Chapter Sixty-Four
The "suspension" in Suspension Exposure refers to hoisting a person up with hemp ropes until only their toes touch the ground. It may seem effortless, but in reality, if the tensed waist, legs, or feet relax even slightly, the rough hemp ropes around the wrists bear the full weight of the body. Over time, this can impede blood flow and even cause muscle spasms.
When Fu Yixiao was roughly bound with the ropes, she clenched her teeth tightly and glared defiantly at the supervising official sent by Feng Qishan. The official, in turn, lifted his chin arrogantly, casting her a disdainful glance before coldly ordering the guards nearby, "Keep a close watch on her." He then retreated to the shade.
The scorching summer sun blazed relentlessly, and soon, sweat drenched Fu Yixiao’s clothes. Feng Suige, who had been standing beside her, grew increasingly agitated. After only a short while, he stormed onto the platform and barked at the guard, "Let her down!"
The guard stammered nervously, "I-Imperial Son, this is the Lord of the Nation’s order—" "Get lost," Feng Suige hissed through gritted teeth. The guard immediately fell silent, not daring to utter another word.
"Hey—" Fu Yixiao’s voice came from above. "They’re not just watching me. They’re watching you too." Feng Suige stood motionless for a moment, staring at her, then strode toward the pole suspending her and drew his dagger.
"Feng—" Before Yixiao could finish, there was a sharp clang as Feng Suige drove the dagger into the ground beside him. He then walked behind her, his tall frame blocking the sunlight beating down on Fu Yixiao.
"Imperial Son, allow this humble servant to assist you—" The guard cautiously skirted around the dagger on the ground and pointed at the rope tied to the wooden post. "No need," Feng Suige replied coldly, his gaze flickering toward the fidgeting supervising official in the shade. "Tell him that if he dares say even one extra word to the Lord of the Nation, he won’t live to see tomorrow’s sun."
Less than an hour later, Feng Suige’s robes were soaked through, then dried, then soaked again. Yet he remained steadfast, unmoving.
Yixiao called his name a few times, but he didn’t respond. She strained to twist her body, trying to turn and look at him, when suddenly, she heard Feng Suige’s low, hoarse voice behind her. "Save your strength. There are still hours to go. Save your words for later."
"If you’re going to stand there, then stand in front of me," Yixiao retorted stubbornly. "What’s the point of hiding behind me?" "Stubborn woman," Feng Suige chuckled. "I have a whole lifetime to show myself to you. Why rush now?"
Yixiao fell silent for a moment before asking, "What are you planning to do tomorrow?" Feng Suige feigned mystery. "Guess what I’ll do." "Who are you sending to compete in my place?" Fu Yixiao arched her back slightly, as if stretching. "Or will you go yourself?"
"I plan to—" Feng Suige stepped forward, leaning close to her ear. "Marry him as my Male Consort, then poison him on our wedding night." Yixiao snorted with laughter. "You might as well kill him on the spot. He wouldn’t dare harm you, and the Lord of the Nation wouldn’t punish you for it." "Brilliant plan," Feng Suige exclaimed, slapping his hands together in mock realization. Then, with a playful grin, he added, "Then it’s settled—when Father punishes me, you’ll have to come shield me from the sun."
Yixiao laughed a few more times before her breath grew slightly labored. Feng Suige’s expression turned serious. "Enough. Stop talking." He fell silent again. Yixiao called his name several more times, but he didn’t respond, so she finally quieted down.The sun gradually dipped westward, and Yixiao's breathing grew increasingly erratic. Feng Suige had long since turned his back to face the setting sun, anxiously counting the moments.
Finally, as the last sliver of light vanished from the horizon, Feng Suige spun around and strode forward. He pulled his saber from where it was embedded in the ground and delivered a lightning-fast slash toward the wooden post.
With only a soft murmur, Yixiao slumped backward. Feng Suige tossed his saber aside without a second thought, catching her body and lifting her into his arms as he sprinted away. Even in his embrace, Yixiao managed a weak laugh. "Slow down a little, don't drop me."
"You still have the nerve to joke?" Feng Suige cursed under his breath as he continued running without pause. "I've never met a woman like you!"
Yixiao merely smiled without replying. After a while, she called out softly again, "Feng Suige..."
"I wouldn't mind if you called me 'husband,'" Feng Suige said through gritted teeth. "What else do you have to say to provoke me?"
"Run slower... I think I'm about to... get dizzy from all this jostling..." Her voice grew fainter, and her body gradually relaxed in his arms.
Feng Suige paused briefly, disbelievingly shaking the slowly closing-eyed Fu Yixiao in his arms before breaking into another desperate sprint, shouting repeatedly, "Someone! Summon the medical officer—quickly, get me the medical officer!"
Feng Qishan sat before the dragon-carved desk, listening carefully to Steward Huang's report upon his return from Brocade. After a moment of contemplation, he remarked, "The military generals' attitudes were indeed within my expectations. After all, countless lives were lost during the war between our nations. But it seems Xiyang is faring well in Brocade—did she mention anything else?"
Steward Huang, having rushed straight to the palace upon entering the city, bowed respectfully. "My Lord, she did not say anything further."
Feng Qishan sneered. "Is that truly the case, or were you instructed to say so?"
Steward Huang froze, breaking into a cold sweat. "Your Majesty is wise. The princess... truly said nothing more."
Feng Qishan slammed the desk and stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced. "I believe he and Xiyang can maintain a facade of mutual respect in public, but given Xia Jingshi's temperament, he would never serve her food before others. I ask you again—think carefully before answering—just how dire is Xiyang's situation?"
After a long pause, Steward Huang stammered, "My Lord, due to the longstanding enmity between our nations, the princess is indeed not entirely at ease in Brocade. However, I believe that with her wit and grace, she will surely win over the King Who Pacifies the South soon..."
"Nonsense!" Feng Qishan swore in fury. "If Xia Jingshi were so easily swayed, he wouldn't be Xia Jingshi!"
Terrified by Feng Qishan's rage, Steward Huang prostrated himself on the ground, not daring to breathe too loudly, and repeatedly begged, "Forgive me, my Lord!"
Feng Qishan took a moment to compose himself before speaking coldly. "I will give you one last chance. Speak now!"
Trembling, Steward Huang recounted everything he had seen and heard in Brocade. Surprisingly, Feng Qishan's expression softened as he listened. When he heard that Xiyang had coached Steward Huang on how to answer his questions—fearing he would be angered—a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.
"Truly my obedient daughter, truly my loyal subject, hmm?" he mused meaningfully. "Are you truly worried about my health, or are you afraid that being so far away, I can no longer intervene?""The princess said she didn't want the Lord of the Nation to worry about her affairs," Steward Huang said tremulously. "This servant was merely following orders..."
"Enough," Feng Qishan interrupted impatiently. "This lord doesn't need your explanations. When you give Xia Jingshi's letter to Sui Ge, tell him to burn it after reading—and that it was Xia Jingshi's instruction."
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