Wei Liuying replied and returned back to her soup. "There's never any other option in the first place. There's no way time can return back, only the future can change. I only hope the best for them."

Yang Xian opened his mouth, yet he didn't speak for a long time. It was only when Wei Liuying had finished eating did he speak, "Do you regret it, Miss?"

"Regret?" Wei Liuying repeated the word. She laughed faintly. "If only I know that things will develop like this, I might not want them to proceed with it and just continue with how it was before. But since there's no way to change it, I don't even want to think about it."

Standing up, Wei Liuying turned around to face the door. "All I could do is to think about the lives of those who end up living because of this delay."

Without Xiong Tribe participating in the war, Han Shi Kingdom had successfully repelled most of the other tribes there and eliminated their threat. Aside from the one that managed to sneak into their territory and threaten their position, their overall condition had improved.

As long as the Xiong Tribe didn't declare war, it was clear that the north would be in peace after this year because all the other tribes were most or less subdued. There would be only small skirmish here and there occasionally.

Yang Xian nodded, his face was solemn. "Indeed."

Becoming the leader was never easy. There were so many things that they have to think and put into consideration before they picked their decision. Most people only see the glory that was showed at the front, but they didn't realize that behind all of that was a thorny path that pierced the leader's skin terribly. Those who only wanted to become the leader because of the glory and wealth would only destroy the kingdom. They didn't realize the result that might come from their action.

"Would you stop them?" Yang Xian asked.

Wei Liuying stopped in her position for a moment. Her eyes flickered as she slowly shook her head. "I don't have the right for that. Besides, I'm sure she understood the consequences better than me."

Yang Xian stayed silent. It was inevitable that they have to think of the kingdom's well being as their top priority. But no matter what was said, they were also humans who have emotion. As long as no one found out about it, it would be fine.

They have already robbed her from her happiness by doing their work. There was no need for them to take away the little things that made her happy. Even if it might not end well, they didn't want to be that cold hearted.

Just like what Wei Liuying said, as long as no one found out, it didn't matter.

"Let's go back."

"Yes."

…

Prince Kou and Princess Ji Xiaoli didn't stay there for a long time. They returned back the next day after they have filled several carriages with gifts and many other things they bought. Shi Yan was so happy that he earned a lot of money that he chose to stay here for a while longer.

Unfortunately, the time has come for him to leave since he had traded most of the clothing that he brought with him.

"I'll have to return back to the city," Shi Yan said when he called Wei Liuying to have dinner with him. This time, Yang Xian entered the carriage and sat on the edge while watching the surroundings.

"If you have to leave, it's fine. We'll be able to live by ourselves here," Wei Liuying replied. She had packed enough food in the carriage for months. Even though the menu wouldn't be that delicious, it was already more than enough.

Shi Yan scoffed. "But for a girl to live with a man alone…"

"If that's what you're worrying about, you're thinking too much, Yan," Yang Xian said coldly. He glanced inside and fixed his sitting position. "Do you really think of me that low?"

"Yes! I mean, no…" Shi Yan quickly changed his words when he saw Yang Xian's dark face. It seemed as if Yang Xian was ready to skin him alive if he truly said that.

Yang Xian scoffed. "If you're that worried, you can simply leave more money for us."

"WHAT? I already give you more than enough."

"Oh? Should I recite all the help that I have given you yet you never paid for my advice?" Yang Xian asked.

Shi Yan's words stuck in his throat. He couldn't refute that. Be it in the past or present, he often asked Yang Xian for help regarding some matters, especially when it came to deal with the nobles. After all, he was unfamiliar with their relationship with each other.

More importantly, he didn't want to befriend Prince Ji Sheng's enemies.

"Don't tell me that I have to pay for that…."

"You're the one who's slandering me. So if you ask me, I'll have to make sure you pay the price properly," Yang Xian said with a smile.

This time, Shi Yan could only stay silent and sighed. He had asked all of his servants to stay away from his carriage today because he wanted to stay alone. Besides, everyone had worked hard to help him sell everything, and they deserved to rest.

This was the reason they were not that polite in their words to each other.

Having to act for the entire day would be extremely tiring.

"I can protect myself, Yan. Besides, we're going for a short trip and will not stay in this village all the time," Wei Liuying added.

This time, Shi Yan frowned once more. He looked at Wei Liuying with disbelief. "If you roam around, wouldn't you attract attention?"

"Not if we're not that far from this village."

"What's your plan, Xian?"

Yang Xian smiled. "it's not something someone with low intelligence like you can possibly comprehend."

Shi Yan: "…" stop insulting my intelligence, ah!