Consort Shu Yao couldn’t lower herself to flatter a junior, and Feng Qin also knew his mother held a grudge against Xiangyi. He could only take matters into his own hands, going to her palace for several consecutive days.
This day was sunny. Zheng Xiangyi was admiring flowers in the garden with Ruowei when she unexpectedly ran into Feng Qin again.
Feng Qin wore a pale blue outer robe and waved to her from afar with an amiable smile. “Xiangyi!”
Zheng Xiangyi’s smile faded, and she turned to leave, cursing inwardly at the bad luck. These past few days, no matter where she went, she seemed to run into him. He was like a persistent fly she couldn’t shake off.
Feng Qin quickly caught up and asked, “Where are you going, Xiangyi? I happen to be free today and can accompany you.”
Who needed his company? Zheng Xiangyi turned around angrily. “Is Elder Brother really that idle? If you have time, why not read a few more books? His Majesty said last time your policy essay wasn’t up to standard!”
Feng Qin awkwardly glanced at the palace maid beside her, annoyed that she brought up his rejected policy essay again. But having a favor to ask, he could only continue smiling apologetically. “Studying shouldn’t be done behind closed doors. I’m just out for a walk, observing the people’s conditions.”
Hmph, observing the people’s conditions? If he truly cared about the commoners, why would he be so anxious to plead for the Cangzhou Prefect?
Zheng Xiangyi asked directly, “What exactly does Elder Brother want? I have to bring snacks to His Majesty later. If you don’t say it now, don’t come looking for me in the future.”
Feng Qin quickly grabbed her, lowering his voice. “Good Xiangyi, who doesn’t know Father Emperor dotes on you most? Just put in a good word for me, plead for mercy for my uncle. From now on, whatever you want, I’ll get it for you.”
So it was about this matter. Zheng Xiangyi pushed him away, speaking righteously, “No. His Majesty hasn’t slept well for days because of this. I won’t plead for those people.”
“But he’s my biological uncle!” Feng Qin said urgently. “Xiangyi, I’ve treated you well since childhood, haven’t I? Such a small favor, and you won’t help?”
As the eldest prince, he was used to throwing his weight around, often putting on elder brother airs with his younger brother Feng Yu. Even his mother rarely defied him. If Zheng Xiangyi weren’t so deeply favored by Father Emperor, he would never lower himself like this.
But Zheng Xiangyi remained unmoved. “He’s your uncle, not mine. I only listen to His Majesty. His Majesty wants to execute him; what does it have to do with me?”
Others feared Feng Qin’s status, but she wasn’t afraid at all. At least between her and Feng Qin, His Majesty would definitely protect her.
Moreover, she thought Feng Qin was truly foolish. His Majesty only ordered the execution of the Cangzhou Prefect without implicating him or Consort Shu Yao. If he were smart, he should decisively distance himself from his uncle, then weep and plead guilty to His Majesty, saying he failed to restrain his relative. That way, His Majesty might pity him a bit more.
But if he really had brains, in her previous life, he wouldn’t have let Feng Yu overtake him despite having every advantage.
Feng Qin’s face flushed red with anger. He knew Zheng Xiangyi was spoiled and willful, fearless, but he didn’t expect her to show no face at all, speaking so harshly. What’s more frustrating was that, insulted like this, he didn’t even dare say a harsh word, afraid she would immediately report to Father Emperor.
Zheng Xiangyi straightened the sleeve he had tugged, saying indifferently, “If Elder Brother has nothing else, I’ll leave first.”
Feng Qin watched her swaggering departing figure, his expression gradually darkening.
“Just a Princess. Wait until I ascend to the crown prince position…”
As he spoke, he turned around but unexpectedly saw someone standing under a tree, startling him—upon closer look, it was Feng Yu.
He immediately switched to a gentle smile and walked over, asking, “When did Second Brother arrive? Why not greet your elder brother?”
Recently troubled by his uncle’s matter, seeing Feng Yu only added to his displeasure. Earlier, they both wrote policy essays. His was rejected by Father Emperor, while Feng Yu received praise. He knew his only advantage over his younger brother was family background. But if his uncle was executed, even that advantage would vanish.
Feng Yu looked apprehensive, cupping his hands respectfully. “Just now, seeing Elder Brother speaking with Xiangyi, I didn’t dare interrupt. Please don’t blame me, Elder Brother.”
Feng Qin remembered Zheng Xiangyi never treated Feng Yu well either, so some of his own embarrassment dissipated.
He patted Feng Yu’s shoulder, his tone magnanimous. “Xiangyi was in a hurry to bring snacks to Father Emperor. Otherwise, you could have seized the chance to speak a few words with her and improve your relationship.”
Feng Yu smiled bitterly. “Thank you for your concern, Elder Brother. It’s just that Xiangyi… probably doesn’t want to see me.”
He really couldn’t figure out where he had offended Zheng Xiangyi. Now, the entire palace knew she disliked him. Though no one dared discuss it openly, those subtle glances always made him feel uncomfortable.
But thinking about the good show he just witnessed, he felt a bit schadenfreude. So, it wasn’t just him always being picked on by Zheng Xiangyi—Feng Qin, who always put on elder brother airs, didn’t fare any better in front of her either?
And Feng Qin’s thoughts at the moment unexpectedly aligned with his. Compared to Feng Yu, Xiangyi’s attitude toward him was indeed much better! Smiling, he reached out and slung an arm over Feng Yu’s shoulder, deliberately leaning most of his weight on him.
“Your elder brother was just thinking of discussing the policy essay from a few days ago with you,” Feng Qin said with a laugh, though a cold undertone lurked in his words. “Really didn’t expect you, usually so quiet, to hide such skill, even earning Father Emperor’s praise.”
Feng Yu, pressed down, slightly bent his waist. He lowered his eyes, replying modestly, “Elder Brother overpraises. It was just better luck, that’s all.”
“Oh?” Feng Qin’s tone shifted, becoming increasingly sarcastic. “Then I really should get closer to you, Brother, to also share in this ‘good luck’ of yours.”
Feng Yu remained silent, not responding.
Feng Qin continued leaning on him, half-pushing, half-carrying, as they slowly walked away, step by step.
…
Arriving outside Zichen Hall, Zheng Xiangyi happened to see the hall doors open from inside. Several ministers in official robes walked out, their expressions grave. Upon seeing her, they quickly cupped their hands and bowed:
“Greetings, Princess.”
Recently, ministers were almost daily being kept behind for reprimands in Zichen Hall. Zheng Xiangyi watched this, though somewhat sympathetic toward these court officials, she couldn’t help feeling fortunate she was just a Princess, not one of His Majesty’s ministers. His Majesty’s treatment of his subjects was indeed harsh, almost heartless.
She gestured for Ruowei to wait outside the hall and carried the food box in herself. Sure enough, His Majesty was bent over the desk, writing swiftly. Eunuch Gui stood by with his head bowed, quiet as a quail.
“Your Majesty!” She walked up briskly, sitting down casually beside him without ceremony, and placed the food box on the desk.
Hearing her voice, Feng Jue looked up. Seeing it was her, his stern features immediately softened, and he said gently, “You came later than usual today.”
“It’s all Feng Qin’s fault,” Zheng Xiangyi pouted, not hesitating to tattle. “He keeps blocking my way these past few days, so annoying.” She didn’t care that Feng Qin was the eldest prince. Since he annoyed her, she naturally had to speak up.
She tugged Feng Jue’s sleeve, muttering, “You must do something about him, don’t let him bother me anymore.”
A flicker of coldness passed through Feng Jue’s eyes. He knew perfectly well why Feng Qin frequently pestered Xiangyi.
Truly regressing, foolish beyond measure.
He lowered his gaze to see Xiangyi stubbornly tugging his sleeve, refusing to let go, and couldn’t help smiling. Raising his hand, he ruffled her hair, his tone indulgent. “Alright, I won’t let him bother you anymore.”
“Your Majesty is the best!” Zheng Xiangyi said with a smile, opening the food box and gently pushing the exquisite pastries inside toward him. “I knew you’d forget to rest once you got busy, so I specially made some pastries. Try them quickly.”
Feng Jue had indeed been busy for half a day, barely sipping any tea. Only now, pausing his brush, did he feel some hunger and fatigue. His gaze softened as he looked at her, saying warmly, “It’s touching that Xiangyi always remembers me like this.”
Zheng Xiangyi’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she lifted her chin with a hint of pride. “Of course. In this palace, I’m clearly the most considerate, right? Your Majesty must treasure me well, don’t let others bully me.”
Feng Jue watched her spirited look—like a little peacock spreading its tail before him—and couldn’t help smiling, going along with her words. “Yes, Xiangyi is the most considerate.”
Standing to the side, Eunuch Gui watched, the corner of his eye twitching, feeling a pang of envy. When His Majesty got busy, he usually ignored everything. In the past, when Eunuch Gui cautiously asked if he should arrange a meal, he’d even received cold stares. Now, with Princess Deyi, it became being a considerate “little padded jacket.” Sigh, comparing people really is infuriating.
After finishing the pastries, Zheng Xiangyi quietly sat nearby, watching Feng Jue handle state affairs. He never avoided letting her come into contact with these court matters. Even when she was little, if he was in the mood, he would sit her on his lap and patiently explain the meaning of official documents word by word.
Looking at the familiar handwriting on the memorial, she suddenly looked up and asked, “Didn’t you already issue the imperial edict? Why are people still continuously submitting memorials pleading for mercy?”
Feng Jue set down his brush, explaining calmly, “This matter involves wide connections and concerns a prince. Some always want to fish in troubled waters, testing my bottom line.” His gaze swept over several memorials with different handwriting on the desk. “After all, I currently only have two princes. Feng Qin holds the status of eldest son and has built support in the court over the years. Naturally, he has his followers.”
As he spoke, a flicker of almost imperceptible disappointment passed through his eyes. In the past, he deliberately allowed things, intending to temper Feng Qin’s ability to handle affairs. He didn’t expect it would instead make these people develop bigger appetites and lose their sense of propriety.
Zheng Xiangyi thought of Feng Qin’s self-righteous appearance and lightly snorted. “He doesn’t seem like your son at all.”
Whether in her previous life or this one, Feng Qin was just a fool full of himself, arrogant and conceited in her mind. She never looked up to him. As for Feng Yu, although she still resented his betrayal in her previous life, she had to admit he was meticulous, knew how to bide his time, and was far more suitable to inherit the throne than Feng Qin.
Such words from someone else would be blatant overstepping. But Feng Jue only shook his head lightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “He is indeed far behind Xiangyi.”
Although he felt Feng Qin was currently still inadequate, he hadn’t completely given up on this son. After all, Feng Qin was still young. Perhaps with strict discipline, he might change for the better in the future.
“Then…” Zheng Xiangyi hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, “Has Your Majesty considered Feng Yu?”
She clearly remembered that in her previous life, it was after the Cangzhou case erupted that His Majesty gradually shifted his attention toward Feng Yu. And Feng Yu indeed lived up to his expectations, step by step showing potential to inherit the throne. She even once suspected that when His Majesty so firmly opposed her marriage to Feng Yu back then, besides disapproving of their relationship, was there another deeper meaning—he didn’t want her to become the empress?
Perhaps from the very beginning, His Majesty only hoped she would marry an ordinary nobleman, living a stable, wealthy life, never wanting her to be drawn into harem conflicts.
Eunuch Gui nearby kept his head deeply bowed, wishing he could shrink into a ball. Matters concerning the heir apparent—all civil and military officials only dared to probe indirectly. Indeed, only Princess Deyi dared to ask so directly.
Feng Jue remained silent for a long time, looking at her with complex emotions, and finally sighed softly. “Doesn’t Xiangyi always dislike him?”
“I do dislike him. I hate him to death.” Zheng Xiangyi said sullenly. “But this time, I’ll listen to you. No matter who you ultimately choose, I’ll stay by your side.”
Even if in this lifetime His Majesty still favored Feng Yu, she wouldn’t complain again. Anyway, she absolutely wouldn’t get together with Feng Yu again, wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of her previous life. Compared to Feng Yu ascending the throne, she’d rather not see His Majesty favor other women and have other children.
She called him “Daddy,” so he was her “Daddy” alone, could only dote on and love her. She was the “daughter” he verbally acknowledged. Even without that thread of blood, she was still the closest to him. In this lifetime, no one could separate them again.
Zheng Xiangyi grasped his hand, saying stubbornly, “They all call you Father Emperor. Only I call you ‘Daddy.’ So you can’t ignore me, can’t abandon me, and even more, can’t let me suffer grievances.”
Feng Jue gazed at her. The girl’s eyes were stubborn, filled entirely with his reflection. The hand holding his was so tight.
He reached out and gently stroked her cheek. Zheng Xiangyi nuzzled against his palm, smiling at him with curved eyes.
“Rest assured, I won’t let Xiangyi suffer any grievances.”
This was the child he raised with his own hands, the one who occupied all his emotions and dreams. How could he bear to ignore her?
Translator’s Note:
郡主 (Jùnzhǔ) — often translated as Commandery Princess or County Princess.
This title is usually granted to the daughter of a prince, imperial relative, or a high-ranking noble.
It is lower in rank than a Princess (公主).
The female lead holds this title.