This was her private matter, so Yu Haizhen didn’t probe further, but instead pondered for a moment before saying: “I can at least confirm two things: First, the fundamental difference between blessing and curse isn’t as great as people imagine.”

Feng Miaojun hurried to compose herself: “Please continue.”

“To achieve the effect of a curse, the caster must pay a price. I’m sure you already know this.”

Feng Miaojun nodded. In her research on the ao-fish mark, she had incidentally learned many curse techniques. If she ever stopped being queen, she could easily become a harmful witch in the countryside. She was certainly well-versed in these basic principles.

“The same applies to blessings.”

Regarding “blessings,” such divine techniques were rarely documented in the world. This was the first time Feng Miaojun had heard of it, so she immediately asked: “What do you mean? Does bestowing good fortune also require paying a price?”

“Where there is gain, there must be loss—this principle remains constant. In other words, whoever placed the mark in your dantian, this… being must have paid a price.” Yu Haizhen added, “Of course, such prices vary from person to person. What might be as heavy as a mountain to you could be as light as a feather to someone else, mainly depending on their cultivation level.”

It seemed that whoever had planted this blessing (or a curse?) had already paid for her. Feng Miaojun secretly mocked herself, then asked: “And the second thing?”

“Since this blessing is completed through a contract, according to the principles of contracts themselves, it can be dissolved.”

Feng Miaojun’s breath suddenly halted.

Of course—what was the essence of a contract? When conditions were met, it could be maintained or fulfilled; and if not?

If conditions weren’t met, it would naturally break or become invalid!

Assuming the ao-fish mark essentially manifested as a contract, then as long as she identified its conditions, she could specifically dissolve it.

Thinking further, the fact that it was effective meant this contract was already in force. To render it invalid now, she just needed to break the conditions that had already been satisfied!

But…

First, she needed to understand the symbols on the emblem!

Feng Miaojun held her head, barely able to conceal her frustration.

After all this, was she back at square one? No! She had left Yao Xia, traveling day and night over thousands of miles to reach the Kingdom of Xi, not to mention offending the King of Yan to save Yu Haizhen.

And after all that, was she still unable to find the originator of the ao-fish mark or solve its mystery, without even digging up a single useful clue?

Seeing her state, Yu Haizhen felt somewhat sorry for her, and after thinking for quite a while said: “This is, after all, an artifact from a thousand years ago. From the founding of the Haoli Empire until now, there have been hundreds of years of war. I fear there is no one alive today who can interpret it.”

Feng Miaojun remained silent. She understood all too well the destructive impact of war on history, research, and heritage.

“…but that doesn’t mean our ancestors couldn’t.” Yu Haizhen continued, “The Haoli Empire once had countless connections with Celestial Gods and ancient deities, perhaps receiving their rewards or learning their divine techniques. This ancient empire once produced numerous talents—who knows if anyone conducted such research?”

Feng Miaojun’s heart stirred: “You mean?”

“I suggest you search for some secret collections from the Haoli Empire.”

Feng Miaojun shook her head: “The royal library of the Haoli Dynasty was called Yanhai Tower. I studied there for several years and never came across any treatises on this subject.”

“This knowledge is too esoteric; it might not have been collected in Yanhai Tower.” Yu Haizhen leaned back, letting the spring water flow over her slender neck. “Why not try your luck in Yingshui City? It happens to be under Your Majesty’s rule as well.”

Feng Miaojun smiled bitterly: “The old capital of the Haoli Empire has been abandoned for over three hundred years. How many people have gone treasure hunting there? Not just gold, jewels, and historical records—even intact roof tiles have been stolen.”

“Is that so?” Yu Haizhen said languidly, “If there truly is nothing left, why does the King of Yan keep sending people to dig there secretly?”

Feng Miaojun’s phoenix eyes widened slightly as she looked over.

“No need to be surprised.” Yu Haizhen smiled slightly, “This is already an open secret; many people know. I’ve also heard that the nineteenth prince of Yan, Zhao Yun, died outside Yinzi City, killed by the hand of a Yao general who had defected to you.”

Feng Miaojun snorted: “It wasn’t me!” The mention of this matter made her chest tighten.

“Whether it was you or not doesn’t matter.” Yu Haizhen placed a soft towel on her forehead. “The only important thing is that this debt must be settled.”

Feng Miaojun had stolen Yao territory from the Wei Kingdom, and Yun Ya had turned the tables on her, binding her and New Xia to Wei’s war chariot. Feng Miaojun sighed, suppressing her chaotic thoughts: “I’ll head back first.” She stepped out of the hot spring, moved indoors, changed her clothes, and walked toward her residence.

This private sanctuary now had only Yu Haizhen left. She closed her eyes and slowly sank into the water.

About an hour later, she rose from the pool.

When she finished getting ready and walked out, about a hundred meters away near the bathhouse entrance, a person came around the corner—it was Chen Dachang.

He had just come out as well, perhaps warmed through from the soak, with his sleeves rolled up and collar slightly open. Behind him stood a young maid from the bathhouse, with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, holding a tray of crystal pears to offer him.

Chen Dachang had just waved in refusal when he looked up and saw Yu Haizhen. He was slightly startled, then greeted her: “Madam… Yu.”

Her skin was as white as snow, and having just bathed, her face carried a slight flush, standing there like a lotus emerging from the water. Chen Dachang, for some unknown reason, strangely said: “You look much better now.”

Yu Haizhen instinctively raised her finger to touch her face, but withdrew it before contact, and said coolly: “You seem less dark than you were a few days ago.”

“?” What did that mean? While Chen Dachang was puzzled, her gaze had already swept over his collar, and then she turned, walking away gracefully.

Feng Miaojun returned to her lodgings and let down her hair, allowing the night breeze to dry her blue-black tresses.

She wanted to pick up the casual book she had bought in the market that evening to read a few more pages, but before her fingers touched the cover, she pulled back her hand and said softly: “Come out!”

From the inner room, a figure slowly emerged—crimson robe, peach blossom eyes.

Feng Miaojun instinctively looked at the doors and windows: “How did you get in?” She had set up several arrays.

“The arrays you set were ones I taught you, with just minor modifications.” Yun Ya walked over and embraced her waist from behind. “Anan, you were waiting for me, weren’t you?” Otherwise, why would she permit his intrusion?

For the past few days, they had been traveling day and night. Tonight, he finally had a chance to be close to her, and he had to seize it.

“The one waiting here isn’t me.” His chest was so warm.