How to describe Qi Jingqing? He has literary talent and a sharp, perceptive mind, extremely intelligent and sensitive. But because he has spent years inside a high-walled courtyard, untouched by the world and untainted by dust, he lacks some worldly experience and has more naivety than ordinary people.
For example, now—what Feng Lezhen thought was tacit understanding, he asked directly.
After he spoke, the carriage was silent for a moment before Feng Lezhen lightly laughed: “That’s not true. The Shizi is overthinking.”
“You call me ‘Shizi,’” Qi Jingqing looked into her eyes.
Feng Lezhen hesitated, then smiled: “If not ‘Shizi,’ what should I call you?”
“By name.”
“Ah, Jingqing.”
Not ‘Shizi,’ not ‘Qi Jingqing,’ just ‘Jingqing.’
Qi Jingqing’s mind stirred; suddenly he lost the urge to ask further.
“I’m not avoiding you, just busy with affairs and haven’t had time for you,” Feng Lezhen slowed her voice.
Qi Jingqing wasn’t sure if he believed her. After a pause, he said again, “The day I invited Your Highness to play chess, you had no other plans. Why didn’t you come and instead asked me to find someone else?”
His question was more direct, almost stating it plainly, but his expression was so sincere that Feng Lezhen couldn’t suspect he was asking knowingly.
So he really wasn’t asking knowingly? Feng Lezhen considered this secretly when suddenly the sound of firecrackers came from outside.
The horses pulling Qi Jingqing’s carriage were old war horses, experienced with such things. Even though the firecrackers were very close, they weren’t startled much, just slowed down.
The conversation was interrupted by this sudden noise. Feng Lezhen quietly breathed out and, feigning casualness, lifted a small corner of the carriage curtain. Outside, she saw a rather quiet courtyard where several handsome young men were happily setting off firecrackers.
A place where so many beautiful young men gather at once needs no explanation as to what it is. Feng Lezhen noticed the charm in the boys’ eyes and meaningfully curled her lips: “Didn’t expect Yingguan to have such a place.”
“What place?” Qi Jingqing’s calm voice sounded.
Feng Lezhen paused, suddenly remembering the person next to her was not Ah Ye.
She silently lowered the carriage curtain and turned to meet Qi Jingqing’s unworldly eyes.
“Nothing, nothing,” Feng Lezhen said, feeling guilty for almost corrupting a good child, so she tried to remain vague.
Qi Jingqing stared at her for a long time and said, “That is Mansheng Pavilion, a place where women seek pleasure. I know about it.”
Feng Lezhen: “…”
“I’ve stayed at home most of the year. To pass the time, I often borrow scrolls from the government office to read. I know every shop on every street in Yingguan and what business they do,” Qi Jingqing explained calmly.
Feng Lezhen cleared her throat softly: “You sure know a lot.”
“That’s not a good place,” Qi Jingqing added.
This time Feng Lezhen truly smiled. “How do you know it’s not a good place?”
“I’ve been there,” Qi Jingqing replied.
Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow. “Just now you said you saw it in a scroll of books, and now you say you’ve been there?”
Qi Jingqing realized he had slipped up and immediately fell silent.
Seeing this, Feng Lezhen didn’t press further.
The two returned in silence. When the carriage neared the Marquis’s mansion, it stopped. Feng Lezhen was about to get out but was stopped by him grabbing her sleeve.
Moved, she turned back, puzzled.
“Jingren once quarreled with Father, and to deliberately annoy him, she went there. I was the one who brought her back.” The image of several men fawning over their own sister was quite unforgettable.
Feng Lezhen: “I see.”
Seeing her lack of interest, Qi Jingqing quietly let go.
Feng Lezhen smiled and stepped out of the carriage.
Qi Jingqing looked at his fingertips, as if the softness of her clothing still lingered there.
The carriage started again, and the trace of innocence in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by darkness.
Feng Lezhen returned to her own carriage, the smile on her lips immediately vanished. Ah Ye saw her fatigue and wisely said nothing.
The two returned silently to the separate residence. Upon dismounting, Feng Lezhen threw her cloak to the waiting Fan Gonggong: “Check carefully on Qi Jingren. I want to know her true status in the Qi family army.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Fan Gonggong replied respectfully.
Feng Lezhen said nothing more and went straight inside. Ah Ye hurried after her and saw her immediately take off her outerwear and collapse onto the bed.
“May I help undo your hairpin, Your Highness?” Ah Ye said, amused.
Feng Lezhen snorted softly but lay still, unwilling to move. Ah Ye had no choice but to undo the hairpin on the bed, and when she let down Feng Lezhen’s black hair, Feng Lezhen was already fast asleep.
Probably from sleeping so deeply, she had a rare dream. In it, Qi Jingqing’s eyes reddened as he looked at her pityingly: “Why are you avoiding me, Your Highness?”
“I’m not…” she replied, lacking confidence.
Qi Jingqing ignored her denial and stepped closer: “You can’t fool me. I know you’re avoiding me.”
“I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should Your Highness avoid me?”
“Could it be that Your Highness is imagining things, thinking I like you, so you deliberately avoid me?”
“You’re overthinking. If I liked you, I would understand your meaning instead of asking why you wouldn’t play chess with me and told me to find others. You know I have no friends…”
With every question, he stepped closer. Feng Lezhen was soon backed into a corner, and when she looked up, she almost bumped into his chin.
Not knowing what to do, she suddenly met Shen Suifeng’s accusing gaze.
She woke up with a start.
The brazier in the chamber was burning fiercely, making one’s mouth dry, but outside the chamber, the world was covered in silver-white frost and freezing cold.
A cold wind blew. Chen Jinan shivered awake and realized one of his legs was soaked in the river, which had long since frozen thick with ice.
He struggled to dig out a stone from the frozen ground, using all his strength to smash the ice, then dragged his now numb leg, limping through the snow.
The vast world was dazzlingly white, nearly blinding him, but he ignored it, searching desperately. Finally, about a hundred meters from the riverbank, he found the unconscious Shen Suifeng.
He rushed over, grabbing Shen Suifeng’s arm, shaking him frantically. “Mr. Shen, Mr. Shen… Shen Suifeng!”
“Cough… stop shaking, or you’ll shake me to death.” Shen Suifeng coughed and opened his eyes. Seeing Chen Jinan’s frozen blood on his face, he chuckled, “We were lucky to survive.”
Chen Jinan showed no expression: “If luck was good, we wouldn’t have met those bandits.”
A day ago, they left Tayuan, heading toward Yingguan. According to plan, they should have been home by the eighth day of the new year, but suddenly they encountered a group of ruthless bandits from the desert, who wanted to kill them and steal their horses and goods.
They fought fiercely. By the time the last bandit died at their hands, they were badly wounded. To avoid other gang members coming, they hurried on without tending to their injuries and rested only after walking half a day. Seeing the frozen river, Chen Jinan tried to get some water but passed out after breaking the ice.
Unexpectedly, not only he lost consciousness, but Shen Suifeng also fainted in the snow. Luckily, their unconsciousness didn’t last long; otherwise, they would have frozen to death.
“There’s a cave ahead. Let’s hide there first,” Shen Suifeng suggested.
Chen Jinan nodded silently and supported each other with their horses toward the cave.
Once dry wood was burning, the temperature in the cave slowly rose, and they finally felt alive again.
“Take off your pants.” Shen Suifeng blocked the cave entrance with a cloak and said to Chen Jinan.
Chen Jinan pretended not to hear.
“If you want to keep that leg, take off your pants,” Shen Suifeng said calmly.
Chen Jinan hesitated a moment but obeyed.
Though the unconscious time was short, his right leg was swollen from the cold water and now showed hints of purple when warmed by the fire.
Shen Suifeng skillfully applied acupuncture to activate blood flow, then handed over some frostbite ointment. Chen Jinan silently took it and began applying it to his leg. After finishing, Shen Suifeng treated his own wounds and began bandaging Chen Jinan.
Half an hour later, after all was done, the two lay beside the fire, staring blankly at the thick black stone walls.
“Rest a while. Then we walk half an hour more; we should reach the relay station,” Shen Suifeng said.
Between distant countries, merchant caravans often build relay stations. Though the stations have little, they at least provide shelter from wind and rain—a place to rest.
“This is the last relay station. After this, it’s a full day and night’s journey to Yingguan. Given our current state… we should rest here for a few days before continuing, or else we might freeze to death on the road,” Shen Suifeng said again.
Chen Jinan still didn’t respond.
Shen Suifeng sighed helplessly, “Are you always this quiet around Her Highness?”
Chen Jinan finally replied, “No.”
“Then why don’t you speak to me?” Shen Suifeng sat up.
Chen Jinan glanced at him, “I should be making ice lanterns with Brother Li and the others right now.”
Shen Suifeng: “…”
Just as he was speechless, Chen Jinan unexpectedly spoke, “Tell me…”
“What?” Shen Suifeng gave him a sidelong look.
“If I were to fight the Marquis’s household people again right now, what are my chances of winning?” He hesitated but said it anyway.
Shen Suifeng paused, half amused and half exasperated, “Why are you still thinking about that?”
“He’s been to the battlefield, and now I’ve killed someone too,” the flickering firelight cast uncertain shadows on Chen Jinan’s face, “Compared to him, how much do I still lack?”
Shen Suifeng meant to joke the matter away, but seeing the calm in his eyes, he was clearly taken aback.
Right—this was Chen Jinan’s first time killing. Actually, Shen Suifeng’s was too, but he was a doctor used to life and death, so killing to survive today wasn’t too hard to accept.
Chen Jinan was different.
He was formerly a servant, sweeping floors and fetching water daily. Later, he became a guard, always by Her Highness’s side. Such a person, unaccustomed to life-or-death experiences, after killing so many—though all deserved death—showed no emotion, but instead pondered if his fighting experience could give him a chance against his previous opponent.
Shen Suifeng’s Adam’s apple moved, and after a long moment he said slowly, “Chen Jinan.”
Chen Jinan looked up at him, his determined eyes unwavering.
“You’re actually pretty crazy,” Shen Suifeng said sincerely.
Chen Jinan: “…” Answering out of context.
Shen Suifeng poked the fire and glanced at Chen Jinan, who was changing clothes with a serious face, then couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Chen Jinan asked.
“Nothing, just suddenly remembered how in novels, when a scholar falls into a cave, a beautiful woman always accompanies him. Here, I only have a silent, peculiar guard…”
Before he finished, Chen Jinan drew his sword and pressed it against Shen Suifeng’s neck.
“You want to betray Her Highness,” Chen Jinan squinted.
Shen Suifeng: “…Do you know what a joke is?”
Chen Jinan’s face was expressionless, clearly not understanding.
Shen Suifeng was speechless for a moment, then suddenly looked earnest: “Lord Chen, I’m sorry, I won’t do it again.”
Chen Jinan stared at him for a long while and finally slowly lowered his sword.
The atmosphere in the cave grew colder with this sudden twist. Shen Suifeng looked through the gap between the cloak and stone wall at the snowy wind outside. After a long while, he said, “Honestly, I really do miss her.”
Chen Jinan’s eyes flickered slightly but continued pretending not to hear.
Meanwhile, in the warm chamber, Feng Lezhen suddenly sneezed.
“Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?” Ah Ye asked, worried.
Feng Lezhen waved her off, “I’m fine. It’s just that I feel uneasy for some reason.”
“Perhaps you’re hungry? The kitchen just made some snacks; shall I bring some for you?” Ah Ye suggested.
Feng Lezhen smiled, “Dinner will be served soon. If I eat now, Fan Gonggong will nag again.”
“If he doesn’t find out, it’s fine.” Ah Ye sighed in relief at seeing her finally smile.
Feng Lezhen pursed her lips. After Ah Ye left, she once again recalled that strange dream.
…It really was strange, and she didn’t know how to respond to the questions Qi Jingqing asked in it.
Yes, Qi Jingqing’s nature is such that if he truly liked her, how could he still ask plainly why she refused him after her meaningful refusals? But if he didn’t, then why did he say those easily misunderstood words on New Year’s Eve?
If not for Qi Jingqing’s sensitive identity as the Marquis’s shizi, Feng Lezhen wouldn’t bother to analyze his thoughts. But now… she frowned, feeling a slight headache.
This headache lingered until after dinner. With nothing to do, she planned to go with Ah Ye to stroll the streets and experience the New Year’s atmosphere of Yingguan. But before they left, the page came mysteriously.
“Your Highness,” he glanced around nervously, almost looking guilty, “The shizi has a gift for you.”
Feng Lezhen paused, “What gift?”
“West City Inn, Room Number One. You’ll know when you go,” the page hesitated as if wanting to say more but eventually turned and left.
Feng Lezhen looked puzzled, exchanged glances with Ah Ye, then heard Ah Ye ask, “Your Highness, will you go?”
“…I’ll go. Nothing better to do.” She wanted to see what performance Qi Jingqing planned.
Ah Ye agreed and followed her out.
The West City Inn, though called an inn, was actually a large complex combining a restaurant, hot springs, and lodging—the largest and most discreet entertainment venue in Yingguan. The entrance alone had nearly ten gates, so guests arriving simultaneously could never meet.
For Feng Lezhen, who was new here, it was her first time at such a place, and upon entering, the exquisite decor immediately caught her attention.
“I didn’t expect such a harsh place like Yingguan to have such luxury. It shows that no matter how poor a place is, it can never be poor enough for the high and mighty,” Ah Ye murmured quietly.
Feng Lezhen smiled silently and followed a waiter to the private room Qi Jingqing had prepared long ago.
The room was on the fifth floor, very quiet and secluded. Besides a maid brewing tea, no one else was present.
As soon as Feng Lezhen sat down at the main seat, a maid promptly served her a cup of tea. Ah Ye was quick to take it, making sure it was not poisoned before presenting it to her.
Feng Lezhen took a slow, delicate sip. Before she could ask Qi Jingqing why he had called her, two young men dressed like flamboyant peacocks entered. When she recognized their faces, she almost spilled the tea in her hand.
“Respectful greetings to Miss Tao.”
The two young men obediently approached. Feng Lezhen’s eyelids twitched, but she kept calm and invited them to sit. The young men were already impressed by her beauty, and seeing her noble and elegant bearing, they immediately understood her high status and sat down obediently.
Seeing their modesty, Feng Lezhen tugged at the corner of her mouth slightly and looked to Ah Ye, “Go ask Qi… what he means.”
Thinking Qi Jingqing might be hiding something, she purposely left out his name.
Ah Ye understood and prepared to return to the Marquis’s residence to inquire. However, upon stepping outside, she met the page’s gaze.
“The young master said that Miss… Tao would definitely send someone to ask, so I was told to wait here to answer any questions promptly,” the page cleared his throat, “Actually, he means nothing else. He just noticed Miss Tao seems to like it during the day and thought of sending this to please her. He also hopes Miss… Tao, no matter the reason for blaming him, will forgive him once for their childhood friendship and not refuse his invitation to play chess anymore.”
“…What on earth is this? I don’t understand a word,” Ah Ye muttered, returning indoors and repeating the page’s words to Feng Lezhen word for word.
Feng Lezhen was silent for a long while. Looking at the two expectant young men again, she for the first time doubted her own judgment—
If Qi Jingqing truly liked her, why would he so openly send people to her? Even if he was naive about matters of love, shouldn’t he at least have the instinct to keep his affections private? Could it be that she misunderstood?
“Your Highness,” Ah Ye lowered her voice, “Do you want me to send them away?”
Feng Lezhen came back to her senses and looked at the two youths again.
They were indeed handsome, but unfortunately, dull.
She thought for a moment and said slowly, “The shizi’s intentions are kind; I shouldn’t refuse.”
Ah Ye understood and let the two young men come forward to serve.
Their eyes lit up and they immediately ran over.
“Miss Tao, I offer you a toast.”
“Do you like music? I have studied music since childhood. If you like, I will play a piece for you.”
Feng Lezhen took the alcohol cup, turning it over between her fingers, showing no intention to drink. The toasting youth hesitated, then cautiously asked, “Then… shall I perform a sword dance for Your Highness?”
Upon hearing this, Feng Lezhen suddenly recalled the clumsy sword dance of Chen Jinan and a faint smile appeared in her eyes. The youth promptly picked up a wooden sword and began to perform enthusiastically, while the other young man took out a zither and started to play.
Inside the room, singing and dancing flourished, but outside in a corner of the inn, the carriage was very quiet.
The page accompanying Qi Jingqing dared not breathe, and after a long silence finally said, “Why does the shizi put himself through this?”
“You don’t understand,” Qi Jingqing replied calmly, “Only this way will she agree to keep playing chess with me.”
He had been foolish on New Year’s Eve, nearly revealing everything. Now these actions were just to make up for that.
The page didn’t understand: “…Is playing chess really that important? Before Your Highness came, didn’t you always play chess by yourself?”
“That’s why it was always a dead end,” Qi Jingqing lowered his eyes. “Only with her here is there a way forward on the chessboard.”
Night deepened, snow began to fall again, and winter in Yingguan was truly long. Elsewhere, spring had already arrived, but here it was still white and snowy.
Feng Lezhen lost interest after two drinks and, seeing the snow outside, was too lazy to go out. She sent the noisy youths away and stayed overnight at the inn with Ah Ye.
Early the next morning, she returned to the residence with Ah Ye and just happened to meet Qi Jingqing preparing to leave.
“Your Highness.”
“Shizi.”
They nodded politely. Ah Ye and the page exchanged glances and wisely pretended not to have seen each other the previous night.
“Did Your Highness like the gift from yesterday?” Qi Jingqing asked.
Feng Lezhen looked thoughtfully into his eyes but detected no emotion, “It was nice. The Shizi was thoughtful.”
“If Your Highness likes, I will send you another tonight.” He spoke seriously, as if it were no big deal.
Feng Lezhen was taken aback by his straightforwardness and once again wondered if she had misunderstood him.
…But then again, does misunderstanding really matter? Since he has already reached this point, he must understand the boundaries between them. Even if they continue as before, there would be no risk of crossing any lines.
That was enough.
Feng Lezhen smiled faintly, “No need to send another. I’m too old to enjoy such blessings.”
“You’re only one year older than me.” Hearing her refusal, Qi Jingqing’s hand hidden in his sleeve relaxed slightly.
Feng Lezhen laughed, “One year is a generation gap.”
While speaking, she stretched, nodded once more, then led Ah Ye back to the other courtyard.
Qi Jingqing watched her retreating figure and suddenly called out, “Your Highness.”
“Hmm?” Feng Lezhen turned around.
Qi Jingqing looked into her eyes, “On Lantern Festival day, would Your Highness be willing to go to the temple fair with me?”
He hesitated briefly, then added, “Secretly. I haven’t been there for many years.”
Feng Lezhen met his gaze for a long moment and smiled softly, “Alright, we’ll go together.”
Qi Jingqing showed his first genuine smile since the new year. After watching her leave, he turned and met the page’s gaze.
“See? As long as you’re willing to yield, the game can come back to life,” he said with a relieved smile, seriously explaining to the page.
Page: “…” I understand less and less what the Shizi is saying.
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