8.Foreign Paths, Silent Rivalry

In the thirtieth year of Chengqing, the Grand Federation Summit of Great Yan began. First established fifty years ago under the former emperor, the summit was originally intended as a negotiation platform between border tribes and the Central Plains dynasty regarding frontier affairs. Over time, as inter-kingdom dynamics shifted, it evolved into a biennial diplomatic assembly. Great Yan would invite delegates from Northern Di, Western Rong, Southern Man, and other powers—an arena for political discourse and strategic maneuvering.

This year's summit carried particular weight amid rising instability. Northern Di and Western Rong hinted at an alliance, while Southern Man sought to expand its sphere of influence. The Yan royal court aimed to ease regional tensions while remaining alert to unseen threats. Envoys from all nations made their way to the capital, each with their own hidden agendas.

Under the ink-dark night, candlelight flickered inside the courier post along the road to the capital. Here, delegations paused to rest before the summit began.

Yan Changxin arrived with the Northern Di envoy. Quiet and composed as always, she followed her attendants into the hall, her gaze sweeping across the room just as a clear chime rang from outside.

Instinctively, she turned. A lavish carriage had just arrived, green tassels swaying in the wind. The door opened, and a young woman in embroidered golden gauze stepped down, aided by a maid.

She was strikingly beautiful, her skirt swaying lightly with each step. Fine golden bells adorned her wrists, ringing with her movements—a clear sign of noble birth. Her eyes swept over the surroundings before she smiled languidly. "At last. After such a long and dusty road, one does grow tired."

Even before her words had faded, her maid hurried forward to notify the steward. Upon hearing her identity, the steward rushed to welcome her with deference. "Your residence is prepared, my lady. Please, allow me to escort you."

The atmosphere within the hall shifted subtly with her arrival.

Yan Changxin observed in silence, betraying no emotion. She lifted a cup of tea and sipped quietly. This new arrival, she assumed, must be a noblewoman from a foreign envoy.

Yet in the next moment, a clear female voice called out—

"You there, young lady—are you also here for the summit?"

Yan Changxin paused slightly, lifting her gaze to meet the green-robed woman now standing across from her. The newcomer smiled with casual curiosity, her tone light, her presence confident, even imperiously so.

Yan Changxin did not answer immediately. Instead, she returned a faint smile. "This is a key stop en route to Great Yan. Most travelers here are tied to the summit. Your question isn't difficult to guess."

The woman's eyes twinkled with intrigue. "Cleverly said. I haven't met many who speak with such wit on this journey."

Without waiting for a response, she seated herself nearby, accepting a cup of tea from her maid. She sipped gracefully before remarking, "Might I ask where you're from?"

Yan Changxin smiled slightly, about to answer—

But the woman shook her wrist, the bells chiming, and added playfully, "Let me guess—you're from Northern Di, aren't you?"

Yan Changxin didn't reply, but the question carried an edge of probing. Her eyes lifted calmly. "Since you say so, you must be rather confident in your guess."

The woman laughed lightly. "Indeed. The customs of Northern Di and Southern Man are distinct. You lack the mannerisms of the Central Plains, and you're not of Western Rong either. That leaves Northern Di."

At this, Yan Changxin's gaze sharpened, studying the woman more closely. "You speak with such familiarity about regional customs. You must also be a noble from a distant land."

The woman seemed amused. Her phoenix eyes gleamed as she replied, half-smiling, "I am Li Zhiyu of Southern Man. I've come with our envoy."

Yan Changxin's heart stirred, though her expression remained composed. "A Southern Man princess. I am honored."

Li Zhiyu waved a hand dismissively. "In this courier post, titles are mere labels. No need for formality."

Her tone was relaxed, but her bright eyes continued to assess Yan Changxin with keen interest.

And Yan Changxin, in turn, pondered quietly. She had always preferred to keep a low profile, never expecting attention here. Yet Li Zhiyu's gaze hinted at something more.

This Southern Man princess was no ordinary noblewoman.

Their eyes met—measured, unreadable. Neither betrayed emotion, yet both understood the other was someone worth noting.

At last, the steward returned, breaking the silent exchange. "Ladies, your rooms are ready. Shall I escort you to rest?"

Li Zhiyu rose gracefully, casting one last glance at Yan Changxin. "Thank you. After such a journey, I could use the rest."

She paused, smiling subtly. "Miss Yan, shall we continue our conversation another day?"

Yan Changxin responded with equal poise. "Sleep well, Your Highness."

Outside, lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting shadows as two figures parted ways.

Tonight's meeting, born of foreign paths and happenstance, bore no sparks of open conflict—yet beneath the surface, a quiet duel had already begun.

Neither had spoken of it, but both knew:

This encounter would not be their last.