Chapter 1

Hearing you speak so vividly, I thought you wanted to enter the palace. The current emperor is a person of great virtue; are you still in your right mind?

The knife moved from his neck to his chin, lifting his face. "Speaking of which, what difference is there between you, a well-dressed beast, and those so-called brothers-in-law? You appear dignified, dressed in fine clothes, and speak with elegance, yet your true nature is completely contrary. You wish to force yourself upon women in exchange for what you desire; is that what you call thinking of me? There are countless hypocrites crawling all over the capital, and it is not easy to find a man whose words and actions align. Isn't that exhausting?"

What is moving beside the pavilion boat? She looked over and saw a small flower boat docked next to the pavilion boat, seemingly waiting for someone to board. She scoffed inwardly and turned away, no longer caring where the owner of that boat chose to look.

Feng Wuyan said: "Well, I watched it when I was young"

Naturally, it is extremely heart-wrenching ... ... Xi Zi cleverly noticed the strange expressions of the surrounding guards and suddenly remembered that he was exceptionally good-looking. Such words, once spoken, are bound to lead to misunderstandings ... ... He met the man's inscrutable gaze, his heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said: "Sir, it's not just me; everyone is concerned about you!"

"A person of virtue." Feng Wuyan casually remarked

Why does it hurt so much when a woman hits? Is he too weak, or is she like a wall of iron and copper? When his vision shifted from blurry to clear, he saw a small knife pressed against his neck

Feng Shiliu, with her big eyes, incredulously said: "Are you out of your mind? Everyone is tall and strong, and that... that one is also very... very large everywhere." Feng Wuyan had a look of confusion on her face, and then suddenly realized. She felt... her thoughts were at a loss as to where to go.

He took a deep breath and forced a smile. "What nonsense is my sister talking about... I have no interest in such an old face. No, I have no interest in male beauty at all." He was already fair-skinned and delicate, possessing a touch of the beauty typical of Jin people. Today, in order to turn raw rice into cooked rice, he deliberately displayed his charm: to beat him like this... Life is not easy for anyone these days, is it really necessary to resort to such violence? If the beating continues, wouldn't he be left without descendants?

Do you recognize this knife

A gust of wind blew by, just in time to blow off one young lady's hat, revealing her breathtakingly beautiful face. Still young and in the bloom of youth, her enchanting eyes sparkled, and as they wandered around the surroundings, her crimson lips curved into a smile

In the next moment, a pair of ape-like arms wrapped around her waist from behind, lifting her entire body up.

He sighed again and slowly moved

Dongsi Alley, commonly referred to as Grocery Street, sells all kinds of second-hand items. She arrived at a dilapidated wooden door at the end of the alley and gently knocked three times. A middle-aged man opened the door slightly, revealing his amiable face

The action of the handsome young man leaping down from the carriage resembled a command to initiate, as several men swiftly emerged from the dark alley, following the young man to assist the trapped carriage

The Feng family has no sons, but has twenty daughters. Feng Wuyan is the twelfth in line and is the only daughter who does not conform to the aesthetic standards of the capital. To be frank, if she truly conformed, he would not have the opportunity to take action today.

She carefully set the book aside, then picked up a thin paperback, and upon turning to the first page—oh, it is the history of the Jinbi Dynasty

The shore, once bustling with people coming and going, is now quiet and silent, with everyone looking up at the sky. On the deck of the ship, a tall man emerges from the cabin, and the other men immediately change their positions, forming a subtle protective circle around him.

"You feel really uncomfortable to touch," she said.

Feng Wuyan, upon hearing this, opened her cold, indifferent eyes and stared at her intently

He slightly twitched the corner of his mouth and continued: "A gentleman does not speak ill of others, but some things are unclear if not said. Please forgive me for my rudeness. You should have self-awareness; being not particularly beautiful is not a good thing for our future descendants. Yet, I still find myself infatuated with you..."

She does not have any floral scent about her. It is not that she dislikes it; rather, she is afraid that someone might take the opportunity to create trouble for herself.

"Twelve, what are you doing? Have you seen enough? Ninth Sister is still waiting for us at the inn." Feng Sixteen leaned out from behind her, following her gaze to see the large boat. ... On the boat stood a tall man, elevated above the rest ...? ... looking in this direction. ? The moment she met the man's gaze, she inexplicably stiffened.

Qian Fengyao's face twisted, as if he had endured a tremendous insult, and he said in a low voice: "Miss Feng, since you prefer straightforwardness, I will be more direct... I can... lower my self-respect and allow you to take the initiative... I only ask that you take responsibility afterwards and that it remains confidential for life"

He sighed helplessly. ... Trees ... ... There is no soft beauty worth cherishing, as he only plants flowers and not trees in his backyard. He greeted her, saying: "Sister, I did not expect that you have never heard of me; it seems that Master Feng did not convey my proposal to you." Mentioning Master Feng made him unhappy, but he quickly turned to her with a friendly demeanor: "You have already reached marriageable age, yet you remain buried in the Feng family's engravings, which is truly pitiful. You possess extraordinary talent in engraving; if you could enter the Qian family, with my assistance as your brother, you would surely be able to open another door in the world of engraving." He pressed his lips together and continued with a friendly tone: "You have already reached marriageable age, yet you remain buried in the Feng family's engravings, which is truly pitiful. You possess extraordinary talent in engraving; if you could enter the Qian family, with my assistance as your brother, you would surely be able to open another door in the world of engraving." He pressed his lips together again and added: "Your way of smiling is somewhat displeasing to me."

Feng Shiliu's cheeks could not help but flush, and she said softly: "Even if one is assimilated for many years, the savage nature will always remain, surely it will be very rude... it can be hurtful. I have heard of women who were tormented and did not leave their homes for several days..."

Feng Wuyan could not respond to such remarks and could only say: "The current emperor is also of mixed blood with the Biman people. It is said that he bears an eight-tenths resemblance to the portrait of the founding ruler with pure Biman lineage. Are you not afraid?"

Therefore, do not blame her for misinterpreting the reason for the beautiful young man in the carriage. She instinctively glanced back at the carriage, just as the window faced this way, revealing the man's profile in the dim light of the carriage.

The guard Yan Ben, standing on the other side of the man, glanced over, stepped forward, and said: "Sir"

Visual impact often evokes different emotions in a man. When he first encounters a beautiful girl, he may willingly seek to marry her; this is what is known as love at first sight. Unfortunately, Feng Twelve does not possess beauty, so he must contribute his own beauty to make Feng Twelve experience love at first sight.

"Qian Fengyao? Who? Are you touching the wrong person? Boss Xu is not here; you might as well wait for him to come at midnight."

Xizi was taken aback upon hearing this, and then carefully looked at the extraordinarily beautiful girl... How could it be... At most, one could only say that both of them had good features. Before he entered the palace, he wasn't particularly good-looking; it was only after entering the palace and gaining some weight that he realized he seemed to have grown quite handsome.

Rest assured, if I desire a capable person, I will request His Majesty to issue a decree to find someone for you to marry

She certainly did not want to end up as a reluctant commoner who was forcibly taken, seeking to avoid trouble, so she insisted on standing her ground.

At her slightest movement, Feng Wuyan caught a whiff of a captivating floral fragrance, perfectly suited for the age of sixteen. Even she had to admit that when observing a person, the scent is also of great importance. Each time she encountered a delightful aroma and then looked at the other person, she found them astonishingly beautiful.

The man in the car casually watched her figure disappear into the alley before retracting his gaze. ... What was he just looking at ...? ... It seemed to be a woman. ? He didn't pay much attention.

Feng Wuyan retreated quietly. "Young Master Qian, one must know when to stop in all matters"

Within this context, how many wolves and tigers have harbored ill intentions towards her, all of whom are descendants of those engaged in the art of woodblock printing. In the capital, there are hundreds of woodblock printers, and the reason she stands out is primarily due to the recent flourishing of Buddhism, which has led to the increasing popularity of woodblock printing. Wealthy families now provide for Buddhist practices, and scriptures are no longer copied by hand; instead, they hire woodblock printers to print scriptures and engrave illustrations. Additionally, the demand for engraved seals and single-pattern designs has also surged.

At this moment, the night market near the shore was brightly lit, almost illuminating her and Sixteen's figures through the car window. Feng Wuyán looked out the window again, where shadows of people on the boats by the shore intertwined, and the sounds of music and laughter filled the air, accompanied by colorful laughter.

This person can be on this large ship, accompanied by a handsome young attendant, undoubtedly holding power. ... Unfortunately, Sixteen's heart is with the Emperor ... . ... She thought for a moment, then stepped forward to block Sixteen, once again meeting his gaze.

The man absentmindedly glanced at the beautiful young girl again, touching the jade ring on his finger. "If I want it, I cannot send it to the palace." He did not say whether he wanted it or not, suddenly pointing to a corner, "What does that person want to do?"

The capital has always placed great importance on beauty, regardless of whether it is men or women; one is reluctant to go out without makeup. Only beauty can help one establish good relationships and secure a foothold in the capital. This statement is entirely true; what is false is his feelings for Feng Twelve.

Sixteen leaned over to take a look and exclaimed, "Is it a beautiful person seeking a marriage proposal? What good is sending a wild boar? It would be better to send a fine horse for spring hunting." She suddenly felt disinterested and sat back down.

Sister, I have sought but could not obtain, please forgive me

Despite the distance, she was certain that the man was looking at her. She involuntarily stood even more rigidly, not shifting her gaze away first

Exercise caution in speech

As she sensed someone observing her, she slowly turned her head, and their gazes met in an instant

"How could a printmaker not recognize the precious jade knife of the Feng family? That jade knife is a treasured heirloom of the Feng family, and it has been used to create no fewer than a thousand prints. However, to be frank, if it weren't for Feng Twelve, who would know about the Feng family's heirloom in this world? He swallowed hard and lowered his voice, saying: 'Miss Twelve, be careful with your hands; carving prints is not the same as cutting people. Your hands are as precious as pearls, and they must not be harmed... You know very well, just look at your father, look at your family, look at your brother-in-law; each one is a cunning wolf or a fierce tiger. Why not take refuge under my wing and carve prints in peace?'"

Xizi squinted and looked over, wearing a bewildered expression

Feng Shiliu scoffed, saying: "If it weren't for your knowledge of woodblock printing, Ninth Brother-in-law wouldn't have sought to marry you first. Twelve, do not think too highly of yourself because of this; you are not being pursued for your beauty. If this were to be known, it would actually be a disgrace to the Feng family."

A sudden sharp pain spread through him, so intense that he had to release the beauty in his arms, taking several steps back and bending down.

Your Majesty has ascended the throne for three years, and only now has there been the first selection and the first time leaving the palace... One cannot help but feel sympathy for Your Majesty... Three years ago, the sudden passing of Emperor Jin took everyone by surprise: had Emperor Jin not encountered misfortune, Your Majesty would still be the Prince Ning wandering overseas...

He sighed deeply and helplessly said: "Indeed, in the capital, only those with beauty have the means to travel. Are you unaware of this? In the future, I will not be able to care about what extraordinary abilities my descendants may possess. From this, one can understand how deep my feelings are." His words were somewhat difficult to utter, yet he had no choice but to express them against his true feelings.

First, close the door tightly, don't let anyone see, and keep the noise down. By the way, could you cover my eyes first?" He wanted to replace Feng Wuyán's face in his mind with that of another person.

The cultured man on the boat broke the silence and said, "Is that the fire department established by His Majesty the Emperor today?"

She did not shy away like other girls; instead, she gazed for a while longer before withdrawing from the window. The headlights could not illuminate the other person's full appearance, but a discerning eye could tell at a glance that it was a beautiful person, quite good-looking. It was simply a delightful sight.

Why does this man keep staring at her? She felt a slight suspicion in her heart, took a step back, revealing Feng Sixteen, and then his gaze fell upon Feng Sixteen's face.

She maintained her expression and immediately turned to another dead corner.

The shimmering water reflected the moon in the sky, and a large boat was anchored on the surface of the water. A sudden explosion startled the ten or so men on the deck, who simultaneously rushed to the side of the boat, scanning the water's surface with vigilance.

All show and no substance

Sixteen said: "Twelve, I am right, aren't I? A good horse is not easy to obtain; for the spring hunt, one must have a good horse to stand out in it"

Due to the cart being stuck on the street, other vehicles were momentarily unable to move. She casually glanced over the nearby carts, and one of them caught her attention.

The man is following the girl in the hooded cloak

A man entered silently. He moved with a delicate and fragile grace, dressed in a brocade robe. As he approached, the candlelight illuminated his exceptionally fair and translucent complexion

Twelve, you have read a lot of books, and you must have come across such statements, right

The door was gently pushed open

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed the case. It is not easy to be noticed while mingling in the crowd; that man appeared to be wandering the night market, but in reality, he had been following a woman all along. However, how did Your Majesty become aware of this matter?

It is truly unreasonable to blame her for having improper thoughts; that beautiful young man does not resemble a master, nor does he resemble those beneath him, yet he possesses an air of delicacy that makes it impossible for one not to entertain even the slightest improper thoughts.

Sixteen's expression brightened. "That is true, everyone has their strengths. Speaking of which, when I enter the palace in the future, the most esteemed position I can hope for is to be a favored concubine; I certainly won't be in a higher position, and I am aware of that. What about you? Do you prefer the Jin people or the Bi people?"

She discreetly looked out of the car window, and indeed, the wheels of a carriage were stuck in the muddy street at an angle. It had been raining heavily every day until yesterday when it finally cleared up, and there were still some "traps" in the mud; with a moment's inattention, the carriage fell victim to it

She rubbed her elbow again. Men are truly a strange kind of beast; when faced with her, they can act in a rough and unruly manner: yet when encountering a beauty, they speak softly and coaxingly. This disparity in treatment is solely due to the difference in their skin thickness.

In the sight of the people on the ship, one in front and one behind, no one is in the darkness

The man was about to smile or not, his gaze returning to the lively scene on the shore. Along the bank were vendors, laborers moving goods, and scholars preparing to board boats for a night on the river, a mix of people from different social classes clearly visible at the water's edge. Just as the man was about to withdraw his gaze, he suddenly caught sight of two young women in hooded cloaks appearing at the shore

... to be honest, it is a trend in the capital, and I am merely going with the flow. Miss Twelve, your knife has already pierced my skin; I must board the ship for the banquet later, so please grant me a little dignity. He forced a smile, staring into her eyes, which showed no softness. "Then let me speak more seriously. Miss Twelve, even if your engraving skills are superb, without anyone providing you with patterns and literary flair, the images you carve will lack spirit. After the golden splendor, there will be no more masters of calligraphy and painting.

Throughout history, the greatest fear of each dynasty has been fire disasters. Once a fire ignites and becomes uncontrollable, the losses are incalculable. Households have always been extremely cautious with candles, and it has been a long time since a major disaster caused by fire has occurred. Therefore, the establishment of fire watch stations can only be regarded as a precautionary measure taken by His Majesty to prevent future calamities, yet it may not necessarily yield any tangible results... After all, it has been a long time since a fire disaster occurred, until today... Households have always been extremely cautious with candles, and it has been a long time since a major disaster caused by fire has occurred. Therefore, the establishment of fire watch stations can only be regarded as a precautionary measure taken by His Majesty to prevent future calamities, yet it may not necessarily yield any tangible results... After all, it has been a long time since a fire disaster occurred, until today...

She still has a smile that is neither fully a smile nor completely devoid of one

She turned around, staring at him calmly and coldly

Say

There is another woman in the car, whose appearance resembles that of a hibiscus, with a charming and innocent demeanor: she is looking up and down at Feng Wuyán, and exclaims, "I have been waiting for you here for half a moment, you are all dirty, where have you been rolling around? Have you been out wild with a man?"

You... he clenched his teeth, raising his eyes to her empty hands. No weapon? He watched her rub her elbow, slightly taken aback. Just now...? Did her elbow hit him hard enough to explode? A woman's elbow!? Does he still care about his face?

She grasped the corner of her hood with her fingers, partially covering her mouth and nose, yet her pair of eyes were exposed to the light

Sixteen has a strange expression. "Twelve, is it something written in the book again?"

You certainly know quite a lot

Each has its own strengths. Just like the fragrance on your clothes, I simply do not understand it at all she confessed

The knife-wielder crouched beside him, a pair of cold amber eyes fixed on him. In the capital, delicate eyes are in vogue, yet these large eyes were clearly not up to standard. It was precisely because of her small face and large eyes that he could easily read the tumultuous emotions swirling in her starkly contrasting gaze—disdain, indifference, and a fierce determination born out of compulsion

She walked too quickly and did not see any of this

Look at your tone, are you feeling sorry for the master

His features were indistinct, yet she could sense that he did not avert his gaze, perhaps waiting for her, this uninvited weed, to move aside on its own, so that he could see clearly again at sixteen

The man did not move his steps to take in her entire appearance, but kept his gaze fixed on her eyes

King Ning has been on the throne for three years, and with favorable weather and no disasters, such rumors are still circulating. She is beginning to suspect that someone is deliberately spreading such voices. No wonder preparations for selection have begun this year

"You may leave first, I do not wish to see her," Feng Wuyan casually remarked. In her eyes, Feng Jiu must have been kicked by a donkey to assist her husband in scheming against her younger sister-in-law. It was obvious that besides Feng Jiu, her husband was also present at the inn.

These men, clearly reveling in the comforts of tenderness, why do they not engage in some physical training? Each one appears as frail as a woman, and even a slight exertion of strength is sufficient to bring a man down, time and again. As for their core strength, with just one push, they end up twisting themselves first.

She completely cannot understand this book, not recognizing a single word! However, such books are usually accompanied by illustrations. She quickly flipped through a few pages, and as she expected, there were strange yet pleasing illustrations that became more agreeable the longer she looked at them. Which master painted them? She has collected several volumes, yet has never been able to comprehend them.

In front of the boat, about ten small boats and pleasure boats were scattered, connected by ropes, with bright lights above, mostly occupied by cultured gentlemen and elegant guests; however, the flower boats carrying geishas were not connected, floating independently on the water's surface. At this moment, both the cultured gentlemen and the swallows on the flower boats were looking towards the shore.

She looked around, showing no disdain for her current surroundings, selected her target, and quickly flipped open the book

Feng Wuyan calmly said: "Do you think I have never dealt with wolves and tigers? I have become quite skilled at it; you are merely one of them. Qian Fengyao, you think that by trying to seize what is mine, I would be willing to serve the Qian family like a beast of burden. Have you ever considered whether I might want to seize you instead?"

She had long since discovered that in the capital, men could extend their courtesies to beauties like Sixteen; however, towards those who were not pleasing to the eye, their inherent filth would be revealed.

Although she indeed enjoys immersing herself in this pure world of woodblock printing, she occasionally wonders how ironic it is that while Buddhism flourishes and everyone believes in it, those who follow it are so indulgent in material pleasures

Qian Fengyao, do you wish to reap the consequences of your own actions?" Feng Wuyan exclaimed sternly

With her dark eyelashes half-closed, he gazed at her alluring silhouette and spoke: "Go see if that beautiful Jin woman is a courtesan from the flower boat. If so, bring her aboard."

As the door opened, Feng Wuyan boarded the carriage

He saw her honey-colored calves beneath her skirt and was still thinking that the capital only loves the skin of pure snow, yet this Feng Wuyan was truly far from it: however, her calves were delicate, with a harmonious balance of bone and flesh, creating an unusual visual...! ... pain!

The other party seemed to sense that someone was watching him, turned his head to look, and met her gaze.

Feng Wuyan said: "Isn't it good to be straightforward like this? Please forgive my refusal, Young Master Qian, but I do not like your painting either"

I am reaping what I have sown! Feng Shier, one should never go to extremes in anything. Just consider the Qian family as your own; it is merely a change of surname, and it benefits everyone... You..." He saw her suddenly turn around and grasp his wrist.

It is observation, rather than merely looking out of curiosity

Feng Wuyan continued to look at her, intending to reply: If it were not for my understanding of woodblock printing, from where would the clothes you wear, the seat you sit on, and the food you eat come from

Sir, preparations for the selection have already begun in various places. I wonder if this young lady is on the list. If she is not, it would be a pity... Such beauty is enough for her to quickly secure a place in the palace, and perhaps even to win His Majesty's favor

He was soon favored by His Majesty and assigned to serve by his side, and no one dared to covet him. ... Some elderly Jin people say that the former dynasty's old emperor had a penchant for young boys, which is why the eunuchs in the palace all possess a certain charm: fortunately, His Majesty does not share this preference ... ? ... Does he? ? Currently, there are no consorts in the palace, and His Majesty is usually preoccupied with state affairs, making it difficult to discern his inclinations.

"Perhaps I should go and check," he volunteered, insisting on escorting that young lady inside

Emperor Jin is the elder brother of the current emperor and was once the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. He died in a fall from his horse just seven days after ascending the throne. Since that time, rumors have circulated one after another—could it be that the royal family suffers this calamity because the golden seal is not legitimate?

He had been thinking, "Living in this world is not easy for anyone. His body could be considered as having been returned to the Qian family, and for the rest of his life, he would have to worry about the day when news spread of Qian Fengyao being forcibly taken by a woman, leaving him with no face to see anyone again." Upon seeing Feng Wuyan, he instinctively sheathed his knife, his heart skipped a beat, and in an instant, his heart became wild again.

He leaned close to her ear and said in a hoarse voice, "Do not be afraid, is it not Feng Wuyán, Feng Twelve? I am Qian Fengyáo, I have long admired you, and today I finally get to fulfill my wish—" Before he could finish his self-introduction, his abdomen was struck by a hard weapon.

Feng Shiliu, unaware of the vast chasm between them, cheerfully continued, "It would be simple to win me over. If you draw a portrait of me that the Emperor selects, I will absolutely keep your affairs with anyone else a secret." She casually picked up a book that Feng Wuyan had brought onto the carriage and, covering her mouth with a smile, said, "It is the History of Golden and Precious Stones, which recounts the great achievements of the founding emperor. I must say, he is good in every way, except for one thing."

As soon as Feng Wuyan heard him finish speaking, she noticed a change in his expression and rushed forward

I am here, my subordinate

The room was piled high with old books and paintings, covered in a thick layer of dust. She merely brushed the dust off the books lightly, only to be choked repeatedly by the cloud of dust.

He also noticed that the woman in front of him stood too straight, which was not pleasing to the eye. Other girls, just by standing there, exuded a captivating charm that made one's heart flutter layer upon layer: was this girl in front of him never taught how to stand, standing there so rigidly? Like a young pine or cypress?

In his lifetime, he had only seven consorts in the harem, the last of whom was a princess from the previous dynasty, yet he ended up killing her due to his capricious nature. The book states that this favored consort harbored thoughts of the previous dynasty and attempted to harm the founding monarch. In my opinion, this is not the case at all

The girl beside her was always gripping her hood, clearly exhibiting a highly alert disposition. His gaze lingered on her because she had looked up at the burnt-out lamp and was continuously observing her surroundings.

Feng Wuyan lost his balance and fell down

Feng Wuyan replied: "This is a custom of the Bi clan regarding courtship. They practice monogamy, and in the early days when currency had not yet circulated, military strength was their most valuable asset. Therefore, men would hunt animals and present them to the woman's family to demonstrate their capability to provide for a family. The woman's reciprocation involved personally hunting animals to convey to the man that she would also contribute to maintaining the household. After the Jin Bi period, with the exception of the state leader who had no queen, subsequent emperors incorporated this custom into their grand weddings with the empress, and in the folk tradition, some people also regarded this custom as part of the wedding process. However, even after this addition, it still resulted in a system of one husband and multiple concubines. To this day, many relatives take turns hunting, treating it merely as a lively activity during the wedding."

He is the heir of the Qian family of engravers. Looking at the Qian family, he is the only one who can represent the family. He does not sell his looks; should the old men in the family come out to sell instead? ... In fact, he is truly helpless ...

His eyes shifted to the small knife. The handle was emerald green, and the character "Feng" was engraved on it

One can envision her fate, yet no one on the ship takes any action

Speaking of which, the people of Bi cannot escape this flaw either. After being in the same environment for a long time, how could it be that only the Jin people have such a corrupt atmosphere while the Bi people do not

In the capital, there are all kinds of industries, yet the trade of second-hand or unwanted old books and paintings is quite rare. Shops like Hongluo Bookstore, which appear to have little value, have actually been the places where she found treasures on several occasions, while on Antique Street, one might end up purchasing counterfeit books and paintings.

"Make a detour and then head to the night market," she said to the coachman. Only after confirming that the carriage had started moving did she close her eyes and lean wearily against the carriage wall

Feng Wuyan had a blank expression. "I did not mean that, please take care, young master."

Merely the engraving of these scriptures is sufficient to sustain the livelihoods of over a hundred engravers. She is fortunate that her skills are somewhat superior, as the temple has designated her to engrave single pieces such as the Thousand Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, causing immense envy among her peers.

Even if she read a lot back then, wouldn't it be a problem if a child were to pay attention to this aspect? She had only seen exaggerated expressions regarding this matter in rural tales, and if Feng Shiliu hadn't pointed it out, she truly wouldn't have made the connection. However, can rural tales be trusted?

He looked her up and down. "Miss Twelve?" Seeing her nod, he allowed her to enter the room. Immediately, he hung a green cloth by the door, glanced around, and then closed the door.

She waited and waited, but the carriage could not make way for a while. Therefore, she paid the fare, got off the hired carriage, tightened the hood of her cloak that concealed her face, turned a few corners, and wound her way into Dongsi Alley.

What... what does it mean for a woman to take over a man? Qian Fengyao suddenly felt a chill.

The man followed her gaze, scrutinizing the surroundings. Seeing nothing unusual, he shifted his attention back to her

Generally speaking, the ability of the artist and the engraver to communicate is the key to the success of the print. Indeed, Feng Wuyan's engraving technique is the most outstanding in the capital, but who knows when the artists from the Feng family will be poached? This is precisely why he advocates the idea that "partners can betray at any time, and it is essential for couples to be bound together"

However, waves of fatigue washed over her, ultimately rendering her silent, her slightly gloomy eyes cast downward

One book, two books... She is immersed in the pages... She enjoys the inspiration that a book can instantaneously provide her, perhaps just a single sentence, perhaps just an image, which can transport her into an entirely new world... She then picks up another book, accidentally soaked in water, its cover lost, and opens it—her tightly pressed lips slightly curve upward, and her amber-colored pupils brighten in an instant.

It was a gaze of pure curiosity from a young girl. Such a gaze creates an extremely charming innocence on her face, pleasing to the eye

He stared at the woman's silhouette for a long time, sighed silently, and said: "I apologize for my rudeness"

In fact, Xizi was listening to the guards whispering that a pleasure boat had approached to inquire if they needed to board for some entertainment. This was a common tactic used by the pleasure boats on the shore to attract business, as literati and refined guests would often allow them to board for songs and dances. However, Xizi let out a cold laugh and instructed them to politely decline. He then turned back, following the man's gaze, which landed on Feng Shiliu's face.

"Your Majesty... Every day, I am busy with state affairs, and even in the afternoon, I rarely have any free time, naturally leading to a distancing from these festivities," sighed Xizi

At that moment, she caught sight of the handsome young man beside him... It turned out to be that paragon of beauty. A slight twitch appeared at the corner of her mouth. The world is indeed full of twists and turns; she has feelings for the paragon, who typically favors beautiful Jin women, yet this sixteen-year-old Jin woman is intimidated by the paragon's towering stature. Perhaps life is inherently destined to be a pursuit of the unattainable.

Xizi lowered his eyes and changed his words: "Grandfather."

It was not a deliberate search for her, but rather that some people naturally captivate others at first glance. At that moment, she was passing by a flower boat moored at the shore and paused to look inside, unsure whether it was out of curiosity or because she recognized someone there

Anyone who can read knows that the history of the Jinbi over the past hundred years is hardly considered a treasure. This type of book generally presents two narratives. One describes the suffering of the people during the previous dynasty, filled with grievances, which allowed the Bizu to advance into the capital with unstoppable momentum, ultimately leading to the downfall of the previous dynasty. The other narrative depicts the flourishing prosperity of the previous dynasty being coveted by barbarian tribes, which, after several military blunders and losing the initiative, resulted in repeated retreats. This is what compelled the Emperor of the Great Jin to prefer death over surrender. Of course, the latter narrative is a banned book that circulates only in private. If one were to ask the elderly residing in the Jin families in the capital, they would surely claim to be witnesses, asserting that the truth of history lies within the banned book.

Qian Fengyao politely performed a bow. "Would you be willing to elope with me, my dear sister? After eloping, we would have already consummated our union, and naturally, Master Feng would be unable to refuse my proposal for marriage."

Even the nine sons of the dragon each have their own differences, let alone a small household like the Feng family

Feng Shiliu leaned in and said mysteriously: "The green cloud covers the top. Those from the Bi clan are nothing but savages, perhaps engaging in brotherly betrayal or sharing a wife among two men. Once discovered by outsiders, the founding ruler became furious and embarrassed. He claims to admire Jin culture, yet has committed so many disgusting acts..."

Yan Ben pointed out the situation to him: "Just now, after those two young ladies parted ways, one went to the inn on the street, while the other seemed to want to continue browsing the night market. This man is clearly waiting for her to be alone. I suspect that once she is in a secluded place, he will take action."

He had a strange expression on his face, muttering to himself: "What treasure could this old, dilapidated street possibly have that would warrant a young lady coming all this way? It would be better to go to Guwei Street. If you want something, find it yourself." After speaking, he turned and walked through the door, leaving her in a quiet space to herself.

She tilted her head and thought for a moment, then decided to set the book aside for her own use.

These are merely extravagant claims made in the streets and alleys. My literary talent is exceptional, and I have been renowned in the circle for many years. I excel in painting portraits of beautiful women, and no one in the capital can match my skills. We are the best match; I paint while you sculpt, working together with a shared purpose. Only such works can truly come to life.

Sister, don't hide, don't be shy... I am already willing to sell myself, what are you still struggling with? If anyone is at a loss, it is me! From now on, when I go out, I will be laughed at for having an unworthy wife...

His gaze involuntarily fell upon her slender fingers, their skin a uniform honey color, the touch... truly captivating. Perhaps it was due to his nervousness, but there was an undeniable allure. However, it was clear that the other party did not share this sentiment. At such a close distance, he could actually see a hint of disgust reflected in her eyes.

Feng Shiliu sighed with self-pity: "What can be done? Just endure, and it will pass; this is the price to pay. Only the founding emperor has seven consorts; after that, who does not have three palaces and six courtyards? Even if one is favored, they won't come every day. There will be many days for me to lie down in the future. I have heard that Emperor Jin resembled his mother, being a handsome emperor of tall stature among the Jin people. How wonderful it would have been if he had not died..."

Of course! Barbaric as they are, they are emperors above millions! I detest the Biren the most; they are barbaric and towering, capable of tossing a person into the sky alive. Every time I see a Biren on the street, I fear that my beauty might bring me harm... Feng Sixteen took a deep breath, comforting herself: "After all, one must marry. If I can enter the palace, that would be the best treatment for a woman. Twelve, even you must admit, there is no other beauty in the capital who matches my looks." Comforting herself: "After all, one must marry. If I can enter the palace, that would be the best treatment for a woman. Twelve, even you must admit, there is no other beauty in the capital who matches my looks."

She screamed out loud

Sometimes she cannot help but wonder, if her hands were no longer nimble, would her world become quiet? Unfortunately, she cannot bear to part with it, truly cannot bear to.

He was taken aback. "This little girl is truly exceptionally beautiful"

It has been a long time since I last came here, and this night market is surprisingly lively

In the next moment, she kicked out with one foot

Xizi was not very concerned and said, "This is not good. I heard that people occasionally go missing at the night market; it turns out this is the method they use." His tone was just like that of others in the palace discussing who would suffer. The people in the palace had long been accustomed to 'watching' rather than actively 'doing' to invite trouble upon themselves

Feng Shiliu felt annoyed at her gaze. "You are allowed to speak frankly, but I am not? Clearly, Seventh Sister escaped from this family by secretly meeting and mingling with men, and you are following her example. So tell me, how do you intend to bribe me? Ninth Sister wants me to keep an eye on you at all times."

Someone said: "This fire may extinguish quickly, but usually, we are always very cautious to prevent fires. The night market has had these lights for several years, yet this year they exploded, almost causing a major disaster. Don't you think it's because the gold and jade are not sufficiently orthodox..."

If she were the emperor, it would be pleasing to have sixteen in the palace for aesthetic enjoyment

"You are quite similar to him." The man glanced at him.

If you are a person of virtue, then consider the tiger again. Feng Wuyan sheathed the knife and stood up

This majesty still has no consorts, and it is likely that quite a few women remain in the palace after the selection. However, regardless of the number, as long as he is a man, he will be fond of beauty; she does not believe that he would overlook someone as beautiful as sixteen

In the past, I had only heard about it, but today I finally see it. The people in the night market began to whisper to each other. Although it is just a few lights that have been lit, the night market is filled with flammable materials, and once it catches fire... One cannot blame them for thinking too seriously; rather, the idea of a small fire spreading has taken deep root.

I see. The other party was not looking at her; rather, she was in the way, Feng Wuyin thought

It is detestable that the greedy old man Feng is only willing to sell his other daughters at a high price, yet does not allow Feng Twelve to leave the Feng family. To speak honestly, with such a biological father, he feels great sympathy for the daughters of the Feng family.

Beside the coachman sat a handsome young man, whose appearance clearly indicated a lineage of Jin descent. Following the golden age, the intermingling of bloodlines from two dynasties has become more prevalent than pure bloodlines. The populace continues to admire and pursue the delicate beauty associated with the Jin people. As long as one possesses the beauty characteristic of the Jin, lacking a specific background, it is quite easy to become a commodity of value. What happens after being brought home is known only to them. Those who possess the appearance of a Jin person are often regarded with higher esteem. Consequently, in recent years, traditional Jin families, which have historically been reluctant to intermingle, have shown signs of loosening their stance.

She removed her hooded cloak, revealing a simple outfit. After the golden era, clothing became diverse and colorful, yet despite the variety, the wide sleeves of the previous dynasty remained predominant, and she was no exception in seeking convenience

Hmm? Say it again. The man slightly turned his face to look at him

With a thud, it seemed that the carriage had encountered a problem

Feng Wuyan paid her no mind

The man touched his lips and murmured, "Swallow's departure."

At that moment, a commotion outside attracted the attention of the two. Feng Wuyán looked out of the car window and saw a group of people carrying their catch, escorting a beautiful person riding a fine steed through the streets.

"Buy you?" Feng Wuyan coldly looked at her, "Feng Jiu should be focusing on her husband. Back then, she knew very well that he was not interested in her, yet she fell in love with his looks at first sight and insisted on marrying him, bringing suffering upon herself. What does that have to do with me?"

To be a person is to seize opportunities at all times! It is not surprising that Feng Wuyan cannot protect himself. Instinctively, he said first: "Feng Twelve, my apologies..." Before he could finish his sentence, he straightened his waist and struck at her calf beneath her skirt.

Alright, alright, it's fine now, let's continue! The firefighters left after cleaning up the mess, leaving everyone in astonishment

The doubts drifted intermittently across the surface of the river. Xizi stood beside the man, his expression changing as he muttered under his breath: "To bring such trivial matters into this, how tiresome! Your Majesty, we should capture them and bring them to justice..."

She suddenly recalled the beautiful person she had seen earlier in the carriage... She wondered about his strength... Based on the physique of that handsome young man, he likely could not withstand too much force, so that man must also belong to the frail type...

The lights exploded? The man also arrived at the ship's railing and immediately saw several flower lanterns hanging in the air on the shore burst open, sparks flying, instantly burning through the lantern skin. Before the crowd could react, the soldiers appeared to extinguish the fire.

He tried to stand up straight and finally got a close look at the woman's appearance. Indeed, her features were plain, and even when lowered to his minimum standards, she did not pass the test, which left him feeling a chill in his heart

He pointed to two places, and only then did Xizi realize that the beautiful young lady was at the other end, while His Majesty was pointing at this end? Is it also a handsome young lady?

She released her hand, allowing him to fall softly to the ground

He sighed again and said: "I too am at my wit's end. Although we did not have a beautiful beginning, I assure you that I will not abandon you halfway; you can rest assured.

"Go save the damsel in distress. Let's see if you have what it takes to win her over; she seems quite bold and tough." A slight curve appeared at the corner of his mouth as his gaze casually fell upon the beautiful girl once more.

Is this Mr. Xu from the Hongluo Study?" the woman asked

Feng Wuyan was momentarily at a loss for words

Indeed, this sentiment was one that Feng Wuyin wholeheartedly agreed with. Feng Shiliu herself was a brilliant light; her natural beauty was already stunning. If she were to apply powder to her face like the men and women of the capital, even as a woman herself, she would be unable to resist pausing her tasks to focus intently on Shiliu's face, contemplating how to portray her... When Shiliu spoke, that layer of enchantment would dissipate, only for her to become entranced by Shiliu's face once more the next time... When Shiliu spoke, that layer of enchantment would dissipate, only for her to become entranced by Shiliu's face once more the next time...

Oh? How is that?" Feng Wuyan casually replied.