Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"Miss, you are the Seventh Sister of the Duke of E State Mansion, Yun Kexin?" Feng Yinxiao confirmed in disbelief, "Why didn't I hear you before?"
"Yes, Young Master," Yun Kexin nodded slightly and smiled politely, "Because I believe that one's identity does not represent much. Moreover, you did not ask at that time, and you also did not tell me your identity as Young Lord."
Feng Yinxiao was momentarily taken aback, unable to respond to her. He stammered for a moment, while several attendants looked on in confusion. The Young Lord usually conversed fluently with the Sovereign and other officials in the main hall, and some even called him "silver-tongued." What was going on today?
Fu Yihang, seeing that he had no part in this conversation, interjected coldly, "This Heir Apparent is taking Cousin Kexin back to the residence; please make way."
Yun Kexin felt that Fu Yihang was being quite rude. How could he speak like this to someone who had helped him? And calling her his cousin only embarrassed her further. Even more outrageous was Yun Ran, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere and started crying to Fu Yihang without any context.
"Brother Fu, how could you leave me behind and run off? It's such a long way and so dark..."
"Shut up," Fu Yihang's patience with Yun Ran had reached its limit. Not wanting to give her face just because she was his aunt's daughter, he shouted with veins bulging on his forehead, "This Heir Apparent does not want to see you right now; you'd better get as far away as possible!"
Yun Ran had never seen Fu Yihang so angry before. She was frightened into silence, tears welling up in her eyes as she stared blankly at him. Yun Kexin was also surprised; in two lifetimes, this was the first time she had seen Fu Yihang lose control like this.
"Alright, cousin, Elder Sister Five, let's go back quickly," Yun Kexin said gently to prevent Feng Yinxiao and the others from laughing at them. "If we stay out too late, Father and Mother will worry, along with Uncle and Aunt."
Fu Yihang looked at Yun Kexin and returned to his usual humble and gentle demeanor. He smiled and said, "Fifth Sister can never compare to Seventh Sister's knowledge and wisdom."
Yun Kexin frowned and ignored him. She turned to Feng Yinxiao and smiled, "Young Master, if it's convenient for you, could you please escort us?"
Feng Yinxiao's lips curved into a beautiful arc; all words melted away in that smile. Apart from his official business in Fan City, he had come at Yun Ke's request to visit Yun Kexin because Yun Ke never trusted the Fu family members. Of course, he did not mention the internal conflicts among the families but simply asked his "cousin" Yun Kexin to be visited by the Young Lord if it was convenient. However, Feng Yinxiao did not expect their meeting would be so dramatic. He decided to keep Yun Ke's request a secret for now and treat it as a private visit to Han Wang.
Fu Yihang wanted to stop him but thought about how dark and treacherous the mountain path was; it might not be safe. The few attendants accompanying them were usually there for service but would likely panic if they encountered bandits on the road.
"Then we will trouble Young Lord," knowing they needed his protection, Fu Yihang's tone softened as he spoke to Feng Yinxiao. "This low hill is actually not far from Han Wangfu; it's just that it's dark and mountainous—"
"The Heir Apparent need not be polite," Feng Yinxiao replied with a smile. "I will ensure everyone reaches Han Wangfu safely."
"Mm." Fu Yihang responded lightly.
Back at Han Wangfu, Fu Yihang and others realized that the banquet had already ended, and the Nursemaid and servants began to tidy up the tables and chairs in the residence. Later, they learned from the coming and going of the servants that Han Wang had instructed that this banquet should be conducted like a family gathering, without extravagance and not lasting too long. Therefore, the banquet concluded shortly after it began, and most of the attendees were friends and family who could understand.
The servants led Fu Yihang, Yun Kexin, Feng Yinxiao, and others into the inner courtyard Main Hall, where Fu Lianyin was anxiously waiting for news. When she saw Yun Kexin approaching unharmed from a distance, a wave of despair and fear swept over her—before the banquet, she had instructed Yun Ran to report back quickly if Fu Yihang and Yun Kexin were locked in the wooden house, but without making a fuss. They were to wait until early the next morning to "rescue" them. However, she never expected that Yun Ran would "flip" midway, changing the plan so that Tie Dan was locked with Yun Kexin instead of Fu Yihang. If that were the case, it would ruin Yun Kexin's reputation and leave her unable to marry due to humiliation; Fu Lianyin would have been willing to go all out.
However, as Fu Lianyin waited and waited, until after the banquet ended without even a shadow of Yun Ran appearing, she realized something was wrong. She wanted to find someone to go up the mountain to search for them when they unexpectedly appeared before her. She hadn't even thought of a corresponding strategy and stumbled back into the Main Hall, pretending to wait for their return while her hand gripping the handkerchief trembled violently.
Looking at the several children who appeared unharmed before her, Wang Ling felt both relieved and conflicted. She was relieved that her son had finally avoided danger and escaped her sister-in-law's manipulation; however, she was conflicted about whether Fu Yihang knew the truth and what his reaction would be upon learning it.
"Hang Er, Seventh Young Lady, Fifth Young Lady, why did you take so long?" Knowing that their plan had failed, Wang Ling forced herself to sound calm after waiting for a long time. With a worried expression, she scolded them, "The banquet is over; how could you not pay attention to the time while having fun?"
Fu Lianyin pretended to be calm. Once she felt she was convincing enough, she spoke: "Sister-in-law is right; today's children are getting more playful. You went up to the nearby mountain for a barbecue; how could you not hurry back before it got dark for dinner—" Fu Lianyin paused abruptly as if truly helpless against these children while her eyes kept darting toward Yun Ran's direction, fearing she might reveal something.
Only Han Wang, Fu Yueze, and Yun Yang noticed a tall and slender man with a solemn expression standing behind Fu Yihang, Yun Kexin, and Yun Ran. After staring blankly for a moment, they were shocked and stood up to approach him. They moved aside several children blocking their way and bowed respectfully: "Greetings to Young Lord; I failed to recognize you," then turned to Wang Ling and Fu Lianyin with furrowed brows and waved urgently: "Madam, Sister, hurry and come meet Lord Feng of Qingyuan."
Yun Yang was also surprised that Feng Yinxiao appeared in Fan City. He then lowered his head and bowed: "Minister of Personnel pays respects to Lord Feng of Qingyuan."
Wang Ling and Fu Lianyin found it strange that a thirteen-year-old boy could make a Prince and Minister of Personnel act so nervously but still performed their greetings in turn. Fu Yihang was even more astonished with wide eyes; he doubted whether he had misheard or misseen—how could his father and mother along with Aunt bow to a young boy? Shouldn't it be him bowing first?
Yun Kexin vaguely understood some complex interpersonal relationships involved here. Since Fu Yueze was not of true royal bloodline, he instinctively felt self-reflective and inferior, daring not to overstep boundaries—especially in front of someone like Feng Yinxiao who was well-regarded by the Emperor—making him even more humble. Additionally, last year's hunting ground incident made him view this young talent with new respect; he showed deference accordingly. Yun Yang shared similar feelings but was not as exaggerated as Fu Yueze.
"Prince must not perform such great courtesy," Feng Yinxiao felt uncomfortable seeing both Prince and Minister of Personnel bowing to him. He hurriedly stopped them: "Let alone that both gentlemen are elders; Feng Yinxiao is but a junior. Based on Palace positions alone, I should be bowing to you instead..."
"The Young Lord is talented—sharp-witted and courageous," Fu Yueze praised while guiding Feng Yinxiao toward a seat inside with a smile: "We admire you greatly; however," once Feng Yinxiao sat down, Fu Yueze suddenly changed the subject: "I wonder how the Young Lord came to Fan City so suddenly while appearing together with my son and niece? What is the reason?"
Yun Kexin secretly admired: this Fu Yueze's skill in feigning humility and double-dealing was no less than her sister's; indeed, the bloodline of the Fu Family was "exceptional," each one more cunning than the last. Just like this seamless transition in conversation began probing—he was worried whether Feng Yinxiao might be sent by the Emperor to monitor any "improper actions" following his recent elevation.
Feng Yinxiao saw through Fu Yueze's thoughts with an easy smile as if he did not understand Han Wang's implications at all. He cleverly replied: "I came to Fan City to visit an old acquaintance; we arranged to meet on a low hill outside for drinks. Unexpectedly upon arrival I found my old friend had urgent matters and left early without returning. On my way back I happened upon your niece; later I also met your heir apparent along with some servants..."
Fu Yueze's eyes shifted as he realized Feng Yinxiao was not sent by the Emperor; he felt somewhat relieved and smiled: "Young Lord has keen insight!" He then turned back to Wang Ling: "Madam, please prepare some fine wine and delicacies for welcoming Young Lord; also ensure these children have something to eat."
Wang Ling nodded in agreement, but Feng Yinxiao raised a hand to stop him, saying, "I have safely returned the Heir Apparent and Seventh Sister to the Wang residence. My purpose has been achieved, and I must take my leave. Tomorrow, I still have to visit an old friend, so I hope Han Wang can understand."
Upon hearing this, Fu Yueze no longer insisted and smiled, "Young Lord has important matters to attend to. It would not be appropriate for me to delay you. In that case, I will see the Prince off, but Young Lord, please remember that if your old friend has not returned by tomorrow, you must come to my residence for a visit."
Yun Kexin felt a sense of irony; she never expected Fu Yueze's official words could be so eloquent and fluent without a pause. Perhaps he had repeated these lines countless times to many superiors and colleagues. Indeed, after being in office for a long time, one becomes quite pretentious.
"Prince is too polite," Feng Yinxiao said with a light smile as he stood up and clasped his fists. "Then I shall take my leave."
"See Qingyuan Marquis off!" Feeling the crisis had passed, Fu Yueze straightened his back and raised his voice.
"See Young Lord off!" Yun Yang replied calmly.
Feng Yinxiao no longer engaged in false pleasantries with Fu Yueze; he simply nodded at the ladies present, his sister, and Young Master. Just as he was about to step out the door, he suddenly paused and turned to Yun Yang with a serious expression.
"Lord Yun, you are well-known both in court and among the people. I respect you greatly. However," his gaze shifted to Yun Kexin, delivering a veiled warning, "please protect your children well."
With that, Feng Yinxiao left without looking back.
Comment 0 Comment Count