Feng Jin Yue raised her eyes to meet his gaze, their eyes locking. She hadn’t noticed how close he had gotten all of a sudden. Damn it, sometimes she really suspected that the man before her wasn’t an ordinary mortal at all. That face, those eyes—they nearly destabilized her Dao heart as a cultivator, leaving her dazed.
As for Qi Bei Han’s appearance, how could an ordinary person possibly look like that? Looking at him reminded her of a legendary existence—the Qingqiu fox immortal!
Subsequently, she calmly averted her gaze, not wanting to give the impression that she was bewitched by his masculine charm.
Seeing that Qi Bei Han was already certain, Feng Jin Yue simply admitted frankly, “Yes, I admit it was me who saved you at Tianshan. But do you really think anyone would believe such a story if it were spread?”
“Why would I spread it? Matters between you and me are no concern of others.”
“In that case, my lifesaving favor for you was settled at Tianshan when you gave me that dagger forged from celestial meteorite iron. It would be best for you and me to go our separate ways, like bridges and roads that never cross.”
“Do you think that’s possible?” As Qi Bei Han spoke, he sat back down in the bamboo chair.
“Are you referring to the Empress Dowager’s decree arranging our marriage? Since you came today to convey her oral edict summoning me to the palace for an audience tomorrow, then…”
“The Empress Dowager’s decree will not be revoked. This marriage is inevitable.” Qi Bei Han stated firmly, “Why not sit down and let’s discuss it.”
“Discuss?” Feng Jin Yue chuckled lightly, “Discuss the benefits of us getting married?”
“Shouldn’t we?” Qi Bei Han countered.
Feng Jin Yue sat down nearby, “Then please enlighten me, what benefits could possibly be worth my anticipation?”
“For example, freedom. I won’t question why you appeared at Tianshan or any other places. Or when you need to do certain things, to avoid being questioned, you won’t need to have your maid disguise herself anymore. As my consort, no one would dare interfere in your affairs.”
“Really?” Feng Jin Yue tested.
“Am I the kind to break my word? However, as the Regent Consort, our necessary public cooperation cannot be lacking.”
Feng Jin Yue thought to herself that her reluctance to marry stemmed entirely from avoiding trouble. But given her parents’ expectations, they would undoubtedly insist she marry an ideal husband. If she didn’t marry Qi Bei Han, this matter would continue to cause trouble in the future. If things were truly as Qi Bei Han described, this marriage might indeed be quite favorable.
She fixed her gaze on Qi Bei Han and said, “Your Highness, as the Regent, you’re truly going to great lengths for state affairs. From what you’ve described, this marriage alliance sounds quite good. Naturally, regarding the cooperation you mentioned, I will coordinate perfectly with you. You don’t interfere with my matters, and I won’t meddle in your affairs—any of them.”
Hearing Feng Jin Yue’s words, which seemed motivated purely by the ‘benefits’ he offered, Qi Bei Han couldn’t help but feel that if someone else had made the same promises to her, she would have agreed without hesitation. This thought caused his tone to cool slightly, “Fine! As for your parents—”
“Your Highness need not worry, I will make things clear to them. But speaking of which, regarding the agreement between you and me in this matter, shouldn’t we have a more…”
“Do you take me for the kind of man who goes back on his word?” Qi Bei Han interrupted Feng Jin Yue before she could finish, rising to his feet and stepping in front of her. “Very well, I shall seal this vow with a handshake!”
Feng Jin Yue showed no hesitation, and the two sealed their agreement with a clasp of hands, the pact thus formed.
Qi Bei Han said no more, only stating, “Tomorrow I shall personally come to escort you to the palace for an audience with the Empress Dowager.” With those words, he departed without further delay.
Qian Zhu, who had been waiting outside, rushed in as soon as she saw the Regent leave, her voice filled with concern. “Miss, are you… are you alright?”
“Perfectly fine,” Feng Jin Yue replied with a laugh. “Not just fine—I’ve actually resolved some matters.”
Though puzzled by her mistress’s evident delight, Qian Zhu couldn’t ignore the Regent’s displeased expression as he had left. “Miss, are you truly alright with the Regent?”
Feng Jin Yue answered plainly, “Set your mind at ease. Besides, I’ve already agreed to the marriage alliance. What trouble could there be?”
“Ah—” Qian Zhu was utterly stunned.
Just then, Feng Yi, Su Tang, and Feng Lingze, who had arrived at the doorway, overheard this exchange. Feng Lingze immediately hurried to his younger sister’s side, asking anxiously, “Little sister, what… what’s going on? Could it be that the Regent has—”
Feng Jin Yue cut off her brother’s wild speculations. “Second Brother, don’t overthink it. We simply had a proper discussion and reached an agreement.”
Su Tang approached, taking Feng Jin Yue’s hand as she said gently, “Yue Er, is it truly settled? Not for any other reason?”
Feng Yi added, “Yue Er, if you don’t wish to marry, then don’t. Don’t worry about the difficulties we might face in petitioning the Empress Dowager to revoke her decree—leave that to us.”
Feng Jin Yue shook her head, answering earnestly, “Father, Mother, it’s not like that. After speaking in detail with the Regent, I’ve come to see that marrying him is actually quite agreeable. Tomorrow he will come to escort me to the palace so we may together have an audience with the Empress Dowager.”
Su Tang raised a hand to gently stroke her daughter’s cheek, her voice soft. “Yue Er, remember—no matter what, you will always have us, and the Feng family, behind you.”
“Mm.” Feng Jin Yue nestled her cheek against her mother’s palm, nuzzling it briefly before leaning into her embrace. Silently, she vowed: As long as I am here, the Feng family will always remain secure.
…
In the study of the Regent’s residence.
Qi Bei Han’s gaze fell upon the intelligence report on his desk, which contained a detailed account of everything that had transpired in the Qian family that day.
He lifted his eyes to Liu Ying and Liu Shang, his voice cold as he asked, “Tell me—is the prospect of marrying me truly so devoid of appeal?”
Liu Ying and Liu Shang, standing to the side, were taken aback by their lord’s question. Exchanging a glance, Liu Ying ventured cautiously, “Countless noble ladies across the land admire Your Highness. To be able to marry you would bring them immeasurable joy—how could anyone—”
“She is not one of them.”
“She?” Liu Ying and Liu Shang immediately understood whom he meant.
They had, after all, met this young lady of the Feng family. That day at the Feng family’s Hot Spring Villa, when they saw her, there was no doubt—in terms of appearance and bearing alone, she was the first woman in all their years serving the prince who seemed a perfect match for him.
Yet, even so, this was the first time they had witnessed their lord express such personal interest in any woman.
Lost in thought, Liu Shang said softly, “Your Highness, the Empress Dowager’s sudden decree for marriage came unexpectedly. Miss Feng has long resided at the Feng Family Manor, detached from worldly affairs, and is thus unfamiliar with Your Highness. Once you spend more time together, things will surely improve.”
“Enough, you may both withdraw.”
Liu Ying and Liu Shang acknowledged the order and took their leave.