“I’m saying,” Feng Miaojun breathed like orchids next to his ear, “as long as you resign from your position as State Preceptor of Wei, we can marry.” She smiled and continued earnestly, “This is the only condition.”

Resign as State Preceptor.

Yun Ya stared at her without blinking, the tenderness and starlight gradually fading from his peach blossom eyes, replaced by clarity and coolness.

Regardless of which expression he wore, his handsome appearance remained beyond compare, yet Feng Miaojun’s heart dimmed slightly.

Then he said: “But I once swore an oath to the Wei King, to help him conquer the world. Oaths cannot be violated, otherwise—” he pointed to his heart, “I would die from a pierced heart and rotting intestines.”

Feng Miaojun shrugged: “Then you’d better hurry.”

Her nonchalant expression made Yun Ya clench his fist: “Let’s discuss another condition, we can negotiate.”

The corner of her mouth twitched: “How about you kill Xiao Yan and make me the supreme ruler of the world?”

Yun Ya clapped his hands: “That’s also a good idea.”

Knowing he was equally joking, Feng Miaojun retracted her smile: “The enmity between Wei and Xia runs deep as the sea. If I marry the State Preceptor of Wei, I cannot answer to my subjects.”

A dim light flickered in his eyes: “Are they more important to you than I am?”

She wasn’t foolish enough to fall into this trap he had set: “Is your grand ambition with Xiao Yan more important than I am?”

At this point, they had essentially reached an impasse.

Yun Ya remained silent, and Feng Miaojun saw her reflection in his eyes, showing an equally stubborn expression.

Yun Ya could have, as before, glossed over it with a playful smile, but he didn’t.

Both understood that neither would yield.

What followed was a long period of silence.

Feng Miaojun simply lay down like him, gazing up at the stars.

From this angle, the sky indeed appeared vast and magnificent, making one marvel at one’s insignificance.

The scheming and power struggles of the mortal world, the rise and fall of dynasties, all seemed so trivial before it.

“Yun Ya,” Feng Miaojun spoke again leisurely, suddenly remembering something.

“Hmm.” His voice still carried a trace of frustration.

“Are you a Celestial Demon?” This question had lingered in her mind for a long time, and today, for some reason, it came out unadorned.

Yun Ya seemed surprised by this abrupt question. After a while, he said:

“What do you think?”

“I think you are,” Feng Miaojun turned her head to look at him. “So, are you or not?”

This time, he remained silent even longer before turning toward her. This movement blocked the light from above, leaving half his face in the darkness, revealing only one peach blossom eye, yet still carrying an indescribable allure that seemed capable of drawing in one’s consciousness:

“No.”

Before the stars set, Yun Ya prepared to leave.

Just as he stood up, a delicate white hand reached out to grab his sleeve: “Where are you going?”

“To find a place to sleep.” His voice was deep, reminding Feng Miaojun suddenly that he was injured. Ordinary people with such severe wounds would likely still be bedridden, moaning in pain and requiring care; yet he had walked a long distance to sneak into Yinzi City and had spent half the night on her rooftop in the wind.

He stretched lazily: “After being in the wind for so long, my bones are a bit sore.”

His tone sounded like he was being coquettish, but shouldn’t patients avoid prolonged exposure to wind?

“Where are you staying?”

“At this hour, the inns are all empty.”

Yinzi City had long closed its gates and imposed martial law. The citizens were all hiding in their homes; who would come to Yinzi City now? The inn business had completely collapsed.

Feng Miaojun looked at him more suspiciously: “Are you going to sleep?”

Why had Yun Ya risked sneaking into the city? He hadn’t directly answered this question. His claim about coming to see her was merely an off-hand fabrication. Hmm, the most likely possibility was that he intended to collaborate with the Wei forces from inside the city.

What was that well-known saying again? The strongest walls are often breached from within. The defenses of Yinzi City indeed seemed impenetrable, and with the Wei army pressed for time, seeking a quick victory required finding alternative approaches.

Yun Ya blinked, looking innocent: “What else could I do?”

The last time he had schemed, he had eliminated the Xiao King and his son. This time, was he planning to risk abducting Princess Hanyue and her son? At this thought, cold sweat seeped from Feng Miaojun’s back. After experiencing a series of upheavals, the Xiao people must have strengthened their vigilance, protecting Princess Hanyue exceptionally well. Besides, the Great Jin State Preceptor Mo Tizhun had not yet departed and would spare no effort to protect his country’s princess.

Regardless of Yun Ya’s plans, such an action carried too high a risk. If he were captured… Feng Miaojun secretly shuddered but outwardly smiled at him: “It’s not safe outside. There are side rooms in my courtyard…”

Before she could finish, Yun Ya widened his eyes: “You’re willing to take me in?”

What was with this pitiful tone? Feng Miaojun faltered: “Inns are key inspection points for Xiao people. You won’t sleep peacefully…”

Before she could finish, Yun Ya interrupted her: “I’ll stay!” He jumped down from the roof and entered the house.

Feng Miaojun also returned to the courtyard. Turning around, she saw him push open the door to the left room: “This room has everything I need; I’ll sleep here.” With his exceptional sense of smell, as soon as he opened the door, he detected a faint fragrance identical to hers.

“This room is…” It was hers, but she swallowed the words. She had intended to put him in the west wing, but he moved silently, making it difficult for her to keep track of him. Why not keep him under close watch? Besides, she wasn’t going to sleep anyway.

Moreover, during the time he served as her attendant, they had shared quarters for countless days. What was the point of being particular about it now?

“It’s yours.” She said grudgingly, following him in.

“Anan still cares for me.” Yun Ya cooperatively yawned, “So tired.” He removed his outer garments and boots, climbed onto the bed, and buried himself under the covers in an instant.

Feng Miaojun: “…” What was this indescribable regret?

Yun Ya kindly moved inward and patted the space beside him: “Come, it’s late. Don’t be shy.”

He smiled so amiably, just like the wolf grandmother from the story. She believed that if she truly approached, neither of them would get any sleep for the rest of the night.

“Thank you.” Feng Miaojun smiled without reaching her eyes, “You sleep. I’m not tired.” With that, she sat on a chair and crossed her legs to meditate.

Yun Ya turned to face her, supporting his head with his hand, looking at her with bright eyes.

That gaze was so tangible, that she could feel it even with her eyes closed.

She endured, pretending not to notice.

But he stared at her without blinking, actually maintaining this gaze for a full quarter of an hour.

No one could remain unmoved under his gaze. Feng Miaojun felt as if ants were crawling on her skin, intensely itchy, and her mind became chaotic. She opened her eyes and asked with slight anger: “What are you looking at?”