The moment Feng Lezhen dove into Shen Suifeng’s arms, the heart that had floated in anxiety all day finally settled. Shen Suifeng had a smile in his eyes as he wrapped her tightly in his cloak, shielding her from all the chill in the air.
“Did you miss me?” he asked.
Feng Lezhen shot him a sideways glance. “What do you think?”
“I think you did,” Shen Suifeng raised an eyebrow, “But maybe not too much—after all, I still wasn’t back and yet Your Highness had the mood to come out and play.”
Feng Lezhen let out a soft laugh and hugged him tighter under the cloak. “You ran into Ah Ye and the others?”
“I did. I heard you were out here with the Shizi, so I went home to change and came straight over.” Shen Suifeng replied.
Feng Lezhen’s eyes smiled more deeply. “Where’s Jinan? Why is it just you?”
“Your Highness sees me and still has the heart to worry about another man?” Shen Suifeng said, pretending to be displeased.
Feng Lezhen reached out from his cloak and pinched his cheek. “Judging from how you look, I know he’s fine.”
Shen Suifeng chuckled, just about to speak, when Feng Lezhen suddenly touched his neck. “What’s this?”
Sparks from the molten fireworks burst through the sky again, lighting everything up like daylight.
Shen Suifeng touched his neck along her hand. “Ah… It’s been healing for days, and there’s still a mark?”
“You ran into bandits in the desert?” Feng Lezhen frowned.
“Truly nothing escapes Your Highness.” Shen Suifeng smiled. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it when we’re home. For now, why not finish enjoying the night with the Shizi?”
Feng Lezhen paused—then finally remembered the person behind her.
Following Shen Suifeng’s gaze, she saw Qi Jingqing leaning on his cane, slowly walking toward them. Behind him was the noisy crowd and the grand display of molten fireworks—against which, he walking alone in the opposite direction looked a little pitiful.
Feng Lezhen was moved, and, holding Shen Suifeng’s hand, went forward to meet him.
“Doctor Shen.” Qi Jingqing nodded calmly.
Shen Suifeng smiled. “The Shizi looks well today, but you shouldn’t stay out too long. You’d best return in half an hour.”
“All right,” Qi Jingqing agreed.
Shen Suifeng was about to ask more, seeing the cane and wanting to know if there was any discomfort, but Feng Lezhen cut in directly: “Alright, he rarely gets to come out and enjoy himself—don’t play doctor now.”
“When did I ever?” Shen Suifeng said, half laughing, half exasperated.
Feng Lezhen gave him a sidelong glance. “You’re really going to say you didn’t?”
“…Fine, fine. Whatever Your Highness says. I won’t ask, alright?” Always the one with principles, Doctor Shen never had much temper when it came to her. After coaxing his beloved, he didn’t forget to remind Qi Jingqing: “I’ll come to the residence tomorrow to check your pulse.”
“Yes.” Qi Jingqing smiled and nodded lightly.
As soon as Shen Suifeng arrived, Feng Lezhen’s playfulness returned. Her earlier distraction vanished entirely. She glanced around, clearly intending to revisit the lantern riddle stalls they’d been to before.
To return to places you’d already been—there was no need to say who it was for. It was obvious. Qi Jingqing felt as if a hole had opened in his chest. The wind of Yingguan, laced with snow, howled into it, freezing his limbs and numbing his mind until it could hurt no more.
“I’m feeling a little tired,” he heard himself say. “I’d like to head back now.”
“Tired?” Feng Lezhen looked concerned. “Let us take you back, then.”
“No need. Qi An is nearby.” As he spoke, Qi Jingqing glanced into the crowd, and before long, the page boy appeared.
Feng Lezhen saw that his people had arrived, so she didn’t insist further: “Alright, you can go back. Get some good rest afterward.”
“Okay,” Qi Jingqing agreed, and with the help of his page, turned to leave.
Shen Suifeng stared at Qi Jingqing’s departing figure for a long while, then suddenly said with a smile, “The Young Shizi’s clothes look great today. If only they were in white, it’d be even better.”
“Isn’t that white?” Feng Lezhen asked, puzzled.
Shen Suifeng replied, “What I’m wearing is white.”
Feng Lezhen looked closely and indeed noticed a subtle difference. She hadn’t paid much attention earlier and had assumed Qi Jingqing was also dressed in white.
Qi Jingqing hadn’t gone far when he vaguely heard their voices. It felt like a slap to his face, all the dark and conflicted thoughts he had tried to suppress now dragged out into the open.
But Shen Suifeng had truly only made an offhand comment. He had a particular fondness for white garments—whenever he saw something beautiful, he always thought it’d look better in white. As for Feng Lezhen, she hadn’t even spared a second thought.
“Are you hurt anywhere else?” As soon as Qi Jingqing left, Feng Lezhen’s full attention turned to Shen Suifeng.
“I’ve long since recovered,” Shen Suifeng said as he held her hand and led her forward. “To be safe, Chen Jinan and I stayed at the post station for several days after we got injured before continuing on. We were supposed to arrive at Yingguan this morning, but ended up lost and didn’t get back until just now.”
“Are you explaining to this eldest princess why you broke your word?” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow.
Shen Suifeng chuckled. “Of course. I promised to spend the Lantern Festival with Your Highness, yet I only got back now. I owed you an explanation.”
Feng Lezhen’s smile never left her lips as she walked leisurely beside him. “How’s the person you were treating?”
“With Divine Doctor Shen at work, naturally the illness is cured,” Shen Suifeng replied, then asked curiously, “That woman seemed like someone from the Tayuan court—how did Your Highness come to know her?”
“I didn’t, originally. But if I wanted to, it wasn’t hard to get acquainted,” Feng Lezhen said as they reached the street corner and she saw her carriage. “Come on, let’s go home.”
Shen Suifeng paused. “Aren’t we going to guess lantern riddles?”
“You should go back and rest,” Feng Lezhen reminded him.
Shen Suifeng looked innocent. “But I’m not tired. I just want to spend time with Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen frowned slightly and was about to scold him when he suddenly pulled her into the crowd.
Though Shen Suifeng was well-read and knowledgeable in many areas, lantern riddles were the one thing he knew nothing about. Standing beneath a bunch of lanterns, he racked his brains but couldn’t solve even one. Feng Lezhen couldn’t help but laugh, then had to step in to help him. In the end, she helped him win a peace charm made of bamboo.
“I have one too,” Feng Lezhen said, taking out the one Qi Jingqing had won earlier.
Shen Suifeng smiled. “They look like a matching pair. Perfect—one for each of us.”
As he spoke, he hung the charm at his waist and gave her a look, urging her to hurry up.
“…Such a cheap little thing,” Feng Lezhen muttered, reluctant to wear it.
Shen Suifeng took it from her hand and personally fastened it onto the noble Eldest Princess’s waist. Feng Lezhen had no choice but to let him.
The two played outside for nearly an hour. Shen Suifeng still wanted to stay and watch the midnight fireworks with her, but she forcibly brought him back home.
“Take off your clothes,” she said once they were back inside with the door closed.
Shen Suifeng sighed. “Why does Your Highness always like telling people to undress?”
“If you don’t take them off, how am I supposed to know how many injuries you have?” Feng Lezhen retorted.
“I’m really fine. It’s Chen Jinan who almost lost a leg. Good thing I had medicine on me, or he would’ve been left with a lifelong disability.”
“So much talking. Hurry and take them off,” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow.
Shen Suifeng had no choice but to remove his clothes one piece at a time.
Though the floor heating made the room warm, being completely unclothed still felt a little chilly. The fine hairs on Shen Suifeng’s well-toned arms stood up, and he rubbed them slightly to ease the chill.
Feng Lezhen let her eyes roam over him inch by inch. Aside from bruises, there were frostbites. His once-beautiful body now bore these marks, like petals soiled by mud. When she saw the scabbed-over sword wounds, her gaze darkened. Shen Suifeng, seeing her expression, felt secretly glad he had rested a few days before returning—otherwise, she would have seen far worse.
“Good thing it’s freezing and you were dressed thickly,” Feng Lezhen said, pressing a slightly overgrown fingernail to the gash on his chest. “Otherwise, this alone could’ve killed you.”
“The clothes absorbed the worst of it. It’s alright,” Shen Suifeng replied softly.
Feng Lezhen pursed her lips. “I shouldn’t have sent you to Tayuan.”
She rarely regretted her decisions, but seeing all these scars suddenly filled her with genuine remorse.
Sensing her mood, Shen Suifeng raised his hand to pat her head. “Didn’t I say I’m fine?”
Feng Lezhen gave a half-smile and bent down to pick up his clothes. Just as she was about to drape them over him, her wrist was suddenly caught.
She froze slightly, looked up, and met a pair of deep, shadowy eyes.
The air instantly grew warmer. The rustle of fabric hitting the floor was barely audible. Her fingers, suspended in midair, curled instinctively. Shen Suifeng followed the smooth line of her arm and, without giving her a chance to object, interlaced his fingers with hers.
They tumbled toward the bed in a tangle. Their eyes met in a silent gaze between parted lips, and together they fell into the web of passion and desire.
Shen Suifeng lifted her rounded knee, caressed it twice, and trailed upward. Feng Lezhen let out a soft hum from her throat and shut her eyes as if overwhelmed.
The bed curtains layered thickly, blocking out the wisps of white smoke curling from the incense burner. Within the curtains, shadows entwined, occasionally revealing a glimpse of spring’s bloom.
Amid the rising heat, Shen Suifeng lifted his damp fingers and gently touched them to Feng Lezhen’s lips.
Feng Lezhen paused slightly, and when she realized what it was, she frowned and turned away. “Dirty…”
“It’s your own,” Shen Suifeng chuckled, the corners of his reddened eyes flashing with mischief.
“It’s still dirty.” Feng Lezhen grabbed his hand, refusing to let him touch her.
Shen Suifeng didn’t insist. He simply leaned down and kissed her again.
The night was long. No need to rush.
Unknowingly, midnight had already passed. After the brief booming of fireworks, the world returned to silence. Feng Lezhen listened to the wind outside. When she turned her head, she saw Shen Suifeng’s sleeping face.
…After traveling day and night for two days and staying up like that, he still dared to claim he wasn’t tired. The corners of Feng Lezhen’s lips curled slightly as she reached out to touch his face.
Shen Suifeng let out a low hum in his sleep. Before fully waking, he already wrapped his arms around her tightly. “Your Highness…”
Feng Lezhen’s expression softened. She gently pressed her cheek to his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
One beat after another—so strong. She closed her eyes in contentment, allowing the cold wind to rage outside while she and he shared this peaceful moment.
When Feng Lezhen woke up the next day, there was no one beside her. But on the pillow lay a note—
“Went to the marquis’s manor. Don’t worry.”
She stared at the note for a while, then slapped it down on the pillow. “Scum.”
Scumbag Shen Suifeng suddenly sneezed.
“Doctor Shen caught a chill?” Qi Jingqing sat in bed in his sleepwear, his expression calm.
Shen Suifeng rubbed his brow. “No.”
“Then you must not have rested well last night.” Qi Jingqing noted the dark circles under his eyes.
Shen Suifeng paused. Facing Qi Jingqing’s overly clear gaze, he suddenly felt a little embarrassed. “Mm… I was too happy after returning, so I didn’t sleep too well.”
By the end, he wasn’t even sure what he was saying anymore.
Qi Jingqing didn’t respond but let his gaze fall on the peace charm at Shen Suifeng’s waist. In truth, he had noticed it the moment Shen Suifeng walked in. It was just now that he could clearly see it.
“That’s not the one you gave Her Highness—” Though he wasn’t necessarily offended, it still wasn’t proper to re-gift things, so Shen Suifeng explained, “The one you gave her, she’s kept carefully. This one I’m wearing is the one she won from the lantern riddles last night.”
“She really does tell you everything,” Qi Jingqing said, even mentioning the charm he had given.
Shen Suifeng smiled at the mention. “I suppose you already know now… Her Highness is the person I spoke of.”
“So Her Highness is the beloved you referred to,” Qi Jingqing said with no fluctuation in tone. “I recall the last time you brought her up, you were still uncertain. But now it seems your bond is quite strong—no sign of separation at all.”
Shen Suifeng chuckled. “It was just a quarrel—nothing serious. Apologies you had to witness it.”
Qi Jingqing curved his lips slightly, saying nothing more.
“Well, rest now. Best not to get out of bed these few days. Wait until you’ve recovered fully.” After going out last night on crutches, it had clearly taken a toll. Since it had already happened, Shen Suifeng didn’t press further.
Qi Jingqing obediently agreed and watched as he gathered his medicine kit and turned to leave.
As Shen Suifeng reached the door, Qi Jingqing suddenly called him, “Suifeng.”
Shen Suifeng stopped. “Yes?”
“Would you say we’re friends?” Qi Jingqing asked after some deliberation.
Shen Suifeng didn’t understand why he was asking this all of a sudden but smiled. “Of course.”
Back when he barely recognized medicinal herbs, he had followed his master to treat Qi Jingqing. After his master passed, Shen Suifeng had still come back every couple of years to care for him. Though they were never particularly close, they had seen each other more than almost anyone else in their lives.
So yes—they should be considered friends.
Upon hearing his answer, Qi Jingqing gave a faint smile. “Nothing. You should get going.”
Though Shen Suifeng found it odd, since Qi Jingqing didn’t want to say more, he didn’t ask. He nodded and left. Qi Jingqing watched him disappear through the doorway and finally closed his eyes in exhaustion.
Back at the Eldest Princess’s estate, after Feng Lezhen slapped the note onto the pillow and cursed him as scum, she calmly dressed and headed out.
In the rear courtyard, Chen Jinan had already fetched two full buckets of water for the kitchen maids and swept the snow in the courtyard. After finishing all the chores, he picked up a wooden stick and began “practicing swordsmanship.”
During their clash with desert bandits, he had gained some insights into his technique. So he made some slight adjustments to his usual forms, and each movement now felt sharper and faster.
Because of this obvious improvement, he felt a rare satisfaction. By the time he finished the routine, he was drenched in sweat.
Clap, clap, clap… Applause rang out behind him. Chen Jinan’s eyes flickered. Before he even turned around, his heart skipped a beat.
“Did you get some expert guidance while you were away? You’ve improved so fast,” Feng Lezhen asked with a smile.
Chen Jinan’s Adam’s apple bobbed. By the time he turned, all emotion had been wiped from his gaze, returning to his usual stone-faced silence. “Your Highness.”
“Are your injuries fully healed?” Feng Lezhen asked.
…Why does Shen Suifeng tell her everything? Chen Jinan’s eyes showed a brief flash of displeasure but he still obediently answered, “Fully healed.”
“Liar. Sui Feng’s injuries were lighter than yours, and even his haven’t healed completely. How could you be fine?” Feng Lezhen shot him a dissatisfied look. “You two always hide things from me. That’s why I always have to make you strip so I can inspect them myself.”
“I really am fine,” Chen Jinan repeated. Then, meeting her gaze, he added softly, “Just some bruises and scabs left. The rest is healed.”
“And your leg?” Feng Lezhen narrowed her eyes.
Chen Jinan: “…It’s fine. Just itches when it gets warm.”
Feng Lezhen frowned and warned, “That’s frostbite. Remember to apply the ointment daily—don’t slack off.”
Chen Jinan lowered his eyes. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You should just stay home and rest for a while. Don’t go anywhere,” Feng Lezhen added with a sigh. “Old injuries stacked with new ones… You need time to recover.”
“You certainly do. And practicing swordsmanship is out of the question. If the frostbite starts itching and hurting, you’ll only be asking for more suffering.”
A clear voice rang out from behind. Both Feng Lezhen and Chen Jinan turned to see Shen Suifeng leaning idly against a pillar, medical kit slung over his shoulder.
“Greetings, Your Highness,” he drawled lazily with a half-smile—without making the slightest move to bow.
Feng Lezhen glanced at him coldly. “I can hardly afford such a grand courtesy from Mister Shen.”
Shen Suifeng raised an eyebrow and looked toward Chen Jinan. “Young Master Chen, you really can’t sit still, huh? Just got home yesterday and already up to work first thing in the morning.”
Chen Jinan wanted to leave the moment he saw him—but Her Highness was still here. As long as she was here, he couldn’t move an inch.
It had been over half a month since he last saw her.
“What business is it of yours?” he blurted out. But as soon as he saw Feng Lezhen’s surprised look, his face flushed red. “I-I didn’t mean—”
“Not bad, Jinan,” Feng Lezhen said, eyes on Shen Suifeng despite speaking to Chen Jinan. “Haven’t seen you for a few days and you’ve grown some backbone—learned to talk back now. Good job. Keep it up. No need to coddle certain people.”
“Certain people” sighed in mock frustration. “Please don’t say that, Your Highness. He might actually take it to heart.”
“Oh? Is Mister Shen actually afraid?” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow.
Shen Suifeng shrugged. “I’m afraid of nothing in this world—except rocks that learn to speak.”
His words made Feng Lezhen laugh. When she turned back around and saw Chen Jinan still standing awkwardly where he was, her expression softened. “Go back and rest. Don’t move around too much these next few days.”
“…Yes.”
After a few more reminders, Feng Lezhen turned to leave. Shen Suifeng remained casually leaning on the pillar, and only when she passed by him did she give him a meaningful glance. He grinned playfully and followed after her.
They said nothing, but the unspoken understanding between them said it all. Chen Jinan, who stood as witness, felt as if something was pressing down on his chest. He didn’t try to understand what this feeling was, or why it existed. He only felt a little… regret.
Regret that even though he had fought the impulse to leave after being mocked by Shen Suifeng, he still couldn’t bring himself to look at Her Highness one more time.
She left—walking away with Shen Suifeng.
Chen Jinan lowered his gaze. Only after a long moment did he return to his room.
Shen Suifeng followed behind Feng Lezhen at a measured distance—not too far, not too close. Only when she stepped inside and shut the door did he suddenly pull her into his arms.
“So heartless, Your Highness,” he murmured, holding her tightly. “You walked all that way and didn’t look at me even once.”
Not content with just holding her, he pulled her hand and placed it around his waist.
Feng Lezhen had always favored narrow waists—first Fu Zhixian’s, now Shen Suifeng’s. Being held like this never failed to bring her a sense of satisfaction.
But she didn’t show it this time. “And you’re not heartless? Vanished first thing in the morning and left me alone in an empty room.”
“You’re jealous over the shizi?” Shen Suifeng chuckled.
“Is that not allowed?” she raised an eyebrow.
“Of course it is,” he said, then swept her up into his arms and strode toward the bed.
Feng Lezhen lazily tugged at his collar, not worried he’d throw her down. “What are you doing? I’m not in the mood for midday debauchery.”
“Your mind is filthy, Your Highness. What were you imagining?” Shen Suifeng gasped in mock shock.
Feng Lezhen couldn’t be bothered to answer and simply went quiet.
He carried her to the bed, took off his outer robe, and lay down beside her. She had tied her hair up loosely with a hairpin that morning, and now that the pin was removed, her long black hair spread across the pillow like a waterfall. Shen Suifeng buried his face in her neck and kissed her lightly.
“What are you doing?” Feng Lezhen asked.
“Being affectionate,” Shen Suifeng said with a chuckle.
Feng Lezhen: “…”
This man always acted on a whim. But it wasn’t anything new—she was used to it. Her expression softened. The two lay there silently, listening to each other’s gentle breathing.
Shen Suifeng thought: there was nothing better than this.
Feng Lezhen stared at the ceiling, going over all the plans she had for the coming new year. By the time she finished organizing them in her mind, Shen Suifeng had already fallen asleep and woken up again.
“I’ll likely be very busy this year,” she said, glancing at his sleepy eyes.
“You’re always busy, Your Highness,” he replied with a lazy smile.
“Busier than usual,” she sighed.
Shen Suifeng pulled her into his arms. “Then I’ll help you with your work—try to make it so you’re less busy.”
Feng Lezhen curved her lips slightly. “I’d rather you do the things you actually want to do.”
She paused. “Though… if you have the time, you can help me too.”
Shen Suifeng smiled and held her tighter.
It was a rare quiet day, and they’d hoped to enjoy some peaceful time together. But not long after lying down, Ah Ye came running up and knocked frantically on the door.
“Your Highness! Your Highness!”
“What’s all the rush?” Feng Lezhen furrowed her brow and opened the door herself.
“Something bad has happened, Your Highness,” Ah Ye said, visibly anxious. “Something’s gone wrong in the capital!”
“What happened?” Feng Lezhen’s expression turned serious.
“Feizhan… Feizhan escaped from the palace!”
Feng Lezhen froze, and in her mind, a pair of gray wolf-like eyes suddenly appeared.
