Feng Lingze, seeing the situation, immediately stepped in to ease the tension, saying, “Your Highness, you exaggerate. My younger sister merely thought of how busy you are with state affairs, which is why she spoke that way. How could she not be delighted to travel with you?”
“Is that so?” Qi Bei Han retorted, directing his question squarely at Feng Jin Yue.
In recent years, whenever Feng Jin Yue left the Hot Spring Villa, she would change or conceal her identity to avoid unnecessary trouble. Even if Qi Bei Han had suspicions earlier, he had no proof, so it would go no further. She met his gaze with a calm expression and said, “As long as Your Highness doesn’t mind our carriage being slow.”
“No matter. Since your carriage is already prepared, I trust you won’t mind if I ride along.”
At these words, Liu Ying and Liu Shang, standing to the side, exchanged startled glances. Their lord never shared a carriage with anyone—yet here he was, making such an offer voluntarily. This was…
Feng Lingze was equally taken aback, while Feng Jin Yue replied without hesitation, “Of course not. In fact, there’s something I’d like to discuss with Your Highness.”
Since Feng Jin Yue and her second brother were already set to depart, they saw no reason to delay and invited Qi Bei Han to join them in the carriage.
Soon, the coachman set off at a brisk pace.
The interior of the carriage was spacious, comfortably accommodating all three passengers.
Feng Lingze glanced at his younger sister, then discreetly observed the Regent. He had only encountered him in court before and knew well of his decisive, ruthless methods. This private interaction was a first, and sitting together in the carriage felt like being trapped in an icy abyss—piercingly cold.
Qi Bei Han sat upright in the center, his eyes fixed on Feng Jin Yue as he cut straight to the point. “You wish to discuss the Empress Dowager’s arranged marriage?”
Seeing that he was not one to beat around the bush, Feng Jin Yue responded in kind. “Precisely. I assume the Regent has no interest in this marriage either?”
“Oh? And how would you know whether I am interested or not?”
“When news of the Empress Dowager’s intention to arrange a marriage first spread, public opinion was in an uproar. No one viewed it favorably. Now that the decree has been issued, even without much thought, one can guess the direction of the discussions.”
Feng Jin Yue continued earnestly, “Your Highness, consider this—they aren’t wrong. Since childhood, I’ve been frail and sickly. My parents and brothers have always indulged me, leaving me inexperienced in worldly matters. Although I’ve recovered now, I’ve never endured hardship or fatigue. I fear I am ill-suited to bear the title of Regent Consort.”
“From the very beginning, you were the only candidate the Empress Dowager selected as my consort. Her decree cannot be retracted based on such reasoning alone,” Qi Bei Han replied, his tone even and unreadable.
“Hence, we must discuss this. Think about it—between the two of us, we barely know each other beyond mere names. Before today, we hadn’t even met. There’s no connection between us; we are practically strangers. Your Highness, do you truly believe a marriage between us is suitable? As for the Feng family, with your insight, you understand our standing perfectly. Why must our union be the binding tie? What are your thoughts, Your Highness?”
Qi Bei Han’s gaze remained locked on Feng Jin Yue, taking in her every nuance. It was as if her entire being screamed “I do not wish to marry him.” He frowned slightly and remarked, “Judging by your demeanor, you are exceedingly unwilling to become my consort.”
“As if the Prince wanted to marry me either.” Feng Jin Yue immediately retorted. Stop, hold on—even if he did want to, it still wouldn’t be possible. Although this guy was so handsome it was “an outrage to gods and men,” and quite to her liking, getting married would only hold her back from so many things. She had no time to be the Regent Consort.
“But this Prince has never said he didn’t want to either.” Qi Bei Han met Feng Jin Yue’s beautiful eyes and continued, “You just said that before today, we had never met and had no connection. However, this Prince doesn’t see it that way. When I saw you at the villa entrance earlier, I felt you were exactly the same person who rendered me an enormous favor yesterday.”
Hearing Qi Bei Han’s words, Feng Jin Yue wondered what basis he was using to judge. Where did he get such sharp insight to be so sure they were the same person? Her heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained calm as she said lightly, “Your Highness must be joking. Yesterday, I was at the Hot Spring Villa, as everyone knows. How could I possibly be the one who helped Your Highness? Second Brother, isn’t that right?”
Feng Lingze, who had been silent until now, immediately chimed in, “Your Highness, my younger sister was indeed at the Hot Spring Villa the entire time. It’s truly impossible.”
“No matter. Whether you admit it or not is unimportant. This Prince knows in his heart what is true.”
Feng Jin Yue’s mouth twitched slightly. Damn, what the hell do you mean you know in your heart? “Your Highness misunderstands. How can one admit to something that isn’t true? Your Highness, let’s return to the main subject!”
Qi Bei Han noticed the fleeting subtle expression on Feng Jin Yue’s face and said leisurely, “Although the Empress Dowager has issued the decree of marriage, the wedding date has not been set. This is to allow us more time to get acquainted. The Empress Dowager said people need interaction, which is why she ordered this Prince to accompany you back to the capital today.”
“Your Highness and I have not the slightest emotional foundation. What do you mean by this? Could it be that Your Highness actually intends to marry me?”
“This Prince has never been close to any woman. Others won’t do, but if it’s you, it’s acceptable.”
Holy shit. Feng Jin Yue felt as if she had been through a storm, utterly bewildered. Here she was, trying to discuss ways to annul the marriage with Qi Bei Han, and instead, the conversation was veering further off track.
Seeing Feng Jin Yue fall completely silent, Qi Bei Han said seriously, “The Empress Dowager’s decree of marriage is meant to form an alliance and to make the world see the situation clearly. Its significance is profound.”
“Your Highness is telling me that this matter is not open for discussion. Even if I return to the capital and my parents intervene, it won’t change the Empress Dowager’s decision.”
“Are you so unwilling to marry this Prince?”
“Indeed, I’m not very interested.”
Although Feng Lingze knew his younger sister didn’t want this marriage, the person sitting before them was someone countless noble ladies in the capital and throughout the land admired. Yet, to his younger sister, he wasn’t the least bit cherished. Especially hearing his sister say these words so bluntly in front of the Regent Prince, he coughed abruptly and softly called out, “Little Sister.”
Seeing her second brother’s reaction, Feng Jin Yue added, “Does Your Highness have an interest in this marriage?”
“Previously, perhaps not. But now, it seems quite agreeable.” Qi Bei Han’s gaze rested on Feng Jin Yue as he spoke unhurriedly.
Hearing Qi Bei Han’s words, Feng Jin Yue glanced at him and said straightforwardly, “I suppose Your Highness finds me agreeable solely because you’re convinced I’m the person who helped you greatly. But the truth is, I’m not.”
Qi Bei Han said firmly, “Yes, I do not deny it. The reason you mentioned does spark interest, but you must understand one thing: from the day the Emperor ascended the throne, our marriage was destined and unchangeable. It was only a matter of when the imperial decree would be issued.”
“…” Feng Jin Yue was speechless, sighing inwardly: If I had known there would be such coincidences, I wouldn’t have saved you. I should have let you die on Tianshan Mountain. Then I wouldn’t have to deal with all this trouble. You should be grateful your mother gave you such an exceptionally handsome face