Chapter 8, Trade-offs and Gains and Losses

It was three days later that she was to enter the palace for selection, and Yuezheng felt as if each day dragged on like a year, making those three days feel as long as the six years she had spent alone. Fengxun had not come to find her again, which was clearly the result of the Empress's harsh measures; it was possible that he had been placed under house arrest in the palace. ... Fenglin had not come either ... . ... She was not anxious; he and she had more than just these three days, but rather a lifetime of every day and every night together.

The carriage and horse changed the inner court guards within the imperial city gate and slowly proceeded towards the Jixiudian Hall. Even though she was confident, Yuezheng still felt somewhat nervous, with fine sweat lingering in the palms of her hands

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the carriage, and the cart came to an abrupt stop. Yuezheng and her mother had to hurriedly grasp the handrails on the wall. Before Yuezheng could inquire, the curtain of the carriage was forcefully pulled open. Just as Yuezheng was about to get out to see what was happening, she nearly collided with a person outside. So close, the haggard face of Fengxun and her bloodshot eyes immediately entered her line of sight

Feng Lin's demeanor changed, the cold light in her eyes dissipated, and in an instant, there was nothing but stunning admiration, her long eyelashes half lowered, exuding the utmost allure. Yue Zheng let out a sigh of relief, thinking that what she had just witnessed must have been her own illusion, as the charming Prince Liang was indeed gazing at her with a flirtatious glimmer in his eyes, what a lecher!

Feng Xun gasped, her face pale, as if she could not bear the heartache brought on by her words. After a while, her eyes filled with rage, "You have always calculated this, haven’t you? You have been using me all along!"

Feng Xun suddenly widened her eyes, taking a hesitant step back, her expression filled with disdain as she spoke, particularly emphasizing the word "rob"... The pain and inferiority that had been buried deep in his heart for so many years were ruthlessly unearthed by her... Yes, in the heart of Yuezheng, in the eyes of the world... He had robbed everything that rightfully belonged to Feng Lin!

For so many years, Feng Lin has been equivalent to being in exile, and as his older brother, he can only harden his heart and turn a blind eye, all because he wants to firmly hold on to the fruits of his plunder.

Yuezheng was truly taken aback, as she had not managed to suppress the fierce expression that had crept onto her face. Fenglin stared at her with a look of surprise, then broke into a chuckle. Instead of raising his glass to her, he merely fixed his gaze on her, a silent provocation accompanied by a faint smile. Unable to withstand such a gaze, Yuezheng pretended to examine the design on the screen opposite her, awkwardly averting her eyes. After a moment of observing the genuinely crafted screen, she stole another glance at Fenglin, only to find him still intently watching her, that gaze... Unable to withstand such a gaze, Yuezheng pretended to examine the design on the screen opposite her, awkwardly averting her eyes. After a moment of observing the genuinely crafted screen, she stole another glance at Fenglin, only to find him still intently watching her, that gaze...

"Enough said! The moon zither's beautiful face grows cold. No matter what you say, Du Siyu will still be your princess!" She would never be swayed by his few words! Whether Feng Lin and Du Siyu have developed feelings for each other or not, it doesn't matter. The one who should be chosen as a consort will be chosen, and the one who should marry the crown prince will marry the crown prince!

"Feng Lin has returned?" The queen, seated at the head of the table, appeared to be in good spirits, offering a polite remark with a beaming smile

Yue Zheng raised her eyebrows proudly as she looked at him, suddenly feeling an immense satisfaction. For six years, had she not longed to see him so astonished and surprised? His dark brows slightly arched, he did not hide his admiration, saying, "Indeed, you have become a woman of unparalleled beauty... captivating and stunning." The last four words were spoken slowly and softly, almost like a murmur, more like a sigh. Yue Zheng felt a heavy flutter in her heart, and her cheeks suddenly flushed. She had mixed feelings; this guy had become quite skilled at teasing women. Although he was a bit arrogant and needed to be put in his place, it was certainly better than when he was silent and uncommunicative in his childhood.

Even if she does not become the Liang Wangfei, there will be others who will. In Feng Lin's life, there should not and will not be a place for Du Siyu. This news is completely meaningless to her

Feng Xun dragged Yue Zheng towards the shadow wall in front of Jixiu Gate, and Yue Zheng, being small in stature, was pulled along in a very awkward manner. Knowing full well the reason for his anger, and fearing to disturb the other women in the carriage behind them, Yue Zheng endured in silence and obediently followed him to a less crowded and secluded corner

Yuezheng, who had returned to her seat, was trying hard to suppress her feelings, yet she squinted her eyes and glared at him fiercely, secretly grinding her teeth. If his lecherous demeanor was merely an act for the Empress, it was indeed too realistic! How did he practice this? It was likely that he had engaged in quite a bit of genuine play-acting! The daughter of Governor Changchuan was quite bold; not only did she meet Feng Lin's gaze, but she also raised her wine cup in a toast, responding to every courtesy. Feng Lin seemed very interested in her, specifically asking the palace maid beside him to fill his cup, his peach blossom-like eyes sparkling with a flickering light, seductively staring at the governor's daughter with a smile. Suddenly, Yuezheng began to believe the rumors about the famous courtesans in the capital. Could it be that she had misjudged him, and he had truly given up on himself?

Yue Zheng furrowed her brows, his gaze was as scorching as Feng Xun's when he looked at her, yet... that determination seemed too cruel, beneath the charm and allure, there was only coldness and complexity. She was taken aback, how could he look at her with such eyes

Feng Xun visibly suppressed her irritation, reluctantly greeted the original lady in the car, and then forcefully pulled Yue Zheng out of the vehicle, the strength of which caused the jeweled hairpin that was loosely inserted in her hair to fall out.

Feng Lin's gaze was frivolous and explicit as he scrutinized each of the distinguished young ladies across from him. Yue Zheng paid close attention to his expression while looking at Du Siyu, only to find that his eyes merely swept past her with indifference, without pausing to glance at her beside Du Siyu.

Yuezheng twitched the corner of her mouth and blinked resentfully

Yue Que held the imperial decree with a beaming smile, repeatedly expressing his desire to return to Guangling to ask his master for several more worthless paintings, hoping to rise through the ranks until he achieved the coveted position of General. Yue Zheng looked at him with cold eyes, scoffing at his daydreaming; how could that painting possess such power? It was merely the Empress's little scheme clattering away. Very well, she decided to show her support for the Empress from now on

Her heart... is a little painful, so what! This path was chosen by her long ago, the moment she saw Feng Lin quietly shedding tears, it was already decided! She has no other way!

You ... ... " Feng Lin seemed to look at her deeply again with some uncertainty, " Yue Zheng?! "

Yuezheng sat behind the qin, staring blankly at him. It must be him; only that once beautifully handsome youth could grow into such a striking man. When he smiled, he still bore the deeply ingrained features from her memory, with long, curled eyelashes drooping down, obscuring the cold light that flowed from his dark eyes.

Yue Zheng feigned anger and glared, "Dear Mother, one must be humble! With so many beautiful ladies and socialites, I truly lack confidence!"

No! I won't let you go! It's unreasonable, Feng Xun threw a tantrum

Except for ... . ... the gaze of Feng Lin and the tears of Du Siyu

Mother..." Yet, Yuezheng could not help but call out to her with a tone full of apology. Ever since returning to the capital, Mother had not spoken a single word of admonition to her. However, she knew that Mother did not support her, even though she arranged everything meticulously for her.

The intense gaze of the crowd shifted with the effortless and carefree steps of the newcomer. Under such a fervent scrutiny, the young man, walking leisurely, wore a faint smile, seemingly indifferent to everything around him. He slowly approached the qin table but stopped three steps away, his perfectly shaped lips slightly moving with a hint of allure. His strikingly handsome features reflected a superficial arrogance, transforming into a captivating and domineering charm that exuded an enchanting allure.

The moon zheng, forced to show her stubbornness by him, chuckled and said, "Your Highness, do not be too greedy. You have already seized the throne, do you also want the beauty? In life, one must make choices and accept gains and losses; being insatiably greedy will inevitably lead to empty joys"

Yue Zheng was momentarily taken aback before letting out a bitter laugh; only Feng Xun could express such words with such frankness and sincerity. ... A lifetime of exclusive affection ... . ... Although under such circumstances, it still left her momentarily dazed. When a man makes such a solemn promise with such a gaze and tone, any girl would surely feel her heart flutter.

The original lady was also elegantly dressed, silently accompanying her daughter as she got into the carriage to enter the palace, without exchanging a word along the way

The carriage of the Yuan family was followed by the carriages of two other potential beauties, and the guards accompanying the Crown Prince calmly signaled for the escorts leading the horses for them to discreetly bypass the Yuan family's carriage and continue on their way

The Empress graciously permitted it, and as Yuezheng could not help but take another glance at his handsome figure, she inadvertently noticed the glistening tears in Du Siyu's eyes beside her

Since Father Emperor is in the front hall, I shall take my leave first. Feng Lin rose, drawing many tender and affectionate gazes.

Yuezheng smiled sweetly and said, "As long as mother is no longer angry with me—" as she playfully rubbed against her mother's arm

Yuezheng quietly looked at him, her indifferent gaze piercing into Fengxun's heart. "You did it on purpose, didn't you?" he questioned defiantly.

Yue Zheng's complexion instantly turned pale, and she forced herself to calm down as she coldly laughed, "You have truly gone to great lengths to prevent me from going to the Jixiu Hall! To say such words out loud! Isn't Du Siyu your crown princess? Feng Lin and she have not seen each other for six years, and they are mutually in love?!"

Madam Yuan lightly waved her round fan and said, "It is not that I have confidence in you, but that I have confidence in Her Majesty the Queen!" The Yuan family has no background or power, yet in the Queen's eyes, they have already become an excellent choice for the Princess of Liang. Furthermore, with the Crown Prince's deep affection for Yuezheng, the only way to make him give up is to turn her into a sister-in-law, achieving two goals with one action

You are also aware of the barrenness of Northern Xinjiang? You also know how difficult it has been for Feng Lin over the years? If it were not for you and Her Majesty the Empress..." Yue Zheng was enraged by his words, seeking only a moment of relief and expressing extreme sarcasm, "Feng Lin will enjoy a lifetime of comfort in Guangling, where the resources are abundant, the people are prosperous, and the climate is suitable"

"How dare a common woman offend the Princess Liang?" The original lady scoffed, exposing her daughter's false pretense of concern.

Feng Xun took a deep breath, finally suppressing various emotions. Grasping her shoulders, he still spoke in an irrefutable commanding tone, "Do not go to the court selection!" He furrowed his brows in hesitation for a moment, but ultimately decided to speak plainly, "I cannot grant you the position of Crown Princess, but I can offer you a lifetime of exclusive favor!"

Yue Zheng confirmed that her expression had returned to normal before stepping out from the corner. The carriage was still waiting for her in place, and the pearl flower that Feng Xun had knocked off was still silently lying on the ground of the corridor. She walked lightly to pick it up and expressionlessly placed it back into her hair bun. It seemed that everything had returned to its original state

Du Siyu is crying ... ? ... Is it because of Feng Lin's neglect ? ? A girl as gentle and reserved as her, unexpectedly unable to control her emotions in such a situation, this shocked Yuezheng greatly. Du Siyu noticed her gaze, quickly raised her hand to wipe away the tears in her eyes, fortunately, they had not fallen, having spent time on her exquisite makeup, she gently smiled at her as if nothing had happened. Yuezheng felt embarrassed to continue looking at her inquisitively, awkwardly picking up some food to eat.

You may not know, but when Minister Du was stationed at the northern border, Du Siyu, disregarding her family's objections, secretly ran to her father's post, which was also the fief of Fenglin. The Empress Mother only learned of this several months later, and was furious, personally issuing a secret decree to Madam Du, instructing her to bring her daughter back

Feng Xun believed that her daze was a sign of wavering, and with some urgency, shook her. "The northern frontier is so barren, cold and frozen, with scarcely any signs of human habitation. Feng Lin, he... you follow him, and you will only suffer! How can it compare to the wealth and prosperity of the capital..." Yue Zheng observed that his gaze was growing colder, which pricked him to the point that he stammered and interrupted his speech.

"Yuezheng, you have yet to meet Wang Liang." With a stern expression, Feng Xun decisively walked over from his seat, pulling up Yuezheng, who was still sitting on the stool. The way these two had exchanged glances just now, completely oblivious to their surroundings, had ignited his anger. Although his tone carried a hint of reproach towards Yuezheng for her rudeness, his firm grip on her, almost dragging her behind him, coupled with the mention of "Wang Liang," clearly indicated his intent to distance Feng Lin from them.

When the banquet came to an end, Yue Zheng was unable to see Feng Xun. As it approached the conclusion, the Empress Dowager called him over under the pretext of needing to speak with him, and Feng Xun specifically instructed her to wait for a moment.

Yue Zheng only then realized that she had been staring at Feng Lin in a lovesick manner in public, remaining frozen on the stool in a very ungraceful manner. Fortunately, with Feng Xun's gentle pull, she instinctively bowed and greeted. Stealing a glance at the people in the hall, some had regained their senses, while others continued to gaze infatuatedly at the handsome man. In comparison, she did not appear too ridiculous.

Feng Lin lightly clasped her fists and bowed

Yue Zheng relaxedly sat in the prince's carriage, urging the guards to hurry and take her back to the residence. Everything today went more smoothly than she had imagined; her master's painting stirred the court and the people, her talents shone brilliantly, and the Empress took proactive measures. Only Feng Xun foolishly believed that his mother would finish her lecture to him in a "moment".

As Feng Xun stumbled away, her mind was in a haze. How could it be that the moon zither, which had captivated him at first sight in their youth, would say such words to him in adulthood? ... In her heart ...! ... There was not even a fraction of him!

Yes, for her, nothing has happened

Feng Xun frowned in pain as he looked at her. Her unwavering protection of Feng Lin caused him deep heartache. "I will not argue with you! Do you know..." He was extremely reluctant to reveal the secret he had buried deep in his heart, as it was also his shame. However, in order to make her give up, he held nothing back. "Do you know that Feng Lin and Du Siyu have long been in love with each other?!"

"Please take a seat," the queen pointed to the place where Feng Xun was seated, "There are quite a few distinguished young ladies here, Liner has not met them yet, has she?" This remark caused many young women to blush and lower their heads.

The original bachelor and his wife arrived quickly, in order to prepare various matters for their daughter. With her mother's assistance, Yuezheng was dressed in a stunning and extravagant manner on the day of her selection, a stark contrast to her understated appearance three days prior. Yuezheng leaned almost against the mirror to closely examine the floral adornments on her forehead; in such a luxurious and noble attire... she couldn't help but feel that she resembled a seductress even more. She realized that the more she tried to present herself as dignified and noble, the more alluring and enchanting she appeared. This was a natural disposition she could not change. All she could do was to maintain a demeanor of indifference, as a means of salvaging the situation. She couldn't help but feel that she resembled a seductress even more. She realized that the more she tried to present herself as dignified and noble, the more alluring and enchanting she appeared. This was a natural disposition she could not change. All she could do was to maintain a demeanor of indifference, as a means of salvaging the situation.

Feng Lin smiled lightly, walking slowly to her seat, unabashedly surveying the young ladies in the hall one by one. Her slender fingers casually played with a small wine cup, and whenever she encountered a girl who shyly looked up and happened to meet her gaze, she would charmingly smile and gracefully raise her cup in a toast.

Yue Zheng lowered her head with a sense of guilt.

The blazing sun of the northern frontier has tanned his fair skin, yet the fierce wind and sand have not rendered his skin coarse. His healthy complexion makes his delicate skin exhibit an exceptionally pleasing glaze, as if his perfectly sculpted features are complemented by such exquisite texture, with every curve being flawless and beautiful. If he were as fair as he was in his childhood, such handsomeness would inevitably appear weak and fragile; even if he possesses the cold determination hidden deep in his eyes today, it would only seem willful and arrogant. Yet, the vast desert wilderness has bestowed upon him this wild and untamed pride; he is no longer the refined young master carved from white jade, but a defiant man sculpted from black stone. ... Yuezheng recalled his figure as he galloped through the dust, his cold and resolute demeanor now hidden deep within his crystal-black eyes, the aura of arrogance that floated at the corners of his brows and lips unexpectedly causing her a swift pang of heartache. Others do not understand him, but she ... understands. ... Yuezheng recalled his figure as he galloped through the dust, his cold and resolute demeanor now hidden deep within his crystal-black eyes, the aura of arrogance that floated at the corners of his brows and lips unexpectedly causing her a swift pang of heartache. Others do not understand him, but she ... understands.

Feng Lin merely smiled silently, raising an eyebrow in a mocking glance

Madam raised her hand, stopping her daughter from speaking, "Am I not aware of your temperament? You have a stubborn nature that will only lead to hitting a wall! Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes, and one cannot force it." When she mentioned forcing, she lifted her gaze and looked deeply at her daughter.

Feng Xun cornered her in the dead end of the wall, silently staring at her dazzling beauty. After a long pause, he commanded in a low voice: "Do not go to the Jixiu Hall! Do not participate in the selection!" Once she appeared at the internal selection ceremony of the Princess of Liang, it would mean losing the qualification to compete for the position of Crown Princess. A woman who had already been eliminated from the selection of a feudal prince certainly had no qualifications to be considered for the position of Crown Princess.

The next morning, the imperial decree granting her selection arrived at the original residence. Due to her contribution in presenting the painting, the entire Yuan family benefited from the honor. Scholar Yuan was conferred the title of a fourth-rank Hanlin editor and was to enter the capital for duty immediately

"Hmm," Yuezheng admitted without hesitation, "I have said it before, I came here because I want to be the Princess of Liang."