Everyone watched as the Regent appeared here, kneeling respectfully in unison to welcome him. But the words he had just spoken—were they not spoken in front of everyone, defending Feng Jin Yue, and even publicly acknowledging her as the future Regent Consort?
Feng Jin Yue looked at Qi Bei Han, somewhat surprised that he would come to the Jin Manor at this moment.
The Jin Consort approached Qi Bei Han and said, “Since the Regent is here, all matters shall be decided by him.” As she spoke, she invited Qi Bei Han into the viewing pavilion.
Qi Bei Han swept a cold gaze over the crowd, but when his eyes fell upon Feng Jin Yue, they softened immensely.
The Jin Consort, standing beside him, felt uneasy. Though she had accompanied her own prince and considered herself somewhat experienced, every time she encountered the Regent and stood near him, it felt as if an overwhelming pressure was suffocating her. Yet, when he looked at the Feng family’s young lady, there was no coldness in his eyes—only gentleness.
It had to be said, this Feng family’s young lady was truly a stunning presence, and she was indeed a perfect match for the Regent. From the first words the Regent spoke upon his arrival to the way he looked at her now, it seemed that the outsiders’ claims that she was unworthy of him were completely unfounded in the Regent’s eyes.
Jun Yao was filled with displeasure, glaring fiercely at Feng Jin Yue. How could Brother Bei Han scold her because of Feng Jin Yue?
She stood up and approached, suppressing the frustration in her heart, and said in a coquettish tone, “Bei Han, you’re here.” What happened today was so sudden, and it occurred during the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet I organized, so I was a bit anxious earlier. But Lin Xuan died suddenly, and Feng Jin Yue is—”
“Insolent!”
This time, it was not Qi Bei Han who interrupted Jun Yao, but the Jin Consort.
The Jin Consort’s tone was equally stern, “The manor physician has already provided a preliminary conclusion regarding Lin Xuan’s death. Do you think you understand medicine better than the manor physician? Even if the Lin family has objections, it will be up to the coroner to examine the body. It is not your place to make judgments here!”
Qi Bei Han paid no attention to the Jin Consort reprimanding her daughter. He walked directly to Feng Jin Yue, bent down, and reached out to take her hand, helping her up.
Feng Jin Yue looked at Qi Bei Han. Was this guy deliberately causing a scene in public? She tried to pull her hand away, but he only tightened his grip. Fine, it was just holding hands. Ugh… could you please tone down that ambiguous, clingy gaze of yours?
She averted her eyes, refusing to look at Qi Bei Han, and focused on wrapping up the current situation.
“Princess Changle, Lin Xuan is dead and gone. If the Lin family has any questions, they are welcome to come to the General’s Manor.” Feng Jin Yue locked her cold gaze on Jun Yao, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips. “Or perhaps you’d like to listen to another tune and see if it kills anyone?”
Jun Yao clung closely to her mother. “You… stop trying to scare people! “Bei Han brother, look at her—”
“Silence!”” The Jin Consort glared at Jun Yao. When she caught the cold glint swirling in Feng Jin Yue’s eyes—those eyes, so beautiful they seemed otherworldly—the more enchanting they were, the more they exuded danger. She vaguely understood why Qi Bei Han treated Feng Jin Yue differently. Perhaps the two of them were naturally cut from the same cloth.
“Miss Feng, you jest. This girl Yao has been spoiled by her father and me.”
“In that case, the Prince of Jin and his consort should discipline her properly.” Qi Bei Han’s tone was cold as he addressed Jun Yao. “Your father and I are peers, so that form of address from you is inappropriate. I won’t dwell on it further, but have all your lessons in etiquette and decorum been for nothing?”
Having spoken, Qi Bei Han paid no further attention to Jun Yao and directly said to Feng Jin Yue, “I’ll escort you back to the General’s Manor.”
“Given the circumstances, it seems this Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet has lost its appeal. Very well, let’s return.” Feng Jin Yue responded softly. As she was led away by Qi Bei Han, they passed by Jun Yao. She paused, giving Jun Yao a meaningful look and smiling. “To be honest, it’s a pity that piece wasn’t performed to completion. Don’t you agree, Princess?”
Jun Yao was taken aback. Though Feng Jin Yue appeared to be smiling, there was something chilling about it.
The Princess Consort of Jin watched Qi Bei Han leading Feng Jin Yue into the distance, then instructed, “Arrange for everyone to be escorted back.”
“Yes.” The servants of the Jin Prince’s residence, following the consort’s orders, began systematically seeing off the young ladies who had attended the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet.
“Has the person sent to the Lin family not returned yet?”
The elderly maidservant attending the Princess Consort replied softly, “Not yet, Your Highness.”
At this moment, the Princess Consort noticed Jun Yao standing dazed beside her and sternly commanded Jun Yao’s attendants, “Take the princess back. For the next few days, without my express permission, she is not to step foot outside her courtyard.”
“Yes.”
After Jun Yao had left, the elderly maidservant whispered cautiously, “Your Highness, regarding what the Regent Prince said to the princess…”
“The Regent Prince wasn’t wrong. We are peers. If this can make Yao’er give up her infatuation, it might be for the best. Feng Jin Yue is the one the Empress Dowager has chosen to be the Regent Consort.” The Princess Consort said gravely. “I had no idea Yao’er invited Feng Jin Yue here. Even His Highness cannot gauge the depths of the Feng family. None of the Feng family’s descendants throughout the generations have been simple. How can we take the baseless rumors spread by outsiders as truth? And to even contemplate taking action… Today was my first time meeting Feng Jin Yue. Yao’er falls short of her by more than just a little.”
The elderly maidservant spoke carefully, “Your Highness, I gathered some information from a few young ladies. The qin piece Miss Feng performed today—even top qin masters might not surpass it. Moreover, the melody was novel, unlike ordinary compositions. Do you think… could Miss Lin’s death truly be related to Miss Feng’s performance?”
“Remember, without evidence, it didn’t happen. Do not speculate, and certainly do not gossip. Who would believe a musical piece could kill someone? When the Lin family arrives later, let them take the body. If they wish to confront the General’s Manor, that’s their affair and none of our concern. I leave this in your hands. I must go see His Highness.”
“Yes, I understand.”
…
Meanwhile, Feng Jin Yue and Qi Bei Han had left the Jin Prince’s residence together and boarded the Regent Prince’s carriage.
Inside the carriage, Feng Jin Yue shook her hand, which was still held by Qi Bei Han. “Your Highness, may you release it now?”
Qi Bei Han tugged her slightly, indicating, “Sit beside me.”
“Perhaps not, lest we crowd Your Highness.” Feng Jin Yue thought to herself that if he wouldn’t let go, holding hands was still preferable to sitting side by side.
“Are you certain it would be crowded?” Qi Bei Han stated bluntly, “You are my future consort. You should grow accustomed to sitting beside me.”
Feng Jinyue sighed helplessly. Honestly, if it weren’t for long-term considerations, she’d really love to slap this guy flying. She eventually shifted closer to Qi Beihan’s side.
But the moment she moved, the steadily moving carriage inexplicably swayed, causing her to lose balance. Stumbling, she fell toward Qi Beihan. The hand not held by Qi Beihan landed firmly against his chest.
Good grief! If she hadn’t reacted quickly enough and continued falling along that trajectory, she’d have ended up kissing Qi Beihan’s lips…
That was close… nearly lost her first kiss.