the Valkyrie’s brilliance shone across the land, and countless people revered her as their faith.

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

Li Yunzi, she was not elusive and far away.

She was a living, breathing woman.

People gossiped, focusing only on the aspect of her that was rumored, while he had seen her most authentic self.

She treated everyone equally.

This fairness meant that she did not seek the favor of the powerful and the elite, and it also meant she was not close to the poor and the toiling masses. Thus, in this land of chaos, there was only one Female Monarch, only one Li

Yunzi.

Even with thousands of troops, the truly trustworthy were few and far between.

Zhu Minglang understood Li Yunzi’s feelings; she shared these things with him not only to make him aware of her predicament and encourage him to retreat from danger, but also to show that she desperately needed someone trustworthy by her side.

Wasn’t that person himself?

A bit awkward maybe, but at least he was someone who wouldn’t harm or betray her, a trustworthy companion.

Rather than offering some token of affection, it was better to provide close protection.

Frankly speaking, Zhu Minglang really didn’t trust those seemingly sturdy and loyal guards by her side, especially now that she was injured, vulnerable in a time of crisis…

“Thank you,” Li Yunzi said, no longer making a fuss.

Understanding each other meant there was a tacit agreement.

Moreover, the very reason Li Yunzi wanted to talk to Zhu Minglang was to

hope that he would stay by her side for the time being.

If he hadn’t understood, or if he had been scared off by the difficulties and dangers ahead, then it was not meant to be, and Li Yunzi would not want him, a Dragon Shepherd with promising prospects, to get involved in her troubles…

The Female Monarch’s illustrious name, I shall guard it alone.

Zhu Minglang had never thought the boast he made would come true.

Of course, Zhu Minglang also understood that having made this decision, he would have to be even more cautious in his future actions. What she had said before was not just to scare him off.

“Only a pleasant story, but without true companionship in adversity, in the end, is nothing but a fleeting pair of mandarin ducks… uh, I mean, pretense, the pretense of a gentleman’s friendship,” Zhu Minglang said.

“Keep your distance from Nan Lingsha, ” Li Yunzi cautioned once again.

“Alright.”

Zhu Minglang nodded, almost ready to raise his four fingers to swear an oath to Heaven that he would indeed keep the boundaries clear with his sister-in-law, resolutely not coveting her due to their resemblance!

Stepping out of the Li Imperial Palace, Zhu Minglang’s expression became even more solemn.

Although he had fallen on hard times and was raising silkworms to scrape by, it did not mean he was unaware of the bigger picture.

Li Yunzi was in grave danger; she could be overthrown at any moment by the collective resentment, and her fate would only be more tragic. With his current level of strength and realm, he was yet unable to stem the tide.

Was she truly skating on thin ice, or was she masterminding her strategies behind the scenes?

Alas, everything was too urgent.

In fact, given more time to become the sovereign of the Ancestral Dragon City-State in this era, it was not impossible. Little White’s growth rate was even faster than he had anticipated…

But what exactly was pursuing Li Yunzi? This was why, despite her many battle victories, she remained anxious.

She was desperate to establish her country, for it could bring her a tiny sense of security.

The pressure on her was certainly even more terrifying.

Of course, not all was so grim. Thinking of the phrase “Even with ten thousand troops, the trustworthy are few,” Zhu Minglang couldn’t help feeling a bit proud.

In Li Yunzi’s heart, he had always been such a dependable man!

Someone who could see through the veneer and recognize his true nature under his ordinary yet handsome appearance—his wife truly had an insightful eye for gems.

To survive hardships together, then to be united in life as they were in dreams —what had once been a mundane life had suddenly become unpredictable and even more inspiring!

Inside the courtyard, Frost emerged from behind the thin screen, her lively eyes fixed on Zhu Minglang’s retreating figure. Only after he had completely disappeared did she bring the freshly brewed hot tea forward.

“Miss, I did not expect your son-in-law to appear gentle and approachable, with a somewhat delicate and casual air, yet he also possesses responsibility and courage, not seeming like someone from a small place…” Frost muttered to Li Yunzi.

Li Yunzi lifted her gaze, looking at her maid.

Frost had not initially realized what might have been wrong with her comment, but upon recalling her reference to Zhu Minglang, her cheeks immediately flushed crimson, and she hurriedly apologized, “Frost is too frank and outspoken; I know I was wrong.” Frank and outspoken??

So, that was what the girl truly thought!

Li Yunzi waved her hand dismissively, sending the maid away, and then closed her eyes to rest, listening to the quiet sound of falling rain like flowers.

Whether she could survive this ordeal was still uncertain, even if a hint of tender sentiment arose in Li Yunzi’s heart, it would quickly be overwhelmed by the current situation.

Inside the main courtyard of the Li Imperial Palace.

Nan Lingsha stood quietly in front of the Pear Wood Hall; there was no one else in the hall except for Li Ying, who was seated in the place of honor.

“No guards?” Li Ying asked with some surprise.

“Yes, she is having tea with Zhu Minglang.” Nan Lingsha said.

“That shouldn’t be right; there’s news that she was seriously injured. How can she be without a guard by her side?” Li Ying questioned with some confusion.

“Father, did you take part in Li Yunzi’s affairs in Eternal City?” Nan Lingsha asked.

“How could I! Although she has always been seizing power from the family, acting recklessly without regard for me, the Family Head and father, she is still my daughter. How can I commit such an atrocious act?” Li Ying said, his anger rising.

“Then who did it? There are things that only our family knows about… Now, Li Yunzi is acting like she’s out of her mind, constantly seeking power and raising troops. If she’s not seeking revenge, what is she doing?” Nan Lingsha said, puzzled.

“You just need to understand one thing; I only wish for stability in the Ancestral Dragon City-State. Yunzi and I have different philosophies, and I would only confront her openly and honestly,” Li Ying said, his tone becoming a bit calmer.

Nan Lingsha did not ask further. She bowed and then turned to leave.

“It’s starting to rain; put on a raincoat,” Li Ying called after her.

“I’ll take the sedan chair.”

“I’ll have someone bring the sedan chair over; wait here,” Li Ying said.

“I want to see the Festival of Lanterns on the river.’

“Someone, go order the street cleaners to clean up River Street,” Li Ying yelled out loud.