Jiang Fei chased after the direction Wei Ciying had left and finally spotted the two of them in a secluded spot.
They stood half a meter apart, sheltered from the wind, making it impossible to hear their conversation. But as their emotions grew increasingly agitated, their discussion escalated into an argument.
Crouching behind a thicket, Jiang Fei saw Wei Ciying seemingly unwilling to prolong the entanglement and turn to leave. “Pei Jing” grabbed Wei Ciying’s wrist, and the two immediately began struggling.
To be honest, Jiang Fei was still somewhat afraid. She had an instinctual dread of Pei Jing, mainly stemming from the book’s descriptions of him.
After all, she remembered vividly how Pei Jing had killed someone during a palace banquet in the book. Throughout history, aside from the emperor, she couldn’t think of anyone else who would dare do such a thing.
Fortunately, Wei Ciying was here. In the book, Pei Jing never killed anyone in front of Wei Ciying. Moreover, Pei Jing’s current favorability toward her was twelve, so he probably wouldn’t kill her.
Thus, this was the perfect opportunity to build a good relationship with Wei Ciying.
Having made up her mind, Jiang Fei leaped out from behind the bushes and declared loudly, “Let her go!”
The struggling pair froze in surprise as Jiang Rufei rushed over in quick strides and pushed Wei Mingzhen.
Wei Mingzhen stumbled back two steps from her push, stunned. “What are you doing here?”
“None of your business.” Jiang Fei glanced back at Wei Ciying and asked with concern, “Are you alright?”
Wei Ciying had no idea where she had come from. “Ah? I’m fine.”
“Good.” Not wanting to linger, Jiang Fei took Wei Ciying’s hand and said, “Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Wei Mingzhen blocked her path. “Since when do you have the right to interfere in our affairs?”
“Can’t you see she’s unwilling? Why are you pulling her?”
“What’s it to you if I pull her?” Wei Mingzhen snapped angrily.
This was his family matter. Was Jiang Rufei insane? Why was she jumping in?
Steeling herself, Jiang Fei retorted, “Since I’ve seen it, I can’t just stand by. Besides, I’m her future sister-in-law. What’s wrong with me protecting her?”
Wei Mingzhen’s eyes widened. When had he ever said he would marry her? How dare she presume to call herself Wei Ciying’s sister-in-law?
“You’re not even married into the Marquis’s household yet, and you’re already meddling in family affairs! What would happen if you actually married in?”
“We’ll be family sooner or later. Of course I should intervene.” Jiang Fei stubbornly held her ground.
Wei Mingzhen: “…”
As the two faced off, a palace maid hurried over.
“The banquet is about to begin. Please, honored guests, take your seats.”
If it weren’t for the inauspiciousness of missing the banquet’s auspicious timing, Wei Mingzhen would have loved to thoroughly debate this with her.
He, her own brother, was disciplining his sister. What right did this so-called future sister-in-law—whose status wasn’t even confirmed—have to interfere?
Wei Mingzhen flung his sleeve and strode away.
Jiang Fei sighed in relief watching his retreating figure and immediately comforted Wei Ciying, “Don’t be afraid.”
Wei Ciying smiled at her. “It’s fine. I’m not scared of him anyway.”
True. Since Pei Jing liked Wei Ciying, he wouldn’t lay a hand on her.
At least in the book, during the period when Pei Jing imprisoned Wei Ciying out of jealousy, he never forced himself on her. Instead, he provided her with the finest comforts, granting her every wish.
“You’re Jiang Rufei, my future sister-in-law,” Wei Ciying said.
Jiang Fei felt a bit embarrassed by the address. “That was just a slip of the tongue earlier. I’m not even married into the family yet.”
“You’re truly beautiful.” Wei Ciying looked her over. “My third brother is a lucky man.”
Jiang Fei gave a dry laugh. “Let’s hurry back.”
“Alright.” Wei Ciying linked arms with her as they walked back. “I like my future sister-in-law. If you marry into our family later, we can keep each other company.”
She spoke with such sincerity that Jiang Fei felt slightly guilty.
Her intention to marry Wei Mingzhen was precisely because of Wei Ciying – she planned to frame her according to the novel’s plot afterward.
Having too strong a moral compass wasn’t good; even minor matters could easily stir guilt.
Jiang Fei forced a smile. “Your brother doesn’t seem very satisfied with me. This marriage might not happen.”
“It definitely will.” Wei Ciying looked at her seriously. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law. Though Third Brother is somewhat cold-natured, he values promises above all. Since our families have a marriage arrangement, he will certainly marry you.”
When they returned to the banquet, the seats were nearly full.
Jiang Fei took her seat. Several rows of people sat in front of her, presenting many dark-haired napes.
She tilted her head to peer through the gaps between people. Wei Ciying had already taken her seat, but…
Wait!
Jiang Fei’s heart leaped violently, almost making her stand up.
She stared fixedly at the person beside Wei Ciying – it was “Pei Jing.” How had “Pei Jing” ended up sitting next to Wei Ciying again? Was he planning some misconduct?
Where was Wei Mingzhen? How could he feel at ease leaving such a wolf beside his sister?
Suddenly, a eunuch’s shrill voice echoed through the hall.
“His Majesty arrives—Her Majesty the Empress arrives—”
Jiang Fei quickly lowered her head and joined the crowd in performing the kneeling ceremony.
When she looked up again, the Emperor and Empress had taken their seats.
The Emperor wore bright yellow dragon robes, his expression indifferent, his eyes like still ancient wells revealing neither joy nor anger. The Empress smiled gently, dressed in magnificent golden-peony phoenix robes, appearing graceful and noble.
The Emperor raised his hand to the crowd. “Rise. Today is the Empress’s birthday, an auspicious occasion. My ministers need not be so restrained.”
After speaking, his gaze swept over those below, a faint displeasure in his eyes as he withdrew it.
The Empress said, “Today marks my birthday. I am deeply honored that various princes, ministers, relatives, and nobles have taken time to attend. May everyone enjoy themselves fully at today’s feast, celebrating this fine occasion together, and may our Great Zhao prosper abundantly.”
The Empress raised her wine cup, clinked it with the Emperor’s, and drank it all in one go.
The ministers immediately cheered: “We congratulate Her Majesty the Empress on boundless blessings and longevity! May our Great Zhao prosper abundantly!”
Music suddenly swelled as dancers gracefully entered, swirling their sleeves in dance. The guests toasted one another, wine shimmering in their cups.
Watching the dancers in the performance area, Jiang Fei understood why everyone wanted to be emperor—she wanted to be one too.
If she became empress, she’d have a group of male dancers with eight-pack abs dance for her, and she wouldn’t allow them to wear shirts.
Suddenly, a eunuch’s announcement sounded at the entrance.
“Zhaoning Wang arrives—”
The dancers abruptly parted down the middle, and the previously lively hall instantly fell silent.
Zhaoning Wang? What the hell? Wasn’t Pei Jing sitting beside Wei Ciying?
Jiang Fei’s heart trembled, a wave of bad premonition washing over her. She jerked her head toward the entrance.
A man in dark brocade robes walked in slowly, the golden thread patterns on his hem shifting in the candlelight.
“How lively it is here.”
Pei Jing walked with a measured, unhurried pace, the gilded dragon-patterned scabbard at his waist lightly tapping against his jade belt. Each crisp sound seemed to strike the spines of everyone present.