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"I might have known the Seventh Sister a bit earlier than you," the Crown Prince smiled. "That year I was eleven, and wanting to give Zhen'er a gift from the common folk, I had learned in advance that a shop was selling Seven-Colored Glass Beads, so I went to a jewelry store with Tong Zhichen." Qin Ke did not mean to boast, but there was an unintentional hint of nostalgia in his eyes as he recalled the past. "However, I arrived too late; the only string of Seven-Colored Glass Beads had already been bought by a girl. I tried every possible way to persuade her, but she wouldn't budge, and I almost lost my temper." At this point, Qin Ke remembered how Yun Kexin had argued her case without any willingness to compromise and couldn't help but smile. "But when Tong Zhichen heard that she was the 'Seventh Sister' of the Duke of E's household, he just pulled me away. Later he explained to me that this Seventh Sister was indeed remarkable... Commander, can you guess what happened next?" The Crown Prince smiled slightly and answered himself, "Tong Zhichen managed to convince the Seventh Sister in just a few words and got her to give the Seven-Colored Glass Beads to me."
Feng Yinxiao smiled knowingly and said, "Your Highness is correct; the Seventh Sister is indeed sharp-tongued, but she's just 'tofu on the outside and heart of gold on the inside.' She wouldn't be unreasonable if she understands the situation."
"Exactly," the Crown Prince laughed as he looked up. "Later on, the Seventh Sister became a disciple at Tong Mansion. The three of us—her, me, and Tong Zhichen—became classmates. It was during her apprenticeship that I gifted her a fine Hetian Jade Ring as a token for future assistance."
Feng Yinxiao then understood the origin of that ring and realized why the Crown Prince immediately wanted to see Yun Kexin when he presented it.
"So the ring that the Seventh Sister asked me to present was given by Your Highness?" Feng Yinxiao squinted his dark eyes and gazed into the distance, sighing. "It has been several years since that token was given, and for Yun Kexin to keep it intact shows how much she values friendship." He then looked at Qin Ke seriously and said, "Your Highness, you are also a person who keeps promises. I believe you will certainly help the Seventh Sister at critical moments in the future."
"I certainly will," Qin Ke replied with a smile, thinking about how Yun Kexin would soon be established as Consort Qin—she would be his future empress, and naturally they would support each other. However, mentioning this at this moment would be inappropriate, so he changed his words. "That token is my promise to the Seventh Sister; it will never change no matter when... Commander, you have saved me and Yun Kexin; our fates are truly intertwined. I often wonder if it was fate that connected us! Rest assured, we will treat you well in the future..."
Qin Ke's last remark, though indirect yet meaningful, made Feng Yinxiao's heart tremble: It seemed that the Crown Prince was confident about establishing Consort Qin?! Should he reveal the truth? But once he did, how many people would be implicated? Not just those directly involved; even the Duke of Yan's household and Duke of E's household could face disaster! He must not act impulsively; caution is essential!
After bidding farewell to the Crown Prince and leaving Chengqi Hall shortly after exiting the palace, Qin Ke was surprised when Wei Wang's Heir Apparent Wei Qing brought Consort Heir Yun Yan to seek an audience.
"You two arrived just in time," although surprised, the Crown Prince did not show any delay in reaction. He walked down from his seat and smiled. "I have something to say to you both; this saves me from notifying each one individually."
Wei Qing and Yun Yan exchanged glances—they didn't need to ask why the Crown Prince appeared so "refreshed." Both showed difficulty on their faces: Yun Yan learned about this matter from Yun Kexin and rushed back to Wei Wang's residence in shock. To her surprise, her husband Wei Qing confirmed this rumor as well, prompting her decision to have him bring her to see the Crown Prince.
"Your Highness, did Commander just come by?" Wei Qing asked cautiously.
"He did come; I summoned him to Chengqi Hall for an audience. What's wrong?" Qin Ke noticed their solemn expressions and asked back in confusion. "Is there an issue?"
"Did he say anything to you?" Wei Qing asked with furrowed brows, secretly blaming himself for being dull; if Feng Yinxiao had revealed anything significant, how could the Crown Prince be in such good spirits sitting here?
"No, we were just chatting," Qin Ke waved his sleeve dismissively and laughed lightly. "We reminisced about our subtle connections with the Seventh Sister and shared some past stories..."
Yun Yan couldn't hold back any longer. Despite her immense anxiety, her tone remained gentle: "Crown Prince, I've heard rumors in the palace that you intend to make Seventh Sister Yun Kexin the Consort Qin. Is that true?"
The Crown Prince was taken aback for a moment, then quickly brought up the Empress Dowager, smiling as he said, "It's not my decision; it's Grandmother Empress's intention."
Unexpectedly, Wei Qing and Yun Yan pressed on relentlessly, speaking in unison: "We want to know the Crown Prince's thoughts."
"Me?" Qin Ke paused slightly, then without hesitation replied, "Of course I would be willing. Seventh Sister is clever and charming; any man in the world would be moved upon seeing her. Though I am the Crown Prince, my heart is no different from that of an ordinary man."
"So, the Crown Prince also likes Yun Kexin?" Wei Qing sensed that this matter was almost certain—if the Crown Prince had shown even a hint of reluctance or complaint, he wouldn't be so difficult.
Seeing Wei Qing and Yun Yan hesitating to speak fully, the Crown Prince couldn't help but complain: "Heir Apparent, Consort Heir, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Don't be so 'bashful'; I don't like this."
Before Qin Ke could finish speaking, Wei Qing had already knelt down on both knees, looking at the Crown Prince earnestly: "Wei Qing dares to ask the Crown Prince to let the Empress Dowager retract her command..."
Qin Ke stared in shock with wide eyes. Before he could ask anything, he saw Yun Yan also kneeling down without hesitation: "Crown Prince, do you know that Seventh Sister and the Commander Feng Yinxiao have been in love for many years? Their hearts are intertwined..."
At this point, Yun Yan was already in tears, while Crown Prince Qin Ke felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He stood frozen in place, his eyes wide with disbelief. His lips moved but no words came out—his earlier fervor seemed to have frozen into ice.
"Absolutely true," Wei Qing said sincerely. "Crown Prince, I am also one of the witnesses. I have seen every detail of their journey together."
"No, this is impossible," Qin Ke shouted in anguish but did not express thunderous rage; instead, he stammered as he stumbled over his words: "If Feng Yinxiao and Yun Kexin truly feel as you say, then why have they never mentioned it? Moreover, just now in this grand hall, the Commander had countless opportunities—why didn't he..."
Wei Qing and Yun Yan noticed that the Crown Prince must have genuine feelings for Yun Kexin; otherwise, he wouldn't be in such pain and despair. They felt sorry for him but did not compromise because of it.
"Crown Prince, after all, this is someone the Empress Dowager has taken a liking to," Wei Qing said. "Feng Yinxiao would be suspected of overstepping his bounds if he spoke frankly, and he must also be concerned about Seventh Sister—"
"Crown Prince, the reason why Marquis Qingyuan has yet to marry is to wait for Seventh Sister to grow up," Yun Yan wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye and looked at Qin Ke gently. "They got to know each other a year later, and Feng Yinxiao went to war. Seventh Sister has waited for three years without wavering during that time."
"I once heard the commander say he would marry Seventh Sister when she turns eighteen," Wei Qing paused before continuing, "because at that time, Yun Kexin would just be fourteen and coming of age."
Qin Ke suddenly recalled Feng Yinxiao's earlier statement in the hall about wanting to marry at a young age. So that's how it was?!
"No, I don't believe it. I won't believe a word of it," the Crown Prince muttered, looking dazed. "I want to hear it directly from Yun Kexin; what you all say doesn't count. I'm going to find her right now."
Qin Ke rushed out of the hall in a few strides, running towards the stone steps. Behind him came the hurried footsteps of Wei Qing and Yun Yan, followed by Wei Qing's shout—
"Crown Prince, Seventh Sister has been summoned into the palace by His Majesty to speak in Consort Xiang's Fengyang Palace."
The Crown Prince paused but did not turn back; he only said in a deep voice, "Understood. Wei Heir Apparent and Consort Heir must not follow."
In Fengyang Palace, the Emperor and Consort Xiang sat behind the main table, smiling as they looked at Yun Kexin, who slightly nodded in response.
"My son indeed has good judgment," the Emperor said as he examined Yun Kexin's delicate features, nodding repeatedly. "I finally understand why the Crown Prince has been so stubborn about establishing Consort Qin; it turns out he is waiting for the right person to appear."
Yun Kexin raised her head but dared not look in Consort Xiang's direction because it reminded her of what happened that night, especially when she thought of Consort Xiang's complicated feelings with Fourth Uncle Yun Cheng. Her heart began to race.
"The lady thanks Your Majesty for your kind words," Yun Kexin said with her hands clasped before her abdomen, bowing respectfully. "However, I believe I am not much different from ordinary women and truly do not deserve the noble Crown Prince."
A charming voice came from above: "Seventh Sister, although the Yun family is not a royal family, it is still a prestigious house of the Duke of Eguo. Your Uncle and your father are both officials in court, holding high positions. Yun You was also a Grand Scholar during his lifetime, with the title of Wei Qihou." She paused slightly, as if recalling something that suddenly darkened her gaze, lightly tugging at the corner of her lips. "Even your aloof Fourth Uncle, who refuses to serve in court, has thrived in business. Over these years, the treasury of Great Taihe has been filled, thanks to him... Seventh Sister's prominent background is quite suitable for the Crown Prince; how can it be said that you are 'not worthy'?!"
Yun Kexin looked up in surprise, her gaze involuntarily drawn to Consort Xiang—who embodied beauty, charm, and allure but gave off an intimidating aura. She could see some kind of calculation and longing in those bright autumn eyes—perhaps Consort Xiang hoped that Fourth Uncle would often come to the palace to "visit."
Thinking of this, Yun Kexin's heart sank, and she anxiously pondered what to say next. Just then, a eunuch entered and announced: "Your Majesty, Consort Xiang, the Crown Prince requests an audience."
Yun Kexin's heart raced: The Crown Prince has arrived? This truly puts her in a difficult position.
"Summon the Crown Prince." The Emperor did not notice the unusual expression on Yun Kexin's face and replied calmly.
Qin Ke stepped into Fengyang Palace, first greeting the Emperor and Consort Xiang with proper etiquette. He had a chance to speak to Seventh Sister but immediately turned to face Yun Kexin, gazing deeply at her before unexpectedly asking:
"This Prince has heard that you and the Commander in front of the hall have mutual feelings for each other; is this true?"
Yun Kexin's almond-shaped eyes widened in shock. She did not understand how the Crown Prince had learned of this. In her panic, she stood frozen in place, unsure how to respond until Qin Ke seemed unwilling to accept her silence and repeated his question. Only then did Yun Kexin regain her composure and replied firmly: "Yes."
A fleeting expression of pain and despair crossed Qin Ke's youthful face as he said: "Seventh Sister, you acknowledged this 'secret relationship' in front of Father Emperor, Consort Xiang, and this Prince; have you considered what consequences may follow?"
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