C30 Plague God

Given the circumstances, Tiange had intended to ask Empress Dowager Chu about the Grand Yin Scripture, but the opportunity slipped away. Nanny Sunn mentioned that the Empress Dowager had been feeling weak and sleepy lately, so Tiange didn't stay long. As she left, Rong Qi followed her out...

Inside, Empress Dowager Chu slowly opened her eyes, her sharp gaze softened by a gentle warmth as she looked out the window.

"Do you have your eye on Prince Rong?" Nanny Sunn asked, lighting a small piece of incense that filled the room with a refreshing scent.

"He's a fine young man, a good match for our Tiange," the Empress Dowager replied, nodding approvingly.

"But he's still a hostage, whether he's from Chu or not. He looks good, but..." It was clear Nanny Sunn had her doubts about Rong Qi.

The Empress Dowager chuckled and extended her hand. Nanny Sunn understood and helped her up from the couch. "If this boy were truly without merit, how did he gain entry to the Imperial Academy? A good strategist is also a good planner. He might fool others, but not me. I may not excel in everything, but I have a knack for judging people."

"Your wisdom and strategy are unmatched," Nanny Sunn said, admiring her mistress, who still carried her dignity well into her later years.

"If Dugu Yan were still alive, I would admit she surpassed me," the Empress Dowager sighed softly. "Rulers have always been ruthless. By the time I realized, Dugu Yan was already... Otherwise, I would have risked everything to save her."

"It's been so long, and no amount of regret from the Empress Dowager can change anything. Perhaps this was just the Crown Princess's fate..." Nanny Sunn lamented.

Empress Dowager Chu slowly sat by the table, her gaze drifting through the north window to where a figure had long vanished. "I'm getting old. I just wanted someone capable to stay by Tiange's side. This palace is a harsh place."

Thinking of Dugu Yan's death, a touch of sorrow appeared in the Empress Dowager's eyes.

As she left the palace, Feng Tiange turned her head, eager to shake off Rong Qi, who was trailing behind her. But when she looked back, Rong Qi was already seated beside her, moving with a speed that seemed almost desperate.

"Would the Eldest Miss mind giving me a ride?" Rong Qi asked, meeting Feng Tiange's eyes with a charming smile.

"Yes, I mind," Feng Tiange replied coldly, wishing she could kick him out right then and there.

Rong Qi took a deep breath, understanding that those with insecurities often had unusual ways of thinking. "Then I guess I'll just have to endure it for now."

"Not a chance!" Feng Tiange laughed, thinking she had no reason to put up with him in her own carriage.

Seeing Feng Tiange roll up her sleeves, ready to give him a piece of her mind, Rong Qi cleared his throat softly. "I heard the Martial Peace Marquis plans to make a move against Soong Yu in the next couple of days. I wonder if that information is worth a ride with the Eldest Miss."

Feng Tiange gave in because she cared about Soong Yu. If something happened to him, what would Qin Luoyi do?

The wheels rolled on, kicking up a light dust. Inside the carriage, after some mental preparation, Feng Tiange looked up. "Is the Marquis of Martial Peace involved because of Qin Luoyi?"

"Naturally, there's hardly a better explanation," Rong Qi replied, as if it were obvious.

Feng Tiange stared at Rong Qi. To have connections in the Marquis's mansion, Rong Qi must not be a simple character. Had she misjudged him before?

"How do you know?" Feng Tiange asked cautiously.

"The old fox, the Marquis, wouldn't use his own people against Soong Yu. He reached out to Wei Zixuan, who told me," Rong Qi said with a straight face, confident that Feng Tiange wouldn't verify with Wei Zixuan.

Feng Tiange knew Wei Zixuan—not exactly bright, but not dull either. Like his father, he valued alliances based on benefits and loyalty. Sending his beloved son to another country as a hostage showed he wasn't fit to be a father. Entrusting his country's safety to an ally proved he wasn't fit to be a king. In this, the King of Wei couldn't compare to the King of Chu.

She glanced at Rong Qi, thinking he was pitiable too.

"The Marquis would have sworn Wei Zixuan to secrecy. Would he tell you so easily?" Feng Tiange raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

"I can't say it was easy. I had to sacrifice quite a bit of charm to get that embroidered handkerchief from Miss Feng," Rong Qi lamented, his eyes blinking with feigned sorrow.

It was enough to make anyone want to throw a punch!

Feng Tiange took a deep breath, silently repeating to herself not to get angry before turning to Rong Qi. "Is there any way you can keep Wei Zixuan occupied for a few days?"

Rong Qi furrowed his brow, pretending to think it over, though he knew Feng Tiange was asking for his help. And if she was asking, maybe he could set some conditions?

For some reason, he suddenly recalled the scene at the Drunken Immortal Tower, where the test papers flew out the window, and he shivered. "Depends on how many days."

"Three days should be enough," Feng Tiange replied firmly, pressing her lips together.

Rong Qi nodded. "It's not going to be easy, but since you're asking..."

Though his words were suggestive, they didn't stir any emotions between them. Feng Tiange knew what Rong Qi was after, and Rong Qi just wanted Feng Tiange to remember this favor. No need for pleasantries when both had their own motives.

The carriage stopped outside the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion. As Feng Tiange looked at Rong Qi, he looked back at her. "We're at your place, and you're not getting out?"

"It's still a long way to the Prince's Mansion..."

And with that, Feng Tiange promptly kicked him out.

The night was just settling in, the sky like a dark inkstone with stars scattered across it, twinkling like fireflies.

In the brightly lit master bedroom of the west wing, Sunn Hexiang brought a bowl of red bean porridge to Feng Yan's side. "Is something on your mind, sir?"

Feng Yan, with his scholarly appearance, was the most bookish-looking of the three sons of the South Suppressing Marquis. Years ago, the old marquis didn't want all his sons to become warriors on the battlefield, so he encouraged the second son to pursue academics for a more stable life.

The old lady understood the marquis's intention was to ensure the family line continued, so she favored the second son from a young age. In her eyes, the battlefield was no place for survival, and the eldest and youngest sons couldn't be relied upon. Only the second son was her hope for the future.

"Qian Chuan was foolish. He knew the prince didn't want to see him, yet he caused a scene in the street. He deserved what he got," Feng Yan said coldly, frowning.

"Are you troubled by Qian Chuan's situation?" Sunn Hexiang asked, sitting beside him, puzzled.

"He doesn't matter! It's Dugu Jin. That scoundrel has his eyes on our Yao. He should take a good look in the mirror and see what he really is!" Feng Yan's brows furrowed tightly, disdain evident in his eyes.

Sunn Hexiang was taken aback. "You don't like Dugu Jin? But I always saw you getting along with him... I even advised Yao to consider him, given his young age and promising future as a commander..."

"That was when Dugu Yan was still alive! Now, with the accusation of being a corrupt concubine hanging over him, his future is quite uncertain," Feng Yan paused for a moment. "Besides, no matter how promising Dugu Jin's future might be, he's still just a subject. It's different with the Crown Prince."

Sunn Hexiang was taken aback, "You don't mean to suggest that Yao..."

"People aim for the top. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, our Yao could at least become a consort. Then, you and I would be part of the royal family!" A gleam appeared in Feng Yan's narrow eyes. "I may never become a marquis in this lifetime, but I aspire to be a prime minister!"