"My lady, why are you making fun of someone..." Xiaoman looked at the teasing light in Feng Yunâs eyes, and suddenly thought of the events of the previous night, her ears turning red, "This servant thought to come early to attend to you as you rise."
The recent joy of her marriage had Feng Yun telling her she didnât need to come over to serve.
But Xiaoman insisted on staying, even saying that Zuo Zhong had already gone to his duties, so Feng Yun let her have her way.
"Get ready, and come with me to the Grand Princess Residence to return the favor."
-
The Princess Residence was acquired some years earlier.
She had been the apple of the Emperor of Xifengâs eye since her childhood, leading a life of uninterrupted good fortune, and just how much wealth she possessed was probably unknown even to her own daughter, Puyang Yi.
The interior of the residence was meticulously and elaborately furnished, with pavilions, terraces, and open buildings, alongside artificial hills and secluded pools, and above the water pavilion was even a high platform built for the Grand Princessâs amusement. Looking out from there, one could see nothing but sheer opulence.
It could be said that the Pei Residence, in comparison to this house, was like a minor witch before a great sorcerer.
When Feng Yun arrived, the Grand Princess was on the high platform, warming herself by a fire and watching several entertainers competing in martial arts.
In her position, sometimes living in a secluded residence could be truly boring, and this was just one of the ways to pass the time for amusement.
The Grand Princess didnât hide; she had Feng Yun invited over.
"The Princess comes at just the right time. Today, I have invited a few martial artists to compete. Their skills are superb. You should enjoy the spectacle with us," she said.
Feng Yun gracefully followed her hostâs lead, sitting down to her left.
Their position was very high, with thin silk hanging before them, allowing a clear view of the competition below, but those in the arena could not see them...
Feng Yun knew the Grand Princess was someone who enjoyed her pleasures, but without experiencing it first-hand, one really wouldnât know the joys of a royal princess...
The competing martial artists were all very handsome, with distinct charms and each possessing impressive martial skills. Strong and vigorous with an air of fierceness, they were undoubtedly the pick of young talent from miles around.
Not knowing what reward the Grand Princess had offered them, they fought as if their lives depended on it, not giving an inch. Although they didnât use weapons, the sound of their fists connecting with flesh seemed to tear the air apart, creating an atmosphere of ominous tension that was heart-stopping to witness.
The Grand Princess turned her head and smiled inquiringly: "Princess, who do you think will win?"
With a smile, Feng Yun replied, "This humble wife believes, it is hard to tell the stronger from the weaker."
The Grand Princess picked up her cup and swirled it leisurely.
"Itâs precisely because itâs hard to tell that itâs interesting. If one punch could knock someone down, what fun would there be in that..."
Feng Yun chuckled softly, her gaze fixed on the arena as she sat back lazily, radiating an air of leisure.
The Grand Princess surveyed her from the corner of her eye, silently criticizing.
This Feng Family lady didnât panic no matter the change, calm and composed in any situation, a testament to her inner strength...
If it were her daughter faced with this scene upon her first arrival, who knows how distraught she would be.
The Grand Princess smiled and then turned abruptly.
"What brings the Princess to see me today?" she asked.
Feng Yun smiled, "Yesterday at our humble abode, your Highness honored us with a generous gift, truly bringing glory to this wifeâs face. Today, I especially came to express my gratitude," she said.
"The Princess is too kind," The Grand Princess smiled, an air of nonchalance about her, "Those are trifles, not worth mentioning. Itâs I who should be grateful for your care towards my children."
The two exchanged pleasantries in a courteous manner, seeming quite close, but Feng Yunâs heart was not as calm as her expression suggested.
This Grand Princess, her heart like an unfathomable abyss, seeming approachable yet impenetrably elusive.
The competition had just ended when Puyang Yi received the news and dashed over.
She had always disliked her motherâs ways, and seeing that her mother had also invited Feng Yun, she immediately felt she had lost face. Displeased, she could not hide her emotions, and her expression became quite ugly.
"I wish to speak privately with Ayun. I ask for Motherâs permission," she said.
The Grand Princess smiled and said, "You child, youâre not usually one for words. The Princess is an honored guest, and whether she wishes to speak privately with you depends on the Princessâs inclination. You should be asking the Princess for permission."
Puyang Yi made an âohâ sound and winked at Feng Yun.
"Princess, will you come with me?" she asked.
Feng Yun naturally agreed.
But she had just drunk quite a bit of tea and was in a bit of a hurry.
"Iâll go change first, then come to find the County Lord," she said.
Puyang Yi, delighted, signaled to her maidservant.
"Shuangxi, take the Princess to change," she instructed.
Accompanied by Xiaoman, Feng Yun followed the maidservant Shuangxi to the restroom built behind the water pavilion.
After relieving herself and coming out, she saw a man dressed as a warrior striding towards her, one of the contenders she had seen earlier at the competition...
It was common to bump into people at the restroom, and upon seeing a distinguished guest, one would normally just step aside.
Feng Yun did not expect, however, that the warrior would stare at her intently without looking away, smiling as he brazenly said:
"Which familyâs young lady is this, with such a radiant beauty comparable to flowers and the moon..."
"How dare you!" Xiaomanâs face darkened as she scolded, stepping in front of Feng Yun to block her.
The maid named Shuangxi was also visibly upset and complained, stamping her foot.
"She is the Princess of Yonghuai! Youâyou have not yet apologized to the Princess?" she exclaimed.
The warriorâs expression shifted slightly, shocked for a moment, as he immediately bowed with his hands clasped together.
"I, Tan, have offended the Princess and deserve death. Please forgive me, Princess," he said.
At the Princess Residence, even if someone deserved a thousand deaths, it was not Feng Yunâs place to mete out punishment. Moreover, this man who dared to be so bold and brazen must surely be the Grand Princessâs beloved favorite...
Feng Yun indifferently said, "Go to Her Highness and accept your punishment."
With that, she walked away.
Feng Yun didnât take this trifle to heart and didnât even tell Pei Jue about it when she returned home.
She could never have imagined, however, that the very next day a so-called "rumor" began circulating throughout West Capital City...
"The Princess of Yonghuai was insulted by a favored entertainer kept by the Grand Princess and was furious."
"The entertainer, surnamed Tan, is highly esteemed by the Grand Princess, who refused to hand him over for an apology..."
People were most interested in and loved to gossip about such romantic scandals.
The story spread like wildfire, exaggerated with each telling, morphing into the Prince of Yonghuai being furiously adamant on seeking justice for the Princess...