However, Feng Yuan’s relaxed posture as he leaned against the table with his narrow waist and long legs was equally mouth-watering.

Xiaoying had seen the gentleman undressed, with scars across his body accentuating the sharp, wild contours of his taut muscles.

This kind of aggressive handsomeness didn’t conform to Dafeng women’s aesthetic trends.

The kind of refined elegance wrapped in hemp and plain clothes like Young Master Mu’s was considered more harmless and approachable, allowing one to appreciate it with ease.

But Xiaoying discovered that she had a stronger desire to conquer a beast lurking in the jungle.

Perhaps this was why, under Feng Yuan’s deliberate approaches, she repeatedly abandoned her principles, allowing him to draw closer step by step.

After admiring her enough, Xiaoying lay on her side on the beauty couch, playfully curling her finger at him.

This gesture was quite provocative, but Feng Yuan seemed drawn by a magnet, rising to walk over to her, bracing his hand beside her slender waist,

Then, like a mountain tilting, he pressed her beneath him.

Xiaoying laughed as she pushed against his chest, but Feng Yuan was like a millstone, every line of his body taut to the core, with a force that brooked no refusal.

In the room where no charcoal fire had yet been lit, heat instantly rose in waves. Even without clothes, they were enveloped in masculine warmth, feeling not the slightest chill.

Xiaoying was embraced by charcoal that would not extinguish. Her hands and feet quickly warmed with her entire body, and a slight sheen of sweat emerged from her forehead and nose tip.

The beauty couch was ultimately too narrow. Several times, Xiaoying, unable to suppress her arching body, nearly slid off when provoked by him.

Fortunately, she was held by the man’s strong arms, preventing her from falling.

By the time she was moved to the bed, she was already yawning with exhaustion, but the gentleman still had the hunger of one who hadn’t eaten at the table, merely holding her tightly in his arms, refusing to let her sleep as he whispered in her ear.

This gave Xiaoying a strange feeling, as if she were a glob of malt candy stuck to a straw, purchased by a child who had saved pocket money for days, treasured like a precious find, repeatedly sucked on, yet with the child always too miserly to swallow the last mouthful.

She didn’t know what terrible self-control it took for the gentleman to stop at the last step each time. She merely yawned ignorantly and wrapped her arms around Feng Yuan’s narrow waist.

Although they had been intimate for a long time, whenever she took the initiative to embrace Feng Yuan, she could still feel a slight stiffness in him, requiring a moment of holding before he gradually relaxed.

At first, Xiaoying didn’t understand, thinking he didn’t like her embracing him.

Later, when she asked, she learned it was a reaction from being unaccustomed to human contact.

From his earliest clear childhood memories, no one had ever embraced him so intimately.

Even his teacher’s wife, when dealing with a child who was unwilling to be close to people, proper and understanding as she was, couldn’t make overly intimate gestures.

So, after Feng Yuan became aware, his first truly meaningful embrace with another person came only with Xiaoying.

Though at that time Xiaoying didn’t like him, and almost every encounter involved wrestling, punching, even biting.

But whenever the young woman embraced him, the tingling, trembling sensation that came after being warmed by her body temperature would first explode at the back of his head, then spread down his spine to his fingertips.

Xiaoying had heard Feng Yuan speak of this, but could never imagine how a simple embrace could trigger such a trembling satisfaction.

However, she could imagine the loneliness of a small child who was never embraced, weeping in the darkness.

Not having met A’Yuan earlier, she could only compensate double, embracing the current Feng Yuan more.

Even if he might later discover that such comfort wasn’t rare, that he could obtain similar consolation from many other women, and no longer need her…

Perhaps by then, she could forget this prince, whose station was so far above hers, and part ways without regret?

Thinking of this, Xiaoying suddenly felt a tightness in her chest and sighed softly, but the next moment she was again squeezed by those iron arms, feeling her organs compressed.

Looking up at Feng Yuan, he seemed to have guessed what she was thinking from that sigh, with snowstorms gathering in his deep eyes.

Xiaoying had never been one to recklessly go against a wild beast’s grain, so she bit his chin, signaling him to loosen his grip, then changed the subject: “Have you decided how to recommend Tang Mingjiang?”

In matters of court, she couldn’t intervene; how to operate specifically would be up to Feng Yuan himself.

Feng Yuan spoke dispassionately: “Feng Qiting’s influence has greatly increased. The source of the geng iron case has been deliberately cut off, temporarily unable to affect him. The Ministry of Personnel has recently placed many people from merchant families, so it seems Feng Qiting now has support in the Ministry. Therefore, for Tang Mingjiang to be promoted to Lichuan County, it might still require Feng Qiting’s approval.”

Without looking, Xiaoying could imagine the Second Prince’s arrogant,得意 air.

That “Master” truly wasn’t choosy, able to support a dragon like Feng Yuan, yet also assist a loach like Feng Qiting to rise to power.

“If that’s the case, he might be difficult to deal with. If it’s truly like this, we shouldn’t have helped him at the lane entrance today.”

Feng Yuan reached out to stroke her head: “Feng Qiting is probably very short of money, otherwise he wouldn’t have instructed Shang Youdao to sell geng iron. Having gained power in the Ministry of Personnel, he’ll likely want to add some profitable ventures, so I plan to give Tang Mingjiang a sum, allowing him to directly purchase that vacancy in the Ministry.”

Xiaoying’s mouth half-opened: “This works? Will Feng Qiting agree?”

Feng Yuan smiled slightly, but looking at his somewhat meaningful smile, Xiaoying guessed that his younger brother was likely to be schemed against by his big brother again!

…

The news that the Grand Prince had kicked and broken the Tang family’s second branch carriage quickly reached Consort Yi.

However, Consort Yi was not Empress Tang. After hearing the complaints from the Tang family’s second branch, she merely said softly that this was a Tang family internal matter and shouldn’t be brought to His Majesty, intending to suppress the matter.

But this time, Tang Mi wasn’t the only Tang family woman sent into the palace.

Several other Tang women who had been made consorts weren’t so tactful. One of them, Consort Hui, actually took the opportunity during a palace family banquet to mention this matter to His Majesty, clearly intending to complain.

After all, a prince interfering in an official’s adoption of an heir and breaking a carriage in the street was quite improper!

During the banquet, Consort Hui sat next to His Majesty and brought up the matter again.

The Second Prince, beside them, couldn’t help but glance at his elder brother, timely informing his father about recent rumors in the capital concerning the Grand Prince going mad in the streets.

Each word made the Third Prince somewhat angry, and he couldn’t help but ask: “Second Imperial Brother, do you live on the main street? How do you know so much about what commoners outside the palace are saying?”

The Second Prince was momentarily choked by this brash statement, and couldn’t help but glare at him fiercely, thinking: This rough fellow is becoming increasingly impertinent. How has he started defending the eldest brother now?

His Majesty raised his eyes to look at his eldest son sitting in the corner of the banquet: “How can you, as a prince, interfere in others’ family affairs? And causing such a commotion in the streets?”

Emperor Chunde never spared feelings when reprimanding his sons, especially in matters concerning the imperial family’s reputation, adopting a full parental stance.

Unfortunately, he forgot that the son he was reprimanding today had not been trained in palace rules, meekly listening with lowered eyes.

Feng Yuan raised his head to look at the exquisite carvings on the great hall beams, his gaze seemingly empty, gazing into the distance.

After the Emperor’s admonishment, he calmly asked: “I’ve heard that when I was just born, I was almost snatched away by my uncle. It was my mother who held me, refusing to let go even in sleep, that kept me. That day, seeing the second branch wife snatching a child, with the woman crying behind her, somehow my mind heated up, and the carriage wheel flew out.”

This wasn’t a rumor. When Feng Yuan was born, because others spread rumors that he was premature and not of the Feng bloodline, he was almost seized by Ye Zhong, who had burst into the birthing room to take him away.

Ye Zhong had indeed knelt and begged His Majesty to let his sister give birth, not only hoping his sister carried Feng family blood but more because his sister’s physical condition at the time was unsuitable for abortion.

Since giving birth had preserved his sister’s life, there was no need to keep the bastard child.

It was Ye Zhanxue who, enduring postpartum weakness, held a sword to her neck and threatened her brother with suicide, thereby protecting the infant Feng Yuan in his swaddling clothes.

So when Feng Yuan spoke in this way, Emperor Chunde was caught off guard, now understanding that it must have been the sight of the second branch wife carrying the crying infant that triggered the passing Grand Prince, making him recall how his mother Zhanxue had protected him back then, causing him to go mad and kick the carriage to pieces.

That episode was one His Majesty was unwilling to mention.

Seeing Feng Yuan refer to it with a calm expression, he realized his son had somehow learned about the incident from his infancy.

Emperor Chunde felt somewhat awkward, couldn’t help clearing his throat, and blandly reprimanded Feng Yuan for listening to rumors.

Consort Hui, unable to read the atmosphere, hearing His Majesty’s tone and thinking the Emperor was angry with the Grand Prince, continued to tactlessly needle Feng Yuan.

The Second Prince was also eager to kick a man when he was down, but was pinched hard on the thigh under the table by his consort mother, causing him to hold his tongue just in time.

While he was still confused, His Majesty coldly asked Consort Hui if she lacked proper upbringing at home, as her voice was louder than everyone else’s in the hall.

With these words, the entire hall fell silent. Consort Yi was the first to kneel, begging His Majesty’s forgiveness on Consort Hui’s behalf.

Consort Hui, unable to discern the situation, also hurriedly knelt, not daring to speak further.

Meanwhile, Feng Yuan rose first and, without even saying goodbye, strode out with long steps.

That arrogant manner made the Second Prince’s heart clench again in frustration.

After the palace banquet, Consort Shang walked to a private place and coldly reprimanded her son, saying he couldn’t read His Majesty’s expression.

Feng Qiting was also puzzled: “I just can’t understand—you said the eldest brother is a madman, so how has he become an untouchable hedgehog now? Last time, because of him, I was beaten for nothing? “

Consort Shang gave a cold snort: “You still think he’s insignificant? Anyone who can survive in this deep palace, even the lowliest servant, must have some extraordinary quality! The Crown Prince hasn’t returned for a long time, and this Grand Prince has sided with the Crown Prince’s faction. If I were you, I would be fully alert when dealing with this mad brother of yours! Remember, from now on, report to me about all matters related to him! Understand?”

The Second Prince naturally agreed, though inwardly he didn’t take it seriously.

A madman who had been locked up for ten years—he had seen how pathetic he looked when he came out of the Desolate Palace. Yet his consort mother treated Feng Yuan as a formidable enemy, which made him somewhat unconvinced.

However, since his consort mother had earnestly instructed him, he also increased his manpower to watch over his elder brother.

This time, His Majesty’s rebuke at the palace banquet seemed to have stimulated the Grand Prince, triggering his inner demons.

After leaving the palace, he caused another disturbance in Horse-Tethering Lane.

This time, he sent four or five princes’ guards to seal off Horse-Tethering Lane, allowing only Tang Mingjiang to enter and exit for official business, but not permitting that woman to take the infant out.

As for anyone from the Tang family coming to take the child, they were beaten one by one.

The Grand Prince’s guards placed benches at the lane entrance, loudly berating Tang Mingjiang for his incompetence, causing the Grand Prince to touch his inner demons, making them suffer day and night guarding the lane without being able to return home—an endless bitter task.

The cursing at the Horse-Tethering Lane entrance was continuous; even dogs watching the commotion dared not linger nearby.

Tang Mingjiang was at his wits’ end. After participating in the internal examination for scribes being promoted to local officials, he sought connections everywhere, finally using money to appeal to those overseeing the Ministry of Personnel.

He said he had heard that Lichuan County in Yizhou had a vacancy. He had worked there before, which would make it convenient to settle his family. He was willing to spend heavily to clear the way and buy that vacancy, then take his wife and child away from the capital early to avoid harassment from both the Grand Prince and the Tang family.

However, those planted in the Ministry of Personnel were the Second Prince’s people. Because the matter involved the Grand Prince, it was reported to Feng Qiting.

Feng Qiting was playing with jade items sent from Xiaoyun Mountain Villa and said with a smirk: “How the tables have turned! Even the Tang family people are now begging at my doorstep! Interesting!”

Someone beside him reminded the Second Prince whether this matter should be reported to Consort Shang for decision, but was glared at by the Second Prince.

“What kind of damned big deal is this? If Mother knew I was involved in selling official positions, wouldn’t I be scolded again? No one is allowed to speak too much about this!”

A mere county magistrate wasn’t a lucrative position. It was said that Tang Mingjiang had sold his wife’s dowry to gather enough money. Moreover, remarkably, this Tang Mingjiang had ranked at the top in the internal examination, so selling him an official position was just going with the flow.

This Tang Mingjiang was despised by the Tang family and entangled with that madman Feng Yuan, so he must thoroughly hate both families. If carefully cultivated, he could truly be a useful pawn.

Thus, the Second Prince had someone collect Tang Mingjiang’s money, and with a great flourish, approved the Ministry of Personnel’s procedure, promoting Tang Mingjiang to be the magistrate of Lichuan County.

Tang Mingjiang was very sensible. Before taking up his post, he brought pastries and fruits to the Second Prince’s people, offering a thousand thanks, specifically expressing gratitude for the Second Prince’s favor.

However, at the farewell pavilion outside the city as he was leaving with his family, he separately knelt to bid farewell to the Grand Prince.

Feng Yuan, perhaps influenced by Lady Ying’er, showed rare cordiality: “Is the traveling money enough? I’ve had people prepare household expenses for you.”

Tang Mingjiang hurriedly said, “The Grand Prince has given more than enough. The money used earlier to smooth things at the Ministry of Personnel was also provided by the Grand Prince—such a large sum, this official could never repay in a lifetime.”

From his recommendation to participate in the internal examination, every step, including whom to approach, had all been arranged by the Grand Prince.

To outsiders, he had received the Second Prince’s favor, but only Tang Mingjiang knew clearly that he owed everything to the Grand Prince.

Feng Yuan wasn’t good at handling such pleasantries, so he simply and repeated Xiaoying’s words: “Take it since it’s given to you. Your child is still young, and your wife’s health isn’t very good. When you establish your office in the locality, you’ll need to hire a suitable wet nurse—all of this requires money. If you feel indebted, then create some accomplishments, treat the local people well, and don’t waste my efforts in recognizing your talent.”

Tang Mingjiang felt a warmth in his heart and earnestly thanked the Grand Prince.

In his interactions with the legendary mad prince these days, he had not detected anything abnormal or insane about the Grand Prince.

On the contrary, this prince’s meticulous thinking far exceeded his expectations.

He could cleverly use the Second Prince’s antagonism to retrieve chestnuts from the fire, securing the position of county magistrate.

How could someone with such depth be a madman?

As a concubine-born son not valued by the Tang family, Tang Mingjiang wasn’t without lofty ambitions, but he had temporarily been unable to find support to display his abilities.

This Grand Prince, however, showed him endless hope. Throughout history, assisting a capable and enlightened ruler had been the aspiration of all worthy ministers.

What virtue or ability did he, Tang Mingjiang, possess to encounter such a prince?

With this farewell, he was determined to achieve accomplishments, not to disappoint his lord’s expectations!

Having completed the task the young woman had entrusted him with, Feng Yuan turned and rode his horse back to the residence. Passing by iron shops in the suburbs, he could see Dragon Scale Shadow Guards investigating.

In the geng iron case, all shops related to iron smelting were under strict investigation, so it seemed that the true geng iron furnaces had temporarily ceased operation.

Upon entering the city, he remembered Xiaoying wanted to eat fire-roasted chestnuts, so he decided to walk around the market and buy some snacks to take back.

But just after buying the chestnuts and turning around, he saw a familiar person by the roadside.

Fan Shiqi was standing beside a teahouse, cupping his hands in invitation for the Grand Prince to come sit.

Feng Yuan thought for a moment, instructed Shen Jing to wait outside the teahouse, and followed Fan Shiqi upstairs alone.

But as soon as they entered the private room, before Fan Shiqi could speak, Feng Yuan had already moved with lightning speed, grabbing his throat in one motion.

Fan Shiqi had coldly observed Feng Yuan’s martial arts practice before. From when he first left Desolate Palace, his techniques were fierce but with obvious flaws, to later showing great improvement under Xiao Tianyang’s guidance. Still, Fan Shiqi was confident he could subdue him within ten moves.

This was also why he confidently came to meet Feng Yuan today.

But he forgot that since returning from Jiangzhe, he had never again observed Feng Yuan’s skills. Now, suddenly attacked by Feng Yuan, he felt a cold killing intent approaching, with no time to react before his throat was seized, faintly hearing a cracking sound.

This madman—did he intend to strangle him in broad daylight?

Fan Shiqi knew Feng Yuan was capable of anything, so he could only endure the suffocation, his eyes bulging, struggling to raise the letter in his hand…

Feng Yuan glanced at the envelope, which was clearly in his mother’s handwriting, with “To A’Yuan at Twenty-Five” written on it.

Though he saw it, he still didn’t release his grip, instead extending his leg to fiercely attack Fan Shiqi’s knee.

When the crisp sound of breaking bones came, Fan Shiqi was in too much pain to even let out a scream, merely rolling his eyes, nearly fainting.

By the time Feng Yuan finally released his hand and seized the letter, Fan Shiqi had already collapsed on the ground like a deflated sack, his two legs unable to stand.

He sucked in a cold breath: “Grand… Grand Prince, why do you resort to such violence?”

Feng Yuan lifted the hem of his robe to sit in a chair, coldly looking at Fan Shiqi sprawled on the ground: “Did you think I wouldn’t know it was your handiwork at Yuxiu Village after you incited Wei people to act?”

The man in blue clothes that Fan Shiqi had sent was killed by that Wei young gentleman under Xiaoying’s few provocative remarks, so Fan Shiqi didn’t know the details of what happened in the Yuxiu Village courtyard that day.

He had anticipated Feng Yuan might turn against him, but hadn’t expected him to resort to such violence without even verifying facts.

“What Yuxiu Village? This matter has nothing to do with me!” At this point, he could only deny everything adamantly.

But Feng Yuan remained unmoved, uttering icy words: “Whether it was or wasn’t doesn’t matter. Since I suspect you, you don’t need to live!”

Ten years of imprisonment in Desolate Palace was enough to make one’s heart like iron, understanding the importance of self-preservation.

This Fan Shiqi made him uncomfortable, so there was no need to keep him around!

First crippling his legs, then seeing what message he brought from that “Master.”

Fan Shiqi rolled around on the ground in pain, but still gritted his teeth to say: “Grand Prince, don’t you understand yet? Whether it’s me or the Master, we are merely executors of Lady Ye’s last wishes! No matter how cruel the Master seems to you, it’s all to temper you, to make you worthy of Lady Ye’s entrustment! If you don’t believe it, look at that letter. This… was originally left by Lady Ye for you at twenty-five. But now, as you repeatedly disrupt the Master’s plans, after much consideration, he has decided to deliver this letter to you in advance.”