He let out a light snort, his face full of the arrogance of the wealthy: “My riches rival a nation’s.”

“I’m not short of money.” The entire country was hers—how could she lack that small amount of wealth? Why did this fellow sound exactly like Bai Ban?

“Every country lacks money, even Wei Kingdom.” He played with her soft, seemingly boneless little hand. “You just don’t lack small change.”

“What about national enmity and family hatred?” This was the real issue.

“What eternal hatred is there? Last year, didn’t the New Xia people accept the sixty million taels in reparations? They even submitted a petition begging you to accept it.” There was faint mockery in his eyes. “That being the case, how do you know there won’t be a chance for the two countries to mend relations in the future? It’s all about weighing advantages and disadvantages. As long as New Xia and Great Wei fight side by side a few times, that hatred will naturally fade.”

She was about to say something more, but Yun Ya already planted a kiss on her forehead: “Trust me on this. Over these years, I’ve seen too much of where people’s hearts turn.”

This fellow had a face even more delicate than a woman’s, yet why did he often make her feel the weight of time? “Fighting side by side—will there ever be such a day?”

“There will be.” His eyes held an indecipherable meaning. “Probably not far off.”

“What do you mean?” Her heart tightened. She had always respected Yun Ya’s strategic judgment, now only worried that New Xia had too little time to develop.

“King Xi is foolish. This time, with Great Wei’s help, he repelled the Yan army, yet he didn’t think about strengthening the country or benefiting the people. He still indulges in nightly revelry, and recently he has even fallen out with his own State Preceptor.”

“Xi Kingdom’s State Preceptor?” She thought for a moment. “I remember she’s the only female among the State Preceptors of various countries—Yu Haizhen?”

“Correct. Yu Haizhen is the adopted daughter of Xi Kingdom’s previous king, the grandfather of the current King Xi, and was titled Princess Yongchun. Later, she was discovered to have an astonishing talent for cultivation, and the old King Xi personally sent her to study under the State Preceptor. She proved herself worthy, succeeding in her studies, and later smoothly took over as Xi Kingdom’s State Preceptor. However, she married a court general at sixteen and became a widow at eighteen, never remarrying since.”

She softly exclaimed “Wow”: “I’ve heard she’s also a great beauty. Have you seen her?”

What women care about most has always been another woman’s appearance, and even this queen was no exception. Yun Ya certainly wouldn’t casually fall into the trap she had prepared: “I’ve never crossed paths with her, but Xiao Yan has met her and hasn’t been able to forget her all these years.”

Xiao Yan liked Yu Haizhen? She caught the scent of gossip! “In that case, the King of Xi would call her aunt. How could they fall out?”

“The current King Xi wasn’t favored by his father from childhood, always left in the deep palace to be raised, developing an impulsive and extreme temperament. Later, he plotted to kill his father and brother to usurp the throne. Yu Haizhen still looked down on him, deeming him an illegitimate usurper, and thus refused to attend even his coronation ceremony. The cultivators in the country follow her lead, so naturally, their relationship with King Xi isn’t good either.” Yun Ya lightly brushed her hair at the temples. “After this resistance against Yan, King Xi took advantage of the victory banquet to make a move against Yu Haizhen.”

“Made a move!” Her eyes widened. “Surely not…”

He nodded.

She cursed bitterly: “Scum! It would have been better if the Yan army had cut off his dog’s head!” She hated lechers the most, especially this wretch who violated human ethics by defiling his aunt.

“Xiao Yan’s words match yours exactly.” Yun Ya pondered, “I suspect King Xi has coveted her for a long time and wanted to take this opportunity to subdue her, thereby also winning over the cultivators in the country, ensuring they harbor no disloyalty. Who knew Yu Haizhen had such a fierce temperament? This move has backfired.”

“Serves him right.”

“Xi Kingdom was already treasury-depleted, and now its leadership is divided. If Yan Kingdom raises troops again, I fear they won’t be able to withstand it.” Yun Ya said softly, “Once Xi Kingdom falls, Wei Kingdom will directly face Yan Kingdom.”

“This time, will the Wei Kingdom still help the Xi Kingdom?”

“Hard to say.” Yun Ya mused, “King Xi is untrustworthy, making agreements with the Wei Kingdom yet evading them in every possible way. He’s mud that can’t be plastered on a wall. Even if Wei continues to send troops, it won’t change the outcome of the war, only increasing casualties and losses. We probably won’t provide such unprofitable aid again, especially now with Yu Haizhen’s matter—Xiao Yan hates King Xi to the bone.”

Feng Miaojun voiced her lingering doubt: “With King Yan’s ambition, why doesn’t he attack Taoyuan Realm?”

Yun Ya paused before saying: “You’re not the only one with this question. The people of Yan also wonder. What he says, no one can debate or question. Only King Yan himself knows the true answer.”

Since they had come all this way, the two decided to put aside their concerns and enjoy themselves thoroughly amid the snowy plains and icy waterfalls. The guards followed far behind, and they pretended not to notice.

In the evening, the New Xia Queen finally returned to Wuseier City.

Before departing, Yun Ya once again spoke solemnly: “I’ll help you deal with Fu Lingchuan, and you postpone your marriage and wait for me, alright?”

Feng Miaojun was silent for a long time before asking: “Why are you so determined to marry me?” What had she done to make Yun Ya’s feelings run so deep?

“If I want to marry, I naturally want to marry the best in this world.” Affection bloomed in his eyes as he lifted her small hand and kissed it.

Feng Miaojun’s lips curved slightly, but unfortunately, this wasn’t the answer she most wanted to hear.

“Whatever your plans, don’t harm Fu Lingchuan’s life. He has devoted himself entirely to New Xia without ulterior motives.” Between her and Fu Lingchuan, there was no enmity, only a power struggle—better to spare him when possible.

However, Wuseier City was Fu Lingchuan’s home ground. Could Yun Ya deal with him here?

Yun Ya pursed his lips, and his displeasure was evident: “Politics is dangerous, and circumstances can change drastically. I can’t promise anything now.” If you don’t kill the snake, it will strike back!

Feng Miaojun glanced at him, knowing he wished for Fu Lingchuan’s death. With other considerations in mind, she immediately changed the subject: “Is the real Yu Linlang still alive?”

“He’s not dead yet.” Yun Ya shrugged. “It’s not yet time for him to die.”

Feng Miaojun’s expression shifted: “You plan to kill him?”

“That’s his only usefulness.” Yun Ya’s gaze was unfriendly. “What, are you feeling sorry for him?”

“He does not quarrel with anyone; there’s no reason he must die.” Feng Miaojun shook her head. This man had caused too much bloodshed—back then, for a single Blood Tree, he had caused tens of thousands of lives in Cliff Mountain to perish. This was her kingdom, her people; she couldn’t allow him to act recklessly again.

“Womanly mercy.” Yun Ya snorted lightly, but quickly added, “I’ll try my best. Also, don’t favor any other men!” At this point, he couldn’t help but reveal his jealousy.

Now everyone knew the Queen had ordered the Ritual Supervision Department to revise the harem regulations! Although Yun Ya knew this was one of her tactics against Fu Lingchuan, he was still irritated. Once this precedent was set, coupled with rumors of her favoring Yu Linlang that would soon spread, men pursuing her would be like flies drawn to fragrance—impossible to drive away or kill them all.

The Queen returned to the palace, while Yun Ya, still in Yu Linlang’s form, returned to the Yu residence.