Yun Ya glanced at her, seeing through but not exposing: “Then the situation becomes awkward. We can neither attack nor retreat, unless we take another detour. You know that armies fight with initial vigor but weaken with repeated efforts.” He paused, “All along our journey, the Jiao army has not engaged us in fierce battles; perhaps they are calculating to both preserve their forces and make us return without accomplishment.”

Her grasp of the overall situation was still lacking: “Then, what’s your opinion?”

“Retreating when facing difficulty is better than suffering severe injury.” He drained the sobering soup in one gulp.

Feng Miaojun looked at the empty cup bottom, thinking that Yun Ya’s refusal of Xu Guangxiang’s sobering soup was probably because his own tent’s version tasted better. The common sobering soup in Wei territory had a strong flavor, made with vinegar water and ginger-scallion mixture, sour enough to sting one’s forehead—the great State Preceptor would never subject himself to such suffering. Two plum trees grew in her small bottle; Feng Miaojun had long prepared plum soup under his guidance—sweet and sour with added sugar and osmanthus, stored in the ice cellar ready for use anytime, good for satisfying cravings even if not sobering.

So—she concluded—it wasn’t that he looked down on her, but rather looked down on her sobering soup?

The next day, there was no meeting in the central command tent, but Feng Miaojun could feel the camp atmosphere becoming tense again. Having accompanied the army through multiple battles, she knew these were preparations before engaging in war.

She remembered that this attack was strongly opposed by Xu Guangxiang, and Yun Ya seemed to agree with her opinion.

This morning, the military camp provided unleavened steamed buns with pickled radish, and everyone also had a large bowl of ginger chunks, sweet potatoes, and braised pork. Even before dawn, the aroma of oil and meat wafted for miles.

The morning meal was usually not this hearty unless battle was imminent—soldiers needed to eat well, about seventy percent full, to have strength.

Feng Miaojun had also had breakfast and was about to return to the tent when she heard the sound of armor and weapons clanking from ahead, followed by heavy, chaotic footsteps.

Then, the people in front of her quickly stepped aside to the left and right, bowing their heads with hands lowered.

This formation, could it be? Indeed, before her thoughts could complete, the fully armed Prince of Wei had emerged from the corner ahead.

Originally tall, he appeared even more imposing in armor. If not for his frost-white temples, who could tell this was a man approaching sixty?

But Feng Miaojun immediately noticed the scabs at the corners of his eyes and his dry lips, clearly indicating great irritation.

At such times, no one wanted to provoke his temper. Feng Miaojun naturally followed the crowd, finding a tall person to shield herself, then slightly bowed her head.

The Prince of Wei was followed by a vast procession, including Xiao Yan and Xu Guangxiang. Even from a distance, Feng Miaojun could hear phrases like “cannot be done” and “Your Highness please reconsider,” and connecting these with the Prince’s current appearance, it wasn’t difficult to deduce that this extremely stubborn old sovereign was again planning to armor up and attack Xiao Pass.

His ministers naturally disagreed. If something happened to the old Prince, no one could bear the responsibility.

“Father.” Xu Guangxiang quickly stepped forward, kneeling on one knee before the Prince of Wei, also conveniently blocking his path. “Please let this child claim this merit!”

She didn’t try to persuade the Prince to retreat, only saying she wanted to compete for the first achievement. The Prince of Wei snorted and indeed stopped: “At least there’s someone sensible here.”

Seeing the general kneel, everyone naturally followed, with a great many falling to their knees. With no tall person shielding her front, Feng Miaojun had no choice but to bend her knee as well.

Xiao Yan quickly said: “The scouts should be returning soon. Perhaps Father could wait for their news before deciding?”

“We’ve been scouting for three or four days and haven’t seen anyone!” The Prince of Wei glared, “If they return without results again, they’ll be executed for delaying military affairs!”

“Yes!” With the old man in such a temper, whatever he said was final.

The Prince of Wei continued angrily: “Moreover, we have the State Preceptor with us. If we can’t even cross a small snow valley, others will laugh their teeth off!”

Xiao Yan: “…Yes.” If he remembered correctly, didn’t the State Preceptor also oppose hasty advance?

Seeing the Prince slightly relenting, Xu Guangxiang immediately said: “Father hasn’t even had breakfast yet. Even for battle, one must eat first. Come, I’ll accompany you!”

The Prince took the opportunity to back down, snorted, and walked back surrounded by everyone.

Just as everyone was sighing with relief, the Prince suddenly seemed to remember: “Where is the State Preceptor?”

Xiao Yan forced a smile: “Your son will go find him…”

The Prince was about to turn his head when his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of cyan clothing. He then said: “I’m asking you, where has your master gone?”

As his finger pointed, all eyes followed and turned.

Feng Miaojun looked up, just in time to see his finger pointing directly at her.

How unlucky.

However, Feng Miaojun understood that among this group of men, she was the only young woman in cyan clothing. Normally standing, it was fine, but once kneeling, her figure immediately distinguished her from others. It wasn’t difficult for the Prince of Wei to spot her.

The problem was that she hadn’t seen Yun Ya since waking up and didn’t know where he had gone so early. “The State Preceptor left before dawn and did not inform me of his destination.”

“Is that so?” The Prince beckoned to her. “Then come with me.”

Go with him? Feng Miaojun was slightly surprised.

Seeing her hesitation, the Prince’s face turned displeased: “What, am I unable to command you now?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” With countless eyes watching, she couldn’t challenge the Prince of Wei’s authority and could only quickly follow.

Xu Guangxiang also glanced at her and followed by the Prince’s side.

Back at the royal tent, everyone else withdrew, including Xiao Yan. The Prince of Wei only kept Xu Guangxiang and Feng Miaojun, with two wooden-like guards behind him, their eyes fixed straight ahead.

Xu Guangxiang removed his cloak and was about to undo the rest of his armor when the Prince waved his hand and pointed at Feng Miaojun: “You come!”

Feng Miaojun responded and calmly approached to help. Since she was already here, she might as well comply. At such a time, the Prince wouldn’t openly defy the State Preceptor; she wanted to see what cards this old ruler would play.

Yun Ya had never worn battle armor, so she was somewhat unfamiliar with this heavy equipment. The Prince of Wei looked down at her from above, seeing her face as smooth and delicate as a freshly peeled egg, with a slight blush. Her ten fingertips were like tender spring bamboo shoots, and up close, one could smell the faint, elegant fragrance from her body. He couldn’t help but secretly praise her as a heaven-sent beauty, no wonder she could remain by Yun Ya’s side for so long.

The State Preceptor changed maids much more frequently than he did, until eventually refusing others’ service altogether. This time, he suddenly took one in and kept her by his side for so long, enough to make people curious. Huh, but it was understandable—if it were him, how could he bear to kill such a beauty?

“The State Preceptor has excellent taste.”

Feng Miaojun’s hands paused briefly, then continued removing his arm armor as if nothing had happened. But Xu Guangxiang glanced at her: “Indeed.” The State Preceptor had long avoided women; she had once rejoiced greatly at this, only to discover he also had the common weakness of men. His previous abstinence was merely due to excessively high standards.

“Silly child, I meant his eyesight.”

Xu Guangxiang was stunned, finally understanding, and let out a surprised “Oh?”

“This girl is full of charm, yet she is truly still a virgin.” The old Prince chuckled.