“Well, about that…” Yun Ya indeed showed a troubled expression.

Feng Miaojun rested her chin on her hand, waiting to see what excuse he would offer. Today, she was incomparably radiant, her movements languid and her gaze sly. Others found her captivating and envied the man upon whom her beautiful eyes were fixed.

Zhao Yun, who had just returned from outside and taken his seat, happened to witness this scene. His gaze sharpened as he looked back and forth between Feng Miaojun and Yun Ya. His confidant quickly explained the situation to him.

At this moment, Yun Ya contemplated: “Matters of bloodshed might dampen the mood and risk spoiling Your Majesty’s celebration. Perhaps it’s best not to mention it.”

Feng Miaojun smiled sweetly and magnanimously said, “It’s quite all right.”

Only then did Yun Ya compose his expression: “To be honest, I went to procure another gift for Your Majesty, which is why it took some time.”

Now she was genuinely curious, looking him up and down: “Where is this gift?” This fellow had come empty-handed!

“That item carries the scent of bloodshed and isn’t suitable to bring to a celebration banquet.” Yun Ya took a bronze token from his bosom and handed it to an attendant. “Let this serve as a substitute.”

The token was made of brass in the shape of a lion, but its tail had barbs, and even the shape of a venom sac had been carved out, quite eye-catching. This object had been handled frequently, its surface worn smooth, almost developing a patina. Feng Miaojun also held it in her palm to examine: “Is this… a military token?”

“This is the military token of Liao Muxi, the Grand Commander of the Red Cloud Tribe from the Kingdom of Puling.” Yun Ya spoke unhurriedly. “Passing through New Xia territory, I heard that Puling cavalry was besieging the city, so I made a special trip to remove his head, thinking Your Majesty would surely appreciate this gift.” However, since this was Feng Miaojun’s celebration banquet, presenting a bloody head would be too gruesome, so he used Liao Muxi’s inseparable military token instead.

The announcement moved everyone present, with New Xia court officials all showing expressions of delight. The Red Cloud Tribe had been the vanguard of Puling’s invasion into New Xia’s southern provinces. Liao Muxi had previously encountered both the King of An Xia and the Crown Prince of Wei, Xiao Jing. Known for commanding troops like a deity, his elite force was as fierce as wolves and tigers, exerting tremendous pressure on New Xia’s southern border and keeping the border defense forces in disarray.

Such a figure had fallen by Yun Ya’s hand?

Yun Ya didn’t elaborate on how much effort it took to capture an enemy commander among thousands of troops. Amid the buzzing discussions around him, he remained deaf to it all, only asking Feng Miaojun: “Does this gift meet Your Majesty’s standards?”

Feng Miaojun recognized his look, which meant: “Might it please you?”

“When did State Preceptor Yun behead Liao Muxi?”

He smiled slightly, his teeth white: “The night before last.”

Feng Miaojun pursed her red lips. Others might not know, but how could she not? This man could enter her dreams, indicating he was still in Wusei City three days ago!

To obtain Liao Muxi’s head, he had flown from Wusei City to the southwestern front, killed the man, and returned to Wusei City.

This round trip spanned no less than several thousand li. That meant he must have ridden an extremely fast-flying beast, traveling day and night to make the round trip in just three days.

Indeed, this demonstrated sincerity.

This was even faster than the usual speed of battle reports. The latest frontline intelligence Feng Miaojun had received was at most five days old, given New Xia’s vast territory.

Given his status, he naturally wouldn’t lie about such a significant matter, and the latest battle report would arrive in a few days, revealing the truth. Therefore, Feng Miaojun personally took wine and toasted him, saying solemnly: “The gift is valuable and precisely what New Xia urgently needs. State Preceptor Yun has been most thoughtful.”

She didn’t say she liked it, only that it was “valuable,” and she drank with her sleeve covering the cup, reserved and proper. Yun Ya gazed at this radiant queen before him, whose every word and action was flawless, yet he thought of how she looked in private—her phoenix eyes wide open, her face flushed—and felt a different kind of desire stirring within.

“This gift merely expresses my sincerity,” Yun Ya chuckled softly. “My King wishes to ally with New Xia. As long as the Queen nods her approval, Wei will take care of the Puling threat on your behalf.”

His meaning was quite straightforward: King Xiao Yan of Wei wanted to show goodwill to the newly established Kingdom of New Xia, seeking an alliance so that the two countries would no longer be at war. This move could transform the political landscape of the Northern Continent. The guests, disregarding that this was the Queen’s celebration, began discussing it in hushed tones.

Two groups of people changed their expressions: first, those led by Fu Lingchuan, and second, the Yan Kingdom delegation. Yan had supported the establishment of New Xia specifically to intervene in Northern affairs—how could they watch Wei and Xia ally? Just as Zhao Yun was about to speak, Fu Lingchuan laughed loudly: “We appreciate the King of Wei’s goodwill. However, an alliance is a matter of great significance, and our court must discuss it thoroughly before making a decision.”

Wei had extended an olive branch, but unfortunately, he could not accept it.

Yun Ya gently placed his wine cup on the table and said languidly: “State Preceptor Fu, the Queen has not yet declined. Don’t you think you’re being too hasty?”

Though he spoke casually, his words were aimed directly at Fu Lingchuan.

Fu Lingchuan served as State Preceptor, but everyone knew he was the actual ruler. The royal decrees bore the great seal and signature as mere formalities—all decisions were made by Fu Lingchuan.

Yun Ya’s words mocked him for overstepping his authority. Using the title of State Preceptor while performing the duties of a sovereign—wasn’t that improper in both name and principle? Yet Fu Lingchuan’s actions were born of necessity: his bloodline wasn’t pure enough to directly inherit An Xia’s legacy as sovereign; with the kingdom newly established, he dared not entrust the nation’s fate to others; moreover, as the Queen’s elder brother, his position was extraordinary. After careful consideration, serving as State Preceptor was most appropriate.

However, such maneuvering inevitably left room for criticism. After all, except for the current King of Yan, all human monarchs both relied on and guarded against their State Preceptors, constantly wary of them usurping power—and Fu Lingchuan had done precisely this from the beginning.

Yun Ya’s words were blunt. Fu Lingchuan’s gaze unconsciously swept across Feng Miaojun’s face, catching the cold light in her eyes, which startled him slightly. Today was her celebration, and by all rights, he should have considered her dignity. However, he had grown accustomed to making decisions on her behalf and had momentarily slipped, inadvertently giving this bewitching man an opening.

Yet he had long observed that Feng Miaojun, having left her homeland in childhood, felt no sense of belonging to her ancestral country and harbored no deep hatred. Instead, Yun Ya had spent time with her and likely still influenced her to this day.

He couldn’t let Long Le be misled by him! Fu Lingchuan turned to Feng Miaojun, bowing deeply with a solemn expression: “I urge my Queen to consider carefully and prioritize the sentiments of our people!”

What were the sentiments of New Xia’s people? They had endured years of war and deeply loathed Wei! As Queen of New Xia, if Feng Miaojun allied with Wei, many An Xia people would feel betrayed. Fu Lingchuan was reminding her that public opinion could not be ignored.

As soon as his words fell, Yun Ya responded: “State Preceptor Fu has studied abroad for many years and may not know that a regent should prioritize the greater picture.”