These words fell with resounding force; even through the Water Moon Mirror, the echo lingered.

Peng Bai stared at her blankly, his eyes filled with complex emotions—both sorrow and comfort. He had been away too long and had never witnessed the young mistress’s imposing aura.

“I’ve said all I need to say.” Feng Miaojun sat up straight, her beautiful face stern with authority. “Until we meet again.” She couldn’t be bothered to continue speaking with the Yan King.

“Wait!” The Yan King finally spoke, his gaze wandering over her face. “We’re only halfway through our discussion. Why is the Queen of New Xia in such a hurry?”

Feng Miaojun said coldly, “You’re already sharpening your knife, yet we’re only halfway through?”

Despite her words, her expression softened slightly as she sat up straighter, skillfully conveying her intention to continue listening. After all, her previous display wasn’t meant to provoke him into chopping her foster mother’s family into pieces.

Regaining some initiative was necessary to continue negotiations.

“Don’t you think Wei Kingdom’s invasion of the south has been too smooth?” The Yan King indeed contained his anger and entered persuasion mode. “With Xiao Yan advancing triumphantly, can you rest easy?”

Feng Miaojun smiled slightly. “I’m driving the tiger to devour the wolf.”

“And then what?” The Yan King didn’t continue that thought but instead said, “If I’m not mistaken, Wei Kingdom has already written you a large stack of IOUs. Even if they ultimately triumph in the Wei-Yan war and half of the spoils go to repay New Xia, it would still take six or seven years to clear the debt with interest.” This little minx was truly black-hearted—despite her lover being Wei Kingdom’s State Preceptor, she still charged two points of interest on loans to Wei, nothing short of usury.

“If I were in their position, I wouldn’t want such a heavy burden.” He pointed at Madam Xu on the ground. “Look, I’ve given you the best excuse. The Queen of New Xia values loyalty and righteousness—ceasing trade for the sake of her foster mother, Wei Kingdom can’t complain.”

Feng Miaojun’s face showed fluctuating emotions, seemingly deep in thought. The Yan King didn’t rush her.

It was she who had assigned Tianshun Trading Company to remain in Taoyuan Realm and maintain exchange with New Xia. Madam Xu had kept the secret well. Ultimately, she had brought trouble upon her foster mother.

Moreover, the Yan King’s words made sense.

After a long while, she finally exhaled deeply.

“Your reasoning is sound.”

Despite his grave injuries and pale complexion, Peng Bai still mustered his strength. Hearing this, he was greatly alarmed. “Your Majesty, you mustn’t!”

This involved the world’s largest-scale war, affecting hundreds of millions of people across the Northern and Southern Continents, and to a great extent determined New Xia’s future. Would such a major decision be changed because of the lives of just a few people?

Feng Miaojun ignored him and said to the Yan King, “This can be arranged. But I also have conditions—you must guarantee their safe return.”

The Yan King was greatly pleased. “Agreed.”

Feng Miaojun’s lips curved. “I mean, you must personally deliver them into my hands.”

Personally? The Yan King raised an eyebrow.

“Otherwise, the previous requirements are void.” Feng Miaojun smiled. “Think about the Yan people currently suffering in deep water and raging fire.”

This condition certainly placed him at risk, but the Yan King’s cultivation was profound; he came and went like the wind. As long as he was cautious, where in the world couldn’t he go?

Strong cultivators naturally possessed such confidence.

He pondered for quite a while, and Feng Miaojun didn’t rush him. Someone in his position for over a hundred years would certainly value his life greatly.

After a long moment, the Yan King finally decided. “I can deliver in person, but I will choose the meeting place.” Thus he retained some initiative. Otherwise, if she set the location in New Xia’s royal city, would it still be a meeting between two rulers? It would be like catching a turtle in a jar.

Feng Miaojun readily agreed. “Fine. When and where?”

“You issue the official decree tomorrow, and I’ll deliver them.” The Yan King thought for a moment. “Let’s exchange at Yingshui City, how about that?”

The ruined capital? This fellow chose to trade at the former capital of the Haoli Empire. Feng Miaojun turned this thought over in her mind but outwardly pondered, “Very well.”

Feng Miaojun did not doubt that he had ears in her court; otherwise, how could he know about New Xia’s decrees on the same day they were issued?

She said flatly, “Don’t play tricks. Let my foster mother return safely, or you’ll create another powerful enemy for Yan Kingdom.”

The Yan King smiled. “Don’t be so reluctant—I’m helping you.” With that, he and Feng Miaojun each made solemn vows, finalizing the deal.

Having reached an agreement, the Yan King was in high spirits, looking at Feng Miaojun with a relaxed smile. “Now I’m starting to believe you’re not a Celestial Demon after all.”

Feng Miaojun stared at him expressionlessly.

The Yan King continued on his own. “A true Celestial Demon would never yield for the sake of a mortal.”

Seeing the mirror surface darken, Feng Miaojun put it away, then walked to the corner of the room and opened the window.

The garden’s cold wind seeped in, and she took a deep breath to calm the agitation and unease in her heart.

As a ruler, one should at least maintain composure even if a mountain collapses before them.

The room was quiet, with occasional insect sounds from outside the window.

The liquid metal creature White Board, which had been hanging in her hair as a hairpin, couldn’t help but twist its form, lowering its head to her ear. “Mistress, are… are you alright?”

She closed her eyes. “What is it?”

It cautiously said, “You needn’t worry too much. Your foster mother will certainly return safely.”

“I know.”

Hmm? Was the mistress’s tone too calm?

Feng Miaojun seemed to hear its thoughts. “The Yan King has finally caught my weakness; he must treat her well. If my mother suffers any harm, I will deploy troops immediately. Now that the agreement is made, the Yan King must strive to ensure her safety.” Having sat in this position for too long, she had grown accustomed to analyzing advantages and disadvantages with reason rather than emotion.

“Are you going to stop supplying resources to Wei?”

Feng Miaojun affirmed with a sound.

White Board certainly knew that her decision would have far-reaching effects and would cause turmoil across the continent. But after thinking for a long time, I could only squeeze out one question: “How will you explain this to Lord Yun Ya?”

“He will understand.” She leaned against the window frame with closed eyes as the light shone in, casting faint shadows on her face. Even from the liquid metal creature’s perspective, she was beautiful beyond human measure. “Besides, this decision also benefits New Xia.”

Benefits? Wasn’t the Queen being coerced by the Yan King? How could there be benefits?

“Wei Kingdom’s advance has been unstoppable, continuing even after reaching Yan’s homeland—this has exceeded my expectations.” Feng Miaojun spoke slowly. “If they defeat Yan Kingdom, even without annexation, merely forcing submission, their hegemony over the Northern and Southern Continents would be established.”

She took a gentle breath. “Wei Kingdom shares a border with New Xia. If they grow stronger, we become weaker. I fear New Xia would never know peace thereafter.”

If the Wei Kingdom defeated the Yan Kingdom, it would become a colossal empire spanning two continents. Once the Wei-Xia treaty period ended, what attitude would they have toward New Xia?

New Xia’s future rested in her hands; she couldn’t rely on the goodwill of Yun Ya or Xiao Yan. Besides, past events had proven that neither was particularly benevolent.