Feng Miaojun quickly found two cups, poured wine, and presented them to Fu Lingchuan and Princess Changle. The former accepted it readily, took a light sip, then drank it all at once, smiling: “Indeed good wine.”
This was truly the correct way to drink good wine.
Princess Changle, however, held her cup, examined it, her red lips slightly pouting, and forcefully wiped the rim with her finger before taking a sip.
She found the cup unclean.
Feng Miaojun’s eyebrow twitched. She suddenly felt Princess Hanyue had reason to dislike her, and she also wanted to slap this princess!
How dare she think the cups I washed were dirty? Even Yun Ya wouldn’t dare do that!
Meanwhile, the two men had already begun conversing.
Both were naturally sociable, and both harbored ulterior motives, so they quickly hit it off. Fu Lingchuan smiled: “Brother Chi lives overseas, yet is surprisingly familiar with the mainland’s history.” He could casually discuss the old affairs of An Xia.
“When one thing moves, everything is affected. In these times, who dares remain isolated?” Yun Ya, playing the role of Chi Zhe, sighed, “Honestly, the situation is more tense than in previous years. My king is very concerned about whether Wei and Yao will go to war, and is making preparations. Now hearing Master Fu’s words, even An Xia will join the conflict. That young girl was right—the world is becoming unstable.”
Fu Lingchuan’s gaze sharpened: “Lang Yu is located at sea. War flames can’t reach Brother Chi’s home, so what preparations are you making?”
Wei Xi interjected: “Master Fu may not know that Lang Yu produces various undersea metals. The Wei Kingdom purchases undersea azure gold mainly from Lang Yu for making armor.”
Everyone present understood the implications for world affairs.
If Yao Jin and the An Xia region allied to wage war against the Wei Kingdom, Wei would need extensive war preparations.
What did war require? Money, of course.
So Wei Kingdom would purchase military supplies and equipment, making Lang Yu’s resources highly marketable.
Fu Lingchuan’s lips curled slightly: “So your country does military business with Wei.” Lang Yu’s position to the west of Wei’s borders meant their mutual trade was only natural—close water means the tower gets the moon first.
“And more!” Yun Ya winked at him, “My Lang Yu is rich in resources and does business with the entire world, offering excellent quality at reasonable prices. Besides,” he gave a small laugh, “how could Wei only purchase from us alone?”
Fu Lingchuan looked at him, thinking. It seemed Chi Zhe was both an envoy and a businessman. This was common among delegations from smaller countries; they often used grand gatherings to seek business opportunities and partnerships for resource exchange and mutual benefit. Lang Yu indeed had many specialties scarce on the mainland. He and Princess Changle would need substantial resources for their future endeavors.
This Chi Zhe was worth befriending.
Fu Lingchuan became even more cordial. By now the lamb was ready, and everyone partook. The guards brought over a large lamb foreleg, and Fu Lingchuan personally used a silver knife to cut a large piece for Yun Ya, complete with tendons and meat, golden and fragrant.
Feng Miaojun looked at him, then at Yun Ya, feeling the absurdity of the situation.
Two mortal enemies sitting together eating lamb, the scene completely jarring.
If Fu Lingchuan knew that sitting before him was the Wei Kingdom’s State Preceptor who had destroyed his family, that knife would probably not be cutting lamb, but digging out Yun Ya’s heart.
The two men drank and ate merrily until Yun Ya casually asked: “I know Master Fu has ambitions to restore his country, but why only head north now?”
Fu Lingchuan gulped wine and sighed: “This undertaking cannot be accomplished with passion alone.”
Yun Ya smiled lightly: “It seems Master Fu’s opportunity has finally arrived. If you need assistance, don’t forget to seek us out.” He cut a piece of lamb with skin and handed it to Feng Miaojun beside him, “You should also taste Master Fu’s goodwill.”
Fu Lingchuan tensed slightly, thinking secretly that this man had keen insight—he had spoken obscurely, yet the other could discern the deeper meaning. He thanked him repeatedly and promptly changed the subject.
The lamb was indeed roasted perfectly—tender, juicy, not gamey or muttony. Especially the portion Yun Ya cut for her was the best, with a layer of soft skin roasted golden and crisp on the surface, melting in the mouth. But as Feng Miaojun ate, she felt it wasn’t quite as good as what they had eaten on White Elephant Mountain.
Princess Changle sat nearby with many envoys coming to converse. Surrounded by people, she conversed with grace and ease.
Just looking at her speech and demeanor, she truly had the air of a princess. Feng Miaojun wondered where Fu Lingchuan had found this “princess.”
Imperceptibly, night deepened.
The bonfire gradually burned out, and everyone, satiated with food and drink, bid farewell and dispersed.
Lang Yu’s tents were pitched far away. Yun Ya sent the others ahead while he led Feng Miaojun back along the shore, saying they wanted to walk to aid digestion.
The sky held a full moon like a plate, casting the silver-white world in even more desolation.
The two walked along a stretch of beach. Feng Miaojun looked around to ensure they were alone before whispering: “I thought you were going to poison their wine, but surprisingly both remained unharmed in the end.”
Yun Ya said disapprovingly: “In your eyes, am I that kind of person?”
“Hmm…” She automatically ignored this question. “If not poison, perhaps gu?” The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
He bent down to pick a long grass blade, chewing on it: “What benefit would I gain from killing them?”
Feng Miaojun widened her eyes: “Isn’t she Princess Changle?”
“Yes.”
“With her alive, the An Xia region won’t be peaceful.” She had always wondered how Yun Ya planned to deal with An Xia’s exiled princess.
“So?”
So, won’t your esteemed self take action to eliminate this hidden danger? “Don’t you want to strike first?”
“Would killing her bring peace to the An Xia region?”
She pondered carefully: “Perhaps not… but at least the resistance would weaken considerably?” Princess Changle represented the continuation of An Xia’s royal lineage. With her alive, the people of An Xia had a spiritual pillar for their resistance. Didn’t Yun Ya want to break this backbone?
“Heh, unnecessary.”
What did “unnecessary” mean? She didn’t understand.
Yun Ya walked with hands clasped behind his back, the evening breeze stirring the strands of hair hanging over his forehead, making him look quite content: “I didn’t expect An’an to worry so much for me.”
“If you’re well, I’m well.” She could say such things without the slightest blush, not at all. “Our fortunes rise and fall together—how could I not hope for everything to go smoothly for you?”
“Well said.” He smiled. “Among all the serving girls, you’re the most clever and pleasing.”
“…And where did all those other serving girls go?”
“Probably—” Yun Ya thought seriously, then said uncertainly, “all gone, I suppose?”
“…” He truly never missed a chance to intimidate her! Feng Miaojun’s face fell. “How long do they usually last?” When she approached the baseline, she would need to run!
“You’ve lasted the longest.” He patted her shoulder, earnestly encouraging, “Do your best. I fear I’ll never find someone as satisfying as An’an again.”