The sun had barely crested the eastern hills when the horns at Xingzhao's southern watchtower sounded.
"Envoys approaching!" came the shout from the outer gate.
Atop the observation platform, Yun Zhen stood in full formal attire. Beside him, Song Lian adjusted the clasp of her cloak as she peered into the distance.
Through the shimmering heat haze of morning, banners rose, bright and foreign.
The first carried the golden phoenix of the Luohai Coalition, a northern power known for its cold diplomacy and colder winters.
The second bore the copper crest of the Tiejin Principality, a mountain realm rich in ore and ambition.
The third flag shocked even Yun Zhen—the violet sigil of the Ruan Kingdom, a coastal nation whose silence had once signaled indifference… or war.
Song Lian's eyes narrowed. "Three powers. All at once."
"They've recognized us," Yun Zhen said, voice laced with quiet awe. "They've recognized Xingzhao as a state."
She looked at him. "Recognition comes with opportunity. And risk."
He nodded. "Then let's meet them with strength."
Xingzhao – The Great Hall
The envoys were received in the Great Hall, a structure blending Song Lian's architectural aesthetics with traditional eastern design. Crystal-glass walls let in sunlight, while wooden beams carried intricate carvings of dragons and tigers symbols of power and vigilance.
Each envoy was granted a private chamber and issued a temporary Smart ID card, carefully programmed with strict access limitations. Their movements would be tracked, recorded, and analyzed in real time.
In the central conference chamber, Song Lian and Yun Zhen awaited them.
First to enter was Envoy Hua Liof Luohai draped in thick robes, her gaze sharp as obsidian. "We are pleased to see you flourishing, Governor Song," she said in a low voice.
"Lady Hua," Song Lian replied with a subtle smile. "Your presence honors us."
Next came Envoy Tan Wuyin of Tiejin, tall and broad-shouldered, with a heavy iron ring looped through one ear.
"An iron city built from wind and thunder," he said in admiration as he looked around. "We thought such a place was impossible. You have proven otherwise."
Finally, Envoy Ruo Yemin of the Ruan Kingdom stepped forward, fanning herself with a folded scroll.
"We came out of curiosity," she said candidly. "Now we come in awe."
The diplomatic talks began formally, but as hours passed, formality gave way to veiled offers.
Hua Li spoke first: "Luohai wishes to discuss a non-aggression pact—and mutual trade, should you be amenable."
Tan Wuyin offered: "Tiejin has ore. You have weaponry and machinery. A fair exchange could benefit both sides."
Ruo Yemin tilted her head. "Ruan has sea routes, and you have technology that could change our naval capabilities. Imagine our future... together."
Yun Zhen remained quiet, observing, weighing every word and every twitch of the envoys' eyes.
Song Lian, calm as ever, replied:
"Trade and peace are welcome. But Xingzhao will never be a tool."
Her tone was gentle, but the message sharp.
"We are an independent city, founded on freedom. That will not change."
Later – The Inner Council Chamber
The council convened immediately after the envoys left. Minister Zhao Liang, once a village carpenter, now chief engineer, leaned forward. "If we accept trade agreements, we'll gain access to ores, sea routes, and diplomatic immunity. But if we refuse…"
"They may try to take what they can't get with words," said Commander Xu Jie, head of the newly trained military unit.
Yun Zhen spoke. "But if we accept too quickly, we show our hand."
Song Lian crossed her arms. "Then we pace them. Agree to exploration, not deals. Let them see what we want them to see."
She paused. "I will also introduce limited technology exchanges. Controlled, monitored, and without revealing anything about my origins."
Xu Jie nodded. "And the wall?"
"We double surveillance," Yun Zhen answered. "The Black Hall is already watching. These envoys may be allies or another front."
While the envoys dined in their quarters, their aides wandered the town, limited by their Smart ID permissions. Despite the tracking, one of the Ruan assistants lingered too long near a restricted area.
A gentle beep from a hidden sensor triggered a silent alert. Within minutes, soldiers in soft armor arrived and escorted him away.
Back in the command room, Song Lian watched the footage.
"Curiosity is a dangerous habit," she said.
Yun Zhen gave her a sideways glance. "You say that like you weren't once the most curious of all."
She smiled faintly. "I still am. But now I've learned when to act."
Their eyes met. A beat passed. Something unspoken lingered between them before she turned back to the monitor.
Yun Empire, Imperial Capital
In the shadows of the imperial war hall, Emperor Yun Taizongread the newest update from his envoy. Trade offers. Technology glimpses. Alliance proposals. He slammed the scroll down.
"They would make her a queen." A soft voice replied from the corner.
"Then we must make her an enemy."