Qi Jingqing rarely made requests. Though this one was unusual, Qi Zhen and Song Lian agreed without question. That is, until they began arguing over the matter of sending invitations.
“Shen Suifeng is still at the Eldest Princess’s residence. If you leave Feng Lezhen out of this banquet, what if next time something happens to Jingqing, she refuses to let Shen Suifeng come?” Song Lian frowned.
Qi Zhen was stubborn. “If she dares block Shen Suifeng again, I’ll burn the entire Eldest Princess’s residence to the ground!”
“That’s a residence granted by the Emperor—you think you can burn it? And even if you do, what then? Shen Suifeng only listens to her now. If you force him into something he doesn’t want to do, aren’t you worried Jingqing will suffer for it?” Song Lian replied coldly.
Qi Zhen hardened his expression. “Regardless, I won’t invite her to this banquet.”
“You’ve gone far enough. Even if you’re angry, this is not the time for it!” Song Lian was clearly displeased.
Seeing his wife upset, Qi Zhen’s bluster softened a little, but he still stuck to his stance: “This is the Marquis’s residence. What I say goes!”
“Oh, so you say.” Song Lian laughed in anger and turned to leave.
Qi Zhen panicked and quickly stopped her. “Where are you going?”
“This is the Marquis’s home. I’m just an outsider. Naturally, I’ll return to my own family.” Song Lian sneered.
Qi Zhen swallowed hard. He wanted to say something but was unwilling to back down. As the two were locked in a stalemate, the page timidly suggested, “Perhaps… we should ask for the Young Shizi’s opinion?”
Both turned to look at him in unison.
Fifteen minutes later, the page came rushing back from the main courtyard. “The Young Shizi said—invite her.”
“Fine,” Qi Zhen replied.
Hearing this, Song Lian was even more annoyed. “I tried to persuade you for half a day and you wouldn’t listen. The moment our son says two words, you agree. Do I even count as your wife anymore?”
“Why are you picking a fight with our son…” Qi Zhen muttered, then quickly ordered the page before she could explode again, “Go to the camp and inform the young lady to keep her schedule open for the Little New Year.”
“Yes, sir,” the page answered and hurried off.
Now alone in the study, Qi Zhen cleared his throat awkwardly and tried to make conversation. “Our son is good in every way—only flaw is that he’s too softhearted. That year when Feng Lezhen knocked him into the pond and ruined any chance of him being a normal person… how could he not bear a grudge?”
“Not only does he not resent her, he keeps saying she didn’t push him.” Song Lian’s expression was calm. “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I might’ve been fooled by that rascal too.”
Qi Zhen let out a cold laugh. “Exactly. Falling into the water by accident versus being shoved in—the posture and reaction are completely different. Others might not tell the difference, but I could. Even if that rascal wants to take the blame himself, he has to get my permission first.”
“Let it go. It’s all in the past now. What matters is writing the invitations and preparing the banquet.” Song Lian sighed.
Qi Zhen gave a grunt, which counted as agreement.
Zhenbian Marquis’s tradition of hosting New Year banquets had lasted for over twenty years. Even though this year’s was moved up by seven days, preparations went smoothly as usual. The next day, Feng Lezhen received her invitation.
“Your Highness, are you sure you want to go?” Ah Ye asked hesitantly.
Feng Lezhen replied, “What do you think?”
“Don’t go,” Ah Ye answered immediately.
The marquis’s family banquet mostly invited military officers under the Qi family army. Just like Qi Zhen and his wife, they probably didn’t think highly of her. Even if they didn’t dare to cause trouble outright, they likely wouldn’t show much respect either.
Better to stay home, roast by the fire, and read a book.
“Not go…” Feng Lezhen had just said two words when she saw Ah Ye’s eyes light up, and couldn’t help but smile. “That’s impossible. I’ve finally won over the people at the administrative office. If I don’t show up to this banquet, they might think I’m afraid of Zhenbian Marquis, and that’ll make future dealings more difficult. Besides, I never planned on making an enemy of the Marquis’s residence. The fact that Qi Zhen is willing to invite me now is a good sign for me.”
“…You’ve already decided. Why bother asking your servant?” Ah Ye muttered.
Feng Lezhen: “Naturally, so you can start preparing my attire. There’ll be at least a hundred people that day—I cannot let anyone outshine me.”
Ah Ye loved dressing up her mistress. She immediately perked up. “Your servant will go pick out your outfit right now!”
She rushed out excitedly, but in her hurry, nearly bumped into Shen Suifeng who was just walking in.
“Good day, Mister Shen!” she greeted as she ran off.
Shen Suifeng looked baffled. After entering the room, he asked, “What’s got her in such a rush?”
Feng Lezhen told him everything that had just happened.
Shen Suifeng chuckled. “So Your Highness wanted to avoid her nagging and found an excuse to keep her busy?”
Feng Lezhen blinked and didn’t deny it.
As soon as the twelfth lunar month began, time seemed to speed up—before anyone realized it, it was already the Little New Year.
When setting out for the banquet, Feng Lezhen originally planned to bring only Ah Ye and Chen Jinan. But just as they were about to leave, Shen Suifeng appeared, dressed in white.
“You’re coming too?” she asked helplessly.
Shen Suifeng raised an eyebrow and immediately produced his invitation. “I’m also an invited guest of the marquis’s residence. Why wouldn’t I go?”
“I know you have an invitation,” Feng Lezhen pulled the card from his hand, “I just think there’s no need for you to go.”
He had never liked social events like this, and she didn’t want to force him to accompany her.
Shen Suifeng took the invitation back. “I don’t feel at ease letting Your Highness go alone.” Who knew if tonight would turn into a trap? With him there, Qi Zhen would have to show some restraint.
“I can handle it myself,” Feng Lezhen still didn’t want him to come.
They looked at each other for a moment—then Shen Suifeng simply climbed into the carriage.
“Your Highness, hurry up,” he said, lifting the curtain of the window, half his face exposed.
Feng Lezhen: “…”
“Your Highness, let’s go,” Ah Ye urged as well. Only Chen Jinan said nothing, quietly watching Feng Lezhen. She had no doubt—if she gave the order, he would absolutely climb in and drag Shen Suifeng out. But… Feng Lezhen gave a soft laugh and relented.
Winter days in Yingguan were short. The banquet was set for the hour of You, and they left one hour early. The sky was already dim when they arrived. By then, the banquet hall was already crowded with guests.
Although Feng Lezhen had arrived early according to etiquette, she wasn’t in the mood to exchange pleasantries with the guests. As she frowned and hesitated at the entrance, a refined-looking youth approached: “It’s quite noisy in the main hall. Might I suggest Your Highness rest in the side hall for now?”
Feng Lezhen recognized him as Qi Jingqing’s page. She was about to refuse but then met his hopeful gaze.
She paused briefly, then agreed. The page immediately let out a breath of relief and enthusiastically led the way.
The side hall was just around the corner, about ten meters away. They arrived quickly. Ah Ye and Chen Jinan stopped at the door and didn’t follow further, but Shen Suifeng was about to go in with her.
“D-Doctor Shen!” the page’s voice suddenly rose.
Shen Suifeng looked puzzled. “What is it?”
“Doctor Shen, these days I’ve been having trouble sleeping, and I—I keep feeling dizzy, nauseous, and can’t eat. Please be kind and treat me…” the page pleaded.
Shen Suifeng paused, looked at Feng Lezhen, and said, “I can.”
“T-then… would you come with me to the inner courtyard?” the page added quickly, afraid he would refuse. “A lowly servant like me shouldn’t linger in the side hall during a gathering like this.”
Now even Ah Ye and Chen Jinan were looking over. The page began to sweat profusely.
“Alright, let’s go,” Shen Suifeng smiled faintly.
The page was immensely relieved and hurried off with him.
Now Feng Lezhen was the only one left to enter the side hall. She smiled slightly and stepped inside. On the table were several types of pastries she had loved as a child, and a pot of tea.
She walked over and touched the teapot—it was still warm. Calmly, she sat down and slowly picked up a piece of pastry to eat.
By the time she finished, half a ke had passed.
“If you don’t come out now, I’m leaving,” she said.
A slight rustle came from behind the screen. A moment later, Qi Jingqing stepped out.
“When did Your Highness guess it was me?” he asked with a faint smile. Now that he had recovered from his cold, his voice was clearer than before, and paired with those pure eyes, he looked even more like someone untouched by the dust of the world.
Like a little celestial being of noble birth.
Feng Lezhen couldn’t help but marvel at his looks every time she saw him—but her expression didn’t reveal a trace. “Your page can’t even tell a decent lie. How could I not know?”
Qi Jingqing chuckled. “Precisely because he can’t lie, I had him go.”
Otherwise, how could he have gotten the Eldest Princess to follow?
Feng Lezhen didn’t comment either way on his explanation. “So, what did you bring me here for?”
The smile at Qi Jingqing’s lips faded. “Because there’s something I want to ask Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen pointed her chin toward the teapot. Qi Jingqing obediently went over and poured her a cup. She slowly lifted it and took a sip, as if there was nothing inappropriate about ordering around someone who had just recovered: “Speak.”
“The furniture I sent—did Your Highness not like it?” He got to the point.
Feng Lezhen wasn’t surprised he knew. She wasn’t offended either—this was his family’s territory, and having a few informants in town was only natural.
“I liked it,” she answered.
Qi Jingqing: “Then why replace it?”
“The size was too small,” she said.
Qi Jingqing paused. “What do you mean?”
“You had it made based on my size when I was nine, didn’t you, Your Lordship?” Feng Lezhen raised her brow. She wasn’t lying—while the bed might’ve been enough for an average person, it wasn’t suitable for someone like her, who tossed and turned in her sleep. Even if Shen Suifeng hadn’t mentioned it, she had planned to replace it anyway.
Qi Jingqing was momentarily speechless, simply staring at her.
How could those eyes be so clear, like they were filled with water—unreasonably tempting one to… tease her. Feng Lezhen silently warned herself: This was the Qi family’s precious treasure. She absolutely could not tease him.
Whether he figured something out or not, Qi Jingqing suddenly looked amused and exasperated. “Just because of that?”
Can’t exactly say it was also because a certain someone was jealous. Feng Lezhen blinked. “Of course.”
Qi Jingqing exhaled in slight relief. “That was my oversight. I’ll have them remade.”
“Don’t,” she refused flatly. “If your parents find out, they’ll think I’ve bewitched you again. Besides, the new furniture I have now works well enough. I don’t plan to change it for the time being.”
Qi Jingqing was silent for a moment. “Since Your Highness doesn’t wish to change them, then we won’t.”
Feng Lezhen nodded. Seeing him suddenly fall quiet, she smiled faintly. “You specially called me here just to ask about this?”
“I moved the New Year’s Eve banquet to today for the sake of this question,” Qi Jingqing admitted frankly.
Feng Lezhen was briefly stunned, then sighed after a while. “You’re still the same as when you were little—always impatient to say or ask what’s on your mind… No, you’ve improved. At least this time you waited a few days, unlike back then when you just barged straight into my chambers.”
She remembered clearly—it had been the same back then. He and someone else had both gifted her clay dolls, but because she played with the other person’s and ignored his, he had gotten angrier the more he thought about it after returning home. In the middle of the night, he stormed into the palace to ask why she didn’t play with his. At the time, she’d never encountered anything like that and had been stunned for a long while before stammering out an excuse—that his gift was too nice, and she didn’t dare play with it carelessly.
Qi Jingqing also recalled the memory, and his eyes filled with laughter. “That clay doll—does Your Highness still have it?”
“It’s been so many years, how could I still have it? The flute I gave you—you must’ve lost it too, right?” Feng Lezhen said with a smile.
Qi Jingqing paused and didn’t answer her question. Instead, he asked, “You didn’t have to come to today’s banquet. I only invited Your Highness to get an answer—if you end up being made uncomfortable during the banquet, will you blame me?”
“You didn’t even blame me last time when I detained Shen Suifeng during your illness to pressure your parents—how could I blame you for this?” Feng Lezhen gave him a look. “Besides, I’m the one who’s intent on easing relations with the Marquis. Even if things can’t be resolved immediately, having the Marquis’s household set a good example will at least keep others from ignoring the Eldest Princess’s residence. So the fact that you invited me—I should be thanking you.”
Qi Jingqing’s expression softened a little. “I also hope you and my father can reconcile.”
Feng Lezhen smiled and chatted leisurely. “Last time we met too briefly. I never got the chance to ask—have you been well all these years?”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Everything’s been fine,” Qi Jingqing replied, then after a brief pause asked, “And you, Your Highness? Were you sent to Yingguan because of some sudden incident?”
“What incident could have happened to me?” Feng Lezhen feigned ignorance.
Qi Jingqing met her gaze. “No need to deceive me, Your Highness. If nothing had happened, why would Fu Zhixian have broken off the engagement with the emperor’s approval?”
“Oh? So you even know about Fu Zhixian?” Feng Lezhen teased.
Qi Jingqing’s face remained composed. “Lord Fu is widely known. I’ve certainly heard a thing or two.”
“I suspect more than a thing or two,” Feng Lezhen met his eyes meaningfully.
Qi Jingqing’s heartbeat quickened slightly, and his pale face turned faintly red. “I don’t understand what Your Highness means.”
Feng Lezhen chuckled. “You and he are often referred to as the Twin Talents of Great Qian. People like to compare the two of you. I don’t believe you never deliberately inquired about him.”
So that’s what she meant. Qi Jingqing lowered his gaze, his lashes trembling slightly. When he looked up again, his expression was serene. “I have indeed heard quite a bit.”
Seeing him admit it, Feng Lezhen laughed even more freely.
Qi Jingqing tried to avert his gaze but couldn’t look away. He was forced to change the subject. “Since Fu Zhixian withdrew the engagement, has His Majesty arranged a new match for Your Highness?”
“I’m already here—do you think he still can?” Feng Lezhen countered.
Qi Jingqing’s lips curved. “Then now, Your Highness…”
“Your Highness,” Ah Ye poked her head in, “it’s getting late. We should head to the main hall.”
“Alright, we’re going now.” Feng Lezhen turned back to Qi Jingqing. “Now what?”
“…Now, is Your Highness’s side still quiet?” Qi Jingqing finally asked.
“Your Highness, we really should go.” Ah Ye urged again.
“It is, it is,” Feng Lezhen nodded, misunderstanding his meaning. She assumed he was asking whether her life in Yingguan was peaceful, so she responded while walking out.
Hearing her clear answer, Qi Jingqing seemed relieved, and even his expression softened.
Feng Lezhen quickly left the side hall with Ah Ye and Chen Jinan. Shen Suifeng was already waiting outside. Once they regrouped, she asked with a smile, “So, was the page’s illness cured?”
“All cured,” Shen Suifeng chuckled. “I’ve made great strides in my medical studies lately—before I even did anything, his illness was gone.”
Feng Lezhen nodded solemnly. “As expected of Mister Shen.”
“And Your Highness? Did you also take a look at the shizi’s condition?” Shen Suifeng countered.
Feng Lezhen sighed. “My medical skills are not as good as yours, but it’s nothing serious anymore.”
“You mean the furniture?” Shen Suifeng had clearly guessed it already.
Feng Lezhen: “Truly, nothing escapes Mister Shen.”
“…What are they talking about?” Ah Ye whispered to Chen Jinan.
Chen Jinan lowered his eyes. “I don’t understand either.”
Ah Ye: “……” Oh.
Because they’d been delayed in the side hall too long, by the time they entered the main hall, it was already full. Qi Jingqing was somehow already there, seated beside the Marquis and his wife. The seat to his left remained empty, and the Marquis and his wife kept glancing toward it with rather poor expressions.
Feng Lezhen entered calmly. As the attendant loudly announced, “The Eldest Princess has arrived,” all the civil officials rose to greet her. The military officers showed mixed expressions, but they too stood up and saluted.
“Greetings to the Eldest Princess.”
“Today is a family banquet of the Marquis’s residence. Everyone here is one of us—no need for such formality.” Feng Lezhen walked with grace to the table and only then calmly allowed them to rise.
Though many of the military men bore grudges against her, today she had been formally invited. Even if they disliked her, out of respect for the marquis’s household, they couldn’t openly cause trouble… But that didn’t mean they couldn’t find indirect ways to make her uncomfortable—especially after a few rounds of alcohol, when they’d grown noticeably bolder than before.
“Your Highness!” Among the brash, there’s always someone even more brash. After the military generals exchanged countless glances and silent signals, a chubby commandant finally stood up. “Your Highness, you come from the imperial capital, and your guards must be the finest among thousands. Might this humble officer have the honor of challenging one of them?”
“Yes, Your Highness, since we’re all idle anyway, why not let your men give us a little entertainment?”
“Your Highness is second only to His Majesty. We’ve long admired you—surely such a small request can be granted?”
The generals all joined in, grinning and flattering, quickly cornering Feng Lezhen with their coaxing.
Qi Jingqing had been trying to soothe his unhappy parents, but when he looked up, the situation had already escalated. His brow twitched slightly, and just as he was about to step in, he heard Feng Lezhen reply calmly: “Since the officers have raised the request, I naturally have no reason to spoil the mood. But as for how the contest should be conducted—shouldn’t that be up to me?”
“Of course, Your Highness sets the rules.” Getting her to agree was already enough—if she wanted to add conditions, they’d let her. It wouldn’t be right to let her take advantage on their turf, after all.
Feng Lezhen smiled. “I’ve only brought two guards today, so we’ll have just two matches. If each side wins once, it’s a draw. But if one side wins both…”
She took off the jade pendant at her waist. “Then this shall be the prize.”
No one expected the rules to be so simple—or that there would be a prize. Even the generals who hadn’t been interested before were roused, and the hall instantly became lively. Even the performers sensibly gave up their space.
The Marquis and his wife were already focused on the excitement. Seeing the generals gearing up, the Marquis himself chose two participants. With his word, the match instantly became a showdown between the Princess’s residence and the Marquis’s household. Especially since he picked their two best fighters, the generals were all fired up, eager to see Feng Lezhen lose face.
Qi Jingqing glanced at Feng Lezhen—seeing she was calm, he said nothing.
The first match was between the fat general from earlier and Chen Jinan.
The moment the general laid eyes on Chen Jinan, his face showed disdain. As he approached, he said in a voice only they could hear, “With a face like that, did you become a guard by looks alone?”
Before he finished, Chen Jinan’s eyes flashed coldly and he immediately struck at the general’s vital point. The general, startled, dodged in panic and roared as he lunged.
The size difference between the two was stark—everyone had expected a one-sided match. But to their surprise, Chen Jinan deftly avoided several killing moves and even managed to counterattack. The hall gradually quieted as the fight gained seriousness.
“The last time I saw him wield a sword, his limbs looked stiff—how long has it been? His movements are already so nimble,” Shen Suifeng remarked in admiration.
Feng Lezhen curled her lips. “He is mine, after all.”
Shen Suifeng paused, then turned to see the pride in her eyes and let out a soft chuckle.
“…It’s a shame he hasn’t trained long. His skills aren’t solid—losing is only a matter of time,” Ah Ye sighed.
Hearing this, Shen Suifeng frowned and looked at Feng Lezhen again—she remained perfectly composed.
Sure enough, within ten moves, just as Ah Ye had said, Chen Jinan was caught off guard and thrown hard to the ground. Everyone thought the match was over. The general’s side erupted in cheers—only for Chen Jinan to climb back up and resume the attack. The general, caught off guard, took a punch to the face and, in anger, slammed him to the ground again.
“Your Highness…” Shen Suifeng frowned.
Feng Lezhen remained unmoved, and Ah Ye seemed used to it. Shen Suifeng’s brow tightened even further, but he said nothing more.
Then came the second round. The third… By the fifth time, Chen Jinan’s face was so swollen it was unrecognizable. The generals, who had started out cheering, now fell into respectful silence.
Seeing him get up a sixth time, the fat general was exasperated. “Brother, it’s just a spar—do you really need to go this far?”
“If this continues, he’ll be in real danger,” Shen Suifeng couldn’t help but speak again.
Feng Lezhen looked at Chen Jinan calmly, her eyes indifferent. Shen Suifeng noticed her cold gaze, and the hand resting on his knee clenched unconsciously.
Chen Jinan’s lips were bleeding, and his left eye couldn’t open. But he still raised his hands in a shaky stance. The general took a deep breath and was about to finish it when Feng Lezhen suddenly said, in the silence:
“The result is clear. Jinan, no need to continue.”
The general froze—and the next second, saw Chen Jinan turn and leave without hesitation.
Him: “…”
Seeing Chen Jinan return, Shen Suifeng stood up to check on him, but Feng Lezhen said coolly, “Sit down—don’t be petty.”
Shen Suifeng paused, displeased, and looked at her.
Chen Jinan’s expression didn’t change. He lowered his gaze and stood silently beside Ah Ye. Shen Suifeng had no choice but to sit back down.
“Time for the second match,” Ah Ye stepped into the middle of the hall. “Who will face me?”
“A woman…”
“Why’s it a woman—who wants to fight a woman…”
“If no one steps up, we’ll just count that as your side forfeiting,” Ah Ye said deliberately.
With that, the general previously chosen came forward. Seeing her slender limbs, he even clicked his tongue in disdain. “You sure? I’m warning you—I won’t go easy.”
Normally, he wouldn’t mind letting a girl win. But this time, he represented the Qi army—he couldn’t afford to be soft. At most… he just wouldn’t hit her face.
“Shall we begin?” Ah Ye asked politely.
The general nodded with great reluctance—only to feel a gust of wind hit his face the next second. Before he could react, Ah Ye had already locked him by the throat.
With just a bit more pressure, he would be dead.
“It’s over,” Ah Ye said with a sweet smile.
The generals: “……”
“Each side has won once. Looks like this token of mine won’t be leaving me after all.” Feng Lezhen calmly reattached the jade pendant to her waist.
Though she was this bold, none of the generals could bring themselves to resent her… How could they? She had a black-and-blue subordinate standing behind her. Sure, they lost this round embarrassingly, but in the previous match, they had nearly beaten her guard to a pulp!
Thus, the match ended quietly. Most of the generals had already let go of their initial hostility toward Feng Lezhen. Coupled with the good deeds she had done lately—even if not benefiting their own households, they had at least reached someone’s distant relatives—many felt a degree of gratitude. Their gazes toward her became noticeably friendlier.
“That little fox,” Qi Zhen snorted coldly.
Hearing his comment, Qi Jingqing’s eyes glimmered with amusement. When he saw the pageboy in the corner waving at him, he quietly slipped away from the banquet.
The scene remained harmonious for the time being. Just as Feng Lezhen thought the day’s trials were over, someone stepped forward with a cup of alcohol. “Your Highness, since you’ll be residing in Yingguan long-term, this humble officer toasts you and hopes you will favor us with your care.”
His tone was barely veiled sarcasm. Ah Ye frowned and was about to refuse on her mistress’s behalf, when Feng Lezhen said instead, “Take Jinan back first.”
“Your Highness…”
Feng Lezhen raised her eyes. Ah Ye’s lips parted but, in the end, she didn’t dare argue.
Feng Lezhen then looked at Chen Jinan, her gaze gentler. “Go back and rest.”
Chen Jinan nodded silently and turned to leave with Ah Ye.
Only after they’d left did Feng Lezhen slowly rise, ignoring the officer in front of her. The crowd turned to look at her.
“Before I came to Yingguan, I only heard that the winters here were long. But after arriving, I found they were a hundred times harsher than imagined. The soldiers guard the city in hardship, yet their pay is far below that of the palace guards. Thus, I intend to raise their salaries by twenty percent before next October.”
The hall fell into complete silence. Hu Wensheng even began to sweat.
The generals were stunned into speechlessness. The man who made the toast had only meant to say a few snide remarks—after all, the Qi army didn’t need to rely on an isolated woman. But now she was offering a twenty percent raise in pay… That was enough for a great deal of rations and winter fuel!
In the silence, Qi Zhen gave a cold snort. “Does Your Highness understand what you’re saying? Yingguan is a critical border outpost. There are over ten thousand stationed soldiers here. If everyone gets a twenty percent raise, even selling the entire yamen won’t cover the cost.”
Though Hu Wensheng had long suffered under Qi Zhen, he couldn’t help but nod in agreement this time.
Feng Lezhen smiled. “Since I’ve said it, I naturally have the means to make it happen.”
“And if you can’t?” Qi Zhen asked directly.
“Then I will submit to whatever punishment the Marquis deems fit,” Feng Lezhen replied.
“Will it be only for next year, or for every year after as well?” Qi Zhen pressed.
“All of them,” Feng Lezhen answered calmly. “Naturally, the increase will be permanent.”
“Good!” Qi Zhen slapped the table. “If Your Highness can deliver, I’ll agree to any request you make. But if you can’t—don’t blame me for being rude.”
Feng Lezhen smiled and downed her alcohol in one gulp. Seeing this, Qi Zhen followed suit.
Their exchange stirred up a wave of fervor among the generals. On the civil side, however, led by Hu Wensheng, the officials all looked grim. After she sat back down, Hu Wensheng leaned over and whispered, “Your Highness, the money allocated to the people’s welfare is already limited. If you further divert silver to raise the soldiers’ pay, civil affairs may fall into disarray…”
“Don’t worry. I don’t intend to rob the east wall to compensate the western wall,” Feng Lezhen reassured him.
Hu Wensheng gave a bitter laugh. “Then how do you plan to fund this raise? Don’t tell me you’re paying out of your own pocket?”
“I have my ways,” Feng Lezhen said, her expression deliberately mysterious.
…She is really planning to pay out of her own pocket? Hu Wensheng was momentarily dazed. Then he thought: for a princess this clever, having some private savings seemed reasonable.
Savings enough to cover surplus military wages… Truly impressive. Relieved, Hu Wensheng returned to his seat.
As soon as he left, Shen Suifeng quietly said, “I don’t have that kind of money.”
Feng Lezhen raised her brow slightly.
“My older brother won’t agree to fund this either,” Shen Suifeng added.
Feng Lezhen finally smiled and clasped his hand beneath the table. “Relax. I never planned on making the Shen family pay for this.”
Shen Suifeng knew that since she had said it, she must have thought it through. So he wasn’t worried.
At that moment, the hall was buzzing with activity. Occasionally someone came to ask about the pay raise, and Feng Lezhen responded properly and with dignity. But beneath the short table, she was lazily tracing circles in Shen Suifeng’s palm until he couldn’t resist and entwined their fingers tightly together.
When Qi Jingqing returned from the corner, he happened to catch sight of their linked hands from behind. He froze slightly, his face growing even paler.
