After the North Wu people entered the hall and were seated, Zhao Yān met with the Minister of Protocol while changing clothes in a side chamber.

“Why was there no prior mention of North Wu seeking a marriage alliance?”

The Minister of Protocol stood outside the ground curtain, responding from behind the screen: “In reply to Your Highness, North Wu only stated they were entering the capital for peace talks and goodwill. The marriage alliance was not part of the program, likely a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

Zhao Yān spread her arms to put on a crimson-purple outer robe, saying mildly: “Whether it’s spontaneous or long-planned remains to be seen.”

“What does Your Highness mean?”

“This concerns the face of the Great Xuan. From major matters like the banquet procedures to minor details like words and actions, we must proceed with caution. Since the North Wu people have ulterior motives, as hosts, the Great Xuan absolutely cannot be led by the nose.”

Zhao Yān pondered briefly, then raised her eyes: “The North Wu people value martial prowess and will inevitably make demands involving weapons display at the banquet, as that’s the only thing they can show off. Don’t rush; let’s first have a battle of wits to diminish their arrogance.”

With the “Crown Prince’s” words, the Minister of Protocol instantly felt energized and clear-minded, hurriedly saying, “This subject obeys.”

Just as he was about to bow and retreat, someone strode in from the side, wearing a dazzling crimson dragon robe that pierced through the cold.

The Minister of Justice lowered his back further, raising his voice slightly as he cupped his hands: “Your Highness, Prince Su.”

…

…

Zhao Yān turned around and indeed saw Wenren Lin approaching with his hands behind his back.

Whether due to today’s cold weather or his eye-catching princely robe, Zhao Yān felt his sculpted features looked paler than usual, reminiscent of cold jade on a glacier.

Zhao Yān fastened the leather belt herself, gestured for Liu Ying to withdraw, and looked at Wenren Lin with an involuntary lightness in her eyes.

“Have you finished your business? I thought you wouldn’t have time to come.”

Wenren Lin responded with a sound from his nose, smiling: “In Sichuan, there’s a beast called ‘mo,’ resembling a bear with black and white patches. Its face is white, yet its eye circles are black.”

Zhao Yān looked puzzled, not understanding why he suddenly mentioned this.

Wenren Lin raised a finger to point at the area under her eyes, saying meaningfully: “If Your Highness continues to stay up late, your eye circles will darken.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yān immediately turned to look at herself in the bronze mirror: “I’ve only not slept well these past two nights. Is it that obvious?”

“Why haven’t you been sleeping?”

Wenren Lin casually picked up a pair of lotus jade pendants from a nearby tray, hanging them on her leather belt, and smoothed out the tassels with his fingers.

“Why else? It’s about the North Wu people entering the capital, the banquet affairs, and at night, wanting to wait…”

“Wait for whom?” Wenren Lin looked up, asking in a drawn-out tone.

Zhao Yān shifted her gaze, patting her robe: “How is your health? Since you’re not staying at Crane Return Pavilion, I have where to find you.”

Wenren Lin straightened up to smooth her folded collar, saying in all seriousness: “There’s no one here now. If Your Highness is concerned, you can thoroughly examine me up and down.”

Seeing him fully dressed and proper, Zhao Yān couldn’t help but think of certain times… She unconsciously stepped back, politely declining.

Only then did Wenren Lin laugh: “Where is Your Highness’s mind wandering?”

Zhao Yān coughed once, gathering her scattered thoughts, and mentioned the main issue: “A few days ago, Mother Empress asked if I would return to Huayang.”

Wenren Lin’s expression remained unchanged upon hearing this; he knew what the young princess’s choice would be.

“But I’m very glad I stayed. Because some things only the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace can accomplish.”

Zhao Yān met Wenren Lin’s gaze, instinctively grasping his sleeve: “The North Wu people worship power, while the Great Xuan has long been governed by civil means. If they seek a marriage through a martial arena, the Great Xuan has no chance of winning. I don’t want the tragedy of my second sister dying in humiliation to repeat.”

Wenren Lin’s attitude was crucial.

Just a nod from him would double her chances of success.

But Wenren Lin merely said lightly: “Even if there is a marriage alliance, it won’t be Your Highness.”

“But the Great Xuan only has two unmarried princesses left. Like cries for like; autumn birds mourn their kind.”

As Zhao Yān spoke, she genuinely felt some sadness, and her voice lowered: “Grand Tutor, will you stand by my side?”

“In normal circumstances, naturally, I would.”

Wenren Lin called to her in a low voice, “But, little princess.”

“Yes?” Zhao Yān responded.

“This prince has also said before that not harming the innocent is already my greatest kindness; I will not protect the Great Xuan any further.”

Wenren Lin’s voice was soft, showing an inappropriate tenderness: “The lives of one hundred thousand men weigh heavily enough.”

Zhao Yān felt a sharp pain in her heart, then lowered her eyelashes and nodded: “I understand.”

Soon, she raised her eyes again, her gaze clear and determined: “Having you by my side gives me much reassurance; I’m not trying to force you to do anything. Besides, those one hundred thousand soldiers from back then were indeed the court’s…”

Something occurred to her, and Zhao Yān had a flash of insight.

One hundred thousand soldiers died defending the city, and a princess died in humiliation during a marriage alliance—undoubtedly wounds in the hearts of the Great Xuan’s people. The Wei Yan case had shown Zhao Yān the power of public opinion. If public sentiment could be aroused, there might be a turning point in this matter.

Seeing her pondering with her chin resting on her hand, Wenren Lin knew what she wanted to do.

“This prince will escort Your Highness to your seat first.”

Just as he finished speaking, Zhao Yān suddenly looked up, saying brightly: “You go ahead! I have something to do; I need to give instructions to Liu Baiwei and Pei Sa.”

With that, she had already left the hall.

The fabric in his palm slipped away. Wenren Lin looked at his empty hand for a long while, his lacquer-colored gaze gradually sinking.

“Liu Baiwei, Pei Sa…”

He slightly curled his fingers, giving a light laugh: “The little princess has quite many choices.”

…

The Emperor’s birthday and New Year’s Eve fell on the same day, which was when the grand banquet would be held.

Today’s main purpose was to welcome the North Wu envoys, with only the imperial clan and important ministers participating to gauge each other.

At the banquet, the Minister of Protocol indeed followed Zhao Yān’s instructions, suggesting “poetry recitation at the banquet” for entertainment. Liu Baiwei recommended Shen Jingqiu, the second son of Vice Minister Shen from the Ministry of Personnel. The two of them exchanged brilliant verses at the banquet, like spraying pearls and spitting jade, drawing cheers from the entire hall. Even the Emperor repeatedly applauded in admiration, immediately awarding each of them a set of high-quality inkstones.

The Great Xuan court officials were radiant and proud, while the North Wu envoys were like oxen listening to lute music—completely bewildered, unable to match a single line.

Several North Wu envoys, losing face, sat increasingly stiffly, whispering among themselves.

Wu Que, however, watched with great interest, sitting cross-legged in the barbarian style, one hand pouring wine, the other pressing on his knee, occasionally slapping his thigh and cheering.

Zhao Yān suspected he hadn’t understood a word.

After the banquet, the Emperor’s procession headed to the Archery Hall in the Northern Garden for the ceremonial archery contest.

This training ground was much larger than the space behind Wenhua Hall, with corridors, bridges, and pavilions standing tall, imperial flags fluttering, giving it quite the air of a battlefield assembly.

Zhao Yān turned a corner and happened to encounter Wu Que and his group talking and looking out from a bridge.

Seeing Zhao Yān, Wu Que raised his hand in greeting, saying in fluent Chinese: “Hello, Xuan Dynasty Crown Prince.”

The wind was strong on the bridge, making Wu Que’s shoulder-length white hair dance. His golden eyes were sharp, revealing unbridled wildness.

“Your hair is very unusual,” Zhao Yān remarked politely.

“This?”

Wu Que tugged at his white hair with his wheat-colored fingers, leaning against the carved railing: “My father has brown skin and black hair, while my mother was a Western Regions beauty with golden hair and golden eyes. I don’t understand why I was born with this hair color. They all said I was a demon possessed by an evil god, born inauspicious. When I was young, my father almost burned me to death because of it.”

As he spoke, he sized up Zhao Yān, asking: “At the banquet, why didn’t I see the Crown Prince’s sister?”

Zhao Yān frowned, catching a trace as she asked: “Why are you interested in my sister?”

“Don’t be so tense! Her mallet blow that struck my cousin back then was quite satisfying—hard to forget. Besides, I heard the Crown Prince’s twin sister was also considered an inauspicious omen at birth.”

Wu Que pointed at his nose tip: “I feel we’re kindred spirits.”

Zhao Yān felt uncomfortable and was about to retort when a deep, steady voice came from behind.

“How dare a slave presume to be on the same path as the Great Xuan’s legitimate princess? Have some shame.”

In the entire imperial city, only one person would dare speak to envoys like this.

Zhao Yān turned around sharply and saw Wenren Lin approaching leisurely, with cold wind lifting curtains behind him, carrying an air of intimidation.

Wu Que, who had been leaning casually just moments ago, unconsciously straightened his posture. Anyone who had been on a battlefield could smell this invisible killing intent, stimulating even their throats to heat slightly.

This excessively handsome man was extremely dangerous.

“Are you that Wenren Lin who, eight years ago, slew seven great generals under my cousin’s command?”

Wu Que withstood the pressure, not only unafraid but with eyes bursting with excitement: “Truly formidable!”

Wenren Lin glanced at him.

Just one look, and Wu Que’s muscles involuntarily tensed.

He had to raise both hands, forcing a smile that revealed a pointed tooth: “Don’t misunderstand; I harbor no hostility. Unlike my cousin, I’m a firm advocate for peace.”

“Thirteenth Prince, you’re blocking my way.”

Zhao Yān said with a gentle smile.

Wu Que was stunned, and under Wenren Lin’s cold gaze, he moved aside.

Wenren Lin gave a light laugh, slightly bowed to Zhao Yān, and said with lowered head: “Your Highness, please.”

The coldness retreated in that instant, gently lying dormant.

Zhao Yān’s lips curved slightly upward as she walked side by side with Wenren Lin.

Wu Que stood in place, covering his stinging throat thoughtfully: What ability did this frail little Crown Prince possess to make such a man bow and serve?

Clouds at the horizon’s edge were like ink diffusing in water. The curtains in the corridor swayed slightly.

“Who was it that said they wouldn’t step in to protect?”

Zhao Yān walked with a light step, secretly moving a step closer to Wenren Lin.

Their clothes rustled against each other as Wenren Lin’s expression remained unchanged: “Just moving my mouth, not stepping in.”

Zhao Yān made an “oh” sound and turned her head, but the curve of her lips couldn’t help but rise.

The Great Xuan’s archery banquet emphasized “ceremony” rather than “competition,” so the training ground was set with a row of targets. Pei Sa and other young military officers with red headbands formed the red team, while Wu Que led the blue team, taking turns to compete in archery.

However, after one round ended in a tie, the North Wu envoys objected.

“Your Majesty, what’s the point of shooting like this? The straw targets are inanimate. On the battlefield, do both sides just stand still, waiting to be shot?”

The Emperor leaned forward on his knees from the viewing platform and asked: “What does the envoy suggest?”

“Your Majesty is about to celebrate your birthday. I know you Central Plains people consider killing on birthdays taboo, so I won’t suggest releasing birds or beasts for hunting.”

One of the envoys stepped forward, pressing a single palm to his chest: “For the second round, let’s add some difficulty. Both sides should shoot coins while riding horses, deciding victory on horseback! Arrows pinned to targets are not enough; we must also shoot coins tossed in the air. Within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, whichever side has more coins shot onto their target wins. Do you dare?”

North Wu people mastered horsemanship and archery from the age of six or seven. By proposing such a challenge, they wanted to make up for their embarrassing literary defeat at the banquet.

If the Great Xuan declined, they would be laughed at.

Zhao Yān’s fingers tightened slightly, then a righteous and resolute voice came from the training ground: “Why wouldn’t we dare?”

Pei Sa drew his bow and saluted the Emperor and Crown Prince: “Your Majesty, Crown Prince, this subject requests to fight.”

At such a moment, the Great Xuan’s morale could not be lost.

The Emperor nodded in approval, saying evenly: “Grant fine steeds. Stop at first blood.”

The fine horses of the red and blue teams galloped in crisscrossing patterns, raising dust across the training ground. Imperial guards stood on observation towers, scattering handfuls of copper coins toward the center of the field. Countless arrows flew through the air, filled with the clanging sounds of arrowheads striking coins.

The North Wu people excelled in mounted archery and quickly gained the upper hand. The straw targets were soon filled with arrows piercing coins. Barbarian shouts echoed throughout the training ground, while the watching court officials and imperial clan members of the Great Xuan gradually grew solemn.

Pei Sa’s archery skills had been personally guided by Wenren Lin, making him outstanding among the young men. However, no matter how skilled one person is, they cannot fight against more than ten top-tier mounted archers from the other side.

While drawing his bow and controlling his horse, he made a hand gesture to his allies, adjusting their strategy.

This tactic proved highly effective, with the Great Xuan’s arrows catching up in the next phase. Just as the competition grew intense, an arrow from a North Wu guard suddenly went astray, flying toward Pei Sa’s horse!

The steed was startled and immediately reared up. Pei Sa, fully concentrated on bending his bow and nocking an arrow, had both hands off the reins and was unprepared for the sudden fall from horseback.

The horse’s hooves came down abruptly. In a flash, Pei Sa rolled several times, narrowly avoiding being trampled by the hooves. But when he rose, he was injured, holding his arm and frowning in pain.

Zhao Yān clenched her fists and stood up: “Halt for now! Call for the Imperial Physician!”

A sharp bamboo whistle sounded, and the galloping horses on the field returned to their teams. The young officers of the red team immediately dismounted to help Pei Sa up, their faces anxious.

Wu Que also led his guards forward to apologize, maintaining an apologetic posture. Pei Sa, holding his arm, stood up without acknowledging him.

After a brief moment, Li Fu quietly reported to Zhao Yān: “The Imperial Physician says the Marquis of Jinping’s heir likely has a fractured right arm and cannot continue.”

Zhao Yān’s expression became grave.

Pei Sa was exceptionally capable, and few could replace him on the field. Wenren Lin had Zhang Cang, who could be used, but…

While she was pondering, Wu Que rode his horse in a small circle around the field and bowed to the Emperor from horseback: “Your Majesty, if we win this match, might I be granted a glimpse of the Great Xuan princesses’ beauty as a prize?”

Zhao Yān secretly gripped her sleeves, her knuckles turning white.

Liu Baiwei was the first to stand up: “The princesses are noble branches of jade leaves; how can they be objects for viewing? Is this the etiquette of North Wu envoys?”

“Not at all. In North Wu, face-to-face admiration is the highest respect a man can show a woman.”

Someone among the envoys replied loudly, “But you keep your princesses too hidden. In our North Wu, only ugly women are unwilling to be seen!”

To the side, Wenren Lin’s gaze swept over Zhao Yān’s tightly gripped sleeves as his fingers lightly tapped the armrest, seemingly thoughtful.

“Damn these bird-people! Black as charcoal with white mold, yet daring to imagine our princesses as prizes!”

Behind them, Zhang Cang flexed the muscles on his arms, indignantly saying, “My Prince, let this humble servant fight for the Great Xuan in the next round! Though I excel in swordsmanship, my archery is also up to standard. Beating a few barbarians is nothing!”

The North Wu people were still making a commotion when Wenren Lin’s tapping fingers paused.

He raised his eyes, opening his eyelashes, his lacquer-black eyes like ink, heavy with cold clouds.

He stood up and saluted the Emperor: “This subject will go down to stretch my limbs a bit.”

Hearing this, Zhao Yān’s tight grip loosened as she turned her head in disbelief to look at Wenren Lin.

What… what did he just say? Could she have misheard?

The Emperor pondered briefly and only said one sentence: “Hold back a bit; don’t take their lives.”

Wenren Lin straightened up with a smile, his gaze passing over the stunned Zhao Yān as he raised his hand to accept the binding rope handed by Zhang Cang, rolling up his dragon robe sleeves before walking slowly toward the training ground.