The fragrance of incense permeated the pavilion as Yun was sampling almond sesame paste sent from the palace. Hearing her words, he put down his bowl and said: “Why can’t it be signed? As long as New Xia doesn’t become an enemy to Wei or hinder Wei, our goal is achieved.”

Xu Guangxiang’s face flushed red, finally unable to contain herself: “You’ve taken matters into your own hands without consulting the King first?”

Yun shrugged: “For this peace negotiation, Her Majesty authorized me to act according to the urgent situation. If General Xu has doubts, you may return to the capital and inquire of His Majesty.”

He didn’t bother to explain further to her.

Xu Guangxiang bit her lip and turned to leave.

In truth, as a general, she understood clearly that, as Yun said, as long as New Xia successfully established diplomatic relations with Wei, this diplomatic mission could be considered complete. The fact was that New Xia was a mess, unable to squeeze out resources in the short term, and its citizens were tough as nails—Wei didn’t want to get involved anymore. With the conflict between Yan and Wei becoming inevitable, Wei needed to pacify New Xia to prevent trouble in their backyard. This also disrupted Yan’s strategic positioning in the Northern Continent, upsetting their plan to contain Wei’s power.

From this perspective, Wei’s paying for peace wasn’t a significant loss. Sixty million taels of silver was lifesaving money for New Xia, but merely a light shower for Wei, who had been prosperous for decades.

But she still felt that Yun had agreed too readily. Could it be that the Queen of New Xia had bewitched him through their past acquaintance?

His attitude toward that little enchantress had been different from the very beginning.

Xu Guangxiang returned to her lodging pavilion, cutting down a small tree along the way.

A guard, displaying poor judgment, brought up a bowl of sweet soup: “General Xu, this is a dessert sent from the palace…”

More almond sesame paste! Xu Guangxiang snatched it and hurled it against the wall corner.

With a “clink,” the bowl shattered, sesame paste splattered everywhere.

The guard froze in fear but managed to speak fluently: “Someone else has arrived from the palace—this young Master Liang.”

Xu Guangxiang only then noticed another person standing in the hall—tall and graceful, a handsome young man. She felt slightly embarrassed, but then heard the young man say: “I am Liang Yu, son of Marquis Qinyuan Liang Shudong, sent by State Preceptor Fu.” After speaking, he glanced around.

Xu Guangxiang, confident in her skills, wasn’t afraid of any treachery and immediately waved her hand: “Everyone leaves.”

The attendants filed out immediately, giving the two space for a private conversation.

Liang Yu then erected a barrier before smiling and saying: “State Preceptor Fu noticed General Xu’s concerns and especially sent me here.”

Xu Guangxiang looked him up and down and snorted: “What were you sent to do?”

“Is the General troubled by State Preceptor Yun?”

She smiled faintly: “Speak plainly.” Fu Lingchuan had some skill to be able to discover her relationship with Yun.

“Our State Preceptor says this isn’t a difficult matter—it only requires making State Preceptor Yun leave Wuseier City and return to the Wei capital.”

Xu Guangxiang’s eyes brightened.

This was indeed a solution. Just separate Yun from the Queen of New Xia so they couldn’t be together day and night; naturally, their feelings wouldn’t deepen further. Besides, the Wei capital and Wuseier City were separated by more than a thousand miles—even if Yun wanted to make the journey, it wouldn’t be easy. Adding in the coming battles, as State Preceptor he would need to oversee the frontlines, making it even more impossible to come east.

“He’s not that obedient,” she said, her teeth itching with resentment. Looking at Yun’s demeanor, he seemed eager to take root in Wuseier City. What was so good about that little enchantress that bewitched him so?

“Now that the agreement has been reached, State Preceptor Yun has no reason to linger in Wuseier City.”

Xu Guangxiang laughed coldly. How could there be no reason? Your alluring sovereign is the reason! But these words were too disrespectful, so she didn’t voice them.

Liang Yu, however, had already read her expression and lightly coughed: “Our State Preceptor does have a simple, feasible method.”

“Please elaborate.”

“General Xu need only feign illness,” Liang Yu smiled. “You’re the deputy envoy and a princess. If your old injury flares up, requiring you to return to Wei for treatment, State Preceptor Yun must escort you back.”

“An old injury?” She understood Liang Yu’s implication. If it were an ordinary ailment, she could remain in Wuseier for treatment, which would instead become an excuse for Yun to stay.

Liang Yu continued: “If you struggle to find a method on short notice, State Preceptor Fu has a certain medicine…”

Xu Guangxiang quickly waved her hand: “Not necessary, I have my plan.” What a joke—she wouldn’t be careless enough to let New Xia people drug or poison her!

She glanced sideways at Liang Yu: “It seems your side is also unwilling to see State Preceptor Yun remain in Wuseier. Does Fu Lingchuan also have intentions toward the Queen?”

Liang Yu smiled: “I dare not presume to know his thoughts.” With that, he took his leave.

The next day, Xu Guangxiang took to her bed ill, sending someone to summon Yun, saying her old chest wound had flared up, requiring a special ointment made by the Wei Imperial Physicians.

Given the awkward location of her injury, Yun naturally couldn’t examine her closely. New Xia sent palace physicians to tend to her, who explained that such old battlefield wounds were difficult to cure completely. Xu Guangxiang, looking exhausted, seized the opportunity to request a return to Wei.

If she were healthy, Yun could send her back alone; but now that Princess Meiji was ill, how could he not accompany her?

To Xu Guangxiang’s surprise, Yun readily agreed, looking relaxed without the slightest reluctance, and decided to depart for Wei the very next day.

She was overjoyed and couldn’t help asking: “You—you’re truly willing to leave now?”

Yun smiled amusedly: “With matters concluded here, it’s time to return anyway.”

Unfortunately, the Queen didn’t sleep that night, so until the Wei delegation departed, the two never bid farewell in dreams.

That opportunistic enchantress. Yun still gritted his teeth at the thought. After achieving the purpose of signing the agreement, she wouldn’t let him take advantage of her dreams anymore.

Feng Miaojun had never responded to his proposal.

When the first batch of twenty million taels of compensation from Wei arrived, New Xia immediately expanded its military. By this time, the army marching south had reached the border, and General Hong was ordered to join the battle. After rearming, New Xia’s military strength increased significantly.

To mention just one aspect—horses. Puling cavalry moved like the wind with high mobility, displaying their full potential on the plains, often leaving New Xia’s pursuing forces eating dust. New Xia, newly established, had just built horse farms and severely lacked horses, a disadvantage that the Puling Kingdom exploited.

However, as soon as New Xia had money, they purchased nine thousand fine horses from the great pastures near the national border at once, with plans to purchase another two thousand annually thereafter.

Not to mention improvements in armor and artillery. With the addition of Divine Martial Cannons, the New Xia army recaptured two major cities in just four days.

The importance of money and military equipment was vividly demonstrated. Combined with the strategies of several generals, they quickly reclaimed large swathes of lost territory, pushing the invaders toward the border.

Two months later, New Xia counterattacked into Puling Kingdom, finally forcing them to surrender.

When the good news returned, the entire country rejoiced.