Quan Feitong’s brightened eyes quickly dimmed. He reached out to grip Su Zhen’s hand, then rapidly asked the steward: “Who came? Besides asking me to enter the palace, what else did they say?”

“Two of his close guards, and finally Ming Yanchu personally made a trip.” The steward had been eagerly reporting earlier, only now noticing Su Zhen, surprise showing in his eyes. But being Quan Feitong’s confidant, he naturally didn’t say much, continuing: “He seemed to know… know that the young lady would come, saying to bring her along too, saying His Majesty declared that the Prime Minister is a pillar of the Great Zhou, and his marriage cannot be taken lightly.”

He had seen Su Zhen coming and going and knew this Magistrate Li, so after some consideration, he used the term “young lady.” But he clearly didn’t understand what marriage the messenger was referring to. Having finished speaking, he looked at Su Zhen with some surprise and suspicion.

“Fine, I understand.” Quan Feitong said coldly: “No rush. After all, they know the Prime Minister hasn’t returned yet. I’ll go to court tomorrow morning.”

As he spoke, he waved his hand, dismissing the steward.

He gripped Su Zhen’s hand and walked to a stone chair in the middle of the courtyard, then with another embrace, seated her on his lap facing him. Face to face, her legs had to spread apart to sit, creating a very intimate posture.

Su Zhen’s ears burned with heat.

“Quite an impressive display, but he can’t just keep stealing my fiancées one after another.” He gripped Su Zhen’s hand tighter, his gaze showing a trace of fierce intensity.

“Steal?” Su Zhen smiled, quite indifferently. “He doesn’t have that standing. If he brings me in, A Luo won’t be happy, and he loves A Luo – he can’t bear to upset her. He just can’t stand you being at peace and causing trouble.”

“Are you jealous?” Quan Feitong glanced at her sideways, his tone carrying some acidity.

Su Zhen shook her head: “No, that earlier bout of wailing and crying has completely emptied out whatever was left in my heart.”

“Oh, so you do know to be embarrassed? Very good. I’ll help you stuff everything back in bit by bit.” Quan Feitong pulled down her head and bit her nose.

Su Zhen’s face flushed completely. As he said, she couldn’t truly accept him right now, but intimate contact between men and women – she couldn’t be without awareness, especially with someone like him.

“You can even bring yourself to bite this? My face is covered in rouge and powder. If you like eating it, have someone buy some – you’re not short of money anyway.” She said, rising from his body.

Quan Feitong raised his eyebrows, pulling her back: “Those ghost drawings on your face were wiped clean by me when you were unconscious. Don’t make excuses to leave. Lian Yu ruined my perfectly good mood – you need to compensate me!”

“What does he have to do with me? Don’t—”

Before she could finish, he suddenly stood up and embraced her: “Let me hold you. I’m truly happy about what you said earlier. I also want you to use Zhu’er’s identity and live by my side with this identity from now on.”

His voice came from behind her, carrying extreme joy, his breath circling around her neck.

Su Zhen was held so tightly she could barely breathe, couldn’t help but laugh and scold: “How can I believe this? You talk as if you can’t find a wife.”

“Can’t find a wife?” He laughed smugly. “If this Prime Minister wanted to marry, I could select from all the beauties in the nation – certainly no fewer than Lian Yu’s options. I simply haven’t had thoughts of marriage, never have.”

“Why?” This was incredibly arrogant, but Su Zhen knew it was true.

“No particular reason. Just haven’t taken a fancy to anyone, haven’t had such thoughts.”

He was doing this deliberately, making her seem important, intending to make her feel indebted.

Su Zhen thought about this. He seemed to be waiting for her to speak, but she remained silent. After a while, seeing her still with her head down thinking, he narrowed his eyes slightly and suddenly lifted her to sit on the stone table, then lowered his head to kiss her lips.

Su Zhen’s heart jumped heavily. Like he had done to her before, she pinched his chin and held him back: “You must have had intimate female friends though. You act like you haven’t touched a woman in years, settling even for ugly ones.”

“What kind of woman haven’t I seen or touched? But these past few years you’re actually right – indeed I haven’t, just like playing the qin. I’ve played with too many, my interest has long since waned.” Quan Feitong stared at her calmly, grasping her hand in return.

“What if your interest returns in the future and focuses on someone else? What do I do then?”

“Feeling unhappy?” Quan Feitong saw her lower her gaze again, but his lips curved in an inexplicable smile.

“Let me wash and change clothes first. You mentioned meeting your teacher – I can tolerate being covered in wine and dust, but I can’t be discourteous before an elder.” She got down from the table and walked inside with a smile.

Quan Feitong sighed softly. Agreeing to marriage was already the biggest step she could take right now. He should thank Lian Yu and Gu Xiluo for pushing her into a corner. But haste makes waste – he immediately stepped forward, still grasping her hand: “I’ll have servants prepare some food. Rest in my room first.”

Su Zhen felt grateful and nodded, following him inside.

He touched her head, had her sit down, then went to the wardrobe to get an outer robe and put it on.

Su Zhen looked down at the white robe she wore, touching the sable trim on the collar, feeling somewhat guilty. He had been freezing outside all along while she remained oblivious. Had she become completely heartless?

After Quan Feitong gave instructions, the servants of the Prime Minister’s residence naturally worked efficiently. Soon they brought food – a dazzling array, very abundant. Everyone secretly observed Su Zhen, seeming quite curious about this woman the Prime Minister had brought back. Su Zhen was hungry and didn’t mind them, just buried her head and ate, while Quan Feitong constantly served her dishes.

After the meal, Quan Feitong led her to the back courtyard of his bedroom and opened the door. Inside was a large bathing pool. Gauze curtains wound around the ceiling, and the four corners of the pool had four enormous luminous pearls. The pool appeared to have been carefully tended by servants – clear soup with red flowers, wisps of light smoke, and penetrating fragrance.

A long sandalwood table sat beside the pool, covered with seasonal fruits, vegetables, pastries, and bottles of wine.

Soon, the steward personally led over ten maidservants, bringing dozens of sets of brand new women’s clothing, shoes, socks, and accessories in elegant, refined colors.

This grandeur was no less impressive than what she’d experienced staying beside Lian Yu.

Quan Feitong had people place everything on a nearby couch, then led everyone out.

“I’ll wait for you in the study. I’ve called maidservants – they’re just outside the door. If you need anything, call them in to serve you. If you don’t like being disturbed, don’t send them away either. I worry about your weak constitution, so having them keep watch and listen for any sounds from you puts me at ease. Also, you need to quit drinking for me – don’t be greedy for that wine, you can only have a little.”

Outside the door came his calm voice, followed by the sound of footsteps receding.

Unlike Lian Yu’s former step-by-step pressure, he was advancing without seeming to advance. Su Zhen removed her clothes and walked into the pool, letting the water cover her head and face.

After bathing, she followed a maidservant to find him. He emerged from the study, his gaze somewhat dim, leaning close to her neck: “Truly fragrant.”

But he did nothing more, still taking her hand: “Several old men like quiet and live in the back courtyards. The old man’s political views differ greatly from mine, but hearing I’m taking a wife will surely make him happy.”

“The old man…” Su Zhen laughed, pausing before adding: “Tomorrow I’ll go to the palace with you.”

“No, I’ll face His Majesty alone.”

He didn’t agree. As he spoke, a servant hurried up from behind, reporting with lowered head: “Master, Minister Li requests an audience.”

The two exchanged glances. Quan Feitong stroked her hair, saying gently: “Go back to the room and wait for me. I’ll see Zhaoting and return shortly.”

Su Zhen was very unwilling to see Li Zhaoting. Without a word, she immediately followed the servant and disappeared.

Quan Feitong watched with some amusement – was she avoiding the plague? So unwelcoming toward Li Zhaoting. He wanted to say the study was right next to the bedroom – they could actually walk together. But he liked her attitude toward Li Zhaoting. It proved her heart no longer held anything for him…

Reaching the study, the steward had already brought Li Zhaoting in. Seeing him arrive, Li Zhaoting rose. In excellent spirits, Quan Feitong smiled calmly: “Something wrong? I thought we’d already arranged that matter. The Lantern Festival approaches – we just await the palace’s ceremonial celebration before we can act.”

“Senior Brother,” Li Zhaoting said, “Zhaoting didn’t come for that tonight.”

“Oh,” Quan Feitong lifted his eyelids, “Could it be you came for Li Huaisu?”

“Yes.” Li Zhaoting didn’t beat around the bush. Quan Feitong looked at him with hands behind his back, half-smiling: “You still have her on your mind?”

“Senior Brother needn’t tease me. You know best who’s in my heart.” Li Zhaoting’s eyes were clear. “The Princess harbors deep hatred for her over Consort Wei’s matter. Her relationship with Lian Yu is unclear, and the Grand Consort and Minister Qiu will certainly be wary. Moreover, Lian Yu was curious for a time and did pursue her briefly. Even if he’s no longer interested, imperial families are always possessive about their things. This will inevitably cause you trouble. We’re about to act – it’s unwise to create complications. Besides, elder brother yourself said the great cause comes first.”

“Since you know I prioritize the great cause, you should understand I have my own sense of propriety. If Lian Yu dislikes it, I’ll deliberately oppose him. With action imminent, what’s wrong with disturbing his peace of mind?”

“Could senior brother only be trying to oppose Lian Yu—”

“Half yes, half… no. I truly am moved, with a man’s desire.” Quan Feitong calmly cut off his words. Li Zhaoting paused. Outside the door came the steward’s anxious voice: “Master, the palace has sent people again, waiting outside requesting audience. This time it’s still Ming Yanchu, with many guards, saying they’ll wait inside for the Prime Minister’s return.”

Quan Feitong’s brow suddenly darkened. Shortly after, he replied: “Wait a moment before letting them in. Receive Ming Yanchu in the main hall and treat him well. Unless he wants to force his way in, I have enough time. Though I doubt Lian Yu would go that far!”

“Yes!” The steward immediately responded.

Quan Feitong turned to Li Zhaoting: “Come with me.”

Li Zhaoting’s heart skipped slightly, but his face remained impassive as he followed.

The study was next to his bedroom.

He pushed open the door and entered. Li Zhaoting followed inside, his gaze immediately freezing.

Su Zhen was curled up on a soft couch by the window, breathing softly. She wore a pink dress with a sable-trimmed robe over it. Her face was pale, but her cheeks were also rosy. Her damp hair was spread over half her body, and her bare, small white feet rested against the edge of the couch.

He unconsciously clenched his hands, anger rising in his heart.

Su Zhen was completely unaware. She was sleeping drowsily, and hearing sounds, showed some impatience. Without opening her eyes, she spoke: “Quan Feitong, you’re disturbing me.”

Quan Feitong quickly approached. His gaze fell on the robe, his lips curving slightly, his expression becoming much gentler than before, though his words carried reproach: “Why didn’t you dry your hair? Why didn’t you sleep on the bed? It’s cold here.”

“I have clothes on, my hair is wet, and that’s your…” She rubbed her eyes and sat up.

“Go sleep on the bed later.” Quan Feitong deliberately glossed over her word “bed,” lifting her up and going to the wardrobe to get a cloak to wrap around her, then bending down to get her shoes and socks to put on her.

Su Zhen opened her eyes just in time to see this. Unaccustomed to such intimacy, she snatched them away: “I’ll do it myself. Sit aside and don’t make trouble.”

She picked up the shoes and socks. The moment she raised her head, she saw someone standing not far away, his expression extremely indifferent, but his eyes showing cold, sharp intensity.

Su Zhen only felt even more hatred for him. He used to dislike her, turning a blind eye while toying with her, dealing with her father. Later, he quietly switched the Ministry of Justice records, changing her entire latter half of life, forcing her into a dead end!

Her gaze lowered as she quickly put on her shoes and socks: “Prime Minister, if you need to discuss business, I’ll leave.”

“We’re not discussing business,” Quan Feitong arranged her hair, whispering in her ear: “Stay at Zhaoting’s residence for half the night. I’ll come get you later.”

Su Zhen was startled, vaguely guessing something. She initially wanted to object, but thinking it over to avoid arousing suspicion and limiting future actions, she nodded.

“She’ll be your sister-in-law from now on. Take good care of her for half a day.” Quan Feitong kissed her forehead, then turned to Li Zhaoting.

Li Zhaoting was silent for a moment before answering: “Yes.”

In the carriage, Su Zhen said nothing, closing her eyes to rest. Li Zhaoting’s eyes were like dark ink, also remaining silent.

Near Li’s residence, Li Zhaoting finally spoke, instructing the driver: “Drive the horses to the back courtyard and enter from there.”

The driver obeyed, calling “Whoa” as he drove the carriage over.

The carriage then stopped. Li Zhaoting said coldly: “We’re here.”

Su Zhen opened her eyes but didn’t respond, supporting herself against the carriage wall as she got out.

Her elbow suddenly hurt sharply.

“What do you mean?” Behind her, Li Zhaoting’s voice was like frost, her arm gripped tightly in his hand.

Su Zhen was about to speak when rapid footsteps sounded outside the carriage. The curtain was immediately lifted, and a face appeared in the firelight outside the curtain.