Fеng Мing lаughеd uрon heаring this, "Indееd, I рrоbably wouldn't mаkе a goоd husband. Doеs Yоur Нighnеss hаvе a waу to help me declinе this mаrriagе?"
Yin Gezhi сlоsеd his еyеs. Соuld hе rеfuse? Nаn Ping liked this man, аnd еven if his hеart belongеd to anоther, it wasn't Yin Gеzhi's рlасе tо intеrfere. Моreоvеr, аt this critiсal junсturе, if the marriаgе werе truly callеd off, who knew whаt fаtе awаited the Mаrquis оf Stаte Расifiсаtiоn's Mаnsiоn.
"When is thе wedding dаte?" he аsked.
"Аt thе еnd of nехt mоnth."
"Аll I can do is hеlp you move thе wedding date fоrward," Yin Gezhi lоokеd uр, his gazе deep as he said, "The marriage can proceed; I won't stop it. But if you truly cannot live with her, maintain proper decorum. Once Nan Ping gives up hope, I will go and bring her back."
Feng Yue was startled, staring at him wide-eyed, "Once they're married, are you suggesting Nan Ping should divorce?"
"It's not my suggestion," Yin Gezhi replied, "I'm merely leaving Nan Ping a way out, in case she truly regrets it. If she feels Feng Ming cannot give her what she wants, she can choose to leave and start anew."
Feng Ming nodded without hesitation, "Very well. If the princess helps the Marquis of State Pacification's Mansion this time, I will remember it in my heart. I will absolutely not harm her."
"Then let's not delay any longer," Yin Gezhi stood up and straightened his robes, "I'll go to the palace. General Feng, stay at the Marquis of State Pacification's Mansion for now and don't go out. As for the others..."
He glanced around the courtyard, his gaze settling on Feng Yue, and said in a low voice, "It would be safest to go to the Prince of Filial Piety's Mansion. Lidu will soon begin strict searches and lockdowns."
These words sent a chill down everyone's spines. Feng Yue remained silent, reluctant to owe this man another favor. Yet, looking across all of Lidu, the only place where no one could search, or even if they did, they certainly couldn't do anything about it, was the Prince of Filial Piety's Mansion.
Forget about pride—everyone's lives were most important!
Thus, as soon as Yin Gezhi took a step, he saw Feng Yue "whoosh" into the room, grabbing Lingshu to pack their belongings while shouting, "Everyone, bring some spare clothes!"
Following the order, everyone scattered. Having all served in the military, they worked swiftly and efficiently. By the time Yin Gezhi reached the gate of the compound and boarded his carriage, the group had already emerged with their bundles.
Holding the carriage curtain, he glanced sideways and saw a flash of red standing at the front of an ox cart, waving like a mountain bandit leader, "Hurry up, Madam Qiu, you go first. Where's Aunt Zheng? Quickly, quickly!"
His beard fluttered in the wind, clashing with the red dress he wore. Yet, the man paid no attention, one foot planted on the carriage shaft, one hand waving vigorously, exuding an air of boldness.
Yin Gezhi almost smiled. But as he turned his gaze, he caught sight of Feng Ming standing at the gate.
Unlike his usual boisterous self, Feng Ming was unusually quiet today. The robe embroidered with qilin patterns fluttered slightly in the wind, its hem lifting like the steadfast iron soldiers at the city gate.
Yet, even from a distance, the emotions in his eyes were unmistakable—a turbulent mix of complex feelings, yet what flowed out was a lingering tenderness that crossed over the crowd, landing squarely on the "mountain bandit leader" in the distance."The Mountain King" remained oblivious, beckoning everyone to board two ox carts, then crouched on the carriage shaft himself, turning back to wave at Feng Ming. "We'll head off first then."
"Alright." Feng Ming nodded slightly, grinning as he watched the ox carts slowly move forward. Only when they turned the corner at the street and disappeared from sight did he withdraw his gaze and lower his eyes.
"General Feng." Yin Gezhi asked indifferently, "Need a ride?"
His body stiffening slightly, Feng Ming lifted his eyelids to look at him, then strode over and boarded the carriage, squinting as he said, "You're pleased, aren't you? Just now, in front of her, you had to hold back, but now you can laugh."
Glancing at him, Yin Gezhi replied, "It would take more than this to make me laugh."
Feng Ming's eyes reddened, and he threw a punch at him! The space inside the carriage was cramped. Yin Gezhi could only raise his hand to block it, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Looking for a fight?"
"Yes!"
Nodding, Yin Gezhi struck swiftly, landing a punch in Feng Ming's abdomen.
Thus, Guan Zhi, who was driving the carriage, felt the entire vehicle swaying left and right. Inside the carriage, muffled grunts could be heard, and the sound of fists meeting flesh was particularly clear.
"Master?" Worried, Guan Zhi reined in the horse and called out.
Blocking a palm strike from Feng Ming, Yin Gezhi said calmly, "Keep moving forward, head to the Marquis of State Pacification's Mansion first, no need to stop."
"...Yes."
Feng Ming was using all his strength. Though only a few blows landed, the effect of venting his anger was quite satisfying. Spitting out a mouthful of blood, he wiped his lips and cursed, "You beast! Protecting your own face so I can't hit it, but punching me in the face over and over—what's the meaning of that? Jealous I'm better-looking than you?"
Brushing his sleeves lightly, Yin Gezhi said, "With a few injuries on your face, even if your expression isn't good at the wedding ceremony, people won't pay attention. They'll just think you were hurt."
Feng Ming was taken aback, lowering his head to think. That actually made sense?
Before he could finish thinking, another punch came from the opposite side, landing squarely on his face!
"Damn you!" Realizing what was happening, Feng Ming roared, "You just wanted to hit my face!"
With that, he retaliated with a fierce punch of his own!
Yin Gezhi tilted his head, his teeth cutting his lip, and spat out a mouthful of blood. Raising an eyebrow, he looked at the man opposite him. "Next time, let's fight fair and square."
"Who's afraid of who?!"
The carriage stopped, and Feng Ming jumped down angrily, rubbing his cheek and glaring fiercely at Yin Gezhi. Seeing the bruise on Yin Gezhi's lip, he finally felt somewhat balanced. "Hmph!" he snorted, then turned and strode into the Marquis of State Pacification's Mansion.
Guan Zhi shook his head, watching the figure disappear before sighing. "I've never seen anyone comfort others like this."
Wiping the corner of his mouth lightly with his index finger, Yin Gezhi shook his head. "Head to the palace."
"Yes."
Feng Yue led the group to Prince Xiao's Mansion. Yin Yanzhong and the others were initially quite anxious. After all, it was a prince's mansion—such places had many rules and people. What if there were spies among them who might betray them, or if they made a mistake? What would they do?
However, as soon as they entered the mansion, the steward came out to greet them, showing no surprise at all. Taking the bundle from Feng Yue's hands, he said, "Please come inside, everyone. His Highness has already sent word. The rooms have been prepared, and if you need anything, just let us know, miss.""Thank you for your trouble." Feng Yue nodded, then entered the main courtyard with familiar ease to put away her belongings before leading everyone to their respective lodgings.
Luo Hao remarked with a strange expression, "Young Mistress, you seem as comfortable here as if you were returning home."
Feeling a chill down her spine, Feng Yue forced a dry laugh. "Not at all. I’m just somewhat familiar with this place, having been imprisoned here for a while."
Madam Qiu shook her head. "Judging by the steward’s attitude, he certainly didn’t treat you like a prisoner."
"That’s because the people in his household are well-trained. They all come from military backgrounds, unlike the sycophantic servants you find elsewhere." Opening the door to a courtyard, Feng Yue pointed inside. "Go ahead and put your things away first."
"Young Mistress."
As the others filed into the courtyard, Madam Qiu lingered at the back, her gaze tinged with concern. "To be honest, none of us knows what the future holds. We’ve received many favors from Prince Xiao now, but what if we find ourselves at odds with him someday? What do you intend to do then?"
"Isn’t it a bit early for that?" Turning her head away, Feng Yue smiled. "Since that time hasn’t come yet, there’s no need to trap ourselves with such questions. I know my limits."
Giving her a deep look, Madam Qiu squeezed her hand before following the others inside to unpack.
The next day, during the morning court session, Emperor Wen of Wei sat on the dragon throne, his face flushed with rage. "Regarding the matter reported by Prime Minister Shi, I intend to investigate thoroughly! Even though the Guan family’s old case is currently being retried, the crime of escaping prison cannot be lightly forgiven! Since Guan Qingyue, the legitimate daughter of the Guan family, was rescued from imprisonment three years ago, you must now investigate! Find her whereabouts and bring her back to the imperial prison to await trial!"
His furious shouts echoed throughout the court hall, and all civil and military officials knelt on the ground, not daring to lift their heads.
In truth, the escape of an ordinary prisoner would hardly be enough to alarm the emperor, let alone provoke such anger. Unfortunately, the one who escaped happened to be Guan Qingyue. Coincidentally, the charges he had imposed on the Guan family years ago were wrong. And coincidentally, he now had no choice but to reopen the case.
If that were the case, wouldn’t he, the dignified emperor, have to apologize to a mere young woman?
Out of the question!
Emperor Wen of Wei was seething with rage. After his outburst, his vision blurred momentarily.
"Father, I will spare no effort in pursuing this investigation!" The Crown Prince, unusually proactive, stepped forward. "Please take care of your health, Father!"
Catching his breath and coughing twice, Emperor Wen of Wei slowly regained his composure, his face suddenly appearing much older.
In truth, he was not young to begin with, but he had always been in high spirits. Even with wrinkles covering his face, he never seemed aged. Now, however, weakened and lacking energy, he looked a decade older in an instant, his gestures slow and sluggish. "You investigate. You do it."
After a moment of silence in the court, Emperor Wen of Wei pursed his lips and asked, "Is there any other business?"
"Your Majesty," the Director of Astrology stepped forward, cupping his hands respectfully. "Recently, celestial phenomena have shifted, suggesting our Great Wei may face the calamity of war. After deliberating all night with the officials of the Imperial Observatory, we believe that to avert disaster, Princess Nan Ping’s wedding date must be moved forward to serve as a means of warding off misfortune and attracting blessings."
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