novelraw Chapter 622 - 560: Heart-to-Heart at Midnight (Part 2)
Chapter 622 - 560: Heart-to-Heart at Midnight (Part 2)
As the neighboring country of the Night Glow Empire, if the Eternal Winter Empire can be invited to join the Dawn Alliance, the alliance will receive significant assistance.
The trade delegation felt troubled, "I understand Your Majesty’s feelings. We also hope the two countries can establish stable and peaceful diplomatic relations... but unfortunately, these matters depend on our Emperor’s intentions and the thoughts of our country’s high officials; it is beyond our influence."
"However, we are willing to convey this message to the Empire’s high officials."
Shen Tang also said, "Thank you very much; I hope to ally with the Eternal Winter Empire. If we can have the opportunity to negotiate, we are willing to offer substantial rewards."
Lin Xi said happily, "Your Majesty, let’s exchange contact information first. We will inform you as soon as there is news."
"Sure." Shen Tang did not refuse and exchanged personal contact information with him readily.
Lin Xi said reluctantly, "I will miss you after this farewell. I will come to visit Your Majesty whenever I have the chance."
Xiao Jin’s face turned grim, glaring at him, clenching his fists, struggling not to lash out.
It seemed Lin Xi was afraid, so he stopped at saying a few words of longing and eventually departed reluctantly with the trade delegation.
After a few days, Shen Tang received a message from Lin Xi, saying they had successfully reached the Eternal Winter Empire’s border and reassuring them not to worry.
Speaking of the Icefield in the empire’s north, reinforcements and supplies sent by the Imperial City had successfully arrived, and reconstruction work is underway, citizens’ lives gradually returning to normal.
It was time for Shen Tang and others to leave.
The night before departure, Shen Tang had a few things to say and planned to talk with Yun Han.
A warm bonfire was lit in the stone house, crackling, breaking the overly quiet atmosphere.
Shen Tang took out a pot of wine from space, pouring a glass for each, "I brewed this wine last winter, it’s just over a year old now; this is when the taste is most mellow and rich, try it and see how it tastes."
Yun Han picked up his glass, took a sip, carefully tasted it, then praised, "Very fragrant and mellow, longer and richer than the strong spirits of the north, pleasant to drink without the harshness that burns the throat."
He hadn’t drunk such fragrant and mellow wine in a long time.
It reminded him of that night’s dinner at Shen Tang’s family home.
Shen Tang teased with a smile, "Looks like your tolerance for alcohol has improved quite a bit."
Yun Han chuckled and nodded, "It’s better now, at least I won’t make a fool of myself anymore."
Shen Tang also remembered the past, feeling a bit nostalgic, and after a moment of silence, she asked, "How have the days been?"
"Pretty good."
"The Northern Territory is cold and desolate, many people cannot stand it."
"Our Yun Family originally migrated from the north; this is the place we’ve lived for thousands of years, so it doesn’t feel like much."
"But as the Young Master of the Yun Family, you can’t stay here forever; when do you plan to return?"
Yun Han was silent.
After a while, he said, "Although my strength has now reached the Tenth Rank, in the Imperial City I won’t be of much help, whereas the Guard Army in the north is weak, lacking strong forces to oversee."
"Even though the Eternal Winter Empire seems friendly at present, there’s no guarantee that unexpected situations won’t arise, it’s safer for Your Majesty to station me here."
It seems he plans to stay in the north for the long term.
Shen Tang respected his wishes.
The elder of the Yun Family may no longer have superpowers, but his health remains robust enough for the next decade or so.
In a few years, Yun Han may change his mind.
And by that time, perhaps he’ll have children, securing the Yun Family’s future.
Thinking this...
Shen Tang hesitated briefly, then looked at the handsome man before her, saying, "Since you plan to stay here, you might as well find someone you like."
Yun Han looked at her, startled, "I..." He pursed his lips, shaking his head, "I don’t have this idea at the moment."
Shen Tang understood he had just experienced an emotional upheaval; although he managed to escape the mire successfully, healing the emotional trauma from before would require time to gradually ease.
She was still young, not rushing Yun Han to marry, merely hoping he’d move forward soon, so in the future, he could look broader and find someone he truly likes and suits him.
"Emotions can’t be rushed; take your time to find someone you can truly share life with, but you need to have this thought, rather than thinking nothing of it," Shen Tang said slowly, "The Empire has many excellent and beautiful females; I’ve seen several in the Northern Territory interested in you, and their conditions are quite good."
Yun Han responded softly, pouring himself another glass, "I know."
How could he not catch the drift of her words?
Shen Tang looked at him and continued, "Your father is always concerned about your nuptials, I’ve talked with the elder of the Yun Family a few times before; at his age, you’re his sole worry, always thinking you should bring a grandson back to him."
Yun Han drank the wine in his glass, giving a wry smile, "Did my father urge you as well?"
"There’s nothing for it; the elder wants a grandson, everyone in the city knows, but elders are like this, you needn’t worry."
Yun Han nodded, "Thanks for reminding me, Your Majesty; I’ll try searching for someone."
"As long as you’re considering it, I’ll be relieved."
"It’s late; you should go rest now."
"Alright."
After finishing this brief yet prolonged dinner, Yun Han escorted Shen Tang back to her dwelling. At dawn, the delegation was ready to depart, returning to the Imperial City.