Chapter 103
The chaotic night was filled with unsettling scents.
"Truly a lovely but empty-headed beauty," the Holy Emperor remarked coldly after listening to his subordinate's report. He casually flipped open the thin sheet of paper, scanning the densely written characters. The frost in his expression gradually melted away, replaced by a faint, eerie smile. "Summon the carriage. We depart for Chongning Hall."
Feng Xiyang had already stepped out to greet him upon hearing the announcement. When she saw the Holy Emperor stride in with light steps, her heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, she blurted, "Your Majesty, have you received good news?"
Dismissing the attendants, the Holy Emperor drew a scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Feng Xiyang. "Everything is ready now—all we lack is the east wind." Feng Xiyang took it and quickly skimmed through it, her face lighting up with joy. "The List of Traitors! Your Majesty, can we finally close the net?"
"Don’t be so hasty," the Holy Emperor said leisurely. "As I said, we still lack the east wind." Feng Xiyang pressed the paper between her palms, her eyes gleaming brilliantly. "Your Majesty means..." The Holy Emperor smiled and paced a few steps. "What I want is a solitary Fu Yixiao. Tomorrow, it will be up to you."
The argument from two days prior had ended with Feng Suige conceding. Since then, he had been busy navigating among the Brocade officials presiding over the private arms case—with Xiao Weiran's situation still unclear, he had to do everything in his power to stall these officials, even the Holy Emperor himself.
After completely disrupting the Holy Emperor's chessboard, everyone would have to start anew. At this moment, aside from strategic maneuvering, what they needed most was time. If they could uncover the suspicious points in the private arms case, that would be ideal. If not, they could only watch and wait, doing their utmost to protect everyone involved.
Feng Suige was not oblivious to the undercurrents between Yixiao and Xiyang. But with one being his beloved and the other his closest kin, no matter which side he leaned toward, he would inevitably be pulled into the abyss. Worse still, he couldn’t reveal the full truth to Xiyang...
He couldn’t gamble everyone’s safety on Xiyang’s sudden enlightenment, but neither could he stand by and watch her walk further down this path of no return.
"Hey." Yixiao appeared at the doorway of the parlor, her expression unamused as she called out to him. "She’s looking for you. Up front." Feng Suige pulled back his wandering thoughts and stopped her as she turned to leave. "Come with me."
"No," Yixiao refused outright, though her expression softened slightly. "You siblings must have private matters to discuss. Why should an outsider like me interfere?"
"Silly," Feng Suige said, picking up a paperweight to secure the documents he had been reviewing before walking over to take her hand. "Since when are you an outsider? Come on. Try talking to her alone—who knows, things might take a turn for the better?" Yixiao hesitated for a long moment before reluctantly nodding.
And so, the two of them—awkwardly entangled, pulling and tugging—made their way to the front courtyard. Seeing their closeness, Feng Xiyang’s displeasure flared. She stepped forward and offered Feng Suige a perfunctory bow. "It seems I’ve come at a bad time. I’ll return another day." Despite her words, she made no move to leave, her eyes fixed firmly on Fu Yixiao.Yixiao scoffed, "Fine by me. The gates of this residence have always been open." Feng Xiyang was momentarily speechless. Flushed with anger, she stamped her foot and retorted, "You want me to leave? Well, I won't!" "Tsk," Yixiao responded, not angry but amused, leaning into Feng Suige's embrace. "I said the doors are open to welcome guests. How did you twist that into turning people away?"
"You two—" Before Feng Xiyang could continue, Feng Suige interjected helplessly, "Enough arguing... Yixiao, keep Xiyang company in the hall for a while. I'll be back soon." With that, he nudged Yixiao toward Xiyang and turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Xiyang and Yixiao asked in unison. Without looking back, Feng Suige waved a hand. "I need to find a place to store those documents I was reviewing earlier."
In the flower hall, the two women sat in opposite corners, each lost in her own thoughts.
Once seated, Yixiao felt calmer. Based on her understanding of Xia Jingshi and the soldiers under his command, as well as Xueying's account, she had some insight into Feng Xiyang's predicament in Brocade. This slightly softened her dislike for Xiyang, replacing it with sympathy. Picking up the porcelain cup, she skimmed the foam with the lid and took a sip, smiling faintly. "I always thought tea from Brocade tasted better. I suppose Xiyang must find the water in Su Sha sweeter."
"Yes..." Xiyang replied absentmindedly before catching herself. She composed her wandering thoughts and answered coolly, "There's an old saying: 'Marry a husband, follow a husband.' Since you've entered the Imperial Registry and become His Highness's consort, you should know your place. Stop pining for Brocade day and night..."
Hearing the scorn in her tone, Yixiao felt a surge of anger but kept her expression serene. She replied leisurely, "Though I may be in the Imperial Registry, my humble origins prevent me from spouting lofty words. But I’ve always admired Princess Xiyang’s actions—marrying a husband and following him so splendidly. Truly, you married well and followed even better!"
"Fu Yixiao!" Feng Xiyang's face darkened instantly as she sprang to her feet. "Don’t push me too far!" "Me, push you too far?" Yixiao finally dropped her smile. "Let me give you some advice: stop acting recklessly. Otherwise, not even Feng Suige will be able to save you in the end!"
Their gazes clashed, sparks nearly flying between them.
From afar came the sound of servants greeting Feng Suige. Feng Xiyang shot Fu Yixiao a venomous glare and hissed through gritted teeth, "What’s done in the dark will come to light. Don’t get too smug—your downfall is coming." Yixiao let out a derisive laugh. "Good. Let’s see whose downfall it’ll be."
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