"I'm afraid I have some bad news, Lady Xiao Yan. The Xitu Federation recently published an obituary.
"Empress Dowager Xiao, an outstanding member of the Xitu Federation's royal family, sadly passed away a few days ago.
"The foreign affairs departments of several nations in the central disc region of the Changpan River System have already sent their condolences.
"Under these circumstances, escorting you to another nation—no matter what happens afterward—would be tantamount to opposing the newly ascendant Lord Tuoba Kuohai, and even the entire Xitu Federation.
"As someone who makes his living in the Changpan River System,
"I don't think any reward could make up for that kind of loss."
He had no intention of exposing Empress Dowager Xiao's instinctive maneuver.
Everyone understood the importance of saving face.
That didn't mean, however, that he wouldn't respond in another way.
The obituary was real, and the news had just come from Mada.
As for the rest, people could see what they wanted to see.
Empress Dowager Xiao showed no sign of panic at Wang Dong's doubts.
She smiled faintly and met Wang Dong's gaze. "I understand your concerns about getting involved in the Xitu Federation's political struggle.
"But please believe me when I say the situation isn't that serious.
"Although Tuoba Kuohai was fortunate enough to seize power, he still has a long way to go before he can fully control the Xitu Federation.
"They succeeded in overthrowing the previous regime by forming a broad coalition.
"Now that the spoils of victory are being divided, however, that coalition—formed through the pursuit of each faction's interests—will naturally fall apart as those same interests pull its members in different directions.
"On the contrary, if you want to seize a greater share of the spoils, this is the perfect time to step in!
"Facts