If someone like Yin Gezhi or Ye Yuqing, with their dignified appearances, had spoken such words, it might have seemed charming and witty. But this man before her… with his drooping eyes, heavy eye bags, and voice that exuded weakness – someone who had overindulged in pleasures – saying such things made even nearby tea-drinking passersby feel uncomfortable. They couldn’t help but cast worried glances at Feng Yue.
What an innocent and pure young lady – how did she catch the eye of such a man?
The pure and innocent lady blinked, bit her lip, twisted her handkerchief, and said softly, “This humble girl lives on Anju Street. We’re not from any grand household, my lord need not concern himself.”
Anju Street? That meant she was at least from a family of some status. Leng Yan particularly disliked those courtesans who threw themselves at him despite their low status. He prided himself on his discerning eye, preferring only proper young ladies from noble families.
This detail had already been written on the note the lantern seller gave to Feng Yue earlier.
So Feng Yue sat with perfect propriety, practically wearing “proper lady” like a crown. She even raised her pinky finger while drinking tea, which pleased Leng Yan immensely.
“In that case, would the young lady care to take a walk with me?” Looking at her lantern, Leng Yan took out his flint and lit it for her, his gaze particularly aloof, carrying an air of arrogance and self-importance as he bestowed this favor upon her.
Turning her head to roll her eyes, Feng Yue faced him again with a gentle smile: “Alright. It’s crowded outside, having my lord’s company would be best.”
Remembering how she had been surrounded earlier, Leng Yan grew more excited and proudly led her toward the crowded areas.
“My lord looks somewhat familiar,” Feng Yue said. “Haven’t we met somewhere before?”
“If I had met you before, I certainly wouldn’t have forgotten,” Leng Yan said, chin raised high. After a moment’s thought, he added, “Though perhaps we crossed paths at some banquet without my noticing.”
“Now that you mention it, I remember!” Covering her mouth in surprise, Feng Yue said, “You’re the Minister of the Imperial Stud, aren’t you? I believe I saw you once at Grand Tutor Li’s birthday celebration.”
“Oh?” Leng Yan smiled. “Then your status must not be low, to have received an invitation to the Grand Tutor’s celebration.”
Smiling sweetly, Feng Yue said, “You seem quite concerned about a lady’s status.”
“Naturally,” Leng Yan said. “I’m in my thirties and still haven’t taken a primary wife because I haven’t found a lady of suitable status. Those trying to marry above their station – I won’t even look at them. I was interested in the Minister of Ceremonies’ eldest daughter, but that woman turned out to be vain and entered the palace. Hmph, with her looks, what good life could she possibly have there?”
Feng Yue raised an eyebrow: “You want to marry a daughter from a family of higher status than yours?”
“Of course,” Leng Yan said. “Otherwise, why would I give her the position of primary wife?”
He glanced at Feng Yue and softened his tone: “You’re very beautiful, ten times more beautiful than the Minister’s daughter. Even if your status isn’t as noble as hers, I could still take you as a concubine.”
From his tone, was she supposed to thank him for this favor? Feng Yue couldn’t help but laugh, using her handkerchief to cover her face as she rolled her eyes.
With her old temperament, she would have beaten up someone like this first and talked later! He kept talking about others trying to marry above their station, but wasn’t he trying to do the same? If someone like this could become Minister of the Imperial Stud, was the Wu Kingdom court running out of capable people?
But now, without the ability to fight, she could only say gratefully: “Thank you, my lord. However, if I may speak frankly, you should be careful.”
“Hmm?” Leng Yan said carelessly. “What do I have to be careful about?”
Sighing, Feng Yue said, “This humble girl has heard much about you at home. Now that the Wei Kingdom hostage holds the Wind-Hearing Decree and is investigating strictly, you shouldn’t get caught up in it.”
Hearing this, Leng Yan’s expression changed dramatically. He grabbed her and pulled her to a less crowded area, frowning as he asked: “You even know about the Wind-Hearing Decree?”
“This humble girl’s father holds a high position at court, so our household receives much news,” she nodded properly. “I mention this only hoping for my lord’s peace and that you avoid getting entangled in disputes.”
His eyes flickered as he thought for a while, then suddenly startled: “Could you be… from the Chief Justice’s family?”
He remembered that Chief Justice Zhao had a beautiful daughter. People had discussed how she would surely gain favor if sent to the palace. Could his luck today be so good that he’d met her by chance?
Smiling faintly, Feng Yue’s gaze grew profound. Without directly answering, she merely nodded to him: “I convey my father’s greetings.”
The Chief Justice and Minister of the Imperial Stud were both among the Nine Ministers, equal in rank, but the Chief Justice held far more power than someone who merely managed horses. Additionally, Chief Justice Zhao was widely praised – his daughter would certainly be worthy of being a primary wife.
Thinking of this, Leng Yan finally grew serious. After returning her bow, he asked gravely: “Has someone reported me to the Chief Justice?”
Looking hesitant, Feng Yue twisted her handkerchief and said: “These matters aren’t for this humble girl to meddle in, but since my lord has shown me kindness today, I’ll share some things in secret.”
“Good!” Leaning closer, Leng Yan looked at her nervously: “Tell me.”
With an extremely careful expression, Feng Yue said: “Father says the Crown Prince is just. Since he discovered Commander Zhao’s corruption case, he certainly won’t let it rest. But many in court are pleading for leniency, saying Commander Zhao has served for many years and deserves consideration for his service, attempting to protect him. In response, His Highness will surely investigate those protecting him as well, perhaps uncovering other matters.”
“Just yesterday, someone sent an anonymous letter to the Justice Department. Father said he was surprised that the Minister of the Imperial Stud, despite his distinguished appearance, would engage in such unsavory activities behind the scenes.”
Leng Yan’s face instantly went pale. He frowned and exclaimed in panic: “Impossible!”
How could his activities have been discovered? He had hidden them so well!
But then again, Zhao Lin had always been careful too, yet he was still caught. In the darkness, was there an eye watching their every move?
But Zhao Lin was someone General Yi wanted to protect – surely he couldn’t stand idly by?
“My lord needn’t worry too much,” Feng Yue smiled. “I heard Father say there were even more letters denouncing City Guard Commander Zhou. If they’re going to investigate, they’ll start with Commander Zhou. You should be further down the list.”
Hearing her casually mention so many officials’ titles and surnames, Leng Yan did not doubt her identity. After pondering for a while, he asked: “Commander Zhou is the City Guard Commander… Even with solid evidence, Zhao Lin’s case hasn’t been settled yet. How does your father plan to investigate Commander Zhou?”
“This humble girl doesn’t know,” Feng Yue shook her head. “Though I heard evidence has been sent to Commander Zhou’s residence, hoping he’ll confess on his own. The outcome remains uncertain.”
Without a conclusion, there was no need to panic. Breathing a sigh of relief, Leng Yan smiled: “Thank you, Miss Zhao. That you would worry so much for me is my good fortune.”
“My lord is too kind,” Feng Yue nodded. “It’s getting late, I should return home.”
“Let me escort you,” Leng Yan quickly said. “I can pay my respects to Chief Justice Zhao while I’m there.”
“That won’t be necessary!” Her heart skipped a beat as Feng Yue forced a laugh. “Father has been busy lately and isn’t receiving visitors. This humble girl must also mind her reputation – it wouldn’t be proper for my lord to escort me home.”
But impropriety was exactly why he wanted to escort her! Leng Yan smiled and grabbed her wrist: “The young lady needn’t worry. My carriage is by the river, it won’t take long to reach Anju Street.”
It wasn’t about how long it would take – it was about her not living on Anju Street at all! Feng Yue gritted her teeth, wondering if she’d have to go knock on Chief Justice Zhao’s door. She probably couldn’t even get past the guards into the Anju Street residences!
But looking at the situation, there was no way to refuse. What should she do? What should she do?
Among the bustling crowd, Leng Yan happily led the “Miss Zhao” behind him, when suddenly someone bumped into him from the side, hitting his hand and causing him to let go in pain.
“Watch where you’re going!” his attendant stepped forward and shouted at the person.
Yin Gezhi lowered his gaze, looking at the attendant calmly.
Leng Yan turned around and saw that ice-cold face. He was immediately dumbstruck and hastily pushed his attendant aside, smiling and bowing: “Prince Yin! What a coincidence, you’re also here to see the lanterns, haha!”
The hair on Feng Yue’s neck stood up as she stared at the man before her, repeatedly making eye signals.
My lord, please be merciful! Don’t ruin her work at this moment! This Leng Yan was on his list of people to frighten, and she was halfway done – it couldn’t all be for nothing!
Yin Gezhi’s expression was unreadable as he stared at Leng Yan for a long while before saying: “Minister Leng is too polite.”
Then he turned to her and said: “Miss Zhao is here too.”
Feng Yue was shocked and gave him a surprised look.
How did he know she was pretending to be Miss Zhao? Had he been following nearby the whole time? Liar! Didn’t he say he was leaving? Was he watching her put on a show?
Grinding her teeth in anger, Feng Yue lowered her head and curtseyed: “Your Highness.”
Looking between them, Leng Yan laughed heartily: “So Your Highness also knows Miss Zhao! What a coincidence!”
“Yes. I have something to discuss with Miss Zhao,” Yin Gezhi said seriously. “Miss Zhao, might I have a word?”
Leng Yan was a sensible person. Seeing the situation, he immediately bowed: “Then I shall take my leave.”
“Safe journey, my lord,” Feng Yue smiled and curtseyed, watching him walk toward the river looking back repeatedly. Only then did she turn to face the man before her with a silly grin: “Hehe!”
Looking at her calmly, Yin Gezhi said: “Miss Zhao is quite capable.”
Feeling an inexplicable chill down her spine, Feng Yue looked around, then grabbed his hand and ran to the small bridge nearby. When they reached a less crowded spot, she whispered: “Wasn’t I doing all this for you, giving my heart and soul?”
The water flowed gently under the bridge, and many young ladies were setting lanterns afloat on the opposite bank. This spot was deserted due to the jagged rocks along the shore. Yin Gezhi glanced at the tattered lantern in her hand, casually fished out a good one from the river, and handed it to her.
“Your Highness,” Feng Yue said with tears in her eyes, “I don’t want a lantern anymore.”