Fu Lingchuan thought for two breaths and recalled: “Indeed, this happened. How do you know?”

“Chi Zhe was the State Preceptor of Wei Kingdom, Yun Ya, in disguise.”

Fu Lingchuan was genuinely shocked: “What? How can you be so certain!”

She touched her nose: “Because I was the one disguised as his maidservant.” Under Fu Lingchuan’s astonished and peculiar gaze, she lowered her voice, “I learned mystical arts by his side, then left during the Wufu Snow Mountain campaign.”

Fu Lingchuan’s expression grew remarkably strange: “How did you encounter him?” And how did you survive? But this last question, he didn’t ask.

Regarding the Wei King and the State Preceptor, he had done extensive research. Yun Ya possessed unfathomable, ghostly abilities, and his temperament was so eccentric it was impossible to grasp. Anyone who could remain by his side was no ordinary person.

This legitimate Princess Changle seemed to have quite intriguing experiences unknown to others.

“That’s irrelevant to our topic,” Feng Miaojun flatly refused his attempt to probe for gossip. “Most importantly, though he knew your and Fei Yuan’s true identities, he didn’t attempt to kill you. He even spoke well of you during his argument with Princess Hanyue.”

Fu Lingchuan wore an expression that screamed “Impossible!”

“I asked him why he didn’t make a move. His answer was ‘unnecessary.'”

“What exactly does ‘unnecessary’ mean?” Fu Lingchuan snorted, irritated at being dismissed. “They say this man is mysteriously eccentric, and indeed he is!”

Feng Miaojun glared at him, somehow displeased: “If he weren’t so mysteriously eccentric, would Elder Cousin still be standing here today?”

She believed Yun Ya’s abilities far surpassed his own. Fu Lingchuan felt unconvinced but knew arguing further was pointless. “Are you suggesting that the Wei Kingdom won’t invade An Xia again?” In private with no outsiders present, he never addressed her as “Your Majesty.”

“I’ve heard it said that winning every battle is not the best of the best.” She passed the buck back to him. “Let the State Preceptor decide for himself.”

War isn’t the only means to resolve issues. The consumption of war is astonishingly immense—not only does it burn money, but it also damages the economy and weakens national strength. Even a voracious wolf like Wei Kingdom must carefully consider the cost of warfare under the current situation.

Not to mention, the bellicose old Wei King was dead, and the newly enthroned ruler was Xiao Yan. Would he still be as militarily aggressive?

Fu Lingchuan thought briefly and said: “I will discuss this carefully with General Hong.”

Feng Miaojun waved her hand: “I’m tired and need to rest. You all can continue discussing.” She rose and walked out, leaving the place to him.

Fu Lingchuan watched her retreating figure, his gaze flickering.

Why did she want to relocate to the capital? Had she keenly perceived her predicament and was dissatisfied?

Having traveled with her for several months, he had gained some understanding of her temperament and mindset. This woman possessed cunning, depth, and most terrifyingly, unparalleled beauty. She hadn’t yet leveraged this aspect; otherwise, combined with her methods, countless men would bow at her feet.

But by staying in Wuse’er City, she was largely forfeiting her advantage of playing multiple sides, while power would concentrate in his hands. Was this truly her choice?

Walking back to her sleeping chambers, she finally exhaled a long breath and dismissed those around her: “Everyone out.”

The palace servants lowered the soft curtains for her and filed out. Chen Dachang stood outside the door, keeping guard.

Only then did the liquid metal creature Baiban leap down from her shoulder, transforming into a white weasel that lay on the table, its small beady eyes watching her:

“Mistress, do you intend to stay in Wuse’er City?”

Having transformed into an earring and accompanied Feng Miaojun, it had heard everything and was rather worried. This mistress was naturally restless by nature, yet she had just attained the royal title and was already avoiding the capital. Having been a water deity in the Kingdom for several decades, they had some understanding of political systems and knew her actions were highly inappropriate.

Feng Miaojun, no longer maintaining the confident demeanor she showed others, leaned against her beauty couch and sighed: “This is a necessary move. Lubo City is surrounded by wolves, and I have no military forces of my own. Once I enter, it would be difficult to leave.”

A kingdom cannot be without a ruler for even a day. Everyone would place her high upon the throne, but as for the decrees and laws she would sign—how many would truly reflect her intentions? How many would she have a say in?

She had no intention of voluntarily entering that magnificent yet oppressive prison.

She also knew it was inappropriate to propose relocating the capital now. Previously, as the false Princess Changle, she had followed Fu Lingchuan in everything and had no authority to speak of. If she were to issue a decree as Queen of New Xia to relocate the capital, others would only see it as a joke.

One of the first things done upon the establishment of New Xia was to bestow titles upon meritorious officials. This was an unavoidable step for any country, which transformed the warlords who had previously resisted Wei’s invasion into noble families with status, prestige, and now, identity. Why would they obediently follow the orders of a weak queen like her?

“Only by persuading Fu Lingchuan of the advantages and disadvantages can this become a reality,” she said in a low voice after setting up a barrier. “Although Fu Lingchuan has become State Preceptor with elite troops and fierce generals under him, veterans of the previous dynasty like Zhao Hongyin don’t comply with him. Where there is one such force, there will be a second and a third. Therefore, I predict that for Fu Lingchuan to monopolize power in Lubo City would require considerable time and effort. Yet this goal could be achieved instantly in Wuse’er City.”

As for Feng Miaojun, she was queen in name only without real authority. Whether in Lubo City or Wuse’er, her decrees would be subject to others’ control. The only difference was whether she answered to various noble families or Fu Lingchuan.

In Lubo City, there were too many interfering factors and too many troubles to deal with. Though she excelled at fishing in troubled waters, this was a black mud pond—she would only end up in a miserable state if she jumped in. In comparison, she preferred to choose Fu Lingchuan. First, they had spent several months together, and she had a grasp of Fu Lingchuan’s temperament, knowing he had great ambition but decent personal virtue. If she were to be courted by another noble family, she wouldn’t know what price she would have to pay.

This is what’s called “better the devil you know.”

“Establishing the capital in Wuse’er won’t be easy even for Fu Lingchuan, will it?” the little weasel squeaked. “Other noble families aren’t fools; they won’t allow him to do this.”

“Of course,” Feng Miaojun smiled. “My suggestion is just a wild imagination, but once Fu Lingchuan becomes interested, he will work toward this goal. Since he’s taking on everything and consolidating power, he’ll inevitably have to labor over it. As for us, we just need to wait.”

She stretched lazily: “By the way, is there any news from the Taoyuan Realm?”

“No,” the liquid metal creature mumbled. “The distance is too great, making information transmission difficult.” It was naturally suited for assassination and espionage work; Feng Miaojun sending it to transmit intelligence was quite convenient. Most of the people Chen Dachang had brought were hidden in Wuse’er City, assuming various identities.