Unfortunately, fate had other plans. The Queen receiving the Ji Vessel on Luofu Island had already exchanged her core, and the Yan King’s restrictions had turned to ash along with Fei Yuan, never to take effect again.

Thus, by a twist of fate, the New Xia Kingdom escaped Yan’s control. After Feng Miaojun slipped out of Yan’s capital, Taiping City, New Xia effectively gained the right to choose its path once more.

“Damn, the Yan King!” He clenched his fists until they cracked. Fei Yuan was a girl he had watched grow up, willing to sacrifice even her life for him. The Yan King had wanted to take her as a daughter-in-law on one hand, while secretly poisoning her on the other, his methods cruel and merciless.

He looked up at Feng Miaojun with a solemn expression: “This will not happen a second time. I will never let him harm you!”

His words carried the weight of an oath. Feng Miaojun let out a soft breath: “What new conditions have Zhao Yun offered?”

“Nothing new,” he shook his head. “He only said that if we abandon our alliance with Wei and cease cooperation with them, he would immediately return this year’s tribute silver.”

Feng Miaojun smiled: “When people compete for us, New Xia becomes a hot commodity.” Originally, Yan had collected annual tribute silver from New Xia, but now they were willing to exempt seven years’ worth at once, just to block their alliance with Wei.

Indeed, if she were to sign her name on the agreement, half of Yan’s plans for the Northern Continent would be ruined.

“You’re not tempted, are you?”

Fu Lingchuan shook his head: “The Yan King is arrogant. The benefits he offers are not as good as Wei’s ready silver. There’s no need to choose.” New Xia urgently needed to develop, and what they needed most right now was money, money, money! While Yan’s offer to reduce tribute was certainly generous, it only meant New Xia would pay out less, which wasn’t as satisfying as Wei directly providing tens of millions of taels of silver.

With that money in place, New Xia could immediately invest in national welfare and people’s livelihoods.

However, Feng Miaojun said: “The annual tribute New Xia gives to Yan is not small. Taking it back would immediately reduce our annual burden. Besides, it’s best not to directly offend the Yan King, lest people accuse us of being ungrateful.” New Xia had just established itself, and Yan had already proclaimed itself as its benefactor, trying to brand New Xia as its own. If New Xia suddenly turned to ally with Wei, it would be like slapping the Yan King hard across the face.

Who could predict the consequences of angering the world’s strongest power?

“It’s difficult to have it both ways,” Fu Lingchuan smiled at her greediness. “We must make a choice.”

“Indeed. I just received intelligence that Wei has deployed seventy thousand troops to aid the Xi Kingdom in resisting Yan’s invasion.”

Feng Miaojun was moved: “Seventy thousand troops—that’s truly a grand gesture!” Xiao Yan was willing to invest heavily. The entire New Xia Kingdom had only a little over a hundred thousand elite troops, and Xiao Yan was sending this many to support Xi.

Truly wealthy and powerful with abundant manpower.

Of course, with Yun visiting New Xia at this time, Wei’s troop deployment was also meant to show New Xia clearly the great benefits of allying with them, and how unwise it would be to oppose them.

“Among them, thirty percent are from the former Wei Crown Prince’s Northeastern Army, known for their impressive combat prowess. But I’ve heard all the commanders have been replaced, which shows that Xiao Yan doesn’t want to nurture a tiger that might turn on him.” This meant that part of Wei’s troops aiding Xi were former rebellious soldiers under the previous Crown Prince.

Sending criminal troops to the frontlines was a common practice in this era, using the name of atonement to eliminate dissidents. However, Xiao Yan was relatively merciful; one could see he was reluctant to lose this force’s combat ability, so he hoped to dismantle and repurpose it. And war was the best means to temper troops and promote integration.

“Xiao Yan may appear refined, but his methods are no less ruthless than his father’s.” Feng Miaojun picked up a white cloth to wipe her hands. “In the State Preceptor’s opinion, how much longer can Xi hold out?”

“War outcomes cannot be predicted solely by national strength. Just like An Xia, which even after its fall, Wei couldn’t do anything about. As for Xi, even though it’s currently beset by troubles both internal and external, it can probably hold out for quite some time.” Fu Lingchuan pondered, “At least two years.”

“Then for at least seven or eight years, Yan won’t be able to directly confront us.” Feng Miaojun smiled. “Let’s proceed according to the original plan. Cousin, you must also be careful. The Yan King is treacherous and cunning; his methods to control New Xia won’t be limited to just one or two. We must guard against his next move.”

“I understand.” Fu Lingchuan shook his head slightly. “Yan has always maintained trade with New Xia. The most important aspect is the large quantity of materials for refining weapons and armor produced in Yan’s Chuanxiang Mountain region, which are both excellent and affordable. The Yan military is widely equipped with them. After we ally with Wei, this source will likely be cut off.”

In Yan’s fury, the first measure they could think of would be “sanctions.” Feng Miaojun certainly understood the importance of equipment.

“However, I’ve been in contact with the Jin Kingdom. They have considerable resources that can serve as substitutes. Several island nations off the northeastern coastline also have some precious materials that can be used for refining weapons. By the way, Jin has also expressed its position recently.”

He paused: “As long as New Xia doesn’t ally with Wei, Jin is willing to lend New Xia ten million taels, interest-free, to be repaid within five years.”

Feng Miaojun frowned slightly: “The amount isn’t much, but Jin’s attitude needs consideration.” After all, they were neighbors. “Jin must be very willing to get close to New Xia. I have some connections with their State Preceptor.”

“You were once Mo Tizhun’s third disciple.” Fu Lingchuan leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on her face. “You got separated from Princess Hanyue’s wedding escort in the Yaishan underground palace, and since then Jin lost all trace of you.” He paused. “The Yaishan incident was Yun’s doing, which is known to people in various kingdoms. Have you been by his side since then?”

Even Feng Miaojun couldn’t help but show surprise.

So Fu Lingchuan hadn’t been idle these past few months, trying by all means to investigate her background. This made sense—with his power as a kingdom’s State Preceptor, how could he not find at least some clues?

He probably started investigating her statement about “once being Yun’s maid.”

Fortunately, she had moved her family to the distant Taoyuan Realm, where no one could trace them.

She looked back at him, her gaze calm: “So Cousin already knows.”

It was true! Fu Lingchuan closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

His tone was obscure: “Do you… do you still have feelings for him?”

Feng Miaojun opened her mouth, wanting to say no. Given the current situation, it would be best to say no. But when the words reached her lips, she couldn’t speak them.

She couldn’t guarantee that she didn’t have any feelings for that man.

“Lele, I know you went to see him today as well.” Fu Lingchuan turned to her, speaking earnestly. “Forgetting someone like him is not easy. But regardless of your past together, he is the State Preceptor of Wei, and you are now the Queen of New Xia. Between you two lies national enmity and family hatred! For New Xia’s sake, for the people’s sake, you must not maintain any lingering connection with him!”

Feng Miaojun unconsciously bit her lip: “If we can sign an agreement, why can’t we dissolve the hatred?”