The so-called “studying abroad” was merely a mockery of Fu Lingchuan’s years of lobbying in Yan, suggesting he lacked governing ability.

As Fu Lingchuan prepared to retort, Feng Miaojun interrupted their confrontation. Stroking the scorpion-tailed lion token in her hand, she said: “Enough. I am very pleased with this gift and appreciate the King of Wei’s sincerity. Therefore, I will carefully consider the alliance and hold a court discussion.” She smiled slightly at Yun Ya, “As State Preceptor Fu said, this is a significant matter, not to be taken lightly or decided in a single day.”

Yun Ya wasn’t surprised by this outcome and simply smiled: “With Your Majesty’s words, I can confidently await good news. Oh yes, should New Xia ally with Wei, Wei will provide fifty million taels of silver as compensation for past intrusions into New Xia!”

Fifty million taels!

A buzz immediately spread through the banquet.

Most people couldn’t comprehend “fifty million,” but the court officials understood that New Xia’s entire financial revenue over the past eight years hadn’t reached this amount!

This was blatant enticement with profit. For the newly established Kingdom of New Xia, fifty million in the treasury would be like sending coal in snowy weather—valuable resources that could be put to critical use!

Zhao Yun had been observing the minor confrontation between Fu and Yun without speaking, his gaze flickering. However, upon hearing Yun Ya’s final statement, he could no longer remain silent: “What does State Preceptor Yun mean? Using fifty million in silver to buy the lives of a million dead An Xia people? Split per head, that amount is far from sufficient.”

Though provocative, these words stirred hatred in many An Xia people at the banquet, especially when they looked at the Wei envoys.

Yun Ya remained composed: “This is compensation. Wei has shown sincerity; it remains to be seen whether New Xia is willing to accept it. Of course, the decision lies with the Queen. No matter how others overstep or say another word, it’s all futile.”

One of those “others,” Zhao Yun, closed his mouth, his expression darkening. This was indeed a matter between Wei and Xia; distant Yan ostensibly had no position to intervene.

The banquet thus continued normally, this small interlude quickly passed over without further mention. As for what consequences it might trigger, that couldn’t be foreseen now.

The celebration feast lasted until the hour of you before dispersing, with both hosts and guests fully satisfied.

After a busy, tiring day, Feng Miaojun removed her crown and makeup, then entered the hot springs to bathe and relax her body and mind.

While she enjoyed the silky hot spring water caressing her smooth skin, the Wei envoys returned to their lodgings. Due to their special status, the Queen had specifically assigned them to Huayin Palace. Had Feng Miaojun known beforehand that Yun Ya would also come, she would never have considered this arrangement.

Upon entering Huayin Palace, servants guided the two envoys to their respective quarters.

Xu Guangxiang had remained silent from the banquet until now. Seeing Yun Ya about to leave, she finally couldn’t help but call out: “State Preceptor!”

Yun Ya turned around, giving her a questioning look: “General Xu?”

Xu Guangxiang had always felt that he knew of her feelings yet was reluctant to acknowledge them: “Why did you rush to New Xia? Was it for An’an?”

Yun Ya smiled, but the single word that passed through his thin lips nearly shattered her heart: “Yes.”

Xu Guangxiang almost bit her lower lip bloody: “My royal brother has already sent me as an envoy to New Xia!”

“I came to deliver an additional gift, which doesn’t conflict with your mission,” Yun Ya said, as if not noticing her expression. “She wanted sincerity, so I gave her sincerity.”

He smiled brilliantly, but Xu Guangxiang knew his smile wasn’t for her. With her heart feeling like it was weighed down by a massive stone, she instinctively said: “You—you favor her, but New Xia and Wei harbor deep enmity. I fear she might use this to lure you in and—and endanger your life!”

Yun Ya smiled. Is An’an luring him in? He would welcome that.

“Thank you for your concern, General Xu,” he responded neutrally. “I have my measure.”

His smile cooled, and Xu Guangxiang’s heart chilled a few degrees as well. Still, she gathered her courage and said: “She is now a sovereign!” No longer your attendant An’an!

Status—that was the unbridgeable chasm between these two.

Yun Ya gave her a meaningful look: “You’re right, she is the Queen of New Xia now.”

Xu Guangxiang’s chest heaved twice before she said forthrightly: “She isn’t a good person; she’s not worth you taking such a risk for!” She had never been one for roundabout words or knew how to please men, unlike his attendant who excelled in the art of seduction!

“If she can take my life, that would be quite an accomplishment,” Yun Ya chuckled lightly before turning to leave.

He was tired and didn’t want to waste energy on childish emotional matters. Having traveled thousands of li back and forth within three days, even with his profound cultivation, what he needed most now was a good sleep.

After his silhouette disappeared, Xu Guangxiang fiercely struck out with her sword, chopping into a nearby tree as thick as a bowl.

With a flash of cold light, the tree fell, and leaves scattered, rustling across the sky.

On this spring night, she felt a boundless chill in her heart.

Fearing that someone might come looking for her again, Feng Miaojun did not sleep all night. Instead, she meditated until dawn, yet remained spirited.

With the celebration over, foreign envoys began to bid farewell and return to their countries one after another. Their mission wasn’t as simple as wishing her “happy birthday” and presenting gifts. Most envoys were tasked with observing New Xia’s national conditions, public opinion, customs, and personalities. Upon their return, they would report to their superiors, allowing their countries to formulate basic policies toward New Xia.

Three days later, most foreign envoys had departed, with only a few lingering in Wusei City, including the Yan and Wei delegations.

The Prince of Yan, Zhao Yun, repeatedly requested audiences with the Queen of New Xia to discuss future cooperation. However, Feng Miaojun, now aware of his possible schemes against her, declined, citing exhaustion from hosting the celebration and needing rest. She asked Fu Lingchuan to meet with him instead.

Since the governing authority in New Xia was already in the State Preceptor’s hands, no one found her actions inappropriate. Only Zhao Yun was quite frustrated. As a guest far from home, he couldn’t be as imperious on his host’s territory as he would be in Yan.

Besides coming to collect the annual tribute that New Xia was obligated by agreement to give Yan, he had also engaged in substantial discussions with Fu Lingchuan multiple times. In addition to conveying the Yan King’s intentions regarding cooperation between the two countries, he had another plan. When Fu Lingchuan relayed this to Feng Miaojun, he smiled and said: “The nineteenth prince of Yan seeks to marry Long Le, hoping to establish a hundred years of friendship with New Xia, and has offered substantial betrothal gifts.”

At that moment, Feng Miaojun was reading a leisure book and looked up in surprise: “He wants to marry me again?”

The reason she said “again” was because she and Zhao Yun had already agreed in Taiping City to have nothing to do with each other. Why had he changed his mind? Was it perhaps an order from the King of Yan?

“Indeed. I have already informed him that your marriage is your own decision, and no one may interfere with it through state affairs. Zhao Yun was somewhat surprised, then began inquiring about Long Le’s preferences.”

“My preferences?” She put down the book and thought very seriously. “I like valuable treasures—the more expensive, the better.”