On the second day, Feng Miaojun went to the market district.

On the third day, she traveled farther, making a trip to Mituo City before returning.

The attitude of the common people toward the Wei people remained angry and resistant, which Feng Miaojun could understand. There weren’t many original inhabitants on the Chikan Plains; six or seven out of ten of the current population had fled there during the successive waves of the Wei-Xia war. Having experienced the destruction of their homes and families due to the war, they felt the pain deeply and harbored profound hatred toward the Wei people.

These things, she already knew. So what was the “will of the people” that Xu Linghai wanted her to see?

After returning, she held discussions with Xu Linghai for half a day.

The next day, more bad news arrived:

The small southern border countries of Wulu and Kutando had followed Puling’s example, raising armies to invade New Xia within three days of each other. Spring crops had just been planted and couldn’t be harvested yet, but their objective wasn’t food—it was seizing territory.

They were neighbors with Puling and could observe each other’s land-grabbing operations. For New Xia, let alone eliminating them, even driving them out had become increasingly difficult.

By now, New Xia’s central and southern armies had all been committed to battle, and silver flowed from the national treasury like water. War reports came frequently. Fu Lingchuan was overwhelmed, and even when facing Feng Miaojun, the smile on his face seemed somewhat forced. Still, he apologized: “I’ve been entangled in official business these past few days and cannot get away, so your trip to Yingshui City will have to be delayed.”

The court session had just concluded. Feng Miaojun looked at him and sighed, suddenly saying: “Perhaps we should consider Wei Kingdom’s proposal.”

Fu Lingchuan’s expression slightly stiffened. By the time he looked up, her figure was already several paces away, walking past a peach tree in full bloom, her flowing robes unable to conceal her graceful elegance, as beautiful as a painting.

The morning breeze brought with it a faint trace of delicate fragrance.

Fu Lingchuan paused, gazing at her retreating figure and falling into deep thought once more.

The next afternoon, an explosion shook the south street of Wusel City.

Half a street of shops had their storefronts blown away, and dozens of pedestrians were killed or injured.

Feng Miaojun was reading a book when Chen Dachang hurriedly came to report:

“The Wei envoy has been attacked!” Yun Ya had calculated Chen Dachang and released him the same day. Feng Miaojun had tested him with several routine questions and confirmed that he was indeed the real Chen Dachang. Yun Ya wouldn’t use the same trick twice.

She looked up in shock: “Which Wei envoy?”

“State Preceptor Yun.”

Yun Ya was in trouble! Feng Miaojun instinctively covered her chest, feeling her heart still beating steadily and powerfully. Only then did she exhale softly: “What happened?”

Fortunately, nothing worse than death.

“State Preceptor Yun was riding in a carriage to dine at Heman West Tower. On the return journey, the carriage exploded. After investigation, it was determined that the perpetrator used at least three explosive parasites of extraordinary power.”

“Three of them.” She pondered for a moment. “No matter, they can’t kill him.” The protective talisman Yun Ya had given her could block one explosive parasite, so his person would certainly be even more resilient. “Did he lose any arms or legs?”

“…No, no. The State Preceptor had just stepped out of the carriage to buy something, so he seems not seriously injured.” Chen Dachang perspired slightly. “State Preceptor Fu has ordered a thorough investigation to capture the culprits. The Wei envoy is severely shocked and requests an audience with Your Majesty.”

By reason, such a major incident occurring in the capital, especially one targeting a foreign envoy, could potentially become the spark that ignites a war between two countries. As the sovereign, she indeed had an obligation to properly comfort the victim.

Victim—this word applied to Yun Ya felt completely incongruous.

She mentally criticized this thought, but still tossed aside her book and said with a light chuckle: “Let’s go. I’ll console the victim.”

After Yun Ya’s arrival, the Wei delegation had been relocated to Huayin Palace. This place was situated along a stream with exceptional scenery. When Feng Miaojun entered Huayin Palace, she found that Fu Lingchuan, Yun Ya, Xu Guangxiang, and several other important ministers had already arrived—they were just waiting for her.

“What happened?” Before she could even sit down, she looked concernedly toward Yun Ya. “How are State Preceptor Yun’s injuries?”

Yun Ya slowly raised his wrist. As his wide sleeve fell back, Feng Miaojun saw that his forearm had been bandaged several times, yet blood still seeped through: “The wounds on my side and leg have been treated.” His face was very pale as he smiled bitterly. “Your territory’s folk customs are truly fierce.”

So he was injured. The somewhat uncharitable suspicions in Feng Miaojun’s heart dissipated like smoke upon seeing his wounds. She spoke apologetically: “I have some good medicine; I’ll send someone to bring it right away.” Why couldn’t they have blown up his face as well? That would make it much easier for her to face him.

Xu Guangxiang, who had been restraining himself for some time, finally burst out: “We’ve traveled thousands of miles as envoys to New Xia, but Your Majesty can’t even ensure our safety in the capital?”

Others thought to themselves: If you had just stayed honestly within the palace, wouldn’t everything have been fine? Why did you have to parade openly in broad daylight, and on the crowded South Street at that? That’s blatantly inviting hatred—if they didn’t target you, who else would they target?

Of course, these words could never be spoken aloud. Feng Miaojun didn’t get angry either, saying gently: “We were negligent. For this matter, we will certainly give the Wei envoys an explanation!”

Fu Lingchuan interjected at the right moment: “We are already investigating. I believe we will have results soon.”

From the moment she entered, Yun Ya’s gaze had been fixed on her without wavering, as if she were a walking magnet. That burning gaze was felt even by the other ministers, who glanced now at him, now at their queen, all feeling uneasy.

He seemed somewhat weary, making his peach blossom eyes appear even more misty. Only Feng Miaojun detected the accusation within them—was he complaining that she had refused to see him for too long?

She felt somewhat flustered and was about to speak when Yun Ya raised his voice: “This matter cannot be settled so easily.”

“We will capture the true culprits…” Before Fu Lingchuan could finish, Yun Ya had already snorted, “I have been grievously wounded by an assassination attempt in New Xia’s capital. If I don’t receive the Queen’s care, my king will surely be displeased.”

When the Son of Heaven is angered, corpses lie in the hundreds of thousands.

His words were filled with threats. Other New Xia ministers were about to refute when Feng Miaojun waved her hand: “What kind of care would be considered adequate?”

A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: “At the very least, you should personally come to console me daily, to show sincerity.”

Feng Miaojun nodded without hesitation: “Very well, that is my duty.” When a Wei envoy was assassinated on her territory, both emotionally and rationally, she should provide comfort. Of course, she agreed so readily because she knew Yun Ya’s temperament well. If she didn’t agree now, he would find ways to escalate the matter further.

Especially given that New Xia was in the wrong in this situation.

“Your Majesty is truly kind and benevolent.” He cast a lazy glance at the others nearby. “I have more to say.”

But not in front of everyone.

Fu Lingchuan was unusually silent today. At this point, he gave a signal with his eyes to the ministers, who exchanged glances and filed out one after another, leaving space for their conversation.

Thus, only Feng Miaojun, Fu Lingchuan, Yun Ya, and Xu Guangxiang remained in the chamber.