By Feng Jiu’er’s own account, the Fenglan Inn was in truth a charitable institution.

Whenever the common folk were in trouble, the inn would always lend a helping hand.

The Fenglan Inn had long kept the practice of taking in orphans and supporting the elderly. Now, with the Feng Clan in chaos and the people fleeing in every direction, there were more people in need than ever.

Before Noble Consort Ya could even respond, more people arrived from both sides of the road. “The Fenglan Inn is our home — no one is tearing our home down!” Leading them was none other than Gong Xinyue, disguised as a man.

Her skin was sallow, her clothes gray and patched, her hair somewhat disheveled — she looked like an old man.

“No one is tearing our home down!” The common folk behind Gong Xinyue raised their sickles and axes in unison.

Feng Jiu’er had long anticipated that Noble Consort Ya would set her sights on the Fenglan Inn.

She had sent Gong Xinyue into the city to gather the fleeing people and lead them to the inn for help.

Feng Jiu’er had also anonymously donated a sum of money to the inn, to aid those who had been driven from their homes by the war.

The Fenglan Inn had taken the money and rented several more courtyard compounds, giving the displaced people a temporary place to eat and sleep.

Having finally found somewhere to settle, with a hot meal to eat, the people naturally had no wish to see this hard-won peace destroyed.

In no time at all, the several dozen soldiers found themselves surrounded in turn.

Not only that — the sound of galloping hooves rang loudly from the main road.

Soon, a company of riders appeared behind the crowd — the inn’s own men.

At the sight, Noble Consort Ya’s guard leapt onto his horse, looked around, then jumped back down.

He returned to Noble Consort Ya’s side, said a few words, then stepped forward and looked at the innkeeper.

“Her Highness says that for the safety of the Feng Clan, a search is necessary. Surely the innkeeper won’t shut Her Highness out?”

“We wouldn’t dare.” The innkeeper waved a hand. “Everyone, let them through.”

At the innkeeper’s word, the crowd blocking Noble Consort Ya’s path parted, clearing a way.

A few soldiers walked ahead, with Noble Consort Ya — supported on either side — following behind, and the group made their way into the inn.

The innkeeper watched Noble Consort Ya pass and cupped his hands respectfully once more.

“Everyone this establishment has taken in is a poor commoner, without the slightest intent to harbor wrongdoers — I beg Your Highness to see this clearly!”

“Let’s hope so.” Noble Consort Ya sighed deeply, as if with great feeling, and stepped into the inn.

Those outside the inn did not disperse.

Inside, Noble Consort Ya had barely sat down before she slammed her hand on the table.

“You people have some nerve! Even using the common folk to stage a rebellion?”

“I’ve heard this same trick was pulled in Xiyuan City too — don’t tell me you aren’t Feng Jiu’er’s people!”

Before Noble Consort Ya, the crowd dropped to their knees at once.

“Your Highness, this humble one truly does not know what you mean,” the innkeeper said, looking up.

“When the Night Prince and the Fourth Princess fled, wasn’t it your Fenglan Inn working against us from the shadows?” Noble Consort Ya’s brow furrowed.

“I’ve come here today simply to give you a warning — don’t think that just because the Empress backs you, you can act however you please without knowing your place.”

Noble Consort Ya stood and glanced around.

“This Consort has come under orders to support the Second Prince, and will be staying here until the battle is over.”

“Try anything foolish again, and mind your heads!”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The innkeeper bowed and stood. “Quickly, prepare the finest room for Her Highness.”

“From now on, the inn is suspended from business. You will serve only my people.” Noble Consort Ya rose to her feet.

“Furthermore, you are to hand over ten thousand taels of silver for the war effort. This Consort gives you two days to prepare it. Now go.”