The system didn’t keep them in suspense: [Hehe, it’s because she’s a girl—she’s disguised as a man! She is Wu Yue. Wu Yue felt it was inconvenient to travel the martial world as a woman, so she assumed a male identity. Once she joined the army, she never wore women’s clothing again, remaining in disguise until her death.]

The emperor and the crown prince nearly stumbled in shock.

What?!

A woman?!

Not only did a woman become a general, but she also managed to become a rebel leader?!

The emperor and the crown prince exchanged incredulous glances, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Only Yuan Ruan, after her initial confusion, was internally screaming with admiration:
[Oh my god, it’s a young lady! No wonder I felt her aura was so extraordinary at first glance. Ahhh, we must save her! She’s amazing!]

Yuan Ruan loved heroines like this.

The system agreed: [Save her, absolutely! National Fortune Side Mission: Bring the lost pearl back to Great Xia, National Fortune +1!]

The emperor and the crown prince: !!!

Yuan Ruan used all her strength to wiggle closer to the person.

The emperor, concerned for Yuan Ruan’s safety and deeply anxious about his lost daughter, quickened his pace toward the small figure lying on the ground. His eyes remained fixed on the little girl.

At this moment, Yuan Ruan’s chubby little hand waved frantically, her soft baby sounds echoing.
[Big brother, put me down! I need to get close to the super cool Miss Wu Yue, even in her battle-worn state!]

The emperor: …

He gently tapped Yuan Ruan’s forehead but didn’t let her approach Wu Yue.

The emperor’s mind was racing, so he failed to notice Wu Yue, who was struggling to stand. When she heard her name, her body trembled, and her gaze, hidden behind messy hair, locked onto Yuan Ruan unblinkingly.

Why could this baby communicate without speaking?

How did she know her name and gender?

Could it be another trap devised by the assassins from the demon lair?!

Wu Yue’s thoughts were a whirlwind of turmoil. At that moment, her gaze met Yuan Ruan’s, and the baby froze for a moment before wildly waving her limbs, so fast that it seemed to leave afterimages.
[Ahhh! The cool big sister is looking at me! Come here! Hold me! Baby will protect you!]
[Come closer, yes, hug me! You’re the best!]

Wu Yue froze.

From birth until now, her life had been filled with bloodshed and schemes. She had never heard praise nor received such warmth and affirmation.

Was this the enchanting song of a siren, meant to deceive her heart?!

It had to be. How else could anyone possibly like her?

Yet, she couldn’t stop herself from leaning closer. The warmth was too intoxicating, the voice too inviting—as if someone truly existed in this world who could embrace all of her, just as she was.

Wu Yue’s eyes turned vacant, her movements puppet-like as she slowly extended her hand toward the cooing baby.

The emperor, noticing this, pressed his lips together tightly, anger and pain simmering within.

How could his daughter have suffered so much? How had she ended up outside the palace?

In a gentle voice, he said, “Ruan’er, if you truly like her, I will bring her back with us. After she’s cleaned and healed, she can keep you company. How about that?”

Wu Yue’s hand recoiled as if burned.

Right. She was so filthy. How could she approach them?

[Oh no, Little Yue Yue looks like a sad puppy with drooping ears! Poor thing!]
[Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you!]

The emperor: …

Was that any way to describe someone?

He turned to observe Wu Yue, noticing her previously dull eyes now gleaming faintly.

Wu Yue felt a flicker of warmth. Seeing the baby waving her chubby hands excitedly and gazing at her with wide, expectant eyes, Wu Yue couldn’t hold back anymore. The baby tilted slightly, almost losing balance.

Without hesitation, Wu Yue dashed forward, her instincts overriding her fear of rejection. She held Yuan Ruan steady, only to find her cheeks being cupped by soft, tiny hands.

Wu Yue’s face turned faintly red.

At that moment, Wu Yi strode over, his expression confused. In a low voice, he asked the crown prince, “Your Highness, what is this?”

The crown prince simply said, “My little sister is quite fond of her. General Wu, perhaps we should send her to the military physicians for treatment and let her recover in peace.”

Wu Yi nodded.

Though Wu Yue remained on high alert—having just escaped the demon lair—she heard Yuan Ruan’s cheerful inner voice again during her struggle:
[Finally! Male Mommy is here! Let’s go! Little Yue Yue, get treated and recover quickly. Then, when the time is right, reveal your identity! Your dad, aunt, and nephew are all here. We’ve found you!]

Wu Yue fell silent, trembling slightly before suddenly breaking into tears.

[Ah, why are you crying? Even your nose is running… Don’t cry.]

Wu Yue quickly held back her tears, not wanting to dirty the baby with her snot. She cast a deep, lingering glance at Yuan Ruan before limping after Wu Yi.

Yuan Ruan watched Wu Yue’s retreating figure with concern.

The system, feeling jealous, remarked: [Host, she’s very strong and will get proper treatment now. Why worry so much?]
[That may be true later, but she’s still vulnerable now. Besides, her identity…]
[Alright, alright. Restoring her identity isn’t urgent. Let’s focus on bringing her back to the palace—that should complete the National Fortune Side Mission. Host, your daily reward is ready. Let’s deal with that first!]
[Where? Where?!]

The emperor and the crown prince, observing silently, awaited the “coal-making technology” reward with curiosity.

At this moment, a guard ran up, saluted, and reported, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, a large treasure chest was just found under a nearby tree. The civilians didn’t dare open it and have presented it to Your Majesty.”

The emperor and the crown prince turned to see a massive bronze chest, each side measuring a meter. They were astonished.

No wonder the guards brought it over so eagerly.

The bronze chest looked opulent, with its corners carved with swirling clouds. Its body seemed embraced by a magnificent peacock. Strangely, the lock resembled a small footprint rather than a standard latch.

The emperor instinctively glanced at Yuan Ruan, noticing the footprint resembled hers.

[Hahaha! Host, the treasure chest for delivering the coal-making technology has arrived!]
[Wait, this chest contains the coal-making technique?]

The emperor and the crown prince: …

No wonder it was so flashy and ornate.

[Of course! I even left your little footprint as a marker. That way, it won’t get misplaced.]

Yuan Ruan: …

Her lips twitched slightly as she mentally complained:
[Unbelievable. Thank goodness my brother and father aren’t foolish enough to try matching my foot to it directly—they’d notice something’s off immediately!]

Just as the emperor and the crown prince considered testing the footprint with Yuan Ruan’s foot: …

Foolish?

The two exchanged glances, relieved they hadn’t acted impulsively.

At this moment, an armored general rushed over.

With a serious expression, he said, “Your Majesty, it’s suspicious for such an exquisite chest to be found in a rural area. I suspect it’s a trap set by rebels or enemy forces, possibly containing poison or hidden weapons. I suggest burning it immediately.”

The emperor and the crown prince: !!!