A drizzling rain, like fine cow hair, arrived unexpectedly again, blanketing the Northern Sea and the separate estate nearby with fine, white threads of rain. Countless droplets fell and splashed up a layer of white mist, merging into a sheer veil that eventually left nothing between heaven and earth but a vast expanse of white fog.

In the midst of the white fog, the black tiles on the rooftops were exceptionally lustrous, appearing now and then through the hazy mist. The rainwater gathered on the tiles into slender streams, cascaded down the roof's edges, and hung like strands of bright silver threads.

It was as if a figure from a painting, clad in a white robe, holding a white oiled-paper umbrella, walked into the estate by the Northern Sea amidst the white mist.

Two women walked hand in hand into the Glazed Tower in the rear court, warmed up a pot of hot tea, and, against the backdrop of the fine spring rain, spoke of the private matters between women.

For years, it had been almost a monthly tradition.

Within the fortress of Northern Border Pass, there were three women, three extraordinary beauties.

Wenren Pingxin, Yu Hongxiu, Lin Jinyu.

The conversation between the three women continued, with Yu Hongxiu taking a sip of tea from her cup before saying,

"Queen Lin, I still have to remind you that these so-called noble families in the court have scattered like monkeys from a fallen tree after Ji Nanjue left. They're all out for themselves now. If you want to gather them together again, it's going to take quite an effort."

Lin Jinyu smiled, but a trace of coldness flickered through her smile. "I built the Eastern Country with her; these noble families also owe their standing partly to my efforts. Without the Eastern Country's leniency towards them over these years, where would they be today? They'd have long been dead in some forgotten corner! Now that these people have learned some skills and their wings have hardened, they think they can fly solo. There are no such easy bargains in this world..."

Wenren Pingxin put down the tea bowl in her hand and laughed. "That's spoken with true authority. What are you planning to do next?"

Lin Jinyu said indifferently, "They're like loose sand; I'll deal with them one by one. Those who should stay will stay. Those who don't wish to can go become corpses. After all, Ji Nanjue is alive. I can afford to wait."

In front of the three women lay a map, densely marked with the current political situation in the Eastern Country.

Three kings had divided the Eastern Country into three parts. Currently at a standoff were Ji Tongzhi, supported by the Western Wasteland, and Ji Beiwang, who occupied the western regions of West State, Ji Tongzhi's domain.

Ji Tongzhi had amassed most of his forces at North Zhi Mountain, intending to use the area's ample supplies as a base to wage a war of attrition against Ji Beiwang.

This upheaval had also caused no small disturbance in Northern Border Pass, though it was far away. Suddenly, the streets and the areas outside the city were filled with many refugees who had fled the chaos, each one ragged and sallow-faced. Although Lin Jinyu had opened the granaries to distribute congee, compared to the vast number of refugees, it was but a drop in the ocean—barely enough to stave off immediate hunger, just enough to keep people from starving to death for the time being.

Those refugees who had escaped early were relatively fortunate; at least they could enter Northern Border Pass. For those who came later, the city gates were closed to refugees, forcing them to find shelter outside the city walls. Thankfully, as Northern Border Pass was near the sea, they were at least spared the danger of freezing.

Wenren Pingxin looked at the map, her dark brows lightly raised as she said, "Queen Lin, I wonder if you've noticed. If we look beyond the Twenty-One Provinces, Ji Tongzhi's choice of North Zhi Mountain is quite interesting. Currently, Ji Beiwang's western flank is adjacent to West State, while to his east is North Zhi Mountain where Ji Tongzhi is stationed. To the north is the Northern Sea, and to the south is Ji Pingsheng... Ji Tongzhi's move effectively creates a four-sided encirclement, practically locking Ji Beiwang in, isolated and without support. This must also be why Ji Beiwang wants to win over Buddha Gate and Ji Pingsheng. Only by drawing Ji Pingsheng to his side does he have a chance to turn the tables."

Isolated and without support. This phrase was quite intriguing.

Yu Hongxiu's eyes narrowed, and then, covering her mouth in shock, she exclaimed, "You mean to say, Ji Tongzhi wants to let the Wilderness Cultivation forces enter the Twenty-One Provinces?"

West State was Ji Tongzhi's territory. If he truly lost his mind and allowed the Wilderness Cultivation army through Penglai Pass in West State—the consequences would be unimaginable.

No matter how chaotic the Eastern Country became, as long as the gates were closed, it was the affair of the people within the Twenty-One Provinces. But if the Western Wasteland became involved... that would be outright treason.

A monstrous betrayal.

Queen Lin spoke indifferently, "If Ji Tongzhi can even suggest that I become his Empress, what else is he incapable of doing? That man has gone almost mad with his craving for that position."

The three fell silent.

Allowing the Western Wasteland through the pass was frightening even to contemplate; at the very least, it would earn one eternal infamy.

At that moment, Yu Hongxiu suddenly said, "Counting the days, Su Bei should be arriving soon."

"Hmm..." Wenren Pingxin murmured. "That boy is finally on his way. After all these years, I wonder if he still remembers me, his Eldest Martial Sister."

Lin Jinyu fell silent for a moment, then tightened the long skirt around her and whispered, "I am tired. You two continue talking."

With that, she turned and left.

Wenren Pingxin and Yu Hongxiu exchanged glances, not understanding why Queen Lin always seemed so unsettled whenever Su Bei was mentioned, as if something had happened between them.

"Do you think—it's actually possible?" Wenren Pingxin asked.

"HISS—" Yu Hongxiu drew a sharp breath. "Bei Bei isn't that kind of person, is he?"

"Then how do you explain this?"

"But, Bei Bei wouldn't do something as absurd as seducing both husband and wife..."

"He's already taken the disciple; what's a husband and wife in comparison? Wenren Pingxin, are all your brains in your chest? Can't you see that boy's true colors yet?" Yu Hongxiu retorted.

"Dead Fish, you think you're the one who sees clearly?" Wenren Pingxin snapped back.

...

Meanwhile, Su Bei was lying on a rocking chair, lazily basking in the sun.

In these chaotic times and years of disaster, willows, elms, scholar trees, and camphor trees grew scattered along the stream. Due to a recent heavy rain, the traces of flooding were very noticeable. The gnarled roots of some old trees near the river were exposed, and the dried-up riverbed was scattered with dead logs.

Under a weeping willow, a blue stone lay at an angle, and beneath it, clear, swirling river water gathered.

This place was less than a thousand miles from Northern Border Pass. After several days on the road, Su Bei had chanced upon this beautiful spot and decided to rest here for a while.

The dappled sunlight on his body made one drowsy.

A fishing rod stood propped up before him, the float gently bobbing on the water's surface. The fish had long since slipped off the hook, but no one was there to replace the bait. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Sensing Su Bei's fatigue, Ji Nanjue gently withdrew her warm, soft hand from his and pulled a silky blanket over his waist. Then, she tiptoed quietly away.

Su Bei was naturally aware. Lifting his eyes, he saw her sitting under a large tree, embroidering something.

This was indeed a challenge for her. Having lived as a man for so many years, taking up women's needlework now was a real struggle, with every stitch feeling clumsy and hard-won. She wanted to embroider a robe for Su Bei.

Ever since discovering that there was hope for Su Bei's injuries, Dan Wulan's mood had greatly improved. At this moment, she and Dan Wuque were in the water, indulging in a rare moment of childlike fun, catching fish.

That night, they planned to personally prepare a grand feast for Su Bei, so he could taste something fresh.