“The common people of Wei Kingdom revere him because his rain-calling ceremonies have proven effective multiple times, greatly alleviating drought conditions. His allocation of elemental power is reasonable, and while engaging in external wars, he also considers domestic affairs without draining civilian resources. Moreover, he has defeated two State Preceptors in succession. Commoners respect heroes, so his reputation among the people is quite high.”

“Additionally, Wei Kingdom is located in the most remote position, with its western and southwestern sides bordering vast mountains, marshes, and prehistoric ruins. Occasionally, powerful demonic beasts emerge, bringing bloodshed wherever they appear. State Preceptor Yun has led cultivators to suppress them twice with remarkable results. People naturally welcome such figures.”

“The imperial court is a different story,” Lu Chuanying took a sip of tea to moisten his throat. “The officials are divided into two factions. One supports him, while the other believes he has bewitched the King of Wei into following his every word, even attempting to break precedent several times by conferring nobility upon him. Of course, due to pressure from the royal court, the Wei King was unsuccessful. I’ve heard that the spiritual pills Yun Ya presented have rejuvenating effects, which are certainly attractive to the Wei King at his age.”

RejuveKingdom had always been one of humanity’s ultimate dreams, and Feng Miaojun made no effort to hide her amazement with a “Wow.”

The tradition that State Preceptors could neither hold political power nor receive noble titles was established through countless years of experience and lessons, a rule that all Kingdoms observed. This fellow was truly extraordinary, actually making the Wei King consider breaking precedent.

“He couldn’t be the Wei King’s illegitimate son, could he?”

This was meant as a joke, but Lu Chuanying coughed once: “Indeed, some suspect that, though he reportedly bears no resemblance to the Wei King. In my view, this man employs transparent strategies without concealment, yet the Wei King can’t help but favor him. His scheming must be exceptionally formidable.”

Their conversation ended here. She and Lu Chuanying established codes, locations, and frequency for future meetings, then she left Wang Xian Tower with Chen Dachang, in good spirits.

The intelligence problem was finally resolved. From now on, she would be well-informed, and no longer feel isolated from the world.

Half a month later, she “purchased” the shops and estate that originally belonged to her. Two shops continued in the grain business, while the third was converted into an apothecary.

Caixing City had been established for over two hundred years, with mature business patterns. Every profitable industry was already crowded, with land and lake transportation forming complete ecosystem chains. Though such places appeared prosperous on the surface, finding opportunities for wealth was not easy. As a newcomer, she could only start on the periphery. Truly profitable businesses like gambling halls, salt and iron monopolies, and tobacco and tea were beyond small merchants’ reach, while pleasure houses, though extremely profitable, were something she refused to even consider.

Fortunately, selling medicine was a high-profit industry in the world. Her decision to test the waters here had reasons: Yanhai Tower stored numerous medicinal formulas, many suitable for commoners, treating illnesses or strengthening health. Yanhai Tower was the Jin King’s private academy, which ordinary people had no right to enter. To her knowledge, the royal family did not operate any medical establishments, so rather than letting these formulas gather dust, she might as well use them to seek profit—no, to benefit the masses.

She casually selected several formulas to produce pills for sale in her shop, with a positive response.

Of course, Caixing City had its pharmaceutical power players. To avoid unnecessary trouble, she initially thought of seeking Mo Tichun’s help, but at this moment, Princess Hanyue approached her directly—

Although the lake shark incident had primarily targeted Feng Miaojun, with Princess Hanyue being collateral damage, after understanding the cause and effect, she realized the true instigator was the Prime Minister’s residence, and could hardly blame Feng. Moreover, the princess’s life had indeed been saved by Feng Miaojun’s people, and Feng Miaojun’s shocking defeat of the shark demon had left a deep impression on her. After the incident, Princess Hanyue’s favorable impression of her increased.

Feng Miaojun also sensed that although Princess Hanyue was somewhat spoiled by nature, she still understood reason, so the two women had some interaction.

This time, Princess Hanyue announced triumphantly: “Yun Ya has won again.”

“What?” Feng Miaojun wore a bewildered expression, though Lu Chuanying had already informed her of this news yesterday.

“Another fool challenged Yun Ya and failed, being blasted off Tianjue Peak, dying without even leaving scraps behind!” Princess Hanyue was a fan of the great State Preceptor Yun, her eyes gleaming as she imagined his heroic figure defending his position.

“Oh.” She didn’t even want to know the identity of the deceased, who was just cannon fodder anyway.

“How can you react like that!” The princess was dissatisfied. “State Preceptor is the highest honor a cultivator can attain, controlling a Kingdom’s elemental power, managing its destiny, and overseeing the fate of all cultivators! Do you know how many people dream of this position? Even those who challenge Yun Ya are all renowned figures, none of them ordinary!”

Feng Miaojun did know.

In these few months, she had read history books in Yanhai Tower and deeply understood how impressive the diamond-studded position of State Preceptor was. A competent State Preceptor could reasonably allocate the Kingdom’s elemental power, an excellent one could make elemental power exert greater effects, while the miracles produced by a brilliantly talented State Preceptor were beyond ordinary people’s imagiKingdom.

For instance… when the Haoli Empire repelled the Celestial Demon invasion.

When discussing State power competition, one absolutely cannot ignore the superiority of the State Preceptor. Princess Hanyue was right; even the preliminary procedures for challenging a State Preceptor were extremely stringent. Besides having exceedingly high cultivation, one must be inherently virtuous, intelligent, physically fit, aesthetically pleasing, and industrious. Otherwise, the challenger couldn’t even reach the edge of the State Preceptor’s domain.

“What’s the use of liking him? I can’t marry him either,” Feng Miaojun yawned. “But Princess, you should work harder. I’m rooting for you.”

The joy on Princess Hanyue’s face instantly faded: “State Preceptors are forbidden from marrying into powerful families, so I have even less chance! Besides, Father King arranged my marriage yesterday.”

Feng Miaojun had forgotten this regulation, then was startled by the latter half of her sentence: “Who are you to marry?”

“When Great Jin allied with Yao Kingdom years ago, there was an agreement for an intermarriage, to wed a princess to Yao Kingdom’s Second Prince.” Princess Hanyue said gloomily. “Among us sisters, some are too old, some too young. Father King said after considering everything, only I am suitable.”

“This is truly…” Feng Miaojun didn’t know what to say, as she wasn’t accustomed to comforting people. “When are you to be married?”

“Three years from now.” Princess Hanyue was thirteen years old and would be sixteen in three years, in the prime of her beauty.

Feng Miaojun immediately sighed in relief, smiling mischievously: “You’re upset too early. Who knows what might happen in three years? Perhaps Yun Ya won’t be a State Preceptor anymore, and you could consider living happily ever after with him. I’m just afraid by then you might not like him anymore.”

“Am I such a shallow person?” Princess Hanyue’s beautiful eyes widened. “Even if he stops being State Preceptor, he would still be the perfect Lord Yun Ya in my heart! As long as, as long as he still looks so handsome…” At this point, she couldn’t help covering her face.

“…” Feng Miaojun gave a thumbs up. “As expected of a princess, truly steadfast in your heart.” Unwavering indeed.