"Your gaze is sharp, Lady Wei. Not something I usually encounter at gatherings like this."
"Perhaps because I’ve seen too many human faces in the world of trade, Your Highness."
A faint smile curved Li Chengyan’s lips, but his eyes remained calm and watchful. “You speak like someone who has stood between fire and blade.”
Lin Xi returned a small smile. Beneath her composed exterior, her heart stirred—this man’s gaze was far too familiar… But that couldn’t be, could it?
From a distance, Shen Ruoyan noticed the look the King of Qin gave Lin Xi and felt a wave of unease. She took a loud sip of her tea and prepared to step forward. The woman walked gracefully, her smile seemingly warm, but her sharp eyes glared at Lin Xi with quiet hostility.
The soft tension that had just formed was shattered by her melodic yet pointed voice. “Ah, so this is Lady Wei—the one everyone’s been talking about in the capital circles. I almost didn’t recognize you; three years ago… you looked so different.”
Several guests exchanged glances. Some stifled curious smiles. Lin Xi slowly turned her head, hiding her surprise and returning the gaze calmly.
This woman acts as though she hasn’t just mocked me moments ago.
Lin Xi wanted nothing more than to spit in Shen Ruoyan’s fake-friendly face.
“Lady Shen must have an exceptional memory. Not everyone remembers someone who barely spoke at previous gatherings.”
Shen Ruoyan chuckled sweetly. “Is that so? But I tend to remember those who stand out… whether due to their charm, or... intriguing rumors.”
Her words hung in the air, laced with subtle mockery—a veiled jab at the past scandal surrounding Lianhua, who had once been rumored to fall from a cliff in disgrace. Li Chengyan’s gaze flicked subtly to Lin Xi, reading her expression—it remained calm, but her eyes were razor-sharp.
“Unfortunately, I’m not the type to spread stories about others, especially without certainty. The world of trade has taught me one vital thing: a person’s worth isn’t measured by rumor, but by how they endure and prove themselves.”
Some guests smiled faintly. Others fell silent. Even Wei Jian, though his heart raced, felt a tinge of pride hearing his daughter respond with such grace and poise. Shen Ruoyan appeared unsatisfied with the reply, but she couldn’t press further in front of the King of Qin.
“Lady Shen, you seem quite attentive tonight.”
Li Chengyan’s cool tone caught Shen Ruoyan off guard. She quickly lowered her eyes in a courteous bow. “I merely wish to ensure the comfort of all our guests, Your Highness.”
Just as the tension began to ease, a young man approached from the left side of the garden. His steps were calm yet confident, drawing the attention of many—Lu Wenxie. He stood beside Lin Xi, subtly protective without being obvious.
“Your Highness, King of Qin. It is a great honor to meet you in person at this banquet,” Lu Wenxie said, bowing respectfully.
Li Chengyan looked at him and gave a slight nod. “Lu Wenxie of Yicheng. Your name and expertise have reached the palace. I’ve heard you've brought innovation to the distribution system of artisanal goods?”
Hearing such recognition from the influential King of Qin, Lu Wenxie couldn’t hide his delighted smile. “It was merely a small change to help ease the flow of goods and knowledge, Your Highness. But of course, none of it would matter without the Empire’s protection.”
Li Chengyan studied Lu Wenxie with an unreadable expression. Meanwhile, Lu Wenxie slowly turned to Lin Xi and spoke in a low but clearly audible voice, “Lady Wei, you remain composed despite the attention swirling around you. Perhaps that’s what sets you apart from the rest.”
His words caught the ears of several nearby guests, drawing their attention. Shen Ruoyan, who had yet to retreat, clenched her jaw subtly.
Seeing Shen Ruoyan’s hidden irritation, Lin Xi wanted to laugh aloud. But, playing the role of an elegant, wise noblewoman, she merely offered a demure smile. “Calmness is a luxury only learned when everyone else is trying to bring you down, Master Lu.”
Li Chengyan observed the exchange with a look that suggested he was piecing together a puzzle. Whether it was her words or an unfamiliar feeling, he couldn’t say.
“I expected nothing more than business and small talk tonight. Turns out, it’s far more interesting than I thought,” he said flatly, his cold gaze settling once again on Lin Xi.
Moments later, the music faded. Attendants stepped back as a eunuch struck a small gong, signaling the beginning of the main session of the banquet.
“Honored guests, please be silent. His Highness, the King of Qin, will now speak.”
All attendees rose and bowed politely. Li Chengyan stepped onto the main dais, adorned with the imperial emblem of Longxuan and the banners of various trade alliances from the major regions. His voice was calm but firm, resonating through the garden.
“The trade alliance has long been the backbone of Longxuan’s stability and prosperity. Today, with nobles, trade leaders, and scholars gathered from across the land, we unite with one purpose: to expand trade routes toward the southwest—long closed off due to conflict and terrain.”
Several merchant family heads exchanged looks. This subject had been whispered in private for years but never announced directly by an imperial envoy—let alone a prince with the title of King of Qin.
Li Chengyan continued, “We have drawn plans for a route from Jingzhou to Shancheng, crossing one major city and one treacherous valley. This path will cut delivery times for spices and metals by half. However, the success of this endeavor is impossible without the full support of the alliance.”
Small murmurs and whispers rippled among the guests. Wei Jian nodded quietly, while Lin Xi remained silent—her sharp gaze fixed on the map now being unfurled by the attendants.
Lu Wenxie leaned in and whispered to her, “Shancheng… a dangerous route, but promising. It seems the Empire truly intends to open a new chapter in trade.”
“Or… they’re aiming to tame a region that’s long resisted control,” Lin Xi murmured in reply.
Li Chengyan pointed to various locations on the map as he continued explaining—new trade posts would be built, security would be reinforced with imperial garrisons, and merchant families would be given the opportunity to lead the first convoys as official partners of the Empire.
“We will gather input and appoint representatives from each major region. The journey into a new era of commerce begins tonight.”
Light applause met his declaration. But among the guests, a few showed signs of unease—for the southwest had long been a former rebel stronghold, and the name Shancheng brought whispers of a bloody imperial past.
Lin Xi stared deeper at the map. In her heart, a name began to echo once more—Han Jue. The southwest route... was the very path where her master had given his final hint.