“An unforeseen calamity.” Yun Ya took a sip of the ginger, date, and tangerine peel tea winced at the spiciness, put down the cup, and glanced at Feng Miaojun. She immediately received his grievance.

It didn’t taste good.

Yun Ya rarely answered others’ questions directly, but his inquiry to Tan Qingshuang was straightforward: “Is Taoyuan Realm only coming to observe the ceremony, or do you have other plans?”

Tan Qingshuang smiled: “Taoyuan Realm has only two access points to the Northern Continent—one is Shunquan in Peak Kingdom, and the other is Chunliang Bay in Jin Kingdom. Now that the Ya Mountain passage is closed, it’s inconvenient to travel to other parts of the Northern Continent, so we want to open a few more ports in the Peak Kingdom.”

Yun Ya’s gaze deepened: “Taoyuan Realm wants to cooperate with the Peak Kingdom?”

“That’s the intention.” Tan Qingshuang shrugged. “We’ve also considered cooperating with Wei, but with such a vast ocean between us, the shipping route from Taoyuan Realm to Wei territory is too distant. You know how sea voyages are most prone to complications.”

Yun Ya raised the tangerine peel tea and took another sip, seemingly more accustomed to its taste this time: “The war between Yan and Pu has given Taoyuan Realm quite a few benefits. Are they still ordering military supplies from Taoyuan Realm?”

Those two countries had been at war for several months, which was truly unexpected to everyone. People originally thought the Pu Kingdom wouldn’t last two months before surrendering, but after more than a hundred days, it was still fighting vigorously, as if with the strength to spare. Yan Kingdom had initially planned to teach it a lesson, but now they too were feeling anxious.

No one had anticipated that Pu Kingdom, after years of keeping a low profile, could develop such strength. Previously, it had to send princes as hostages, but now it could withstand Yan Kingdom’s attacks for months without defeat. Although this was partly related to the surrounding situation, the main reason was the Pu Kingdom’s own growing prosperity.

People with discerning eyes were wondering if perhaps this time its provocation of the Yan Kingdom wasn’t merely an impulsive act of hot-bloodedness.

“They have.” Tan Qingshuang smiled with relaxed brows and eyes. “Before I left, Yan Kingdom sent people to place a huge order. I can’t disclose the specific details, but it’s for important military equipment, and they want us to supply until next summer.”

Yun Ya let out a long “Oh,” and raised his tangerine peel tea: “To the great Yan Kingdom.”

Tan Qingshuang raised her cup in return, both smiling knowingly.

Feng Miaojun stood behind Yun Ya like a statue, her mind speculating about the implications. What intelligence did Yun Ya want exactly? And it seemed Tan Qingshuang had provided it, otherwise, Yun Ya wouldn’t be smiling so happily—

Whether it was a sinister smile or a cold one, genuine happiness or pretense, she could tell at a glance now.

After much thought, she could only deduce one thing: after such a long war between Pu and Yan, their strategic reserves must be depleted. Besides accelerating domestic production, they would need to rely on imports, and Taoyuan Realm, being close to both, was reaping war profits as a neutral party. If Yan Kingdom was purchasing military supplies from them, with orders extending far into the future, it could be inferred that Yan Kingdom anticipated the war would continue for a long time.

If Yan and Pu Kingdoms were to engage in an extended conflict, with the situation remaining stalemated, then Yan would be unable to divert attention to the Northern Continent’s situation for the short term.

So for Wei Kingdom…

While she pondered this, the two had moved on to other topics, selecting interesting recent events from the continent to discuss. Feng Miaojun had to admit that Yun Ya was truly a fascinating person, often with unique insights, choosing perspectives that were both sharp and obscure, frequently making Tan Qingshuang shake with laughter.

Then Tan Qingshuang said: “I met the legendary Princess Changle the day before yesterday. Fu Lingchuan was by her side, and they also went to pay respects to the King of Peak.”

Yun Ya didn’t even raise an eyebrow: “Is that so?”

Tan Qingshuang was somewhat curious: “You’re allowing them to wander under your nose?” Princess Changle had gained notoriety in recent years, causing unrest in the Anxia region. The Wei Kingdom had attempted to suppress it several times with limited success. Such a troublemaker was right under the nose of Wei Kingdom’s State Preceptor, yet he harbored no killing intent.

Feng Miaojun kept her head down, quietly waiting for Yun Ya’s answer. She was as curious about the answer as Tan Qingshuang, but when a beauty inquired, surely he couldn’t be as perfunctory as he was with her?

“What else can I do?” Yun Ya said softly. “This is the capital of Peak Kingdom, and I’m merely a law-abiding foreign envoy.”

Tan Qingshuang said in a low voice: “Even Taoyuan Realm understands Yan Kingdom’s purpose in letting Princess Changle cross the sea to the north. With no time to look northward, they hope Princess Changle can unite Peak and Jin, mobilizing the Anxia region to resist Wei Kingdom.”

Yun Ya was about to respond when he suddenly turned his head, covering his mouth in a series of coughs, his back hunching over. In truth, after talking for more than half a watch, his spirits had begun to wane.

Tan Qingshuang’s face showed concern: “Are you alright? Perhaps you should return early to rest.” Yun Ya was rarely seen, but she had chatted with him for a good part of the evening and should be content.

“Master?” Feng Miaojun gently patted his back, about to take out medicine, but Yun Ya waved his hand. “Go, tell the attendant to add two more crispy-skinned pigeons and one portion of millet soft cake, wrapped to go.”

“Oh?” Hadn’t he eaten enough? “Alright.” She went as instructed.

Tan Qingshuang had the same question. Yun Ya looked at her, the corner of his mouth curving: “Heman Tower’s reputation is well-deserved; these two items are the best. Let me trouble you to spend a bit more, for my midnight snack.”

Since he enjoyed the food here, Tan Qingshuang was also pleased: “Even if it were a hundred more meals, I could afford it. Why not order more?”

“This is enough.”

Heman Tower’s business was booming; the kiln-roasted pigeons and fragrant, soft rice cakes were ready-made. The food box Feng Miaojun brought back even had two warming talismans attached to the bottom to maintain the temperature of the delicacies.

Yun Ya also rose to bid farewell to his old friend, then headed downstairs. Feng Miaojun saw that Tan Qingshuang’s gaze followed him until he was out of sight.

Back in the warm room of the embassy, Feng Miaojun placed the food box on the table, then stood on tiptoe to remove Yun Ya’s cloak, asking: “Those two items, will you have them now or later?” Crispy skin loses its appeal when cold.

“Who said they were for me?” Yun Ya removed the jade pendant from his waist and placed it on the cabinet. “I brought them back to feed the cat.”

Cat? Was there a cat near the embassy? Whose cat would get to eat such expensive crispy-skinned pigeons?

Yun Ya turned around, saw her bewilderment and his eyes showed amusement: “Little greedy cat, they’re for you.”

They were for her? Feng Miaojun’s eyes widened as he continued: “Didn’t I say I would take you to eat crispy-skinned pigeon?”

She thought he was only taking her to “see” them; she didn’t expect this fellow to be so true to his word.

Feng Miaojun let out a cheer and approached with a smile, but just as her hand was about to touch the food box, Yun Ya picked her up: “Heartless one, you forget your master once you see food! Where’s my tea?”

Which was more important, him or the food?

Well, better not answer that—he didn’t want to hear the answer.

Feng Miaojun could only very obsequiously brew a steaming cup of longan and red date tea, and present it to him with both hands, and only then could she touch her pigeon.