“Zhao Yun’s words cannot be trusted?”

“The entire foundation of Zhao Yun’s rhetoric must have one premise—”

“—that Yan Kingdom can defeat Xi Kingdom in time.” Miao Fengxian landed on her palm. “Even if Zhao Yun speaks with absolute certainty, the battlefield changes in an instant. Perhaps the slightest disturbance could rewrite the course of the war. Didn’t Yan return with broken wings last time? If they cannot destroy the Xi Kingdom, or if it takes far longer than a month, what will become of Yinzi City as it desperately resists invasion?”

Princess Hanyue thought for a moment, then smiled bitterly: “Then we can only grit our teeth and endure.” If this were the case, the Yao Kingdom would have been thoroughly deceived by the Yan King. Once Wei’s conditions were ignored, they would certainly fulfill their threats. At that point, both sides would fight to the death unless Yan launched a major invasion against Wei.

“Although the Xi King is incompetent, he has capable generals under his command, and State Preceptor Yu Haizhen is also very powerful. For Yan to destroy them within half a month is no less difficult than for Wei to take Yinzi City.” Miao Fengxian gave a slight cold smile. “The Yan King fears that Xiao Yan will return to his capital early, putting him in a passive position. That’s why he instigates us to fight to the death, to hold back the Wei army for him!”

Princess Hanyue finally understood why Miao Fengxian said the Yan King didn’t care at all about the Yao people’s survival.

If the Yao Kingdom chose to resist the bitter end, countless soldiers and civilians would be sacrificed. But this had nothing to do with the Yan Kingdom—those dying wouldn’t be their subjects.

“Is there any other choice besides surrender?” This question was not just for herself, but for the entire Yinzi City, the entire Yao Kingdom.

Miao Fengxian looked at her haggard face with great remorse. These were matters that the Crown Prince should have been concerned with, but they had fallen upon her shoulders, all because he had been too careless and was stabbed by an assassin.

“Neither option is good. But perhaps there’s something more reliable than depending on Yan.” This time, he hesitated even longer before saying, “We could seek help from the Jin Kingdom.”

“Seek help?” Princess Hanyue pondered. “My father king has indeed dispatched troops around White Elephant Lake toward Yinzi City, but it will take at least ten days for them to arrive.” She exhaled. “Perhaps if we hold out for another half month, both the Yan and Jin armies could bring us good news?”

“Today’s situation differs from before. The pattern of Wei and Yan competing for hegemony is emerging, and the Yao people have no chance of revival.” Miao Fengxian gazed at her, slowly shaking his head. “Even if we repel the Wei people this time, our son is too young. When the ruler is weak, the ministers grow strong. The court cannot sustain itself, and the Yao Kingdom’s restoration remains hopeless. Besides, how could Wei ignore us?” Wei feared most a joint pincer attack from Yao and Yan, and would not rest until Yao was destroyed.

Princess Hanyue said softly: “Then could we establish an agreement with Wei, promising mutual non-aggression, like New Xia?”

Miao Fengxian smiled bitterly: “New Xia was poor and barren, already squeezed dry by Wei, which is why Wei established an agreement with them. Yao is prosperous, and Xiao Yan is already at Yinzi City’s doorstep. How could he let go of such a fat piece of meat right in front of him? Why nurture a tiger that would become a future threat?”

He sighed deeply, and his next words made his mood somber: “What I’m suggesting is that we simply…”

Before he could finish, someone outside announced loudly. The city defense army had urgent intelligence:

Wei King Xiao Yan personally led his great army and had already attacked Yuyang, the auxiliary city northwest of the capital!

Princess Hanyue’s face changed color, and she steadied herself by holding onto a nearby osmanthus tree.

Yuyang was less than seventeen li from Yinzi City. It was not an exaggeration to say that the Wei army was at Yinzi City’s gates.

How could Xiao Yan’s speed be so swift?

This series of earth-shattering events in Yinzi City occurred within just five days. Although Yao troops stationed in the south had been recalled, they were handicapped by traveling on foot. The journey was still distant, and more than half the forces remained on the road, unable to stop the Wei army. Moreover, with news of the Yao King’s demise spreading, how much fighting spirit remained in the once brave Yao army?

Not to mention that now all Yao people lacked the enhancement of elemental power, reducing their combat effectiveness by at least thirty percent compared to their peak.

The court attendant immediately continued: “General Zhao requests your presence in the main hall for consultation.”

Standing in the courtyard looking up, one could see the Milky Way spanning the sky, brilliantly luminous.

Throughout the year, Yinzi City’s scenery was most beautiful now, but how many people still had the heart to appreciate it? Feng Miaojun sighed unconsciously.

From above, a voice slowly resonated: “For whom does An’an sigh?”

There was no one behind her. Feng Miaojun frowned slightly, then leaped up onto the roof. Sure enough, she saw someone lying there, hands cushioning his head, who had been watching the stars for who knows how long.

The dim light couldn’t illuminate his face, only outlining the contours she knew so well. But his eyes reflected the starlight, twinkling and dancing.

Feng Miaojun didn’t miss the gray cloak spread beneath him, thinking to herself that this obsession with cleanliness was a sickness that needed treatment. But aloud she said: “For you.”

Yun Ya turned his head, smiling at her: “Don’t worry, my injuries are recovering well.”

“I know you won’t die so easily,” Feng Miaojun’s expression remained cold. “I just regret saving you.” Thinking of what he had done, she hated him so much that her teeth itched. She truly wanted to tie him up and hand him over to the Yao people.

But she couldn’t.

Anyone in the world could deal with Yun Ya, except for her.

The smile on his face slowly disappeared, and he said dejectedly: “When An’an speaks like this, it breaks my heart. Yinzi City is heavily guarded. For me to sneak in with these injuries to see you is very difficult.”

Feng Miaojun smiled faintly: “You still have a heart?” She had indeed detected a faint scent of medicine. She had only been meditating tonight rather than sleeping, so she knew it was him in person.

So, this fellow dared to sneak in while injured?

“How could I not?” He propped himself up on one side, changing from reclining to sitting. Just this one movement seemed somewhat laborious. “Aren’t I rushing here to apologize?”

Don’t soften your heart! Feng Miaojun forced herself to ignore his injuries, then said solemnly: “Speak directly. What scheme are you planning by coming into the city this time?”

In her mind, did all his actions have some sinister, unspeakable purpose? Yun Ya smiled bitterly, wondering if this was what he deserved.

“Truly, I’m just here to apologize.” His expression became solemn. “You risked your life to save me. I should have told you the truth at that time.” But he hadn’t dared then. Princess Hanyue was her good friend, and he wasn’t sure if Feng Miaojun would go back to save Miao Fengxian’s life after learning of his plan.

The matter was of great importance, with Wei’s success or failure depending entirely on this strike. He had still chosen to prioritize the greater situation.

“What use is hindsight?” When she learned of Miao Fengxian’s death, she had indeed been furious. This fellow had been so vague that she thought he had truly abandoned the assassination plan against Miao Fengxian. Even knowing he had sufficient reasons, she was still angry. “I don’t want to see you again. Get out. In a few moments, I’m going to report this to the authorities!”

A man with feelings more delicate than a woman’s and more schemes than holes in a sieve should be kept at a respectful distance!

The words “report to the authorities” coming from her mouth were somewhat amusing, but Yun Ya couldn’t bring himself to laugh. He coughed twice before saying: “After hearing my compensation, you can decide whether to report me or not, all right?”