Seeing Qi Jingqing solemnly squeezing in beside her, Feng Lezhen’s first reaction was to check the others’ reactions. After confirming that everyone was busy drinking and chatting and no one was looking over, she smiled and asked, “What’s wrong, Shizi?”
She said they weren’t close, but under the table, she was forcefully pushing him away.
Despite being a chronically ill man who usually struggled to walk, he now sat like a mountain after drinking—completely still. When he sensed her pushing him, he even looked at her in confusion and said, “Your Highness, don’t push me.”
“…Shizi, you must be drunk. Why would I push you for no reason?” Feng Lezhen, to prove her innocence, placed both hands squarely on the table.
Qi Jingqing didn’t argue. He simply leaned entirely against her. “Your Highness, I’m so tired.”
“If you’re tired, go rest. What kind of state are you in right now!” People below weren’t blind—those who hadn’t noticed earlier were noticing now. When they saw how completely he leaned on her, astonishment flickered in their eyes. Feng Lezhen finally couldn’t hold it in and scolded him in a low voice.
It was rare for her to be stern with him, and Qi Jingqing was momentarily stunned. Then, to her horror, his eyes reddened slightly.
Feng Lezhen instantly felt like she was facing a crisis—
If she made the Qi family’s shizi cry on their own turf, how would she ever survive in the camp again?
“I didn’t scold you. Don’t cry,” she quickly soothed him in a low voice.
Qi Jingqing: “I’m not crying.”
Really? Feng Lezhen looked at him skeptically—only to see him link arms with her and rest his head on her shoulder.
Feng Lezhen: “……”
This posture, like a delicate girl leaning against someone, didn’t even seem out of place—in fact, it gave off the helpless, pitiful vibe of a fallen little immortal. It stirred an instinctive pity in people… but Feng Lezhen definitely wasn’t one of those people.
Most of the people present were Qi Zhen’s subordinates. This scene wouldn’t take long to reach his ears. Feng Lezhen, now having set her sights on new ambitions, wasn’t afraid of Qi Zhen’s reaction, but there was no avoiding the trouble he’d surely stir up.
The hum of conversation at the banquet grew quieter and quieter. Even those still chatting couldn’t help but glance this way. Many people’s expressions had shifted from surprise to something more ambiguous—clearly their minds had wandered somewhere else.
…Qi Jingqing acting like this—only a fool wouldn’t get the wrong idea.
Feng Lezhen tried to pull her arm away. When she failed, she quieted down and started thinking about how to deal with this mess he’d created after just one drink. Just as she was beginning to get a headache, Ah Ye, standing behind them, finally realized something was wrong.
“Your Highness wants to push the Shizi away?” she asked.
Feng Lezhen: “…You just noticed? What have you been doing back there this whole time?”
Ah Ye looked sheepish. “I thought some beautiful man was throwing himself into your arms, and Your Highness was overjoyed.”
Feng Lezhen: “……”
She couldn’t really blame her for misunderstanding—Her Highness sat so composedly, not looking the least bit annoyed or flustered. Ah Ye muttered to herself and stepped forward, preparing to drag Qi Jingqing away by force.
“Don’t act rashly,” Feng Lezhen stopped her.
This was the precious shizi of the Qi family—on their home ground, she couldn’t be too rough.
Ah Ye, without using force, was at a loss. “Then what should we do?”
Feng Lezhen had no better option either. She could only coax him in a low voice: “Qi Jingqing, you’re drunk. Go get some rest.”
“Will Your Highness come with me?” After spacing out for a long while, the moment he heard her speak, Qi Jingqing’s soul seemed to return.
Feng Lezhen couldn’t help laughing. “The banquet isn’t over—I can’t leave yet. You go first.”
Qi Jingqing stared at her, then suddenly said, “I left you alone for too long.”
Feng Lezhen didn’t understand, but had a bad feeling. “And so?”
“This time, if you don’t leave, then I won’t either.”
Feng Lezhen: “……”
In the end, it was Qi Jingren who couldn’t take it anymore. With more and more puzzled, curious, and shocked gazes directed at them, she loudly asked, “Your Highness, is my brother drunk?”
“He is,” Feng Lezhen immediately responded, seizing the chance to clear the air.
Qi Jingren smiled. “He’s always been frail. In his whole life, he’s only drunk twice. Every time he drinks too much, he gets extremely clingy—but only to whoever is closest. If he’s offended, I beg Your Highness’s pardon.”
Some people present had watched Qi Jingqing grow up, but had never seen him drink. Hearing this from his own sister, most of them were convinced. As for the small number who still doubted—it was only because of Feng Lezhen’s reaction… She actually didn’t seem the least bit displeased?
“It’s not really an offense. Other than…” Feng Lezhen glanced at the hand he had linked with hers and sighed, “he’s been fairly quiet. But this can’t go on. If my people find out, they’ll probably be upset.”
Everyone knew who “her people” referred to in the camp. Hearing her bring it up herself, the rest smiled knowingly, and even those few lingering doubts vanished.
Qi Jingren quickly stepped forward and tried to remove Qi Jingqing. But he, sensing her intention, immediately tightened his grip on Feng Lezhen’s hand.
“Your Highness, I can’t leave you again,” he said, voice slightly hoarse.
Feng Lezhen was helpless. “I don’t even remember when you left me.”
Qi Jingqing’s Adam’s apple moved, but he didn’t reply.
“Brother, can you stop making a scene?” Qi Jingren frowned and muttered.
Qi Jingqing raised his eyes to her. “Jingren, this is Her Highness.”
“…I know she’s Her Highness,” Qi Jingren replied. Then she realized how ridiculous this whole situation was, sighed, and said, “Let me take you to rest, all right?”
Qi Jingqing frowned—clearly unwilling to leave.
If they had known the alcohol was this potent, they should’ve just thrown away everything on his table that was only there for show. This was the thought that simultaneously occurred to both Feng Lezhen and Qi Jingren.
Three people pulling and tugging in front of so many others wasn’t a good look. To avoid further suspicion, Qi Jingren had no choice but to step back and raise her voice: “Your Highness, this humble officer can’t step away at the moment and I don’t trust anyone else. Could I trouble you to escort my brother back to the tent to rest?”
“It’s just a small favor,” Feng Lezhen replied with a smile. But before she even moved, Qi Jingqing had already taken the initiative to brace himself on the table and stand up.
Her: “…” Suspected he was faking it.
Feng Lezhen forced a smile and motioned for Ah Ye to help the drunkard. Qi Jingqing noticed and was about to frown in protest, but when he met Feng Lezhen’s cool gaze, he immediately behaved.
Feng Lezhen quietly let out a breath and followed behind Qi Jingqing as they made their way to the tent. Watching the two of them leave one after the other, Qi Jingren’s frown deepened further.
With Ah Ye supporting him, Qi Jingqing walked forward obediently. Only once the sounds of the banquet faded completely behind them and the tent came into sight did they stop. As soon as the tent flap closed, Feng Lezhen raised her hand and knocked him lightly on the head. “You’ve grown bold, Qi Jingqing—daring to make a fool of me in front of so many people.”
“I didn’t…” Qi Jingqing frowned slightly, seemingly displeased.
Feng Lezhen shot him a glance and turned to leave, but Qi Jingqing suddenly grabbed her hand.
“Let go,” she said, unhappy.
Qi Jingqing: “I won’t.”
“Let go.”
“I won’t.”
Ah Ye blinked. “Your Highness, should I leave… or help push him off?”
“Don’t make trouble.” Feng Lezhen frowned.
Ah Ye understood and immediately stepped outside the tent.
With just the two of them inside, Qi Jingqing released Feng Lezhen’s hand right away and looked so obedient, it was as if he had never been drunk.
Feng Lezhen gave a half-laugh of exasperation. “Qi Jingqing, don’t tell me you were pretending to be drunk?”
Qi Jingqing’s lips curved slightly, his eyes softer than ever. “I was never drunk.”
“Truly?” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow.
“Mhm. Would Your Highness like to walk by the lake?” Qi Jingqing asked.
Feng Lezhen paused. “There are mountains all around here—what lake?”
Qi Jingqing turned and walked toward the desk. He didn’t use his cane, and walking on his own, his steps were slightly unsteady. Feng Lezhen quietly watched as he made his way to the desk and pointed to a basin of water beside it. “Here.”
…She’d have to be crazy to believe he wasn’t drunk. Feng Lezhen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She just said, “Sit still. If you act up again, I’ll have someone tie you up.”
With that, she turned to leave.
Qi Jingqing quietly watched her go. Just as she lifted the tent flap with one hand, he suddenly called out, “Your Highness.”
“What now?” Feng Lezhen found she had an unusual amount of patience for him. If it were anyone else, she would’ve had Ah Ye drag them out long ago.
“Do you blame me?” Qi Jingqing asked. As he said this, he could feel that he really was a little drunk—half his soul felt like it was floating above him, leaving his mind empty and his deepest secrets close to slipping out.
He only had the courage to ask because of the alcohol. But Feng Lezhen was bewildered. “What would I blame you for?”
“Back then… it was my fault.” Qi Jingqing looked steadily at her.
Back then—what “back then”? There was only one past between them worth referring to. Feng Lezhen gave a helpless smile. “Clearly it was my fault. Why are you blaming yourself?”
“It was my fault. I caused trouble for Your Highness.”
“I’m the one who caused trouble for you.”
“No, I harmed Your Highness.”
Realizing this was a pointless back-and-forth, Feng Lezhen gave a laugh. “Enough. Go rest. I’ve been gone too long—they’ll start to suspect something.”
With that, she turned and left.
Qi Jingqing remained where he was. Only when his legs began to sting like being pricked by needles did he snap out of it.
Feng Lezhen left the tent and headed back to the banquet with Ah Ye. On the way, they happened to pass by Chen Jinan, who was directing the kitchen soldiers in plating dishes. His brows were furrowed as usual, and he didn’t say much, but every word was precise. The usually rough soldiers listened with rapt attention—some even couldn’t help taking out paper and pen to take notes.
Feng Lezhen, used to seeing him being lectured by tutors or Shen Suifeng, found it amusing to see him instructing others. She decided to stay and watch a bit longer. But just as she paused, Chen Jinan turned his head.
“Your Highness.”
The stern expression on his face softened at once. He left the others and walked toward her. The rest, upon hearing him speak, quickly cupped their fists and bowed. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen smiled and gestured for them to carry on. She looked up at Chen Jinan who had stopped in front of her. “You were quite impressive just now.”
“So impressive,” Ah Ye echoed.
Chen Jinan froze and looked slightly embarrassed.
“We’re complimenting you—what are you flustered for?” Feng Lezhen chuckled. “Go on, finish up. When you’re done, just eat with the others in the kitchen. No need to rush back to serve.”
“Yes.”
Feng Lezhen nodded and was about to leave with Ah Ye when Chen Jinan instinctively stepped in her way.
Feng Lezhen looked up, puzzled. Realizing he had overstepped, Chen Jinan immediately stepped back. “I’m sorry…”
“Is there something else?” Feng Lezhen asked with a gentle smile.
Chen Jinan pressed his lips together, then suddenly turned and ran toward the kitchen tent. Feng Lezhen didn’t understand but remained where she was.
“What’s he doing?” Ah Ye asked.
“You’ll see,” Feng Lezhen replied.
She didn’t wait long. Chen Jinan soon came running back, holding a small pastry carefully wrapped in a handkerchief.
“This wasn’t served at the banquet—it was something the soldier bought himself. But… it tastes really good.” Chen Jinan wasn’t good with words and didn’t know how to explain. When he met Feng Lezhen’s amused gaze, he suddenly felt that the pastry in his hand looked pitifully shabby, and even offering it to her felt like a kind of disrespect.
His gaze dimmed, and he was about to apologize again when Feng Lezhen took the pastry from him and bit into it in front of him.
“It is delicious,” she said with a smile. “But since it’s someone else’s food, wasn’t it a bit improper to just take it?”
“H-he gave me two pieces. I kept one,” Chen Jinan said with pursed lips.
Ah Ye couldn’t help but laugh. “What are you, a three-year-old? Still sneaking one piece away for Her Highness?”
Chen Jinan became even more flustered, but when he saw Feng Lezhen eat the whole thing, bite by bite, seriously and without disdain, a faint light flickered in his usually calm eyes. Ah Ye had been planning to tease him more, but seeing his expression, her own grew subtly complicated.
After the pastry was gone, someone came to call Chen Jinan away, and Feng Lezhen continued forward with Ah Ye.
Ah Ye held back for a long time, but as they neared the banquet, she couldn’t help but ask, “Your Highness, does Chen Jinan… like you?”
“You don’t?” Feng Lezhen asked casually in return.
“Of course I like you… ah, no, that’s not what I meant! I mean, not that kind of like—it’s that kind, that kind…” Ah Ye gestured frantically.
“The kind where you have a crush on someone?” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, yes, yes,” Ah Ye nodded at once.
“You’re overthinking it. He’s just very well-mannered,” Feng Lezhen said with a laugh.
Ah Ye blinked. Sure, he was well-mannered—but everyone in the Eldest Princess’s manor was well-mannered. The difference was, only Chen Jinan thought of the princess in every little thing—even saving her half of a treat someone else gave him.
Ah Ye was about to say something more when they reached the banquet area. In the next instant, she felt her mistress slow her steps. She paused too, following Feng Lezhen’s gaze, and saw that Qi Zhen had arrived at the banquet at some point.
Why was he here at this hour? Ah Ye didn’t understand, and neither did Feng Lezhen. She simply continued walking forward.
Everyone stood up and saluted as soon as they saw her. Even Qi Zhen rose to his feet.
“Greetings, Your Highness,” he said along with the others. Though their last encounter had ended on a sour note, in front of so many people, the proper respect due to the Eldest Princess of Great Qian still had to be given.
“Be at ease,” Feng Lezhen was more than happy to keep up the pretense of civility. After sitting down, she even exchanged pleasantries. “When did the Marquis arrive?”
“A little while ago. What was Your Highness doing?” Qi Zhen returned the courtesy.
Qi Jingren brought over a wine pot and personally refilled Feng Lezhen’s cup.
Feng Lezhen paused. Seeing Qi Jingren’s calm gaze, she realized she hadn’t said anything about Qi Jingqing being drunk, so she played along and replied vaguely, “Just had nothing to do and went for a stroll.”
With that, the small talk ended and no one spoke further.
Qi Jingren lowered her gaze as she poured wine into her cup.
“Why hide it?” Feng Lezhen asked quietly. She and Qi Jingqing were innocent, but now that they were covering things up, it made it seem less so.
“He’s too nervous when it comes to my brother. If he found out Jingqing had been drinking, he would’ve lost it on the spot.”
“He’ll find out eventually. There are so many people here.”
“Let’s just get through the banquet first,” Qi Jingren replied, setting down the wine pot.
Then she added, “By the time it’s over, my brother should be awake.” In other words: let Qi Jingqing deal with it himself.
Feng Lezhen lifted her eyebrows slightly—this wasn’t a bad approach.
Qi Zhen’s presence noticeably dampened the atmosphere. The guests drank with much more restraint, and things weren’t as lively as before. Feng Lezhen, feeling bored, was just considering whether to leave early when several older generals cheerfully went to toast Qi Zhen.
“Marquis, it’s rare for you to drink with us. No need to keep such a stern face.”
“With such a clever daughter like Jingren, you should be proud.”
“Good thing she was quick-witted this time—otherwise the whole camp might’ve been dragged down.”
These were all men who had followed Qi Zhen for years. They spoke without much filter. Qi Zhen couldn’t keep scowling in front of them and raised his cup to drink with them.
The mood grew warm again. Although Qi Jingren appeared nonchalant, the moment her father began smiling and chatting, her expression subtly softened.
“Your Highness, are we still leaving?” Ah Ye whispered.
Feng Lezhen nodded slightly and was about to stand and excuse herself when Qi Zhen said, “Since everyone thinks so highly of Jingren, then you should keep an eye on your sons. If any of them are promising, keep her in mind—this marquis would be glad to become a grandfather sooner.”
Feng Lezhen, who had risen halfway, quietly sat back down.
“Your Highness?” Ah Ye asked, confused.
“Shh.” Feng Lezhen calmly picked up her cup and took a small sip. The wine was surprisingly good.
When Chen Jinan returned after eating, he saw her listening in intently and quietly stepped behind her without interrupting.
“What did you bring for Her Highness this time?” Ah Ye asked suddenly.
Chen Jinan froze. “Candy.”
He held out his hand, revealing a piece of osmanthus candy wrapped in wax paper.
Of course… Ah Ye gave him a meaningful look.
On the other side, Qi Jingren hadn’t expected the topic to suddenly shift to her marriage. Hearing the Border Marquis’s words, she immediately frowned. “Father, why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?”
“What? I can’t worry about my own daughter’s marriage?” Qi Zhen gave her a glance. “You’ll be twenty-one after the New Year—isn’t it about time you got married and had children?”
“Father…” Qi Jingren’s tone sank.
But Qi Zhen acted as if he hadn’t heard and continued chatting cheerfully with the others. “That nephew of yours is actually quite good—I like him a lot. I’ll have him over to the marquisate one of these days…”
“Father, it’s getting late—you should go back and rest now,” Qi Jingren interrupted rather firmly.
Qi Zhen’s face darkened in displeasure. “It’s not even that late yet and you’re already trying to send me off? What, you think I’m an embarrassment to you?”
Qi Jingren’s expression was frosty. Someone nearby tried to ease the tension: “She’s just a young girl, Marquis. You talk about her marriage in front of everyone—of course she’d be upset.”
“If she were really that thin-skinned, she wouldn’t have insisted on entering the military in the first place,” Qi Zhen pressed on. “She’s already of age and still refuses to marry. Does she plan to spend her whole life in the army? If you ask me, she should stop coming to the military camp altogether, settle down with a live-in husband, and give the Qi family some descendants. Her mother and I are both hoping she’ll hurry up and have a son to carry on the family name.”
Qi Jingren’s face grew darker and darker. When she finally heard the words “a son,” she turned and walked off. Qi Zhen, fuming, wanted to chase after her, but the others quickly held him back.
Ah Ye was dumbfounded by what she’d just witnessed. Just as she was still processing everything, she heard Feng Lezhen say, “Let’s go.”
She snapped back to herself and followed along with Chen Jinan.
The banquet continued. Since Qi Zhen hadn’t left, no one else dared to. Only the three of them left the liveliness behind.
Once they reached a quieter place, Ah Ye cautiously asked, “Your Highness, there’s something I don’t understand.”
“You want to ask why Qi Jingren got angry and left, even though Qi Zhen made it clear that he intends to let her son inherit the family estate and command,” Feng Lezhen said without turning around, already guessing her question.
Ah Ye nodded even though she knew Feng Lezhen couldn’t see her. “The Qi family army means so much—Qi Jingren surely knows that better than I do. And she’s spent all this time in the military. I thought she would want military power. Why would she be upset when Qi Zhen publicly promised her son would inherit it?”
Could it be that she had so much pride she wanted to conquer the army entirely on her own? Or had the customs at Yingguan changed so much that men and women were equally expected to inherit, making Qi Zhen’s ‘favor’ meaningless—or even insulting—by bringing up marriage in front of everyone?
“Because Qi Zhen named her son as the heir, not her,” Feng Lezhen replied coolly.
Ah Ye paused. “Is there really a difference? Wouldn’t it end up in her hands anyway?”
“There’s a big difference.” Feng Lezhen smiled faintly, just about to elaborate when she looked up and saw Qi Jingren in the training field ahead, practicing swordplay with a fierce energy.
“…Your Highness, maybe we should keep our distance,” Ah Ye suggested. But as soon as she said that, Feng Lezhen started walking toward her. Ah Ye could only sigh and stop alongside Chen Jinan.
Feng Lezhen walked into the field alone. Qi Jingren, immersed in her sword practice, heard movement and turned, stabbing her sword back in defense.
By the time Feng Lezhen came back to her senses, the sword was already resting on her shoulder.
“Canjian Qi, blades have no eyes—better be careful,” Feng Lezhen said, looking innocent. Thankfully Ah Ye and Jinan hadn’t followed her in, or things might have escalated.
Qi Jingren was panting, her eyes full of irritation and anger as she stared at Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen, seeing that she didn’t move, subtly stepped to the side—only for the sword to follow.
“…?”
“What did you do to my brother?” Qi Jingren asked coldly, not even bothering to hide her hostility.
“…What could I possibly do to him?” Feng Lezhen said calmly.
“Don’t play dumb. The way he acted today—something clearly happened between you two.” Qi Jingren narrowed her eyes. “He never leaves his house. It must’ve been you deliberately approaching him. Tell me—what did you do?”
Feng Lezhen was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “A man and a woman—what do you think we did?”
Qi Jingren, having been in the army for years and heard her share of crude jokes, froze for a moment at those words. Her tone sharpened. “Impossible!”
“Why not?” Feng Lezhen chuckled.
Qi Jingren was at a loss for words.
Feng Lezhen thought, …You saying nothing right now really makes me wonder if your brother has performance issues.
