Quan Feitong softly agreed.
Facts proved that even the smartest people could act foolishly. Huai County wasn’t far from the capital, so even if Prime Minister Quan was wealthy enough to exhaust countless fine steeds, it would be impossible to make a round trip in such a short time.
There were only a little over two days left until the wedding.
The two looked at each other and smiled. When Quan Feitong mentioned postponing again, Suzhen didn’t agree. In fact, Prime Minister Quan was just putting on a show – seeing her disagreement, he was secretly delighted and patted his chest, saying he would absolutely not be stingy and would bring out all the treasures in his mansion to entertain the guests.
Hearing him mention the prime minister’s mansion’s fine wine, Suzhen’s eyes lit up. When their conversation reached an exciting point, the two went hand in hand to the wine cellar to select wine.
An hour later, Prime Minister Quan carried his thoroughly intoxicated fiancée out of the wine cellar.
Three days passed quickly. During these days, Suzhen and Little Zhou were almost inseparable, and Quan Feitong’s bedroom was essentially given over to the two girls. The old gentleman was naturally extremely unwilling in his heart, but he understood that Suzhen needed companionship. Although the prime minister’s mansion was full of talented people and several stewards could each handle ten tasks, Prime Minister Quan was a man with high standards who demanded extremely high specifications for wedding matters. Thus, many things required his personal attention, and with time being tight, he became extremely busy and had to endure it.
During this period, he also called Li Zhaoting and Chao Huang over to help with arrangements.
By the third evening, his bedroom was vacated to serve as the bridal chamber, and Suzhen’s living quarters were temporarily moved to the front courtyard.
Meanwhile, Wuqing had been leaving early and returning late these past few days, apparently going out to follow the progress of the case.
Under Suzhen’s comfort, Little Zhou’s emotions gradually calmed down. During this time, the two analyzed the murderer but had no clues. Since the attack targeted the entire Court of Judicial Review, it was very likely aimed at Suzhen.
But the Court of Judicial Review had been cleared out – why could they still so accurately track their return? Furthermore, before the fire, everyone seemed to have been drugged. The person who administered the drug must be a master to do so silently and without trace.
Who could this be? In these two years, Suzhen had indeed offended quite a few people. And the worst guess would be… Xiao’an.
When Little Zhou asked about what happened after they separated, Suzhen glossed over it lightly, only saying that last time when she was taken away by Lian Yu, the two had another dispute, their feelings grew increasingly distant, and the case reversal would probably come to nothing in the end. After all, that would be slapping the imperial family’s face. Since there was no love left, Lian Yu wouldn’t go to such lengths for her.
Little Zhou frowned, seeming somewhat convinced, as they had always known what the case reversal meant to her.
At this moment, someone outside requested an audience, which happened to cut off Little Zhou’s last trace of doubt.
It was the wedding coordinator leading a group of maids bringing wedding attire and jewelry.
When those large chests were opened, the contents inside blinded Little Zhou’s eyes. “Huaisu, you’re going to be rich.”
The wedding coordinator smiled: “Indeed! The Prime Minister dotes on his wife. Though the arrangements were rushed and we could only choose ready-made garments, these are the finest in the capital. And these jewelry pieces – gold, silver, jade artifacts, pearls and agates – even a princess’s wedding wouldn’t surpass this…”
Suzhen smiled without responding. Word had come from the palace that Xiao’an wanted to send female officials out of the palace to handle all wedding matters. Those female officials usually managed imperial marriages, and this would be their first time handling a court minister’s wedding – undoubtedly a great honor. But Prime Minister Quan, in his domineering coolness, unceremoniously declined.
Instead, he hired the capital’s premier wedding coordinator to handle everything – the eloquent aunt before them, who was said to have presided over countless wealthy families’ weddings in the capital, extremely experienced and silver-tongued.
Suzhen knew that once she started talking, there would be no end, so how dare she chat too much with her?
“How is it? Are these acceptable to your eyes?” At this moment, someone walked in with hands behind his back, smiling slightly.
Before Suzhen could react, the wedding coordinator already exclaimed “Aiya!” “Prime Minister, how did you come here! On the eve of the grand wedding, this doesn’t follow proper etiquette…”
“I was planning to double the red envelope for this good lady. Tell me, does this etiquette fit or not?” The newcomer also seemed somewhat troubled, pondering briefly before asking.
The wedding coordinator exclaimed “Aiyo!” again, overjoyed and smiling so widely she could barely close her mouth. She could clearly see the spring color on this lord’s face and quickly led several maids out the door, also conveniently scooping up Little Zhou who was still standing stiffly in the room.
Suzhen smiled as she rose from the couch. “How did you come here?”
Quan Feitong said nothing, staring straight at her. Suzhen felt somewhat unnerved under his gaze. Then Prime Minister Quan pounced over and embraced her.
“I’ll keep an eye on the Court of Judicial Review matter. My wife should reward me – you’ve exhausted your husband these past few days.” As he spoke, he stole fragrance at her neck, kissing several times.
He hadn’t originally harbored any impure thoughts, but her lips were soft and fragrant, instantly making his heart race and spirit soar. Not daring to tease her further, he quickly rested his head heavily on her shoulder.
Suzhen was tickled by his warm, moist breath and kicked at his leg with her foot, though this time she held back her strength – it was just a light touch.
Quan Feitong felt blissful inside but still complained about his hardships: “You don’t help me either. I’ve been handling everything myself these past few days. Hurry and massage my back.”
“The wedding coordinator at least gets double red envelopes. What benefit do I get for helping you?” Suzhen asked provocatively.
“If you obediently listen to me, I’ll give you my entire person plus this family fortune. How about that? I can even give you a few young male concubines.” He lifted her chin, becoming increasingly shameless.
“Rogue!” Suzhen laughed and scolded.
“At least a handsome rogue.” Quan Feitong continued shamelessly, pulling her to sit down and grabbing her hands to place them on his shoulders.
Suzhen massaged him a few times, and he closed his eyes comfortably, humming softly. But then he heard Suzhen say: “How do I know you won’t say the same things to other women? In the future, you might bring me back a few little wives.”
Quan Feitong heard her voice soft and smiling, his heart feeling as if tickled by feathers – achingly sweet. He opened his eyes and grasped her hand: “I’ll write you a guarantee.”
He muttered, at this moment resembling nothing like a thirty-year-old mature man, let alone someone who held power over the realm. Suzhen thought he was just fooling around, but unexpectedly he actually got up, ground ink, rolled up his sleeves slightly, and began writing on paper.
Suzhen went over to look and saw written there that he would hand over all of the Quan mansion’s wealth to her, and if he took concubines, he would have no descendants in this life. Suzhen was shocked by the phrase “no descendants in this life.”
“I’ll go to the study shortly to get my seal and the account room keys.” He set down his brush and looked up at her.
Suzhen was dazed under his gentle yet burning gaze. Suddenly, he dipped his finger in ink and dotted her nose. Suzhen startled and ran away with a cry. He caught her in just a few steps and pushed her down onto the couch.
“Try on the wedding dress for me to see…” He bit her earlobe, eyes burning with fire, his hand moving to her sash, his voice already hoarse.
On the main street of the capital, in front of a wine shop.
A purple-clad young woman paced back and forth, occasionally biting her lip as she looked through the open door, as if waiting for someone. Her eyes jumped with nervousness and excitement, yet carried an irrepressible trace of anxiety.
This caught the attention of a server who looked at her several times, intending to attract business, not knowing this young woman was actually of noble birth.
“You came?”
Lian Xin was about to glare back when her shoulder suddenly felt slightly cool – someone had placed their hand there. This voice… her heart leaped with joy as she turned around to look at the newcomer in surprise. “Wuqing.”
The man said nothing, just turned and walked away. She hurriedly followed.
Half an incense stick’s time later, the two walked to the riverside several streets away.
Though it wasn’t a festival, there were still quite a few men and women by the river releasing lotus lanterns, with night markets and colorful clothing all around.
Wuqing stopped.
“I didn’t expect you would ask to meet me. I’m very happy. I tried everything to sneak out. After the parade that day, I crashed into the carriage and Mother Empress punished me with house arrest again. Originally, after Uncle’s matter, she had no mind to manage me—” She spoke sentence after sentence, then suddenly fell silent, afraid he found her chattering annoying, carefully observing his expression. It was rare for him to arrange for someone to send her a message.
“Two of my brothers died. Do you know?” His face showed no impatience, only deep eyes with a trace of mockery.
“I know. I originally wanted to come see you and Huaisu. I…” Lian Xin furrowed her brow, her heart full of comforting words, but facing him, she became tongue-tied and couldn’t speak. After stuttering for a long time, she finally murmured: “I’m also very sad.”
“Your mother empress is very likely the murderer. Do you know this too? If so, what is there for you to be sad about?” His voice turned cold.
Lian Xin was shocked on the spot and immediately shook her head like a rattle drum: “No, it won’t be…”
“Who knows?” Wuqing curved his lips and sat down by the river, gazing distantly at the water lanterns in the river.
Lian Xin also quickly sat down, looking at his cold, stern profile. “Sixth Brother has Huaisu in his heart. Mother Empress considers the mother-son bond, so it won’t happen.”
“The one who died wasn’t Huaisu – taking it out on the Court of Judicial Review is just right. Besides, your sixth brother and Huaisu have grown increasingly distant.” Wuqing smiled briefly.
Lian Xin’s heart was in chaos, her eyes reddening with anxiety, yet she didn’t know how to explain. Just as the atmosphere grew silent and tense, she heard him say lightly: “Your uncle died, and your sixth brother will definitely take back all the troops. With your mother empress harboring hatred toward the Court of Judicial Review and your sixth brother, what mother-son affection is there to speak of?”
Lian Xin knew he was probably meeting her to investigate the Court of Judicial Review fire. She quickly told him what she knew: “Sixth Brother also has the heart to repair relations with Mother Empress. He did take back the troops, but he’s considering handing them over to Uncle’s son – that is, my other cousin.”
“Your cousin? The Murong family still has sons? If so, why was Huo Chang’an originally leading troops?”
“Mm, you might not know, but Uncle actually has a son named Murong Ding, an only son who’s quite capable. It’s just that his temperament is violent and his character is… he’s fond of women. Years ago, he almost assaulted the wife of one of the deputy generals. Uncle’s deputy generals all disliked him greatly and were furious, so they sent him to the borderlands for an idle position. But these years, I’ve heard his temperament has also improved somewhat…”
“Still no news of Huo Chang’an?”
“Still none.” Lian Xin shook her head, then heard him say softly: “If you have any news, send someone to find me at the Six Doors anytime, but remember not to make it conspicuous. I’ll wait for you here.
If your sixth brother and your mother empress’s relationship is repaired and your mother empress feels more comfortable, that’s good for us. Now that Huaisu is preparing to marry Quan Feitong, with Quan Feitong as backing, she has less hatred in her heart and temporarily won’t risk moving against us or Huaisu again.”
“Mm, I understand.” Hearing they could meet again, Lian Xin jumped up and nearly tumbled headfirst into the river.
Fortunately, Wuqing reached out and pulled her into his arms.
Her face reddened as she looked at him shyly.
“It’s getting late. I’ll go first.” Wuqing slowly released her. “Will you come to Huaisu’s wedding tomorrow?”
“Yes, I can leave the palace tomorrow. Secret struggles aside, Sixth Brother says we must maintain harmony on the surface and not let the common people panic. For Quan Feitong’s sake, the imperial family must all attend.” She broke into a smile. “I’ll present Huaisu with generous gifts tomorrow. It’s a pity she can’t marry Sixth Brother…”
She chattered on, seeing him listening indifferently and fearing his impatience, she quickly stopped talking. Finally, she only said: “You’re doing this to protect not only Huaisu but also that… that Little Zhou. But I’ll still tell you what I know. I want you to be happy, want you to be safe and sound.”
She spoke quickly, then slowly lowered her head. Her chin was lifted by an ice-cold finger, her heartbeat racing as she nervously looked at him.
“Thank you…” His lips brushed lightly across her cheek.
Huguo Temple.
Lian Yue watched his mother have people prepare gifts and said: “Do you really approve of Quan Feitong marrying Feng Suzhen? At this critical juncture, aren’t you and Uncle afraid she’s Lian Yu’s spy and up to something?”
“I know you’re still troubled by Huo Chang’an’s matter. I also disapprove, but this Feng Suzhen at least caused discord between Lian Yu and Xiao’an. And what kind of person is Quan Feitong? Mother Consort can tell you – if he really had to choose between power and Feng Suzhen, he would definitely choose the former.” Consort Dowager Ai didn’t even lift her eyelids. “If you don’t believe it, you can ask your uncle.”
Lian Yue frowned at the old man in the room, who was leisurely drinking tea. “Yue’er, I understand this sworn brother of mine. It’s not that he never had feelings. Many years ago, when he first entered officialdom, he and a high court official both took a liking to a famous courtesan in the capital. That woman only favored him, but was seized by that official and brought to his mansion. She wanted to die rather than submit and remained faithful to him, getting beaten terribly. Your uncle helped him rescue her, but he didn’t hesitate to send her back. Afterward, I saw him shed tears, but so what? When it came to what he had to do, he wasn’t soft-hearted at all.”
At the Ministry of War office, Si Lanfeng looked at the intricate black and white pieces before him, somewhat undecided. “Teacher, I can’t see these chess pieces clearly. It’s like the current situation – I can’t fathom why Feng Suzhen would marry Quan Feitong. Are they joining forces?”
“This chess game isn’t chaotic at all – you’re just looking too hastily.” Wei Chenghui smiled lightly and placed another piece. “It’s good that this person is marrying. Whether she lives or dies, whether she’s romantic or miserable, the Young Master can now completely avoid discussing sentiment and righteousness.”
Si Lanfeng thought of what he saw that day at the Court of Judicial Review gate – broken walls and ruins. He suddenly wanted to say that actually, the Young Master had never really discussed much sentiment and righteousness with Feng Suzhen, and even if he had, it wasn’t much. He also wanted to ask if that fire was your doing, but in the end didn’t ask. In this game, the most important thing was winning – the process didn’t matter.
At this time, Li Zhaoting had just finished arrangements at the Quan mansion and returned to his own residence.
Upon entering, he said lightly: “What news did you bring?”
“Mm, news about the Murong family. Not major, but very helpful to us.” The visitor also answered lightly.
“Very good.” Li Zhaoting’s lips curved slightly.
“With her marrying Quan Feitong, you in the future…”
“For your sake, I’ll still look after her, but our engagement is completely over. I, Li Zhaoting, could never marry a woman who’s been with another man. I hope you understand.” He responded calmly, though thinking coldly: A worn-out shoe.
“Mm.”
After a cup of tea’s time, the visitor left. He walked into his study and was just lighting the lamp when Little Four suddenly entered and whispered something in his ear.
He rose urgently and walked to the back courtyard.
Under the courtyard wall, snow pressed down on winter plum blossoms. A slender figure in red was looking down at the plums. Hearing footsteps, she turned around, looking at him with a half-smile.
“How did you come here?” His brow carried reproach. “You need to be careful about safety when going in and out, understand?”
“Quan Feitong is having a grand wedding with your former fiancée. I wanted to come see the excitement.” The other person laughed lightly, then said softly: “Also, I missed you and wanted to see if you were jealous. I was very careful coming in and out – no one will notice. Don’t worry.”
Li Zhaoting’s gaze softened as he reached out to embrace her.
When Aluo entered, Lian Yu was reviewing memorials at his desk. That night’s palace incident, when Suzhen was “invited” in and she threw a tantrum, he ultimately dismissed everyone for her sake and didn’t force anything. Regarding Quan Feitong’s wedding, he hadn’t mentioned it these past days and even forbade palace personnel from bringing it up in front of her. Combined with the protection offered that day at the Court of Judicial Review, she knew that person would slowly be removed from his heart by her.
Mingyan and the others greeted her with courtesy.
“I see you haven’t prepared congratulatory gifts, so I took it upon myself to prepare them for you. You won’t blame me for being meddlesome, will you?” She nodded to them, then her gaze fell on him as she bit her lower lip.
He set down his vermillion brush and held her on his lap. “Thank you.”
She suddenly turned to look into his eyes: “I was just thinking of a question on the way here. Do you remember that time she was kidnapped? If one day both she and I were captured and only one could survive, whom would you save?”
With the Emperor and Consort discussing love in the room, everyone either turned their faces away or lowered their heads.
Lian Yu was silent for a while, then stroked her hair and slowly answered: “I’d save you.”
Aluo’s heart filled with joy as she smiled like a flower and nestled into his embrace. Seeing the Emperor and Consort’s tender moment, Xuanwu and the others didn’t wait for Lian Yu to wave them away but quietly retreated. Baihu lowered his eyes and closed the door.
The firecrackers exploded so violently they seemed ready to tear the dusky sky apart.
The Quan mansion’s wedding festivities shocked all of the capital. The mansion’s decorations could no longer be described as magnificent and splendid.
Onlookers lined up from the mansion’s street to the street’s end. Prime Minister Quan truly made a grand gesture, having people prepare over a thousand gold balls to distribute, driving the crowd wild.
Because the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Consort Dowager would all attend, the Quan mansion was heavily guarded inside and out by Imperial Guards, plus the soldiers Chao Huang brought. Red lanterns and black masses of people – officials set up barriers outside, but this couldn’t stop the people’s enthusiasm at all. Sedan chairs of imperial relatives and court ministers were carried in one by one. When the Emperor’s imperial carriage appeared, people competed to cheer, their emotions reaching the peak.
This grand spectacle of ten li of lotus flowers was incomparable to ordinary imperial relatives’ wedding banquets.
The Quan mansion was extremely luxurious indeed, but the great hall couldn’t accommodate a hundred people, so the guest seating was arranged in the front courtyard. This way, there was more than enough space.
Quan Feitong, dressed in bright red wedding attire, led Chao Huang, Li Zhaoting, and the Quan mansion’s chief steward plus four deputy stewards to personally welcome Lian Yu.
“Congratulations.” Lian Yu said indifferently. Quan Feitong’s eyes sparkled as he smiled and replied: “Mutual congratulations. For this marriage, what this subject is most grateful for is Your Majesty.”
Lian Yu’s expression darkened, but he didn’t become angry. He just stared at him for a while, exchanged brief pleasantries with Tingyu and others, then sat down with Xiao’an, Consort Dowager Ai, Aluo, and Murong Chen under guidance.
Imperial relatives and court officials were already seated in the courtyard. With the Emperor taking his seat, the grand ceremony began. Everyone harbored different thoughts as the Quan mansion’s great courtyard momentarily resembled a small imperial court.
The musical ensemble played thunderously. Amid the suona sounds and before everyone entered the house, Suzhen silently placed something from her hand into her sleeve. Soon after, she was helped onto the sedan chair by the wedding coordinator and Little Zhou, with Wuqing accompanying them nearby. Though called a marriage procession, it was actually just carrying her from the side room to the front courtyard.
The sedan chair quickly stopped. Though Suzhen’s face was covered by the wedding veil, she still felt hundreds of gazes shooting toward the sedan chair like arrows.