The Eldest Consort sending gifts to the Rinuan Pavilion overnight quickly reached the ears of the Second Consort. Early the next morning, Feishi came to visit in person.
“Second Brother?” Feizhan was visibly surprised.
Feishi nodded, managing a faint smile. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing much, just enjoying the sun,” Feizhan replied, then quickly added, perhaps worried his brother would disapprove, “It’s just that I’ve newly wed, and Father gave me ten days off. I’ll resume my duties once the leave ends.”
“It’s rare to get time off—why worry so much?” Feishi said with his usual serious face. “Didn’t you say you wanted to go hunting? I happen to be free today, I’ll go with you.”
“Really?” Feizhan lit up with joy.
Feishi’s lips curved into a small smile. “Mm. Go pack—we’ll leave soon.”
“Yes!” Feizhan immediately began packing, then remembered something and returned to the sleeping quarters.
Feng Lezhen was having tea. Hearing him, she glanced over. “What is it?”
“Second Brother’s taking me hunting,” Feizhan smiled. “I won’t be back for the next couple of days.”
“Oh.” Feng Lezhen ignored him and continued sipping her tea.
Seeing that she was clearly aware and unconcerned, Feizhan said no more and turned to leave.
News of the Second and Third Princes going hunting together spread quickly. Enraged, the Eldest Consort shattered her teacup and immediately summoned Luo Ying for a “casual chat.” Ever since Luo Ying entered the palace, the Eldest Consort—who prided herself on her noble bloodline—had treated her coldly. So being invited now came as a shock. Even after arriving, Luo Ying still couldn’t quite believe it.
“Feizhan came by yesterday,” said the Eldest Consort with a warm expression. “I found myself liking the Third Prince Consort at first sight and gave her a few items from Great Qian. Only afterward did I remember that you’re also from Great Qian. All these years and I’ve never given you anything. That truly wasn’t right.” She gestured for the maid to present a box of tea cakes. “I’m not used to this tea myself—see if you like it.”
“I do, I do,” Luo Ying said nervously. “Since it’s from Your Grace, how could I not? Thank you so much.”
“As long as you like it.” The Eldest Consort smiled, uncharacteristically gentle. “Maybe it’s my age, but I’ve felt increasingly lonely these past two years. If you’re ever free, come visit me more often. Better yet, bring the Third Prince Consort with you—we’ll drink tea and chat. It’ll make the days pass more pleasantly.”
“Yes,” Luo Ying replied, overwhelmed by the attention.
The Eldest Consort glanced toward the door and suddenly said, “It must be nearly noon. Why don’t you stay for lunch? Oh right, have someone fetch Feizhan and his wife. They left in such a rush yesterday, they didn’t get to dine with me. It’s been bothering me.”
“Oh, there’s no need to trouble yourself…” Luo Ying tried to decline.
The Eldest Consort simply smiled and ordered a servant, “Go invite the Third Prince and his wife.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The servant left promptly. Luo Ying had wanted to decline again, but now she had no choice.
“…Then, thank you, Your Grace. But I don’t know if the Third Prince Consort is feeling better today. If she’s a bit impolite, please forgive her,” Luo Ying said, drawing her shoulders in timidly.
At that, the Eldest Consort looked up, her gaze settling on Luo Ying’s delicate features.
Though clearly over forty, her face showed no trace of age—still fair and delicate. Especially those eyes, which to this day remained pure and innocent, untouched by wind or frost.
The Eldest Consort lowered her gaze, concealing the ridicule in her eyes.
Feng Lezhen soon arrived alone. As she entered, she heard Luo Ying gently remind her, “You haven’t greeted the Eldest Consort yet.”
Feng Lezhen paused and glanced over at her. “What are you doing here?”
The only person she would ever call “Mother” was the deceased Empress of Great Qian. No one else in this room was qualified.
Luo Ying wasn’t offended, only reminded her again. Only then did Feng Lezhen glance at the Eldest Consort and give a slight nod.
“Oh dear…” Luo Ying gave a soft gasp, immediately looking uneasy.
Fortunately, the Eldest Consort merely smiled and said, “It’s fine. Please, sit.”
Feng Lezhen agreed and sat in the seat that had been prepared for her. But just as she got comfortable, the Eldest Consort asked, “Why don’t I see Feizhan?”
Feng Lezhen paused. “He went hunting with the Second Prince.”
“Hunting?” Luo Ying was surprised. “At this time?”
“That’s really inappropriate,” the Eldest Consort frowned. “Newlyweds shouldn’t be separated like that—leaving the bride alone at home.”
Luo Ying nodded in agreement. “Feizhan really is thoughtless.”
“Feizhan is still young, and it’s his first time getting married—it’s normal for him to be a bit reckless. But what’s with the Second Prince? When he got married, he didn’t just run off. And now he’s taken his newlywed younger brother out of the palace too,” the Eldest Consort sighed. “This palace—people and matters alike—can be both simple and incredibly complex. You two should be more careful.”
“M-Maybe the Second Prince meant well…” Luo Ying said weakly.
The Eldest Consort ignored her and looked straight at Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen pressed her lips together and said, “He wanted to go. I couldn’t stop him.”
The Eldest Consort let out a soft laugh.
After finishing lunch in the Eldest Consort’s palace, Feng Lezhen and Luo Ying left together.
Their residences were close, so they walked a long stretch side by side. Luo Ying, carrying the Eldest Consort’s gifts, had red-rimmed eyes and kept praising her.
“She used to be so stern—I was always afraid of her. Who knew she was actually so kindhearted, even willing to give us so many things…”
When she said it the second time, Feng Lezhen suddenly cut in, “You’ve lived in Tayuan for at least twenty years, haven’t you? Why do you talk like you’ve only just met her?”
“…Even though we live in the same palace, I rarely go out, so aside from formal ceremonies, we haven’t really interacted,” Luo Ying replied awkwardly. For some reason, she still feared this daughter-in-law.
Feng Lezhen gave her a glance. “Even if you didn’t see her much, over twenty years, you must have crossed paths plenty. A few more conversations and you’d know what kind of person she is.”
“She’s just strict and upright. Doesn’t like talking to people from Great Qian,” Luo Ying laughed nervously and tried to move on. “But now it’s different. She invited us for a meal, which means she’s accepted us. Things will go better from now on—for both of us…”
“You think that’s a good thing?” Feng Lezhen interrupted again.
Luo Ying was caught off guard. “I-Isn’t it?”
Feng Lezhen stared at her for a while, then said mockingly, “If you say so.”
After parting ways, Feng Lezhen returned alone to the Rinuan Pavilion. She had barely warmed the seat when the Second Consort’s people arrived.
“Second Consort invites you for tea,” the servant said ingratiatingly.
Feng Lezhen stared at the toadying expression on the servant’s face, and for a long moment, she seriously considered pulling out a knife and killing them all.
But in the end, she did nothing. She simply went to the Second Consort’s palace, and wasn’t released until nightfall. Yet that was only temporary relief—at dawn the next day, the Eldest Consort’s people came calling again.
After three consecutive days of shuttling between the two consorts’ palaces, Feizhan finally returned to the Rinuan Pavilion. As soon as he walked in, his face was cold, as if he resented returning at all—but the moment his back was turned, the corners of his lips curled up uncontrollably.
At the bedchamber door, he kicked it open. “I’m back—”
Before he could finish the sentence, he saw boxes upon boxes stacked all over the room and was momentarily stunned.
Feng Lezhen sat cross-legged among the boxes, holding up a pearl necklace and comparing it against her neck. A flicker of disdain passed through her eyes—
Tayuan’s national strength was already no match for Great Qian, and its consorts were even more petty and superficial. Pearls of such mediocre luster would be ground by Ah Ye to soak her feet, but the consorts here treated them like treasures, even reminding her to take care when gifting them.
Feng Lezhen tossed the necklace back into the box, not even interested enough for a second glance.
“What is all this? I’m gone a few days and you rob the national treasury?” Feizhan carefully navigated around the boxes and finally reached her.
Feng Lezhen glanced at him. “Gifts from the Eldest Consort and Second Consort.”
“They emptied out their entire households?” Feizhan sneered.
Feng Lezhen’s face was calm. “It’s all women’s stuff—at most, they gave half. Now that you’re back, they’ll be bringing the other half.”
As she spoke, she reached a hand out toward him. Feizhan chuckled and pulled her up, wrapping her directly in his arms.
“Just wait—they’ll be inviting you to a banquet soon,” Feng Lezhen said flatly.
Feizhan raised his brows slightly, tightening his arms. “Is this really what we should be talking about right now?”
“What else would we talk about?”
Feizhan smirked. “I brought you a gift.”
“Where is it?” Feng Lezhen asked.
“In my chest pocket. Take it yourself,” Feizhan replied.
Feng Lezhen gave him a suspicious look, but still reached into his robe. Her fingers were cool from handling jewels and wandered around blindly in his chest—accidentally brushing against a jade ring, causing his muscles to tighten involuntarily.
Her fingers slowed down as she looked at him with amusement. “Can’t handle even this much?”
“Does Your Highness want to test it?” Feizhan retorted. Her hand had already wandered somewhere it shouldn’t be, and his gaze instantly darkened. His grip around her tightened involuntarily.
Feng Lezhen, however, let out a snort and directly pulled the item from his chest.
It was a small wooden box. Inside, nestled carefully, was a tiny, translucent sword.
“It was carved from a fish bone—we call it bone ward in Tayuan. It’s for warding off evil and disasters,” Feizhan explained dutifully, though clearly a little disappointed they didn’t continue earlier. “A few days ago, we caught a big fish. We roasted it, but I brought this back. Tie it to your bedpost—it’ll help you sleep more peacefully.”
Feng Lezhen raised the tiny sword and examined it under the sunlight for a while before saying, “It’s quite unique.”
Seeing that she seemed to like it, Feizhan’s mood immediately brightened.
Feng Lezhen took the bone ward and went to the bed, carefully tying it to the bedpost. Feizhan lounged lazily against a pillar, eyes fixed on her focused face.
After a long while, he suddenly said, “How about I give up the throne and go be a princess consort in Great Qian?”
“Sure,” Feng Lezhen replied.
She answered so quickly, so straightforwardly, that even Feizhan was stunned.
Feng Lezhen finished tying the charm and turned around, half-smiling. “Going or not?”
The smile on Feizhan’s lips faded a bit. After a pause, he put on his usual shameless expression. “If Your Highness is willing to support me, of course I’d go. But to be your princess consort, I’ll need to show some real skill. How about you test it out—see if I meet your standards?”
As he spoke, he stepped forward and—without warning—pushed Feng Lezhen down onto the bed.
Feng Lezhen was long used to his frequent madness. She let herself sink into the soft mattress and still found time to remark, “If your service is unsatisfactory, I’ll have you executed.”
“Your Majesty is so fierce, this concubine is frightened,” Feizhan whimpered dramatically.
Feng Lezhen was momentarily speechless. In the end, she decided this man calling himself concubine was too deranged and smacked him away with a slap.
The two were still fooling around when more gifts arrived from the Eldest Consort. They had to stop and accept them first.
In the next couple of days, gifts continued to pour in from both the Eldest Consort’s and Second Consort’s palaces. What had started as a competition to win over Feizhan was gradually developing into something else entirely.
Feng Lezhen was quite satisfied with the current state of affairs—but still felt the pace was too slow.
“It’s time to throw more fuel on the fire,” she said.
Feizhan seemed thoughtful. That very night, he visited the Second Consort’s palace and didn’t return until well past midnight.
The next morning, at court, Feishi proposed a policy for reclaiming land and aiding the people. The Tayuan King praised it greatly, even going so far as to say, “Feishi most resembles me in my younger days.”
After court, the Eldest Consort flew into a rage, but Feishai didn’t seem concerned.
“It’s just a little trick, Mother. Why take it so seriously?” he tried to comfort her.
The Eldest Consort roared, “A little trick? Then why haven’t you thought of something like it? And everyone in the palace knows Feishi is diligent but lacks foresight—how could he come up with such a plan?”
“…So what are you saying, Mother?”
“Last night, Feizhan was at the Second Consort’s palace,” she said coldly.
Feishai’s expression darkened. “He’s allied with Second Brother?”
“Not necessarily,” the Eldest Consort inhaled deeply, calming herself. “But we need to come up with a countermeasure. We can’t let Feizhan be used by them.”
That very night, she personally visited the Rinuan Pavilion to bring Feizhan a midnight snack. The Second Consort, not to be outdone, also began sending greetings and small comforts daily. Both of them knew Feizhan was filial, so while they competed for his attention at the Rinuan Pavilion, they also made a point to visit Luo Ying from time to time.
Luo Ying, each time she saw either of them, was nervous and excited. Her spirits had never been higher.
In contrast to their flurry of activity, Feizhan remained calm. From time to time, he’d tease Feng Lezhen: “Just a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg and they’re already this eager—clearly their own sons are completely useless.”
“Then shall we stir the pot a little more?” Feng Lezhen smiled slyly.
Feizhan chuckled. “Do you know what I like most about Your Highness? It’s not your looks, or your intelligence—it’s your absolute love for chaos.”
Like a lunatic. Just like him.
Feng Lezhen lowered her gaze, fingering the pearl bracelet on her wrist in silence.
It was a gift from the Eldest Consort. She wore it every day, and the whole pavilion knew she liked it. But today, she suddenly didn’t feel like wearing it, so she left it on the far edge of the table.
Precariously perched.
Feizhan glanced at it but said nothing. Sure enough, an hour later, it fell to the ground and two pearls cracked instantly.
“Oh no, what should we do?” the servant cleaning the room cried out in alarm, casting a worried look at Feng Lezhen. “This servant deserves death—deserves death!”
“I didn’t store it properly—it’s no one else’s fault,” Feng Lezhen sighed. “It’s just a shame. I really liked those pearls. Now I have nothing to wear.”
The servant’s eyes darted. “The Second Consort once gifted a string of beads too. Perhaps this servant can go fetch them for you?”
“That would be fine.” Feng Lezhen nodded.
The Second Consort’s bracelet was made of colored beads. Though small, they were bright and eye-catching. Feng Lezhen wore it to the Eldest Consort’s palace, and it was immediately noticed.
“Why aren’t you wearing the one I gave you?” the Eldest Consort asked.
Feng Lezhen answered with feigned helplessness, “A servant broke it. This one was from the Second Consort—it’s also nice, so I wore it instead.”
“What kind of servant is so careless?” the Eldest Consort frowned.
Feng Lezhen shook her head. “I’m still new here and unfamiliar with the staff at Rinuan Pavilion—I don’t really know anyone’s name.”
Then she paused for a moment and added, almost casually, “I don’t even know how it happened. The bracelet was nowhere near him, and yet he somehow managed to break it… almost like it was on purpose…”
The Eldest Consort’s expression shifted slightly, and once Feng Lezhen left, her face immediately turned cold. Pointing at Feishai, who had just walked in, she said sharply, “Find a way to clear out all of the Second Consort’s spies from the Rinuan Pavilion. Now they’ve even tried scheming against me—they must be tired of living.”
“Yes,” Feishai responded promptly.
He had always acted boldly and decisively. He approached Feizhan under the pretext of helping his younger brother clean out “useless staff,” and removed many of the spies the Second Consort had planted. As soon as this happened, the Second Consort caught wind of it, and Feishi quickly imitated the tactic on his end. When both parties were done, Feizhan stepped in and got rid of the remaining spies in the name of both sides—finally clearing the Rinuan Pavilion completely. In the process, the Eldest Consort and Second Consort had also thoroughly torn off their masks.
When those at the top fall out, those beneath them naturally must pick sides. On the surface, the royal palace remained calm, but beneath it all, undercurrents surged.
One otherwise unremarkable day, both the Eldest Consort’s and Second Consort’s people arrived at the same time, each inviting the couple to dine with them.
“The Second Consort just received a deer—she’s made a venison hotpot! It’s very nourishing!” the Second Consort’s servant spoke first.
The Eldest Consort’s servant quickly chimed in, “The Eldest Consort said the Third Prince has been working hard lately, so she specially prepared a medicinal meal. Venison may be good, but in this midsummer heat, it’s far too heating.”
“Venison isn’t heating at all! I think it’s perfect! Medicinal food is what’s bitter and unpleasant!”
“Medicinal meals are best for one’s health! That’s what the Third Prince needs. Eating venison in summer? Ridiculous!”
As the two nearly started bickering outright, Feizhan called for silence. The servants realized they’d crossed a line and shut their mouths, turning to look at Feizhan.
In the silence, Feizhan slowly spoke: “It’s been a while since I talked with Second Brother. Let’s go eat at the Second Consort’s today.”
“I want to dine with the Eldest Consort,” Feng Lezhen suddenly said. “She’s been very kind to me—I don’t want to disappoint her.”
“When a man makes a decision, it’s not for a woman to speak!” Feizhan snapped.
Feng Lezhen’s expression turned cold as well. “And what kind of man are you?”
“You—!” It clearly struck a nerve. The veins at Feizhan’s temple bulged, but in the end, he only threw out a line: “Go wherever you want! I’m going to the Second Consort’s!”
With that, he stormed off. The Second Consort’s servant shot a smug glance at the Eldest Consort’s and hurried after him. Though the Eldest Consort’s servant was dissatisfied, they figured bringing the Third Prince’s consort was better than getting no one—so they immediately turned to warmly welcome Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen followed the servant alone to the Eldest Consort’s palace. Seeing that only she came, the Eldest Consort wasn’t too disappointed. After all, Feizhan had been frequenting the Second Consort’s place every day lately, and Feishi had been stealing the spotlight at court. If she wasn’t mistaken, Feizhan’s heart had already turned completely in the Second Consort’s favor.
Once hearts turn, there’s no turning them back. The Eldest Consort kept a composed expression, merely pulling Feng Lezhen to sit at the table before asking why Feizhan hadn’t come.
Feng Lezhen’s eyes reddened. “He insisted on going to the Second Consort’s for venison hotpot.”
The Eldest Consort paused and said, “He’s still at that vigorous age—what’s he doing eating venison hotpot? If he overdoes it, he’ll wear himself out, and you’ll suffer too. If they were truly your in-laws, they’d care about your well-being.”
With those words, Feng Lezhen seemed to recall something unpleasant and quickly covered her face, sobbing.
The Eldest Consort sighed. “Don’t be too upset. Feizhan’s problem… it can be fixed.”
“I don’t care if he’s cured or not—just as long as he stops tormenting me.” Feng Lezhen accidentally revealed red marks on her arm but covered them before they could be fully seen.
The Eldest Consort looked solemn, seemingly moved. “Feizhan’s actually a good child—just easily influenced. You don’t know, he wasn’t like this before. It was only after spending too much time with his second brother that he picked up these indecent habits. Keep him away from the Second Consort’s people, and things will get better.”
“Easy to say. He has to actually listen for that to work.” Feng Lezhen looked weary.
The Eldest Consort smiled. “You’re beautiful and young—if you speak more gently, he’ll listen.”
Feng Lezhen was startled and looked at her in confusion.
The Eldest Consort glanced outside and then took out a packet of powder.
“I’ve always worried about Feizhan’s condition. This medicine is from an old physician—he says it’s quite effective. Add a little to his food each day. Slowly, he’ll get better. Once he’s well and the two of you have children, he’ll naturally do as you say.” Her voice was gentle.
Feng Lezhen stared blankly at the medicine packet. After a long while, she cautiously accepted it. “It really works?”
“It does, but it has to be taken long-term. At first, you won’t see results,” the Eldest Consort added. “When you add it, do it behind his back. Don’t let him find out—men are prideful, as you know.”
Feng Lezhen accepted the medicine and murmured her agreement.
It was already dark by the time she had a simple meal with the Eldest Consort and returned to the Rinuan Pavilion. Feizhan hadn’t come back yet. The bedroom was lit with a dim candle, quiet and peaceful.
Enjoying the moment of calm, Feng Lezhen pulled out the packet of medicine.
Inside was a fine powder. Given the current situation, even if Feizhan had allied with the Second Consort, the Eldest Consort wouldn’t dare use poison—so it wasn’t deadly… But if it wasn’t lethal, then what was it?
Feng Lezhen pondered this as she poured some tea into a cup, then stirred in a generous amount of the powder. It dissolved quickly, leaving the liquid colorless and tasteless.
With the tea ready, she sat patiently, waiting for Feizhan to return and drink it.
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