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It had been a long time since they had been out, and they didn't know what was happening outside. The two sat in the largest restaurant in the city, Victory Tower, ordered two dishes, and listened to the gossip from merchants and travelers from various places as they ate.
Jian City was a border town of the Chu Kingdom, often frequented by merchants from various countries, as well as wandering swordsmen traveling between nations. Originally, Victory Tower was just a simple eatery, but after Yan Wu Ling Wang dined there following his victorious western campaign, it was renamed Victory Tower and became quite popular. The food here was delicious, and it was always bustling with guests, making it a great place to gather information. If one paid attention, they might hear something useful.
San Chun wasn't sure what she wanted to hear; perhaps she was just curious about the news outside. She had come here several times and had indeed heard quite a bit of useful information.
The first piece of news she heard was about Wei Kingdom's Chengyang Jun. Chengyang Jun had defeated Qi State decisively and was now celebrated throughout the land. It seemed that the Wei Kingdom's army was unstoppable, and it appeared that Chengyang Jun would become the dominant power among the Seven Kingdoms. However, it puzzled many that Chengyang Jun did not ascend to the throne himself but remained as a Lord Jun. Many speculated that Chengyang Jun had little ambition and only wanted to be a Lord Jun, content to defend his territory. Some even praised him as a loyal minister who had no desire to unify the Seven Kingdoms.
As for why Zhong Xue did not become king, San Chun could guess part of the reason. It wasn't that he lacked ambition or was particularly loyal; rather, being king seemed too troublesome for him. He would have to attend court every day and remain in the palace, unable to freely travel to other countries or go wherever he pleased.
Zhong Xue's nature was wild and unrestrained; he disliked being bound by rules. It wasn't that he didn't want the throne; he simply felt that the time wasn't right yet. When the time came, he would surely stir up unrest.
The second piece of news she heard concerned the Shang Family. They had moved into the Chu royal palace, with one member accompanying the New King daily, effectively transforming from a humble background into someone of high status. San Chun knew quite well about Feng Lingjun, now the New King, which made her wonder why he was so involved with an older woman instead of pursuing someone younger.
Of course, that was their personal matter; others couldn't interfere. The most anyone could do was gossip lightly for entertainment.
By the third and fourth pieces of news, she heard various trivial matters that didn't interest her much; she only half-listened.
By the seventh piece of news, she suddenly heard a Zhao merchant talking about Zhao Country. He mentioned Zhao Country Prince Ji Xun, who had been named heir apparent but seemed to be unfortunate. After his designation, he fell seriously ill and no matter how much medicine he took, he couldn't recover.
San Chun thought she would be indifferent upon hearing this news about him, but clearly she was mistaken; she still felt heartache and sadness and wanted to know how his illness was progressing.
She rushed over to the Zhao merchant and tugged at his sleeve, asking urgently, "How is he? How is he?"
The merchant looked at her suspiciously, thinking she must be unwell herself. He asked, "Miss, who are you asking about?"
"Zhao Country Prince Ji Xun."
The merchant laughed lightly. "How would we common folk know about his illness? If you truly want to know, you might as well go to Zhao Country yourself and ask."
San Chun dejectedly lowered her hands. Letting go was easy, but truly moving on was far too difficult. She had thought that living alone for the past two months would help her forget everything, but the reality proved that she was only temporarily avoiding the thoughts; she really could not forget.
She left the tavern in a daze, seemingly supported by Winter Bamboo Shoot. The girl's silence sometimes had its advantages; at least she didn't ask any questions when it wasn't appropriate to do so.
In the following days, she still insisted on going to the tavern. Although what she heard were trivial matters, she still wanted to listen, perhaps subconsciously hoping to receive more news about those she cared about.
Time passed quickly, and one day, while sitting in the tavern looking out the window, she suddenly saw chaos erupt on Main Street, with many soldiers running through the streets.
Although the city was located at the intersection of several nations, the streets were usually very calm. This was because the Governor Feng Cheng was a person with a strong hand, so few dared to cause trouble in this city. Such disorder was rarely seen on its streets.
What on earth had happened?
Winter Bamboo Shoot was quick-witted and knew what she wanted to do, hurriedly calling over Second Shop. "The young lady has a question for you; answer well and you will be rewarded."
The shopkeeper nodded.
San Chun asked, "What has happened recently?"
The shopkeeper replied, "Something big has happened; the shop will close soon. You should head home early."
San Chun was startled. "What exactly is going on?"
The shopkeeper sighed, "Don't you know? War is about to break out."
"Which country are we going to war with?"
"It's with the State of Chu; their army is almost at the gates of our city." He suddenly asked, "You are Yan People, right?"
San Chun wanted to ask what was going on, but Er had already run away, telling them to leave quickly, or it would be too late.
San Chun smiled bitterly. Yes, she was Yan People, how could she not be Yan People? But what identity should she take on to be a Yan People now?
She asked Winter Bamboo Shoot, "Which country are you from?"
"Qi State," Winter Bamboo Shoot replied, looking down.
It was because of the war between Qi, although the impact was not large, many people were forced to leave their homes to escape the conflict. Unfortunately, in such chaotic times, where there was no fighting here, there would be fighting there. Those who sat on thrones were mostly madmen; one never knew when they might be in a bad mood or fight over something trivial, ultimately dragging the common people into their troubles.
San Chun understood well what kind of person the current King of Chu was. When he was Feng Lingjun, he was someone who knew how to put on a facade. He never fought battles he wasn't sure of; just the fact that he could endure in Chu for so many years showed he had great patience. If he didn't have significant confidence this time, he probably wouldn't provoke a war.
So why did Chu attack Jiancheng? They came so suddenly, without any prior signs, making it hard to grasp the situation.
Although Qi was relatively clever, she was still too inexperienced to compete with that old fox Feng Lingjun. Moreover, there was someone even more cunning than a fox and more ruthless than a wolf—Yan Ping. The war hadn't even started yet, and Yan had already lost half of it.
By the way, what was the name of that former Feng Lingjun? It was strange that after being close to him for half a year, she didn't even know his name.
Leaving the tavern with Winter Bamboo Shoot, the two hurried home. On Main Street, people were rushing about—Yan soldiers, ordinary citizens, and some packing their belongings to flee the city. It seemed everyone had little hope for the battle at Jiancheng.
San Chun knew that once Jiancheng fell, the Chu Army would march straight in, and then the capital of Yan, Jicheng, would also be threatened. She had stationed heavy troops at Jiancheng for this very reason. However, with only five thousand soldiers in the barracks plus the existing defenders at Jiancheng, holding the city would be incredibly difficult.
Although Jicheng would send reinforcements, it would take time. The Chu Army could arrive quickly; Jicheng might not receive news in time. By the time they learned of it and rushed over, it would be too late.
She racked her brain thinking about many things and eventually found it amusing; what did she have to do with worrying so much for Yan?
Sighing, the journey that should have been a frantic rush felt unusually slow. Compared to those rushing by them, they were moving at a snail's pace.
As she was walking, a carriage suddenly approached from the front, with seven or eight people leisurely guarding it, moving at a slow pace. Their relaxed demeanor formed a stark contrast to the hurried individuals on the street.
San Chun couldn't help but glance a few more times and suddenly realized that the elderly man riding at the front looked very familiar; he resembled the steward of Young Master Rong whom she had encountered in Jiancheng.
Could the person in the carriage be Young Master Rong? Or perhaps only someone as leisurely as him could have such a servant.
Suddenly, a man's voice came from the carriage: "No need to rush, take your time. Some matters cannot be hurried."
This statement resonated with San Chun's thoughts; if something was already set in stone, then indeed, rushing would be of no use.
She couldn't help but call out, "Young Master Rong."
A slightly pale face peeked out from the carriage. Upon seeing her, he couldn't help but smile faintly. "I felt like my left eyelid was twitching today; it turns out I really encountered an old friend."
San Chun chuckled lightly, "If your left eye twitches, it means wealth is coming; if your right eye twitches, it means disaster. Seeing me, do you think it's wealth or disaster?"
Young Master Rong smiled gently. "Wealth and disaster are inconsequential. I wonder if my old friend would care to join me in the carriage for a chat?"
"Of course."
San Chun was eager for this opportunity; she wanted to find someone to understand the situation, and Young Master Rong had appeared just in time. Asking these merchants who traveled between several countries was indeed the best way to gather information.
As she got into the carriage, she saw him dressed in white sitting inside. In front of him was a small table with a teapot, a teacup, and a plate of delicate snacks.
In such chaotic circumstances, he still maintained such elegance; he truly was an unusual person.
She settled down opposite him, and Young Master Rong glanced over and smiled lightly. "Do you have something urgent to discuss?"
San Chun sighed, "But we can't be too anxious." There are others who are more anxious than she is.
He poured himself a cup of tea and took a small sip, "There is only one tea cup here, I can't entertain guests, I'm afraid it would be neglectful."
"That's alright." San Chun smiled and took a piece of cake from the plate herself, "As long as there's something to eat."
Young Master Rong chuckled, "You are truly an interesting person, Miss."
"And aren't you as well?"
The two laughed heartily, feeling a sense of camaraderie.
San Chun asked him why he was in the city. He replied with a smile, "I do business here and come many times each year."
"Don't you know that there will be a war?"
He smiled elegantly, "A merchant can't predict everything. But even if I knew, what could I do? Failing to deliver on time would be breaking the agreement. As a merchant, integrity is more important than anything else."
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