What replaced it was a scrutinizing gaze.
"Does Your Majesty truly intend to attend the wedding banquet?"
Pei Jue: "Why, am I not welcome?"
Feng Yun gave him a sidelong glance, "You may come. But donât bring any family..."
She nodded slightly, her lips curving upward seriously, yet her words seemed tinged with sarcasm no matter how one listened.
The atmosphere grew slightly tense.
Pei Jue faced her.
"You are my only family."
-
Wen Xingsu left before dawn the next day.
Because the hour was so early, he didnât say goodbye to Pei Jue and Feng Yun.
Feng Yun was also eager to return to Andu to prepare for the wedding. She hitched a ride on Pei Jueâs official missive sent to Xijing, hurriedly sending an urgent letter to the Princess Residence, and then started to pack.
She had arrived with only Xiaoman and two chests.
On her return, the attendantsâ luggage filled two full carts.
Feng Yun disliked the atmosphere of parting.
The night before she left, instead of going to bed early as usual, she sat up watching the night drain away, waiting for Pei Jue to return.
Then personally she helped him change his clothes, and softly whispered:
"Tomorrow I shall begin my journey. Does Your Majesty have any instructions?"
Pei Jue stared at her, his dark eyes softened.
"Once I have arranged my affairs here, I will return home."
Return home...
Feng Yun smiled faintly, her fingers brushed lightly against his collar, "Good. Iâll wait for you at Huaxi."
Pei Jue responded with a grunt, silent.
Feng Yun arched a brow, "Without me, who knows what tricks those at Fangyun Hall will pull. And thereâs Tang Shaogong..."
She spoke indifferently, not hearing Pei Jueâs response, and her lips curled into a mocking sneer.
"You donât need me to remind you, do you? The more venomous the scheme, the more sanctimonious it appears... Kinship is often the perfect trap."
Pei Jue seized her arm, lifted her across his body, and walked inside.
"Noted."
Feng Yun was startled, sensing his intent, she kicked and flailed in his arms.
"I havenât finished speaking yet..."
Pei Jue: "The night is still young, we can talk slowly in bed."
-
Feng Yun didnât calculate the day of departure, but when she awoke the next day, it was beautiful weather with a gentle breeze and sunny skies.
Only, Pei Jue wasnât beside her.
Qian Sanniu said that His Majesty had risen early to inspect the camp, and could not send her off today.
"His Majesty has specially assigned General Ao to accompany and escort the lady back."
Feng Yun was taken aback.
Was he not worried that she might seduce his grandnephew now?
Ao Qi was waiting for her at the city gate.
Alone, with a few attendants, looking travel-worn.
Feng Yun lifted the curtain and greeted him, then slowly looked back...
Yecheng.
She probably wouldnât come back again.
The hoofbeats clattered as they left through the wide-open city gate, leaving the city, which had just risen from the ashes of war, far behind in her thoughts...
She didnât look back.
The road ahead was long, her fate uncertain.
She had many of her own affairs to deal with. She couldnât immerse herself in the security Pei Jue provided, indulge in deep affection, and then simply wait for the day he grew weary of her, retracted his favor, and left her waiting to die.
Better to rely on oneself than on mountains and rivers.
What she couldnât do in her previous life, she could do in this one.
"Madam..."
Xiaoman lowered the curtain and turned back, staring at Feng Yunâs face in shock.
"Whatâs the matter? Are you crying?"
Feng Yunâs eyes were moist, but her lips wore a smile.
"No. Itâs just the wind."
"Oh. I thought you might be reluctant to leave the King..."
Xiaomanâs voice was low, tinged with the sadness of parting.
She had not been married long, and now she was parting from Zuo Zhong.
Feng Yun looked at her sympathetically, "I told you to stay, but you wouldnât... Get off the carriage, itâs not too late to go back now."
Xiaoman shook her head firmly.
"No, I will follow you, Madam. I promised never to leave or forsake you, and I must not break my word."
Feng Yun smiled lightly, with a touch of laughter.
"The wind is strong outside, donât look anymore."
"Yes."
The curtain was drawn.
On the city tower, Pei Jue stood alone.
Not until the distant carriage and guard procession had utterly vanished from sight...