Looking at Chen Jinan performing the fist salute, Feng Lezhen’s expression was unreadable. “If these eyes of mine still work… it seems General Yang isn’t wearing armor today.”
In the Great Qian laws, a man in full armor may perform only a half-salute—or even none at all. But in regular dress, one was still required to kneel and perform the full salute when greeting someone of higher rank.
Chen Jinan’s lashes quivered slightly. After a moment of silence, he remained standing. “This humble officer has received the Emperor’s grace. When meeting someone of higher rank, kneeling is no longer required.”
Feng Lezhen stared at him for a long while, then suddenly laughed. “Since General Yang has the Emperor behind him, what can I possibly say?”
“I beg Your Highness’s understanding,” Chen Jinan lowered his gaze, and the scar above his eyelid was revealed.
Feng Lezhen had been too emotionally stirred earlier to notice it, but now that she saw it, her gaze lingered. Though the scar was faint and barely visible, it lay dangerously close to the eye—just beneath it, in fact—hinting at how perilous the injury must have been.
Minister Hua chuckled to smooth things over: “Your Highness has never been one to fuss over ceremony. How could she not understand General Yang? It’s still early—why don’t we all return to the Hua residence? This old man would be honored to host a few more drinks.”
He was the head of the Hua family, a senior official who had served two emperors. Though Feng Lezhen had little regard for his character, formal respect was still due, so she replied with a polite smile: “I’ve been so busy these past few days that I’m dizzy. Being able to come out tonight was already difficult—I won’t trouble Minister Hua further.”
Chen Jinan instinctively looked at her when he heard that—and saw the dark circles under her eyes and the weariness in her gaze.
How long had it been since she truly rested?
His fingertips trembled slightly. Just as he wanted to look again, Fu Zhixian subtly shifted to block his view.
“Your Highness, shall I escort you back?” Fu Zhixian asked with a smile.
Feng Lezhen no longer looked at Chen Jinan. “Mm.”
Chen Jinan’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, but his expression remained impassive.
The two of them bid Minister Hua farewell and turned to leave. Their backs—equally noble and refined—made for a striking pair. Minister Hua silently watched them descend the stairs and disappear around the corner. Only then did he frown and mutter, “What’s wrong with that Fu Zhixian? I asked him to accompany General Yang tonight, and sure, he showed up—but didn’t even come into the room. And he brought the Eldest Princess with him.”
“They were probably dining in the next room,” Chen Jinan said slowly. “They may have made arrangements earlier, and that’s why he didn’t come to ours.”
“All the more suspicious,” Minister Hua sneered. “Could it be he sees the Eldest Princess now wielding great power and wants to cozy up to her again? Rekindle old flames?”
“No,” Chen Jinan said flatly.
Minister Hua gave him a curious look. “How would General Yang know that’s not the case?”
Chen Jinan said nothing.
Minister Hua chuckled. “The General has never been to the capital, so you probably don’t know—Fu Zhixian was born during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Back when the two of them were engaged, every year on the Mid-Autumn night, the Eldest Princess would set off fireworks as a birthday gift for him. That grand spectacle drew the envy of countless onlookers. After the engagement was annulled, it never happened again. Yet here we are again at Mid-Autumn, and fireworks are blooming in the sky—it’s clear the Eldest Princess still holds intentions of reconciliation.”
After saying that, he sighed emotionally, “They’re still too young—reckless and thoughtless. After tonight’s fireworks, Fu Zhixian’s career is basically over. I wonder how the Eldest Princess plans to settle things…”
“Today is the sixteenth of the eighth month,” Chen Jinan suddenly interrupted.
Minister Hua blinked in confusion. “Hm?”
“The sixteenth. Not the Mid-Autumn Festival,” Chen Jinan added.
Minister Hua: “……”
What difference does that make? he wondered silently, but didn’t dare offend this newly favored official of the Emperor. He just chuckled and let it pass.
Outside Mingyue Pavilion, guards stood in neat rows before and behind the carriage. Countless hidden sentries watched silently from the shadows.
Fu Zhixian escorted Feng Lezhen all the way to the carriage. As she stepped in with Ah Ye’s help, he smiled and asked, “Your Highness won’t offer me a ride?”
Feng Lezhen cast him a glance. “Get in.”
With a smile, Fu Zhixian climbed into the carriage. Just as Chen Jinan exited Mingyue Pavilion with Minister Hua, he caught a glimpse of Fu Zhixian’s sleeve flicking past the edge of the carriage curtain.
Chen Jinan looked away and didn’t glance back.
The carriage began to roll along the stone-paved road. Inside, the atmosphere shifted. Feng Lezhen dropped the mask of civility and looked coldly at the smiling man across from her. “Explain.”
“What would Your Highness like me to explain?” Fu Zhixian let out a light laugh. “I was just as shocked as you. I had no idea that a little servant from the Princess’s household would become the commanding general of the southern frontier. When I first saw him, I was no less surprised than you.”
“Besides you, who else knows his identity?” Feng Lezhen frowned.
Fu Zhixian saw a folding fan on the small table and picked it up, fiddling with it. “Probably no one else. Oh… people from your residence would definitely recognize him, but since he’s kept to himself for years, they likely never ran into him.”
“I brought him to Qing Wang’s estate for a banquet, and to several other places, while I was in the capital,” she said, eyes locked on his.
Fu Zhixian curled his lips. “So what? He lived in your residence for three years, and even then, Your Highness didn’t recognize him when you saw him again.”
Feng Lezhen fell silent.
Fu Zhixian’s smile deepened, but his eyes were cold. “No one remembers what a servant looks like. No one would ever associate a powerful general with some nameless errand boy from the past. Besides, as I said—he’s reclusive.”
“He showed up to the Hua family’s banquet. Doesn’t look very reclusive to me,” she sneered lightly.
Fu Zhixian looked at her for a long moment, half-smiling, half-serious. “Rather than worry about him, Your Highness should be worrying about yourself.”
Feng Lezhen raised her eyes.
“As things stand,” Fu Zhixian said, “he doesn’t seem to be yours anymore. And really, why would he want to be a servant when he can be a general commanding real power?”
Feng Lezhen replied offhandedly, “He’s not that kind of person.”
“The human heart is the most unpredictable thing in this world,” Fu Zhixian met her gaze. “If he truly isn’t that kind of person, why has he never contacted Your Highness? Why let you believe all this time that he was dead?”
Feng Lezhen said nothing.
The carriage rolled forward, smooth and steady. The two of them sat in silence, staring at each other. After a long pause, Feng Lezhen suddenly spoke. “And what about you?”
Fu Zhixian blinked. “Me?”
“Your heart,” Feng Lezhen said clearly, looking into his eyes. “Can I still be sure of it?”
Fu Zhixian was silent for a moment, then gave a small smile. “My heart has always been here. It depends on whether Your Highness is still willing to look.”
“But I can’t see through you,” Feng Lezhen leaned back against the cushion, her posture softening a bit. “Fu Zhixian, what exactly do you want?”
“I believe I’ve laid all my cards on the table,” he said, smiling.
But Feng Lezhen didn’t smile. “Why didn’t you expose his identity?”
“Why should I?” Fu Zhixian returned the question. “If the Emperor learns he’s not really Yang Yueshan, but rather one of your old subordinates, you think he’ll have him executed? Unlikely. In these troubled times, the Emperor is running short on useful people. Even if Chen Jinan’s true identity is revealed, as long as he declares he’s turned his back on you, the Emperor will probably just turn a blind eye. I’d be the only one making enemies for nothing.”
“What about the fireworks tonight?” she asked. “Don’t you realize they’ve just ended your political future?”
Fu Zhixian was quiet for a moment, then smiled. “Your Highness, in my past life I lived to thirty, held immense power, reached the peak of officialdom.”
Feng Lezhen’s eyes flickered.
“And when I got there,” he continued, “I realized it was all empty. So in this life, I don’t plan to chase it again.” He smiled lightly and reached toward her chest—without touching—just a gesture, his fingertip hovering. “I want to try… to return here.”
Feng Lezhen said nothing.
Fu Zhixian didn’t press. He quietly poured her a cup of tea.
They rode in silence until they arrived at the Princess’s residence. As Feng Lezhen stepped out of the carriage, she gave the driver instructions: “Send Lord Fu back to his estate. No need to be discreet—go as ostentatiously as possible.”
“If Your Highness truly wants to help me,” Fu Zhixian leaned against the window with a roguish smile and raised brows, “why not keep me for the night?”
Feng Lezhen shot him a look, then turned and entered the residence without a word.
The smile at Fu Zhixian’s lips gradually faded. After a while, he said softly, “Take a detour through the busiest part of the city. Make sure everyone knows I returned home in the Eldest Princess’s carriage.”
“Yes, sir.”
The driver, having received both her command and his, naturally did his best. Not only did he go through the busiest districts, he circled several more spots—wishing he could show off to every last citizen in the capital how brazen they were.
The consequence of such a move was that rumors quickly spread like wildfire.
Feng Lezhen didn’t concern herself with any of it. As soon as she returned home, she went straight to bed. By the time Qin Wan came looking for her, she was already sleeping like the dead.
“She… why is Her Highness sleeping so early today?” Qin Wan asked in surprise.
When Feng Lezhen saw Chen Jinan at Mingyue Pavilion, Ah Ye had been outside scouting the surroundings, and thus missed their encounter. She didn’t know Chen Jinan was still alive. Now, hearing Qin Wan’s question, she was just as confused: “I-I don’t know either. She went straight to sleep upon coming back. She usually has trouble falling asleep.”
“Whatever the reason, it’s good she can sleep. Pass on the word: no one, for any reason, is to disturb Her Highness.” Qin Wan glanced at the tightly closed door, her voice laced with relief.
Ah Ye quickly agreed.
Feng Lezhen slept deeply and soundly. By the time she woke, the sun was already high in the sky. She looked at the sunlight pouring across the floor for a long while before letting out a soft laugh.
“Your Highness, you’re finally awake,” Ah Ye rushed forward. “This servant was worried sick, but Steward Qin said even if the sky falls, no one is to wake you, so I could only wait anxiously outside.”
“What’s so urgent?” Feng Lezhen asked, pinching her brow.
Ah Ye replied, “Your Highness, have you forgotten? Today you’re supposed to meet with the Minister of Personnel, and in the afternoon you’re due at the Yu family’s estate. The schedule’s packed tight.”
Feng Lezhen didn’t take it to heart. “If it’s tight, let’s only do one thing… Go see the Minister. The visit to the Yu family can wait until tomorrow.”
Ah Ye stared wide-eyed, momentarily speechless.
Feng Lezhen looked up. “What’s wrong?”
“Y-Your Highness, are you alright?” She reached out to feel Feng Lezhen’s forehead and frowned even deeper when she found no fever. “You’re not running hot… Why are you suddenly so unmotivated?”
“It’s not that I’m unmotivated.” Feng Lezhen brushed her hand away. “I just think there’s enough time. No need to rush.”
She paused, then said quietly, “Let’s take it slow.”
“…Yes,” Ah Ye replied weakly.
Feng Lezhen glanced out the window. “At this hour, Fu Zhixian should already be in the palace, right?”
“He entered about half an hour ago. The Emperor summoned him.” Ah Ye had people tailing the Fu family and was well-informed of Fu Zhixian’s movements.
Feng Lezhen curved her lips slightly, saying no more.
In the imperial palace, imperial study.
“Minister Fu doesn’t care to explain?” Emperor Feng Ji looked at him, his expression flickering darkly.
Fu Zhixian remained calm. “This humble official doesn’t know what needs explaining. May Your Majesty enlighten me.”
“Stop playing dumb with me!” The Emperor had been under pressure for days and exploded at once, sweeping everything off his desk. The eunuchs and servants all fell to their knees, not daring to breathe.
Fu Zhixian stayed composed. “This official truly doesn’t know.”
“Then explain the fireworks last night! What were they about? Why is everyone saying you and the Princess have reconciled?” Feng Ji barked.
Fu Zhixian glanced at the screen divider and gave an almost casual smile. “The fireworks were Her Highness’s insistence. The rumors were others’ insistence. This official did nothing and has nothing to explain.”
“So you’re saying you’re innocent?” Feng Ji pressed.
“If we’re being precise… not entirely,” Fu Zhixian sighed. “It’s this official’s fault—for having a face the Eldest Princess happens to like. She insisted on rekindling our old affair. What could I do?”
Feng Ji’s eyelid twitched. There was even a subtle rustling sound from behind the screen.
“You tell me, Your Majesty,” Fu Zhixian continued, pushing the question back, “what could I have done?”
Feng Ji stared at him, speechless for a long moment.
Finally, he barked, “If you didn’t want it, would she dare force you?!”
“She’s the Eldest Princess—what wouldn’t she dare to do?” Fu Zhixian countered. “Yesterday, when I refused to attend the banquet, she threatened to poison my entire family, just like she did to my uncle. I had no choice but to yield. But even then she wasn’t satisfied. In the carriage, she tried to… take liberties with me.”
“That’s enough!” Feng Ji’s temple throbbed. He had no desire to hear his sister’s romantic scandals.
Fu Zhixian looked entirely innocent. “Your Majesty, this humble official truly had no choice.”
Feng Ji took a deep breath. “So you’re saying I wrongly blamed you?”
Fu Zhixian smiled faintly and said nothing.
Feng Ji felt a headache coming on. His tone eased noticeably. “If I really did wrongly accuse you, I owe you an apology.”
“Your Majesty flatters me,” Fu Zhixian bowed his head.
Feng Ji sighed. “I’m sure you understand—we live in chaotic times. I’m running out of loyal people I can use. If you too were to betray me, I’d truly have nowhere left to turn… Thankfully, you still remember the promise you made to the late Emperor and haven’t done anything outrageous. That puts my heart at ease.”
The moment the late Emperor’s name was invoked, the entire imperial study fell into silence.
After a long pause, Fu Zhixian finally spoke, voice steady: “This official has not spent a day without remembering His Late Majesty’s words.”
Feng Ji gave a short laugh. “Good.”
Fu Zhixian lingered a bit longer, then finally took his leave.
Once he was gone, Feng Ji’s face darkened entirely. He stared blankly at the empty tabletop for a long time.
Behind the screen, Chen Jinan had been standing quietly. Now that calm had returned, he lowered his gaze and stepped out. “Your Majesty.”
Feng Ji jolted, then relaxed slightly upon meeting his eyes. “What do you think? Is Fu Zhixian believable?”
“Does Your Majesty believe him?” Chen Jinan answered with a question.
Feng Ji gave a strange little laugh but said nothing more.
After a while, he finally said, “I no longer know who I can trust.”
“I don’t believe him,” Chen Jinan said bluntly.
Feng Ji raised an eyebrow. “You rarely speak so directly.”
“Your Majesty, Fu Zhixian is a clever man,” Chen Jinan said calmly. “And the most dangerous thing in the world… is a clever man.”
Feng Ji remained silent for a long time before finally asking, “In your opinion, what should I do?”
“Kill,” Chen Jinan said slowly—just one word.
Feng Ji was taken aback, then chuckled, “His crime doesn’t warrant death.”
“If he throws in his lot with the Princess, Your Majesty will be in danger,” Chen Jinan looked him straight in the eye.
The smile on Feng Ji’s face gradually faded. He said nothing.
“Your Majesty, if you hesitate in cutting off trouble, chaos will inevitably follow.” Chen Jinan took a step forward, his tall figure exuding an inexplicable pressure.
Feng Ji quietly met his gaze. After a long moment, he sighed, “Easier said than done. There are already rumors in the streets that I assassinate ministers. If something were to happen to him right after getting close to the Princess, it’ll only make things worse. Besides… killing someone without leaving a trace isn’t easy. It’s like trying to scale the heavens.”
“If it can’t be done in secret, then do it openly,” Chen Jinan raised his eyes to meet Feng Ji’s. “If Your Majesty trusts this humble official, I’m willing to step forward and act.”
Feng Ji’s eyes flickered. “What do you plan to do?”
“Isn’t Her Highness the Princess claiming to be ‘cleansing those beside the sovereign’?” Chen Jinan asked in return.
Feng Ji paused, then laughed, “Yueshan… your mind truly is sharp.”
“Your Majesty has a longstanding relationship with Fu Zhixian and still relies on him in many matters,” Chen Jinan said evenly. “But in times like these, if he harbors even a hint of disloyalty, Your Majesty will be completely at his mercy.”
Feng Ji took a sip of tea to moisten his throat before asking, “But what if I’ve truly misjudged him?”
“Better to kill by mistake than to let a threat go free,” Chen Jinan replied firmly, his gaze resolute.
The study fell into a heavy silence, time seeming to freeze. Only the incense burner in the corner quietly let off wisps of smoke.
As the incense neared its end, Feng Ji slowly opened his mouth: “How is the military preparation going?”
Chen Jinan respectfully answered, “Your Majesty, the biggest difference between the palace guards and soldiers on the battlefield is that the former prioritize defense and protection, while the latter focus on offense and retaliation. Though the Imperial Guards are all carefully selected, they may not fare better than ordinary border troops if sent to the front lines. This official has almost completed the selection process, but choosing the right people isn’t enough—they’ll still need training before they can be truly useful.”
Feng Ji frowned slightly, “I’m not well-versed in military matters—handle it as you see fit. But make haste. The longer we delay, the worse the situation gets for me.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Feng Ji looked at the tall young man before him, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. As for Fu Zhixian… Fu Zhixian was good too—clever, decisive, and had handled many affairs for him over the years. But his one fatal flaw was his entanglement with Feng Lezhen, even after all these years.
For a subject, nothing is more dangerous than ambiguous loyalties. Compared to someone who could turn at any moment, Feng Ji much preferred subordinates like Yang Yueshan, who followed only his orders. Young men may be ambitious, but as long as they had real capability and could be used by him, Feng Ji didn’t mind giving them power and favor.
“Yueshan,” Feng Ji sighed, finally making up his mind, “Don’t forget to help me resolve my troubles during your training.”
“This humble official will give his all,” Chen Jinan lowered his gaze, concealing all emotion.
Three days later, news suddenly broke that Fu Zhixian had been imprisoned for forming factions and abusing power.
The once-favored official at the Emperor’s side had suddenly fallen from grace, causing an uproar throughout the capital. What’s more, the order came from the Emperor himself, and it was rumored to have something to do with the Princess.
“The Eldest Princess lit fireworks and sent Lord Fu home—wasn’t that clearly a sign they’d reconciled? Why is she involved in his arrest now?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Back then, Her Highness was about to go to Yingguan, and Lord Fu broke off the engagement right after. The two clearly have bad blood. Why would she want to make up with him now? She must’ve approached him on purpose, looking for evidence, then sent him to prison.”
“That… the Eldest Princess really is a cunning strategist. But then why was it the Emperor who ordered the arrest?”
“Are you stupid? Fu Zhixian is one of the Emperor’s men. The Emperor probably wanted to protect him, so he personally had him arrested before the Eldest Princess could act. That way, at least he wouldn’t fall into her hands and risk losing his life.”
While the streets buzzed with gossip, the Eldest Princess’s residence remained calm and peaceful. The cook was learning to make sweet glutinous rice balls from the chef at Mingyue Pavilion, concentrating on preparing a delicious breakfast for Her Highness. The gardener carefully applied salve to flower buds to protect them from insects. A few guards, excitedly, were sparring in the small garden. Everyone had their own tasks, as if the chaos outside had nothing to do with them.
In the main bedroom, Feng Lezhen was resting her head on the table, pretending to nap. Ah Ye was quietly combing her hair, one stroke at a time. Qin Wan, standing to the side, was methodically reciting all the day’s rumors.
“Why would His Majesty arrest Lord Fu just because he had one meal with Her Highness?” Ah Ye asked, clearly confused.
Feng Lezhen remained calm: “Feng Ji is already close to being driven mad by me. That he would lash out like this is not surprising.”
That said, she had expected Feng Ji to simply ignore Fu Zhixian for a few days or assign him difficult tasks to wear him down—she hadn’t thought he’d go so far as to imprison him outright… Such decisiveness was unlike him.
“Then… is Your Highness going to save him?” Ah Ye asked cautiously.
Feng Lezhen curled her lips slightly: “If I don’t save him, he might spend a few days inside and be released. But if I do try to help him, Feng Ji will truly kill him.”
Ah Ye didn’t understand. Feng Lezhen, resting drowsily at the table, didn’t explain further.
It was Qin Wan who finally added: “If Your Highness publicly intervenes to rescue him, it would confirm all the rumors of rekindling old ties with Lord Fu. And since Lord Fu knows so many of the Emperor’s secrets, would the Emperor dare keep him alive then? On the other hand, if Your Highness does nothing, that might be the only way to preserve his life.”
Ah Ye suddenly understood, but her brows still furrowed in concern.
Feng Lezhen didn’t need to open her eyes to know exactly what she was worried about. She casually reassured her, “Don’t worry. The Emperor already carries the stain of secretly assassinating officials. To avoid giving me more leverage, he wouldn’t dare touch him so easily. At most, he’ll be locked up for a few days—just to wear down his sharpness.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, there was a knock at the door. Ah Ye quickly went to open it.
It was Fan Gonggong, who respectfully handed over a letter before taking his leave. Ah Ye returned to the room alone.
“What did the eunuch deliver?” Qin Wan asked.
“A letter,” Ah Ye replied. “Seems to be from Lord Yu.”
Qin Wan immediately turned to Feng Lezhen. “Your Highness.”
“Read it,” Feng Lezhen said, feeling sluggish from a poor night’s sleep.
Qin Wan looked at Ah Ye, who promptly opened the letter: “There’s only one line… It says the person who arrested Fu Zhixian was Yang Yueshan. Yang Yueshan is always elusive, rarely seen, yet he personally made the arrest—such abnormal behavior must mean something. The sender urges Your Highness to be cautious.”
Feng Lezhen’s eyes snapped open.
