YWTGU -Chapter 58 The Best Acting Is Not Acting

Liu Wanqing stamped her foot in anger, but Murong Xue had already boarded the carriage.

With jealousy blazing in her eyes, she glared at the tightly drawn curtain, wishing she could rush up and rip it open.

“Why are you still standing there?”

She grabbed Li An by the arm.

“Get in!”

Li An looked helpless. Ever since he had agreed to the Prime Minister’s request to improve relations with the Duke’s household, Liu Wanqing had completely taken on the role of his fiancée.

Most of the time she was gentle and considerate, always thinking of him. But she was narrow-minded in one regard—a true jealous type.

Especially when it came to Murong Xue. The moment she saw her, her eyes practically shot fire, as if afraid Murong Xue would spirit him away to Northern Yan.

“What am I going in for?”

“To drag that vixen out! If she has something to say, she can say it outside!”

Liu Wanqing gritted her teeth. “What right does she have to pull you into her carriage?”

“Uh…”

Li An scratched his head and tried to explain. “She’s the Princess of Northern Yan. I’m the envoy for the peace talks. Today the delegation officially departs. Isn’t it normal for her to say a few words to me?”

“Say a few words?”

Liu Wanqing sounded aggrieved. “Didn’t you say enough last night? You have to hide inside a carriage today, in front of everyone, to whisper sweet nothings?”

As she spoke, she glanced around.

Sure enough, quite a few Great Qi officials were watching discreetly.

Prime Minister Wang Fu stood not far away, stroking his beard with an amused smile.

The Duke was on the other side, his expression complicated.

The other officials whispered among themselves, their eyes drifting this way from time to time.

What a scene…

Li An felt a headache coming on.

Who would have thought that the solemn occasion of sending off the Northern Yan delegation would turn into him being interrogated by a jealous fiancée?

And that fiancée happened to be the Duke’s daughter!

I’m here to send off a diplomatic mission, not act in some melodrama!

Just then, the carriage curtain was lifted slightly.

Murong Xue’s strikingly beautiful and heroic face appeared from within.

“Lord Li, Miss Liu, why are you standing outside?”

She smiled warmly.

“Come in for some tea. It’s cold this early in the morning.”

Before Li An could respond, Liu Wanqing snapped:

“No need!”

“We’ll wait outside.”

“When is the delegation departing?”

Murong Xue blinked. “What’s the rush?”

“There’s still half an hour before the auspicious time.”

“Lord Li, are you going to stand outside for half an hour?”

As she spoke, she beckoned to Li An.

“Come, I have something to say to you.”

Li An gave a bitter smile.

What choice did he have?

Fine. It’s just a few words.

“I’ll go in and come right out,” he told Liu Wanqing.

“You wait here.”

“No!”

Liu Wanqing clutched his arm tightly.

“If you’re going in, I’m going too!”

“I want to see what secret you two have to whisper!”

Murong Xue’s smile grew even brighter.

“Of course. Then come together.”

“I’ve been wanting to chat with Miss Liu as well.”

She beckoned to Liu Wanqing.

Liu Wanqing froze.

She had expected Murong Xue to refuse. Instead, the princess agreed so readily.

Something felt off…

But she couldn’t back down now.

“Let’s go!”

She pulled Li An up into the carriage.

The inside was far more spacious than expected, clearly custom-modified.

A low table held delicate tea ware, fragrant steam rising from freshly brewed tea.

Murong Xue sat cross-legged on one side and gestured for them to sit.

“Please.”

Li An sat opposite her. Liu Wanqing pressed close beside him, practically clinging to him.

Seeing this, Murong Xue’s smile widened.

“Miss Liu, if you sit like that, how am I supposed to speak with Lord Li?”

Liu Wanqing snorted.

“Say whatever you want.”

“I’m not stopping you.”

“Is there something you can’t say in front of me?”

Murong Xue raised an eyebrow.

“Can’t say in front of you?”

“Miss Liu, you misunderstand.”

She poured tea for both of them and made a polite gesture before speaking.

“I only wished to bid Lord Li farewell before departing.”

“After all, who knows when we will meet again?”

As she said this, her gaze fell deeply upon Li An, her eyes filled with unmistakable reluctance.

Li An felt a slight stir in his heart.

Could this Northern Yan princess truly have feelings for him?

Otherwise, why would she repeatedly hint at her affection, openly and subtly?

He lifted his teacup and took a small sip.

“Your Highness is too kind.”

He said calmly:

“Now that the peace talks have concluded successfully, please take care after returning home. By the way… I do have a few words to convey to Your Highness in person.”

Murong Xue immediately grew serious.

She knew Li An was about to begin his performance.

“Please speak, Lord Li.”

Li An straightened and said solemnly:

“Your Highness, when you return, be sure to inform His Majesty the Emperor of Northern Yan…”

“That batch of divine iron is most suitable for making jewelry!”

“What?”

Liu Wanqing blinked.

She had expected something important—jewelry?

Li An continued earnestly:

“Especially intricate hairpins, bracelets, and earrings.”

“The divine iron has a unique luster. Once polished, it looks exceptionally luxurious.”

“If set with gemstones, it would be the perfect accessory for noble ladies!”

“Oh?”

Murong Xue immediately feigned realization.

“So divine iron can be used not only for swords… but for jewelry?”

“Of course!”

Li An grew more animated.

“It’s even more precious than gold!”

“If Northern Yan nobles all wore divine iron ornaments, it would become a symbol of status!”

“I suggest Your Highness open several jewelry shops after returning—specializing in divine iron accessories.”

“Set the prices high. There’s no shortage of wealthy people.”

Liu Wanqing listened, utterly confused.

What was Li An doing?

Teaching them how to run a jewelry business?

But Murong Xue nodded repeatedly.

“Lord Li makes sense.”

“I will request funds from Father Emperor to open shops upon my return.”

“And what about the sweet potatoes…”

“Sweet potatoes are even better!”

Li An interrupted her, continuing enthusiastically:

“Your Highness, grind them into flour and you can make desserts—soft, fragrant, and sweet!”

“I’ve tested it myself. Steamed sweet potatoes dipped in honey are simply divine!”

“After returning, have the imperial kitchen develop several sweet potato desserts to present to His Majesty!”

Murong Xue nodded, suppressing a smile.

“I’ll remember that.”

Liu Wanqing finally couldn’t hold back.

“Wait!”

She looked at Li An suspiciously.

“Why are you teaching Northern Yan to make jewelry and desserts?”

Li An turned to her with an innocent expression.

“Isn’t that the result of the peace talks?”

“Great Qi is giving them divine iron and sweet potatoes. Of course we need to teach them how to use them.”

“We can’t just give things away without instructions, can we?”

Liu Wanqing frowned.

“But…”

“But what?”

Li An sighed, adopting a tone of deep meaning.

“Wanqing, you don’t understand.”

“Court affairs are not as simple as they appear.”

Liu Wanqing, unfamiliar with political intrigue, was thoroughly baffled. She could only accept whatever Li An said.

Beside them, Murong Xue nearly burst out laughing.

Of course she knew it was nonsense.

Divine iron was for forging weapons. Sweet potatoes were for military rations.

And the Mohist disciples hidden among the delegation—that was Li An’s true gift to Northern Yan.

But she had to play along.

Because she knew that once Liu Wanqing left, she would surely repeat Li An’s words to her father, and through him to the Emperor and the court officials.

“Lord Li is absolutely right!”

Murong Xue said deliberately, as though convinced.

“I will relay Lord Li’s suggestions to Father Emperor!”

“Divine iron for jewelry, sweet potatoes for desserts!”

“Let all my Northern Yan subjects enjoy the fruits of this peace!”

She winked at Li An.

Li An understood.

Not bad—her acting skills were impressive too.

Though Liu Wanqing still had doubts, seeing how pleased Murong Xue looked, she said nothing further.

Perhaps… Li An really was setting a trap?

Yes. That must be it.

She chose to trust her man.

Just then, a commotion of footsteps sounded outside the carriage.

A familiar voice followed.

“Is Lord Li inside?”

It was Prime Minister Wang Fu.

Li An lifted the curtain slightly and leaned out.

“I am here.”

“What instructions does Your Excellency have?”

Wang Fu stroked his beard and smiled.

“The auspicious hour approaches. It is time to depart.”

“Do Lord Li and Her Highness have anything further to discuss?”

Li An nodded.

“We’ve said what needed to be said.”

He turned and cupped his hands toward Murong Xue.

“Your Highness, safe travels.”

“After returning, please convey Great Qi’s… sincerity to His Majesty of Northern Yan.”

Murong Xue rose and returned the gesture.

“Rest assured, Lord Li.”

“I will not fail your trust.”

Both knew she wasn’t referring to jewelry and desserts.

But to what truly mattered.

The Mohist disciples.

The divine iron forging techniques.

The sweet potato cultivation methods.

These were the real gifts to Northern Yan.

Once those Mohist disciples arrived, within three months Northern Yan’s military strength would be transformed.

With that…

Surely the system would detect Northern Yan’s rising national power?

Thinking of this, Li An felt somewhat relieved.

His life depended on them.

Do your best!

He stepped down from the carriage with Liu Wanqing and joined the crowd.

The surrounding Great Qi officials cast inquisitive looks his way.

Wang Fu approached.

“Lord Li, how was your conversation with the princess?”

Li An smiled faintly.

“Rest assured, Prime Minister.”

“I have conveyed everything that needed to be conveyed.”

“After returning, Her Highness will certainly relay Great Qi’s… intentions to the Emperor of Northern Yan.”

Wang Fu stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction.

“Excellent. Excellent.”

“Lord Li’s contribution to these peace talks is truly outstanding.”

Grand Commandant Sun Qian stepped forward as well.

“The Prime Minister is absolutely right.”

He looked at Li An with a complicated expression.

“At first, I was rather unconvinced by your so-called ‘technological colonization’ and ‘cultural infiltration’ strategy.”

“But now, it seems truly ingenious. Even if the people of Northern Yan manage to produce a small amount of divine iron… it won’t be a concern.”

“Use jewelry to consume the divine iron, use sweets to erode their fighting spirit…”

“To subdue the enemy without battle—brilliant!”

Li An was speechless inside.

They actually believed it.

They genuinely thought Northern Yan would use divine iron for jewelry and sweet potatoes for desserts.

Little did they know…

Well, forget it. Let them believe.

It was good for him anyway.

If these people knew the truth—that Li An was effectively a spy for Northern Yan—who knew what they would think?

“You flatter me, my lords.”

He put on a humble expression.

“I merely fulfilled my duty.”

“The true credit belongs to your strategic guidance.”

That pleased both Wang Fu and the Grand Commandant.

They exchanged a glance, their smiles widening.

Just then, drums sounded from the distant city tower.

Boom, boom, boom!

The auspicious hour had arrived.

The Northern Yan delegation began to move slowly.

Murong Xue’s carriage led the procession, its curtains tightly drawn.

But Li An knew the person behind that curtain must be looking in his direction.

He stood where he was, watching the delegation depart.

Among the procession were several “servants” dressed in coarse cloth, drawing no attention.

They were the Mohist disciples.

One of them seemed to sense Li An’s gaze and slightly turned his head.

Their eyes met briefly in midair.

The Mohist disciple gave Li An a subtle nod, then lowered his head and continued walking.

Watching their figures grow smaller, Li An murmured inwardly:

Go.

All of you, go.

Once you reach Northern Yan, put your skills to good use.

In three months—no, two!

I want to see news of Northern Yan’s surging national strength!

Just then, a familiar notification sound rang in his mind.

Ding!

【Key mission progress detected】

【Mohist technology export in progress…】

【Calculating changes in Northern Yan’s national strength】

【Due to cross-border personnel movement and technology transfer, data volume is extensive】

【Full results expected in 3–5 days】

【Please wait patiently】

Li An froze.

Three to five days?

I have to wait three to five days to see the results?

Hey, what kind of network is this system running on? Such terrible signal?

He complained wildly in his mind, but on the surface he maintained a calm smile.

There were too many eyes watching.

The Prime Minister and Grand Commandant were still beside him.

“Lord Li?”

Wang Fu noticed his slightly strange expression.

“What’s wrong? Is something amiss?”

Li An snapped back to reality.

“Nothing.”

He shook his head.

“I was merely wondering whether the delegation’s journey will be smooth.”

Wang Fu laughed.

“You worry too much.”

“Our Great Qi personnel are escorting them along the way. Nothing will go wrong.”

“Rather, Lord Li, you’ve worked hard these days.”

“Once the delegation has gone far enough, you should rest properly.”

Li An nodded.

“Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister.”

The delegation moved farther and farther away until it became a blurred silhouette.

The surrounding Great Qi officials gradually dispersed.

Wang Fu waved to Li An.

“I still have official matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave.”

“Come to the Prime Minister’s residence later—I will host a banquet in your honor!”

With that, he left with his attendants.

Grand Commandant Sun Qian and the Duke also cupped their hands in farewell.

Soon, most of the crowd had dispersed.

Liu Wanqing tugged at Li An’s hand, about to take him back.

Suddenly, she noticed a figure atop the city tower.

“That is… His Majesty?”

Li An followed her gaze.

Indeed.

At the highest point of the tower stood a slender figure in dragon robes.

Though too far away to see clearly, Li An could feel that the gaze was fixed on him.

The Emperor… watching him?

Why?

To monitor whether he and Murong Xue had any improper relationship?

Or…

Was there some other concern?

“Let’s go,” Liu Wanqing urged.

“Why are you still standing here?”

Li An withdrew his gaze.

“Let’s go.”

He decided not to overthink it.

The delegation had departed, and everything that needed to be done was done.

All he had to do now was return home and wait for the system’s results.

Three to five days…

Hopefully nothing unexpected would happen during that time.

On the city tower.

Zhao Ling’er quietly watched Li An’s retreating figure.

A young eunuch beside her asked softly:

“Your Majesty, shall we summon Lord Li to the palace?”

Zhao Ling’er shook her head.

“No need.”

She spoke gently.

“Let him rest for now.”

“These past days… he has worked hard.”

There was an indescribable tone in her voice.

The eunuch dared not ask further and bowed in acknowledgment.

Zhao Ling’er took one last look in Li An’s direction, then turned and left.

Top Scholar Residence.

Upon returning home, the first thing Li An did was lock himself in his study.

He collapsed into a chair, staring at empty air.

“System, come out!”

A translucent interface unfolded before his eyes.

【National Fortune System】

【Current Alignment: Northern Yan Spy】

【Cycle Countdown: 12 days】

【Great Qi National Fortune: 115,800】

【Northern Yan National Strength: Calculating…】

【Compensation Mission Progress: Pending Settlement】

Li An stared intently at the words “Calculating…”

He wished he could poke a hole through the panel.

“Hurry up!” he muttered.

“You’ve been calculating for so long—where’s the result?”

The system gave no response.

It simply displayed those cold words:

Calculating…

Li An sighed helplessly.

He knew there was no use rushing.

All he could do was wait.

Hopefully those Mohist disciples would step up.

Once they reached Northern Yan, they needed to get to work immediately.

Forge iron, cultivate crops, open workshops…

Anything was fine, as long as Northern Yan’s national strength increased!

Just then—

A soft knock sounded at the door.

“Young Master, it’s time for lunch.”

It was Hongmei’s voice.

Li An opened his eyes.

“Come in.”

Hongmei pushed the door open, carrying a tray.

“Young Master hasn’t eaten all morning. Please have something first.”

Li An glanced at the dishes and waved a hand.

“No appetite.”

Hongmei frowned.

“Is Young Master worried about something?”

Li An gave a bitter smile.

“Worried?”

“What do I have to worry about?”

He pointed to his head.

“I’m just worried how much longer this head can stay on my neck.”

Hongmei fell silent for a moment.

“Young Master is waiting for news from Northern Yan?”

“Mm.”

Li An nodded.

“Who knows when those Mohist fellows will reach Northern Yan.”

“After they arrive, who knows when they’ll start working.”

“And after they work, who knows if national strength will increase immediately!”

The more he spoke, the more irritated he became.

“This life is unbearable!”

Hongmei set the tray down.

“Young Master, don’t be anxious.”

“From the capital to Northern Yan, even at the fastest, it takes six or seven days.”

“With so much baggage, the delegation will be slower.”

“It will take at least ten days before they reach Northern Yan.”

Li An froze.

Right.

He had been so focused on the system’s calculation that he forgot—they were still on the road!

The delegation had just departed today. The Mohist disciples hadn’t even reached Northern Yan yet!

The system was detecting Northern Yan’s national strength. If they hadn’t arrived, what was there to detect?

By that calculation…

About ten days for the delegation to reach Northern Yan. After policies are decided, only then would there be visible growth.

“Fine. I’ve done all I can… There’s nothing else I can do.”

He resigned himself and picked up his chopsticks.

“Let’s eat.”

“I can’t starve to death before seeing the results.”

Hongmei couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Though it lasted only a moment, Li An caught it.

This girl… actually smiling?

“What are you laughing at?”

he asked suspiciously.

Hongmei immediately returned to her cold expression.

“Nothing.”

“Young Master is overthinking.”

Li An snorted and focused on his meal.

Whatever.

The most important thing now was to eat well and sleep properly.

After waking up…

He would continue figuring out how to sabotage Great Qi’s national fortune!

And before the cycle ended, earn more gold to draw more rewards!