Xiaotou began to ponder, the big head on his neck no longer seemed to be of any use.
"Get down."
Song Shouâan, emboldened by alcohol, stepped forward and fiercely slapped the side of the carriage.
"Come out and let this master inspect you, to see if you are indeed a lewd woman."
Feng Yun laughed.
She slowly lifted the curtain, taking a close look at the face before her.
The light was dim, but she observed him earnestly.
From his brows to his eyes, she tried to find traces of Pei Jue on Song Shouâanâs face.
Alas...
It couldnât bear close scrutiny.
At that moment, she could even understand why Li Sangruo, despite having such a man, still couldnât bear to let go of Pei Jue.
"How do you wish to inspect?" she asked softly.
Song Shouâan was stunned.
There was a lantern hanging in front of the carriage, casting a misty light.
Beneath the lantern, viewing a beauty, he suspected heâd encountered a celestial maiden descended to earth. He held his breath and gazed at Feng Yun, taking quite a while before he managed to squeeze out a sentence from his throat.
"Which familyâs young lady are you?"
His voice softened, losing its earlier presumptuousness, and if one listened carefully, there was even a hint of tenderness.
Feng Yun curved her lips, smiling faintly.
"I belong to the house of Pei Jue. What do you intend, young master?"
Hearing the name Pei Jue, Song Shouâan sobered up considerably. He immediately changed his expression and took two steps back.
He was led by his lust, but he wasnât bold enough to meddle with a woman from Pei Jueâs dominion in Xinzhou...
"You donât believe me?" Feng Yun smiled slightly, her voice light and devoid of emotion, "Shall I call out and summon the men of the Northern Yong Army to confirm it for you?"
"A misunderstanding," Song Shouâan said with a shiver, quickly clasping his hands in greeting.
"So you are the generalâs wife; my apologies for the intrusion."
In Xinzhou, such a bold and beautiful woman could only be Feng Shi Er Niang from Pei Jueâs sideâ who else could it be?
Song Shouâan dared not act rashly again, feeling somewhat relieved that he hadnât revealed his identity and there was still room for maneuver.
"I mistook you for someone else just now, thought you were my little sweetheart. My words were inappropriate; it was just a joke. I hope the madam can forgive me."
Feng Yun smiled indifferently, signaling to Ge Guang to sheathe his blade and dropped the curtain, "Letâs go."
The carriage moved forward slowly. Song Shouâan was left standing there, shivering as the cool breeze blew against his cold sweat.
No wonder Pei Jue didnât want Li Sangruo. Even if it meant clashing with her, he had to marry this young lady...
Her breathtaking smile was like the beauty of blossoming flowers, truly a marvel to behold.
Song Shouâan watched the departing carriage, touched his mouth, the alcohol had worn off, but the fire that the young lady had stirred in him wasnât something he could extinguish so easily.
"What did you just say..." He looked at the Attendant, "Little Taohong isnât bad, is she?"
The Attendant was momentarily stunned, then quickly caught on.
"This servant will take care of it immediately."
-
The carriage hadnât gone far before Ge Guang heard Feng Yun sigh.
"Ah Guang, I still canât stand to see that face."
Ge Guang responded, somewhat worried, "What shall we do then?"
Feng Yun said, "Letâs go and have a look."
Ge Guang knew that his lady had wild ideas, so he promptly replied, "Yes."
Song Shouâan, who was originally a potter by trade, had promoted around him a group of flatterers with no real substance. They were good at bullying others using their power, but they werenât capable of significant responsibilities when facing a real challenge.
Ge Guang followed from a distance, and they didnât notice anyone tailing them.
When they entered a small riverside courtyard, Ge Guang was about to go back and report when to his surprise, he saw a small sedan chair being carried over and stopping at the gate.
A showy woman was helped down from the chair and entered through a side door.
"Now this is interesting."
Upon hearing the news, Feng Yunâs heart filled with joy.
Li Sangruo was indeed not foolish. On one hand, she put on a big show asking Pei Jue to escort her, while on the other hand, she used someone with the surname Song to take the lead and lay the groundwork in Xinzhou ahead of everyone else. Her head was quite clear.
Unfortunately...
As the Empress Dowager, she still made the same mistake as ordinary women, trusting in the loyalities of those close to her and thinking that being with a man meant he was on her side. She didnât foresee that the favored one she nurtured would be so bold, not only neglecting his duties but also daring to frolic with others behind his back...
This fortuitous opportunity must not be wasted.
Feng Yun felt that the battle in Xinzhou could be made even more exciting.
"Ah Guang," she gestured for Ge Guang to lean closer and listen.
After she talked about this and that, Ge Guang looked up in surprise only to see the gentle smile on the ladyâs face.
"Donât be afraid. A chance like this, to kill two birds with one stone, we have to seize immediately."
Though Ge Guang didnât understand the notion of killing two birds with one stone, upon hearing the orders, he promptly accepted the task, "I understand."
-
Zuo Zhong had not accompanied Pei Jue to Pingyang, having completed his tasks in Mingquan Town. He rested in the Imperial Guard Camp, considering it a period of respite.
He was a serious man, rigid and meticulous. As night fell, he lay down to sleep.
When he heard some noise outside, he thought it was Geng Shan from the next room returning and didnât make a sound, until his door was knocked on heavily.