The crowd below the altar gradually quieted down, as if waiting to see when their Third Prince would throw the Great Qian woman off the edge—
At such a height, a fall would be deadly.
“Go call Father. There’s a good show to watch here.” Feishai narrowed his eyes and gave the order to the servant beside him.
The servant had just responded and was about to leave when Feizhan, who stood on the altar, suddenly moved—not to commit violence, but to pick up a dagger from the table and slash a cut across his hand.
“Wait.” Feishai frowned and called the servant back.
A small gasp rose from below the altar. Feizhan let out a low laugh, casually let some of his blood drip into the bowl, then looked at Feng Lezhen with a wicked glint in his eyes. “Your Highness, your turn.”
Feng Lezhen’s gaze fell on the wound in his palm. His hand was turned upward, and already a small pool of blood had gathered there. A blood pact usually only required a small cut and a few drops of blood for formality, but he had gone all in, slicing open such a large gash.
“Madman,” Feng Lezhen said, lips parting slightly.
Feizhan’s smile deepened. He flipped the dagger in his hand and held out the hilt to her. Feng Lezhen lowered her eyes and accepted it. Just as she was about to cut her finger, Feizhan suddenly grabbed her arm, stepping forward to block everyone else’s view.
“Your Highness is too precious—no need to cut yourself,” he said, reaching with his other hand to take the dagger from her.
Feng Lezhen easily dodged, glancing at the sleeve he had gripped and now stained with blood. A trace of displeasure flickered across her expression. “Couldn’t you have grabbed me with the other hand?”
Why did he have to use the injured one? Now her sleeve was soaked in blood—disgusting.
Feizhan chuckled. “It was the heat of the moment.”
Feng Lezhen let out a light scoff and held out the dagger. Feizhan immediately reached for it, but before he could touch the hilt, her palm flipped with a swift motion. He just barely dodged, and in the next instant, she had already slashed her own finger.
“To deceive others, you must first deceive yourself.” Feng Lezhen looked up. Her red lips were even more vivid than the blood. “The rite is complete.”
A drop of her blood fell into the bowl, already tinted red, and vanished instantly.
Feizhan’s eyes darkened.
“The rite is complete!”
A loud cry rang out. The servants below the altar broke into cheers on cue. Feishai dug a finger into his ear and walked off in boredom.
With the heavens and earth bowed to, the marriage was considered done. As for the bonfire feast that night, it was merely a celebratory affair afterward. Feng Lezhen and Feizhan, unwilling participants in this union, were naturally excused from attending.
As night fell, the grandest plaza of the palace was packed with people. Every face glowed with joy—even the usually stern Tayuan King was wearing a rare smile.
After several rounds of drinks, the crowd grew increasingly unrestrained. Luo Ying looked around at the lavish celebration, wiped away a tear, and in the next moment was pulled into the arms of the Tayuan King.
“What are you crying for on such a joyous day?” The king was reeking of alcohol, his breath thick with the scent as he spoke.
Luo Ying didn’t seem to mind. With teary eyes, she began gently pounding on his legs. “I’m just feeling emotional. In the blink of an eye, even Feizhan has married and settled down.”
The Tayuan King let out a small laugh and looked over at Feishai, who was overly cheerful tonight. The smile on his lips faded a little. “Ah Ying, do you blame me?”
“Hmm?” Luo Ying looked up with glistening eyes.
The king continued, “Now that Feizhan has married a woman from the Great Qian, he’s completely severed from any claim to the throne. Do you blame me for that?”
Luo Ying stared at him blankly. It took a long moment before she murmured, “This concubine doesn’t understand such matters. The throne… isn’t such a great thing anyway. I’ve seen with my own eyes how hard it is for Your Majesty to bear it. I wouldn’t want Feizhan to go through the same. In the future… as long as he can live safely and peacefully, I’ll want nothing more.”
“I knew you were thoughtful.” The king’s gaze swept past the smiling faces of the First and Second Consorts, which caused them both to sober up a little. “Not like some people—once they’ve had a child, they no longer share their husband’s heart… Don’t worry, I won’t mistreat you or Feizhan. The reason I had him marry a woman from the Great Qian is because Tayuan values bloodlines. He was never going to ascend the throne anyway. Better to put that thought to rest early and stop others from using him as a pawn. That way, even after I’m gone, no one will dare harm him.”
The Tayuan struggle for the throne had always been ruthless. For generations, each new king had wiped out any brothers who posed a threat. The current king was no different. Hearing this, Luo Ying immediately understood his intentions. She choked up and leaned into his arms. “This concubine knows… Your Majesty has always held us mother and son in your heart.”
Bonfires blazed one after another, like stars falling upon the palace. Accompanied by the cool summer night breeze, it was hard to tell what night it truly was.
Feizhan sat on the rooftop, staring across several courtyards at the plaza. After a long while, he lifted a wine jug and took a swig.
Feng Lezhen walked into the courtyard and looked up to find him sitting above.
“…What are you watching?” she asked.
“Our wedding feast,” Feizhan replied. “They roasted dozens of sheep. Seems like quite the banquet.”
Feng Lezhen curled her lip and turned to head back indoors, but paused when she heard Feizhan say, “The ladder’s by the right wall.”
She stopped and looked up thoughtfully.
Feizhan smirked. “Everyone’s at the feast. It’s just the two of us here.”
Feng Lezhen understood. She stared at him for a while before finally climbing up the ladder. Feizhan was already waiting at the top. The moment she reached him, he stretched out a hand. Feng Lezhen took it, and with a light push, landed easily on the rooftop.
“Your Highness, want some wine?” Feizhan lifted the jug. His hand was crudely wrapped in gauze, still faintly seeping with blood.
Feng Lezhen gave him a glance and walked straight over to where he’d been sitting earlier. Feizhan didn’t mind. He rubbed his nose and sat down beside her.
“Have you ever seen such a grand bonfire celebration, Your Highness?” Feizhan took a swig and asked.
Feng Lezhen raised her eyes to the distant flickering lights. Something stirred in her memory, and her gaze softened. “I did have the fortune of seeing one… once.”
Feizhan paused. “You’ve seen one before?”
“Mm.”
He stared at her for a long time before suddenly smiling and asking, “Who did you watch it with? Lord Fu?”
“An old acquaintance,” Feng Lezhen replied curtly, clearly unwilling to elaborate.
Feizhan looked enlightened. “So not Lord Fu. That’s strange. He always kept a close eye on you. How did he let you have a chance to watch the bonfire with someone else? Could it have been after the engagement was broken?”
Feng Lezhen shot him a glance. “When did he ever watch me closely?”
For the second time, she brushed it off. Feizhan’s gaze darkened slightly, though his face still wore a smile. “Naturally, every moment of every day.”
“Nonsense,” Feng Lezhen retorted.
Feizhan let out a light scoff and followed her gaze into the distance. “That Lord Fu… is not a generous man. On the surface, he acts like he doesn’t care what you do, but the moment you so much as glance at someone else, he’ll deal with them right away. If it’s someone he can’t eliminate easily, he’ll still find ways to make sure they never show up around you again. Your Highness, being caught in it, probably doesn’t see his methods for what they are.”
Then, with a sly grin, he added, “That’s why I’ve always said, you should’ve picked me. I’m not stingy like him. If Your Highness fancies someone or wants someone to serve you, just say the word—I’ll make sure they’re delivered to your bed that very night. And if someone resists, I’ll hold them down for you…”
“Give me the wine jug,” Feng Lezhen cut him off, seeing he was getting more and more outrageous.
“I thought you didn’t drink?” Feizhan laughed, but still handed it over.
But before he could finish the question, he saw her place the jug to the side and lower her gaze to start unwrapping the gauze on his hand.
Feizhan raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a devil-may-care grin. “On our wedding night, Your Highness, shouldn’t you be unwrapping something other than this filthy bandage?”
“Cut the cr*p,” Feng Lezhen snapped, shutting him up at once.
Her eyes were downcast, expression focused, as she carefully unraveled the dusty gauze layer by layer. The bloodstains grew darker and larger. Feizhan quietly watched her, the smile at the corner of his mouth gradually fading, and he seemed to fall into a rare moment of seriousness.
Finally, when the last bit of gauze came off, the gruesome wound was fully exposed. Feng Lezhen stared at it, unmoving.
“Heartbroken?” Feizhan said with his usual teasing tone.
Feng Lezhen kept her eyes on the wound. “I was just thinking…”
“Thinking what?” Feizhan asked.
She looked up, catching him off guard as her gaze locked with his stormy grey-blue eyes.
They were like a dull sea beneath an overcast sky—not dazzling, but dangerous once stripped of their usual facade.
Feng Lezhen studied him for a moment, then said, “I was thinking whether it was worth it—for me to take such a risk and follow you back to Tayuan.”
Feizhan: “…”
“Idiot. Don’t you know if a wound like this isn’t properly treated, you could die from tetanus? If you dare make my effort a waste, I’ll personally tear your corpse to pieces and make sure you can’t rest peacefully even in the afterlife.”
Fifteen minutes later, the thoroughly scolded Feizhan was back in the room, obediently letting Feng Lezhen clean and dress his wound.
As the cool medicinal powder touched his palm, the bleeding stopped immediately, and even the pain seemed to dull significantly. Feizhan’s eyes flickered with interest as he looked at the wound. “Where’d you get this medicine? It’s really effective.”
“A gift from a friend,” Feng Lezhen replied, just five simple words.
Feizhan stared at her for a while before laughing. “Another ‘friend’… This stuff is better than anything the imperial physicians in Great Qian could prepare. That friend of yours must be something. Was he also the one who came to Tayuan to treat my mother last time?”
Feng Lezhen took out fresh gauze. She didn’t deny it.
A faint annoyance stirred in Feizhan’s heart.
But Feng Lezhen couldn’t care less about what he thought. After a quick bandaging, she looked at the clean dressing and finally let out a sigh of relief. “All done. Go to sleep.”
Though she had snuck in a nap earlier that afternoon, her body was still fatigued. The moment Feng Lezhen got into bed, she fell asleep. Feizhan, on the other hand, lay stiffly on the floor, wide awake.
Only after a long while did he touch the gauze on his hand and slowly close his eyes.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, the two of them, per custom, paid their respects to the Tayuan King and Luo Ying, then went to visit the other consorts’ quarters. The first stop, of course, was the most honored among the women: the Eldest Consort’s residence. Feishai and the two princesses were there as well. Seeing Feng Lezhen’s not-so-happy expression, Feishai gave a knowing smile.
“You two really are a loving couple,” he said meaningfully.
Feng Lezhen’s expression was blank, but Feizhan let out a vague laugh. “Now that we’re married, it’s only natural to act like a loving couple.”
“Good, good. The more loving, the better—then Father will get a grandson sooner,” Feishai said, clearly thinking of Feizhan’s… issues in that area. His grin widened.
Feizhan and Feng Lezhen’s faces both darkened further.
“Feishai, don’t be rude.” The Eldest Consort finally spoke up, her stern face lending weight to the rebuke.
But if she truly meant to stop him, why wait until he’d finished speaking? Clearly, it was all just for show.
Sure enough, though Feizhan was irritated, he held himself back and gave a respectful bow to the two of them.
The Eldest Consort gave a few perfunctory remarks and then had a servant bring over a jade bracelet.
“This bracelet was crafted by a Great Qian artisan. I imagine the Third Prince’s Consort will like it,” she said slowly.
Feng Lezhen accepted it. “Many thanks.”
With the instructions heard and the gift accepted, it was time to head off to the next consort’s quarters.
On the way, Feizhan asked, “Let me see the bracelet.”
“What, even this you’re going to fight me for?” Feng Lezhen mocked, but still took it off and handed it over.
Feizhan gave it a casual glance. The hue was nice—clear and green—but it wasn’t anything extraordinary.
“They just gave this? That’s stingy,” Feizhan clicked his tongue.
Feng Lezhen cast him a glance. “Don’t worry, they’ll make up for it tonight.”
Feizhan chuckled and led her into the Second Consort’s palace.
Compared to the stern and aloof Eldest Consort, the Second Consort was much more warm and enthusiastic. She held onto Feng Lezhen and chatted non-stop, while Feizhan stood nearby watching, occasionally making small talk with his second brother.
“Autumn’s nearly here—perfect time for hunting in the woods when the birds and beasts are nice and fat. If Second Brother has time, come with me for a little fun,” he said with a grin.
Feishi gave him a disapproving look. “Father has entrusted me with the defense plans for Lizhou. I’m afraid I won’t have the time to accompany you.”
“Is that so… Fine, I’ll go by myself,” Feizhan replied awkwardly.
Feishi gave a faint, tight-lipped smile. “Father is getting older. You should start taking some responsibility too, instead of always thinking about playing.”
“But Father doesn’t need my help…” Feizhan muttered.
Feishi gave him a sidelong glance. “You could at least take initiative.”
Feizhan gave a dry laugh and said nothing more.
On the other side, the Second Consort had finished her pleasantries with Feng Lezhen and was about to hand over a gift to see her off, when Feng Lezhen’s eyes suddenly turned red. “Ever since I came to this miserable place, only you have truly cared about me.”
Miserable place? Where was Tayuan any worse than Great Qian? This Third Prince’s Consort really didn’t know how to talk. And here they’d thought she was a clever one. The Second Consort silently scoffed but became even more enthusiastic. “Oh, come now. We’re family now. If you ever feel troubled, just come talk to me. We should all get along well.”
“Many thanks, Second Consort,” Feng Lezhen said with gratitude.
Seeing her looking as if she’d been saved from drowning, the Second Consort didn’t have the heart to send her off and instead asked if she’d like to stay for a meal.
But just as she asked, Feizhan frowned. “There are still other consorts we need to visit. Don’t dawdle.”
“How am I dawdling?” Feng Lezhen glared at him. “You say I can’t stay, then I insist on staying!”
“You—”
“That’s enough,” Feishi interrupted. “What kind of behavior is this, bickering like children? Since Sister-in-law wants to stay, then stay and have lunch.”
Feizhan seemed a bit afraid of his second brother and reluctantly agreed.
In Tayuan, it wasn’t customary to visit elders in the afternoon. After having a meal at the Second Consort’s, they lingered for a bit to enjoy the scenery. By the time they left, nearly two full hours had passed, so they had to postpone the rest of the visits and slowly made their way back to the Rinuan Pavilion.
“The Second Consort is really generous. She gave me so many gifts,” Feng Lezhen said cheerfully, carrying two boxes in her arms.
Feizhan gave a helpless laugh. “You were staring at her with those dewy eyes—how could she say no?”
Feng Lezhen raised a brow. “And who do you think I did it for?”
“For me, me, me!” Feizhan immediately responded with mock reverence. “Thank you ever so much, Your Highness. Once I make something of myself, I will surely repay Your Highness well.”
Feng Lezhen scoffed lightly. After walking a bit farther, she finally remarked, “The Eldest Consort is stern, but her son is completely frivolous. The Second Consort is warm and thoughtful, yet her son is a rigid stick. Are we sure they weren’t switched at birth?”
Feizhan laughed. “My eldest and second brothers are two years apart—how could they have been switched?”
“Two years apart? And yet I feel like your second brother seems more like the elder one,” Feng Lezhen mused.
Feizhan smirked. “He practically dreams of being the eldest. That’s why he always puts on that serious, upright act and jumps at every chance to lecture people. But he does have the makings of an eldest son. He’s worked diligently and cautiously all these years, never letting his guard down. Right now, he has the most support for the heir position, and he’s also Father’s favorite.”
“Diligent and cautious…” Feng Lezhen repeated the phrase with a thoughtful smile. “But ruling a kingdom isn’t about effort alone.”
That kind of praise might be fitting for a monarch who inherits a stable empire. But Tayuan was even more harsh and barren than Yingguan. Only sweeping reforms could secure a lasting foundation. This Feishi—ultimately—was still lacking.
As they chatted, they arrived back at the Rinuan Pavilion. The moment the door closed behind them, a servant quietly slipped away toward the Eldest Consort’s palace.
“What?” The Eldest Consort stood up in shock. “The Second Consort kept them for nearly two hours?”
“And gave them quite a few gifts,” the servant reported dutifully. “When the Third Prince’s Consort walked in, she was actually smiling—first time this servant has ever seen her look that happy.”
The Eldest Consort began pacing in place, visibly agitated. “What do we do now… What do we do…”
“Mother, what are you so worried about?” Feishai leaned lazily against the table, not quite understanding her concern. “So they stayed a little longer with the Second Consort and got a few extra things—what’s the big deal?”
“Idiot!” The Eldest Consort rarely lost her temper, but now she snapped. “Don’t you see? Feizhan is no ordinary man—he’s someone capable of taking the head of King Moli alone! We had to join forces with the Second Consort’s faction just to keep him suppressed. He may not be in the running for the crown now, but he still has a brain. If the Second Consort manages to win him over, what do you think will happen to us in the future?!”
Feishai’s expression finally turned serious. “N-no way… He’s just a b*stard…”
“We want his brains, not his bloodline! Who cares if he’s a b*stard?” the Eldest Consort shouted.
Feishai pouted, a little aggrieved. “Then why yell at me? If you know how clever he is, why didn’t you try to win him over this morning, instead of brushing him off with a mere bracelet?”
“Because I didn’t expect the Second Consort to act so fast!” the Eldest Consort said, full of regret. “I thought I’d let them cool their heels a bit first, let them experience a little coldness, and then step in to offer kindness so they’d feel grateful to us. Who knew the Second Consort couldn’t even wait a single day before making her move…”
Frustrated, she continued, “This won’t do. We can’t sit back and wait to die. Go to the storage room and bring out my statue of the Child-Giving Guanyin. And all the other treasures from Great Qian—bring them all out!”
“The Child-Giving Guanyin is your favorite thing—are you really going to give it to them?” Feishai asked in surprise.
The Eldest Consort shot him a glare. “Even if they asked for my life right now, I’d still have to give it.”
…Is that really necessary? Feishai muttered internally, but obediently followed her instructions.
Half an hour later, he arrived at the Rinuan Pavilion with a cart full of gifts.
“Big Brother, what’s all this?” Feizhan looked surprised.
Feishai gave an awkward laugh, and as he looked up, he saw Feng Lezhen coming out of the room.
She had already changed out of her ornate, jewel-covered outfit and was now wearing a plain dress. The makeup on her face was gone too. Though barefaced, she still looked strikingly beautiful, the kind of beauty that refreshed the soul.
Feishai was momentarily dazed by the sight.
“What are you here for, Big Brother?” Feizhan casually moved to block his line of sight.
Snapping out of it, Feishai quickly explained, “After you two left this morning, Mother remembered that there were still many treasures from Great Qian in storage. She wanted me to find you right away, but you’d already gone elsewhere. Now that you’re back, I came to deliver them.”
He then gave Feng Lezhen a meaningful glance. “The Third Prince Consort will definitely like them.”
“These things are too valuable—we can’t possibly accept them. Big Brother should take them back,” Feizhan said.
Feishai waved a hand. “Just take them. Why so polite? We’re family, and family shouldn’t act like strangers.”
“Well then…” Feizhan sighed. “Thank you, Big Brother.”
Having completed his task, Feishai walked away with satisfaction. A servant beside him whispered cautiously, “My lord, don’t you think the Third Prince seemed reluctant to accept the gifts? As if he didn’t really want them?”
“These are Mother’s things—the finest in the palace! What reason does he have not to want them?” Feishai scowled.
The servant looked troubled. “The Eldest Consort’s gifts are of course the best… But what if he just prefers the cheap little trinkets from the Second Consort?”
The reminder struck home. Feishai paused, brows gradually furrowing.
That’s right. If Feizhan had already agreed to ally with the Second Prince, then weren’t these gifts a complete waste? Unconsciously, Feishai stopped walking, sinking into deep thought.
After a while, a cool, beautiful face flashed through his mind, and he clapped his hands in sudden excitement. “Don’t worry! Even if they’ve joined forces, we have nothing to fear. Someone will keep us informed.”
“…Who?” the servant asked, puzzled.
Feishai gave him a meaningful look. “Women… only fall for real men. Those who can’t perform—well, all they can do is beat people with a whip.”
Feizhan suddenly sneezed.
