"I, Emperor Guan Hong of the Western Empire, agree to ally with the Eastern Empire."
When the Emperor finished speaking, a murmur ran through the crowd, and Rin could hear the doubtful whispers of council officials. No one voiced their thoughts aloud.
Since the Emperor had said it himself, there was no room to refute. Even if they did, they knew it was futile. The situation they were in now could only be solved by joining forces with another.
Even if that happened to be with the scheming and powerful Eastern Empire.
The envoy regarded everything unfold with a genial smile. He bowed his head. "Many thanks to Your Majesty."
Emperor Guan Hong paid him no more attention and dismissed everyone with a wave of his yellow dragon embroidered sleeve. Just as Rin walked out, she heard a light, familiar voice call out behind her.
"It truly is fortunate that the Emperor agreed. To be able to work alongside someone as skilled as yourself, I cannot help but feel honored." With his cupped sleeves, the envoy stared at her with a light smile.
"...Is that so." Rin raised an eyebrow. The corner of her lips twitched.
She really couldn't decipher the man's motives. Either way, she had no interest in being near him. Especially after Wei Jingyi's warning.
"Bai Lan," Rin raised her head to see her grandfather beckoning her over.
Without saying a word to the envoy, she walked over. From the beginning, the envoy watched her with a helpless expression. He sighed and turned around to leave.
"What did that man say to you?" Bai Han placed a hand over her shoulder. He glanced at the envoy leaving with narrowed eyes.
Rin sighed softly. "It was nothing."
"I want you to stay away from that man. Being close to him is too dangerous." Bai Han said with a hint of his old fierceness.
She smiled. "I know grandfather."
"Mm, good." He patted her shoulder and ushered her to walk with him. "We recently received an edict from the Northern Empire. They want us to return."
Rin was surprised for a moment. "Did they spot any activity from the An Clan?"
"No. But the Northern Emperor wants us to return in case such a situation does happen."
The two of them walked into the imperial garden. In the distance, she could hear the sound of a fountain trickling, the chorus of birds drifted in as steady as streaming currents.
"I take it you will be staying here?" Bai Han asked quietly.
Rin did not hide her intentions. "Yes. They need me here."
"It's dangerous for you here." Bai Han frowned, reminded of the eastern envoy.
"It will be all right. Even if I am to be discovered, I will never yield." She reassured with a slightly playful smile.
Bai Han looked at his granddaughter and sighed.
"You must be safe. Otherwise, I don't care if I have to declare war against the Eastern Empire to get you back!" He huffed, silver mustache twitching.
Rin stared stupidly. "Don't be impulsive, grandfather."
"Oh? So you can, but I can't?"
Rin had no answer for that. Sighing softly, a thought suddenly emerged. Her body tensed as she thought of the words to say.
"Grandfather...before you leave for the north, there's something I need to tell you."
Curious, Bai Han raised his brows. "All right. You can come to my room tonight."
