Chapter 15: Silver but No Life to Spend It

After bringing Sister Xiaoyu into the private room, the two brothers arrived late. It turned out they had exchanged pleasantries with a handsome man outside. What a hassle! She had run off ahead, but that man had simply opened the door without even checking before leaving.

“Sister, that man just now looked truly fierce, exuding a murderous aura. His presence felt like the glint of blades flashing in the air.”

Smack! The elder brother smacked the second brother. “Can you not exaggerate? If you can’t describe things properly, just don’t speak.”

“Little sister, and Sister Xueyu, what would you like to eat? You can order first, no need to wait until the storytelling begins.”

After Su Nuoyan finished speaking, he shook the small bell beside him. Soon, the waiter entered.

“Honored guests, what would you like to eat?”

“One pot of floral tea and one pot of Longjing tea. For snacks, bring one of each of your best ones. Do you have a fruit platter? I mean, various fruits cut and arranged on a plate.”

Su Nuoli worried that they might not understand her order, so she even explained it.

“Miss, we do have those, but the variety of fruits is limited this season.”

“No problem, no problem, just bring them quickly! Brother, Sister Xiaoyu, do you want anything else?”

Sister Xiaoyu’s face flushed slightly as she said, “No, nothing else… But isn’t this too much?”

“Xueyu, don’t worry. If we can’t finish, we can just pack it up and take it with us. It won’t go to waste.”

Just as she finished speaking, the storytelling outside began.

“They say in the affairs of the world, long division must lead to unity, and long unity must lead to division. Everyone knows that Jiuli Nation had the most extensive territory and the strongest national power, while Zhongyuan Nation was the weakest.

But what of it? Ten days ago, the sky thundered and rolled, dark clouds covered the heavens, and heavenly punishment descended…

Both nations lost their ability to resist and were ultimately carved up by Beihai Nation and Nanxiao Nation. How tragic it is that the greatest nation perished!

When it comes to the most powerful nations, our Xiqi Nation ranks second. Now that Jiuli Nation is gone, we should rise to the top. But unexpectedly, those two other nations seized the opportunity.

Aside from the two fallen nations and ours, the remaining nations have similar overall strength but are still no match for us. Ten years ago, the Emperor of Nanxiao Nation sought to marry the Princess of Beihai Nation, forming an alliance that kept them from engaging in war, thereby ensuring their stable positions.

As for Dongli Nation, it was once a mere speck on the map, the weakest in national power. However, due to its strategic location, it has now developed…”

Su Nuoli listened to the storytelling to catch up on national affairs while also enjoying some gossip.

“Nuoli, I have something to do and need to step out for a bit. I’ll be back soon. Chunli, come with me.”

After speaking, Sister Xiaoyu left. As soon as she stepped out, the second brother said, “Hey, what do you think happened to those two nations that suddenly fell? Zhongyuan Nation wasn’t much, but Jiuli Nation had abundant grain and endless treasures of gold and silver. How could it just collapse? Don’t tell me it was really because of…”

“Su Nuo’an! I told you to study properly, but you never listen! Confucius said: ‘Do not speak of ghosts and spirits to cause chaos!’ How could such things happen? Even if there were divine beings above, it wouldn’t be this bizarre!”

“Hahaha, big brother, you’re calling out second brother, but you just contradicted yourself right after quoting Confucius.”

“Little sister! Are you laughing at your big brother now?”

“Sister, ignore him. Second brother, let me ask you—do you think our Xiqi Nation has problems? I heard that the national treasury—”

“Cough, cough, cough! Second brother, I don’t want to hear this anymore. Let’s go shopping instead! I want to pick out some jewelry and a cloak for Mother so she can wear them at the Lantern Festival in two days.”

As they stepped out, Su Nuoli discreetly had Fugui investigate, and sure enough, the two people next door had been eavesdropping.

Su Nuoli knew that those two were no ordinary individuals and didn’t want to invite trouble. Trying to trade secrets about the national treasury being looted for money? That would be like having silver but no life to spend it.

Once outside, Su Nuoyan turned to Su Nuo’an and said, “You need to be more careful. Is that the kind of thing you should say in a public place? Walls have ears!”

After regrouping with Sister Xiaoyu, the four of them headed to Yixiu Pavilion, the most renowned jewelry store in the capital.