Tonight, besides jealousy, bitterness had been added to Xu Guangxiang’s heart. She couldn’t help but say: “What’s so good about a woman who plays all sides?”

Yun withdrew his gaze: “Oh?”

“She flirts with you while also giving false hope to State Preceptor Fu.” She grumbled, “She’s nice to both sides, manipulating both!” Keeping a foot in both boats!

Yun’s expression remained unchanged, with no trace of the irritation she had hoped for in his eyes. “Those not in the position do not plan for that position.”

“What does that mean?” What did playing with a man’s feelings have to do with planning for one’s position?

“If you were in her position, you would understand,” Yun lowered his gaze, casually clearing the chess pieces from the table. “For those in power, the greatest taboo is to show clear likes and dislikes.”

Xu Guangxiang reflected on how she dealt with people and led troops—straightforwardly, with her preferences written all over her face, just like the “clear likes and dislikes” he mentioned. Was this a shortcoming?

She bit her lip: “If that’s the case, does the State Preceptor know what she loves and what she hates?”

Yun didn’t answer, just looked at the sky and stood up: “It’s late, why not retire for the night?”

Palace attendants led the way with lanterns. Feng Miaojun had not walked two li before she stopped by a stream.

On the stream and among the willow tips, green fireflies flickered, as if the heavenly river of stars had fallen to earth. Yet with a gentle breeze, these stars would scatter in all directions.

“I want to stay in the Firefly Garden for a while,” she stepped toward the water’s edge. “Everyone withdraw.”

Everyone obeyed and retreated from her sight.

Wuseier City had many waterways, and two small streams had been diverted into the palace, clear to the bottom. This particular bay was filled with floating duckweed and lush vegetation, with fireflies dancing every year. The local fireflies were different from elsewhere, breeding between April and May, so this small garden by the shore was called “Firefly Garden,” a seasonal scenic spot.

Of course, outsiders never had the chance to see it.

Several large stones on the shore had been polished smooth enough to reflect one’s image. Feng Miaojun randomly chose one to sit on, hugging her knees as she admired the beautiful scene before her.

The fireflies above the stream and their reflections in the water created a dreamlike, magical beauty.

The stream slowed down here, making the sound of water barely audible. Occasionally, there were bubbling sounds from fish in the water. Besides that, only the fine chirping of summer insects could be heard.

Feng Miaojun listened attentively for a moment, then suddenly said: “If you don’t come out, I’ll leave.”

A few breaths later, someone sat down on the reclining stone beside her and said leisurely: “It would be fine if you were willing to get a good night’s sleep.”

Feng Miaojun turned her head to see the firelight illuminating his deep eyes and perfect features—who else could it be but Yun?

She looked around and deliberately asked: “Where is General Xu? Why didn’t she come?”

“She watched chess for too long and was exhausted in body and spirit, so she went to rest.” For those who don’t love the game, watching chess can be particularly boring and tiring. With Xu Guangxiang’s temperament, sitting by the chessboard for several hours was unprecedented.

He sat very close, and Feng Miaojun’s summer clothes were thin, allowing her to almost feel his body heat. “Did you lull her to sleep?”

After saying this, she wanted to bite her tongue.

Sure enough, he laughed, his voice deep and pleasant: “A simple task, unlike some people who are difficult to coax.”

Feng Miaojun stood up abruptly: “Then go back and coax her, don’t come to the stream to catch the breeze. Lest you catch a cold and blame it on me.”

She had barely risen halfway when the person beside her wrapped an arm around her slender waist and pulled her into his embrace!

“That won’t do,” his voice and warm breath tickled her ear, creating a numb, tingling sensation. “Day and night in the palace, I’ve been waiting. Now that I’ve finally received Her Majesty’s summons, how could I not come immediately?”

Despite his words, he seated her firmly on his lap, his arms securely around her waist, showing not the slightest hint of respect.

The early summer evening breeze still carried a chill, but his embrace was exceptionally warm. Feng Miaojun turned her head to avoid his teasing but didn’t struggle too hard, only saying softly: “You let me win that game. You don’t need to give me the five hundred thousand taels.”

So she knew after all, a clever girl. The corner of Yun’s mouth curved upward: “Why not believe your chess skills have improved greatly?”

Feng Miaojun gave him a sidelong glance: “One should know oneself. You just didn’t want me to lose in front of Xu Guangxiang, right?”

“A gentleman’s word,” Yun’s fingertips unconsciously caressed her. Even through the thin garment, he could feel her smooth skin and narrow waistline.

Feng Miaojun uncomfortably twisted her waist, feeling a strange sensation from his fingertips that quickened her heartbeat. Then she heard him say: “Besides, after angering your Yan Kingdom backer, New Xia will be quite short of money, won’t it?”

Feng Miaojun grew quiet and said solemnly: “I have something to discuss with you.”

Yun smiled faintly: “You’ve been avoiding me as much as possible. If not for something important, would you be waiting for me by the stream?” His words carried a hint of self-mockery.

At that moment, two fireflies flew past his temple, and by their light, Feng Miaojun could see the anger that had been hidden in his eyes all evening.

He was still upset about her avoidance, yet he neither rushed nor exploded because now he had plenty of time to settle accounts with her slowly!

Now that she was in his arms, could she still escape?

Since Feng Miaojun had come, she had no intention of running. Feeling the grip on her waist suddenly tightens, she instead relaxed her body: “I want to make some modifications to the treaty proposed by Wei.”

“Oh?” As she brought up official matters, Yun immediately put aside his anger and regained his composure. “Let me hear.”

Feng Miaojun tilted her head slightly and spoke a few sentences in an even lower voice.

She spoke lightly, then continued: “As you know, the grudges between our two countries run too deep. The people of New Xia hate Wei to the bone. With these modifications, the treaty will be more acceptable to our citizens.”

He gave a light laugh: “As expected of Anan, you still want to have it both ways?”

“Hmm?” She blinked.

“The Yan King’s breadth of mind doesn’t match his cultivation.” Yun’s words were not without mockery. “After you’ve played this trick on him, Yan won’t easily let this grudge go.”

“It would be even less advantageous for him to openly break with us,” Feng Miaojun said seriously. “When New Xia was established, Yan indeed contributed. But New Xia won’t blindly follow his orders.”

“Besides, why should I exert myself?” His gaze wandered over her lovely face. “You know there’s no gain without effort?”

She broke into a smile, like a winter plum blossom under the moon: “I can offer a bribe.”

He raised an eyebrow, not speaking, waiting.

The result was a pair of snow-white arms wrapping around his neck, pulling his head down as the small person in his embrace leaned forward and captured his lips.

Soft, fragrant, with a hint of cherry sweetness.

Her directness slightly startled Yun. What was more dangerous was her initiative, as she recklessly tried to deepen the kiss.

Feng Miaojun had lost her first kiss in a dream but didn’t want to be so passive in reality. Besides, his taste was truly wonderful—after just two experiences, she had grown fond of this intimate feeling.

What hot-blooded man could resist this? Yun immediately counterattacked, pressing against her sparrow-like soft body to savor her delicate tongue.