Wen Chenghuan's fondness for calligraphy was common knowledge, so to Xue Lingjun, Li Chenzhou's gift was clearly tailored to his tastes. Yet she knew nothing of the relationship between Wen Chenghuan and Li Chenzhou, much less that Li Xuangan, the Duke of Jing, was Wen Chenghuan's father. The meaning this piece of calligraphy held for Wen Chenghuan went far beyond the joy of finding a priceless treasure.
However deeply moved Wen Chenghuan was, he showed none of it before others. His expression remained calm and composed as he smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness. Please convey my thanks to Governor Li as well."
"Rest assured, Grand Tutor. I will certainly pass along your words." Xue Lingjun gently set down her teacup. "Grand Tutor, my delegation and I have been in the Kang Capital for several days now, yet we still have not had the opportunity to meet Princess Yongyang. What has Her Highness been so busy with lately? Can she not spare even a moment to see me?" Given her rank and standing, Xue Lingjun was fully entitled to say this. Great Kang's reception of her diplomatic mission had indeed fallen short of proper etiquette.
"Your Highness need not be anxious," Wen Chenghuan said. "Some matters have arisen in the palace recently, and Her Highness is occupied with handling them, leaving her unable to attend to anything else. However, she has given the Prince of Suppressing the Sea full responsibility for receiving you. Have you not met with him yet?"
Xue Lingjun let out a quiet sigh. "Once."
"Did you explain the purpose of your visit?"
"What good would that do? I came to foster friendship between our nations, but the Prince of Suppressing the Sea seems little interested. Besides, Great Yong is not the only nation here to discuss an