Chapter 965

But Pan Yun had always been wary of Japan; the Embroidered Uniform Guard's reports repeatedly mentioned that the State Preceptor was deeply concerned about it…

They also suggested that, before Japan conquered Ezo, they send people over to spread teachings and expand the scope of the tributary prefectures.

Shi Heng had repeatedly sneered at this idea and discussed it privately with his officers, believing Pan Yun understood nothing of military affairs yet insisted on meddling.

Now, looking back, perhaps this was merely one of her border strategies—a minor side issue—but it revealed her stance.

Shi Heng thought to himself: She specifically reminded me—does she want me to submit to her?

If I don't submit, will she investigate to the very end?

As Shi Heng was lost in thought, Pan Yun had already spotted Pan Yue and the others in the crowd.

Among them was a young boy she didn't recognize, but whom she found oddly familiar.

Pan Xiaohei leapt down from nowhere and plopped onto her shoulder, glanced once, then said: "Aren't you the beggar boy you picked up in Kaifeng years ago?"

Pan Yun narrowed her eyes: "Zhu Tongqie?"

Zhu Tongqie spotted Pan Yun too, his eyes lighting up as he rushed over: "Pan Jie!"

Zhu Tongqie was ecstatic—he had long wanted to meet Pan Yun, but his father feared their closeness might mislead the Emperor, so he forbade him from visiting her at the Ministry of Works' experimental grounds outside the city.

He never expected to run into her today at the National Academy—he was overjoyed.

Pan Yun was also delighted; she hadn't imagined the child destined to die in infancy had grown so large.

Another's fate had changed.

Pan Yun smiled and ruffled his hair: "Where's your father?"

Zhu Tongqie immediately forgot his father's warning: "Father is at home dealing with Qin Wang and others. Does the State Preceptor wish to see him? I'll take you."

Pan Yun raised a hand and smiled: "No rush—we're both in Jingcheng. There'll be plenty of chances."

Zhu Tongqie: "Pan Jie, are you looking for Father because you need his help?"

Pan Yun raised an eyebrow: "You're sharp."

Zhu Tongqie chuckled: "Pan Jie, you could tell me too—I'm now the Wang Shizi. I can help."

Pan Yun said: "Go tell your father not to worry—we're mutually beneficial."

Zhu Tongqie nodded vigorously.

When Zhou Wang heard this, he grew even more anxious—he wasn't afraid of helping Pan Yun outright, but mutual benefit terrified him.

Of course, that was for later; right now, Zhou Wang didn't know his son had met Pan Yun.

Pan Yun turned and glanced at the viewing stands, tapping Pan Xiaohei's head.

Pan Xiaohei leapt down and vanished in a flash.

Many foreign envoys came to watch the Embroidered Uniform Guard's initial trials, mostly because the Honglu Temple organized it well—after all, the Emperor's birthday was still two days away, and they had nothing better to do.

They were brought here primarily to witness Great Ming's Wu Gong.

Pan Yun naturally wanted to hear their private comments.

Pan Xiaohei could eavesdrop on them without arousing suspicion—and understand any language they spoke.

Even Honglu Temple officials couldn't do that, given how many foreign envoys filled the viewing stands.

Pan Yun and the others found seats to watch the Embroidered Uniform Guard competition, but her attention remained fixed on Pan Xiaohei, using it to gather intelligence from all sides.

Pan Yue and Pan Yu didn't realize her mind had wandered outside; they flanked her on either side, talking. Pan Yun could multitask—answering them while listening elsewhere, without raising suspicion.

Though they hadn't spent much time together lately, they'd kept up constant letter exchanges, so when reunited, they had endless things to say.

The three siblings quickly fell back into their childhood rhythm—but it was different now.

Pan Yue looked at Pan Yun with a complex expression: "Yun'er, you've grown up."

Pan Yun: "Big brother, I've been grown up for a long time."

Pan Yue fell silent. Pan Yu glanced between her elder brother and her carefree little sister, then grumbled: "He means you're too independent, too capable—there's no room left for us anymore."

Pan Yun: "You should be happy for me. Nothing beats having strength of your own. I appreciate your support, but I still want to grow stronger myself."

Pan Yue sighed softly: "But we sometimes want you to lean on us—so you won't be so tired."

Pan Yun paused, then said: "Big brother, what I'm doing now—I don't even know what the future holds, or whether it will help or harm history. I'm acting only on instinct and my original intent. I don't want to drag you into it."

Pan Yu stared in shock: "What do you mean?"

Pan Yue, however, had already sensed the signs from the past half-year of court politics. He murmured: "I understand. Reformers never meet good ends. That's why you've kept your distance from us."

Pan Yu's eyes widened, mouth opening to speak—but Tao Yanbai snatched his hand over it with lightning speed.

Pan Yu glared at him.

Tao Yanbai said: "Brother Pan, your voice is too loud. This isn't something to shout about."

Pan Yu: "Mmmph…"

Tao Yanbai released his hand.

Pan Yu stayed silent, as expected.

Pan Yun and Pan Yue locked eyes for a long while—everything unsaid.

After the initial trials ended, the three siblings rose and left without waiting for the final results.

As soon as they stepped out of the National Academy's gate, Pan Yun led Seeing Miao Zhen and the others north. Pan Yue and Pan Yu stood where they were, watching until the figures vanished, then turned south.

Pan Yu had held his tongue all day—only when they returned to the Pan household did he finally burst out: "Big brother, what reform are you talking about?"

Pan Yue: "First, the Fengyang princely line is being tested for reform. Then, the Empress is taking charge of the Imperial Household Finance, opening workshops and women's academies. Meanwhile, the imperial court is establishing Ministry of Works branches nationwide, recruiting craftsmen from across the land. Now they're investigating corruption in the military…"

"It covers the princely clans, local governance, and military affairs. More policies targeting livelihood and regional reform will surely follow. Isn't that reform?" Pan Yue said. "But unlike past reforms—where officials submitted memorials to outline grand plans—this time, your sister influences only the Emperor and key cabinet ministers, slowly advancing reform in response to immediate issues."

Pan Yu sat stunned.

Pan Yue continued: "There's been no public announcement of reform, no sweeping new decrees—because the Emperor's authority isn't yet firm, his reputation still weak, and the court's factions are deeply entangled."

"Deep-rooted illness can't be cured by a single dose of medicine. Your sister chose the hardest path—but the one most beneficial to the realm." Pan Yue exhaled, his forehead throbbing.

Pan Yu fell silent for a long while, voice hoarse: "How long can this be hidden? Even you've seen through it."

Pan Yue shot him a sideways glare and said, "Indeed, it can't be hidden for long, but I'm not as useless as you think. The reason I can see through it is because I'm capable. There aren't many people in this world as capable as me, and even those who are as capable as I am can't get the answer straight from little sister the way I can. So before they confirm it, there should still be some time."

Pan Yun rubbed her nose, completely ignoring the second half of his words, and asked, "Big brother, then what should we do to help little sister?"

Pan Yue spread his hands: "I'm just a candidate scholar — I'll only sit for the metropolitan exam next spring to become a Metropolitan Graduate. Even if I were Top Graduate, I'd only be a sixth-rank Hanlin. And you, a fifth-rank Assistant Regional Commander. What we can do is not give her any trouble, and when she needs it, wave our arms and cheer her on."

Pan Yun muttered, "Are we really that useless?"