The next morning, in Feng Jin Yue’s courtyard of the Grand General’s estate.
Feng Jin Yue sat before the dressing table, watching Qian Zhu through the bronze mirror as she styled her hair. “Still thinking about yesterday? I already told you, it wasn’t your fault.”
“But, Miss, you originally intended to break off the engagement.”
“The reason I didn’t want to marry was because it was troublesome. Qi Bei Han saw through some of it, but he didn’t use it to threaten me. Instead, he negotiated with me. We reached an agreement, so Father and Mother won’t have to worry or exhaust themselves trying to persuade the Empress Dowager to revoke the decree. In the long run, marrying into the Regent’s Manor will bring more advantages.”
Qian Zhu lowered her head and whispered, “The Regent is unfathomable, this servant…”
Feng Jin Yue was well aware that Qi Bei Han was far more complex than he seemed, but she was not intimidated. She turned to Qian Zhu, cutting her off firmly, “Don’t worry, stop overthinking it. Focus on dressing me.”
“Yes.”
Soon, her hair and attire were complete.
Feng Jin Yue rose and went to her parents’ courtyard to join them for breakfast.
After the meal concluded in silence, a maid stepped forward with a rinsing bowl for them to cleanse their mouths.
Once they had washed their hands, tea was served, and they drank.
Feng Jin Yue noticed her parents had been glancing at her intermittently since the meal began and were still doing so, not drinking their tea. Setting down her cup, she asked, “Father, Mother, what is it? Is my attire unsuitable today? Since I’m entering the palace later, should I change?”
Feng Yi stated earnestly, “Our Yue Er looks beautiful in anything. This outfit is perfectly appropriate; no need to change.”
Su Tang’s tone was gentle and concerned, “Yue Er, once you see the Empress Dowager in the palace today and agree to this marriage, there will be no turning back.”
“Father and Mother know me well—once I’ve made a decision, I never waver.”
On this point, Feng Yi and Su Tang were quite clear; it was true.
Feng Jin Yue continued, “I understand that you wish for me to marry a suitable husband and keep my marriage free of complications. But in matters of fate, no one can say for sure. When I first heard the news, it felt too sudden, and I didn’t think it through—I simply didn’t want to marry. However, upon reflection, getting along with him isn’t bad, and this alliance is mutually beneficial.”
After saying this, Feng Jin Yue smiled and added, “Besides, isn’t it said that countless women wish to marry the Regent? Speaking of Qi Bei Han himself, he should be quite the ideal son-in-law in your eyes, shouldn’t he? Please don’t worry.”
Su Tang reached out and caressed Feng Jin Yue’s cheek, full of affection. “You—”
At that moment, a servant entered from outside. “Sir, Madam, the Regent has arrived at the main gate of the Grand General’s estate.”
“Father, Mother, I shall take my leave for the palace now.” Without delay, Feng Jin Yue headed straight out of the estate.
Feng Yi and Su Tang watched her retreating figure. Feng Yi sighed softly, “The Regent is an excellent son-in-law, and this marriage alliance, though orchestrated by the Empress Dowager for political reasons, undeniably benefits both sides. But now that Yue Er has agreed, she will have to face many challenges in the future…”
“The master once told me that Yue Er is intelligent, far more mature and steady than children her age since she was little. At times, he even felt he couldn’t quite see through her. Since Yue Er has made her decision, we should set our minds at ease and support her. No matter what she may face in the future, the Feng family will always be her support.”
“Mm,” Feng Yi responded gravely.
Meanwhile, Feng Jin Yue had just stepped out of the Grand General’s residence when she spotted the carriage from the Regent’s Manor waiting nearby. As she approached, the attendant standing beside the carriage bowed respectfully and said, “Miss Feng, please board the carriage.”
As soon as Feng Jin Yue entered the carriage, her gaze met that of Qi Bei Han, who sat upright and composed. She immediately addressed him as “Your Highness.”
After she took her seat, the carriage traveled through the streets, heading toward the imperial palace.
“Once we enter the palace, someone will guide you to Ning Shou Palace for an audience with the Empress Dowager.”
Hearing Qi Bei Han’s calm and indifferent tone, Feng Jin Yue asked, “Will Your Highness not be accompanying me?”
“The Empress Dowager has summoned you, not this prince. I have official matters to attend to in the Imperial Study.”
“Oh,” Feng Jin Yue replied casually.
Qi Bei Han observed her sitting quietly beside him, showing no intention of engaging in further conversation.
“Don’t you wish to ask what you should pay attention to when meeting the Empress Dowager?”
“I’m well-versed in palace etiquette and protocols. As long as I follow them, what could go wrong?” Feng Jin Yue replied coolly. “We agreed on this yesterday, Your Highness. You need not worry.”
After she spoke, another prolonged silence filled the carriage.
Qi Bei Han thought to himself, Is it really so difficult for her to speak a few more words with me?
The journey from the Grand General’s residence to the palace took some time, and it was unclear exactly where they were when the carriage finally came to a halt. An attendant outside reported, “Your Highness, the Empress Dowager’s attendants are here to escort Miss Feng to Ning Shou Palace.”
Without hesitation, Feng Jin Yue stepped out of the carriage. At the same time, Qi Bei Han’s cold voice echoed from inside, “Escort Miss Feng properly to see the Empress Dowager.”
The four palace maids chorused, “Yes.”
Once the Regent’s carriage departed, they bowed respectfully and said, “Miss Feng, please follow us.”
The imperial palace was the domain of the royal family. For ordinary people—or even noble ladies of the capital—being summoned by the Empress Dowager and entering the palace for the first time would naturally cause anxiety. But Feng Jin Yue paid it no mind, let alone felt nervous, and simply followed along.
After winding through various paths, they finally arrived at the main entrance of Ning Shou Palace.
The four maids stepped aside, and another palace maid emerged from within to guide Feng Jin Yue inside.
With a cold gaze, Feng Jin Yue observed her surroundings. She had to admit, the Empress Dowager’s palace was extraordinary, and the rules here were indeed numerous.
Entering the inner hall, Feng Jin Yue saw the figure seated in the central position. Her attire and aura left no doubt—she was the very embodiment of the Empress Dowager’s status. Feng Jin Yue knew that the Empress Dowager was Qi Bei Han’s elder sister. Having imagined her appearance based on Qi Bei Han’s strikingly handsome features, she expected the Empress Dowager to be no less captivating. Yet, seeing her in person completely overturned her expectations.
Feng Jin Yue stepped forward, curtsied, and paid her respects. “Your subject, Feng Jin Yue, pays homage to the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager enjoy boundless blessings and peace.”
“Rise and be seated.”
“Thank you, Empress Dowager.” Feng Jin Yue performed the courtesies flawlessly before moving to a side seat and sitting down.
Qi Shuwan gazed at the young woman before her. Dressed in a moon-white gown with a white jade plum blossom hairpin adorning her hair, she exuded an air of elegance and grace. When Qi Shuwan had first received her portrait, she had been struck by the subject’s beauty. Now, seeing her in person, she was even more stunning—a true celestial beauty whose charm far surpassed that of any painting.
“I have long wished to meet you, but as your health has been delicate, you have been recuperating at the Hot Spring Villa far from the capital, hence I never summoned you. Now that we have met, I find you truly exceptional.”
Feng Jin Yue responded directly, “Your Highness flatters me. Perhaps after further acquaintance, you may not think so.”
“Is that so?” Qi Shuwan chuckled lightly and said, “Or perhaps the more we interact, the more favorable my impression will become.”