Old Marquis Qi felt that Qi Yuan had become even sharper than before.
In the past, she would at least pretend, put on an act, at least act like she fit in.
But now, it was different.
She had completely stopped hiding her true nature.
I am who I am. I stand right here. If you dare lay a hand on me, I’ll chop your hand off. If you’re still looking to die, that’s your own problem. Think carefully.
This kind of temperament was not one to submit to anyone.
She wouldn’t even compromise for Xiao Yunting.
But thinking about those things now was still a bit far off. Old Marquis Qi took a deep breath and slapped the stone table: “Alright! Grandfather still says the same, whatever you want to do, do it with all your strength. Grandfather will support you fully!”
Qi Zhen had long wanted to speak, but hadn’t found the right chance. Now that he finally could, he immediately chimed in: “Your father too!”
For some reason, Qi Yuan suddenly thought of that famous Zhang Fei line from Romance of the Three Kingdoms: “I agree too!” and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Qi Zhen was confused by her laughter, thinking maybe he’d said something wrong. But seeing how happily Qi Yuan was laughing, she didn’t seem upset at all.
Scratching his head in confusion, he gave up on understanding.
From the beginning of their arrival on the mountain until now, not a single person had blamed her for Qi Changting’s broken leg. No one accused her of agreeing to the match with the Feng family.
In the past, Qi Yuan didn’t care much about the Qi family.
To her, they were more like convenient allies, bound together by shared interests.
But now, things were gradually changing.
She was starting to notice how differently she felt toward the Qi family members.
It was a bit like how she once felt toward the Xie family in her past life.
Old Madam Qi gently spoke: “Are you all done? Then let me say something.”
Everyone looked toward her.
She said softly: “This girl, Feng Caiyin, I think she’s very good.”
She spoke quietly of how Feng Caiyin had read aloud to Changting, and continued, “I’ve already had someone inquire, this girl is indeed quite outstanding.”
Old Marquis Qi stroked his beard: “But the Feng family…”
“After this incident, the Feng family won’t dare do such foolish things again,” Old Madam Qi said seriously. “Most importantly, our Changting likes her. Let’s fulfill the child’s wish.”
Qi Zhen had no objections.
It wasn’t his son anyway, he, as the elder uncle, had no place to comment.
Old Marquis Qi trusted his wife and Qi Yuan’s judgment. Even Second Madam Qi herself had said she liked Feng Caiyin, so he nodded: “In that case, let’s invite Duchess Cheng to visit and help arrange the marriage formally.”
So many troubles had happened recently, it was indeed time for some good news.
Old Madam Qi smiled and agreed.
On the way down the mountain, she spoke with Second Madam Qi. Second Madam Qi let out a soft Buddhist chant and leaned in to whisper: “Mother, truly, without that Miss Feng, Changting is listless all day long. It really hurts to see.”
Now things were good. With both Old Marquis and Old Madam Qi’s approval, the marriage was basically settled.
She let out a long sigh of relief.
Then added softly, “Yuanyuan said Changting’s leg shouldn’t be moved, so I’ll stay here and take care of him for a while longer.”
Old Madam Qi nodded: “I’ll have Liu Zhong select some reliable guards to accompany you. I’ll also come visit from time to time.”
Old Marquis Qi, on the other hand, went straight to visit Feng Yuzhang.
Seeing Old Marquis Qi, Feng Yuzhang looked even more worn and hollow.
He seemed barely able to stand. Old Marquis Qi couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
One wrong step, and every step after becomes wrong.
He raised his hand to stop him: “That’s enough. We’re not outsiders, no need to get up.”
Feng Yuzhang gave a bitter smile: “In the past six months, I’ve already held three funerals. I’m not even going to choose another place. I’ll just bury them all here at Feilai Peak.”
Old Marquis Qi was silent for a while, then nodded. “That’s a way. What’s done is done.”
Honestly, what was left to bury?
Feng Jun had been burned twice, nothing remained.
Feng Caiwei had been mauled by dogs, her face beyond recognition.
At this point, the only one who really needed a burial was Madam Feng.
Old Marquis Qi didn’t want to argue over trifles.
So he cut to the chase: “As for the marriage, we of the Qi family still keep our word.”
Feng Yuzhang, who had been ready for Old Marquis Qi to break off the engagement, dropped his teacup with a clatter, eyes wide: “What did you say?!”
He hadn’t misheard, right?
They’d clearly rejected it just a few days ago!
How could it suddenly be agreed again?
But, this was great news. There was no point in asking more. As long as they agreed, that was enough.
He was overjoyed: “Truly?!”
The two men then began discussing the engagement.
Feng Yuzhang finally felt a weight lifted from his heart.
He had been terrified he would die soon.
But now, it seemed that, at least for the time being, both his and his family’s heads were still intact.
He almost wanted to erect a longevity tablet for Qi Yuan at Feilai Temple.
But Qi Yuan herself had no interest in such matters right now.
She was speaking with Lai Chenglong.
When he heard that she planned to go to Jiangxi, Lai Chenglong was shocked and immediately shook his head: “Too dangerous! You don’t know what the situation there is now. The people we sent back reported that His Highness encountered danger multiple times on the road…”
And that wasn’t even in Jiangxi yet.
If she actually entered Qi Wang’s territory, wouldn’t her life be at risk?
He strongly opposed the idea.
But Qi Yuan was firm: “If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how can you capture the cub? I must go. As long as he lives, I can’t rest. I must see him dead!”
Lai Chenglong was just about to respond when Shunzi knocked on the door, face beaming: “Miss, someone called Beize from the Imperial Grandson’s side is here! He said he’s brought something for you!”
Qi Yuan stood up.
She rarely showed her emotions, but now there was an unusual smile on her face.
Lai Chenglong, who had been about to ask to accompany her, fell silent.
So this is what it feels like, to love someone.
He stood up and watched her leave the courtyard at a run, eyes falling shut.
Beize was currently being cornered by Liujin, who was enthusiastically recounting recent events.
He even made a gesture: “Seen it?! That big! A pink night pearl! Put it in your room and it lights up everything! Our Highness really got my letter, right?!”
Old Zhao gave Beize a sympathetic look.
Beize was usually the quietest one of them all.
Yet somehow he’d ended up facing Liujin and Babao, the most talkative pair.
When Babao was around, at least Liujin was more restrained. Now? He was non-stop chatter.
Old Zhao coughed.
Liujin finally noticed Qi Yuan approaching.
He jumped back in fright and gave her a sheepish smile: “Miss Qi.”
Beize stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Qi Yuan, then offered her a pouch, saying softly: “Miss, His Highness asked me to bring this to you.”
Traveling all this way… just to deliver a gift?
Qi Yuan reached out and opened the pouch, inside was an enormous animal tooth.
This was…
A tiger fang?
Both Liujin and Old Zhao’s faces instantly changed.
“That’s… His Highness’s life jade!”
Oh no oh no oh no!!
Liujin’s face turned ghost-white.
He only meant for His Highness to send a gift, not his life!
Dear heavens, if the Celestial Master found out, he’d kill him!
But before either of them could explain the significance of the tiger fang, Qi Yuan suddenly collapsed backward the moment her fingers closed around it, she’d fainted.
