C31 Royal Uncle

"Sir..." This was the first time Sunn Hexiang had heard such ambition from Feng Yan, and she was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

"Make sure you visit Yao often and tell her to keep her distance from Dugu Jin. As for Rong Qi, if he comes again, have the butler turn him away. Yao is not someone to be coveted by just anyone!"

Seeing her master rise and head out, Sunn Hexiang couldn't help but ask, "Where are you going so late, sir?"

"To pay respects to my mother. We need her influence to secure a title for Xiu," Feng Yan replied as he walked out of the room.

Sunn Hexiang hadn't expected her master to have plans of marrying his daughter to the prince. Shocked, she couldn't help but worry about the challenges Yao's temperament might bring...

In the Silk Garden, Feng Tiange sat cross-legged before the Grand Yin Scripture, her eyes gently closed, hands resting casually on her knees, focusing on her breathing.

It felt as if a gentle rain had fallen within her core, nourishing her entire being and bringing an unprecedented sense of comfort.

When Feng Tiange slowly opened her eyes, she was astonished to find her inner strength had increased by twenty percent!

The ink landscape before her was perfectly balanced, the scene on the paper so vivid it felt like she was part of it. The flowing lines seemed to envelop Feng Tiange, as if a breeze was stirring, reaching deep into her soul...

The next morning, Dugu Jin was summoned to the Imperial Study Room. Across the Dragon Table, Beiming Yuan let him stand for a while before tossing the document aside and leaning back in his chair, his eyes slightly raised.

Dugu Jin understood the cue. "Your Highness, I've discovered the mysterious person taking over the No-south House. It's the Carefree King, Beiming Di."

"Uncle?" Beiming Yuan frowned, a flicker of surprise crossing his deep, dark eyes. In his memory, this uncle truly lived up to his title—detached from politics, uninterested in family affairs, living a carefree life. Despite his age, he didn't even have a maid in his household.

Especially when their father had been ill for over half a year, his brother hadn't inquired or visited once. If Dugu Jin hadn't mentioned it, Beiming Yuan might have forgotten about this oddball in the royal family.

But why would such an eccentric suddenly get involved in the Fish Market business? And why choose the No-south House, abandoned by Xie Jin?

"Your Highness, about this matter..." Dugu Jin began, seeing Beiming Yuan remain silent.

"If Uncle is interested, tell Xie Jin not to trouble the No-south House anymore. As Crown Prince, I must show some respect to my uncle," Beiming Yuan said coolly, his gaze steady. "You may go."

Dugu Jin turned to leave but was suddenly called back. "A few days ago, Rou'er mentioned she hopes you and Qin Luoyi will marry soon..."

"Your Highness, please understand, I only wish to stay by your side while I'm young and make a name for myself. I don't want to be distracted by other matters!" Dugu Jin anxiously knelt and bowed deeply.

Beiming Yuan glanced at him, understanding his intent.

After leaving the study, Dugu Jin felt uneasy. He wasn't sure how Feng Yan would react to what he mentioned yesterday. If Feng Yan proposed the marriage to the Crown Prince, his marriage to Feng Xueyao might actually happen!

Both were arranged by the Crown Prince, so even if his sister was unwilling, she couldn't act rashly against Yao...

While Dugu Jin was lost in his thoughts, Feng Tiange and Feng Xueyao received an invitation from Qin Luoyi to enjoy the snow at Green Garden.

It was common for young ladies from noble families to gather, whether it was to admire peach blossoms in spring, lotus in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, or snow in winter. This time of year, the snow at Green Garden was particularly beautiful.

Besides the two young ladies from the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion, Qin Luoyi also invited other notable young women, including Xie Ruxuan.

It seemed like a typical event, and no one thought much of it, except for Feng Tiange, who felt relieved upon receiving the invitation. It seemed Qin Luoyi understood the message she had sent with those two words.

The time for the snow viewing was set for noon the next day, and Feng Tiange had already arranged everything in advance.

Feng Xueyao wasn't particularly keen on accepting Qin Luoyi's invitation. Even though she didn't care much for Dugu Jin, she'd often flirted with him for minor gains. His loose tongue had led to some rumors circulating. But if she didn't go, wouldn't that just confirm those rumors?

She was relieved to know that Xie Ruxuan was also invited, so she figured she wouldn't be at a disadvantage...

The snow scene at Biyuan was a marvel, leaving anyone who saw it in awe. The sky was a clear blue, with not a cloud in sight. Qin Luoyi, draped in a light purple fox fur, stood alone in the open pavilion, gazing at a nearby mountain peak. The peak was imposing and majestic, covered in snow from recent storms, making it particularly spectacular.

Nearby, the trees were in full bloom with snow, and several low hills layered with the distant peaks created a visual effect like a pure white staircase stretching from afar, sparking endless imagination, almost dreamlike.

Recalling the note in the medicine pouch, a faint cold glint flashed in Qin Luoyi's eyes.

Battle with Yao!

She couldn't believe she hadn't considered it before. She'd heard of Dugu Jin and Feng Xueyao's sordid affairs but had never cared. Now, it seemed, it was time to start caring.

"Miss, everything is ready. Would you like to take a look?" Ruyi, the maid, approached softly.

Qin Luoyi's gaze remained fixed on the distant mountain peak. The snow-viewing was just an excuse; her real target was Xueyao. "Place a few more charcoal braziers outside the pavilion so the young ladies don't get cold."

Just then, the sound of hoofbeats echoed from outside the garden as the young ladies began to arrive. Despite the biting winter chill, they were all dressed to impress.

After greeting the daughters of the two marquis households, Qin Luoyi finally saw Xueyao arrive. She was so focused that she almost overlooked Tiange, who walked ahead of Xueyao.

"Miss Qin, I brought some rose pastries from my home as a small token," Tiange said, signaling her maid, Crescent, to hand over the treats. Her smile was gentle beneath the sheer fabric.

Qin Luoyi paused only for a moment before instructing Ruyi to accept the pastries, returning the smile with a polite nod. "It's an honor to have you here, Miss Feng."

In Qin Luoyi's eyes, Tiange seemed oblivious to the disdain and contempt that had flashed in the eyes of the other young ladies earlier, which made her both relieved and appreciative.

The two exchanged no further pleasantries. As Tiange stepped into the pavilion, Qin Luoyi turned to Xueyao, saying, "I didn't expect you to come, Miss Feng. I'm truly flattered."

An outsider might think it was just small talk, but those in the know could sense the challenge.

Before Xueyao could respond, her companion, Ruxuan, jumped in, "Of course Xueyao would come, didn't she receive your invitation?"

Ruxuan was technically an insider, but her mindset was more like an outsider's.

"Indeed, please, both of you," Luoyi said with a gentle smile, inviting them into the pavilion.

Around the pavilion, several charcoal stoves were burning, keeping the temperature comfortable. It was a rare gathering for the ladies, who formed small groups.

Some were enjoying pastries and tea, chatting about typical topics, while others stood at the front of the pavilion, admiring the snowy landscape and occasionally exclaiming in awe.

Tiange sat in a corner, with only her personal maid by her side, and no other young lady approached her, giving her a somewhat lonely appearance.

The seemingly harmonious atmosphere inside the pavilion dissipated when Ruxuan slammed her hand on the table in front of Tiange...