Jiang Xingzhou looked at Feng Yi, who was not only sleeping with her back to him but also trying to shrink as far into the corner of the wall as possible, and found himself laughing despite his anger.
Had he spoiled her too much? To dare turn the back of her head to him—this was simply turning the natural order upside down.
Yi Yi, come here, he called softly. Closer to me.
Well, he had gone against her wishes, so it was only right that she was angry. Why should he bicker with his own woman?
Don’t talk to me, Feng Yi curled herself even tighter, her voice muffled beneath the silk quilt. I don’t want to speak to you right now.
The sight of her, all huddled like a cat, made Jiang Xingzhou’s heart soften. If she would not come to him, he would go to her. He drew her into his arms and pressed gentle kisses to the fair, smooth skin at the nape of her neck, doing all he could to soothe this poor little thing.
Feng Yi’s body went rigid. She wanted to remind him of the wound on his back, but the words rose to her lips only to be forced back down—she was truly too angry to care. Biting her lower lip, she fell silent and continued to shift further toward the inner side of the bed.
For every foot she moved away, he followed a foot; for every inch she pulled back, he pressed closer an inch. Whenever she tried to wriggle free, he would let out a soft, sharp breath as if in pain, hoping to tug at her heartstrings.
If they kept this up, his wound would surely split open for real. With a sudden jerk, Feng Yi turned over to face him. Her almond-shaped eyes glowed bright and piercing in the dim light, locking straight onto his. Why?
Have I not already said it? I did not want you to overexert yourself, Jiang Xingzhou replied with a faint smile, trying to keep his tone calm.
I do not wish to hear such empty excuses, Feng Yi cut him off.
Her gaze was so clear and sharp that it illuminated all the hidden shadows within him, leaving nowhere for them to hide. Deciding to stop hiding his true feelings, Jiang Xingzhou let his possessive, obsessive desire rise to the surface of his eyes, and the gentle smile on his lips slowly turned wicked.
He leaned in closer, paying no mind to the risk of tearing open his wound. Pressing his forehead to hers and touching nose to nose, their breaths mingled. His hand had somehow come to rest at the back of her neck, holding it lightly but firmly—enough to keep her from pulling away.
Yi Yi, you are mine, he said in a low, deliberate voice, each word clear and commanding, completely at odds with his handsome and refined face. Your body, your smile, your tenderness, your charm, your allure—every part of you belongs only to me.
I will never allow any other man to see you, draw near you, or touch you. If anyone dares, I will not be able to stop myself from killing him, no matter who he is.
Feng Yi let out a soft laugh. She intertwined her fingers and ran them slowly upward from his abdomen, moving in the most teasing manner possible. Then perhaps His Lordship should build a gilded cage and lock me inside it.
After all, there are far too many men in this world—the servants and guards in your household, the strangers walking the streets. What if one of them catches sight of me?
Her fingertips drifted up to his throat, tracing slow circles over the pulse there. And let us not forget, you must also guard against women. There are quite a few who prefer their own kind, are there not?
Jiang Xingzhou’s expression shifted instantly. His arm slid around her waist and pulled her tight against him. The worst of his wounds on his shoulder split open, and fresh blood seeped through to stain his undergarment. He seemed not to notice. Leaning in, he ran his tongue slowly over her lips, wondering how such soft, sweet lips could utter words so sharp and cutting. Yi Yi, must you really drive me to madness like this?
Hah! Feng Yi scoffed lightly. She pressed her fingers a little harder against his throat, her smile both seductive and icy. Is it not you who is trying to drive me out of my mind, Lin Yuan?
She pulled her hand back, her tone unchanged. Jiang Xingzhou, you truly are a damned scoundrel. You break every promise you make.
Looking as if she were deeply hurt, she placed her hands on his shoulders as if to push him away—but the moment her fingers touched the sticky dampness, her eyes widened in alarm. Your wound has opened! Why did you not say anything?
I thought… you did not care, he replied, his voice carrying a faint, hurt edge.
Who said I care about you? Feng Yi sat up and climbed over him to light the lamp. I am only worried you will stain my bed.
Jiang Xingzhou smiled silently in the warm golden glow of the lamp. Such a contrary woman—her words might be sharp at times, but why did they only make him want to cherish her all the more?
Feng Yi kept her face stern as she cleaned his wound, applied fresh medicine, and wrapped it up again. When they lay back down, both fell silent, by mutual agreement letting the earlier quarrel drop as if it had never happened. She curled up quietly against his side, and he gently tucked the quilt around her shoulders.
When she was a child, her grandmother had kept a fierce little black dog. Her grandmother had given her a stick and some bones, and taught her: strike it once, then give it a bone.
Feng Yi lowered her eyes and smiled faintly to herself. Jiang Xingzhou—will you end up wearing down all my edges, or will I be the one to tame you? Only time will tell. We shall see how it goes.
Jiang Xingzhou was always extremely perceptive. Even the slightest shift in her breathing did not escape his notice. His long lashes fluttered open, and he looked down at her, pretending to be fast asleep. She was growing bold indeed, daring to challenge him.
His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his eyes darkened. The restlessness deep within him surged forth honestly. What was he to do? Seeing her plotting and scheming in secret made his desire ache painfully. When would her wounds ever fully heal?
Before dawn broke, Jiang Xingzhou rose to prepare for court. Seeing that Feng Yi made no move to acknowledge him, he decided not to disturb her and began dressing himself. Yet every time he moved, the pull on his back caused him to let out a soft, involuntary hiss.
Unable to bear it any longer, Feng Yi threw off the covers and sat up. With a blank expression, she fastened the jade buttons of his official robe and tightened the leather belt. She picked up his formal hat, said nothing, and simply gestured for him to lower his head.
Jiang Xingzhou complied readily. Once the hat was securely in place, he stepped back half a pace, the corners of his mouth lifting into his most charming smile—sure enough, he caught the look of admiration in her eyes.
Feng Yi looked him over openly. The deep purple robe suited him perfectly, making him appear tall and imposing, radiating nobility and authority. His handsome face bore a deliberately tempting smile, impossible to look away from.
It is still early. You may rest a while longer, she said. He had been traveling day after day, and dark shadows lingered beneath her own eyes as well.
Then why did you hiss just now, Your Lordship? Feng Yi asked, glaring at him in exasperation.
If I did not make a sound, how would I know if my wife… still cares for me? He showed no embarrassment at being caught out, wearing the look of a shameless rogue.
Who is your wife?
Whoever answers, he replied, reaching up to brush her cheek. Where have you arranged to meet Princess Rui? Once I finish my duties, I will come to collect you.
Nothing ever escaped his notice. The invitation had only arrived the previous evening, and he was already aware of it.
At the House by Reflection Lake, she answered.
When Feng Yi woke again, it was already late morning. The constant travel and emotional turmoil had truly drained her, and she had slept deeply.
Liu Yun brought warm water, her manner respectful. This servant will help you wash and dress, Miss.
I can manage on my own, Feng Yi replied, still unaccustomed to having others attend to her every need. After washing away the last traces of sleepiness, she asked, Where is Liu Zhu?
Liu Zhu has already returned to the estate, Miss. Steward Wu says she will now work there as an instructor, teaching crafts and skills.
That is just as well—let her make use of her talents, Feng Yi said, setting down her towel. She turned to face Liu Yun, asking once more to be sure. And you? Have you truly made up your mind to follow me? The road ahead for me may not be smooth.
Yes, Miss, Liu Yun immediately knelt. This servant will serve you faithfully until my last breath.
There is no need to speak of death, Feng Yi said, stepping forward to help her up. Stand up. From now on, my own safety and well-being will be in your hands.
Rest assured, Miss. Liu Yun spoke with firm resolve. I shall not shrink from any danger.
The name Liu Yun sounds rather transient and unsteady, Feng Yi mused. Would you allow me to give you a new name?
I would be honored, Miss.
Feng Yi thought for a moment. Ting Yun—Resting Cloud. From now on, your name shall be Ting Yun. It implies calmness and stability.
Thank you for the new name, Miss. Ting Yun began to kneel again, but Feng Yi stopped her with a smile.
No need for such formalities. I do not stand on ceremony here.
After breakfast, Steward Wu brought in ten young maids of similar age and neat appearance, asking Feng Yi to choose as many as she wished.
As Feng Yi carefully asked each of them about their skills and strengths, she finally understood why Steward Wu had originally chosen Liu Zhu—apart from her expertise in martial arts and medicine, she was highly capable in nearly every other field as well, a true all-rounder.
After observing and questioning them, Feng Yi selected three who seemed genuinely willing to follow her and showed good sense. The first, with a steady gaze and skilled at managing household affairs, she named Shi Yu—Timely Rain. The second, always with a warm smile and talented in cooking, was named Xian Jiu—Leisurely Wine. The third, sharp-eyed and well-versed in figures and calculations, was named Yan Huai—Expressing Thoughts.
All three bowed in gratitude, and with that, the staff for Feng Yi’s quarters began to take shape.
The House by Reflection Lake stood beside the Silver and Gold Lake in the eastern part of the city, known for its quiet beauty and complete privacy. It had pavilions built right over the water, where opening the windows offered a view of distant mountains, as well as a selection of decorated boats of various sizes suitable for leisurely rides and feasts.
Yue Ming had reserved a medium-sized boat, just large enough for two or three close friends to sit and chat undisturbed.
When Feng Yi arrived, Yue Ming had not yet come. She sat alone in the waterside pavilion to wait. The willow branches, already long and trailing in the early summer breeze, brushed lightly against the water’s surface, sending out gentle ripples. It was a peaceful enough sight to keep her from growing bored.
Yet before she could meet Yue Ming, an unwelcome guest arrived first.
Miss Feng Liu, it has been some time. How have you been? Nie Wenxuan approached, fanning himself and striking a pose of self-assured charm, before offering a formal bow.
From a distance, he had seen the graceful figure of a woman seated in the pavilion. He had not expected, upon drawing near, to find an old acquaintance—the woman who had almost become his wife, only to be snatched away publicly by Jiang Xingzhou right in the middle of their wedding ceremony.
Nie Wenxuan hated Feng Yi, but he hated Jiang Xingzhou even more. Both of them had cost him his pride and reputation. Worse still, Jiang Xingzhou had gathered evidence proving he had abused and even killed his previous wives and concubines, and had presented it to his great-uncle, Grand Tutor Nie. As a result, Nie Wenxuan had been placed under strict supervision ever since, no longer free to indulge his cruel and licentious ways.
Master Nie Si, it has indeed been a long while, Feng Yi replied, rising to return the greeting with calm grace. Beneath her composed expression, however, her eyes held a cold and deadly intent. What was he doing in the capital? Then it dawned on her—the twentieth day of the sixth month marked Grand Tutor Nie’s seventieth birthday, so he must have come to the city for the celebrations.
Miss Feng, why are you here alone? Is the Marquis of Jing’an not accompanying you? Nie Wenxuan took a step closer, crossing the line of proper distance, his gaze roaming over her in a leering, lingering manner.
Mind your manners, sir, Ting Yun warned, shifting slightly to place herself between him and Feng Yi, her hand resting firmly on the hilt of her sword.
Feng Yi did not retreat even a single step. She even lifted her chin slightly, her tone remaining light and unruffled. Today is not a holiday or day of rest. Why is Master Nie not at his official duties, but instead finding time to wander by the lake?
Nie Wenxuan choked on his words, his face darkening instantly. He held no official rank at all, so how could he attend court? Gritting his teeth, he said, It has been several years since we last met, and Miss Feng has grown far sharper of tongue. Does she rely so heavily on the Marquis of Jing’an’s protection?
Yet I have heard that he was publicly flogged in the palace just yesterday. I wonder how long this so-called favor from the Emperor will last, and how much longer he can keep you safe?
That is no concern of yours, Master Nie, Feng Yi replied, smiling sweetly. The Marquis knows exactly what he is doing. After all, matters of state and court are things you and I both understand equally little.
It was a clear jab, mocking him for being as ignorant and powerless as any woman. A vein pulsed at Nie Wenxuan’s temple, and his anger flared. You—
Yi Yi, a clear, pleasant voice rang out just then, cutting him off.
Feng Yi turned and bowed in proper court etiquette to the finely dressed woman walking toward her. This humble woman, Feng Yi, greets Princess Rui.
Nie Wenxuan had no choice but to suppress his rage and bow as well. This commoner greets Your Highness.
Rise, Yue Ming said with a wave of her sleeve. She stepped forward to take Feng Yi’s hand, then turned to Nie Wenxuan. I wonder what Master Nie and my Yi Yi were speaking of just now. From a distance, it seemed you were growing quite heated.
Nie Wenxuan bowed his head even lower. Nothing of importance, Your Highness. Merely running into an old acquaintance and exchanging a few pleasantries. I would not wish to disturb your enjoyment of the day. This commoner takes his leave. With that, he turned and hurried away.
Feng Yi’s gaze remained fixed on his retreating back. Sooner or later, she would make sure he paid—for Mian Mian, for the two girls from her family, for A Rui, and for all the other young women he had harmed and destroyed.
Do not worry, Yue Ming patted her hand gently. He will not enjoy his freedom for much longer.
Only then did Feng Yi look away and turn to her friend. Three years had passed, and Yue Ming was still breathtakingly beautiful—her eyebrows sharp as drawn swords, eyes bright as stars, lips naturally red without paint, combining a bold, spirited air with radiant grace. She was her heroine, her beloved friend, and truly too good for that ruthless man Xiao Chengyu.
What is it? Yue Ming raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. After three years apart, have you forgotten what I look like?
Yue Liang, Feng Yi broke into the most genuine and bright smile she had shown since returning to the capital. She stepped forward and embraced her tightly. I have missed you so much.