Feng Miaojun placed both hands on the table, fingers joined. “I have rewarded Zhao Hongyin, Hu Yanbei, and Chen Dachang, and even those injured senior officials received rewards, but you alone have not…”

She paused here, and Xu Linghai hastily said: “I harbor no grievances, knowing Your Majesty must have plans!”

Feng Miaojun couldn’t help but tease him: “So if I had no other arrangements, you would complain?”

Xu Linghai repeatedly insisted he “would not dare.”

Only then did Feng Miaojun’s smile fade as she said in a low voice: “There is indeed a task for you, which makes it inappropriate to reward you at this time.”

What task would be inappropriate to undertake after receiving a reward? Xu Linghai immediately focused his full attention: “Please instruct me.”

“Your current position is modest, so even if you leave the royal court, it won’t attract much attention.” Previously, as her confidant, Xu Linghai’s every move had been watched by Fu Lingchuan’s followers. Now things were different—the entire royal court had been brought under Feng Miaojun’s control. Soon her eyes and ears would be throughout the court and beyond. Since the conflict had transformed, even someone like Xu Linghai would no longer attract attention.

He spoke solemnly: “I am at your disposal!” For a minister, having the sovereign close the door for a private conversation was already the highest honor. From another perspective, the task Feng Miaojun wanted him to undertake would certainly not be simple.

“I want you to infiltrate the Yan court and be my ears and eyes,” she said, emphasizing each word. “Xu Linghai, can you accomplish this?”

Xu Linghai was greatly surprised at first but quickly composed himself, responding, “I can.”

Feng Miaojun tapped her fingertips on the table twice: “Though New Xia has established an agreement with Wei, gaining many benefits, there remains one enormous hidden danger.”

Since Xu Linghai now knew his mission, he immediately understood: “The Kingdom of Yan.”

“Yes, the Kingdom of Yan,” Feng Miaojun frowned. “In the Yan King’s view, we betrayed our word first. The people of Yan are arrogant and cannot swallow this insult. Furthermore, since we have no plans to deal with Wei, the Yan King’s strategy has failed. Even with the Forbidden Sea between us, they will find ways to cause trouble. This time, the Hu Yan family’s open defiance of Fu Lingchuan had Prince Zhao Yun’s contribution behind it.”

Xu Linghai was shocked: “The Hu Yan family has connections with Yan?”

Feng Miaojun nodded: “I have other plans for this matter; you need not concern yourself. However, since Yan’s current plan has failed, they will have backups. I need you to infiltrate and gather intelligence for me.” She paused, “Fu Lingchuan has placed people in the Yan court, but firstly, he may not be willing to hand them over to me, and secondly, I don’t trust them. You are adept at social maneuvering and especially skilled in disguise. I believe you are the most suitable candidate.”

When Xu Linghai impersonated Zuo Qiuyuan, apart from those who had met the original, his disguise was virtually flawless. He was indeed useful in the New Xia court, but Feng Miaojun valued his talent for deception even more.

At the mention of this, Xu Linghai’s expression brightened: “Rest assured, Your Majesty, leave it to me!” His sovereign also appreciated unconventional tactics!

Feng Miaojun smiled: “I have recently cultivated a Shape-Shifting Insect that I can give you. This way, acquaintances from the Northern Continent won’t be able to see through your disguise.”

Xu Linghai was overjoyed and stood to perform a deep bow: “Thank you, Your Majesty!” He certainly knew what a treasure the Shape-Shifting Insect was! He had always been skilled at impersonation, but with this divine item’s assistance, his disguises would be perfect!

Feng Miaojun poured cold water on his enthusiasm: “Don’t be overconfident. We have no one to support you in the Northern Continent. If something goes wrong, you won’t escape the Yan King’s grasp.”

Xu Linghai quickly said: “I will certainly be careful.”

“Currently, Yan is promoting many young generals; you’ll have plenty of opportunities. As for whom to impersonate, use your judgment—I won’t interfere or wish to know. This is safer for you.” Feng Miaojun said softly, “Your meritorious service in leading troops to White Horse Lake tonight will have its reward held in abeyance. After you return from the Yan court, we will settle the accounts. Is that acceptable?”

Xu Linghai naturally had no objections. After discussing a few more details with her, he took his leave.

Night had fallen, but Feng Miaojun had no appetite. She sat in front of her dressing table, lost in thought for quite some time, before finally letting out a long sigh and saying, “White Board, come out.”

The liquid metal creature emerged from somewhere, transforming into a small marten that jumped onto the table. Its button-like black eyes were full of expectation: “Mistress, I also performed a great service. Why did I not receive a reward?”

It had transformed into her likeness, standing among the troops, startling Fu Lingchuan and causing him to momentarily lower his guard. Otherwise, how could she have succeeded so smoothly with one strike?

Everyone else had received titles or rewards. It also deserved a reward based on its merits.

White Board had once served as an official in the Kingdom of Yao—though only as a river god, it knew many court customs.

Rewards and punishments must be clearly defined.

Feng Miaojun smirked, not falling for its ploy: “Was it you who brought Yun Ya here?” Though White Horse Lake wasn’t as heavily guarded as the palace, many divine techniques, formations, and mechanisms had been hastily arranged for her arrival, using up over a thousand spirit stones.

Money spent should show immediate results. Even if Feng Miaojun herself tried to break through, it would take considerable effort, and she couldn’t guarantee doing so without alerting others.

No matter how powerful Yun Ya was, he couldn’t possibly comprehend all these mechanisms in half a day and infiltrate silently.

The only explanation was an inside collaborator.

“Well…” The small marten froze, trying to laugh it off. When had the mistress become so direct? Her words were like knife edges!

“Betraying me for outsiders—what use are you?” She grabbed the small marten by the neck and walked toward the window, intending to throw it out. “Since you’re so fond of Yun Ya, I’ll send you to accompany him!”

This creature ate her food, used her resources, and consumed countless precious metals, yet its heart still belonged to Yun Ya. What kind of potion had that man given it?

Before she could take a step, the white marten desperately grabbed her arm with all four of its tiny limbs, blinking its small eyes: “I’m useful, very useful! You’ve already driven away Lord Yun Ya. If I leave too, who will protect your safety?”

Somehow, these words stung her heart, and her rising anger dissipated without a trace.

Indeed, though she possessed the entirety of New Xia, she was so lonely that she didn’t even have someone to talk with regularly. Feng Miaojun paused, bringing the creature up to eye level: “If you secretly communicate with him again…”

“I wouldn’t dare, absolutely wouldn’t dare!” The small marten vowed earnestly. “I am your loyal White Board, a servant who serves only one master!” Though wasn’t the mistress’s use of “secretly communicate” somewhat inappropriate?

She snorted, letting the matter drop, but suddenly remembered: Was Yun Ya still in the tree?

Hmph, what did it matter to her where he was? She was overthinking.

Busy days passed, and ten days flew by.

Feng Miaojun had moved back into the royal palace. The sun continued to rise in the east, and court sessions proceeded as usual.