Feng Miao Jun suddenly fell silent, looking him over from head to toe, and then from toe to head.

The scrutinizing gaze in those bright, lively eyes was so intense that Xiao Yan couldn’t help but touch his nose: “Do you find me handsome?”

“You’re alright,” she responded with complete sincerity. “But not as handsome as that man who was with you the other day.”

Xiao Yan’s expression immediately fell. Who could compare with that bewitching creature? Knowing it was one thing, but having someone point it out directly was quite another. “Young ladies should speak with grace and charm, in ways that please others. Hasn’t your mother taught you that?”

“You just said you wouldn’t take offense at what I say.”

Xiao Yan: “…” Was it too late to take back those words?

“That’s not what my mother taught me at all.” She shook her head repeatedly. “She said that as merchants, we must use honest measures, treat everyone fairly, and never cheat in business.” Her eyes sparkled brightly. “So, who was that person?” With Yun Ya not present, this was her chance to inquire about his identity.

Xiao Yan replied irritably: “His identity is not something you have the right to ask about.”

She looked disappointed: “I can’t even ask?”

“If he doesn’t wish to reveal it, then you shouldn’t know.” Xiao Yan said lazily. “What’s this? Has the little miss taken a fancy to him?”

“He’s handsome and more formidable than you.” She understood clearly that although Prince Zi Yan and Yun Ya walked together, they were far from being close friends. Besides, with Yun Ya’s appearance, countless women would be inquiring about him, so her asking a few questions wouldn’t arouse suspicion.

Xiao Yan’s face twitched: “How do you know he’s more formidable than me?”

“Otherwise, why would you fear him and not dare to speak of his affairs?”

Xiao Yan understood now and couldn’t help but be both amused and annoyed: “Little girl, even if you’re using reverse psychology, I still can’t tell you. Believe me, this is for your good. That fellow’s temperament is unpredictable—one moment he’s smiling and welcoming, the next he’s cold and merciless. He’s not someone you should provoke.”

“Then let’s not speak of him anymore.” She was merely testing the waters and hadn’t expected Xiao Yan to reveal anything.

Wait? He suddenly sensed something was amiss. Initially, he was the one who wanted to ask questions, so how had it become her firing questions like a string of firecrackers, one after another? Now this girl was acting like a little adult, completely different from the trembling, timid girl at the county office earlier.

This was her true nature. Indeed, Feng Miao Jun was merely a merchant’s daughter, and with her father having passed away two years ago, she lacked proper discipline. How much could she understand about proper etiquette between different social ranks? If not for this, how would she have so easily gotten involved in a lawsuit?

He preferred docile and obedient girls. Once he saw through Feng Miao Jun’s willful nature, he began to dislike her somewhat. Xiao Yan straightened up, about to take back control of the conversation when unexpectedly, Feng Miao Jun spoke first: “Let’s make an exchange. I’ll answer one of your questions, and you answer one of mine—without mentioning that person again.”

It seemed he had nothing to lose.

“Very well.” He maintained his grace. “You go first.”

“In this world, where can one find the most extensive collection of books and knowledge?”

“The most extensive knowledge?” He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“I mean, after reading the books there, I would understand all the secrets of the world.” Curiosity gleamed in her eyes. “Is there such a place?”

“There are many renowned book repositories in the world, but for what you’re describing, Yan Hai Tower would be the most fitting.” He paused. “The ‘Yan Hai’ from the phrase ‘vast as smoke and sea.'”

“Does it contain all knowledge in the world?”

“How could that be possible?” Xiao Yan was amused by her naivety. “The knowledge in this world is as vast as the ocean, and no one could exhaust it in a lifetime, so how could it all be collected in one place? However, Yan Hai Tower was originally the private library of the founding emperor of the Hao Li Kingdom, containing many prehistoric secret records and strange tales from various dynasties. After the fall of Hao Li, the tower changed hands several times but was never destroyed in warfare, and subsequent generations continued to add to its collection. By immersing yourself in study there, you can learn what others don’t know.” He added finally, “Currently, it belongs to the Jin Kingdom.”

There was one thing he didn’t mention: the tower was a restricted area in Jin, and entry required the Jin King’s decree. The Feng Miao Jun before him was just a country girl who could never enter Yan Hai Tower in her lifetime, so there was no need to tell her this.

But Feng Miao Jun’s eyes brightened.

The turtle’s curse was like a time bomb, frequently causing her anxiety. She dreamed of unraveling it, but this wasn’t something she could discuss with others. She also didn’t believe that such secrets, unknown even to Yun Ya, would be casually printed in some common storybook, so the most reliable approach was probably to search through secret scrolls and unusual records for potential solutions.

The founding ancestor of the Hao Li Kingdom was remarkable, and the rare books he collected would surely be of help to her.

She replied cheerfully: “Alright, now it’s my turn to answer a question.”

The question that had been on the tip of his tongue suddenly lost its appeal, so he changed it to: “Let me ask you after you pushed Old Wang, were the words you said truly what you reported at the county office?”

“Of course.” Feng Miao Jun widened her eyes in surprise. “I would never lie to the County Magistrate.” She knew that her account wasn’t entirely convincing, but she had to stand firm and never backtrack. The fact that she was a remnant of the An Xia Kingdom must never be exposed to the Wei Kingdom prince.

“Then there’s no issue.” Xiao Yan smiled self-mockingly, realizing his question was below his usual standard—even a seven-year-old would know not to change their testimony.

Feng Miao Jun blinked and asked him: “Are you hoping to become my stepfather?”

Madam Xu was only twenty-seven years old, in the prime of her beauty, exuding the charm of a mature woman. Xiao Yan’s visit indeed carried intentions of pursuing her favor, but having Feng Miao Jun expose this made him frown: “Would you like that?”

“Of course, I would.” Her eyes were full of excitement. “I’ve heard the capital is a thousand times more magnificent than our place. I want to see the world, and my mother could buy a grand mansion there. We would associate with noble people and have many servants at our command. If I disliked anyone, I could just dismiss them!”

Listening to her chattering about her dreams, Xiao Yan became even more displeased. Although he had been momentarily captivated by Madam Xu’s beauty, he had seen countless beautiful women. If he were to bring a rural widow back to the capital who displayed such petty manners in daily interactions, it would be beneath the dignity of the Young Master of Wei.

Feng Miao Jun had the makings of beauty but lacked a proper upbringing, which was reflected in Madam Xu’s cultivation.

In the end, they simply weren’t refined enough for his circle.

With these thoughts, the bit of eagerness in his heart dissolved. He said flatly: “I was just joking, don’t take it seriously.” He then stood up and headed for the door.

Feng Miao Jun saw him off with a regretful expression, but as soon as she turned around, a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

Mission accomplished.

If Madam Xu were chosen by Xiao Yan, she could rise rapidly in society, but their backgrounds would be thoroughly investigated before she would be allowed to accompany Prince Zi Yan. Feng Miao Jun wasn’t confident that the identity arranged by the An Xia Queen Consort could withstand such scrutiny.

This was a risk best avoided.