An hour after the meeting, Princess Huangshu and Junior Edina were relaxing in the guest room, each engrossed in a novel. The gentle rustling of pages was the only sound, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Suddenly, Princess Huangshu broke the silence. “You really want to get back at your aunt, huh? You could have waited and just given orders after acquiring the sect.”

Junior Edina nodded, her eyes still on her book. “I just wanted to make sure they knew,” she said quietly, a hint of determination in her voice.

Princess Huangshu smiled, still processing the revelations from their earlier conversation before the negotiation with Blazing Days Sect. She never would have believed that the well-known relationship between Edina and her Aunt Li Mei was not as it seemed. Li Mei was reputed to be a kind and gentle person who took in her niece and pampered her, but the truth was far darker. Li Mei had tormented Edina, keeping her only to gain political favor and siphon her funds.

“I understand,” Princess Huangshu said, her smile warm and reassuring. “Don’t worry, I’m on your side now. We’ll make sure she never gets her way anymore!”

Junior Edina felt a wave of gratitude but kept her focus on the book to hide her emotions. The solidarity from Princess Huangshu meant more to her than she could express.

Princess Huangshu's curiosity got the better of her. “But is it really true? That there is a Black Red Steel Ore Mine under Hin Lake? And the Tianlong Family is trying to mine it and build a forgery with the help of your Aunt Li Mei?”

Junior Edina nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. “Yes, I saw it in her accounts one time,” she lied smoothly. Of course, she couldn't tell Princess Huangshu that her knowledge came from her future self. “That’s why I was trying to buy this region around the village. There’s a small part of the ore mine in this part of the lake, and it’s a very important area for their trading transport since all their cargo goes through here.”

Princess Huangshu looked impressed and thoughtful. “You’re really something, Edina. That’s a brilliant strategy.”

The sun was setting outside, casting a golden hue over the lake, making the water shimmer as if it were made of precious metals. The serene beauty of the scene contrasted sharply with the intricate and often dark machinations of the world they inhabited.

Junior Edina put her book down and looked out the window, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with a touch of anxiety about the future. She knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with Princess Huangshu by her side, she felt a renewed sense of hope and determination.

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Princess Huangshu broke the silence, her brow furrowed in confusion. “I still don’t understand. If the Tianlong Family already bought all the regions around Hin Lake to use for mining, why didn’t they buy the Dongu region? They should have had enough money for it.”

Junior Edina nodded and recounted what Senior Edina had written in the letter. “The mine here is much deeper than in other parts. It's nearly impossible to mine efficiently, so they decided to save money by not purchasing this region.”

Princess Huangshu nodded in understanding but then suddenly shook her head, her eyes wide with realization. “Wait, wait. So we have a mine, but we can’t mine it? We won’t be mining Black Red Steel? I thought we’d be mining it and earning enough influence to stand toe-to-toe with my brothers. What? Edina, am I wasting my money?” She shook Edina slightly in her agitation.

Junior Edina, a bit overwhelmed, managed to respond. “It’s true that the mine is deeper and harder to access, but I know a way…”

Princess Huangshu’s curiosity was piqued. “A way? What do you mean?”

Jinhai, who had been quietly observing the conversation, felt a twitching smile form on his face. As a spy for Mount Hua, this revelation was quite shocking. Mount Hua and the First Prince's faction had maintained their position against the Emperor largely due to their monopoly on iron craftsmanship in the central plains. They had even been planning a rebellion based on this advantage. Now, he was learning that Li Mei Cha Mu of the Mu Family, of the Blazing Dawn Sect with the Tianlong Merchant Family was secretly creating a Black Red Steel forgery in this remote region to break that monopoly.

This was a major threat to their faction. As a member of the Second Prince's faction, Li Mei should have been coordinating this with him. The implications were significant and could disrupt their carefully laid plans. He needed to relay this information to Mount Hua as soon as possible.

However, Jinhai found himself conflicted. Over time, he had come to care deeply for Princess Huangshu. The thought of betraying her dream of building her own faction weighed heavily on him. Yet, this critical information couldn't simply be hidden.

He pondered the situation, his mind racing. Revealing the information as it stood would likely bring an abrupt end to the princess’s ambitions. But keeping it a secret could have dire consequences for the faction he served. He needed to find a way to navigate this dilemma, balancing his loyalty to Mount Hua with his newfound allegiance to Princess Huangshu.

Lian Hua, Edina’s maid, noticed his strained expression and the unusual smile playing on his lips. Concerned, she stepped forward and softly spoke, “Mister Jinhai, I think you are very much exhausted from keeping your guard up for the past two days. Please, rest. I will watch over the young mistress and her highness.”

Jinhai looked at her, surprised by her perceptiveness. He had indeed been on high alert since they had entered Zunzon Road, and the constant vigilance was taking its toll. He smiled gratefully and accepted her offer, realizing he needed some time alone to think.

“Thank you, Lian Hua. I appreciate your concern,” he said, bowing slightly. “I will take your advice and rest for a while.”

As he walked away, Jinhai felt the weight of his conflicting loyalties pressing down on him. He found a quiet corner of the guest house and sat down, closing his eyes and letting his thoughts swirl.

The tranquility of the night offered a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind. He thought of the countless lives that could be affected by his decision, the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that defined the world of martial politics. Princess Huangshu’s dream of building her own faction was noble, but it clashed with the broader schemes of the power players in the central plains.

Jinhai’s heart ached with the realization that his actions could either help or hinder those he had grown to care for. He had to find a way to protect Princess Huangshu without betraying Mount Hua. Perhaps there was a middle ground, a path that could satisfy both sides