When Zhang Fengyun arrived, he looked powerful in armor and a cloak.
Now, he was being forced to kneel on the ground by Mo Fuqing, who stepped on his legs. He looked messy and embarrassed.
Mo Fuqing moved so fast that the guards didn’t even have time to react.
They hesitated, unsure if they should help.
Hua Yun shouted, “Third brother! The Princess saved your mate before!”
The guard stopped.
Zhang Fengyun was furious. Even the townspeople were supporting Xi Qingqing now.
He still tried to act proud, hoping the guards would help him.
Instead, one guard calmly asked, “Town Leader, are you okay?”
Before he could answer, Xue Xi hit him in the mouth with a wooden board.
Blood appeared immediately.
Every time Zhang Fengyun tried to speak, he was hit again.
Slap after slap, he couldn’t even finish a sentence.
Xi Qingqing watched coldly.
Zhang Fengyun wanted to destroy her reputation and take control.
It was a good plan—but he failed.
Instead, he gave her the perfect chance to win people’s support.
After many hits, his face became swollen, and he finally stopped resisting.
“P-Princess… I was wrong…” he said with difficulty.
Xi Qingqing said calmly, “Only wrong for speaking badly about me?”
Zhang Fengyun tried to pretend he didn’t understand.
“Continue,” she ordered.
He panicked. “Please! My mouth hurts! I can’t talk!”
Blood and broken teeth fell from his mouth.
Xi Qingqing pointed at the statue.
Zhang Fengyun looked—and immediately felt cold fear.
That statue was built years ago to please another princess, Xi Yuanyuan.
Now, Xi Qingqing was settling this old score.
“This land was given to me,” she said coldly. “Not to Xi Yuanyuan.”
She continued, “I fed you, and now you want to betray me for someone else?”
Zhang Fengyun quickly knelt and admitted his mistake.
“I was wrong! Please forgive me!”
He knew her reputation. If she wanted to kill him, he wouldn’t survive.
“I will pay to build a new statue for you!” he begged.
Xi Qingqing smiled slightly.
“If you insist, I’ll accept.”
She tapped his face lightly with the board.
“Destroy this statue. Build a new one for me. It must be beautiful, with good materials. Use your own money.”
“Finish it in three days.”
“Three days?!” he panicked.
“Then two days,” she said calmly. “If it’s not done, you’re finished.”
He was completely terrified.
Xi Qingqing raised her hand and used her power.
The statue shattered instantly into dust.
The pieces turned into sand before hitting the ground.
Zhang Fengyun stared in shock.
Xi Qingqing felt satisfied.
“Clean this up,” she said casually.
Then she added, “And don’t forget to pay those workers.”
He nodded quickly.
As she left, Hua Yun followed her.
“Princess, you were amazing!” he said, eyes shining.
She smiled slightly. “Thanks for stopping the guards earlier.”
The crowd relaxed and began cheering:
“Princess is amazing!”
“Long live the Princess!”
In their hearts, they knew the truth.
The town leader treated them badly.
But the Princess helped them and even purified their illness.
Even if it was only on the surface—it was still better.
Xi Qingqing looked at the crowd.
“This is my land,” she said. “No matter what happens, this place will be safe.”
The people cheered again.
Hua Yun explained that many people in the town didn’t truly support Zhang Fengyun.
He had done many bad things before.
That was why people were slowly starting to trust her instead.
Xi Qingqing thought carefully.
Maybe she could use these people to strengthen her control.
She looked at Hua Yun.
He could cook…
Maybe he could work for her in the future.
Behind her, the three mates watched quietly.
Xue Xi whispered to Mo Fuqing, “Go drive him away.”
Mo Fuqing nodded. “Together.”
They walked forward and stood beside her, pushing Hua Yun aside.
“Princess, isn’t it too easy to let Zhang Fengyun go?” Mo Fuqing asked.
Xue Xi added, “Yes, we could punish him more…”