I went to see An Ran after several days of running around. Her fair skin remained unchanged, even more tender than before.

It seems that this spiritual spring water is truly a miraculous thing.

When I asked her what reward she wanted this time, she pondered for a long time before blurting out, "Freedom."

"I have seen mountains and rivers, traveled far and wide, and I no longer want to be confined to this place."

In her eyes was a boldness I had never seen on a woman in the palace, of course... excluding those demons in the harem.

Out of selfishness, I did not want to let her go.

After all, in such a vast country, it would be truly difficult to find her when needed.

She seemed to see through my hesitation and smiled, saying, "I return to the palace every year-end for the New Year celebration, after all, this place has long been my home."

I paused, then smiled and reached out my hand, "Well, you are welcome to come back home anytime."

She chuckled and took my hand, "It seems that Qi Qing is really quite infectious."

Isn't she?

"..."

As the day of the visit from the foreign country drew nearer, the Empress and the four concubines gathered together to discuss the details of the banquet.

Mainly led by the Empress, she allocated various tasks accordingly.

I watched the various documents coming in at the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The Prime Minister had taken thorough precautions, and to avoid alerting the enemy, Hei Feng had not been able to enter his study to investigate.

This state banquet should be an opportunity.

"Your Majesty, Concubine Ning requests an audience."

I set down the memorial in my hand, "Let her in."

She entered without ceremony, sat down, and handed me a box.

I took it with confusion, opened it, and saw several documents inside.

Written on them was a peace treaty, which was the main purpose of the visit from the foreign country, for the sake of peace.

However, these papers were particularly strange, I was certain they were not made of ordinary materials, and they were imprinted with strange symbols.

I knew she had a lot of peculiar things, now everyone had a jade pendant, my mind-reading ability was of no use, but it brought some peace.

As I examined them repeatedly, she explained, "Once this document is signed, if anyone goes back on it, the system will punish them with lightning, truly safeguarding the country's peace for a hundred years."

"!!"

If that's the case, it's beneficial to the people and the country without any harm.

"Very good, very good!"

I excitedly carefully placed these documents back into the box, treasuring them as if they were precious.