Chapter 23: The Diplomatic Mission

Shangguan Ya’er hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting away. Chu Nan’s blunt, probing question had caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

Straightening her posture, she replied coldly, “As the Commander of the Imperial Guard, any suspicious activity in the capital falls within my jurisdiction.”

“Your affairs involve the grain supplies for the frontier. If something happens to you and the supply chain falters, it threatens the stability of the imperial court. Therefore, this is not a personal matter, but one of national importance.”

Chu Nan nodded thoughtfully, an expression of sudden realization dawning on his face. “I see. Since this is a matter of national importance, I shall certainly be extremely careful, so as not to disappoint you or the imperial court.”

He smiled slightly, adding with a hint of feigned confusion in his tone, “However, for you to go to such lengths to find me these past few days... isn't that a bit of an overreaction?”

Shangguan Ya’er felt a tightness in her chest. Chu Nan’s underlying implication made her feel embarrassed, as if he were mocking her.

She sighed inwardly, knowing that if she pressed the issue further, it would only seem unreasonable.

“Shopkeeper Chu, do not overthink it,” she said coldly. “Since I am acting under orders, I must ensure that nothing goes wrong.”

As she spoke, she turned her face slightly to hide the touch of frustration in her eyes.

Seeing her subtle expression, Chu Nan found the situation amusing, but he did not press further, simply replying, “Understood.”

“Rest assured, Lady Shangguan. I will act with caution. If there are any abnormalities in the future, I will report them at once.”

Watching his look of innocence mixed with gratitude, Shangguan Ya’er still harbored doubts, but with no other evidence at hand, she had no choice but to set her concerns aside for the time being.

She nodded slightly, her tone regaining a measure of authority. “Very well. See that you remember that, Shopkeeper Chu.”

Chu Nan nodded repeatedly, watching as Shangguan Ya’er departed.

Only when her figure had completely vanished at the end of the street did he slowly withdraw his gaze, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

Shangguan Ya’er, meanwhile, was still troubled by lingering doubts; Chu Nan’s teasing words made the situation feel increasingly difficult to navigate.

She could not discern his true motives from his speech.

How could a mere merchant be so calm and composed, as if everything were within his grasp?

She felt a surge of internal alarm, yet she knew this was not a matter to be rushed.

Just as she was planning to continue her investigation and uncover more clues, a low report came from one of her guards: “Commander Shangguan, an order has come from the palace. Her Majesty summons you immediately.”

The news hit her like a bombshell, instantly shattering her train of thought.

“Summoned by Her Majesty?” Shangguan Ya’er blinked, her mind suddenly filled with questions.

Feeling a twinge of unease, she quickly composed herself and replied, “Understood. Send the order: prepare the horses; you are to accompany me to the palace.”

She strode toward the palace gates, followed by several armored guards, the atmosphere heavy and tense.

As they passed through the bustling streets and stepped through the palace gates, she noticed that the atmosphere within the palace was unusually grave, as if an invisible pressure was permeating the air.

When she reached the palace hall, the guards at the door did not stop her; instead, they whispered that the Empress was waiting in the inner chamber.

Shangguan Ya’er took a deep breath, her heart racing.

She pushed open the doors and stepped inside, the scene before her giving her pause.

The tension within the hall was palpable. Several high-ranking officials with grim expressions were gathered around a large table, whispering to one another.

Spread out on the table was a map, marked with key locations along the frontier and the status of grain distribution.

Shangguan Ya’er recognized the officials standing by the table; their status was so prominent that it was enough to make her feel the weight of the situation.

Sitting in the central chair was Cheng Lingyu, the Empress.

Her expression was cold, her gaze like ice as she stared at the map, seemingly contemplating a momentous decision.

Flanking her were several powerful ministers who held sway over the court.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Shangguan Ya’er bowed respectfully, her voice low yet filled with reverence.

Cheng Lingyu nodded slightly, her gaze never shifting from the map as she spoke softly, “Ya’er, you’ve come at the right time. Sit.”

Shangguan Ya’er walked slowly to the seat beside the Empress. Once seated, her gaze swept over the ministers present.

She noted the two heavyweights standing on either side of the Empress.

On the left was the Grand Preceptor, Li Jingcheng, who held immense influence over the court. Though he was seventy years old, he stood tall, his expression stern.

On the right was the current Prime Minister, Shen Lin, a man of about forty with an imposing presence and sharp, piercing eyes.

Li Jingcheng’s face was weathered like an ancient tree, and a faint, weary sense of twilight lingered in his eyes, yet his demeanor remained steady, giving off an air of immovable strength.

Shen Lin possessed a contrasting temperament—vibrant and heroic, his features as sharp as a blade.

The two powerful ministers stood in a delicate, unfathomable balance of power.

Empress Cheng Lingyu sat upright on the dragon throne, her brows slightly furrowed, clearly burdened with heavy thoughts.

Without any pleasantries, she spoke in a low voice, “Since everyone is here, let us begin. The situation in the Great Wilderness is becoming increasingly tense. The news has already reached my ears.”

“The enemy nation has sent a delegation requesting peace talks.”

As soon as she spoke, the atmosphere in the hall grew even more suffocating, the air thick with tension.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Ya’er frowned.

The visit of an enemy delegation was clearly no simple diplomatic affair.

The Great Wilderness had seen frequent warfare in recent years, and the nation’s strength was gradually waning. Although the generals at the frontier defended their homes with their lives, the empire’s financial and military situation was far from optimistic.

Now that the enemy had sent a delegation, it was clear they intended to seize the opportunity to bargain—or perhaps even extract greater concessions.

Shangguan Ya’er couldn't help but feel a surge of suspicion.

“What are the delegation’s demands?” Li Jingcheng asked quietly, his tone steady, his eyes revealing a depth of thought.

Cheng Lingyu paused before speaking slowly, “The enemy has proposed peace talks, but I fear that if we appear too weak, it will only invite greater threats.”

“If they sense our weakness, they will only accelerate their pace of aggression.”

She shifted her gaze toward Li Jingcheng and Shen Lin, continuing, “This matter is of great consequence and must not be taken lightly. How do you suggest we respond to this delegation?”

Li Jingcheng raised an eyebrow and said in a grave voice, “Your Majesty, since the enemy has already sent a delegation, they must have some ulterior motive. If we are too eager for peace, would we not be exposing our own hand?”

He paused, his wise eyes sweeping across those present. “During this period, the enemy has been frequently active, employing various tactics. It would be better to wait and see, to get a clear sense of their true intentions before making a decision.”

Empress Cheng Lingyu sat on the dragon throne, her gaze like a cold blade, deeply etched into the map on the table.

Her brows were tightly locked, and she appeared deeply agitated.