Seven

Upon hearing Madam Ruo's few remarks, Sima Qiudi realized that it was not appropriate to pursue the matter any further. Jing Yongfu couldn't help but regard him with a higher opinion; the big orange still had a sense of propriety.

Madam, Qiudi has an unreasonable request. I kindly ask you to forget about today's matter

I have met the prince

The new residence is surprisingly adjacent to the luxurious mansion of Sima Qiudi. Although it cannot be considered a mansion, it is still quite spacious with a large courtyard. The entrance gate has a plaque but no characters, as Li Yi is still deliberating on the conditions set by Jing Yongfu, hence the absence of characters. Jing Yongfu speculates that Li Yi has already inferred from Madam Ruo that she had an encounter with Sima Qiudi. Moreover, as soon as she arrived in the capital and met Li Fei, she sought out Da Juzi, which is why Li Yi specifically chose such a location for her.

After Lady Sima left, Li Fei glanced sideways at Jing Yongfu and said, "It's only been a few days since we last met, and you've already gotten involved with the Sima family? Little girl, you really have some skills!"

A commotion erupted in the court

Good word! Good word... Apart from expressing admiration, there is nothing more to say about Jing Yongfu

Madam, please do not be angry!" Jing Yongfu pretended to be fearful

Jing Yongfu gazed intently at Sima Qiudi, only to realize that this person was actually the son of her mother's old acquaintance. However, she heard Sima Qiudi ask in confusion: "But why does the portrait treasured in my father's study resemble you, madam?"

Madam Sima's face alternated between shades of green and white, yet she ultimately maintained her composure and said in a deep voice: "Miss Ping, I have no time to engage in idle chatter with you, summon Qiu Di to come out!"

Li Yi did not turn around but recognized his voice; it was indeed Chen Chihua, the maternal grandfather of Li Wang. He pondered to himself that if he were to announce to everyone in the hall that this plan originated from a fourteen-year-old girl from the Kingdom of Jing, it would be possible to publicly acknowledge Da Fu's name and marry her as a concubine in a legitimate manner. However, if that were the case, Da Fu would no longer be his secret. Given the enthusiasm that Li Fei and Sima Qiudi had shown towards her in the past few days, the Yang family and the Sima family would likely not let such a person slip away. He could not let go of that wild little girl and was even less willing to see her taken away from him by Li Fei or Sima Qiudi. However, if that were the case, Da Fu would no longer be his secret. Given the enthusiasm that Li Fei and Sima Qiudi had shown towards her in the past few days, the Yang family and the Sima family would likely not let such a person slip away. He could not let go of that wild little girl and was even less willing to see her taken away from him by Li Fei or Sima Qiudi.

Jing Yongfu said, do you also know that you are implicating me? She suddenly felt a warmth enveloping her, it was Li Yi who had taken off his large robe to wrap around her

Jing Yongfu gazed at the black gold plaque hanging high above the door, the four characters inscribed by imperial brush—

But it was too late; a tickle at the tip of her nose, a scent penetrated to her very bones, and then her body went numb, never to awaken in this world again

Fuer ... ... '' The lady was also taken by surprise, unable to speak. Agen finally got off the carriage and quietly remarked, `` At last, she looks like a woman. ''

Sima Qiudi's fair face immediately flushed with a light pink hue. He sent someone every day to the Easy Mansion to inquire about Jing Yongfu's news. A few days ago, he heard that she could not be invited because she was out with the Di Wang. Today, he learned about the new location and found out that Madam Ruo had also arrived, so he specially changed into a more formal outfit and brought a gift.

King Xie, sitting on the dragon throne, cheerfully asked, "Yi'er, your father is also very curious, how did you obtain the information about the Jing thief, and what kind of information is it?"

A few days later, Jing Yongfu closed the door, not allowing Sima Qiudi to enter. Sima Qiudi stood outside the door for a long time, waiting, while the number of onlookers pointing and whispering grew. Seeing Sima, the young master of the Sima family, looking like a homeless puppy, Jing Yongfu's heart softened, and he thought to let him in. However, upon turning around, he overheard a servant from the Sima family saying that it was normal for these young ones to quarrel and that they would soon be inseparable again. Jing Yongfu felt even more frustrated. Seeing Sima, the young master of the Sima family, looking like a homeless puppy, Jing Yongfu's heart softened, and he thought to let him in. However, upon turning around, he overheard a servant from the Sima family saying that it was normal for these young ones to quarrel and that they would soon be inseparable again. Jing Yongfu felt even more frustrated.

If Miss Ping likes it, tomorrow Qiu Di will send a few for her to play with. She then turned to Madam Ruo and said, "Madam Ping, every time I see you, I am reminded of my own mother. If you do not mind, please accept these humble gifts from Qiu Di."

His question inadvertently brought to light his father's romantic escapades from years past. Sister Shui discreetly took Xiao Cui and A Gen to prepare a gift box and left.

Sima Qiudi, moved by the words, said with a serious expression: "My late mother's name contains the character 'Wei'. May I ask, madam, do you know my mother?"

Xiao Cui sobbed: "It was Xiao Cui's medicine that caused my sister to collapse, so Xiao Cui will definitely cure her."

What advice does His Highness have upon visiting my humble abode?" Jing Yongfu chuckled softly

Before Li Fei sent the rewards and plaque from King Xie, the events in the Zhengshu Hall had already reached the ears of Jing Yongfu. It is unknown which petty officials among the ministers of the Xie Kingdom were spreading rumors. Soon, the matter of Crown Prince Li Yi proposing to the daughter of Jing Nü Da Fu became a topic of casual conversation among the common people in the capital of the Xie Kingdom. Let us set this aside for now

Jing Yongfu stuck out her tongue, seeing that abnormal person? Just kidding! She hurriedly slipped out of Sister Shui's hands and pounced into her mother's arms, acting cute: "Let's not talk about that anymore, Mother, you've been so tired on the way, let's head back first. Mother, I miss you so much..."

They stood until the sky darkened, until Jing Yongfu's legs ached, until their stomachs signaled hunger. Only then did Li Fei finally speak: "Let's go"

Jing Yongfu finally stopped smiling and said seriously: "Madam, I will say something that may upset you. Once you leave this residence, I will not be responsible for what happens. However, while you are here, only my words hold weight. Therefore, I kindly ask you to return. Once Sima Qiudi arrives at his own residence, it will be a matter for your Sima family to handle!"

That evening, Jing Yongfu handed the memorial to Xue Tongyi, who imitated Li Yi's handwriting and tone to rewrite it. It would be presented at the morning court the next day. The gist was that the bandit Jing was cunning, having long harassed the borders, and even after being captured, he spoke foul words and sowed discord. The brothers Li Yi had always shared a deep friendship; how could a bandit destroy it? Considering the benevolence and compassion of King Xie, Li Yi was unwilling to resort to mass slaughter, only eliminating the bandit leader and leaving behind those from Ziliu to persuade Jing to surrender, intending to report first and choose a day to return.

As Li Fei dismounted the carriage, she opened her eyes and glanced at Jing Yongfu, who remained silent. This made Jing Yongfu suddenly realize that this was his farewell. He would no longer ask her to accompany him; this was the last time he took her on a trip, just as he had previously stated in the carriage, "There will be no next time"

Crossing through a courtyard and walking past a corridor, Jing Yongfu saw Agen practicing a set of long fist techniques. At nine and a half years old, he was no longer as frail as when he first arrived. However, despite being well-fed and well-cared for, Agen remained slender, growing taller rather than wider.

Jing Yongfu watched his carriage depart, and as the night wind swept in, he finally realized that autumn had deepened

Li Fei did not come to worship the Buddha; he brought Jing Yongfu to a spacious courtyard behind the temple. Outside the courtyard, the vegetation was lush, while inside, there was nothing but blue bricks and red tiles. If one had to count something, it would be a stone table in the corner, with no stone chairs.

Everyone, including Lady Ruo, was taken aback. Jing Yongfu then leaned close to his mother's ear and briefly recounted the background of Sima Qiudi. In fact, during their first meeting, he had already noticed something unusual in Lady Ruo's gaze. Upon learning of her origins, Jing Yongfu understood that there must have been something about her mother that reminded Sima Qiudi of his own mother.

The carriage jolted slightly, and the person in front, seemingly frozen, was naturally asleep. Unlike the chess pieces on Rongguang Lake that could not afford to be careless, it had now made its move.

The carriage finally stopped at the Xiangshan Tuo Luo Temple. The records of the Easy Prefecture mention that the Di King occasionally traveled to the small Li Wang capital, with the usual destination being this temple

Lady Sima feigned calmness: "Just now, I made a mistake; at my age, I grabbed something without looking and ended up breaking it!"

It is indeed beautiful, but it is not as beautiful as mother

Upon leaving, they boarded the royal carriage. Li Fei once again fell into a state of reverie, her profile serene and ethereal. The prolonged silence along the way was remarkable. The carriage exited the western gate of the royal capital and continued westward. Halfway through, Li Fei remained motionless, maintaining her profile as she gazed outside, allowing the autumn wind to gradually scatter her meticulously styled hair. As her hair became disheveled, an inexplicable melancholy was added, and the scenery evoked a similar sense of melancholy in Yongfu.

Jing Yongfu cast a sidelong glance at Agen and truthfully said, "I must thank Di Wang. This entire outfit was arranged by him."

Sima Qiudi busily waved her fan and said, "It won't happen, it won't happen..."

The entourage changed to the easy-going Fu and rode to the new residence arranged by Xue Tongyi. Sister Shui asked Jing Yongfu in the carriage, "Is the Di Wang as handsome as rumored?"

The long-buried past resurfaces with that flute. In simple terms, it is about how Sima Jingyan, who admired Lady Ruo back in the day, could not compete with Jing Shenmao, and thus married Ruan Weiniang, who was slightly less beautiful than Ruan Ruoniang. Of course, as a merchant of the Xie Kingdom, how could Sima Jingyan possibly contend with the most powerful Prince Yu of the Jing Kingdom

Madam Sima is still asserting her authority: "Miss Ping, do I need your permission to bring back my own son?"

Li Yi respectfully bowed his head, and if forced to make a choice, he would prefer the former: "This message comes from a woman of the scenery. I have made an agreement with her that if I publicly reveal her name to the world, she will agree to marry me."

I am very sorry to have implicated you, but I will not give up easily

All the officials and ministers knelt down with Yang Huanfu and said: "Your Majesty, please quell your anger"

If the lady's eyes are filled with tears: "How could I not recognize? We became acquainted in our youth, competing in our skills, yet Wei Niang always took the lead... Now, she has actually gone ahead of me.

Meanwhile, within the court of the Xie Kingdom, the memorial drafted by Jing Yongfu was approved by King Li Heyu of Xie. He appointed Prince Li Xian to personally welcome the Crown Prince back to the capital. This decision was largely in line with Jing Yongfu's expectations, as it was either to send Prince Li or Prince Pei.

Silly child! Madam gently pinched the face of Jing Yongfu who leaned over.

"Oh? A woman from the Jing Kingdom?" Li Heyu stroked his grizzled beard, "Yier, you only have one consort, which is indeed too few. Your father has been keeping an eye out for suitable women for you. Since you have taken an interest in this Jing woman, your father can make arrangements for you. I just don't know her name, and what is her background from the Jing Kingdom?"

The young master of the Sima family, Sima Qiudi, is the youngest and most cherished son of Sima Jingyan, the current head of the Sima clan. This affection stems partly from the early death of Sima Qiudi's mother and partly from his charming and obedient nature since childhood. Unlike his brothers from the same clan and the external Sima family, the fifteen years of influence from the great clan of Xieguo did not spark his interest in politics; instead, it led him to become a nobleman who pursues elegance and is devoted to luxury. Despite his father Sima Jingyan's efforts to cultivate him into an important figure for the Sima clan in the future, Sima Qiudi has remained detached from power, only interested in the splendor created by wealth.

But I think you look like a bitter melon, Da Fu said Li Yi beside her

Jing Yongfu said half-jokingly: "I am waiting for you, Doctor Xiaocui!"

Li Heyu pondered for a moment and then said: "If another plaque is to be awarded, it should be sent along with the inscription I composed yesterday!"

If the lady praised, "Di Wang has good insight, and if there is an opportunity, I will personally thank him."

"Sima Qiudi, I must admit, where do you get so many fans?" Jing Yongfu stepped forward to tease.

This imperial grace is vast... and the wind is strong. Jing Yongfu bowed and said, "If Your Highness has no urgent matters, please forgive Da Fu for being weary and in need of rest"

Troublesome matters always come one after another. Shortly after Sima Qiudi entered, Madam Sima arrived. Jing Yongfu instructed the servants in the household not to disturb the two esteemed guests and personally went to the main hall to meet Madam Sima

Li Fei stared at her and asked, "Is this truly what Da Fu sincerely thinks?" Without waiting for her response, he continued, "If this is what you genuinely desire, then this prince shall comply with your wishes"

After waking up, Jing Yongfu felt completely exhausted. He listened as Xiao Cui by the bedside cried and explained the situation. It turned out that today was the day Sister Shui was to assess their training. A Gen's trial involved performing long fist techniques for one hour, but it was stipulated that he could not step outside the circle drawn by Xiao Cui. Xiao Cui did not use ordinary powder to draw the circle; she used a special grinding powder, which was toxic but had a time limit on its toxicity. Once the time was up, the poison would dissipate. Sister Shui was testing Xiao Cui's precise administration of the medicine for exactly one hour. Unexpectedly, Jing Yongfu, who usually never watched them practice, happened to stumble into the scene today.

Madam Sima, adorned in luxurious attire, sat upright with an air of a distinguished matron, accompanied by four maidservants. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Madam Sima shifted to the main topic: "Isn't Qiudi in your residence? Why hasn't she come out to see me?"

Li Xuan and Li Fei both changed color upon hearing this. Who else could it be but Jing Nu? To publicly announce her name to the world, a name associated with a well-known fool from Jing State, would be nothing short of an insult to the royal family of Xie State. Li Fei had once claimed that the crown prince would not accept him but would accept her, yet she would not go to great lengths to embellish such a name

Seeing Jing Yongfu approach, Agen stopped his long fist but exclaimed, "Don't come over!"

He does not allow Li Yi to marry her, and the reason is simple: she is too capable. He himself has taken three formidable wives and has suffered greatly as a result; how could he let his son continue to endure such hardships? However, a person like her cannot be easily let go, so he uses Li Yi's name to spread the reputation of Da Fu in the imperial court, ensuring that the entire Xie Kingdom knows she is the one favored by the Crown Prince, thus making it difficult for her to extricate herself.

After finishing the vegetarian meal at the Tuo Luo Temple, Li Fei took Jing Yongfu back to the royal capital. In the carriage, he remained silent, but unlike on the way there, he had closed his eyes. Jing Yongfu did not dare to sleep again; in fact, he no longer felt drowsy. Standing next to Li Fei, it seemed as if she had also cultivated a bit of a dazed state, as she thought of nothing at all until they reached their destination.

"The prince is joking." In fact, Jing Yongfu was aware of his arrival, which is why he instructed Sister Shui not to take action. "Please, Madam Sima, leave." The reason is simple; with Madam Sima's mediocre skills, Sister Shui would not take her seriously. Her appearance was precisely due to the presence of a master like Li Fei entering the residence. As soon as Jing Yongfu saw Sister Shui make her entrance, he realized that a high-level expert had arrived, and the only one who would come to seek her out would be King Di. Since King Di was here, there was no need for her to chase away a green-headed fly.

Upon arriving at the courtyard, Li Fei stood silently in the center for a long time. The wind passed through her dark robe, causing the wide sleeves embroidered with golden dragons to billow occasionally, while her long hair, tousled by the breeze, danced gracefully in the wind

Li Heyu steadied his emotions: "We will proceed as Fei'er suggested. Yi'er, you have returned victorious from Ziliu this time, and you should have been rewarded for it. However, your remarks in the court today were unbecoming of a crown prince, so the reward is hereby waived. Di Wang, heed the decree: Jing Nü Ping has made significant contributions against the Qing bandits, and thus is granted one hundred bolts of red silk and one thousand taels of gold. You may take care of this!"

"Madam, come and take a look," said Xiao Cui, as she poked her head out of the carriage, then quickly pulled it back in. After that, she took Lady Ruo's hand and got down from the carriage

Recalling that note, Jing Yongfu suddenly felt that Di Wang was actually very lonely, so lonely that he had come to regard loneliness as a form of enjoyment. She accompanied him in a daze. Thanks to him, since waking from dreams at the age of ten, it was Jing Yongfu's first attempt to think of nothing at all, simply standing still. Later, Jing Yongfu reflected that this should be akin to the Zen meditation of Buddhism, except that while Buddhists sit in meditation, they were standing.

"Young Master Sima is being too courteous," Lady Ruo remarked, "but I am merely concerned that the gifts from the young master may be too generous for the Ping family to accept."

Sima Jingyan is indeed a shrewd and formidable individual. He brought Ruan Weiniang back to Xie, not mentioning her background as a courtesan in the slightest, not even fully uttering her name. As a result, even Sima Qiudi only knows that her mother's name contains the character "Wei," with no other information. However, Sima Jingyan's collection of a portrait of Lady Ruo is quite thought-provoking.

Jing Yongfu wanted to refuse, but Li Yi was quicker to withdraw. She could only let out a quiet sigh as she walked past "Fuhui Shuangxiu," the door closing behind her

Li Heyu said sternly: "Do you know how such a name can be proclaimed to the world? Tell Jing Shenmao that the crown prince of my Xie Kingdom cannot take a concubine named Jing, the same name as his deceased foolish daughter? No! Absolutely not! I will not allow it! This woman has ulterior motives. Yi'er, how could you agree to such a condition from her?"

She turned around, but heard him shout from behind: "Dafu!"

"Yes, Your Highness," Jing Yongfu quickly interjected, "Are you here to take Daifu out for a stroll?"

Wu Chu immediately perked up his ears

Li Fei continued his topic: "The young master of the Sima family is quite good. Just by looking at the flustered expression of Madam Sima, one can tell the special position that Sima Qiudi holds in the Sima family..."

Seeing Xiao Cui crying with tears like rain, A Gen had a grim expression, while his mother and Sister Shui looked on with concern. Jing Yongfu smiled and said: "I was just looking for an excuse to avoid visitors due to illness, and now it has come true!"

At this moment, Li Fei, the prince who almost never spoke in the court, stepped forward and said: "Please, Father, do not be angry. This Jing woman, Ping Dafei, has also been seen by me. From my perspective, this woman does not wish to marry Fifth Brother, hence she publicly revealed her name as a way to make Fifth Brother retreat. The decision to marry or not lies with Father, while whether Fifth Brother speaks or remains silent is up to him. Fifth Brother is a man of sentiment; since he has already brought it up, it can be considered that he has made a commitment to Ping Dafei. The decision to marry or not lies with Father, while whether Fifth Brother speaks or remains silent is up to him. Fifth Brother is a man of sentiment; since he has already brought it up, it can be considered that he has made a commitment to Ping Dafei. If Father does not agree, it is reasonable; how could my Fifth Brother, the esteemed crown prince of the Xie Kingdom, marry a woman with such a name? In my view, giving some financial reward to this Ping Dafei would resolve the matter here."

According to the meaning of King Xie, the Crown Prince Li Yi, who has achieved victory in the border campaign against bandits, is personally welcomed by Prince Li at the city gates. Upon entering the city, six ceremonial cannons are fired, marking the highest honor that a prince can receive, as well as the glory of being above all others except for one.

If the lady holds the wooden flute to her chest and sighs deeply: "The sound is clear throughout the night, the time is long and beautiful, who is my confidant? Young Master Sima, have you ever heard the name Ruan Weiniang?"

Then the serene cold voice suddenly sounded: "Oh, how fortunate that I have arrived!"

However, Jing Yongfu never expected that Li Yi would propose to her in public in order to keep her. Men's pride is thicker than women's, and the pride of royal men is even thicker. This was beyond her expectations. Strictly speaking, the ways of the world are also a form of wisdom, and she was too inexperienced in this regard

The patriarch of the Yang clan, Yang Huanfu, stepped forward and knelt down, echoing, "As His Majesty the King has said, this matter shall conclude here. I implore Your Majesty to quell your anger"

Do not come over! Step back!

Your Highness!" Jing Yongfu hurriedly paid his respects, and everyone in the hall followed suit.

Jing Yongfu still smiled and said: "Therefore, I kindly ask you, madam, to properly discipline your son in the future. He and I have a good rapport, and although he comes to visit me with a pure heart, he has unfortunately fallen under the scrutiny of others, which truly tarnishes his reputation." In her heart, she wished that Madam Sima could confine Sima Qiudi.

"You little rascal, who is so skilled as to dress you up like a young lady?" Sister Shui dismounted, took Jing Yongfu's hand, looked left and right, her eyes filled with joy, while Chef Wu stood by in utter astonishment

At the time when the splendor of the Xie Kingdom's imperial court was at its peak, Jing Yongfu left the Ruyi Mansion and personally welcomed Madam Ruo and Sister Shui at the eastern gate of the capital. Sister Shui had changed into the attire of an ordinary merchant woman, while Chef Wu continued to follow closely behind.

Jing Yongfu smiled and continued walking in: "Why can't you come over?"

Jing Yongfu could not help but admire King Xie. It seems he was already aware of everything. With a harmonious disposition and a refined character, he has not only gained fortune and blessings but also received benefits. What is crucial is that this character was written by Li Yi before Li Heyu returned to the capital.

During the time when Li Yi returned to the capital, Li Fei no longer insisted on having Jing Yongfu accompany him in romantic pursuits. The detailed arrangements for welcoming the Crown Prince, which the Rongyi Mansion had discussed with the subordinate king, were also unrelated to her. Jing Yongfu had originally hoped that Sima Qiudi would continue to warmly extend the hospitality of a host, but unfortunately, ever since the gift was presented, he had become more interested in Madam Ruo. The two had formed a friendship across generations, spending their days composing poetry, painting, and playing musical instruments, and what was alarming was that they could engage in a game of chess for hours on end. Of course, when he lost the first piece, Jing Yongfu would take the initiative to leave. Even after leaving, he had to put on a facade, at least to let the attendants of the Sima family understand that he had a strong affection for their young lady rather than for her mother. Jing Yongfu felt quite frustrated; whom had she offended?

Li Yi raised his head and said: "Father, I believe that Ping Dafu truly wishes to assist my country, otherwise she would not have stayed in Zhi to help me instead of her own people..."

Li Xuan knelt down while scrutinizing his sixth brother. That handsome yet extremely cold face, slightly turned to the side and motionless, was so beautiful that it exuded a chilling aura devoid of any human warmth, resembling a lifeless figure.

I have learned a great deal! I do not dare to disturb the prince, so I shall take my leave first

Li Yi knelt in the hall, bowed his head in gratitude, and recounted the matter of Ziliu in detail, according to the fabricated version by Jing Yongfu. After receiving the news, he joined forces with General Xuanyuan, and how it unfolded... King Xie listened intently, so absorbed that he forgot to offer a seat, only remembering to do so after Li Yi had finished speaking

Li Yi was well aware that mentioning the name of Da Fu would stir up a tremendous uproar in the court, yet in order to keep her by his side forever, he still mustered the courage to declare loudly in the Zhengshu Hall: "In response to Father, her surname is Ping, and her given name is Da Fu"

The anger in Lady Sima's eyes could no longer be suppressed; she struck the armrest of the chair with one hand, and the wood cracked in response

Jing Yongfu was taken aback; does this count as him trying to please me? Li Yi's return journey has been determined, and it is evident that the role of this piece in the game has come to an end. She no longer needs to engage in pretense with him, and Li Fei should also disregard her, waiting for Li Yi to return to find the rightful master.

As Lady Ruo stepped forward and opened Sima Qiudi's gift box one by one, it contained nothing but items related to music. Everyone looked at her with curiosity; today, Lady Ruo seemed somewhat excited. After carefully examining all the items, her gaze turned to the flute in her daughter's hand. Jing Yongfu quickly handed the flute to her.

Madam Sima's gaze sharpened: "I heard from Prince Pei that a few days ago, the young lady was very close to Prince Di. I wonder why recently Prince Di has not summoned the young lady, yet the young lady has instead grown closer to my son"

Jing Yongfu casually opened one of the long gift boxes, inside was a wooden flute. Although it could not be considered precious, it was evident that it was well-crafted and had been around for some time, yet it did not appear old or worn. She held it in her hand and examined it: "This is..." A glance revealed that Madam Ruo's expression was unusual.

Jing Yongfu smiled even sweeter: "Indeed, Your Highness, the Crown Prince, both King Di and King Pei have recently been keen on understanding the people's sentiments, often wandering around the streets and fields. The Sima family, however, remains quite clear-headed, not engaging in such antics with Your Highness and the others. They truly represent the old family of Xieguo that has stood strong for a hundred years!"

After Li Yi took his seat, he heard a minister from the court behind him step forward and ask, "May I inquire, Your Highness the Crown Prince, how do you plan to locate the lair of these cunning and elusive Jing bandits? Even General Xuanyuan has not been able to confront them directly on many occasions. I wonder how Your Highness intends to devise a strategy to find their hideout and eliminate the Jing thieves in one fell swoop?"

The tall Shui Jie quietly appeared behind Jing Yongfu, and the atmosphere in the main hall immediately became tense. Jing Yongfu made a gesture from behind, signaling Shui Jie not to take action. Shui Jie withdrew her restrained internal energy and stepped back.

Jing Yongfu asked with a smile: "Isn't the lady here to see me?"

If Jing Yongfu were awake, she would notice that Li Fei's gaze had been fixed on her. In Li Fei's eyes, there was an expression that even if she faced him awake, she would be unable to comprehend.

Li Yi knelt down and said, "Father, please do not be angry."

Living nearby, people can arrive quickly. As Jing Yongfu settled in, Si Ma Qiudi came knocking at the door. This time, he was dressed very formally, in a moon-white robe favored by the noble youths of the Xie Kingdom. However, Si Ma Qiudi's robe was exquisitely crafted, with layers of cloud-like fabric, silver thread embroidery, and was far more luxurious than that of ordinary nobles. He still held a fan in his hand, with a flawless white jade frame and a fan surface of snow pear pink gold.

Blessings and benefits in dual cultivation

Why not feign illness, finish the task, and then leave? Jing Yongfu pondered.

"What a good mouth you have!" Lady Sima said coldly, "I will take good care of Qiudi, ensuring that he does not fall into a quagmire for no reason. After all, my Sima family is a reputable family, and there is no need to entangle ourselves with some wildflowers by the roadside."

Sima Qiudi is not interested in the background scenery of Yongfu. She enjoys going out with him because he pays the bills and also pleases her. During their first encounter, she declined his invitation due to his surname, and it was also because of his surname that she took the initiative to find him in the capital—his surname could confuse the countless gazes of attention directed at her from behind.

Be cautious and take your time... there are many days ahead

Madam, you should be more careful in the future and refrain from grabbing everything indiscriminately; it is best not to touch certain items at all said Li Fei languidly

Li Fei, dressed in dark robes, floated in and took a seat at the main position. Glancing at the broken chair, she let out a cold laugh: "It seems this king has arrived just in time"

Jing Yongfu awoke to a fleeting moment of residual light, a gaze so beautiful it was perilous. She had no time to savor it; the only thing she could be certain of was that this trip had been premeditated by Li Fei. With this thought, her mind went blank in an instant—she was nestled against him, just as she had always nestled against Lady Ruo in the carriage.

After a moment, Li Heyu stood up, pointing at Li Yi, trembling with anger as he exclaimed: "Absurd! Absurd! It is truly too absurd!"

Jing Yongfu quickly sat back in his original position, while Li Fei coldly said, "There won't be a next time." Her heart couldn't help but race; what was happening?

Upon entering the palace gates, a group of princes and lords led by Li Xuan welcomed Li Yi. After exchanging a few heartfelt words of friendship, Li Yi proceeded with the others into the Zhengshudian Hall. Only Li Fei remained aloof, leisurely trailing behind at the end.

"Enough!" Li Heyu waved his hand, panting heavily, and said, "Even if you wish to marry Princess Da Fu, the daughter of Jing Shenmao, I cannot agree to it."

Li Xian, the King of Li, who had reached the age of thirty, had a broad forehead and a square jaw, with thick eyebrows and upright eyes. His appearance did not resemble that of King Xie or Concubine De, but rather bore a striking resemblance to the father of Concubine De, the clan leader Chen Chihua. Li Xian followed closely behind Li Yi, silently observing Li Yi, who was dressed in luxurious court attire, walking with a beaming smile among the ranks of the welcoming procession that he had personally arranged. If it were not for Li Xuan's repeated admonitions to not lose the "friendship" and to endure as the best strategy, he would have at least made a few sarcastic remarks towards Li Yi. Although Li Yi's maneuver of "pushing the plate" relieved the heavy burden in Li Xian's heart, like Li Xuan, he did not believe that Li Yi would easily let them off the hook. Since Li Yi wanted to create a warm scene of brotherly love, they would cooperate and first understand Li Yi's intentions before responding. As the saying goes, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. Why had the usually clever yet overly eager Li Yi changed after a trip to Ziliu? This was something they did not comprehend, and this change in Li Yi rendered the traps that Li Xuan had meticulously arranged over the years ineffective. As the saying goes, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. Why had the usually clever yet overly eager Li Yi changed after a trip to Ziliu? This was something they did not comprehend, and this change in Li Yi rendered the traps that Li Xuan had meticulously arranged over the years ineffective.

I, your humble servant, respectfully acknowledge your decree