In the study, after Leng Feng handed him a sealed letter, he stepped aside.
Xiao Jinyan opened the letter. It contained information about recent developments in Sunzhou. Ever since the day the Empress had secretly summoned him, he had been investigating those assassins.
Judging by the letter, it seemed they had already fallen into his trap. He said coldly, “Leng Feng, are the spies you sent still keeping an eye on Sunzhou?”
“Yes, my lord. Any movement in Sunzhou, we will know immediately!” Leng Feng replied truthfully.
“Good. Keep monitoring him. And what news from the Empress?”
“My lord, yesterday the Empress invited General Huang’s wife to accompany her to Bosuo Temple for prayer.”
“General Huang’s wife?! Hmph. Seems she still hasn’t given up her schemes. Give orders—keep watching her too!” Xiao Jinyan’s eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity, enough to frighten anyone.
But for Leng Feng, who had clawed his way back from hell itself, there was likely nothing in this world that could truly scare him—not even the Prince’s wrath.
After finishing instructions for the current matters, Xiao Jinyan wrote another letter to his master, Grandmaster Mokong. Leng Feng waited silently nearby. Once the Prince finished sealing the letter, Leng Feng stepped forward.
Xiao Jinyan spoke solemnly, “Tonight, you’ll deliver this letter. Follow his instructions carefully.”
Leng Feng tucked the letter safely into his arms. He never questioned the Prince’s orders; his mission was always to carry out whatever tasks Xiao Jinyan entrusted to him.
Having watched the Prince rise to his current position, Leng Feng had long since grown accustomed to the royal family’s dirty dealings. Across the entire Mingyue Kingdom, Xiao Jinyan was the only royal who retained a shred of humanity.
As for the other princes, they would fight viciously over the throne, trampling brotherhood and kinship without a second thought. What existed among them was only mutual destruction.
Even worse were the struggles within the harem.
If it hadn’t been for Consort Wu saving Xiao Jinyan’s life and keeping him by her side, the Second Prince would likely have killed him long ago.
And the reason the Second Prince hadn’t succeeded was because his mother was the current Empress. Otherwise, how could a prince’s murder be so easily concealed?
Leng Feng hated the Second Prince for killing his own sister and attempting to eliminate him afterward. His resentment toward the Empress’ faction had been long-standing. Coupled with her later persecution of Consort Wu and her son, each incident remained vividly etched in his mind. He understood the Prince’s patience and hidden fury perfectly.
Now, the time was nearly right, and some long-held vendettas were due for reckoning.
Xiao Jinyan contemplated his plans. Although everything was proceeding smoothly, his master had warned him that the Sun clan was not to be underestimated; he should not act without absolute certainty.
He had always kept his master’s teachings in mind, carefully orchestrating every step of his plan.
The only element outside his control was the marriage arranged by the Empress. Fortunately, he had been blessed with a princess consort who genuinely cared for him. Otherwise, life in the mansion would have offered him little peace.
Thinking of his princess, Xiao Jinyan couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile. To have somehow married her by such a twist of fate—it might truly be the only good thing the Empress had ever done for him.
When Cold Feng helped him back to the inner chamber, they clearly noticed a few spies trailing them along the way. Yet Xiao Jinyan paid them no mind.
They were just following as a matter of routine. Let them watch. Even if they reported back to the Empress, there was nothing useful they could say.
Upon entering, he saw his princess sitting there, completely absorbed in a book.
She was so engrossed that she didn’t notice Cold Feng guiding him in. Only when he reached her side did she exclaim, “Prince, you’re back already?!”
Hearing the joy in her voice, Xiao Jinyan smiled. “Yes, I’m done with my business. Princess, what are you reading?”
Cold Feng quietly withdrew, leaving the two alone.
Hua Miaomiao gently placed his hand on the book and said sweetly, “Prince, I’m reading a book I took from that bookshelf. It’s really good. If you’d like, I can read it to you!”
Xiao Jinyan looked at the book she held—it was a military strategy text. That she found it interesting only confirmed his impression: a true general’s daughter, appreciating things unlike any ordinary girl.
He was curious to hear her interpretation of these tactics, so he nodded. “If you are willing, then I’ll be glad to listen.”
At once, Hua Miaomiao’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She opened the book and began reading aloud, line by line, analyzing each point as she went.
Xiao Jinyan was astonished by her grasp of strategy. Though she was a general’s daughter, surely General Hua hadn’t lectured her on battlefield maneuvers—after all, women did not go to war.
Yet listening to her explanations, it was clear she truly understood military strategy.
If she were on the battlefield, her tactics would rival any man’s. Indeed, she might even surpass some of the kingdom’s most renowned military advisors.
He had thought last night had already brought him immense surprise from his princess, yet here she was again, overwhelming him with admiration.
What a remarkable woman! How had fate been so kind to allow him to be bound to her?
To maintain his composure, he deliberately lowered his gaze, listening carefully. He was truly shocked, yet struggling to restrain the surge of excitement in his heart.
Hua Miaomiao had no idea the power of her words. She was simply explaining her thoughts, as she had studied them diligently at school and had also practiced them in real situations.
Practice had brought true understanding, which was why she comprehended these strategies so thoroughly.
Having grown up with a modern, systematic education, analyzing such material was effortless for her—like taking water from a stream.
Once Xiao Jinyan regained control over his expression, he lifted his head and offered her a gentle smile. “I did not expect my princess to be so talented, with such a deep understanding of military strategy.
It seems that in the future, should I encounter any thorny problems, I may have to consult you!”
Hua Miaomiao looked at his smile and almost lost herself. The man before her was far too captivating. In the modern world, at that moment, she would have been tempted to lean in and kiss him.
Thinking this, she mentally scolded herself—why was she so lovestruck? It must be because she had never experienced this kind of feeling before. Otherwise, why would her mind be filled with such reckless, impetuous thoughts?