The flames of passion suddenly spread like floodwaters bursting through a dam, catching both parties off guard. Yun Ya went to nibble her ear again, finally getting his wish.

She no longer dodged, only trembling in his embrace, her delicate body seeming to melt like water.

She was sweeter than in his dreams. Yun Ya kissed down the nape of her neck while quietly trying to undo her collar. The fingers that never hesitated when using lethal techniques to kill now fumbled clumsily at her garment fasteners.

Fortunately, she was too lost in the moment to notice his unusual behavior. The fasteners finally came undone, and he lowered his head to claim that expanse of snow-white skin…

“Flutter flutter,” the sound of beating wings suddenly came from the water’s surface, some startled bird taking flight.

Feng Miaojun jolted in surprise, suddenly regaining clarity, and pressed her hand against his mouth: “Stop!”

Had she gone mad? She had originally intended only a brief taste, giving both him and herself a little sweetness. Who knew that once their lips met, she would lose all sense of direction, and even the little white rabbit she had nurtured for many years was almost devoured?

Yun Ya heard nothing, his peach blossom eyes still hazy with passion as he licked her palm twice.

She withdrew her hand, and he immediately lowered his head to continue his mischief.

Feng Miaojun grew anxious, using both hands to push his handsome face away: “No!”

Her movements and tone were exceptionally firm. Though her phoenix eyes still glistened with desire, her gaze had cleared. Yun Ya, being exceptionally clever, regained his senses and stopped, slowly lifting his head.

Their eyes met as they both panted, feeling the lingering intimacy still unresolved in the air.

Feng Miaojun noticed his gaze continually darting below her neckline. Looking down, she couldn’t help but blush furiously. With trembling hands, she fixed her collar, her voice still quavering: “D-don’t look!”

“Why did you seek me out tonight?” he pressed his forehead against hers, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness. “Not afraid of me anymore, hmm?” This girl would refuse to sleep at night, and even when visiting him, she would ensure Xu Guangxiang was present.

Hm, she had avoided him for an entire month! Yet tonight she offered her sweet kiss of her own accord. Not because she had changed, but because she wanted something from him.

It was good that she needed him.

“I am afraid,” she instinctively pouted, but seeing him suddenly lean closer, quickly buried her face against his chest. “But in this game of chess, only you can help me complete it. In this matter, can you make the decision?”

His answer was a single word, crisp and decisive: “Yes.” He was the State Preceptor, yet he could make decisions on behalf of the King. Such a thing would be not only shocking but treasonous if revealed, yet he paid it no mind, and even Feng Miaojun seemed to find it perfectly natural.

“But after the agreement is modified, all the benefits go to New Xia.” He gently caressed her delicate cheek with his fingertips, whispering intimately like a lover, though discussing affairs of state. “What advantage does it bring to my Great Wei?”

Feng Miaojun knew this was the greatest challenge of the night and looked directly into his eyes: “Wei Kingdom’s reason for seeking an alliance with New Xia is simply to avoid fighting on two fronts when facing Yan Kingdom. You and I both understand that day may not be far off. The King of Yan has ambitions regarding Wei, otherwise, why would he have begun plotting to harm the old King of Wei decades ago?”

Yun Ya gave a light “Oh,” his gaze flickering: “So you already know.”

She shrugged: “The journey to Spiral Float Island was quite fruitful.” The true culprit was the King of Yan, which meant the Crown Prince of Wei was innocent; Xiao Yan sending people to Spiral Float Island to seek the truth indicated that he had likely deliberately framed Xiao Jing.

Yun Ya’s hand gently gripped her slender neck, saying softly: “By rights, I should silence you permanently now.”

She closed her eyes: “Mercy, my lord!” Looking like a fish at the mercy of the butcher. This fellow particularly enjoyed snapping people’s necks, perhaps finding that cracking sound oddly satisfying.

Yun Ya smiled: “The capital offense may be pardoned, but the lesser crime remains.” Finally unable to resist temptation, he lowered his head to bite her red lips again.

The two engaged in another intimate exchange before reluctantly separating, having important matters to discuss.

“The King of Yan supports New Xia in hopes that Wei and Xia continue their conflict, whether Wei initiates an attack or Yan eventually pinches Wei from both sides—it’s a calculated move,” she returned to the topic, her face still flushed like a lotus. “This should be Wei Kingdom’s primary concern. Though the agreement has been modified, it similarly resolves Wei’s concerns about threats from behind.”

“What else?”

“The ‘mutual defense’ mentioned in the alliance is impossible at this stage,” Feng Miaojun smiled bitterly. “The dilution of hatred requires more buffer time. Rather than that, it’s better to take things one step at a time. This agreement preserves room for upgrade—perhaps when conditions mature in the future, it could be elevated to an alliance treaty.”

“Wei Kingdom is also eager to eliminate New Xia as a potential enemy. This agreement already satisfies our respective current needs,” she took a light breath. “Even so, New Xia risks offending its existing allies.”

Yun Ya lowered his eyelids, seeming lost in thought before finally saying: “There seems to be some reason for this.”

“Nothing can be accomplished in a single step.”

“The final point requires another modification.” He lowered his head and whispered in her ear.

After listening, Feng Miaojun frowned: “This…”

“This is also a key point of the agreement,” his voice was soft but his tone brooked no opposition. “New Xia gains so much money without any expenditure at all?”

She looked troubled. Yun Ya observed her eyes moving, clearly deep in careful consideration. He didn’t rush her, patiently waiting—whoever had to make this decision faced extreme difficulty.

After a long while, she nodded: “As you wish.”

His lips curved slightly: “Good, now let’s discuss the second question.”

“Hmm?”

“Signing this agreement, what benefit is there for me?”

Him? Feng Miaojun was bewildered for a moment, then realized his meaning, marveling at his shamelessness. This man could brazenly separate his interests from those of the state without a trace of guilt. “What benefit do you want?”

His gaze focused, staring at her for a long time before uttering a single word:

“You!”

Her heart suddenly began to race.

Yun Ya had enjoyed teasing her before but had never joked about matters of state with her. And now?

Her throat felt dry, and she had to swallow before speaking: “I am no longer your maid. A sovereign ruler—you can’t just take what you want.”

He didn’t even blink: “I know.”

“Yun Ya—” Feng Miaojun called his name, her fingertips lightly tracing his profile. “Are you asking to marry me?” A year ago, she probably couldn’t have imagined herself asking such a question.

She knew of his feelings and sensed the ineffable tension between them. But had his affection for her truly reached the point where no one but her would do?

He was too skilled at deception; she couldn’t tell.

A faint light seemed to flash in Yun Ya’s eyes as he asked her: “Does An’an want to marry me?”

“You answer first.” She wasn’t so easily fooled. Her finger slid down along his artery, feeling the powerful pulse of this man. “How does the State Preceptor Yun plan to—have me?”