Once the Mid-Autumn Festival passed, the weather turned thoroughly cold. Qi Jingqing still visited the Eldest Princess’s residence daily, just as before. Though he dressed more warmly than most and the brazier in the carriage was lit early, the constant back and forth still led him to catch a cold.
“You really do have a weak constitution—just a gust of wind is enough to knock you over.” Feng Lezhen took the pitch-black medicine from the pageboy and handed it to Qi Jingqing at an unhurried pace.
Qi Jingqing had just broken his fever, his cheeks still flushed a light red, his eyes misty as if soaked in water. At her words, he murmured, “I’m already much better than I used to be.”
“Why don’t I see that?” Feng Lezhen raised her brow slightly.
Qi Jingqing paused, then looked at her with bright eyes.
“Why are you looking at me like that…”
“Your Highness, prepare a bedroom for me at the Eldest Princess’s residence,” Qi Jingqing spoke almost at the same time she did.
Feng Lezhen was momentarily speechless, then laughed. “You really know how to give me a headache.”
Qi Jingqing pressed his lips together. “It’s getting colder by the day. Even if I’m extra cautious, this body of mine is just unreliable… I might as well stay at the Eldest Princess’s residence. It’d save me the trouble of daily travel.”
“Preparing a room isn’t the issue, but how do you plan to convince Zhenbian Marquis and them?” Feng Lezhen met his gaze calmly. “They treat you like the apple of their eye. Will they really let you move in without title or status?”
“I’ve already convinced them,” Qi Jingqing said.
Feng Lezhen was stunned. “When did that happen?”
“Last night, after I started burning up. They came to see me, and I told them then.”
Feng Lezhen: “…They actually agreed?”
Qi Jingqing met her gaze for a long moment. The corners of his lips lifted slightly. “Just like you said—they see me as precious as their own eyes. How could they bear to watch me wear myself out every day?”
Feng Lezhen raised her brows slightly, making no comment.
Qi Jingqing’s heart sank slightly, but his face remained calm. “If Your Highness finds it troublesome, I won’t go. At most, you just come to the marquis manor more often during this period. After all, the doors of the marquis manor are always open to you.”
“Don’t act all magnanimous,” Feng Lezhen came back to herself and shot him a sideways glance. “Have the pageboy pack your things.”
The heavy stone weighing on his chest suddenly shattered. Qi Jingqing could no longer suppress the joy in his eyes and brows. Seeing his expression, Feng Lezhen also let out a soft laugh. “You’re that happy?”
“Mm.” Qi Jingqing nodded seriously.
“You…” Feng Lezhen sighed, completely helpless against him.
Qi Jingqing loved this helpless look of hers—his smile deepened.
So that very night, Qi Jingqing moved into the Eldest Princess’s residence.
Though he had a pageboy and guards helping him—there was no need for her at all—Feng Lezhen still came in person to receive him, to show her regard.
When they were about to leave, Song Lian held Qi Jingqing’s hand with red eyes, repeatedly instructing him. Qi Jingqing was moved by her words and started feeling upset as well. Qi Zhen stood beside the mother and son with a dark face. Though he said nothing, it was clear he was reluctant to part.
The three of them were so emotionally entangled that Feng Lezhen remarked softly, “Why does this feel like marrying off a daughter?”
“When they really do marry off a daughter, they might not even be this sad,” Qi Jingren answered dryly from the side.
Feng Lezhen shot her a glance. “You’ve already gained military command. You still mind?”
“It’s not that I mind,” Qi Jingren shrugged nonchalantly. “Now the entire Qi family army is under my control. Where would I find the time to care about anything else?”
Feng Lezhen let out a laugh and interrupted the three’s farewells. “Jingqing just broke his fever. Let’s not let him catch a chill standing out here.”
“Yes, yes,” Song Lian snapped out of it and pushed his wheelchair toward the carriage. “Hurry up and get in. Don’t catch another cold.”
Feng Lezhen smiled and stepped aside. Once Qi Jingqing boarded the carriage, she was about to follow when Qi Zhen stopped her.
“Treat my son well. Don’t bully him,” Qi Zhen said sternly. “Even if he says he doesn’t want anything, you still have to give him something. If not…”
“The shizi is already in my carriage. Isn’t it a bit late to be threatening me now, Marquis?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Qi Zhen choked for a moment, then managed to squeeze out, “If you dare mistreat him, I won’t let you off.”
Feng Lezhen acted like she hadn’t heard and calmly boarded the carriage.
“You…”
“Enough,” Qi Jingren stepped in. “Big brother’s already gone with her. What’s the point of saying all this now?”
“She has to know the Qi family isn’t one to be trifled with,” Qi Zhen said, brows tightly furrowed.
Qi Jingren looked at him. “She’s known that for a long time—otherwise, she wouldn’t have chosen to come to Yingguan in the first place.”
Looking at this daughter who clearly sided with outsiders and thinking of the military power no longer in his hands, Qi Zhen felt deeply stifled.
Qi Jingqing officially moved into the Eldest Princess’s residence. Along with him came not only his pageboy but also his personal physician and cook.
His sleeping quarters were just to the right of the main bedroom, separated only by a wall. Though the move was done in a rush, everything in the room was fully equipped. It was clear a great deal of thought had been put in.
“Do you like it?” Feng Lezhen leaned against the doorframe, watching him pace around the room.
Qi Jingqing’s lips curved. “I do. It’s just… a bit too far from Your Highness. Isn’t there still a side room in the main residence? Why didn’t you let me stay there?”
Feng Lezhen’s eyes shifted slightly, just about to respond when Ah Ye spoke first: “That room hasn’t been used in ages. It’d be a huge hassle to tidy up. This one’s better—quiet, sunny, and warm. If the shizi thinks it’s too far from Her Highness, this servant can have a door opened in the wall tomorrow. Then you can enter the main residence whenever you like.”
“There’s no need to go to such trouble,” Qi Jingqing chuckled.
Feng Lezhen lifted the corners of her lips. “Starting today, you’ll be staying here. If you need anything, just tell Ah Ye—she’ll take care of it for you. It’s about to be the busy farming season, and I won’t have much free time. I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep you company often.”
“I don’t need Your Highness to keep me company,” Qi Jingqing turned his head and looked over. “But if Your Highness needs any help, you must tell me.”
He wasn’t just saying that.
Though he had stayed out of the public eye for many years, with a father and sister who were both impulsive by nature, he had established many connections outside to ensure the Qi family’s stability. Otherwise, when Qi Jingren had been forced into a marriage, he wouldn’t have been able to spread the rumors of the “Ziwei Star” across the entire Great Qian within just half a month.
Feng Lezhen stared at him for a long moment, then smiled. “Don’t worry—I won’t be polite with you.”
The smile in Qi Jingqing’s eyes deepened instantly.
—
As soon as August ended, the busy farming season arrived, and Feng Lezhen indeed became busy. Not only did she have to help the commoners sell grain and do business, but she also had to deal with a censor sent from the capital—
At the start of the year, the silver remitted to the court had been short, and Feng Ji was worried it would happen again next year. So, he had specially sent a censor to keep watch.
Because of this, she left early and returned late every day and didn’t have time to keep Qi Jingqing company for a full half month.
Qi Jingqing, used to staying indoors, didn’t mind in the slightest. In fact, he kept himself busy—such as teaching Chen Jinan to play chess.
“The chessboard is like a battlefield. Since you’ve studied military strategy, you should apply it flexibly—think ten steps ahead with every move, and be thorough in your planning,” Qi Jingqing said as he placed a piece on the board. “See? You’ve lost again.”
Chen Jinan stared at the board in silence.
“Let’s play another round.” Qi Jingqing began collecting the pieces.
Chen Jinan replied, “…This humble servant still has to help in the kitchen. Let’s continue another day.”
“A bodyguard helping in the kitchen?” Qi Jingqing was surprised.
Chen Jinan replied calmly, “There aren’t many people in the Eldest Princess’s residence. Helping one another is quite normal.”
Hearing this, Qi Jingqing fell into thought.
“Your Grace,” Chen Jinan looked at him.
Qi Jingqing returned to his senses. “Mm… Go ahead.”
“Yes.” Chen Jinan responded and turned to leave at once.
The pageboy escorted him to the door and, after closing it, quickly returned. “Your Grace, he clearly isn’t serious about learning chess. Why go out of your way to teach him?”
“I was just curious—what kind of fun did Your Highness find in playing with someone so bad at chess?” Qi Jingqing calmly gathered the pieces, his eyes lowered.
The pageboy looked puzzled. “After playing with him so many times, did you find any fun in it?”
“Not the slightest,” Qi Jingqing replied blandly. “His chess skills are poor, and he’s dull to boot. He’s only quick-witted—he picks things up fast—but overall, he’s still boring.”
“If he’s that boring, why does Your Highness still like playing chess with him?” the pageboy asked, confused.
“Indeed, why?” Qi Jingqing closed his eyes for a moment, then looked up at him. “Where’s Her Highness? Isn’t she coming back for dinner?”
“Reporting to Your Grace, someone came back earlier to say Her Highness will dine with the censor tonight. She’ll likely be back quite late and told you not to wait up.”
Qi Jingqing frowned slightly. “This censor doesn’t seem easy to deal with.”
“They say he’s been the emperor’s trusted man since before His Majesty took the throne. Not easy to handle.”
Qi Jingqing lowered his gaze to the incense burner on the table, deep in thought.
—
Night fell, and most of the lanterns in the Eldest Princess’s residence had been extinguished, leaving only the path from the main gate to the main hall still lit. Servants came from time to time to add oil to ensure the lights wouldn’t suddenly go out.
On the second refill, the main gate finally opened slowly—Feng Lezhen had finally returned after a full day of work.
She had drunk quite a bit at dinner. Her mind was fuzzy, and after Ah Ye helped her into the room, she slumped into a chair and closed her eyes to rest and sober up.
Ah Ye helped her change and wash. Once everything was in order, she turned to make the bed, but before she even got close, she vaguely saw a figure on the bed. Instinctively, she drew her sword. When she saw clearly who it was, she let out a helpless laugh and tiptoed out.
“Your Highness, rest early. This servant will take her leave now.” She added a wink before leaving.
Feng Lezhen was confused. “Leaving already? Is the bed even made?”
Ah Ye didn’t answer, just left grinning.
Feng Lezhen, helpless, blew out the lamp herself and stumbled through the dark toward the bed.
The moonlight tonight was dim, and the room even darker. She had to rely on feel as she moved. When her knees bumped against the bed, she just collapsed onto it.
“Mm…”
“Hey—!”
Qi Jingqing was jolted awake by the impact and gave a muffled groan before grabbing the person who tried to escape. “Your Highness, it’s me.”
Feng Lezhen was speechless. “What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you.” Qi Jingqing, who was used to sleeping and waking early, was still a bit dazed. Hearing her, he simply buried his face into her front and mumbled as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
Feng Lezhen couldn’t help laughing. “Didn’t I tell you to rest early? What are you waiting for?”
“There’s something I wanted to discuss with you,” Qi Jingqing was slowly waking up too. Realizing how inappropriate his actions were, he froze for a moment, then silently let go of her.
Feng Lezhen took the chance to shift inward and laid side by side with him. “What is it?”
“Guard Chen said there aren’t enough people in the residence. Sometimes there’s too much to handle. So, I’d like to transfer a few people here—it’ll ease the burden a bit.” Qi Jingqing quietly took her hand, and in the next moment felt her fingers interlace with his. In the darkness, the corners of his mouth lifted silently.
Feng Lezhen asked, “Can they be trusted?”
“I personally selected them back then. Every one of them comes from a clean family going back at least three to five generations,” Qi Jingqing answered. “If Your Highness trusts me, then you can trust them.”
Feng Lezhen smiled. “It’s fine as long as you make the decisions.”
“And also… this residence is honestly too small now. If Your Highness is going to stay here long-term, it would be too much of a grievance. But since the house was personally granted by His Majesty, it’s not easy to move lightly. Now that our accounts are more comfortable, we might as well purchase the surrounding land and expand a little. That way, we won’t be caught short if guests come in the future.” Qi Jingqing said slowly.
Feng Lezhen responded softly, “Whatever you want to do, just do it. There’s no need to consult me.”
“I still should,” Qi Jingqing said with a smile. “After all, Your Highness is the sole master of this household.”
“Who says so? Aren’t you also the master?” Feng Lezhen replied casually.
She spoke offhandedly, but Qi Jingqing’s heart skipped a beat violently.
The room suddenly fell silent, something growing quietly in the darkness. Qi Jingqing only belatedly realized—he was lying on her bed.
Although he had moved in some days ago, this was still his first time lying in her bed.
“Your Highness…”
“Hm?” Feng Lezhen answered vaguely.
Qi Jingqing said, “I came without asking and even slept in your bed—are you angry?”
Feng Lezhen didn’t answer.
There was a trace of sweat in Qi Jingqing’s palm, though his tone remained calm. “I truly didn’t mean to offend Your Highness. I just stayed in my own room waiting, afraid I’d miss you, so I came to your quarters. But after sitting too long, my legs…”
“My little shizi,” Feng Lezhen mumbled half-asleep, turning over to touch his face, “you’re mine now. Sleeping in my bed is only natural. Why bother explaining?”
Qi Jingqing was silent for a moment, then smiled lightly. “As long as Your Highness doesn’t mind.”
Feng Lezhen chuckled and wrapped an arm around his slim waist.
In the darkness, Qi Jingqing listened quietly to her breathing and, unknowingly, drifted off as well.
When he woke up, the sky was already bright and the bedding beside him had long gone cold.
Qi Jingqing sat alone on the bed for a while before getting up in good spirits.
The young page had been waiting outside since early morning. When he finally saw Qi Jingqing emerge, he quickly checked his expression and, seeing that his energy seemed quite good, smiled and gently pushed him forward. “Shizi seems to be in quite a good mood today.”
“Mm.” Qi Jingqing didn’t deny it.
The page grinned. “Your Highness really is the best medicine for you.”
The corner of Qi Jingqing’s lips curved slightly, and he was about to respond when he noticed the door to the side room beside the main bedroom—firmly locked. His previously good mood immediately dipped a notch.
The page was used to reading faces and quickly said, “Her Highness is very busy—she’s probably forgotten about it by now. The servants didn’t want to mention anything and risk bad luck, so no one brings it up anymore. Over time, the room just became neglected.”
“Someone cleaned it just yesterday,” Qi Jingqing said flatly.
The page: “…”
“Forget it. I don’t care much,” Qi Jingqing said, recalling last night, a faint smile appearing on his lips. “As long as I have a place by her side, it doesn’t matter how many others there are.”
“It’s always been the case since ancient times—men take multiple wives and concubines. What woman marries multiple times? Since the room’s already locked, it clearly means it’s not being saved for Doctor Shen. This servant thinks you needn’t overthink it.” The page tried to console him.
Qi Jingqing smiled but said no more.
The two returned to the bedchamber without further conversation. The page brought over a bowl of red bean porridge and explained somewhat sheepishly, “It’s a custom in our camp—after a man loses his virginity, he eats red bean porridge. It symbolizes future prosperity and good health. I prepared it on my own initiative.”
Before Qi Jingqing came to the Princess’s residence, his parents had worried over it for some time and even hired a tutor to teach him some basics. He understood what “losing virginity” meant and what it implied. Now, hearing the page mention it, he fell silent.
“Shizi, have a few bites, at least—it’s for good luck.” Seeing him hesitate, the page thought perhaps he didn’t like the taste and quietly urged him.
Qi Jingqing’s eyes moved slightly, but in the end, he accepted the bowl.
The censor sent by the court showed no sign of leaving. Feng Lezhen wasn’t afraid of him, but still had to find time in her hectic schedule to deal with him. Her patience gradually wore thin. But like it or not, until things were completely torn with Feng Ji, she had to continue entertaining this imperial envoy.
Since the censor wouldn’t leave, Feng Lezhen couldn’t return home. Qi Jingqing also couldn’t expand the Eldest Princess’s residence too openly. As time dragged on, not only was Feng Lezhen growing annoyed—Qi Jingqing was also getting frustrated.
One day, Feng Lezhen finally returned early. She sat under the eaves with Qi Jingqing, warming themselves by the fire while enjoying the view.
“It’s been at least five or six days since we last saw each other, hasn’t it? What have you been doing? Have you been well?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Qi Jingqing replied, “Same as when I was at the marquis’s estate—reading, practicing calligraphy, taking medicine and resting. Only one new thing.”
“I know—you’ve been teaching Jinan how to play chess.” Feng Lezhen smiled.
Qi Jingqing looked at her with a gentle smile. “I’ve been waiting for Your Highness to come home.”
His gaze was calm and distant, like the snow in the border camp, yet when Feng Lezhen stepped into his sight, she could feel a burning heat radiating from within.
Feng Lezhen was momentarily dazed. When she recovered, she gave a light cough and raised her cup to cover her expression.
Qi Jingqing’s smile deepened. Before she could speak, he smoothly changed the subject. “Speaking of Guard Chen, after a few days with him, it’s easy to see why Your Highness favors him.”
“Why?” Feng Lezhen didn’t deny that she viewed Chen Jinan differently from others.
Qi Jingqing’s expression didn’t change. “He has a quiet temperament but a sharp mind. I taught him to treat the chessboard as a battlefield and use military strategy to fight. He grasped the concept quickly and his chess skills have improved significantly.”
“Jinan truly is clever,” Feng Lezhen said with a smile.
Qi Jingqing glanced at her. “If I’m not mistaken, Guard Chen is a born general—he’s meant to make his name on the battlefield. It’s a shame for him to be stuck here as a mere guard at the Princess’s residence.”
“You think so highly of him?” Feng Lezhen was slightly surprised.
Qi Jingqing replied, “If Your Highness is willing, you could send him to the Qi family’s military camp. It wouldn’t even take two years—he’s bound to achieve something.”
“Something like that…” Feng Lezhen began, then suddenly smiled. “You’d have to ask him yourself.”
Qi Jingqing paused and followed her gaze—sure enough, he saw Chen Jinan patrolling with the guards.
Chen Jinan also spotted the two of them from afar. He waved for the others to continue and came forward alone to salute. “Your Highness. Shizi.”
“The Shizi wants you to go train in the army. Are you willing?” Feng Lezhen asked with a smile.
Chen Jinan paused and instinctively looked at Qi Jingqing. Qi Jingqing smiled. “You’ve studied so much military theory—don’t you want to test it in the field?”
“I only wish to remain at the Princess’s residence,” Chen Jinan replied. Then, after a brief hesitation, he cupped his hands again. “Thank you for your kindness, Shizi.”
Qi Jingqing’s smile didn’t fade, even after being refused. He simply turned back to look at Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen spread her hands. “He’s quite stubborn. I can’t do anything about it either.”
Qi Jingqing sighed with regret. “Then there’s even less I can do.”
Then, turning again to Chen Jinan, he said, “Forget it. Her Highness isn’t an ordinary person. Staying by her side means your future will be bright as well—there’s no real need to join the army.”
Chen Jinan instinctively felt uncomfortable upon hearing that. But when he was about to explain himself, he saw that Feng Lezhen looked tired. He hesitated and swallowed his words. “…Yes.”
Chen Jinan resumed his patrol. Under the long eaves, only the two of them remained once more.
Feng Lezhen took the initiative to speak. “I’ve neglected you a lot lately. You must be hurt.”
“What is there to be hurt about?” Qi Jingqing smiled. “It was the same when I lived at the marquis’s residence. If anything, it’s livelier here at the Princess’s estate.”
“Those people you brought—I’ve looked them over. Thanks to them, the Princess’s residence is now like a sealed drum.” Feng Lezhen smiled.
Qi Jingqing replied, “As long as it helps Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen smiled and took his hand, which had been resting outside the blanket. Qi Jingqing looked down at it, and his gaze softened.
They chatted idly for a while, and when the matter of the censor who refused to leave came up, Feng Lezhen’s brows furrowed again.
“When is he planning to leave?” Qi Jingqing finally asked.
Feng Lezhen sighed. “If nothing unexpected happens, he’ll leave in early spring, taking the tax silver back with him.”
Qi Jingqing looked thoughtful. “With him staying here, I fear it’s hard for Your Highness to adjust the books.”
“The accounts aren’t the problem. The harvest was truly good this year. But if I want to make the numbers flawless, I’ll have to concede at least half the profit.” Feng Lezhen sounded increasingly irritated.
Qi Jingqing asked, “Shall we think of a way to send him back to the capital?”
“Ever since I rejected two imperial edicts from Feng Ji, tensions between Yingguan and the court have been escalating. We’re already at a critical point… The timing isn’t right. We can’t make any reckless moves,” Feng Lezhen explained, frowning.
She wasn’t someone who feared trouble, but now every move affected the entire situation. So many lives and livelihoods depended on her. She had no choice but to think it through.
Qi Jingqing looked at her tightly knit brows and, after some thought, slowly said, “He’s only staying here because he’s afraid Yingguan will tamper with the silver again next year like we did early this year. At the root of it, he’s worried that too much silver will be withheld. If the silver vanishes, his reason for staying disappears as well. We wouldn’t even need to do anything—he’d leave on his own.”
Feng Lezhen’s heart stirred. “You have an idea?”
Qi Jingqing: “No.”
Feng Lezhen: “…”
She was clearly speechless. Qi Jingqing laughed. “Don’t blame me, Your Highness. I’ve lived in deep courtyards all my life—I really don’t know how to make a large sum of silver disappear. But for Your Highness, that shouldn’t be too hard. After all… Your Highness is quite good at spending money.”
Feng Lezhen was amused by his words. She was just about to ask how exactly she was good at spending money, when the question caught in her throat—and a thought struck her. Her face lit up. She cupped Qi Jingqing’s face and kissed him. “You really are my lucky star!”
With that, she lifted her skirt and hurried outside. “Ah Ye, prepare the carriage! I’m going to the military camp!”
Qi Jingqing stood frozen, watching her figure disappear. Only when the last trace of her robe was gone did the heat bloom at the corner of his lips where she had kissed him, spreading a flush across his entire face.
That day, Feng Lezhen didn’t return until late at night. In the days that followed, she was nowhere to be seen.
She never said what idea had come to her, and Qi Jingqing didn’t ask. But when he visited his parents once and heard that the military camp was mobilizing soldiers, he immediately understood.
“Her Highness really is…” he smiled helplessly. “She truly is someone who knows how to spend money.”
Ten days later, a large group of bandits suddenly appeared outside the city and launched a nighttime raid with great noise and commotion. Smoke and chaos filled Yingguan. The censor, who had been asleep, was awakened and rushed by the panicked Hu Wensheng to take shelter in the yamen.
“These bandits—where are they from? Are they from Tayuan or Moli?” the censor, who had never fought a battle in his life, was momentarily confused by the uproar outside.
Hu Wensheng sighed. “They don’t look like any regular army… Milord may not know, but the area outside Yingguan is in constant disorder. There are dozens of groups calling themselves kings of the mountains. Even if I had divine powers, I couldn’t tell you exactly who it is.”
The censor frowned, about to ask more questions, when a thunderous boom suddenly came from outside.
“This is bad!” Hu Wensheng paled. “They have gunpowder!”
The censor’s expression changed immediately.
If they were ordinary bandits, they could just be driven off. But now that the attackers had gunpowder, things were no longer simple.
There’s nothing more costly than war—especially a drawn-out stalemate like this. The censor stayed in the yamen for three days and nights, watching Hu Wensheng spend silver like water and even borrow heavily from nearby towns. Soon he could no longer sit still. “Why are these bandits so fierce? We should go take a look at the city gate ourselves.”
“If you want to go, you go. I’m not going,” Hu Wensheng refused flatly. “Leaving aside the fact that the Qi family’s army hates it when civil officials interfere and make a mess, just the sight of blades swinging around is enough to make someone lose their life. And if there’s gunpowder again… I’ve got aging parents above and young children below—I’d rather not throw myself into that chaos.”
The censor, who also happened to have aging parents and young children, fell silent for a moment—and immediately gave up the idea as well.
The battle finally ended at dawn on the fourth day. When the censor arrived at the city gates, he saw blood everywhere, but strangely, no corpses. In the distance, thick smoke was rising.
“Why aren’t there any bodies?” he asked with a frown.
Qi Jingren gave him a glance. “Naturally, they were burned.”
“Burned?” the censor was shocked.
Qi Jingren’s tone was calm: “What else? Keep them around for food?”
The censor was choked by her words—he was stunned for a moment, then, seeing the blood and smoke outside, grew queasy at the implication and began to retch.
“Don’t be angry, Lord, don’t be angry. General Qi just has this kind of temperament—please don’t take her words seriously,” Hu Wensheng quickly patted his back. “Too many corpses can lead to plague. Let alone other places—Yingguan here has little medicine and few doctors. Burning the bodies is a must to prevent further trouble.”
The censor vomited for a while, then weakly waved his hand. Hu Wensheng exchanged a look with Qi Jingren and helped the censor away.
Once they were gone, Feng Lezhen came out from the city tower.
“Where did Your Highness get so much blood?” Qi Jingren asked.
Feng Lezhen replied, “Borrowed it from the city’s butchers.”
“Even so, there’s no way they’d lend that much,” Qi Jingren said, confused.
Feng Lezhen curved her lips. “Some of it was borrowed. The rest was made—Jingqing boiled several kinds of flower petals in water to create it.”
Qi Jingren: “…You told him this battle was staged?”
“He figured it out on his own,” Feng Lezhen answered. She recalled how, when she was fretting over not having enough blood, he quietly brought her a recipe for fake blood. Her eyes lit up at the memory.
Qi Jingren gave a short laugh. “He’s rather domestic.”
“It’s mostly thanks to the way your Qi family raised him,” Feng Lezhen stretched lazily. “It’s getting late—I should get back and accompany him. You and Hu Wensheng can handle the cleanup.”
“Respectfully sending off Your Highness,” Qi Jingren said formally.
Feng Lezhen smiled and boarded the carriage. The moment she sat down, the tension of the past few days suddenly released. Exhaustion overtook her.
The carriage rocked gently as it moved forward. She quickly fell asleep inside. Maybe because the ride wasn’t comfortable, her sleep was light, and in a half-dream, half-wake state, she dreamed of being imprisoned in the inner palace in her past life—kneeling day after day in silence in a cold, desolate palace. The occasional sound of bells had been the only source of liveliness in her monotonous days.
Ding-ling-ling. Ding-ling-ling…
Ding-ling-ling.
Feng Lezhen slowly opened her eyes, staring calmly at the tightly drawn curtain. Before she could regain her clarity, the bell sound rang again.
Her expression changed. “Ah Ye!”
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