C65 Fun

The first to solve the chess puzzle was Ye Zhixi, followed by Shangguan Jing. After Rong Qi signaled them, they left the chess room.

Feng Tiange sat in a corner by the window, resting her chin on her hand while leisurely holding a black Go piece in the other. There were no classes at the Martial Academy today, and the lessons at the Wenn Mansion wouldn't start until tomorrow, so she had time to wait for Rong Qi.

Indeed, Soong Yu had been sent by Xie Jin to deal with bandits in Linxi yesterday. By her estimation, Lei Yi would set out tonight, and with Lei Yi's help, Soong Yu's mission would surely be much more efficient.

Rong Qi noticed Feng Tiange hadn't left. Given her usual disdain for him, there must be a reason she stayed. Oh right, he had promised to lend her Lei Yi!

But Lei Yi...

The hour-long lesson ended quickly. As the night drew on, ten people still remained in the chess room. Rong Qi stood up and began explaining the solution to the puzzle on the wooden chessboard, each word insightful. However, hardly anyone listened; the female students' eyes were glued to Rong Qi, as if he were a celebrity.

Feng Tiange wasn't listening either. She had solved the puzzle just in time and stood up as Rong Qi announced the end of the class.

Uh... where did he go?

As Feng Tiange turned her gaze, she clearly saw Rong Qi through the lattice window, running outside as if chased by a dog.

Outside the Wenn Mansion, just as Feng Tiange was about to head towards the carriage, she suddenly stopped, her eyes instinctively turning towards the crescent archway at the Martial Academy's entrance.

Due to her training in the Grand Yin Scripture, her perception of the world far exceeded her current abilities.

Thus, Rong Qi found himself in a bit of a predicament.

Facing Feng Tiange, who stood right in front of him, Rong Qi slowly bared his teeth in a twisted smile. "What a coincidence..."

How could his skills not hide him from Feng Tiange? Or was it just pure chance that she happened to pass by?

"What are you doing standing here?" Feng Tiange looked around, frowning.

"I'm not standing here. I was just about to head out, but I saw you coming, so I stepped aside..." Rong Qi said with a straight face, spinning a tale.

Feng Tiange nodded as if understanding. "No need to step aside. I was actually looking for you. Mind if we walk together?"

"Sure..."

As Rong Qi spoke, he started walking into the Martial Academy, leaving Feng Tiange momentarily puzzled. "This way."

Rong Qi turned and walked out through the crescent-shaped archway.

Once they both boarded the carriage, Feng Xueyao slowly emerged from the Wenn Mansion's gate, her eyes filled with a cold glint.

"Your sister seems to have quite the connection with Instructor Rong?" Tang Siyan approached from behind.

Feng Xueyao immediately masked her displeasure, biting her lip with a hint of bitterness. "With my sister's status, Instructor Rong probably can't refuse..."

"Is that so?" Tang Siyan glanced in the direction where the carriage disappeared. "I'm out of ink sticks and was thinking of buying some. Want to join me?"

Feng Xueyao feigned surprise, "Sure!"

Inside the carriage, Feng Tiange was unaware that Tang Siyan, whom she intended to win over, had already deviated from her expected path. She silently watched Rong Qi, pondering a question.

What is he doing?

Across from her, Rong Qi was fidgeting with his clothes, smoothing out non-existent wrinkles and adjusting his perfectly neat hair. He kept buttoning and unbuttoning his cloak, seemingly unsure of his comfort.

"Ahem, Prince Rong, do you remember the promise you made to me earlier?" Feng Tiange decided it was time to speak up.

Rong Qi looked puzzled. "What promise?"

"You promised to lend me Lei Yi. I’ve been thinking about Bai Yushuang's situation. When she arrives, I plan to ask my grandmother to bring her to the Yanxi Palace. At least there, those who want to harm her won't make a move."

"That's a good plan!" Rong Qi had hoped Feng Tiange would come to this conclusion.

Feng Tiange smiled. "So, where is Lei Yi?"

"Well, could you tell me what you need Lei Yi for?" Rong Qi hesitated to admit that he had sent Lei Yi to another country and couldn't bring him back anytime soon.

Feng Tiange assumed Rong Qi was being responsible. "Don't worry, I just want Lei Yi to go to Linxi and take out that bandit leader to help Soong Yu earn some merit. With his skills, it should be a simple task, and there won't be any danger."

Rong Qi instantly understood Feng Tiange's strategy—she was trying to elevate Soong Yu. It seemed that the recent conflict between the Marquis of Martial Peace and Xie Jin was no coincidence.

"Yeah, it's not too difficult," Rong Qi nodded seriously, playing along.

Feng Tiange stared at Rong Qi, remaining silent.

Rong Qi looked down, "Is there something wrong with what I said?"

Someone was sweating nervously, "Where is he?"

I've been talking to you for so long, and you don't think it's time to bring Lei Yi out, you fool!

"Who?" Rong Qi asked, noticing the vein throbbing on Feng Tiange's forehead, "Lei Yi?"

Feng Tiange summoned all her patience from this life and the last, taking a deep breath to suppress her rising anger, "Do you think I'm easy to mess with?"

"Lei Yi left. It's the anniversary of his parents' passing, and he wanted to pay his respects. How could I refuse such a filial child..."

Feng Tiange couldn't hold back any longer and let out a sinister laugh, "Do you really believe what you're saying?"

Rong Qi thought for a moment, "I believe it!"

"Ah—"

With a scream, Rong Qi tumbled out of the moving carriage.

There's no time to waste. The leader of the Linxi bandits is a martial arts expert. Without help, Soong Yu won't just fail to earn merit; he might lose his life!

Feng Tiange didn't care if Rong Qi survived the fall. She headed straight for the Nether Market...

After changing her outfit at the boutique, Feng Tiange took only a few minutes to settle into the private room on the second floor of the Four-sea Merchant Alliance.

Wen Ci brought in some tea. "Please wait a moment, Miss. The leader will be here shortly."

Feng Tiange nodded respectfully.

Sitting alone in the room, she felt a bit anxious. In her previous life, she rarely asked for favors, let alone repeatedly from the same person. But now, aside from Wen Yu, she didn't know who else she could turn to.

The door opened, and Rong Qi entered, wearing a deep purple robe and his usual golden mask. He had just rushed back and, upon seeing Feng Tiange, felt an urge to ask, "Could you at least give me a heads-up before you hit me next time?"

"Greetings, Leader," Feng Tiange stood and said respectfully.

This two-faced woman!

"No need for formalities, Miss Feng. Please, sit," Rong Qi forced himself to switch roles and spoke warmly.

Feng Tiange immediately explained her purpose, detailing the situation without holding back. She believed that any concealment in front of Wen Yu would be insincere. She knew how powerful the Merchant Alliance was and needed their support, so she was always cautious when she came here.

"I agree to help you."

Seeing the gratitude in Feng Tiange's eyes, Rong Qi suddenly had a mischievous urge to remove his mask, to make her feel ashamed, to make her repent, to make her cry and cling to him...

Bai Yushuang finally arrived at the Great Qi Royal City and was accommodated at the reception hall by the Ministry of Rites that evening. According to tradition, Beiming Yuan was to host a state banquet the next day to welcome this envoy from Zhao Country.

In her room, Feng Tiange leisurely sipped on ginseng porridge, listening to the gossip that Yueya had picked up outside. It was surprising that even after so much time had passed since the Imperial Academy entrance exams, people were still talking about it. Rumors claimed she had intentionally removed her veil during the third Martial Academy exam to distract Gu Ruochen with her beauty, causing him to falter and allowing her to take first place.