But Pan Yun had always been wary of Japan. The intelligence from the Imperial Guards had mentioned time and again that the National Preceptor was deeply concerned about it...
It had even suggested that, before Japan conquered Ezo, they should first send people there to spread teachings and impart knowledge, expanding the territory of the loosely governed prefectures.
Shi Heng had repeatedly scoffed at this and privately discussed it with his generals, believing that Pan Yun understood nothing of military affairs yet insisted on meddling.
Looking back now, perhaps this had merely been one part of her strategy—an insignificant branch and twig, yet enough to reveal her stance.
Shi Heng thought to himself, She specifically reminded me of this. Does she want me to submit to her?
And if I do not, will she investigate this to the bitter end?
While Shi Heng was deep in thought, Pan Yun had already spotted Pan Yue and the others amid the crowd.
There was an extra young boy among them, and Pan Yun found him strangely familiar.
Pan Little Black leaped down from somewhere, landed directly on her shoulder, took one look, and said, "Isn't that the little beggar you picked up in Kaifeng years ago?"
Pan Yun narrowed her eyes. "Zhu Tongqie?"
Zhu Tongqie saw Pan Yun as well, and his eyes immediately lit up. He rushed over. "Sister Pan!"
Zhu Tongqie was beside himself with excitement. He had always wanted to see Pan Yun, but his father worried that getting too close to her would make the Emperor suspicious, so he had forbidden him from going to the Ministry of Works' testing grounds outside the city to find her.
He had never expected to run into her at the Imperial Academy today. Zhu Tongqie was overjoyed.
Pan Yun was delighted