Since they had agreed to “study the matter back in the room,” the two of them immediately returned. As soon as the door closed behind them, they sat down facing each other.
“Which son does the Tayuan King favor more?” Feng Lezhen asked directly.
Feizhan glanced at her. “Feishi, the Second Consort’s son.”
Feng Lezhen recalled that man who sat like an unmoving bell and, after a pause, said, “He does seem more presentable than Feishai.”
“How does he compare to me?” Feizhan asked immediately.
Feng Lezhen replied, “Not even close.” Just his near-demonic intellect alone made him incomparable.
Feizhan hadn’t expected her to be so blunt. A laugh slipped from his throat. “Your Highness is far more candid than before.”
“I wasn’t candid before?” Feng Lezhen countered.
Feizhan raised his eyebrows. “Not even close.”
When she was younger, she had a wild streak, like an untamed colt. But as she grew, she became more composed—and increasingly boring. After Feng Ji ascended the throne, she became the model of propriety, even speaking with rigid formality. But now, upon reunion, she was freer and more unrestrained than before.
Feng Lezhen caught the implication and curved her lips faintly. “After all, times have changed.”
“Well said,” Feizhan agreed.
In the past, she might have appeared imposing, but in truth, she was like duckweed without roots—exhausting herself just to maintain the status quo. Now she had military command, a fiefdom, the people’s support—and even the wealthiest merchant in Great Qian, famously known for avoiding officials, had begun associating with her. With such backing, Feng Lezhen had every reason to be at ease.
“Weren’t we talking about your two brothers?” Feng Lezhen frowned. “Why are we talking about me now?”
Feizhan let out a quiet chuckle and slouched over the table. “What’s there to say? Father favors my second brother, but my eldest brother’s maternal family has more influence, so he can’t choose too easily. As for the brothers themselves—there’s not much worth mentioning.”
Then he suddenly leaned closer. “Your Highness, have you thought of a way to deal with them?”
“No,” Feng Lezhen answered slowly, “but I did bring some poison with me this time. Might as well invite them all to one place and poison them to death.”
Feizhan laughed so hard his eyes crinkled. “That’s a solid plan. Shall we do it tonight?”
Feng Lezhen shot him a sidelong glance.
Feizhan laughed even harder.
“Lunatic,” Feng Lezhen muttered, rising to head toward the bed. But as soon as she stood, a strong hand yanked her back, and the next moment she was sitting on his lap.
Their breath came close. Feizhan looked up at her, locking her in place with iron-like arms, and said innocently, “Didn’t Your Highness say you wanted to study my ru huan?”
Feng Lezhen stared at him for a moment—then suddenly slipped a hand into his collar.
A sharp pain shot through his chest. Feizhan’s breath caught, and his gray-blue eyes darkened instantly, like a brewing storm. His Adam’s apple bobbed—he was just about to act when the person in his arms got up. “Boring.”
With that, she went to wash up for bed.
Feizhan stared after her for a while, then looked down at the bulge under his robe.
After a long silence, he muttered helplessly, “Your Highness, I’m burning.”
“I could lend you one of my undergarments,” Feng Lezhen said slowly.
Feizhan: “…”
Great. Even more unbearable. He sat in silence for a while before sighing in resignation—and didn’t dare act up again for several days.
After the family banquet, the engagement was officially set. Now the Tayuan King was satisfied, the First and Second Consorts were satisfied, the two princes Feishai and Feishi were satisfied, their respective factions were satisfied—and most importantly, Luo Ying was satisfied. In just three days, she had visited the Rinuan Pavilion eight times, bringing jewelry, cooks, and servants each time.
“This cook is from Great Qian—makes southern cuisine. Keep him for now. If you don’t like the food, I’ll find another,” she said. Perhaps because her son behaved so poorly, Luo Ying couldn’t act like a traditional mother-in-law. She always seemed hesitant and ingratiating before Feng Lezhen, as though beneath her.
“From now on we’re one family,” she added. “If there’s anything you need, just tell me—I’ll make sure it’s taken care of.”
Feng Lezhen gave her a glance. “Really?”
“Really!” Luo Ying nodded quickly.
Feng Lezhen thought for a moment. “Then I want the wedding in three days.” Originally, it had been planned for four months later—but according to her schedule, she’d be busy usurping the throne by then. She didn’t have time to hang around here.
Luo Ying froze. “F-Four months is already pretty rushed. Three days… I’m afraid that might not be enough time.”
“If time’s short, then make it simple. No need for a big spectacle.” A hint of mockery flashed in Feng Lezhen’s eyes. “It’s not like this marriage is honorable to begin with.”
Luo Ying didn’t dare respond—she just shrank her neck quietly.
“Let’s do three days, then,” Feng Lezhen softened her tone. “After all… I already belong to Feizhan. If something happened and I ended up pregnant, I’d start to show in four months. Wouldn’t that be even more disgraceful?”
Luo Ying’s eyes flew wide. “You—you’re…”
“No,” Feng Lezhen interrupted. “I said if.”
“Oh, oh, right… Then we can’t delay. I’ll—I’ll go speak to the King right now. Don’t worry.” Luo Ying hurried off.
As soon as she left, Feizhan emerged from the shadows. Watching her disappear, he sighed, “In all my years, this is the first time I’ve seen my mother be so obedient to someone.”
“Really?” Feng Lezhen rubbed her earlobe. The Tayuan earrings were heavy, and she was uncomfortable. “I didn’t feel like she was obedient at all.”
Feizhan gave her a look. “That’s already very obedient.”
“Oh,” Feng Lezhen said, uninterested in the topic as she kept fussing with her ear. “Speaking of which, so many people want us to marry—why hasn’t even one suggested separating us for now? Aren’t they afraid you’ll kill me before the wedding to protect your claim to the throne?”
“If that really happens, they’ll be even happier. After all, wife-killing is a grave crime in Tayuan,” Feizhan said, suddenly leaning in and pinching her earlobe. “Even if I don’t kill you, the moment something happens to you, the blame will fall squarely on me.”
“So that’s how it is… If I stay alive, you lose your eligibility for succession. If I die, you still lose it… No wonder no one’s made a move.” His grip tightened slightly, making Feng Lezhen hiss softly, her brows beginning to furrow.
“Don’t move. It’s swollen.” Feizhan softened his touch as he spoke.
Feng Lezhen immediately stilled.
“Why advance the date?” he asked in a low voice. His breath was tangible against her pale pink ear, brushing it like a whisper.
Feng Lezhen answered calmly, “Only once you’re truly married will you go from being the chessmaster to becoming a chess piece.” And certain things could only be done after one became a piece on the board.
“That’s true… but three days is pushing it. Why not delay a little?” The Tayuan earrings had several curved loops at the back, and taking them off required unwinding them one by one. Feizhan had already been careful, but even so, her earlobe was reddening under his fingers.
“I’ll stay in Tayuan at most two months,” Feng Lezhen said flatly.
Feizhan paused, then let out a soft chuckle.
The earring finally came off, stained faintly with blood. He calmly held it in his hand, letting its sharp edge dig into his palm. “Don’t wear these again.”
“Mm.” Feng Lezhen replied lazily, then asked, “Will your mother be able to convince the Tayuan King?”
“She will,” Feizhan replied with confidence. “After all, right now, everyone’s hoping I marry a woman from Great Qian as soon as possible.”
Feng Lezhen paused and looked at him, deep in thought.
Sure enough, just an hour later, Luo Ying came back with the King’s approval. Her joy was written all over her face. Feizhan maintained a polite smile until she left—then his expression completely darkened.
That night, Feizhan was nowhere to be seen. Feng Lezhen dined alone and went to bed early.
It was her first night alone in Tayuan. Her ear still throbbed faintly, so she slept fitfully. In her half-conscious state, she kept feeling like someone was watching her. Near midnight, she suddenly woke and opened her eyes—to see a dark figure sitting at her bedside.
Feng Lezhen was silent for a long time, then asked, “…Feizhan?”
“Mm,” replied the person at her bedside, slowly.
After another pause, Feng Lezhen said, “Come here.”
“To where?”
“Closer,” she said.
In the dark, Feizhan quietly leaned over. Just as he got close—
Slap!
A sharp, unceremonious smack landed across his face.
“Where the h*ll did you go?” she asked coldly.
Feizhan rubbed his face, clicking his tongue. “Wasn’t in the mood. Took a walk.”
“Why didn’t you report to me?” Feng Lezhen’s tone was calm, but anyone familiar with her would know she was already furious. “I risked everything to come here. Was it just so you could treat me with such disregard?”
“I wasn’t disregarding you. Who would dare?” Feizhan said, slipping his hand behind her waist. With a tug, he pulled her onto his lap. “I forgot to inform Your Highness. My mistake. I apologize.”
As he spoke, his fingers gently pinched her earlobe.
Who knows what was on his hand—something cool touched the inflamed piercing, relieving the pain.
Maybe his mood really was low, or maybe the night softened his emotions. Though his movements were bold, his tone remained calm, even sincere—there was no teasing in his apology.
Feng Lezhen couldn’t see his face clearly, and she didn’t care to. She simply closed her eyes again. “Go sleep on the floor.”
Feizhan let out a quiet laugh and set her down.
As she lay back on the bed, she pulled the covers up herself.
Yingguan was already the northernmost part of Great Qian; Tayuan lay even farther north. Though it was summer, the nights were still chilly. A light quilt was just right.
As soon as she settled, she heard the rustling sound of bedding—Feizhan was making a pallet on the floor. Soon, even that sound faded, and the room went quiet again.
From afar came the chirping of insects, a faint wind—like the heavens and earth had fallen asleep. Only this not-so-small room remained awake, with just the two of them still conscious.
After a long while, Feizhan finally spoke. “I went for a walk today and saw the whole palace busy preparing for our wedding. Even the First and Second Consorts contributed from their own purses, saying that even if time was tight, I shouldn’t be slighted. Everyone’s so happy. Everyone’s looking forward to it. Mother is even happier. Everyone’s rejoicing. Mother…”
“Feizhan.” Feng Lezhen interrupted him.
“You’re not a three-year-old child. If you understand what’s going on, then don’t waste your energy brooding over it.” Her voice was calm, almost cruel. “You should be happy now. Once this wedding happens, the game board changes completely.”
Feizhan was silent for a long time, then slowly curved his lips in the darkness. “Your Highness teaches me well.”
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