Eighty-Seventh Chapter
"If it's truly too much of a stretch, then don't involve Su Sha," the Empress Dowager said worriedly, resting her forehead on her hand. "If things spiral out of control, it won't benefit Brocade."
The Holy Emperor paced a few steps and sighed. "I never imagined that a plan so long in the making would leave me so hesitant and torn when it comes to execution."
"If it's just his heavy troops you're wary of, you could easily find a suitable reason to revoke his military authority," the Empress Dowager shook her head. "Why must Your Majesty target Feng Xiyang and drag Fu Yixiao into this?" Hearing this, the Holy Emperor gave a cold laugh. "If the reason is insufficient or word leaks out, given Xia Jingshi's methods, it could very well incite a mutiny in Brocade. And if he rises in rebellion, Feng Xiyang will surely mobilize Su Sha's forces to aid him."
"Thus, we must start from within their ranks, dismantling them one by one. I also wish to witness firsthand the despair on his face when what he cherishes is destroyed—just like back then..." At this point, a glint flashed in the Holy Emperor's eyes before vanishing. "None of them will escape!"
Feng Suige's steady breathing sounded beside her pillow as Yixiao squinted at the gradually brightening sky outside the window.
Feng Suige had already arranged everything—Xueying would set off by noon. Yet, despite this, the faint unease in Yixiao's heart continued to grow, an uncontrollable restlessness lingering in her chest, making sleep impossible.
She had once told Xueying to remember how she looked when happy, fearing that joy would be scarce in the days to come. But as time passed and she looked back, those joyless days now seemed years away, as hazy as a past life.
She had also thought that her memories of him would wither like the yellowed leaves swirling in the garden, drifting into sheltered corners, gradually buried deeper until even their veins rotted away, turning inch by inch into soil.
She had never imagined that the pain of all the separations—both in life and death—would not be washed away by time. Even if everything else faded early, it could be effortlessly unearthed by sudden, devastating news, laid bare before her eyes. In her bewilderment, she could only let the faintly sour scent envelop her entirely.
So this was the truth: the agony of the soul was the most real and hardest to forget sensation in life.
Yet, in the end, she had learned to keep her composure.
And in the same breath, she was utterly exhausted.
When Fu Yixiao and Ling Xueying arrived at the outer city gate, the roadsides were already packed with onlookers. Along the center of the road stretched not only a long procession of carriages and horses but also rows of soldiers—a spectacle even grander than Feng Xiyang's bridal procession.
Feng Suige strode over with a smile. "Everyone is here, and all preparations are complete. Would you like to check if anything is missing? I'll have it replenished immediately."
Exchanging a puzzled glance with Xueying, Yixiao pointed at the winding caravan and asked, "What's with all these carriages? Even if Xueying rode a different one each day, she wouldn't finish them all by the time she reaches Brocade."
Still smiling, Feng Suige took her hand and led her forward, explaining as he gestured, "The rear carriages carry medicinal herbs for Xueying. The middle ones hold essential supplies and provisions for the journey, along with four medical officers and ten maidservants..."Xueying, who had been listening carefully nearby, suddenly planted her hands on her hips and interjected, "Unsolicited favors are either deceitful or thievery. Feng Suige, what ulterior motives do you have by preparing so many things for me?" Feng Suige was taken aback and chuckled in surprise, "You're quite clever. Then tell me, what ulterior motives could I possibly have?"
"These little tricks are obvious at a glance," Xueying retorted impatiently, rolling her eyes at him. "But I won’t help you. Don’t even think of saying that no matter how many concubines you marry, Yixiao will always be your favorite—I don’t believe it!" As soon as these words were spoken, Yixiao’s gaze immediately landed on Feng Suige’s face.
Feng Suige’s smile froze halfway, and he glanced sheepishly at Yixiao before gritting his teeth and whispering, "If that were the case, I’d rather direct my thoughts and schemes toward Yixiao herself."
"Is that so?" Xueying glared at him for a moment before suddenly casting a suspicious look at Yixiao’s flat stomach. "Don’t tell me you want Yixiao and me to make a prenatal vow..." Before Yixiao could react, Feng Suige was already doubled over with laughter, drawing the curious glances of nearby soldiers.
Finally managing to compose himself, Feng Suige slung an arm over Yixiao’s shoulder, beaming. "See, even Xueying is anxious on our behalf. Shouldn’t you hurry up... Ow!" Before he could finish, Yixiao elbowed him hard in the ribs, leaving him grimacing and rubbing his chest in pain. "In front of everyone, you couldn’t even spare me a little dignity—if you injure me, who’s going to accompany you to Brocade?"
This time, not only Yixiao but even Xueying widened her eyes in disbelief. Yixiao tilted her head, her voice filled with cautious astonishment. "You mean... we’re going to Brocade too?"
"Yes," Feng Suige replied, pulling her into his arms with a serious expression. "As a princess, it’s only right for you to return and pay respects at the ancestral temple. Besides, it would be unreasonable not to visit your mother, wouldn’t it?"
"You’re being reckless," Yixiao finally managed to say, her voice trembling. "With all your daily responsibilities, how can you just abandon them like this... Even if the old ministers agree, the Lord of the Nation might not. I don’t want you to do this for me..."
Feng Suige chuckled softly. He should have known—this woman, once she made her choice, would stand firm like him, doing everything in her power to protect the other. "Father was displeased when he heard of this, but he had no real grounds to obstruct or oppose it. Besides, after all these years at court, I’ve built a solid foundation. Being away for a month or so won’t affect anything. You needn’t worry."
Yixiao lowered her head and asked softly, "Aren’t you afraid that after I see His Highness..." Feng Suige cut her off, his tone calm yet sincere. "I’ve thought about this for a long time. If he remains in your heart, no distance can erase what you once shared. But I believe the fact that you won’t fall in love with him again won’t change, no matter when or how many times you meet."
With that, he grinned playfully again. "Of course, I also know you love me very much, so I’m just doing you a favor. You know it well enough—no need to thank me too much."
Yixiao scoffed and raised her hand threateningly, her eyes slightly red. Though her expression was fierce and her hand lifted high, when it landed on his chest, it was nothing more than a gentle tap.Xueying stared blankly for a moment before suddenly curling her lips and turning towards the carriage. As she walked away, she muttered, "If you're going to flirt, at least find somewhere private—I'm heading to the carriage first, my feet have gone numb from standing."
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