The study remained silent for a long while, with Meng Zanshi’s breathing growing slightly heavier.

Standing outside the window, Mu Wanyao listened with concern, worried that Yan Shang’s words might provoke Meng Zanshi to violence… While Meng Zanshi wasn’t foolish, when it came to strategy and calculations, he indeed couldn’t match Yan Shang.

Mu Wanyao couldn’t help but consider Yan Shang’s words: Indeed, Meng Zanshi’s desire to marry her wasn’t that strong.

Truly intense feelings wouldn’t have led to Meng Zanshi’s actions—after the assassination attempt at South Mountain, he had simply left, not confronting Mu Wanyao immediately despite the presence of many soldiers.

He had given both sides a buffer period.

This buffer period couldn’t have been due to Meng Zanshi’s cowardice; it could only mean that Meng Zanshi was unwilling to strain relations with Great Wei. Even with the Qin Prince’s support, Meng Zanshi remained clear-headed—as the Wuman King, he could never have true support within Great Wei.

Thinking this through, Mu Wanyao felt somewhat relieved, believing her chances of avoiding the political marriage had increased.

While the Princess contemplated, the Wuman King in the study finally spoke again: “Yan Er, how much do you understand about the relationship between my Wuman and the Southern Man?”

Yan Shang’s expression relaxed.

He knew his bluff had worked—Meng Zanshi indeed didn’t want war with Great Wei.

He replied respectfully: “I didn’t know much before, but now I understand much more. I know the Southern Man’s five tribes have become four, and the Southern Man King wages war everywhere, eventually planning to unite the Wuman as well.”

This information came from the Hu people who helped him gather intelligence in Wuman. Undeniably, these Hu people who had penetrated Wuman understood far more than Great Wei’s officials.

Yan Shang paused, noting Meng Zanshi’s unchanged expression, then continued: “This is also why I oppose the Wuman King seeking a marriage alliance with a Great Wei princess. Everyone knows about the alliance between Wuman and Great Wei. If the Southern Man and Wuman face conflict in the future, how should a Great Wei princess in Wuman position herself? Should she hope for Southern Man unification or oppose it?

“And how should Your Majesty position yourself? Support Southern Man unification or continue aligning with Great Wei?

“Forgive my frankness, Your Majesty. Your natural position lies with the Southern Man. However, Your Majesty has greater ambitions, which is why you insist on allying with Great Wei. As for Great Wei’s intentions… Your Majesty surely understands. Thus, the current alliance between Wuman and Great Wei is sufficient—there’s no need to deepen it, nor any necessity for a princess marriage alliance.”

Meng Zanshi’s smile deepened at the corners of his lips. His eyes flickered upward slightly, showing both sharpness and admiration: “Great Wei’s intention is hoping Wuman can unite the four Southern Man tribes. That’s why Great Wei supports Wuman, I naturally understand this. Following Young Master Yan’s analysis, how should I position myself between Great Wei and Southern Man?”

He had only figured all this out after taking the throne.

His father, the previous king, had been reluctant and trapped when allying with Great Wei, completely unaware that Great Wei’s true intention in allying with Wuman was to fracture the Southern Man.

Yan Shang expressed slight surprise: “Isn’t Your Majesty’s intention coincidentally aligned with Great Wei’s goals? With both sides sharing the same intent, Your Majesty need only state what you hope Great Wei will do.”

Meng Zanshi fell silent for a moment, cursing in the Wuman language.

Eavesdropping outside the window, Mu Wanyao covered her face, unable to suppress a smile. Meng Zanshi’s words had cursed: “Cunning wolf.”

She wasn’t sure if Yan Shang had understood.

Whether Yan Shang understood didn’t matter; Meng Zanshi was tired of testing him and spoke directly: “Wuman has just ended its war with the Chi Man, making a great profit. Wuman doesn’t need more war. While short-term warfare can bring sudden wealth, prolonged war only drags down a country. Facing the Southern Man King next, I must clarify my position.

“Wuman is too weak, and as one of the four Southern Man tribes, naturally should submit to Southern Man. I intend to borrow troops, help the Southern Man King subdue the four tribes, and unite Southern Man.”

Yan Shang spoke flatly: “Your Majesty puts me in a difficult position. Great Wei cannot support Southern Man unification.”

Meng Zanshi smiled: “I know. Great Wei hopes Wuman will unify Southern Man. Hmm… I can only say, Young Master Yan, you guessed correctly—our goals are indeed the same.”

After a long silence, Yan Shang’s eyelids flickered upward as he asked softly: “How does Your Majesty wish Great Wei to assist? Do you want to borrow Great Wei’s troops?”

Meng Zanshi watched him for a moment, leaning back and clicking his tongue twice before laughing: “Young Master Yan, I truly admire you more and more! Even at this point, you’re trying to trap me… How dare I let Great Wei’s troops enter my territory? If you took the opportunity to annex Wuman, who could I complain to?”

Hearing his intentions exposed, Yan Shang maintained his composure.

Meng Zanshi then said: “You Great Wei have a saying called ‘borrowing the road to destroy Guo.'”

Yan Shang nodded: “So Your Majesty plans to borrow passage through small countries bordering Great Wei, annexing them while ostensibly passing through to assist the Southern Man King in unifying Southern Man. Following Your Majesty’s thinking, you plan to leave through Great Wei’s Longyu region.”

Below Longyu lay the small countries dependent on Great Wei and further down were the yet-to-be-unified four Southern Man tribes.

Meng Zanshi nodded.

Yan Shang said: “I will relay Your Majesty’s intentions to our court officials for discussion with our emperor and ministers.”

Meng Zanshi paused, then said: “Since I want to use other countries as battlegrounds, not wanting Wuman proper to suffer damage, you must know I still need…”

Yan Shang finished his thought: “Culture, technology.”

He lowered his eyes: “Wuman seems to lack its writing system, correct?”

Meng Zanshi stared at him coldly.

Yan Shang smiled: “That’s simple enough. Just adopt Great Wei’s writing and language.”

Meng Zanshi spoke flatly: “Young Master Yan, know your limits. Just as I wouldn’t let Great Wei troops enter Wuman, I naturally won’t let your Great Wei culture consume my Wuman. Wuman has its own culture, it just hasn’t been excavated yet… What I need is merely talented people from your land to serve as envoys to Wuman, helping us create our writing system.”

Yan Shang sighed, seeing that Meng Zanshi consistently avoided his traps. Realizing this king couldn’t be underestimated, he ceased his probing.

The two sides settled various conditions, which Yan Shang noted down to discuss with Great Wei’s emperor and ministers.

Seeing Yan Shang’s continued composure and control of the conversation’s rhythm, Meng Zanshi’s expression grew increasingly dark, feeling that his every word and action had been within the other’s expectations—this feeling of being completely read was truly unpleasant.

Meng Zanshi sat kneeling in the Great Wei style, watching as Yan Shang paid his respects to leave. As Yan Shang turned his back and was about to reach the door, Meng Zanshi suddenly asked: “Has Princess Danyang told you about our relationship?”

Yan Shang’s back stiffened, but he didn’t turn around.

Meng Zanshi turned his face toward the eavesdropping shadow outside the window. Lowering his eyelids, with a vengeful malice, Meng Zanshi taunted: “She surely hasn’t told you, right? She was once my woman, trained by my hand. Every aspect of her you see today bears my influence. Do you know what she’s like when aroused, do you know when she pants…”

Yan Shang interrupted: “Shut up!”

He turned back, looking at the Wuman King who sat with folded arms and an ambiguous smile. The other’s malice was undisguised, and Yan Shang stared at him for a moment: “If Your Majesty had even a hint of genuine feeling for her, you wouldn’t discuss her this way before another man.”

Meng Zanshi’s pupils contracted sharply, his expression darkening.

Yan Shang continued: “And if you have no feelings at all, you have even less right to speak of her this way.

“What is Your Majesty trying to accomplish? Comparing who would be better with her? Do you understand respect, love, or affection? In your eyes, is taking by force the way to obtain everything, and is casual humiliation a man’s right? You speak of learning Great Wei culture, yet inside you remain a close-minded barbarian.”

Yan Shang gazed at Meng Zanshi, speaking softly: “You’re not worthy to discuss her with me.”

Meng Zanshi’s face had turned ashen. He slammed his fist on the table, rising to strike. However, Yan Shang gave him a cold look before pushing open the door and leaving. Then Meng Zanshi heard Yan Shang’s startled, flustered voice: “Y-Your Highness?”

Meng Zanshi’s face remained ashen, but his feet seemed nailed to the ground. He didn’t want to go out, didn’t want to face Mu Wanyao.

—Was his love disgusting?

He didn’t think so.

But he didn’t want to see that look in Mu Wanyao’s eyes—

Yan Shang never expected his impassioned speech would be overheard so clearly by Mu Wanyao. She stood beneath the window, gazing at him lovingly. He tilted his head slightly, feeling embarrassed.

Mu Wanyao smiled at him without speaking, then turned to leave. Yan Shang considered briefly, then followed her.

The two left the embassy and boarded the princess’s carriage. Mu Wanyao asked Yan Shang: “Are you heading to the Department of State Affairs?”

Yan Shang observed her expression, seeing neither joy nor sorrow and nodded slightly. Mu Wanyao then instructed the driver to change routes. Hearing her instructions, Yan Shang said: “This road doesn’t lead directly into the imperial city.”

Mu Wanyao glanced at him: “Young Master Yan has grown more astute. In the past, when my aunt took you away, you were completely confused about directions, but now you know this road is wrong. What to do? How will I deceive you in the future?”

Yan Shang watched her raise her chin proudly and coldly, unable to suppress a smile and shake of his head.

Seeing him smile with lowered brows, Mu Wanyao’s heart pounded, wanting to move closer to him. But she showed rare restraint, saying: “I just need to pick up something from the East Market. The large stone I ordered is about to arrive, and I want to see it.”

Yan Shang understood: “I heard the Crown Prince mention it—is it that ‘Merit Stone’ inscribed with His Majesty’s virtuous deeds? Does such a stone exist?”

Mu Wanyao nodded perfunctorily.

Yan Shang lowered his head in thought: “There must be some manipulation involved. Is this the Li family’s signal of submission to His Majesty? His Majesty…”

Mu Wanyao interrupted irritably: “Are you going to discuss official business with me the whole way?! Isn’t it tiresome?”

Yan Shang looked up in surprise.

Mu Wanyao glared at him coldly. After they held each other’s gaze for a moment, he realized his businesslike attitude had upset her. Yan Shang hesitated, his face slightly flushed as he asked softly: “Then… what should I do?”

Mu Wanyao leaned against the carriage wall: “When I ignored you before, you always found excuses to visit the princess’s residence. Now that our relationship seems much better, I see you responding indifferently, not taking the initiative to see me. What’s wrong? Have you grown tired of me before anything has even happened?”

Yan Shang frowned slightly, saying: “Don’t talk nonsense… I’ve just been busy lately.”

He coughed once, defending himself: “Besides, I haven’t been as unrestrained as you say. I’ve always been like this.”

Mu Wanyao raised her eyes to look at him: “Then what should you do now?”

Yan Shang looked at her.

Yan Shang hesitated: “Does Your Highness want to come over?”

Mu Wanyao: “What do you mean ‘come over’? Am I a puppy to you?!”

Yan Shang: “…”

He had no choice but to move closer to himself.

He stood stooped in the carriage, finally shuffling slowly from the opposite side to sit beside her. Mu Wanyao propped one hand on the table, resting the other against her face as she turned to look at him.

Her eyes were enchanting, rippling with emotion.

For Mu Wanyao, feminine charm wasn’t simply pouting coquettishly, but the flowing gaze, and the slight tilt of her face. With her hand against her face, her gaze brimming with feeling as she looked at him… it was irresistible.

Yan Shang lowered his eyes, and placed his hand on her shoulder, gently embracing her as he lightly kissed her lips.

Before she could react, his face had already reddened. His eyelashes trembled as he glanced up at her.

Mu Wanyao couldn’t help but smile, her attitude softening: “…What’s there to blush about?”

His current shyness and nervousness were completely different from his earlier confrontational manner with Meng Zanshi. Privately, Mu Wanyao preferred him like this.

She wrapped her arms around Yan Shang’s shoulders, about to kneel on his legs. As her hairpin struck the carriage roof and the carriage swayed, she fell into his embrace, taking the opportunity to brush against his throat. She looked at him playfully, biting her lip with a smile before lowering her head to kiss him again.

Her sudden playfulness made Yan Shang anxiously hold her waist, repeatedly saying: “Enough, enough… stop teasing.”

After the carriage entered the market district and stopped at the East Market, they couldn’t make too much commotion inside. Though Yan Shang kept dodging, Mu Wanyao still managed to dishevel his robes. When the carriage stopped, he was in no state to disembark. The mischievous princess just bit her lip and smiled, pressing against his ear to whisper: “Should I help you with my hand…”

Yan Shang had grown afraid of her. His face flushed red as he glared at her: “No need.”

How could she act so wild in public? How could she be like this?

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yan Shang finally left the carriage. After emerging, he didn’t dare meet the eyes of the guards standing beside the carriage. Fortunately, they also avoided his gaze, fearing mutual embarrassment.

Standing beside the carriage, Yan Shang adjusted his robes, and just as he turned back to help Mu Wanyao down, a delighted female voice called from behind him: “Brother Yan Er?”

Yan Shang turned to look and saw, amid the bustling marketplace, a young woman in yellow robes carrying several scrolls of classics, followed by a grimacing maid. She was waving at him with obvious joy.

Yan Shang bowed in greeting.

From inside the carriage, Mu Wanyao snorted: “You do know people everywhere, bowing to everyone you meet.”

As Yan Shang bowed to the young woman across the crowd, she smiled and walked toward them. Yan Shang explained to Mu Wanyao in the carriage: “She’s my teacher’s granddaughter, Miss Liu Ruzhu.”

Mu Wanyao paused: “Oh.”

She asked: “What’s she doing here?”

Yan Shang spoke softly: “I’m not sure yet. But seeing the books in Miss Ruzhu’s arms, perhaps her purpose relates to them?”

Mu Wanyao thought to herself: As expected of the well-bred Liu Ruzhu. She immediately made Mu Wanyao feel vulgar in comparison.

After all, Mu Wanyao’s purpose here—the “Merit Stone”—was purely utilitarian.

Yan Shang looked toward the carriage, hesitantly asking: “Miss Liu is gentle and kind-natured. Would Your Highness like to step down and speak with her?”

Through the curtain, Mu Wanyao’s eyes met Yan Shang’s.

Originally she had planned to step down, but Yan Shang’s look suggested he wanted to introduce her to his friend… This signal undoubtedly showed he hoped she would enter his social circle, and get to know the people around him.

Mu Wanyao felt panic, afraid of such close relationships.

She pressed her lips together, saying carelessly: “No need. She’s your friend, you entertain her yourself.”

Yan Shang was silent for a long while; Mu Wanyao dared not look at him. He couldn’t possibly misunderstand her resistant attitude. After a long time, Mu Wanyao finally heard his soft response: “…Alright.”

Mu Wanyao instantly felt some regret, but didn’t take back her words—

Liu Ruzhu had already approached. She led her maid over, exchanging greetings again with Yan Shang. Liu Ruzhu looked very curiously at the carriage behind Yan Shang, her gaze flickering, but Yan Shang invited her to walk further away to talk, not wanting to stand by the carriage.

Liu Ruzhu nodded.

Watching Yan Shang and Liu Ruzhu walk away, Mu Wanyao felt like a thousand claws were scratching at her heart. Originally she could have pressed against the curtain to eavesdrop on their conversation, but now even straining her ears, she could only hear their voices drowned out by the chaotic crowd.

She couldn’t help but hate how quietly Yan Shang and Liu Ruzhu spoke, and why did the other people in the East Market have so much to say?

Yan Shang was asking Liu Ruzhu what brought her here, and she sighed: “I heard that a batch of books flowed into the East Market from a neighboring small country, some written in our Great Wei script. Upon investigation, I discovered many were books that had been lost for years. I felt great regret and wanted to buy these books for preservation.

“However, that vendor was too clever. Seeing I wanted the books and probably noting my eagerness, they kept refusing to sell. I’ve been lingering in the East Market for many days, struggling terribly, before finally securing this batch of books.”

Liu Ruzhu looked slightly dejected but quickly brightened, convincing herself that if she persisted, she would eventually buy back all those lost books and preserve them well.

Liu Ruzhu looked at him: “Once I’ve organized the books, I can lend them to you to read, Brother Yan Er.”

Yan Shang thanked her, then self-deprecatingly added: “I only skim superficially, half-understanding at best. As for scholarly pursuits, I’m afraid I’m hopeless.”

Liu Ruzhu pressed her lips together in amusement, clearly aware of Yan Shang’s limited scholarly abilities, having heard her grandfather wonder aloud—”How can someone so clever be so completely ignorant about poetry? How did he pass the imperial examinations? Did the examiner choose based on looks?”

Yan Shang then asked about Master Liu’s recent condition, expressing shame that due to heavy duties at the Department of State Affairs, he hadn’t visited his teacher.

Liu Ruzhu said: “Don’t worry, grandfather is in good health. The reason he took leave was that one of my married aunts and her husband had a falling out, threatening divorce and causing a scene, seeking grandfather’s intervention. Grandfather was nearly angered to death by them… But my uncle has already chased her to Chang’an, so the matter should be resolved in a couple of days.”

Yan Shang replied: “In that case, I definitely shouldn’t visit the teacher at this time. Please convey my greetings to the teacher on my behalf.”

After all, it wouldn’t be appropriate to get involved in the Liu family’s private affairs.

Liu Ruzhu smiled and agreed.

Liu Ruzhu then stood on tiptoe, peering past Yan Shang’s shoulder at the carriage behind him. She asked curiously: “Brother Yan Er, is that Princess Danyang in the carriage with you? I think I recognize the carriage as Princess Danyang’s.”

Yan Shang paused for a moment.

He thought that while Mu Wanyao was unwilling to meet his friend, Liu Ruzhu was his teacher’s granddaughter, so declaring his position shouldn’t be wrong, right?

So Yan Shang nodded.

Liu Ruzhu: “Then why doesn’t Her Highness step down? Does she not want to meet me?”

Yan Shang said: “…She rarely rides in the same carriage with me, she’s a bit shy.”

Liu Ruzhu: “…?”

She stared wide-eyed at this Young Master Yan who could say with a straight face that Princess Danyang was shy. Liu Ruzhu had previously encountered Mu Wanyao at the gate of Yan Shang’s residence—the princess had been fierce, where was the shyness?

Liu Ruzhu thought for a moment, then bit her lip and asked softly: “Brother Yan Er, I want to ask, so I can truly let go. Are you and the princess… in love with each other?”

Yan Shang started, looking at Liu Ruzhu.

The young lady’s eyes were brimming with tears as she gazed at him intently. Her cheeks were flushed red, her eyelashes trembling, showing both shyness and a touch of sadness.

Yan Shang was quiet for a moment, suddenly understanding and guessing at Liu Ruzhu’s vague feelings for him. He was somewhat surprised, not knowing how the young lady’s feelings had developed. Could it be because he frequently visited her grandfather, or had his daily conduct somehow given Liu Ruzhu the wrong impression?

Yan Shang reflected on this.

He felt both ashamed and unwilling to hurt Liu Ruzhu. So Yan Shang bowed deeply to her again, and Liu Ruzhu stepped aside.

Yan Shang’s hair ribbon fell over his shoulder, tangling with his robes. He raised his eyes gently and said: “Yes, Her Highness and I are in love. It’s just that Her Highness… for certain considerations, doesn’t wish to make it public. I must ask you to keep this secret as well.”

The light in Liu Ruzhu’s eyes dimmed, and she lowered her gaze, afraid she might cry. She bit her lip hard to suppress her feelings and nodded.

When she raised her eyes again, they were misty with tears.

A handkerchief was already extended toward her.

Liu Ruzhu looked up to see Yan Shang offering the handkerchief with one hand, his face turned away and body slightly withdrawn, clearly maintaining proper distance.

Liu Ruzhu sighed softly, took the handkerchief to wipe her eyes, and then smiled: “Don’t worry, Brother Yan Er, you and Princess Danyang are a perfect match of talent and beauty, you’ll surely end up together. I won’t say anything… not even to my grandfather.”

Yan Shang smiled, thinking that Master Liu already knew.

Liu Ruzhu playfully thought that her grandfather had already guessed.

Yan Shang lowered his eyes: “Does Miss truly think the princess and I are well-matched?”

Liu Ruzhu praised: “Of course. Brother Yan Er is humble and knows proper conduct; I think when the ancients spoke of the gentleman’s humility, they meant someone just like you. And Her Highness is a princess who has been married before, sacrificing herself for the country—not something ordinary women could do. After returning to Great Wei, she didn’t give up on herself, still radiant as ever. Now I hear the Wuman envoys are trying to force her into marriage. And at South Mountain, Her Highness… um, shot and wounded that Wuman King together with Brother Yan Er.

“Although my grandfather was very angry when he heard this news, I greatly admire Her Highness’s courage. In this world, there are many wise people, but few with true courage. For many things in life, what’s missing at the crucial moment is that bit of courage. In this world, most of what people achieve comes from courage rather than wisdom. That Her Highness dares to resist is already quite remarkable in my eyes.”

Yan Shang stood stunned, quietly looking at Liu Ruzhu.

In official circles, he mostly heard contemptuous words about Mu Wanyao; this was the first time he’d heard someone admire her so.

Yan Shang said softly: “That Miss can think this way truly befits a daughter of a noble family.”

Liu Ruzhu’s cheeks reddened as she waved her hands in embarrassment: “What do I amount to? I can only understand, not truly empathize. I don’t know Her Highness’s experiences, I can only talk about it. The reason I can’t fully understand is simply because I’m more fortunate than Her Highness, never having experienced what she has. What’s there to be proud of? I should be ashamed.”

Yan Shang spoke softly: “This is already very good… Um, I have a presumptuous request.”

Liu Ruzhu: “Please speak, Brother Yan Er.”

Yan Shang bowed to her and said quietly: “Since returning to Great Wei, Her Highness’s temperament has changed greatly. She doesn’t associate much with ladies her age, mostly dealing with court officials and gentlemen. I worry about Her Highness’s state of mind. I believe she should have one or two close female friends who can guide her. I am, after all, a man and cannot fully understand Her Highness. Many times when I see her like that, I can only feel helpless, not knowing what to do.

“I think ladies are much more sensitive in these matters than men like me.

“Since Miss admires Her Highness, could you try to befriend her? Though she has a strong temper, she’s extremely protective of those close to her. If Miss is unwilling…”

Liu Ruzhu gently interrupted: “How could I be unwilling? I simply haven’t had the opportunity. Since Her Highness is unwilling to associate with us ladies, I can only admire her from afar. If Brother Yan Er is willing to make introductions, I would naturally be happy to be friends with Her Highness.”

Yan Shang smiled: “Good.”

He paused: “Then I’ll have to disobey her wishes just this once.”—

Yan Shang led Liu Ruzhu back to the carriage, gently inviting Mu Wanyao to step down, saying he wanted to introduce Miss Liu to her.

Mu Wanyao was furious: This man wanted to introduce a woman who admired him to her. What was wrong with him?

But she had been straining to hear their whispered conversation for so long without success, only seeing them with lowered heads, crying and laughing. Mu Wanyao had already grown quite anxious. So when Yan Shang returned, although she still didn’t want to enter his social circle, she thought: Shouldn’t she at least put this girl who liked Yan Shang in her place?

What was wrong with Yan Shang, not even realizing when a young lady liked him?

How could he be so dense?

Mu Wanyao stepped down from the carriage, reluctantly letting Yan Shang lead her over to introduce Liu Ruzhu.

As the three were talking, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached. The hoofbeats grew closer and closer; they initially paid no attention until they heard someone on horseback shout: “Yan Er!”

Yan Shang looked up.

Mu Wanyao turned to see Meng Zanshi on horseback.

She immediately grew alert, standing in front of Yan Shang to shield him, not allowing Meng Zanshi to harm him. The princess’s guards also gathered around, watching as Meng Zanshi dismounted and walked toward them step by step.

Under the sun, Meng Zanshi saw their defensive posture and couldn’t help but sneer.

He stood facing them across the princess’s guards, not approaching any further.

He jerked his chin and said coldly: “I’ve been thinking—in strategy, I may not match you, but in martial prowess, you might not match me. During my final days in Great Wei, I don’t want to lose you completely. Yan Shang, do you dare compete with me?”

Mu Wanyao retorted: “Compete at what? Martial arts? Then we’ll naturally concede defeat immediately. If you want to test your martial skills, why look for Yan Shang? Go find Yang Sanlang who fought so fiercely with you that day. Aren’t you just deliberately bullying us?”

Meng Zanshi smiled and said: “Of course, I’m not bullying you. Instead of martial arts, how about… a military exercise with you all?”

Mu Wanyao found it laughable: “What military exercise? To find Great Wei’s generals. Even for military exercises, it has nothing to do with us. Yan Shang is a civil official, not a military one. He can’t participate in your affairs at all.”

Meng Zanshi said: “Tomorrow I’ll request permission from your emperor, asking all envoys to join Great Wei in military exercises. Both sides’ forces must be under twenty-five years of age. I won’t use Wuman people, but other small countries’ envoys, to face your Great Wei… This way, it’s not bullying you, right?”

He stared at Yan Shang, his gaze unwavering: “Yan Shang, do you dare to participate?”