The person who had come from the palace turned out to be Empress Rong’s most trusted attendant — Matron Qin.

The moment she laid eyes on Feng Jiu’er, Matron Qin’s disdain was immediate.

A woman with a ruined face! And rumor had it, her mind was gone as well.

Feng Zhenhai himself had, in truth, long since abandoned any hope regarding the betrothal between the Crown Prince and Feng Jiu’er.

A couple of days prior, the Crown Prince had paid a visit — he had only briefly mentioned that the late Emperor had, at one time, spoken of taking a girl from the Feng Family as a bride.

Back then, the late Emperor had not specified that it must be Feng Jiu’er. It was simply that the Crown Prince and Jiu’er had grown up together as childhood sweethearts.

The late Emperor had also been rather fond of the young Feng Jiu’er.

But now, Jiu’er’s face was ruined, and her mind had gone as well. Even with the Crown Prince having come in person, no formal betrothal had been declared.

And now Her Majesty the Empress had sent someone to summon Jiu’er into the palace — most likely, it was to break off the engagement.

Matron Qin and her entourage waited outside. Feng Zhenhai looked at Feng Jiu’er and let out a quiet sigh.

“Jiu’er, Grandfather doesn’t know whether you can understand what I’m saying. But if Her Majesty the Empress mentions breaking off the engagement, you simply agree. There’s no need to be stubborn with her — that is the only way you’ll be able to return safely. Do you understand?”

“Even if you cannot marry into the imperial family, our Feng Family is still a family of generals. Your future need not be a miserable one. Grandfather will arrange a good marriage for you.”

In truth, with Jiu’er looking as she did now, even if a match were arranged, the other party might not necessarily treat her well.

But a woman grown must eventually be married off — if she didn’t marry, what path would be left for her in this lifetime?

A faint warmth stirred in Feng Jiu’er’s heart. This grandfather of hers, at the very least, was sincerely devoted to his granddaughter.

She said quietly: “Jiu’er doesn’t want to marry. Jiu’er wants to stay in Feng Manor for the rest of her life.”

“Foolish girl, how could you stay home for the rest of your life? People will mock you for it. And Grandfather is getting old — I cannot watch over you forever.”

So this was what family felt like. Feng Zhenhai had fought on battlefields for so many years, yet never imagined that it would be through this witless granddaughter of his that he would first taste it.

This old general, who had spent half his life wading through blood, was at the very least a man of feeling and loyalty.

“Jiu’er will not disappoint Grandfather. I promise.” Even without marrying, she would never bring shame upon the Feng Family.

In that instant, Feng Zhenhai thought he glimpsed resolve and wisdom in the depths of her eyes — a gaze that no simple-minded girl could ever possess.

But it lasted only an instant. A heartbeat later, when he looked again at Jiu’er, she wore that same bright and artless expression as always.

Feng Zhenhai said helplessly: “Go then. Her Majesty the Empress may not take a liking to you, but you have done nothing wrong — she won’t do anything to you.”

“Remember — if Her Majesty raises the matter of breaking off the engagement, you agree. Do not be obstinate with her. Only then can you return safely. Understood?”

“Yes. Jiu’er will remember.”

……When Feng Jiu’er emerged from the Patriarch’s study, Matron Qin and the carriage were still waiting.

Once Jiu’er had settled into the sedan chair, Matron Qin immediately ordered the driver to set off, making haste back toward the imperial palace.

Through the carriage window, watching Feng Manor grow ever more distant, Feng Jiu’er’s dark, gleaming eyes gradually took on a faint shadow of resignation.

Grandfather had spent so many years commanding armies — he understood great righteousness and grand principles, but the schemes and calculations of women had always been beyond his grasp.

For Her Majesty the Empress to summon her to the palace with such ceremony — how could it possibly be merely about breaking off the engagement?

The engagement would certainly be broken — but it would never be handled so casually. After all, a broken betrothal involving the imperial family was no small matter.

As expected, the moment Feng Jiu’er followed Matron Qin through the doors of Her Majesty’s Xuanhua Palace, Matron Qin’s expression shifted abruptly. She issued a sharp command: “Guards — seize Feng Jiu’er!”