Night Raid

Tong Mo gestured for her to sit, then sat off to one side across the tea table. With a sigh, he said, "It was only because the situation had truly left us with no other way that I disturbed Madam Yan and asked you to lend this old man a hand. This old man..."

Yan Baoru raised a hand with a sweep of her sleeve, cutting him off. Her voice was pleasant as she said, "Prime Minister Tong, your steward has already explained what you mean. It is not that I, Yan Baoru, refuse to give you face. It is simply that with these two kingdoms at war, my little bit of ability cannot change much."

Tong Mo hurriedly said, "Madam Yan is too modest. Madam Yan's magic power is boundless..."

Yan Baoru waved her hand again, interrupting him. "Prime Minister Tong, do not make things difficult for me either. The three great sects of the Song Kingdom are brimming with masters. I cannot afford to provoke them. If I become involved in this matter, the three great sects of the Song Kingdom will certainly not let me go. From then on, they will pursue me to the death and never rest. Among the kingdoms, they fight one day and make peace the next. Today's enemies can become tomorrow's allies and partners—their reversals are quicker than turning the pages of a book." Her slender finger tapped the scrolls on the table. "Prime Minister Tong, I truly cannot play your kind of game, and I really do not dare provoke the three great sects of the Song Kingdom. But since Prime Minister Tong has spoken, I cannot guarantee anything else. Once the city falls, however, I will do my utmost to ensure Prime Minister Tong's safety."

Tong Mo hesitated, wanting to