If sоmeonе likе Yin Gеzhi оr Yе Yuqing, with their handsomе аnd dignified aрpeаrаnсеs, hаd sаid such words, оne might have thought them chаrming аnd witty. Вut the mаn bеfоrе her... with drоорing соrners оf his eyes, dееp еye bags, аnd a voiсe that rееkеd оf ехhаustion—clеаrly sоmеоne whо had indulgеd tоo much—uttеring suсh lines fеlt sleazy еven to the tеа-drinking рassеrby next dооr, whо cоuldn’t hеlр but glаnсе at Fеng Yuе with cоncеrn.
What a рure аnd innосent уоung lаdу! How did she сatch the eyе of someоne like this?
Тhe рurе and innоcent young lady blinked, bit her lip, and softly whispered while twisting her handkerchief, "This humble girl lives on Anju Street, not from any grand or wealthy family. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, sir."
Anju Street? That meant she was at least someone of some standing. Leng Yan disliked those low-born, forward women of the pleasure quarters. He prided himself on having a discerning eye and only took a liking to proper, well-bred ladies from noble families.
This detail had already been written on a note and passed to Feng Yue by the person selling lanterns earlier.
So, Feng Yue sat with such propriety that she might as well have had the words "virtuous woman" written on her forehead. Even when she lifted her teacup to drink, she raised a delicate, dainty finger, which pleased Leng Yan immensely.
"In that case, why don’t you accompany me for a stroll?" Glancing at her lantern, Leng Yan took out a flint and lit it for her, his expression aloof and arrogant, speaking as if bestowing a favor.
Turning her head to roll her eyes, Feng Yue faced him again with a gentle smile. "Alright. It’s crowded outside, but with you by my side, sir, it would naturally be the best."
Remembering how she had been surrounded by people earlier, Leng Yan grew even more excited and led her toward the busiest areas, as if showing her off.
"You look somewhat familiar, sir," Feng Yue said. "Have we met somewhere before?"
"If I had seen you, I would never have forgotten," Leng Yan declared, chin held high. After a moment’s thought, he added, "But perhaps it was at some banquet where I didn’t pay much attention."
"Now that you mention it, I think I remember," Feng Yue exclaimed, covering her lips in surprise. "You’re the Minister of the Imperial Stud, aren’t you? I believe I saw you once at Grand Tutor Li’s birthday banquet."
"Oh?" Leng Yan smiled. "Then your status must not be low either, to have received an invitation to the Grand Tutor’s banquet."
With a gentle smile, Feng Yue replied, "You seem quite concerned about a woman’s status."
"Naturally," Leng Yan said. "I’ve reached thirty without taking a proper wife because I haven’t found a woman of suitable status. I have no interest in those trying to climb above their station. I was somewhat interested in the eldest daughter of the Minister of Ceremonies, but who knew that woman was so vain she entered the palace? Hmph, with her looks, what kind of good life could she possibly have there?"
Feng Yue raised an eyebrow. "You want to marry a daughter from a family of higher status than yours?"
"Of course," Leng Yan said. "Otherwise, why should I give her the position of principal wife?"
Then, glancing at Feng Yue, he softened his tone. "You are very beautiful, ten times more so than the Minister of Ceremonies’ daughter. Even if your status isn’t as noble, I could still take you as a concubine."
With that tone, was she supposed to thank him for his grace? Feng Yue chuckled inwardly, pressing her handkerchief to her brow to hide her face as she rolled her eyes again.In her former temperament, encountering such a person would have definitely meant beating them up first before talking! He kept saying others were trying to climb above their station, but wasn't he himself trying to climb above women? How could such a person become the Grand Coachman? Was the Wu Kingdom court lacking people or what?
But now, without the ability to beat people up, she still had to put on a moved expression and say, "Thank you, sir. But, sir, forgive this humble girl for speaking bluntly—you must be careful."
"Hmm?" Leng Yan said carelessly, "What do I have to worry about?"
Sighing, Feng Yue said, "This humble girl has heard many things about you at home. Currently, the Wu Kingdom hostage holds the Wind-Hearing Order and is investigating strictly. You must not get caught up in it."
Hearing this, Leng Yan's expression changed drastically. Grabbing her, he walked to a less crowded area and asked with a furrowed brow, "You even know about the Wind-Hearing Order?"
"This humble girl is not talented, but my father holds a high position in the court, so news at home is quite well-informed." Nodding gracefully, Feng Yue said, "I remind you, sir, only hoping for your smoothness and to avoid getting entangled in disputes."
His eyes flickered. Leng Yan thought for a long while, then suddenly jolted: "Could you be... from the Commandant's family?"
He remembered that Commandant Zhao had a beautiful daughter, and people had previously gossiped about her, saying that if she were sent to the palace, she would surely gain favor. Could it be that his luck was so good today, that he happened to meet her?
Smiling slightly, Feng Yue's eyes were profound. She didn't say directly, only nodding to him: "I convey my father's regards to you, sir."
The Commandant and the Grand Coachman were both among the Nine Ministers, equal in rank, but the Commandant held far more power than someone like him who managed horses. Moreover, Commandant Zhao had always been praised by others. His daughter could at least become a proper wife.
Thinking of this, Leng Yan finally became serious. After returning the courtesy to Feng Yue, he solemnly asked, "Has someone filed a complaint against me with the Commandant?"
Her face showing some hesitation, Feng Yue twisted her handkerchief and said, "These matters are not something this humble girl should be involved in, but since you have shown kindness to me today, I will secretly tell you something."
"Good!" Leaning closer, Leng Yan looked at her nervously: "Tell me."
Her face full of caution, Feng Yue said, "My father said that the Crown Prince is just. Since he has seen the corruption case of Commandant Zhao, he will definitely not let it go. But there are many voices in the court pleading for mercy, with many saying that Commandant Zhao has served for many years and, even without merit, has toil, trying to protect him. Thus, His Highness will certainly investigate those protecting him as well, perhaps even uncovering other matters."
"And just yesterday, an anonymous person sent a letter to the Commandant's office. My father saw it and said he never expected that the Grand Coachman, such a talented man, would also do shady things behind the scenes."
His face instantly turned pale. Leng Yan frowned and exclaimed in panic, "Impossible!"
How could what he had done be discovered? He had hidden it so well!
But Zhao Lin had always been cautious too, yet he was still caught. Was there a pair of eyes in the darkness, watching their every move?
However, Zhao Lin was someone General Yi wanted to protect. He couldn't just stand by, could he?
"Sir, you need not worry too much," Feng Yue said with a smile. "I heard from my father that there are even more letters reporting the City Garrison Commander, Lord Zhou. If they are to interrogate, they will start with Lord Zhou first. You should still be later in line."Hearing her effortlessly recite the official titles and surnames of so many people, Leng Yan no longer doubted her identity. After pondering for a moment, he asked, "Lord Zhou is the commander of the City Garrison. Zhao Lin's case has conclusive evidence, yet it remains unsettled. How does your father plan to interrogate Lord Zhou?"
"This humble woman does not know," Feng Yue shook her head. "But I heard the evidence has already been sent to Lord Zhou's residence, hoping he will confess on his own. It's just unclear what the outcome will be."
Without a definite outcome, he wasn't in a hurry. Relieved, Leng Yan smiled and said, "Thank you, Miss Zhao. It is my fortune that you worry so much for me."
"You are too polite, sir," Feng Yue nodded. "It's getting late, I should return home."
"Let me escort you," Leng Yan quickly offered. "I'll also take the opportunity to pay a visit to Lord Zhao."
"No need, no need," Feng Yue's heart skipped a beat as she forced a smile. "My father has been very busy lately and rarely receives guests. As a woman, I must also consider my reputation. It would be improper for you to escort me back."
It was precisely because it was improper that he insisted on escorting her! Leng Yan chuckled and grabbed her wrist. "Miss, there's no need to worry. My carriage is by the river, and it's a quick trip to Anju Street."
The problem wasn't how quick the trip was—it was that she didn't live on Anju Street at all! Feng Yue gritted her teeth, wondering if she would actually have to knock on the door of the Zhao family's residence in the Court of Judicial Review. She might not even be able to get past the gates of the Anju Street mansion! There were guards!
But given the situation, there was no way to refuse. What should she do? What should she do!
The crowd bustled around them as Leng Yan happily led the "Miss Zhao" behind him. Suddenly, someone bumped into him from the side, hitting his hand so hard that he let go in pain.
"Are you blind?" the attendant beside him shouted at the person.
Yin Gezhi lowered his gaze, calmly looking at the attendant.
Leng Yan turned around and saw that icy face, immediately stunned. He quickly pushed the attendant aside and bowed with a smile. "Prince Yin, what a coincidence! You're also here to see the lanterns, hahaha."
The hairs on Feng Yue's back stood on end as she stared wide-eyed at the man before her, frantically signaling with her eyes.
Sir, please have mercy! Don't ruin her plan now! Leng Yan was on the list he gave her to intimidate, and she was halfway there—she couldn't let it all go to waste!
Yin Gezhi's expression was inscrutable as he stared at Leng Yan for a long time before finally saying, "Greetings, Lord Leng."
Then he turned to her and said, "Miss Zhao is also here."
Feng Yue jolted in surprise, looking at him in astonishment.
How did he know she was pretending to be Miss Zhao? Could he have been following her from the side all along? Liar! Didn't he leave? Was he just watching her make a fool of herself!
Fuming, she gritted her teeth, lowered her head, and bowed to him. "Prince Yin."
Looking at the two of them, Leng Yan laughed heartily. "So Your Highness also knows Miss Zhao. What a coincidence."
"Yes. I happen to have something to discuss with Miss Zhao," Yin Gezhi said seriously. "Miss Zhao, may we speak privately?"
Leng Yan was a tactful man. Seeing the situation, he immediately bowed. "Then I shall take my leave first."
"Take care, sir," Feng Yue smiled and curtsied, watching him glance back repeatedly as he headed toward the river. Then she turned to the man before her and grinned foolishly. "Hehe!"
Gazing at her calmly, Yin Gezhi said, "Miss Zhao is quite capable."Feeling an inexplicable chill down her spine, Feng Yue glanced around and took his hand, leading him toward the small bridge on the other side of the library. Only when they reached a less crowded spot did she whisper, "Isn’t this servant willing to sacrifice everything for Your Highness?"
Under the bridge, the water flowed gently. Across the way, many young women were releasing lanterns into the river. This spot, however, was deserted due to the jagged rocks along the bank. Yin Gezhi glanced at the broken lanterns in her hand, then casually scooped a whole one from the river and handed it to her.
"Your Highness," Feng Yue said, her eyes welling up with tears. "This servant doesn’t want the lantern anymore."
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