C7 Chu Qingqiu

Chu Qingqiu suddenly grasped Feng Changge's hand tightly, speaking in a low, earnest voice, "I just want to spend my life with Changxuan. I'm willing to be a concubine."

Feng Changge sneered, letting out a soft hum, "Don't even think about being a concubine. You can't just walk into the Phoenix Duke Mansion. The matriarch sent me to wake you up from these improper thoughts."

"Why is it improper for me to marry Changxuan?" Chu Qingqiu's tone carried a hint of displeasure. "Aren't your words a bit harsh?"

"You are from a brothel, and he is of royal blood. How do you think this match fits? The matriarch has already found a suitable match for the second young master, so you should stop clinging to this hope."

"Impossible!" Chu Qingqiu stood up abruptly from the mahogany stool, her gaze firm as she addressed Feng Changge, "Changxuan said he would marry me, and I believe him."

To be together, even unto death, is a love deeper than any other. But is her affection truly for Feng Changxuan, or for the prestige of the Phoenix Duke Mansion?

In the capital, many prominent families dream of aligning with the Phoenix Duke Mansion. Feng Changge's brother, Feng Changtian, is off fighting at the border, and Qin Chaohua's third son, Feng Changyue, is too young. The only suitable match is Feng Changxuan, who often frequents places like the Jinhuang Red Pavilion. Moreover, Chu Qingqiu is already his confidante, making her entry into the mansion seem like a natural progression.

Feng Changge smiled inwardly but outwardly put on a troubled expression, sighing, "They say it's better to destroy a temple than to break up a marriage. The matriarch asked me to handle this, and it weighs on me. But... perhaps I can offer you a plan?"

Hearing Feng Changge's offer to help, Chu Qingqiu immediately brightened and smiled, "Do you really mean it?"

"Truly, seeing the deep affection between you and Master Changxuan, how could I bear to separate you? I understand the matriarch well and know how to approach her. She will surely agree to your marriage, but..."

"But what?"

"But if I help you, and the matriarch finds out later, she'll surely punish me severely. It's best if I don't get involved in this. Miss, you should leave Master Changxuan..." With that, Feng Changge feigned hesitation, regretfully rising to leave, only to be stopped by Chu Qingqiu.

Chu Qingqiu softened her voice, saying, "Please wait, sir. If you help me enter the Phoenix Duke Mansion, I will be forever grateful. If you assist me, only heaven, earth, you, and I will know. No one else will find out, not even Changxuan. You can rest assured."

Feng Changge turned his back to Chu Qingqiu, sighing inwardly. How could she be considered the most beautiful in the capital? Her intelligence seemed lacking. How did Feng Changxuan favor her? Was it just for her looks? So superficial.

"Since you've promised, I'm willing to help you. Currently, there are no grandchildren in the Phoenix Duke Mansion. If you were to conceive now, wouldn't it make your entry into the mansion easier? If the matriarch knew she had a great-grandchild on the way, she'd be overjoyed."

As Feng Changge spoke, Chu Qingqiu's eyes lit up.

What a plan, risky but promising.

As Chu Qingqiu saw Feng Changge off, she already seemed to envision herself as the mistress of the Phoenix Duke Mansion. Unfortunately, Feng Changge helped her enter the mansion too early in this life. Feng Changxuan hadn't yet established his own household, and Xiao Yan's schemes awaited her.

Before parting, Feng Changge reminded her, "Remember, today's events must remain secret. I'll inform you as soon as there's news."

Chu Qingqiu was deeply grateful, and Feng Changge noted this with a smile. Who would have thought Chu Qingqiu would become his first move in this game? Xiao Yan, how will you and your precious daughter respond to this?

The sun was shining brightly today, melting the snow that had blanketed the garden's red plum blossoms, leaving them glistening and vibrant. As Feng Changge entered the room, she noticed a stack of ledgers on the table. She had heard from the staff in the garden that Nanny Du, who worked for Xiao Yan, had stopped by and delivered these. The person who brought them mentioned that all these accounts needed to be reviewed before dusk, with no room for even the slightest error.

"This... this is clearly meant to make things difficult for Miss. With such a thick stack, it's uncertain if she can finish it in a day, let alone before dusk," someone remarked.

Feng Changge, without a word of complaint, removed her light coat and took a seat. She turned to Biying and said, "If complaining helped, we'd be done by now. Hurry and prepare the ink for me."

"Yes..." Biying replied reluctantly, standing by Feng Changge's side to assist her.

In the past, these ledgers would have been incomprehensible to Feng Changge, a jumble of words she couldn't decipher. But now, she was all too familiar with them. Once a matriarch and a queen, she had devoted herself to Yue Jingfeng, only to end up in a miserable state.

Feng Changge worked for three hours, and as dusk approached, she still had half a ledger left. She had deliberately left this portion unfinished, not wanting to reveal her capabilities too soon. The more exceptional she appeared, the more likely they would target her. Occasionally showing weakness could mislead these self-assured individuals into thinking they held all the power.