Feng Jiu’er found it rather strange. There was nothing wrong with Second Imperial Brother’s words on their own, but paired with his current expression and manner, why did something feel off?

Especially since he’d just made a little maid cry.

In truth, Jiu’er had no real basis for it, but she was simply certain that he was the one who had upset the maid.

Without thinking, she glanced in the direction the maid had gone, only to find the girl hadn’t gone far at all.

She stood some distance away, staring blankly in their direction.

When the maid saw Feng Jiu’er looking back at her, she seemed to take a tremendous fright and immediately turned and hurried off.

This time, she truly left—not daring to linger any longer.

Feng Yan also noticed the maid’s figure, his expression darkening further still.

Once the maid had completely vanished from sight, he turned to Jiu’er. “She’s a new maid, not yet familiar with the palace rules. I’ll see that she’s properly punished when I return.”

“No, no need—I think that little maid was rather… cute, ha.”

Jiu’er laughed weakly, the laugh coming out a bit forced.

It wasn’t as though she’d never met Feng Yan before, nor had she never spent time with him.

Though, admittedly, time spent with this brother had been limited, they had at least interacted before.

So why did today feel so different?

“Jiu’er…”

“Hm?” Jiu’er startled, quickly composing herself and lifting her head to meet his gaze.

Second Imperial Brother was looking at her with that same intent gaze again—focused, yet somehow hollow at the same time.

“The weather’s grown cold, and you’re dressed so lightly. You’ll catch a chill easily.”

He removed his own cloak and draped it over her shoulders. “Your health isn’t strong, and you’ve only just recovered from illness. You must take good care of yourself.”

This was simply an elder brother’s protective affection for a younger sister—nothing unusual in itself.

And yet Jiu’er still felt… something was off?

Yes, that off feeling again!

Even more unsettling than with Third Imperial Brother, Feng Jiang.

“What are you thinking about?” After Feng Yan finished tying the cloak’s sash for her, he didn’t withdraw his outstretched hand—instead, he gently drew his arm around her shoulders.

“Second Imperial Brother…” Feng Jiu’er instinctively tried to pull away.

But Feng Yan drew her back in, saying flatly, “Have you grown familiar with everything in the palace yet? If not, Second Imperial Brother can take you around to see the sights.”

“Second Imperial Brother, I can manage on my own—”

“Jiu’er.” Not far off, Feng Jiang strode over, his brow furrowed.

He glanced once at Feng Yan’s large hand resting on Jiu’er’s shoulder, something flickering through his eyes, then suddenly grabbed Jiu’er’s hand and pulled her away.

“I’ve had people prepare a lot of good food for you—want to come try some?”

His tone, his manner—none of it was particularly pleasant.

And yet, oddly, Jiu’er felt a quiet wave of relief at his sudden appearance.

“Yes, I want to eat!” She wasn’t actually hungry; she simply wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible.

She didn’t quite know why, but being alone with Second Imperial Brother today had felt truly strange—not good at all, in any case.

Feng Jiang looked at Feng Yan, a depth in his eyes that Feng Jiu’er couldn’t quite read.

“Second Imperial Brother, Jiu’er is still young—don’t frighten her.”

Feng Yan gave a faint smile and nodded, raising no objection.

He merely looked at Feng Jiu’er and said gently, “If you enjoy good food, next time Second Imperial Brother will have delicacies from every region prepared, and invite Little Imperial Sister Jiu’er to taste them.”

“Uh… okay, sure!” Jiu’er broke into a foolish grin.

Feng Yan then said, “Since Third Imperial Brother is here to keep you company, Second Imperial Brother will take his leave now.”

“Mm.”

Feng Yan turned and left, as graceful, gentle, and refined as ever, with an air of quiet elegance.

Once he was well out of sight, Jiu’er finally let out a breath.

“What did he say to you just now?” Feng Jiang stared at her, brow furrowed.

“Nothing much, just that he’d invite me to eat something nice.” Jiu’er blinked.

“I mean before I got there.”

“Nothing much either, just that the weather’s cold and I should dress more warmly.”

Jiu’er tilted her head to look at him—Third Imperial Brother was already acting strange enough, and now he’d said such odd things to Second Imperial Brother too!

She’s still young, don’t frighten her?

What exactly did that mean?

“Third Imperial Brother, whatever strangeness is going on between you and Second Imperial Brother—what are you two hiding from me?”

Feng Jiang’s expression turned a bit odd, and he looked away.

“It’s nothing. I just think you’re being a bit too much trouble.”

“Liar. Second Imperial Brother even invited me to sit in his quarters.”

“Don’t go!” Feng Jiang blurted out without a moment’s thought.

“Give me a reason.”

“I said don’t go, so don’t go. Why all the fuss?”

Feng Jiang, somewhat impatient, turned and started back toward his own quarters.

“Third Imperial Brother, you’re being really unreasonable today, you know that? What’s wrong with you—did you swallow gunpowder?”

Feng Jiang ignored her, his mood already foul. Unreasonable or not, so be it.

He didn’t feel like indulging her anyway! “If you think my temper’s bad, then go play with your good Third Imperial Brother—he’s plenty nice to you.”

“No, being around him makes me uncomfortable.”

Feng Jiang suddenly stopped in his tracks, and Feng Jiu’er, unable to halt in time, nearly crashed into his broad back.

“What now?” Stopping like that out of nowhere—was he trying to assassinate her?

Feng Jiang turned to look at her, his gaze still complicated.

After a long moment, he finally said, “These next few days, don’t go near Eldest Imperial Brother’s or Second Imperial Brother’s quarters. Later… we’ll talk about it later.”

“What exactly—”

“Don’t ask. When it’s time for you to know, you’ll know.”

Jiu’er looked up to meet his gaze, studying him for a good while, then suddenly tugged at his sleeve. “Fine, I won’t ask. Let’s go back and eat something good.”

…The selection of the little princess’s consorts soon became the talk of the capital.

What had everyone’s blood racing this time was that the Emperor had granted special permission—even those of humble birth could take part, so long as they possessed real talent.

Several days later, the full roster of candidates was submitted.

Feng Qiongcang reviewed it once, marked out a few names he favored, and set the list down.

“Your Majesty, shall these few be guaranteed a place?” An’bao asked at once.

Feng Qiongcang nodded. “Let them advance straight to the final round.”

These were all descendants of the most prominent noble clans of the Feng nation, each family wielding considerable power.

An’bao bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty!”

Feng Qiongcang’s gaze swept over the list once more.

But then his attention caught and held—fixed on three characters on the list: Zhan Qingcheng.

Feng Qiongcang narrowed his eyes, pondered for a moment, then said, “Bring Yanu here.”

Before long, Yanu knelt before the throne.

Feng Qiongcang looked at him, picked up the list, and set it before himself.

“You once said that among those who came to the Feng nation this time, one was the Ninth Prince of Bei Mu?”

“Yes,” Yanu nodded.

Feng Qiongcang’s brow knitted slightly, his gaze passing over those three characters before settling on Yanu.

He pressed his lips together and asked, “What is this Ninth Prince’s name?”

Yanu answered without hesitation. “Zhan Qingcheng.”