The teacup landed on the table with a thud, splashing out a few droplets of tea. The rippling water reflected Zheng Xiangyi’s suddenly darkened face.
“Elder Sister, why mention him? You’re ruining the mood.”
Feng Yue had only intended to do a favor, not expecting such a strong reaction. Her expression turned somewhat awkward for a moment. The consort beside her buried his head even lower, afraid the fire might burn him.
Zheng Xiangyi noticed Feng Yue’s expression and, remembering this princess’s care for her in her past life, softened her tone. “Elder Sister, don’t blame me. Regarding Feng Yu… please don’t get involved. I truly detest him to the core.”
She frowned, not wanting to mention that person again, her eyes filled with obvious disgust. No matter that Feng Yu hadn’t done anything yet, and in others’ eyes, he was merely a somewhat silent prince—Zheng Xiangyi couldn’t forget the betrayal of her past life.
She and Feng Yu hadn’t had an arranged marriage without meeting. Long before the wedding, he already knew what kind of temperament she had. If he couldn’t accept it, why had he actively approached her and spoken those sweet words?
Ultimately, she had been too foolish. She always thought that since Feng Yu looked so much like His Majesty, he would treat her just as well.
But no one was His Majesty.
Feng Yue was long accustomed to her temper and wasn’t angered by her complaints. After all, with Father Emperor indulging her, who in the entire palace wouldn’t yield to her? Being able to hear her explain so softly was rare enough.
“Alright, we won’t mention him then.” Feng Yue skillfully changed the subject. “I heard Father Emperor gave you Cuiwei Villa. Remember to invite us sisters to admire it when you have time.”
Suppressing her anger, Zheng Xiangyi’s lips curved up slightly. “Of course. Elder Sister just wait for my invitation.”
She had originally planned to host a flower-viewing banquet in a few days, inviting all the noble young ladies of the capital. She knew her reputation in the capital wasn’t particularly good. Those ladies were respectful on the surface, but behind her back, who didn’t gossip about her being domineering and lacking proper ladylike manners?
But so what? His Majesty doted on her, loved her; she was second only to one person, above ten thousand others. She would make sure those people saw just how carefree and unrestrained her life was.
Seeing the radiant sparkle in her eyes, proud as a little phoenix, Feng Yue couldn’t help but smile. “Speaking of which, I really envy you, Xiangyi.”
Zheng Xiangyi shot her a light glare. “What do you have to envy? I envy you for being His Majesty’s daughter.”
Unlike her. No matter how close she was to His Majesty, she ultimately lacked that blood connection. A hundred years from now, Feng Yue could be buried in the imperial mausoleum by his side. And herself? She was just a princess. Being raised by His Majesty’s side had already attracted many rumors. To legitimately stay by his side and accompany him into old age would be even more difficult.
Feng Yue, for once, felt a bit comforted by her somewhat sour tone. She lightly fanned herself and joked, “But Father Emperor still likes you the most. Sometimes I really wonder if you, Xiangyi, are Father Emperor’s daughter raised in another household.”
A real princess didn’t live as unrestrainedly as she did.
Zheng Xiangyi tilted her head, the golden tassels of her hairpin brushing her face. “To be honest, I wondered about that too when I was little.”
Who wouldn’t? She had been raised by His Majesty’s side longer than by her own biological father. In her memories, her father would only visit her in the palace during festivals, speaking a few stiff, polite words with a wooden face—unlike His Majesty, who would gently coax her to sleep and personally build a swing for her.
She suddenly laughed. “I even secretly asked His Majesty if I was his daughter.”
Feng Yue asked curiously, “What did Father Emperor say?”
Zheng Xiangyi pursed her lips, picked up the teacup, and drank it all in one go before saying, “His Majesty laughed at me, and the next day, he summoned my father to the palace.”
After she asked, His Majesty covered his mouth with a fist and laughed for a long time before lifting her onto his lap and patiently explaining to her. She still remembered the scent of agarwood incense in his sleeves when he held her.
“Thankfully Father Emperor didn’t go along with you, or I wouldn’t be the only princess now.” Feng Yue couldn’t imagine her usually cold, stern father joking with a child. Perhaps to her, Father Emperor was the Emperor, the sovereign father. But to Xiangyi, he was more like a truly gentle, loving father.
Feng Yue had been jealous before. Not long after Xiangyi was brought into the palace by her father, rumors spread that Xiangyi was actually the daughter born from an affair between her father and the Pingyang Marquis’s wife, but the whispers quickly died down. She vividly remembered that incident. Several talkative concubines suddenly fell ill, and a few outspoken censors at court were swiftly exiled to Lingnan.
Her mother consort was so frightened she chanted sutras day and night, repeatedly admonishing her to treat this ‘sister’ well. Feng Yue grew up somewhat confused, following her mother’s instructions to befriend Xiangyi, which eventually led to her becoming the current Princess Shunning.
It had been a long time ago. Feng Yue chuckled softly, drank the remaining tea in her cup, then turned serious. “Xiangyi, do you know about the memorials from ministers a few days ago requesting the establishment of a Crown Prince?”
Before she could finish, she saw the girl opposite her fall instantly silent.
Zheng Xiangyi stared at the tea leaves in her cup. Naturally, she knew Feng Yue was warning her. A new sovereign brings new ministers. This was even more true for a princess with no blood ties to the imperial family. If she were smart, she should build good relationships with the current two princes, or at least not offend them.
But she was unwilling to bow her head to Feng Yu, even if it was just pretense on the surface.
“Elder Sister, no matter who sits on the dragon throne…” Zheng Xiangyi said calmly, “the only one I will willingly call ‘Your Majesty’ is him.”
She would never acknowledge Feng Yu.
Feng Yue was about to speak again when Zheng Xiangyi interrupted her. “I’ve troubled you enough today, Elder Sister. I have other matters and will take my leave.”
Seeing her resolute gaze, Feng Yue didn’t say more. “Take care, Sister.”
After seeing Zheng Xiangyi off, Feng Yue raised a hand to rub her throbbing temples. The consort beside her, seeing this, quickly stepped forward to massage her. Feng Yue closed her eyes for a moment, then said, “You see? I don’t live as carefree as Xiangyi.”
Without waiting for a response from the consort, she instructed, “Return that set of Yue kiln celadon to the Second Prince. Also, select a jade piece from the manor as an apology.”
She couldn’t help Feng Yu with this matter, but she couldn’t afford to offend him either. She wasn’t Xiangyi and didn’t have that kind of fearless confidence.
Zheng Xiangyi boarded her carriage. Green mountains and clear waters flashed by outside the window. Her expression remained solemn, still pondering what Feng Yue had just mentioned. Ministers submitting memorials to request establishing a Crown Prince—even if His Majesty suppressed it for now, this matter couldn’t be avoided forever. She had issues with Feng Yu, and the Crown Prince was boastful and ambitious; she didn’t have high hopes for either. Unfortunately, His Majesty didn’t have a third prince, and she didn’t have any other choice.
At that moment, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. His Majesty was currently in his prime; it wasn’t impossible for him to have another prince.
Once this idea surfaced, it seemed to take root, impossible to erase. Zheng Xiangyi knew His Majesty wasn’t particularly fond of women. He hadn’t visited the concubines in his harem for a long time. But if His Majesty wanted to cultivate a qualified prince anew, would he…
A secret ache spread in her chest. Zheng Xiangyi had never been jealous of Feng Yue or jealous of his two princes. But the thought of him being intimate with other women again, having children he valued more, made the tightness in her heart impossible to dispel.
“Your Highness, we’ve arrived.”
Hearing Muqin’s voice, Zheng Xiangyi could only temporarily suppress her thoughts and get off the carriage with her support. A eunuch with a clean-shaven face had already come forward, bowing obsequiously. “This servant, He Fang, pays respects to Your Highness.”
“Rise.” Zheng Xiangyi responded lightly, her gaze sweeping over the kneeling eunuchs and maids behind him. This respectful welcome reminded her of the gossip circulating throughout the capital: that Princess Deyi enjoyed such high favor, even a real princess couldn’t compare.
Her mood improved somewhat.
“This servant is the chief steward of Cuiwei Villa. Your Highness, please command anything you need.” He Fang led the way while stealing glances at her expression. Seeing the Princess looking at the garden scenery, her expression gradually becoming pleased, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Having grown up in the palace, Zheng Xiangyi’s standards were extremely high. Yet even she had to admit Cuiwei Villa was exquisitely maintained, its scenery beautiful and refined, a style completely different from the majestic, imposing imperial palace.
Arriving at the peony garden, Zheng Xiangyi suddenly stopped. Amidst layers upon layers of peonies, a double-petalled Weizi bloomed particularly splendidly, radiant under the sunlight.
“Who is in charge of maintaining this garden?” she asked.
He Fang quickly pushed forward a trembling young eunuch. After the other kowtowed and answered, Zheng Xiangyi nodded slightly. “Skillful work. A reward.”
Muqin deftly took out a gold leaf. The young eunuch, overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, knelt to receive the reward, making He Fang beside him gaze with envy. He had served at Cuiwei Villa for most of his life and never received such a reward. This young eunuch was fortunate to have caught the Princess’s eye. Immediately, his smile towards Zheng Xiangyi grew even more ingratiating.
“Dig up that Weizi peony and send it to His Majesty.” Zheng Xiangyi pointed at the flower and instructed. Such a beautiful flower—His Majesty should see it too.
She personally watched the young eunuch dig up the Weizi peony with its entire root system and soil, transplanting it into a celadon flowerpot, before feeling reassured enough to move on to the next area.
Passing through a lush, verdant covered walkway, the group arrived at the main residence, Yanxi Hall. Pearl curtains, sandalwood screens, gilded Boshan censers—everywhere bore traces of meticulous arrangement. A slight smile touched Zheng Xiangyi’s lips. The furnishings in this room were all to her liking; clearly, His Majesty had specifically ordered it to be redecorated.
“Will Your Highness have the meal served?” Muqin estimated the time and asked softly.
Zheng Xiangyi nodded slightly. He Fang immediately ordered the servants to prepare. Before long, kitchen staff filed in, setting out a large table filled with various dishes. She glanced over them—they were all dishes she favored in the palace. Even these minor details, His Majesty had remembered for her.
A warmth spread in her heart. She picked up her chopsticks and took a slice of fish. It melted in her mouth, tender and flavorful. He Fang stood by, diligently serving her, chattering about the fish’s origin and cooking method, though the corner of his eyes kept darting towards her, clearly hoping she would be pleased and reward him with a gold leaf too.
Zheng Xiangyi took two bites. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his ingratiating manner and suddenly lost her appetite, setting down her chopsticks.
He Fang’s voice abruptly cut off. He fell to his knees with a thud, trembling. “Is the food not to Your Highness’s taste? This servant deserves death! I’ll have the kitchen redo it immediately!”
“Get up. It’s not your fault.” She waved a hand.
She was just… missing His Majesty.
In the past, in the palace, she had almost eaten and lived with His Majesty. His Majesty had a gentle nature and always indulged her during meals. Over time, her palate had become extremely particular. Later, after His Majesty passed away, the imperial kitchen still prepared meals according to the old ways, but it never tasted the same again. She had thrown several tantrums over this, and imperial chefs were replaced one after another, but it was ultimately futile.
It seemed that after His Majesty left, she was suddenly stripped of her elevated status as the princess and returned to her original self. No one indulged her anymore; even Feng Yu no longer yielded to her or pampered her. All her willful, unruly traits were unleashed at once; her temperament grew increasingly moody and unpredictable. By the time the Noble Consort entered the palace, she was completely isolated and abandoned.
Feng Yu said she was willful and capricious. But didn’t she know that herself? It was just that when His Majesty was around, no one ever asked her to change, and she didn’t want to change.
Why change? Those who loved her could naturally tolerate all of her. Those who didn’t love her—would they stop betraying her if she changed?
The meal was tasteless. Under He Fang’s fearful expression, Zheng Xiangyi had Muqin reward him with a gold leaf.
Watching He Fang kowtow, overwhelmed by the favor, she made up her mind. After hosting the flower-viewing banquet in a few days, she would move back to the palace, only coming here occasionally for leisure. Staying outside the palace permanently, unable to see His Majesty’s face every day, was something she absolutely could not bear.
Meanwhile, in the Purple Heaven Hall, the icy atmosphere had almost solidified into a tangible presence.
Eunuch Gui cautiously entered carrying tea, almost stumbling under the oppressive mood that hit him the moment he stepped in. The Emperor on the high seat closed a memorial with a snap and looked expressionlessly at the minister kneeling below. His voice carried a chill. “I am not dead yet, and you are already thinking of deceiving your superiors.”
Eunuch Gui immediately lowered his head further, trembling alongside the minister below. No one expected the prefect of Cangzhou to be so brazen as to abuse his power and embezzle the farmland the court allocated to disaster victims. And the prefect of Cangzhou happened to be the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle.
Feng Jue closed his eyes. Just a few days ago, there were still memorials requesting the establishment of the Crown Prince as heir apparent. Now they had the audacity for this. If the Crown Prince truly became the Crown Prince… he dared not imagine how greedy these people would become.
“Investigate.” He ordered coldly, his fingertips tapping a dull sound on the desk. “Find out exactly how many people were involved. Get to the bottom of it.”
The minister trembled all over, almost smelling blood in his dazed state. He knew all too well that even the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle would not be spared by His Majesty.
Only after the minister, soaked in sweat, retreated did Eunuch Gui dare step forward with the tea, holding his breath, not daring to make a sound. Having served His Majesty for many years, he knew well that although his master was usually gentle, once enraged, corpses would pile up and blood would flow for miles.
Feng Jue, his face pale, picked up a brush to review memorials, his brows furrowed so tightly it seemed etched into his bones.
Calm your mind, steady your breath. He recalled the imperial physician’s advice, but the fury in his chest refused to subside. His brush moved faster and faster, the strokes becoming connected towards the end.
He rarely became so angry. He was deeply disappointed in the Crown Prince. If he couldn’t even control his own relatives, how could he be entrusted with the throne? As for Feng Yu, thinking of Xiangyi’s rejection and disgust, he subconsciously excluded him from consideration.
At that moment, someone suddenly reported from outside the door: Princess Deyi had sent a Weizi peony into the palace.
Only then did Feng Jue’s brush pause. He let out a long sigh and said, “Bring it in.”