Qi Shuwan noticed that Feng Jin Yue’s expression remained calm and composed from start to finish, showing no fluctuations. At such a young age, she could control herself so well—truly remarkable. Speaking of which, outsiders only made presumptions about her; how could they know that as the legitimate daughter of the Feng family, she would never be inferior?
Feng Jin Yue met the Empress Dowager’s gaze, which had been fixed on her all along, and responded directly to the earlier remarks, “Not everything may turn out as Your Majesty says. Therefore, it would be best if Your Majesty does not think too highly of me, lest you be disappointed in the future.”
“I trust my own judgment.” A faint smile graced Qi Shuwan’s lips as she spoke calmly, “I had already decided long ago that you were the only suitable candidate for the position of Regent Consort. Seeing you in person today only reinforces my belief that you and my younger brother are a perfect match. Your union would be most fitting.”
“A perfect match?” Feng Jin Yue thought to herself. She and Qi Bei Han had only known and interacted with each other for a few days—how could anyone already determine they were well-suited?
Without evasion, she spoke bluntly, “The marriage between the Regent and me is essentially a political alliance. If we could set such matters aside and meet our destined partners, marrying the one we truly love, I imagine even the Regent would not desire this marriage. Don’t you agree, Your Majesty?”
Qi Shuwan looked at Feng Jin Yue and smiled faintly, “Oh? How do you know you are not his destined one, the one he truly favors? I heard him say with my own ears that he feels a connection with you. Before this, he never even had a maidservant attending to him closely, let alone heard him speak of having a connection with any young lady.”
Feng Jin Yue immediately recalled that the so-called “connection” was merely because she had saved Qi Bei Han at Mount Tian. As for her agreement, it was entirely due to the benefits Qi Bei Han had proposed, which aligned perfectly with her intentions. Their marriage was a political alliance, a prearranged agreement with no other implications.
From the Empress Dowager’s words, it seemed Qi Bei Han had not disclosed the details of her saving him at Mount Tian. Moreover, since she and Qi Bei Han had already reached an understanding—that the marriage would proceed—there was no need for her to elaborate further. She casually agreed, “Your Majesty is right.”
Qi Shuwan could easily tell that Feng Jin Yue was merely being perfunctory. However, she reflected that when she had sent someone to the General’s Manor yesterday to summon Feng Jin Yue to the palace today, her younger brother had volunteered to go in person. This indicated that the matter was already settled. If Feng Jin Yue had still wished to refuse the marriage, Feng Yi and Su Tang would surely have requested an audience with her after the summons yesterday, seeking to have the imperial edict revoked.
At this point, she spoke to Feng Jin Yue with earnest sincerity, “Indeed, it cannot be denied that my decision to arrange your marriage was based on political considerations. However, I have never been swayed by external opinions. I genuinely approve of you as my sister-in-law.”
Hearing the Empress Dowager’s unexpected words, Feng Jin Yue replied with a serious expression, “Since Your Majesty has spoken so frankly, I understand clearly.”
Her audience with the Empress Dowager today made it evident to everyone in the court and beyond that, barring any sudden changes, her marriage to Qi Bei Han was set in stone. The Empress Dowager’s goal had been achieved: the Qi and Feng families were now bound together through marriage, forming an inseparable alliance. No one could feign ignorance of the situation or still believe that the young emperor was too inexperienced to secure the throne.
For Feng Jin Yue, since she and Qi Bei Han had married, according to their agreement, they would cooperate with each other in all matters, ensuring everything went smoothly and both parties benefited.
At this moment, inside the Ning Shou Palace, Feng Jin Yue was chatting with the Empress Dowager about various topics, with no intention of stopping or letting her leave anytime soon.
After a while, Qi Shuwan said, “It’s almost time for lunch. Why don’t you stay and join me for the midday meal?”
What could Feng Jin Yue say? She could only agree.
Following that, Qi Shuwan instructed her personal maid, “Lan Ruo, go to the Imperial Study and inform the Emperor and the Regent to join me for lunch in my palace.”
“Yes, I will go right away,” Lan Ruo responded and promptly left the hall.
For now, Feng Jin Yue decided not to rush to leave the palace. She leisurely picked up the cup of tea from the small side table and took a sip. Although this tea couldn’t compare to the Spirit Tea she cultivated herself, it was, after all, a tribute tea reserved for imperial use, far superior to ordinary tea.
Qi Shuwan glanced at Feng Jin Yue and said, “This tea is a tribute from Jiangnan. Do you like it?”
“It’s quite good. Everything in Your Majesty’s palace is naturally of the finest quality.”
“The world is vast, with countless novelties. Speaking of tea alone, if we’re talking about the very best, it would have to be the ‘Misty Rain Spirit Tea’ from the ‘Elegant Pavilion’ in the capital. Drinking a cup not only refreshes the mind and dispels fatigue but also strengthens the body. I wonder where they found such an exceptional tea.”
Feng Jin Yue responded with a smile, “Listening to Your Majesty, it does sound remarkable.”
About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the maid the Empress Dowager had sent to the Imperial Study had been gone for a while.
Suddenly, Feng Jin Yue’s sharp hearing detected footsteps approaching. Soon, two figures entered through the palace door. She recognized Qi Bei Han, and beside him was a child of about ten. Though he wore casual attire, the embroidery on his clothes depicted nine soaring dragons—there was no doubt he was the young Emperor.
They say “a nephew resembles his uncle.” Though this young Emperor was not yet ten, his appearance was strikingly handsome, a true little heartthrob! Although he was still young, with the guidance of the Empress Dowager and the Regent behind him, plus the support of her Feng family, his future ascension to the throne and rule over the empire would be absolutely secure.
As they approached, Feng Jin Yue stood up and bowed. “Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and the Regent.”
Jun Yan walked up to Qi Shuwan and bowed. “Your son greets Mother Empress.”
Qi Bei Han, standing to the side, also performed the proper courtesies and respectfully addressed her, “Empress Dowager.”
Qi Shuwan said calmly, “There’s no need for such formality. Here in my palace, there are no outsiders. Everyone should relax and not be too restrained.”
Jun Yan turned to look at Feng Jin Yue, studying her for a moment before asking his mother, “Mother Empress, this sister is so beautiful, and her attire is extraordinary, just like the fairy in the painting in your palace. You said there are no outsiders here, but why have I never seen her before?”
Feng Jin Yue wouldn’t get carried away by the praise of a ten-year-old. Without hesitation, she said, “Your subject is Feng Jin Yue.”
Jun Yan thought for a moment and then said, “Oh, I remember now. You are the legitimate daughter of Old General Feng, the wife Mother Empress chose for Uncle. After you and Uncle marry, you will be my aunt.”
‘Aunt’? When these two words reached Feng Jin Yue’s ears, being called ‘aunt’ so abruptly, she nearly spat out blood in shock. Good heavens, this little emperor is really straightforward.