Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

How could Shang Qingdai's gaze be unfamiliar? You've seen it countless times over the past few nights.

[There are even more enigmatic and passionate ones.]

[But in this simulation, you didn't go to Yangzhou and had no interaction with her. So why did you stare at her so intently, as if you wanted to devour her, at first sight?]

Of course you wouldn't doubt the system's authority.

Wen Ya chuckled softly: "The way Manager Shang looked at me, it was like he knew someone from the past?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall turned their gazes to the two of you, with Pang Hai wearing an expression of pure gossip.

Shang Qingdai shook her head.

"I have never met Marquis Wen before, how do we know each other?"

You think to yourself: Isn't that look in your eyes just asking for trouble?

"Although I have never seen him, since Lord Wen took charge of the Censorate, his intelligence-gathering methods have been nothing short of divine, and his plans are flawless."

"I am utterly awestruck and deeply impressed; thus, we have long admired each other."

Oh, so it was a spiritual connection.

As you suddenly realize the truth, you can't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing

[This ex-wife is hopelessly obsessed with AI.]

[There are many wise and capable strategists in the world, some even bordering on the supernatural. Among those present in this hall are Wei Yuan, Cao Jin, Fan Li, Xu Hui, and even Pang Hai, who appears unrestrained but is actually a brilliant strategist.]

Which of these cannot be considered a talent for governing the world?

She, however, is solely devoted to you; though you've never met, she is already captivated and yearns for you.

It seems that no matter how many times I've been moved, my heart still flutters for you.

Your heart is filled with tender emotions, yet your face remains serene, like that of a wise man.

[Because Pang Hai's smile is practically bursting out; if you show even the slightest change in expression, he'll probably burst out laughing.]

"Manager Shang is too kind."

Shang Qingdai was not disappointed by your unmoved demeanor; her gaze remained unchanged.

She loves what she wants, regardless of what you do.

That's just how straightforward the Demonic Sect's enchantress is.

The unexpected revelation enlivened the atmosphere in the main hall, allowing everyone to temporarily set aside their calculations and defenses and enjoy the banquet.

You sit next to Xu Hui, quietly drinking.

The scene mainly consisted of Wei Yuan, Cao Jin, and Fan Li exchanging polite, literary pleasantries, while Pang Hai focused on raising his glass, occasionally saying, "Cheers!"

You occasionally look up and meet her hazy gaze, then look away, only to look up again occasionally...

Xu Hui noticed your mischievous, cat-teasing humor, and a slight smile played on her lips. She wondered whether she should complain to Sister Zuo.

You also observed the rest of the delegation.

Cao Jin was an acquaintance; now serving as the Chancellor of Wu, he still retained the refined and elegant spirit of a scholar.

As for Fan Li, the Grand Commandant of Qi, his face was weathered and stern, his demeanor dignified, and his glances gave off a sinister feeling; he was clearly a scheming old man.

There was also a woman present whose beauty rivaled that of Shang Qingdai.

[Pei Qingyu, the Grand Preceptor of the State of Qi.]

[Reviewing this person's information in my mind: The current face of the Jingxin Sword Pavilion, a fairy-like figure admired and longed for by countless martial arts heroes, wielding a sword of power as she roams the martial world, and choosing Xiang Che as her chosen one.]

[Her appearance, figure, temperament, and demeanor are all top-notch.]

[But with your extensive film viewing experience and practical skills, you can smell the rich aroma of tea.]

I'm not sure if it's green tea or oolong tea.

Seemingly sensing your attention, Pei Qingyu glanced sideways, smiled, and nodded, her demeanor perfectly poised and graceful.

[Maintaining a distance while leaving room for maneuver, without alienating people.]

You raise your glass in return.

As for Gong Si, the current face of the Demonic Sect, who was on the Wu Kingdom's team roster, she was not present.

[The conversations of Wei Yuan, Cao Jin, and Fan Li, those old fellows, were so soporific all night long; every sentence was deliberately cryptic, and every word was obscure and difficult to understand.]

[One of them finished speaking with a profound expression, while the other two listened with knowing looks.]

They then looked at each other and exchanged enigmatic smiles.

You really don't understand what these three are pretending to be, so you'll have to focus your attention on gathering information about the rest of the people.

[Shang Qingdai, you're very familiar with me, far more familiar than she imagined.]

Therefore, he observed Pei Qingyu a few more times.

Then, unexpectedly, they encountered the same observant gaze.

[Huizi, so you enjoy tea.]

You exchange a slightly surprised glance with Xu Hui, who coldly looked away, seemingly unfazed.

The polite and perfunctory dinner finally came to an end. You waved goodbye and left, telling Pang Hai not to invite you to these non-business-related business meetings anymore.

Representatives from the states of Chu, Wu, and Qi, with Wei Yuan, Cao Jin, and Fan Li at the core, began discussions on an alliance treaty.

[It mainly concerns the actual distribution of benefits, cooperation models, strategic policies, and so on.]

[While you were paying attention, I began to oversee the Censorate, directing the intelligence agencies' resources towards the states of Qi and Wu, as well as the states of Da Cang, Suzhou, and Huai.]

[Prepare for a rainy day.]

The three-month conference started off with everyone maintaining a scholarly demeanor, but gradually became heated and eventually rolled up their sleeves.

[He roared: "You stubborn and inflexible brat! If you can't understand human language, then I, an old man, am not entirely ignorant of martial arts!"]

The final agreement, however, greatly displeased the Chu generals, who cursed Wei Yuan's ancestors.

[An alliance was formed, with Qi launching a northern expedition against Suzhou, Wu capturing Huaizhou, and Chu providing assistance in exchange for substantial resources.]

[The generals, having lost the opportunity to expand territory and establish merit, naturally vehemently criticized Wei Yuan.]

The night was dark, the moon hidden behind dark clouds, atop the city walls of Xiangyang.

"I feel bad that the teacher is taking the blame for me."

Pang Hai, carrying a wine jug, laughed heartily, without a care in the world.

You lean against the city wall railing, watching the surging Han River: "They only dare not curse you, so they vent their anger on Wei Yuan. Who knows what they're really thinking about you deep down."

[This is a matter of great national importance; how could it be decided solely by Wei Yuan? King Pang Hai of Chu is the one who truly makes the decision.]

"Alas, war is about to break out again."

Pang Hai sighed.

You took a sip of your drink: "How do you plan to deploy the troops?"

"I led three thousand iron cavalry with Xiang Che to attack Suzhou, while Huizi led three hundred swordsmen to assist Chen Chao in attacking Huaizhou."

You understand his thinking; unwilling to involve ordinary soldiers in the war, you've decided to deploy your elite forces.

Moreover, if it were merely a military expedition, Pang Hai and Xu Hui would still remain in the state of Chu.

Xiang Che and Chen Chao dared not rest easy.

An alliance is an alliance, but it's not like it can't be broken.

"Why haven't I seen Huizi lately?"

You suddenly remembered Xu Hui, whom you hadn't seen in a long time.

Pang Hai scoffed, "Hui Zi is hopeless. He's completely bewitched by that vixen, spending all his time discussing Daoist principles."

"A vixen? Gong Si?"

"No, Pei Qingyu of the Tranquil Sword Pavilion."

"You called her a demoness? I thought you meant Gong Si from the Demonic Sect."

"Her..."

Pang Hai sighed, "Don't let her background in the demonic sect fool you; she's unpredictable and cunning. Back then, she even hunted down me and Hui Zi across six prefectures."

"But I can tell she's not a bad person at heart; she's mostly driven by necessity. That's just how the world is; otherwise, how could she survive?"

【…】

You gave your younger brother a complicated look.

Okay, she smokes, drinks, has tattoos, goes to bars, stays out all night, and acts provocatively, but she's a simple, good girl.

What comes to mind: "Discussions...are they serious?"

Pang Hai met your gaze, and you chuckled knowingly.