Beyond Yue City was Hening. When the late empress was young, she had lived there for three years. To Feng Lezhen, Hening was almost like her maternal home—most officials there had been promoted by her maternal grandfather, Yu Shou. So without saying much at all, the city gates had already been opened to her.
The next stop was Xiangqiu. By the time her army reached the gates, the decree allowing her passage—issued by Feng Ji himself—had already arrived. Feng Lezhen knew her strategy of “besieging Wei to rescue Zhao” had succeeded. From here on, the path to the capital would be unimpeded. The army surged forward at unstoppable speed, heading straight for the capital.
They were now only half a day’s journey from the city. Feng Lezhen, seeing her weary troops, chose not to press on. Instead, she set up camp in the countryside to rest for the night before entering the city.
That night, while the soldiers were fast asleep, Feng Lezhen sat by the campfire, wide awake.
“We’re entering the capital tomorrow. I should feel happy… but somehow I don’t,” Ah Ye murmured beside her as she poked at the firewood, also unable to sleep.
The fire cast flickering shadows across half of Feng Lezhen’s face, swallowing all expression. After a long pause, she responded slowly, “Perhaps it’s just anxiety before returning home.”
“Maybe… but what about you, Your Highness? Are you happy?” Ah Ye asked.
Feng Lezhen was silent for a moment. “I don’t know.”
She really didn’t. At this moment, she felt neither joy nor sorrow—completely numb.
Hearing that, Ah Ye sighed. “We’ll get to see Steward Qin tomorrow. After these few years at Yingguan, I’ve forgotten half the rules. I wonder how many scoldings she’s going to give me.”
That made Feng Lezhen laugh. “That’s something I can’t help you with.”
“No need, Your Highness,” Ah Ye gave her a sidelong look. “You’d best look after yourself first.”
After four years at Yingguan, it wasn’t just the servants who had become bolder.
Feng Lezhen froze, then couldn’t help laughing.
“How about… after we arrive tomorrow, we don’t go home right away? We could stay at the post station for now,” Ah Ye proposed. “If she sees we’d rather sleep there than come home, maybe she’ll reflect on why—and stop yelling all the time.”
Feng Lezhen knocked her lightly on the head. “What nonsense. Go sleep. We break camp early tomorrow.”
Ah Ye rubbed her head and pouted.
In the simplicity of military life, the two of them shared the same tent.
Late into the night, Ah Ye was already fast asleep. Feng Lezhen lay awake, tossing and turning, unable to rest. Something felt… off. It wasn’t until the wind picked up outside that she realized—it had been too quiet earlier. Unlike Yingguan, where the sound of wind was a nightly companion.
She smiled quietly to herself and drifted off soon after.
It was an uneventful night. Before dawn, the army set off toward the capital.
With less than a day left on the journey, Feng Lezhen felt no particular urgency. She moved steadily, giving Feng Ji enough time to prepare for her arrival.
“When a princess returns to the capital, even if the emperor can’t welcome her personally, he should at least send senior officials to receive her. Surely His Majesty wouldn’t be so petty as to send no one, would he?” Ah Ye asked worriedly.
Feng Lezhen’s expression was calm. “He wouldn’t dare.”
Things were different now. Even if Feng Ji wanted to make things difficult, he wouldn’t risk publicly disgracing her.
Ah Ye was reassured by her firm tone. Looking out the carriage window at the familiar landscape, all the nervousness from the night before vanished. Instead, she was filled with excitement at finally coming home.
“Your Highness, can I go ride on horseback?” she turned back with hopeful eyes.
Feng Lezhen met her gaze and smiled. “Of course. I’ll come too.”
“Yes!”
The two ditched the carriage for their warhorses. With three thousand soldiers in tow, they galloped the rest of the way, reaching the capital gates in just over two hours. They had taken their time on the journey, and though no courier had been sent ahead, it was enough to give Feng Ji time to arrange for emissaries to welcome her.
Sure enough, before they even reached the gates, Feng Lezhen could see a group of officials in red and gold-trimmed robes already waiting in the distance.
“Your Highness…” Among the crowd, Ah Ye immediately spotted Fu Zhixian. She instinctively turned to look at Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen held a faint smile at the corner of her lips—she had clearly seen Fu Zhixian as well. “Sending the emperor’s favorite to receive me… Feng Ji does have a bit of sincerity left.”
Seeing that her mistress appeared calm, Ah Ye quietly breathed a sigh of relief—though a moment later, she felt that sigh was unnecessary.
Her mistress had always been clear about what she wanted. Though she had deep emotions, compared to other things, “emotion” was also the one thing she could let go of most easily.
And besides, it had been four years. That was long past.
While Ah Ye was lost in thought, Feng Lezhen had already pulled the reins and brought her horse to a halt. Seeing this, Ah Ye immediately raised a hand. The flag bearer leapt atop a carriage and waved the signal; all carriages came to a stop. The soldiers dismounted in unison and swiftly formed ranks, standing tall and still with a thunderous shout. The scene wasn’t a display of deliberate intimidation, but the sheer presence of three thousand elite soldiers was enough to make many of the officials turn pale—especially those from the Hua faction, whose faces were particularly grim.
Fu Zhixian, however, remained composed. Smiling faintly, he stepped forward and stood at ground level, looking up at the princess on horseback. After a long gaze, he bowed deeply. “Your servant Fu Zhixian, here to welcome Her Highness the Eldest Princess.”
“We respectfully welcome Her Highness the Eldest Princess.” The other ministers followed suit with their bows.
Feng Lezhen’s gaze swept coolly across the group, finally settling on the bowed head of Fu Zhixian.
From her angle, she could only see the dark official cap atop his head and the pale skin of his neck, made even paler by the contrast of red robes and black hat.
“Rise. You may stand.” She parted her red lips and spoke just four words.
Hearing her voice again after four years, Fu Zhixian’s eyes darkened briefly. When he raised his head again, his expression remained light. “Four years apart, Your Highness is even more radiant than before.”
“And your flattery has only grown more skilled, Lord Fu,” Feng Lezhen smiled.
Fu Zhixian’s smile deepened. “As long as it pleases Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen lifted her eyes to glance toward the city gates behind him. “It’s getting late. Why don’t we continue this conversation inside the city?”
“Of course. This way, Your Highness.” As he spoke, Fu Zhixian extended his hand toward her.
Feng Lezhen paused for a moment, then placed her hand in his.
In the blink of an eye, Fu Zhixian gripped her hand tightly—so tightly that Feng Lezhen furrowed her brow slightly. Fortunately, as soon as she dismounted, he let go. She glanced at the red marks on her fingers, then looked at him expressionlessly. “Lord Fu certainly has quite the grip.”
“It’s been so long—I couldn’t help myself. Your Highness, please forgive me.” His voice lowered deliberately so only she could hear.
Feng Lezhen was silent for a moment, then turned and began walking toward the city. Her soldiers prepared to follow, but Fu Zhixian stopped them.
Hearing the commotion, Feng Lezhen turned to look at him.
“Your Highness may enter, of course, but allowing so many soldiers to enter the city at once might unsettle the citizens. Perhaps it would be better for them to set up camp outside the walls?” Fu Zhixian suggested with a smile.
Feng Lezhen stared at him coolly, saying nothing.
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. The other ministers lowered their heads, trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible. Even the Hua faction dared not speak. After all, Feng Lezhen had returned under the banner of “purging traitors beside the throne”—no one could guess what she was capable of. If they offended her today with just a word or two, it might well be their own death sentence.
In any case, the emperor had entrusted the task of blocking the army’s entry to Fu Zhixian, so let him handle it. If the sky fell, it would fall on the tallest among them—they had no intention of intervening.
In the midst of this tension, Fu Zhixian, still smiling, approached Feng Lezhen again. “Forgive me, Your Highness. This isn’t aimed at you personally. After all, General Yang Yueshan also brought troops to the capital. He, too, camped outside the city rather than entering.”
He had a handsome face, and the years had only added to his charm. The four years hadn’t aged him—in fact, they’d made him even more attractive. Speaking in that gentle, soft-spoken manner only made him more endearing.
Feng Lezhen had once been very taken with this side of him. Now, while not exactly annoyed, she didn’t find it charming either. Still, at the mention of a stranger’s name, her brows rose slightly. “Yang Yueshan?”
“Your Highness hadn’t heard?” Fu Zhixian kept his eyes fixed on her, missing none of her expressions. When she asked the question, his smile took on a hint of meaning. “He’s the son General Yang Cheng left behind. Found him at the beginning of the year. He’s quite capable—settled the Lingnan unrest within two months. Fierce both inside and out, far superior to his father. No one knows where he learned such skills.”
Feng Lezhen frowned slightly at his loaded tone.
She hadn’t heard of this man before, but she did know a few of his deeds. Earlier this year, Yang Cheng had found his long-lost son, only to be ambushed and killed on the journey home. The son alone returned with proof of identity. He had some talent, quickly won several battles, and with no one else in command after Yang Cheng’s death, the emperor had simply appointed him as the new general.
Lingnan and Yingguan were opposite ends of the country—one north, one south—so their paths were unlikely to cross. She hadn’t thought much of it, but now his name came up again.
“What’s he doing in the capital?” Feng Lezhen smiled. “Also here to purge traitors?”
“That, I wouldn’t know.” Fu Zhixian raised his brows. “Why not find a chance to ask him yourself?”
That tone again—like there was some kind of story worth watching between her and Yang Yueshan. Feng Lezhen felt mildly irritated, though her face remained calm. “Then I’ll count on Lord Fu to make the introductions someday.”
“Happy to oblige,” Fu Zhixian chuckled. “Though right now may not be the best time. These troops Your Highness brought…”
“My men won’t be left out in the open.” Feng Lezhen cut him off. “Either they return with me to the Eldest Princess’ Manor, or the Northern Training Grounds inside the capital are cleared out for them.”
The Northern Training Grounds were still within the capital, though on the sparsely inhabited outskirts. The environment there was decent, and it was spacious enough for her three thousand soldiers.
From her words, it was clear she still intended to bring the troops into the city. The ministers behind them exchanged looks, eager to see how Fu Zhixian would handle this. But to their surprise—
“Very well.” To everyone’s surprise, he actually agreed readily.
There was a brief moment of stunned silence before murmurs rose among the crowd. Fu Zhixian turned back calmly and said, “If any of you have objections, why not voice them in front of the Eldest Princess?”
…She came under the banner of purging traitors—who would dare risk their neck opposing her to her face?
In the end, no one dared utter a word. So Fu Zhixian looked back at Feng Lezhen. “Then it’s settled.”
“You’re not going to ask the Emperor first, Lord Fu?” Feng Lezhen raised a brow.
Fu Zhixian smiled. “It’s a small matter. I can decide on my own.” With foreign enemies still watching the border, even if Feng Ji himself were here, he’d have no choice but to compromise.
“If allowing troops into the city is a ‘small matter,’ then Lord Fu must truly be flourishing here in the capital.” Feng Lezhen nodded.
Fu Zhixian replied, “All thanks to Your Highness.”
The two exchanged quick-witted remarks, but in others’ ears, it sounded like barbed banter. The officials grew increasingly uneasy, worried the situation would escalate.
Fortunately, both the Lord Fu and Her Highness the Eldest Princess were no longer young. After a few lines, the conversation died down. The ministers watched the city gates slowly open and all silently let out a breath of relief.
With the soldiers settled, it was time to enter the palace.
Feng Lezhen brought only Ah Ye with her and went with Fu Zhixian into the imperial court.
“Your Highness isn’t bringing more attendants?” Fu Zhixian asked with a smile as they reached the entrance to the imperial study.
Feng Lezhen glanced at him sideways. “If you really meant that as a warning, Lord Fu, you wouldn’t have waited until we were at the door.”
Fu Zhixian didn’t deny it. He gently pushed open the door. “After you, Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen gave him another look, then lowered her eyes and stepped over the threshold.
Fu Zhixian didn’t follow her in. Instead, he shut the door and, turning around, found himself face-to-face with Ah Ye.
“L-Lord Fu.” Ah Ye gave an awkward smile and offered a formal greeting.
Fu Zhixian smiled. “Haven’t seen you in years, Ah Ye—you’ve grown into a proper young lady.”
Ah Ye only grew more uncomfortable. She lowered her head and didn’t dare look at him.
She was younger than the Eldest Princess by a few years and had only recently begun serving her when she met Fu Zhixian. One could say he watched her grow up alongside the Eldest Princess. Back then, the Eldest Princess even asked Fu Zhixian to tutor her. Unfortunately, she was hopeless at reading and writing, and after a while, Fu Zhixian had to admit defeat and arrange for another tutor.
For many years, she had respected Lord Fu deeply and believed he and the Eldest Princess would marry and raise children together—and that she would help raise those children. She never imagined things would fall apart the way they did.
During her years at Yingguan, she hadn’t remained entirely unchanged. Seeing how Fu Zhixian was thriving in the capital, she could more or less piece together what had happened between him and the Eldest Princess. Her feelings toward him were mixed: part resentment for his betrayal, and part lingering guilt over that arrow she had once loosed.
“Ah Ye,” Fu Zhixian sighed, seeing she wouldn’t speak. “Some things are complicated. It’s normal if a child like you doesn’t understand.”
Ah Ye hesitated, then quickly stole a glance at him before lowering her head again.
Fu Zhixian smiled. “It’s fine if you don’t understand. Sometimes it’s better that way. As for what happened back then, don’t carry the burden. If not for that arrow, I’d have died in the crossfire between Her Highness and His Majesty long ago.”
“…What do you mean?” Ah Ye didn’t understand.
Fu Zhixian looked at the tightly shut study doors, his smile undimmed. “Sometimes, what seems like a bad thing may not be so bad after all.”
—
Inside the imperial study, Feng Lezhen parted the sheer curtain and appeared before the desk.
Feng Ji looked up at the sound. Their gazes met—and both froze for a moment.
“Has Your Majesty been well?” Feng Lezhen asked, briefly dazed by the sight of the silver at his temples. He was only half a year younger than her, still not even twenty-five—how had he gone gray already?
Feng Ji stared at her for a long time before finally smiling. “And you, Elder Sister? All is well?”
“Well enough,” Feng Lezhen replied, her smile flawless and guarded.
“I think your life has been quite good,” Feng Ji said as he slowly rose and circled around the desk. “Power in hand, the people’s hearts behind you, beauty and youth intact—you’ve got all the blessings in the world. How bad could it be?”
Feng Lezhen took a step back and smiled lightly. “Your Majesty jests. If I were truly so fortunate, I wouldn’t have spent four years at the border. All of this now… is simply because I refuse to accept my fate.”
“Refuse to accept fate…” Feng Ji echoed with a soft laugh. “A fine phrase. So tell me, Elder Sister—how long do you plan to stay this time?”
“Why, is Your Majesty already trying to send me away the moment I’ve returned?”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Feng Ji replied. “But Elder Sister is clearly quite busy. No need to linger in the capital. After all, one emperor is quite enough for the city—don’t you think, Elder Sister?” He looked directly into her eyes.
Feng Lezhen’s smile deepened. “Yes. One emperor is enough for the capital.”
Feng Ji’s expression instantly turned cold and sharp.
So far had the sibling bond fallen—they had become bitterly estranged. After fulfilling the formality, Feng Lezhen left first.
Outside the study, Fu Zhixian was still waiting. It seemed he wanted to escort her home, but unfortunately, Feng Ji called him back inside.
“Your Highness, we’ll speak again soon. I’ll tell you more about this General Yang Yueshan,” Fu Zhixian said meaningfully before disappearing into the study.
Feng Lezhen frowned. As she and Ah Ye made their way out of the palace and boarded the carriage, she muttered, “What’s so special about this Yang Yueshan that Fu Zhixian keeps bringing him up?”
“…That’s not important right now. We’re about to return home—Your Highness, could you check me over? Do I have anything on me that’s too inappropriate?” Ah Ye sounded anxious.
The Eldest Princess had always liked gifting her fine things that didn’t suit her station. Back in the capital, she had obediently tucked them away. But after years at Yingguan with no Steward Qin to keep her in line, she had grown bold, often dressing herself up without care. Just now, it was Fu Zhixian who had reminded her—and she’d suddenly realized she needed to take everything off quickly.
Feng Lezhen had originally been full of heavy thoughts, but the moment she saw Ah Ye’s pitiful, tragic expression, she burst out laughing. “Wanwan may have a sharp tongue, but she’s soft-hearted. When has she ever really punished you? Why are you so scared of her?”
“Soft-hearted or not, just her sharp tongue is already more than enough to take,” Ah Ye replied, nearly in tears. After she finished removing all her jewelry, she looked down at her clothes and suddenly remembered—this outfit was made from fabric the princess had given her.
…If she remembered correctly, this was fabric only those of county princess rank or above could wear? Ah Ye’s eyes widened in horror. Realizing they were almost home and there wasn’t time to change, she flung open the carriage curtain to jump out. Feng Lezhen quickly stopped her and managed to talk her down with great difficulty.
“When we enter the residence later, Your Highness must shield me,” Ah Ye pleaded repeatedly.
Feng Lezhen had no choice but to agree.
Before long, the carriage arrived at the Eldest Princess’s estate. The servants and guards who had remained in the capital were all waiting at the gate. The moment Feng Lezhen stepped down from the carriage, they dropped to their knees in excitement.
“Welcome home, Your Highness the Eldest Princess!”
“Welcome home, Your Highness the Eldest Princess!”
“Welcome home, Your Highness the Eldest Princess!”
Looking at the sea of familiar kneeling faces, Feng Lezhen’s eyes turned slightly misty. But no matter how emotional she felt, she didn’t forget to keep Ah Ye well hidden behind her.
She looked around, not seeing Qin Wan. Just as she was about to ask, Qin Wan came rushing out from within the gate. Ah Ye let out a cry and threw herself at her: “Steward Qin! I missed you so much—sob sob sob—you’ve aged so much… Have you suffered a lot these years…”
She clung to Qin Wan, sobbing so hard she could hardly breathe. Qin Wan’s eyes were red too. She held Ah Ye tightly and looked to Feng Lezhen: “Your Highness, forgive me—I haven’t even had time to greet you properly.”
“No matter,” Feng Lezhen replied, both crying and laughing. Seeing the faint lines by Qin Wan’s eyes, her heart ached. “These years have been hard on you. Now that I’ve returned, your days can ease up a little.”
Ah Ye finally let go of Qin Wan, wiping her tears off to the side. Qin Wan breathed a sigh of relief, shoved a handkerchief into her hand, and then solemnly knelt before Feng Lezhen: “Your servant Qin Wan humbly welcomes Your Highness back home!”
“Quick, get up,” Feng Lezhen said with a smile, helping her up. She glanced at the household staff and said, “You’ve all worked hard these past years. Go see Fan Gonggong later for your rewards!”
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
“Your servants thank Your Highness for the reward!”
Joy filled the Eldest Princess’s estate. Like a bird returning to its nest, Ah Ye flitted from place to place, excitedly reacquainting herself with every corner. After making a full round, she happily went to find Feng Lezhen again.
Feng Lezhen hadn’t even had time to rest when Qin Wan dragged her into the accounting room. Watching her pull out ledger after ledger, she was caught between laughter and tears. “I’ve always trusted you—why go to all this trouble?”
“No, Your Highness is the true master of this household. Now that you’ve returned, how can a servant continue managing the accounts?” Qin Wan stacked the ledgers in front of her. “I’ll continue overseeing the household and the shops too—you won’t need to worry about those—but these records must be managed by you personally.”
Feng Lezhen sighed and flipped through the books. “Wanwan, you don’t know—these days I’ve got the support of the wealthiest Shen family in all of Great Qian. I’m not like before when I couldn’t even pay consultation fees… Wait—why is there so much silver?!”
She momentarily lost her composure. Seeing the balances in the ledgers, her voice involuntarily rose.
Qin Wan remained calm. “The household already had several businesses. Over the years, I also bought some farmland and started a few side ventures.”
The main reason, of course, was that the only person who spent money wasn’t at home—so the wealth accumulated naturally over time.
Feng Lezhen was silent for a long while, finally realizing just how much she used to spend.
“Back when I was still around…” Her emotions were complicated. “I really put you through a lot.”
The usually stern Qin Wan even smiled a little. “There’s only one master in the Eldest Princess’s estate. Even if you’re a bit extravagant, so what?”
Before she finished speaking, Ah Ye burst in. Upon seeing Qin Wan, she raised her hand in greeting: “Greetings, Steward Qin!”
“Nonsense! How could you not greet Her Highness first?” Qin Wan immediately put on a stern face.
Still swept up in the emotional reunion, Ah Ye was stunned to be scolded the moment she walked in. Before she could react, Qin Wan’s gaze landed on her clothes. “What are you wearing? How can you wear moon silk? Do you not know that’s above your station? You might’ve gotten away with such antics at the border, but now Her Highness is back in the capital—who knows how many eyes are watching! I don’t expect you to be of much help, but at the very least don’t drag her down!”
Ah Ye, thoroughly scolded, immediately looked to Feng Lezhen for help. The Eldest princess cleared her throat and, loyal to a fault, defended her: “Well… Wanwan, don’t blame her. I gave her the fabric. She’s still young—what’s wrong with dressing nicely?”
“Your Highness!” Qin Wan frowned, her tone much gentler but still firm. “This is what I need to speak to you about. She’s only so unruly because you’ve spoiled her. Aren’t you afraid one day it’ll become a real problem?”
Feng Lezhen’s smile stiffened. She didn’t dare argue back.
Halfway through her lecture, Fan Gonggong arrived to ask how to distribute the reward silver to the staff. Qin Wan immediately left with him, but not before giving the two girls one last warning look. Fan Gonggong secretly gave the two of them a “run while you can” gesture.
Once they were out of earshot, the two stared at each other.
After a while, Ah Ye let out a long sigh. “Before, it all felt like a dream—but now that I’ve been scolded by Steward Qin, it finally feels real.”
Feng Lezhen said nothing, but the smile in her eyes showed she felt the same.
It wasn’t until this moment that she truly felt—she was home.
It was now early August, with just a few days left until the Mid-Autumn Festival. Coincidentally, when Feng Lezhen had left the capital years ago, it was also around Mid-Autumn.
The journey from the capital to the border had taken her about two months back then. But the return trip—from the border to the capital—had taken her a full four years.
Fortunately, it hadn’t taken too long—and the returns had been generous. Feng Lezhen lowered her gaze, lightly tapping her fingers on the ledger.
Upon her return to the capital, her momentum was at its peak. After only a brief rest, Feng Lezhen got straight to work. The very next morning, she went out and made her first arrest.
The first to be taken were Hua Wei and Fu Wu—one the direct grandson of Hua family, Empress Dowager’s kin and thus related to Feng Ji; the other, the elder uncle of Fu Zhixian. Feng Lezhen picked them first, clearly using them as stepping stones. Everyone knew her move was aimed at making things difficult for Feng Ji and Fu Zhixian, even as a form of revenge for Fu Zhixian’s withdrawal from their betrothal years ago and Feng Ji’s decision to send her away to the border.
But the problem was—she had airtight evidence. Witnesses and physical proof were all accounted for. Even Feng Ji had nothing to say.
“If His Majesty refuses to punish them, I, your elder sister, do not mind. But if the imperial examination is no longer just, that is to abandon the scholars of the realm. Then what of the social order, of the hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants? It would all become a farce. When rites and music collapse, how will Your Majesty face our ancestors?” Feng Lezhen’s voice rang clear in the imperial court.
Feng Ji’s face darkened, but before he could speak, someone from the Hua family couldn’t help but protest, “Your Highness, as a woman, you step into court to discuss politics—does that not also constitute a collapse of propriety, a disgrace to our forebears?”
“There are ten codes and seven hundred thirty-nine statutes in Great Qian’s legal system. Which one forbids me from engaging in politics?” Feng Lezhen shot back sharply.
The man was stunned, but quickly recovered: “Section Three, Article 125—women of the harem must not interfere in politics…”
“Harem?” Feng Lezhen laughed coldly and took a step toward him. “That refers to the emperor’s concubines. Let me ask you: am I a concubine of His Majesty? If so, which palace do I belong to? What rank am I?”
The man was so overwhelmed by her presence that he staggered backward. The person behind him calmly stepped aside, and he fell straight to the floor with a thud. “I—I… You…”
“Her Highness is indeed not a member of the harem,” said a young official—a student of Yu Shou—who had caused the man to fall. He added helpfully, “And there is no legal restriction barring her from participating in governance.”
Feng Lezhen glanced at him, about to speak, when the man gritted his teeth and insisted, “It may not be in the law, but it is the established custom—women do not interfere in politics!”
“To be a clean-handed official, devoted to serving the people, is also an established custom. Yet look at you—bloated and gluttonous—who among you actually follows it?” she retorted.
Most members of the Hua family were on the plump side, and their expressions turned sour at this remark.
The man tried to argue again, but Feng Ji, from the high dais, spoke coldly: “Enough!”
A faint smile curved Feng Lezhen’s lips as she looked at him, eyes bright and unflinching.
After a long silence, Feng Ji spat out, “Proceed according to the law. No leniency.”
He flung his sleeves and left.
With the emperor gone, there was no point continuing court. The ministers looked at one another and quietly dispersed. Feng Lezhen pinched the bridge of her nose and turned to leave—only to find someone falling into step beside her.
“Here to plead for your uncle?” she asked without even turning her head. She already knew who it was.
Sure enough, a light chuckle came from beside her.
“And if I said yes,” Fu Zhixian asked with a smile, “would Your Highness spare his life for my sake?”
Feng Lezhen’s expression didn’t change. “That would depend on your sincerity, Lord Fu.”
“What kind of sincerity would Your Highness like? Would offering myself be enough?”
The moment the words left his lips, Feng Lezhen stopped walking for the first time today and turned to look at his face.
There were over a hundred officials at court each day, all in the same red robes patterned with golden florals, all wearing the same long-winged black hats. Yet only he could wear that outfit with such striking allure.
Captivating, yet dangerous. A truly unique charm.
“Should I pay a proper visit to Your Highness’s estate tonight and beg properly?” Fu Zhixian lowered his voice, his gaze glinting with sly amusement.
Feng Lezhen stared at him for a long while, then curled her lips slightly. “In all these years… have there been others?”
“Your Highness likes things clean,” he replied lightly, “I rarely even use my own hands.”
To outsiders, it looked like one was meek and the other cold, no one would guess what indecent conversation was passing between them.
After his answer, Feng Lezhen was quiet for a beat before saying, “I’m too busy to think straight these days. Don’t stir up trouble.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
Fu Zhixian watched her decisive figure vanish into the distance, and after a long moment, let out a soft sigh. “Her Highness really is merciless.”
Feng Lezhen continued toward the palace gates alone. Just as she reached them, she ran into the young official who had spoken in her defense earlier. She had intended to ignore him, but when he bowed to her with both hands respectfully, she thought for a moment and walked over.
“You shouldn’t have spoken for me today,” she said. She hadn’t yet truly begun her campaign against Feng Ji—coming to her aid now would only make the emperor hostile toward him.
The young man smiled. “It wasn’t done on impulse, Your Highness.”
“You mean…” She met his gaze and suddenly understood.
After he left, she got into her carriage. As Ah Ye instructed the coachman to move, Feng Lezhen added, “Go to the Yu residence first.”
Ah Ye hesitated, then quickly agreed.
The carriage sped through the streets and soon reached the back entrance of the Yu estate. A servant was already waiting, unsurprised by the carriage’s arrival. He bowed and said, “The master says, as the Eldest Princess of the realm, Your Highness should always enter through the front gate. Sneaking in like this doesn’t befit your station.”
Feng Lezhen paused, then laughed. “Understood.”
Before she could say more, Ah Ye had already instructed the coachman to circle around to the front.
Sure enough, the main gates were wide open, clearly in preparation for a distinguished guest.
The carriage entered the courtyard, and once the gates were closed, Yu Shou led his entire household out to kneel in greeting.
“We humbly welcome Her Highness the Eldest Princess back to the capital!”
Ah Ye helped Feng Lezhen down from the carriage, then quickly stepped aside.
“There’s no need for such formalities, Grandfather. Uncles, aunts, please rise,” she said gently.
Ah Ye stepped forward to assist Yu Shou, and the rest of the family members also began to stand.
“Alright, everyone disperse,” Yu Shou ordered, and the gathered crowd immediately scattered.
Feng Lezhen walked with Yu Shou toward the main hall, chatting casually along the way. “Grandfather has always preferred to keep a low profile. Why the sudden showiness today?”
Yu Shou gave her a sidelong glance. “I already promised you that if you returned safely, I would do everything in my power to help you ascend the throne. Naturally, I intend to keep my word.”
“Grandfather has already done a lot for me these past years. Even if you hadn’t publicly supported me in court today, I wouldn’t have held it against you. Once all is settled, I will still remember your kindness,” Feng Lezhen said sincerely.
Yu Shou wasn’t buying it. He let out a cold snort. “Save it. You’re just like your mother. If I’d only helped you in secret without tying the Yu family to your cause, I probably wouldn’t even have a seat on your ship when the time comes.”
Feng Lezhen cleared her throat with a laugh.
“Since you’re here, stay for lunch. Have your aunt make you some eight-treasure rice,” Yu Shou said, his voice softening as he looked at his granddaughter—who more and more resembled his late daughter.
Feng Lezhen nodded obediently, playing the role of the junior family member as expected.
She stayed at the Yu residence eating and chatting until dusk, when it was time to leave. Yu Shou personally walked her to the carriage and glanced around. The idle bystanders quickly and tactfully withdrew.
“You have something to say?” Feng Lezhen immediately saw through him.
Yu Shou frowned. “Was that incursion from Tayuan your doing?”
Feng Lezhen smiled but said nothing.
“I thought so.” Yu Shou sighed. “You’ve gotten shrewder these past few years. If it had been before, you’d never have resorted to something like this.”
“Yingguan is secure. I know what I’m doing,” Feng Lezhen replied calmly.
“I know you have judgment, so I haven’t been worried,” Yu Shou said, glancing at her. “But even with Tayuan’s assistance, you may not rest easy.”
“What do you mean, Grandfather?”
“Yang Yueshan—you’ve heard of him?”
Feng Lezhen nodded at the familiar name. “I heard he’s in the capital? I just returned two days ago and haven’t yet had the chance to investigate him.”
“He’s kept to himself since his arrival. I haven’t met him either,” Yu Shou said, then, after confirming there was no one around, lowered his voice. “But I’ve heard His Majesty summoned him not only to intimidate you, but also to prepare for an eventual northern expedition to Yingguan.”
Feng Lezhen’s eyelid twitched. “When you say ‘when the time is right,’ Grandfather… you don’t mean after the Qi family Army and Tayuan Army wear each other out?”
“Our emperor has lofty ambitions,” Yu Shou said coldly. “Not only does he want to eliminate your influence, but he also wants to fully take over Yingguan. But since Lingnan is too far from Tayuan, moving troops there would be a logistical nightmare. So instead, he’s sending Yang Yueshan with a small elite force to the capital, where a new army can be assembled to move north. All this smiling and patience from the emperor—it’s just to buy time.”
“He really trusts this Yang Yueshan,” Feng Lezhen murmured.
“In just two months, the man cleaned up a mess his father couldn’t handle in half a year, and he managed to enforce discipline and earn the people’s respect. With skills like that, anyone would want to promote him.” Yu Shou gave a cold snort. “You’re riding a tiger now. If the Tayuan army does strike Yingguan, the emperor can swoop in like a vulture. And if Tayuan holds back, he can still station troops in Yue City or Hening, cutting off the Qi family Army’s route to the capital. Either way, he’ll leave you isolated in the capital.”
Feng Lezhen pressed her lips together in silence.
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