In Yingguan, once winter arrived, the days grew especially short. By early evening, it was already pitch black.
Qi Jingqing had heard that Feng Lezhen would return early today and had ordered dinner to be prepared and waited. But he waited until the dishes turned cold and still didn’t see her return.
“Shizi, perhaps don’t wait anymore. Please eat first,” the page advised.
Qi Jingqing shook his head lightly. “I’ll still wait.”
“But—”
“Go check if Her Highness has arrived yet.” Qi Jingqing interrupted.
The page had no choice but to head out.
Qi Jingqing glanced at the table, then after a moment of thought, reached for his cane. He intended to call someone to bring the food back to the kitchen for reheating, but the moment he stood, his limbs gave out, and his body collapsed to the floor.
“Shizi!” The page returned just in time to witness the fall and rushed over in a panic. “Are you alright? Why did you suddenly fall?”
Qi Jingqing’s breathing was ragged, and he waved his hand to signal not to be touched. The page quickly let go.
Qi Jingqing sat on the floor for a long moment before his breathing slowly steadied.
“I’m fine… Take the food back to the kitchen and have it reheated,” he instructed, forcing a calm demeanor.
The page was nearly in tears. “At a time like this, you’re still thinking about food?!”
“…I just tripped, it’s no big deal.” Qi Jingqing tried to reassure him.
The page wiped his eyes hastily. “How is it no big deal? You look pale as a ghost!”
“Maybe I hit my chest earlier. It felt tight for a bit, but I’m fine now.” Qi Jingqing let out a light breath and looked slightly better.
The page frowned. “Can I help you up now?”
“You can.”
The page sniffled and helped him to the chaise lounge, then began carefully checking for injuries.
Qi Jingqing was half-laughing, half-annoyed, repeatedly assuring him he was fine until the page finally relaxed.
“Why do I feel your health is getting worse?” the page muttered. “We must get Doctor Shen to examine you someday.” Afraid of being refused, he added quickly, “You can’t ignore an illness and avoid treatment!”
Qi Jingqing opened his mouth but hadn’t yet spoken when a voice came from the doorway:
“Who’s ignoring an illness?”
Both Qi Jingqing and the page looked toward the door—and there was Feng Lezhen, walking in with a smile. “Why’s the door wide open? The room’s gone cold.”
“Your Highness,” the page said quickly, before Qi Jingqing could stop him, “Shizi fell just now!”
Feng Lezhen’s brows immediately furrowed. “What happened?”
“It was just an accident,” Qi Jingqing said helplessly, shooting the page a look. “What did I ask you to do earlier?”
The page pouted and reluctantly carried the food out.
“Did you get hurt?” Feng Lezhen walked straight over and took Qi Jingqing’s hand to examine him.
His clothes were already disheveled by her pulling, and seeing her about to reach inside his collar, Qi Jingqing hurried to stop her. “I’m really fine.”
“How could you suddenly fall like that…” she murmured, then suddenly thought of something. “Was it because of last night?”
Her question was blunt. Qi Jingqing’s face flushed red. “I—I’m not tired.”
Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow. “Jingqing, don’t push yourself.”
“I’m really not tired,” Qi Jingqing looked her in the eye. “After all, it was you doing all the work. How could I be tired?”
Feng Lezhen hadn’t expected such a direct reply. She paused—and for a moment, didn’t know what to say. Their silent eye contact shifted the atmosphere into something else entirely.
“Shizip…” the page walked in, then froze as he sensed something off.
Both froze as well. Feng Lezhen calmly turned her face away, while Qi Jingqing looked slightly flustered. “What is it?”
“The—dinner’s been reheated. Shall I bring it in now?” the page stammered.
Qi Jingqing didn’t respond—instead, he looked toward Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen smiled. “Serve the meal. I’m hungry too.”
“Then bring it up,” Qi Jingqing instructed.
The page responded and ran off quickly.
That little interruption had ruined the mood completely. Feng Lezhen took Qi Jingqing’s hand and noticed several places on his palm where the skin was broken. She gently stroked them with concern. “Be more careful in the future—don’t be so careless again.”
Qi Jingqing couldn’t help defending himself. “That’s never happened before.”
Feng Lezhen raised her eyebrows slightly at his rebuttal.
“…Understood.” Qi Jingqing had no choice but to give in.
The food was soon brought back. Qi Jingqing served her a bowl of soup himself. “Your Highness has been working too hard lately because of the snow disaster. You should nourish yourself more.”
“The shizi should nourish himself as well,” Feng Lezhen deliberately twisted his words and returned a bowl of soup to him.
Qi Jingqing: “…” That wasn’t what he meant at all.
Their eyes met. Qi Jingqing coughed lightly and quickly looked away.
Feng Lezhen had spent so long with him but had never seen him get embarrassed so easily. Amused, she grew more interested and teased him a few more times, until his eyes held both shyness and irritation—only then did she stop, still slightly unsatisfied.
“It’s getting late. You should rest,” she said as she stood up.
Qi Jingqing paused. “Your Highness isn’t staying?”
Feng Lezhen stopped in her tracks, clearly tempted to stay.
“Stay and talk with me,” Qi Jingqing held her hand, his eyes soft and luminous. After last night, he no longer cared if that side room was meant for anyone else—he just wanted to spend more time with her.
“…This is the first time I’ve realized,” Feng Lezhen said, “that the shizi has the makings of a seductive troublemaker.”
“Then would Your Highness be willing to grant the troublemaker his wish?” Qi Jingqing countered, knowing exactly what she liked and letting her have it all her way.
Feng Lezhen clearly struggled internally, but after a moment, she gritted her teeth and refused. “Not staying. You sleep.”
Qi Jingqing made no effort to hide his disappointment, but still nodded obediently. “Then I’ll walk Your Highness out.”
“Don’t,” Feng Lezhen stopped him immediately. The more considerate he was, the guiltier she felt. “You just fell—don’t move around.”
“Then take care on your way.” Qi Jingqing didn’t insist.
Feng Lezhen smiled and reached up to touch his face. Qi Jingqing paused, then clumsily nuzzled against her fingers. His gentle and obedient gesture made Feng Lezhen’s heart waver, but in the end, she turned and left.
Qi Jingqing watched her departing figure, a vague sense of unease lingering in his chest.
Dinner had taken almost half an hour—long enough that several lanterns in the courtyard had already burned out. As soon as Feng Lezhen stepped out of the room, Ah Ye came forward. “Why didn’t Your Highness stay the night?”
“Things are not yet resolved. If I get too close to him, he may get caught up in it,” Feng Lezhen said calmly as she walked.
Ah Ye rubbed her nose. “But Your Highness won’t let us investigate those people’s origins or increase the guard. When are we ever going to resolve it?”
“They’re in the dark while we’re in the light. Acting rashly will only alert the enemy and make it harder to catch them later.” Feng Lezhen glanced at her.
“I understand that logic, but… doing nothing at all?” Ah Ye frowned.
“Who said we’re doing nothing?” Feng Lezhen smiled. “We’ve let the net out long enough—it’s time to start reeling it in.”
“How?” Ah Ye asked.
“The snow disaster has finally passed—it’s time for a celebration banquet. We’ll hold it at the military camp. Our guards from the residence did a lot; let them join too. Everyone should celebrate properly,” Feng Lezhen said thoughtfully.
Ah Ye paused and slowly understood.
The next few days passed in rare peace. The snow on the streets had been thoroughly cleared, the people resumed their daily routines, and even snow-related illnesses had decreased noticeably.
Shen Suifeng, now finally free, made the very first use of his leisure to head to the Eldest Princess’s residence—the very place he’d insisted earlier he wouldn’t go—to examine the pampered and irritating shizi’s pulse.
He chose to go on the evening of the banquet. Feng Lezhen had been discussing matters with Hu Wensheng when she heard Shen Suifeng was on his way to her residence. She hurried out and stopped him. “I’ve been busy lately. Best if you don’t go for now.”
Shen Suifeng didn’t understand. “You go be busy. What’s that got to do with me seeing a patient?”
He stepped forward again, but Feng Lezhen followed and blocked his path.
Seeing her standing there, unrelenting, Shen Suifeng’s brows gradually furrowed.
Feng Lezhen smiled. “Let’s wait until I’m more free—we can go together.”
They stared at each other for a while. The look in Shen Suifeng’s eyes faded. “Your Highness is worried I’d go alone and bully your precious Shizi?”
Feng Lezhen hadn’t expected that misunderstanding and was about to explain, but Shen Suifeng sneered coldly. “Then Your Highness really underestimates me. I may not be some great man, but I’m not so petty. Since you’re not sincerely seeking a doctor, I won’t force myself on the matter. Farewell.”
He turned and walked off.
Feng Lezhen opened her mouth, but in the end, didn’t call him back. She could only watch his figure disappear and sigh faintly.
Ah Ye quietly came over. “Your Highness, why didn’t you explain?”
“Explain what? That I plan to use myself as bait tonight to catch a big fish, and that the Eldest Princess’s residence is too dangerous right now, and he shouldn’t come near?” Feng Lezhen shot back.
Ah Ye blinked. “Can’t you just say that?”
“Do you believe that if I said one word, he’d stop everything and guard me day and night?” Feng Lezhen sighed and shook her head. “Let him misunderstand for now. We’ll explain once it’s all over.”
Ah Ye quickly followed after. “Fan Gonggong came by earlier. He said he’s already added calming medicine to the shizi’s dose. He watched him drink it and fall asleep. If nothing unexpected happens, he’ll sleep straight through till tomorrow morning.”
“Got it.”
Ah Ye was puzzled. “Why didn’t Your Highness just find an excuse to send the shizi back to the marquis’ manor? Is it because you’re worried it might raise suspicions and affect today’s plan?”
“Jingqing returns there every now and then anyway. Those people have been watching the Eldest Princess’s residence for a long time—they already know this, so why would they suspect anything because of it?” Feng Lezhen remained calm. “The reason I didn’t bring it up is because I’ve never interfered with whether he returns or not. If I suddenly mention it, someone as clever as him would surely guess something’s going on today at the Eldest Princess’s residence—and he absolutely wouldn’t agree to let me take such a risk.”
After speaking, she thought of something and asked, “You didn’t tell Jinan about our plan, did you?”
“No,” Ah Ye said helplessly. “This servant knows that as soon as it involves Your Highness, he loses all reason. How would I dare tell him anything?”
“Good.” Feng Lezhen curved her lips into a smile.
Ah Ye was silent for a long while before she couldn’t hold it in. “You really have it hard—having to guard against outsiders is one thing, but you even have to guard against those close to you.”
Feng Lezhen gave her a sideways glance and lazily parted her red lips. “Scram.”
Ah Ye chuckled and sensibly took her leave.
The snowstorm had passed with no casualties. With the New Year approaching, there was a cheerful atmosphere throughout the camp. Today, the military camp was especially lively. Before dusk had even fully set in, everyone had already gathered. In contrast, the Eldest Princess’s residence, with everyone out attending the banquet, was unusually quiet.
Qi Jingqing had fallen asleep right after taking his medicine. His young page, with nothing better to do, cleaned the room and then sat by the bed to keep watch.
“Why’s he asleep so early today? Hope he’s not sick…” The boy watched over him for quite a while. Seeing no movement at all from Qi Jingqing, he cautiously leaned in to check his breath.
His breathing was shallow, but steady enough. The page quietly sighed in relief and resumed dozing off by the bed.
Qi Jingqing slept in a daze. He vaguely sensed the page’s presence. He wanted to ask for a glass of water, but when he moved his lips, not a word came out.
Something was wrong. He… really didn’t feel right. His brows slowly furrowed. Unfortunately, despite his struggles, he was dragged once more into dark, heavy sleep.
The camp stayed lively late into the night. After three rounds of wine, Feng Lezhen was already so drunk her steps were unsteady, needing Ah Ye’s help just to walk. Beside them, Chen Jinan had been forced to drink by five or six people and now slept deeply with a furrowed brow. Across from them, Qi Jingren was so drunk he couldn’t even sit upright, slumped over the table and throwing up, which made Qi Zhen twitch at the temples before deciding he’d had enough and left early.
“No good…” Feng Lezhen mumbled. “You all go on. I need to head back first.”
“I-I’ll escort you…” Qi Jingren tried to stand but failed after several attempts.
Feng Lezhen laughed aloud. “You’d better not. Go back to your tent and rest. Don’t drink any more.”
“Alright then, this humble officer… won’t escort you.” Qi Jingren said as she stood again, then staggered sideways.
Feng Lezhen let out a small laugh and, supported by Ah Ye, got into the carriage.
The banquet carried on, but the carriage slowly made its way down the road, gradually leaving behind the sounds of revelry.
Feng Lezhen leaned back against the cushioned couch inside, eyes shut as though already asleep. Ah Ye sat casually to the side, but her right hand remained hidden at her waist the entire time.
Night had grown deep. Most of the common folk were already asleep. There wasn’t a soul on the streets, only the snow piled in corners glowing faintly under the moonlight. The journey from the camp to the Eldest Princess’s residence, even taken slowly, took less than half an hour—and in that time, neither Feng Lezhen nor Ah Ye spoke a word.
Inside the Eldest Princess’s residence, Qi Jingqing drifted in and out of dreams, unable to wake. Seeing sweat on his forehead, the young page quickly reached out to check his temperature, only relaxing when he found no fever.
Qi Jingqing clearly sensed the boy touching his forehead, but he couldn’t open his eyes at all, as though trapped in a nightmare. He struggled for a long time, his body growing hotter and hotter, until he finally managed to squeeze out a single word: “Water…”
“Water? Alright, water! This servant will get some right away!” The page hurried to pour a warm cup and came back, but seeing Qi Jingqing still hadn’t opened his eyes, he hesitated—unsure whether to feed him the water or just let him sleep.
After some inner debate, he ended up propping Qi Jingqing up and carefully helping him drink.
As the warm water trickled down his throat, Qi Jingqing finally managed to open his eyes with great effort. Almost at that same moment, in an inn somewhere else, Shen Suifeng—who had tossed and turned all night without sleeping—sat up with a cold expression.
The carriage ambled on, finally arriving at the Eldest Princess’s residence in utter silence.
As Feng Lezhen prepared to get out, Ah Ye quickly grabbed her arm. “Your Highness…”
“Let’s go,” Feng Lezhen gestured.
Ah Ye pursed her lips and helped her off the carriage.
The celebration was still ongoing, and the Eldest Princess’s residence remained completely quiet. Several lanterns meant for lighting had gone out and no one had bothered to relight them. Feng Lezhen, supported by Ah Ye, slowly made her way into the courtyard—then suddenly stopped in her tracks. “Headache… I don’t want to go inside.”
“Your Highness…” This wasn’t quite according to plan. Ah Ye frowned. “It’s too cold out here. You should go in and rest.”
“I don’t want to. Go make me a cup of tea,” Feng Lezhen ordered.
Ah Ye stared at her for a long while but eventually gave in.
“Wait here for this servant—don’t go wandering around,” she said, and those last few words were almost ground out through gritted teeth.
Feng Lezhen’s eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. She agreed obediently.
Once Ah Ye turned and went into the bedchamber, Feng Lezhen walked over and sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.
Even without wind or snow, the winter nights at the border camp were bitterly cold. Feng Lezhen, seemingly drunk to the bone, didn’t seem to feel it at all. She simply leaned against the icy table to rest.
There were only a few people on duty in the courtyard, and none of them approached to disturb her. Feng Lezhen sat with her eyes closed, pretending to nap, quietly resting—when a voice suddenly sounded behind her: “Your Highness?!”
Feng Lezhen snapped her eyes open and turned her head, immediately locking eyes with Qi Jingqing. Her gaze shifted slightly, but before she could speak, he was already walking toward her with a grim expression, leaning on his cane. “It’s so cold—why are you sitting out here? Where are Ah Ye and the others? Isn’t anyone watching over you?”
“…Why are you awake?” Feng Lezhen asked helplessly.
Qi Jingqing frowned slightly, about to respond, when a faint jingling sound suddenly rang out. Feng Lezhen’s expression changed. She turned quickly and saw more than a dozen black-clad figures leaping over the wall. One of them charged straight at her with a sword in hand.
“Assassins!”
Someone shouted, and chaos erupted. Before Qi Jingqing could even register what was happening, he instinctively reached out to block the incoming sword.
The sharp blade pierced through his palm, and blood spattered onto Feng Lezhen’s face. She froze for a moment, then came to her senses and pulled out the dagger hidden in her robes, striking back at the attacker. The black-clad man quickly dodged.
The guards on duty in the courtyard rushed over, but one of the black-clad men, who wore bells at his waist, hindered their movement. Seeing their first strike fail, the attackers prepared to strike again—but suddenly, a concealed weapon shot out from the main bedchamber and knocked the sword aside. In the blink of an eye, the once-quiet Eldest Princess’s residence was filled with movement. Qi Jingren, who was supposed to be too drunk to stand, arrived with soldiers and guards, surrounding the courtyard.
“It’s a trap!”
Someone cried out, and the situation changed instantly. While the black-clad men hesitated, Feng Lezhen quickly pulled the injured Qi Jingqing back. Ah Ye appeared just in time, stepping forward to shield the two of them.
They were safe.
Torches lit up the courtyard. The clash of weapons echoed loudly. The figure with bells on his waist moved with agile precision, fighting nearly a hundred men alone.
Feng Lezhen, however, couldn’t be bothered with them. She hastily pulled a handkerchief from her chest and wrapped Qi Jingqing’s bleeding hand again and again.
“I’m fine, Your Highness,” Qi Jingqing said gently. “It’s just a small wound…”
“Shut up!” Feng Lezhen snapped, then looked coldly at the man who had stabbed him. “Kill him.”
The swordsman faltered, and Ah Ye took the opportunity to draw her longbow.
The arrow split the air. The black-clad man tried to retreat but was too late—the sharp arrow pierced his chest, and blood burst forth.
“Brother Li!” The man with the bells shouted, his eyes turning red. Without hesitation, he charged at Ah Ye.
When Shen Suifeng arrived, he found the courtyard in chaos and froze on the spot.
“You too?” Feng Lezhen groaned, her head aching.
Shen Suifeng had just opened his mouth to answer when a black-clad man, noticing his closeness to Feng Lezhen, attacked him. Flustered, Shen Suifeng pulled out a packet of medicinal powder from his robe and threw it at the attacker.
“Ah—!”
The black-clad man screamed and fell to the ground, thrashing wildly. A few guards tried to subdue him but hesitated, afraid of catching whatever he had.
“It’s just itching powder. It’s harmless,” Shen Suifeng explained.
The guards relaxed, took off their outer robes, and wrapped the man up.
The numbers were too lopsided—there was no point in continuing the fight. The black-clad men tried to flee, but it was too late. One by one, they were subdued—only the one with the bells managed to escape under cover from his companions.
Qi Jingren immediately gave chase, but Feng Lezhen called out to stop her. “No need. He’ll be back. Secure the rest first.”
Qi Jingren agreed and ordered the soldiers to tie up the captured assailants. But before they could act, the black-clad men began to convulse.
“They’ve got poison hidden in their mouths!”
Someone cried out. Shen Suifeng, who had been about to check on Qi Jingqing’s injury, abruptly changed course. He examined one of the men, then quickly pulled out several silver needles from the medicine case he carried and stabbed them into the man’s throat.
In just a moment, the man vomited up the poison he had swallowed. Shen Suifeng quickly stuffed a medicinal pill into his mouth, saving his life.
He repeated the process for the rest of them. Ah Ye, watching nearby, was stunned again and again. “Mr. Shen, you’re incredible.”
“It’s just poison treatment—nothing special,” Shen Suifeng replied without even lifting his head.
Qi Jingren watched for a moment, then, seeing there was nothing more for her to do, ran over to Qi Jingqing. “Where are you hurt? Is it serious?”
Qi Jingqing raised his bloodied hand. “My hand got hurt.”
Seeing it was just a hand injury, Qi Jingren let out a breath of relief. “That’s good—just the hand… When Mother and Father ask how you got hurt, you better say something in my defense, or else they’ll blame me again.”
Then she glanced at Feng Lezhen and added, “Her Highness should share some of the blame too.”
“I got hurt on my own. What does it have to do with either of you?” Qi Jingqing said with a faint laugh.
Qi Jingren snorted. “Nonsense. If we hadn’t been setting up here to capture these people, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt. Besides…”
Mid-sentence, she met Feng Lezhen’s gaze and coughed lightly—realizing she’d said too much.
“Your Highness, don’t you think you owe me an explanation?” Qi Jingqing asked calmly.
Shen Suifeng, who was still tending to the poisoned men, also looked over at the sound.
Feng Lezhen cleared her throat. “I’ll take you back inside first.”
Qi Jingqing didn’t refuse and let her help him into the room.
As soon as they entered, the young page came in carrying a bowl of medicine. Seeing Feng Lezhen, he gave a hurried bow. “Greetings, Your Highness. When did you—Shizi!”
Feng Lezhen silently stepped aside to give him space. As expected, the boy put down the medicine and rushed over. “Shizi, what happened to you? Your hand—why is there so much blood?!”
Qi Jingqing had expected this fuss and only replied simply, “It’s nothing serious.”
“So much blood, how could it not—”
“There was such a commotion outside just now. You didn’t hear it?” Feng Lezhen interrupted.
The young page looked over with teary eyes. “What commotion? This servant went to the kitchen to decoct medicine just now—I only just got back.”
Feng Lezhen let out a laugh. “Then you’re quite lucky.”
The page was puzzled, just about to fuss over Qi Jingqing again, when Shen Suifeng walked in from outside.
“Doctor Shen!” The page looked like he’d just seen a savior and hurried to greet him.
Shen Suifeng calmly placed his medicine case on the table and opened it while asking, “You wouldn’t let me come earlier today—was it because you already knew there would be an assassination attempt tonight?”
The question seemed abrupt and out of the blue, but everyone present knew who it was directed at.
Feng Lezhen was silent for a moment, about to respond when Qi Jingqing’s voice rose first: “It was Your Highness who tampered with the medicine I drank today, wasn’t it?”
“What assassination? What medicine?” The page was utterly confused.
Qi Jingqing glanced at him with a calm expression. “Go out.”
“Yes…” The page dared not speak further and bowed his head as he exited.
Qi Jingqing and Shen Suifeng both turned to look at Feng Lezhen. Ah Ye and Qi Jingren had just stepped into the room—seeing the situation inside, they immediately turned on their heels and left.
In the blink of an eye, only three people were left inside. Feng Lezhen instinctively picked up the teacup on the table, but before it reached her lips, Shen Suifeng’s cool voice rang out: “There’s no water in that cup. Should I fetch some for Your Highness?”
“Then I’ll trouble you,” Feng Lezhen replied smoothly, playing along.
Qi Jingqing’s voice dropped slightly. “Your Highness.”
“…I wasn’t asking you to get the water,” Feng Lezhen explained.
Shen Suifeng gave a short snort, and Qi Jingqing frowned deeply, fixing her with an unwavering gaze.
…She knew this was coming. Feng Lezhen sighed and gestured to Shen Suifeng. “Tend to his wound first.”
“The young master’s injury isn’t fatal. Your Highness should explain first.”
“If Your Highness won’t explain, I won’t treat the wound,” Qi Jingqing added.
Their voices overlapped. Feng Lezhen grew annoyed. “You two mean to challenge me now?”
“Your Highness,” Shen Suifeng didn’t back down in the slightest.
Qi Jingqing, however, relented a bit. “Since Your Highness is unharmed, you may as well explain while Doctor Shen bandages me.”
Shen Suifeng glanced at him but said nothing more.
Knowing there was no way out of it, Feng Lezhen finally spoke. “I discovered long ago that someone was watching me. I suspect they were sent by Feng Ji…”
She began explaining from the beginning. Shen Suifeng lowered his head and started unwrapping the blood-soaked bandages from Qi Jingqing’s hand, working on stopping the bleeding and stitching the wound.
Qi Jingqing’s face turned pale from the pain, but he still caught the inconsistency in her words. “Your Highness said you were the first to notice someone tailing you—but you’re not trained in martial arts. How could you be more perceptive than someone like Ah Ye?”
“Because I heard the sound of a bell,” Feng Lezhen replied. “Although when I stopped the carriage, it turned out to just be a child playing with a bell, I knew—it was him.”
That boy’s bell… she had heard it for half a year in her previous life. There was no way she could mistake it. It was precisely because she understood him so well—knew he wouldn’t act without being fully prepared—that she had deliberately scaled back patrols in recent days, letting him think she’d grown complacent, and then used today’s celebration to lure him out.
At the mention of the bell, Shen Suifeng suddenly recalled the slim and striking figure from the earlier fight. Qi Jingqing’s eyes flickered as well—he too remembered the particularly eye-catching man among the black-clad attackers.
“Who is ‘he’?” Shen Suifeng asked directly.
“I don’t know his name,” Feng Lezhen replied calmly. “Only that he likely belongs to some organization—he’s one of Feng Ji’s people. Everyone who came tonight was from the same place.”
“Sounds like Your Highness is quite familiar with ‘him,’” Shen Suifeng said casually.
Qi Jingqing immediately looked at Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen recalled the half year she had spent imprisoned in the cold palace in her past life—how he was the only one she’d seen each day. She couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s true I feel we’re familiar, but he might not feel the same.”
“So it’s one-sided affection from Your Highness. No wonder you let him go—it was intentional,” Shen Suifeng concluded.
Feng Lezhen replied, “Don’t spout nonsense. It’s not what you think.”
“Feeling guilty?” Shen Suifeng pressed.
“Doctor Shen, perhaps you shouldn’t push her like this,” Qi Jingqing turned his gaze away. “It’s frustrating enough when what you want is out of reach. Why rub salt in the wound?”
Feng Lezhen: “…”
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 10+ chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
