Chapter 2

Outside, there is a beautiful scene of the rising sun and frost-covered forests. The envoy stands in this golden glow of the morning sun, their appearance highlighted to be exceptionally handsome, yet their expression is as cold as ice.

"But who here likes me?" I asked self-deprecatingly, "I am the daughter of King Wei, the daughter of that traitor. You patriotic gentlemen, which one of you does not wish to devour my father's flesh? Look at yourself, since you left home until now, when have you ever looked at me with respect?"

I smiled and said to him, "Lord Feng, everyone has their own duties. You are the envoy for the marriage alliance, and I am the bride's maid of honor. You are responsible for safely escorting the princess, while I am responsible for ensuring the princess's happiness. Serving others always requires some sacrifice. I am adaptable and possess a strong will."

A gust of wind passed, causing Feng Zheng's hair and the hem of his clothes to flutter gently, his gaze becoming more distant, and his silhouette more silent

Feng Zheng, thank you just now. The princess ultimately listens to your words. I have been tormented by her for almost a month, and in the end, it was your one sentence that resolved all the aftermath. Had I known this earlier, I should have asked you to step in and comfort her from the very beginning

Dear Sir/Madam

Jia Yue was assisted back by the maid, turning her head back with each step.

Feng Zheng finally revealed an awkward expression. He always pretended to be mature, but when he got anxious, his face immediately turned red, which was quite amusing

Feng Zheng, with such a demeanor, naturally belongs to the category of people who are considered "unreliable." However, he is remarkably accomplished at a young age, first serving as a companion to the crown prince and then joining the Imperial Guard, where he has achieved outstanding merits. Even my father privately remarked that Feng Zheng is quite composed and capable, and is worthy of great responsibilities, thus very reliable

Feng Zheng retracted his hand without leaving a trace, lowered his sleeves, and said lightly: "It's just a minor injury."

Feng Zheng and Wan Qing are the quintessential childhood sweethearts. My father and the old man of the Feng family are at odds with each other, yet they have not imposed any restrictions on the interactions between our children, allowing Feng Zheng to visit my home from time to time

Feng Zheng's cold voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction, "What you said is not wrong. But you don't have to go there to seek suffering; you know very well that she doesn't like you."

When I was a child, I secretly played with the kitchen servant's child with sandbags. I often saw the two of them standing in the garden pavilion, reciting poetry like little adults. Feng Zheng would speak of the gentle breeze, and Wan Qing would respond with the bright moon. Feng Zheng would mention the spring flowers, and Wan Qing would reply with the autumn fruits. In short, the two of them sang in harmony, seamlessly and with great flair.

However, he happened to be exceptionally handsome, and the young ladies in the capital all admired this young master of the Feng family, writing him love poems every day. My younger sister, Wanqing, also has a fondness for him, constantly calling out "Brother Zheng" and "Brother Zheng" to the point that I have grown weary of hearing it.

A hint of confusion appeared on Feng Zheng's stern face

The voice is consistently flat and lacking in variation, clearly so young, and evidently a chatterbox who loved to meddle in others' affairs as a child. Yet somehow, as one grows older, one becomes increasingly silent, embodying the adage that silence is golden, transforming into this cold demeanor.

The tense relationship between Feng Zheng and me is difficult to articulate. One half of the reason is that, as a rough person, I hold little regard for a talented individual like him. The other half, however, is entirely due to his misunderstandings.

My father has always regretted that I am the eldest daughter rather than the eldest son

Let me see your hand

I scoffed, "How can you be so rigid? Am I the kind of person who just stands there and lets others pour tea on me?"

Feng Zheng looked at me with a hint of dissatisfaction, as if she thought I was a fool, "She is a princess, and when she splashes tea at you, you cannot dodge it"

I directly pulled his hand and rolled up his sleeve, and indeed saw a large area of burn marks on his arm

I tugged at Feng Zheng's hem. A few casual words would suffice; bringing up matters of national righteousness would only frighten Jia Yue

I turned my head and walked away, taking two steps, but then realized something was amiss and hurriedly ran back.

I let out a laugh and said, "Well, Lord Feng, we have known each other for so many years, how would you describe my character?"

I said with guilt: "In fact, even if you hadn't blocked it, I would have been able to dodge that teacup. I still have some skills in this regard."

Feng Zheng pressed his lips tightly together, his brows slightly furrowed. As a man of integrity, he would not stoop to criticize women, no matter how dissatisfied he might be, and thus he could only remain silent

Feng Zheng cast a faint glance at me, devoid of emotion, and said, "It is getting late, and I ask the princess to make some preparations. We still have to continue our journey today"

It is a bit lengthy to discuss, as it goes back ten years when we were all still children

I was taken aback, "Such a vast expanse..."

I glanced at the morning sun, which resembled a fried egg, shivering in the cold wind, interrupting the handsome man's reverie

Feng Zhengdao: "I kindly ask the princess to continue dining. This official takes his leave."

I will finish what he said: "Princess Ruiyun is not a bad person by nature, but she is extremely unruly. As a woman, she never respects the duties of a wife, enjoys indulgent activities, and her behavior is rude, lacking any grace. Lord Feng, do you think what I said is correct?"

His father is a censor, a loyal minister, who can criticize my father with words flowing endlessly like the waters of a river. Yet, he has a son who is so taciturn, like a stone boulder frozen for a thousand years

"Princess," the envoy said with a respectful gesture, "Your Highness's esteemed personage should indeed be cherished even more. Furthermore, when the princess is outside, she represents the dignity of our royal family. If the princess were to behave inappropriately, it would not only tarnish the royal reputation but also bring ridicule upon our Southern Liang. I implore the princess to think carefully!"

However, it is evident that Jia Yue is more willing to listen to Feng Zheng than to me. Although she is afraid, she still shyly lowers her head and softly says: "Lord Feng is right; I have been careless in my actions, and I appreciate your reminder. Rest assured, Lord Feng, I will be more attentive in the future and will not bring shame to my brother the Emperor."

You need not belittle yourself. You are not the same as your father. If you sincerely engage in conversation with the princess and allow her to understand your character, she will surely change her perception of you

Jia Yue displayed a look of fear

Feng Zheng bent down and exited the room, and I followed closely behind, also escaping in a rather dejected manner

Feng Zheng's eyebrows were knitted together, her eyes clearly casting an unhappy gaze, yet her face turned even redder

Feng Zheng unwillingly closed his mouth, yet still wore an expression of lingering dissatisfaction. His demeanor closely resembled that of my father, who often expressed a similar frustration with me for not living up to expectations

My mother always says, do not trust men; the more handsome a man is, the less reliable he is. For example, your father, once he has a new partner, he forgets the old one, and he is very ungrateful

Jia Yue was ready to cause another uproar, but upon seeing this person, her face flushed, and all her bravado was instantly extinguished

As I ran past them covered in mud, Feng Zheng would protect Wanqing, displaying a face full of disdain and contempt, as if I were a mere bug.