The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 108 Self-Inflicted Consequences
South of the capital, by Qianshui Lake, stood Shuyu Pavilion.
Famed for its cultured courtesans, many scholars and poets came to Shuyu Pavilion hoping to catch a glimpse of its renowned beauties. However, today, only one particular room on the second floor, with its view of the lake, was especially notable.
A refined man, dressed in a frost-white brocade robe and draped in a green cloak, sat alone by the window. He leisurely handled an elegant tea set, quietly brewing tea.
The man had not called for any courtesans to accompany him. If he wasn’t there to enjoy tea or the scenery, then he was likely waiting for someone.
About the time it took to drink a cup of tea, three rhythmic knocks sounded at the door of the private room.
The man paused his movements, stood up, adjusted his robes, and walked to the door. Opening it, he saw Song Zhi standing outside. Song Zhi stepped aside, allowing Taizi Feng Zhan to enter the room. Afterward, Song Zhi closed the door behind them and positioned himself outside, ensuring that the dark guards were watching the adjacent private rooms closely.
Inside the room, Ji Mu bowed to the Crown Prince.
“Your Highness Taizi.”
Feng Zhan nodded and walked over to the window, taking a seat on the meditation chair opposite Ji Mu. He raised his hand, gesturing for Ji Mu to sit as well.
Ji Mu, knowing that the Taizi never drank tea from outside sources, did not continue brewing the tea. Instead, he got straight to the point and began reporting the information he had gathered.
“Your Highness, no evidence has been found linking the corruption in the canal transportation case to the Left Prime Minister Mansion. If they are indeed involved, they have hidden their tracks well.”
“As for Madam Wang of the Left Prime Minister Mansion and her second daughter, Wang Jingyan, their relationship appears to be quite strained. It doesn’t seem like the typical distance between a mother and daughter who haven’t been close for years. I suspect there may be deeper issues behind Wang Jingyan’s true identity.”
“There is also another matter, Your Highness.”
“It seems that the eldest daughter of the Left Prime Minister Mansions, Wang Jingyi, has started to suspect that I am working for you. Although the Left Prime Minister hasn’t shown any signs of awareness yet, I may need to proceed with more caution.”
Feng Zhan remained silent for a moment before speaking.
“Recently, all departments in the court have been making adjustments to their officials. Among the names that the Left Prime Minister submitted as candidates for the Imperial Censorate, yours was included. Are you aware of this?”
“I await your instructions, Your Highness,” Ji Mu replied.
Ji Mu, despite being a part of the Left Prime Minister’s faction, held a relatively low rank. However, over the past two years, he had rotated through various departments across the Six Ministries, gaining significant experience.
The Left Prime Minister’s decision to recommend Ji Mu for the Imperial Censorate, albeit to the low rank of a Sixth Grade Censorate official, likely stemmed from the belief that such a minor position would escape the Taizi’s notice.
“Hmm,” Taizi spoke again. “Since you’ve been unable to find any overt or hidden issues with the Left Prime Minister, you no longer need to keep monitoring his mansion.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Ji Mu replied. After a brief pause, he added, “Your Highness, I happened to come across a political essay in the study of the eldest son of the Left Prime Minister Mansion, written by the Eldest Young Lady Wang Jingyi. Her insight and talent are on par with those of the scholars in the Hanlin Academy.”
“Your Highness, Eldest Young Lady Wang hails from a distinguished family, with excellent learning and upbringing. I dare to suggest that you consider taking her as a secondary consort.”
The moment Ji Mu uttered these words, the atmosphere in the private room instantly turned cold.
Ji Mu immediately sensed the Taizi’s piercing gaze, as sharp as ice, cutting through him, making his entire body shudder.
But… what had he said wrong?
At the door, Song Zhi, who was standing watch, stiffened.
“Does Lord Ji want to be on the receiving end of the military rod?” the Taizi asked coldly, his eyes fixed on the oblivious Ji Mu.
In a deep voice, Feng Zhan continued, “Do not let me hear this suggestion a second time.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Ji Mu immediately responded.
At that moment, Ji Mu began to believe the rumors circulating outside that the Taizi was truly devoted to Princess Zhaoren and no other woman could catch his eye.
Ji Mu often sought talent for the Taizi, and encountering a remarkable woman like Wang Jingyi made him feel it would be a waste to let such potential slip by. After some thought, he cautiously offered another suggestion.
“Your Highness, Eldest Young Lady Wang’s talents are comparable to any capable man. If she were to enter the officialdom, it would be a blessing for the court.”
The Taizi studied Ji Mu’s expression, seemingly confirming that Ji Mu had no ulterior motives beyond recommending Wang Jingyi for her abilities. Only then did his gaze soften slightly.
“Handle it as you see fit. There’s no need to force the matter,” Feng Zhan replied.
————
At that moment, from outside, Song Zhi knocked on the door and announced, “Your Highness, Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion has arrived.”
Having delivered all the information he needed to, Ji Mu immediately stood and said, “Your Highness, I shall take my leave.”
Feng Zhan nodded.
As Ji Mu exited the private room, he passed by Feng Subei, the Shizi of Duan Wang, who was just arriving. Neither spared a glance for the other.
Feng Subei knew that Ji Mu was the reason the Taizi had summoned him as a cover, but being a carefree Shizi with no official duties, he wouldn’t ask any questions about the Taizi’s affairs.
Entering the private room, Feng Subei greeted the Taizi with a formal bow before taking a seat opposite him, in the spot Ji Mu had just vacated.
At Song Zhi’s orders, fresh tea was served. Feng Subei started chatting casually about the latest gossip in the capital. As per their usual routine, after about the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, he could leave.
However, after only a few sentences, Taizi looked directly at him and said, “Your father, Duan Wang, sent me a letter.”
Feng Subei’s eyes showed a hint of confusion.
Taizi continued, his voice cold and sharp, ” Duan Wang expressed concern about the matter of an heir. He asked me to arrange for you to take a secondary consort.”
Feng Subei was slightly surprised to find out that this was the case in the north?
Taizi’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Feng Subei, his voice heavy with suspicion, “Why did Duan Wang mention in his letter that you married your Shizifei because of me?”
————
After leaving the palace, Feng Yuyao joined Qin Yan in her carriage, allowing her own carriage to follow behind with guards in tow as they headed toward Qianshui Lake in the southern part of the city.
As they passed through the southern market, Feng Yuyao lifted the curtain on one side of the carriage and looked outside.
Despite the freezing weather, the streets were bustling with people, full of life and energy, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the Winter Solstice celebrations.
Qin Yan, glancing out casually, noticed a shop sign pass by as the carriage moved forward. The well-formed characters on it read, “Wen’s Silk Shop.”
A name she hadn’t thought of in a long time flashed through Qin Yan’s mind, Wen Luo.
Meanwhile, Feng Yuyao’s informants, who had been trailing Feng Subei, had returned. After listening to their report, Feng Yuyao let the curtain fall and turned back to Qin Yan with a slightly odd expression on her face.
“Yan Yan…”
Qin Yan, however, remained reclined against the soft cushions, her eyes half-open, her expression indifferent.
Feng Yuyao silently cursed herself, Qianshui Lake? Shuyu Pavilion? Could this lead to trouble?
Qianshui Lake’s famed pavilion, although known for its cultured courtesans, was still, after all, a place of questionable reputation.
If her brother Taizi had indeed gone there…
Then by bringing Yan Yan to look for the Taizi, had she inadvertently gotten them into trouble?
By now, the carriage had reached the shore of Qianshui Lake, nearing the entrance of Shuyu Pavilion. Outside, the air was filled with laughter and voices of excitement.
Qin Yan sat up straight, lifted the curtain, and gazed out. The entire surface of Qianshui Lake was frozen solid, and brightly dressed young men, women, and children could be seen skating and playing on the ice.
To the left of the carriage, out on the lake, two familiar figures caught her eye.
At the center of the lake, Qin Xi and Qin Lin were both wearing ice skates. Qin Xi seemed to be pulling a somewhat reluctant Qin Lin around in circles on the ice. As their speed increased, both sisters became more and more caught up in the thrill, even the usually reserved Qin Lin laughing and playing wildly with her sister.
Qin Yan watched the scene unfold, her lips curling into a slight smile.
Suddenly, Qin Xi’s peripheral vision caught sight of the dark carriage near the edge of the lake. She immediately recognized it as the one belonging to Princess Zhaoren Mansion, and when she looked closer at the open curtain, she saw—it was her elder sister!
“Stop the carriage,” Qin Yan calmly instructed Shen Ying.
Moments later, Qin Xi and Qin Lin reached the edge of the lake, but still wearing their ice skates, it was difficult for them to step onto the shore.
Holding each other’s hands for balance, the sisters awkwardly curtsied toward Qin Yan. “Elder sister…”
Qin Lin tugged on Qin Xi’s sleeve and whispered, “Address her as the Taizifei.”
Qin Xi blinked in brief confusion before quickly correcting herself, smiling as she and Qin Lin bowed again, “Taizifei.”
Just then, Feng Yuyao’s face appeared behind the carriage curtain as well, and Shen Ying announced to Qin Xi and Qin Lin, “Miss Xi, Miss Lin, Princess Jingyi is also in the carriage.”
The two sisters immediately curtsied once more, lowering themselves respectfully, “Commoners greet Princess Jingyi.”
———
After rising, Qin Xi flashed a playful grin at Qin Yan and asked, “Elder Sister, want to come down and play?”
Qin Lin, by now accustomed to Qin Xi’s casual way of addressing their elder sister, decided not to interfere. Fortunately, their Taizifei Sister didn’t seem to mind such behavior.
Seeing no reaction from Qin Yan, Qin Xi wasn’t disheartened. “Elder Sister, watch me! I know a lot of tricks!” she exclaimed as she dragged Qin Lin back toward the center of the lake.
Since both the Taizifei and Princess Jingyi were present, Qin Lin didn’t resist Qin Xi’s antics too much and instead tried her best to go along with her sister’s playful show.
The two sisters, who shared similar and beautiful features, moved gracefully and effortlessly across the ice. Their performance drew attention, and the crowd around them naturally stepped aside to give them more room to display their skills.
After watching a few challenging moves from Qin Xi, Feng Yuyao’s interest was piqued. Besides, delaying her visit to the Taizi for a little longer wouldn’t hurt. She stepped out of the carriage, walking toward the shore to enjoy the performance.
Qin Yan, having sat in the carriage for too long, also decided to stretch her legs. Holding a gilded hand warmer, she stepped out as well.
Feng Yuyao, smiling, kept her gaze fixed on the two lively girls on the ice, almost forgetting why they had come to Qianshui Lake in the first place.
Noticing that Qin Yan had also stepped out of the carriage, Feng Yuyao turned to her and said, “Yan Yan, in a few days, the palace will host an ice-skating banquet. You’ve heard about it, right?”
Seeing that Qin Yan was only gazing at the lake without responding, Feng Yuyao shifted her attention back to the center of the lake and murmured to herself, “The commoners’ ice skating may not be as challenging as the palace’s, but it’s still quite entertaining.”
“It’s a pity that Shen Ci went to the Northwest. If he were here this year, he would undoubtedly take first place in the ice archery competition.”
“Back then—”
“Stop!” A sudden shout from one of the guards interrupted Feng Yuyao mid-sentence.
Both Qin Yan and Feng Yuyao turned to look, where a young man had been stopped by the guards.
And that young man’s face…
———-
At Shuyu Pavilion, under the Taizi’s sharp gaze, Feng Subei finally revealed the reason behind his decision to marry An Yanxi.
Hearing this, Feng Zhan narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning cold.
“Have I not told you before that such methods are unnecessary?”
Feng Subei had indeed heard the Taizi say this in the past, but he had taken matters into his own hands regardless.
Feng Zhan continued, “Have you considered that one day if you meet a woman you truly care for, what status will you have left to offer her?”
Feng Subei didn’t respond. Instead, he took a large gulp of tea, staring out of the window, and there, he saw a familiar figure, one that had been on his mind moments earlier.
Focusing his gaze, he realized it was indeed her.
So, she also had a side that revealed her girlish nature.
The Taizi’s expression darkened. Following Feng Subei’s gaze, Feng Zhan looked out the window and immediately spotted the tall figure wrapped in a silver fox cloak standing by the lake shore.
Qin Yan—she was here.
Without a word, Feng Zhan abruptly stood up and strode out of the room.
Feng Subei, snapping back to reality, quickly followed the Taizi out of the private room.
———–
By the shore of Qianshui Lake, Feng Yuyao suddenly recalled who the young man was that the guards had stopped few meters away. Wasn’t he the same musician she had taken from He Xiao’s hands at Hongxiao Pavilion a few months ago? Oh no, not a courtesan, he was a musician, a man from Lingnan.
Feng Yuyao raised her hand, signaling the guards to let him through.
Su Qing stepped forward, stopping a few steps away from Qin Yan and Feng Yuyao. He bowed respectfully and said, “This humble commoner greets Her Highness the Princess and Princess Zhaoren.”
Feng Yuyao was just about to say something when Qin Xi suddenly skated over at full speed.
“Su Qing…” Qin Xi smiled as she looked at Su Qing, introducing him to Qin Yan and Feng Yuyao.
“Princess, Elder Sister, this is Su Qing, a qin player. He’s… he’s my friend.”
“And, Elder Sister, Su Qing is also a painter.” Qin Xi, knowing how much Qin Yan loved art, proudly added.
“The last time my mother commissioned those portraits of handsome men for you, they were painted by him…” Before Qin Xi could finish, Qin Lin quickly skated over and clamped her hand over Qin Xi’s mouth, stopping her from saying more.
————-
The incident of their mother bringing portraits of handsome men to the Princess Zhaoren Mansion was something that Qin Lin desperately hoped to leave behind. She vividly remembered the icy glare from the Taizi on that occasion.
What was Qin Xi thinking, bringing it up again? How many heads would they have to lose for that?
Yet, Qin Xi was telling the truth. Their mother, Madam Zhu, had indeed gone to Qin Yan’s mansion to present her with those portraits of handsome men, and those paintings were, in fact, done by Su Qing.
In reality, Su Qing had been one of the candidates Madam Zhu had considered for Qin Yan, though he had approached Madam Zhu himself during her selection process.
After witnessing the interactions between her elder sister and the Taizi during her last visit to Princess Zhaoren Mansion, Qin Xi lost interest in the introverted junior clerk from the Ministry of Works. Instead, she had developed a fondness for Su Qing, the qin player her mother had brought in as a potential match for Qin Yan.
Su Qing was highly skilled in playing the qin, could paint, and had a charming way of speaking, which made him enjoyable company for Qin Xi.
Qin Yan turned her gaze toward Su Qing.
When she had first seen the portraits, she had found the painting style somewhat unique. So, this was the painter behind them?
“Your paintings are… interesting,” Qin Yan commented.
Su Qing responded, “Princess…”
His reply was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the guards saluting.
“The Taizi has arrived.”
————
Everyone turned to see the Taizi, with a cold aura surrounding him, followed closely by Feng Subei, the Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion.
Immediately, everyone bowed to the Taizi.
Feng Zhan walked straight over to Qin Yan, gently taking her hand, his voice soft, “Are you cold?”
Qin Yan allowed him to rub her hands for warmth, remaining silent.
“We’re leaving,” Feng Zhan said, his tone turning cold as he cast a brief, icy glance at Su Qing, who stood across from Qin Yan. He then led her to her carriage.
Song Zhi gave the order for the Taizi’s carriage to be brought over, and both carriages, along with the accompanying guards, soon departed.
As for Feng Yuyao…
Completely distracted by the unfolding events, she had nearly forgotten her friends. Thankfully, her carriage followed along, and with a brief farewell to Feng Subei, she boarded and headed back to the palace.
Meanwhile, on the eastern shore of Qianshui Lake, a young man watched the scene unfold from a distance. His gaze lingered on Qin Yan’s carriage as it grew smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared from view. He lowered his eyes in dejection.
“Qin Shao, let’s go,” said a young nobleman, skating over and giving Qin Ming a light slap on the arm, pulling him into a lively crowd of young men and women.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement, but Qin Ming felt a deep coldness within.
Elder sister…
Perhaps he no longer had the right to call her that.
————
As Feng Subei reached the lakeshore, his gaze remained fixed on the quiet woman, Qin Lin. She had returned to her usual composed demeanor, the same one he had seen when they first met at Dajue Temple. Only the flush on her cheeks betrayed the fact that she had been playing on the ice moments before.
Qin Xi and Qin Lin, now aware that this man was the Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion, greeted him with a bow. “This humble girl greets the heir.”
Su Qing followed their lead, offering his own respectful bow. “This humble commoner greets Shizi.”
Feng Subei said nothing, his eyes locked on Qin Lin’s face.
Qin Lin wasn’t foolish. This was their third meeting, and she could sense that Feng Subei seemed to have an interest in her.
However, she had also heard the rumors that the heir of Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion had been infatuated with the eldest daughter of the An family, An Yanxi, for years and had finally won her over.
An Yanxi was the epitome of elegance among the noblewomen of the capital.
Qin Lin had no intention of becoming entangled in such matters, especially with a couple so celebrated. She wouldn’t allow herself to be dragged into a situation that would only lead to mockery.
Taking Qin Xi by the hand, Qin Lin curtsied and then turned to leave. “Su Qing, let’s go,” Qin Xi called out.
Su Qing quickly followed, gliding along the lakeshore after the two sisters.
Feng Subei watched Qin Lin’s retreating figure, and his mind replayed the words the Taizi had spoken earlier, “If one day you meet the woman you truly care for, what status will you have left to offer her?”
A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Feng Subei’s lips.
He had truly brought this upon himself.
————
In the carriage from the Princess Mansion, Feng Zhan held Qin Yan close, gently massaging her soft hand. His voice was low as he asked, “Did you come to look for me?”
Qin Yan, enjoying the rich, husky tone of his voice, was in a playful mood. She teased, “I heard the little temptresses by Qianshui Lake are quite charming. I came to see if Your Highness could resist.”
Qin Yan was usually a woman of few words, and Feng Zhan rarely heard her speak in such a half-serious, slightly jealous tone. He found it rather lovable and chuckled softly.
“You know full well there’s only one person who can make me lose control,” he replied.
With that, Feng Zhan leaned down, capturing Qin Yan in a forceful, passionate kiss.
Outside the carriage, Shen Ying, sitting at the front, kept her composure.
Meanwhile, Song Zhi, perched on his horse, remained stoic as ever.
After leaving the city, Feng Zhan helped Qin Yan adjust her clothing, pulling her back into his embrace. His voice softened as he explained, “I was meeting with a subordinate stationed at the Left Prime Minister Mansion. Choosing Shuyu Pavilion was merely a way to avoid suspicion.”
Feng Zhan recalled the first time he had seen Qin Yan, just six months ago, after she had returned from the Northwest.
“Back at Yunfu Teahouse, I met with the same person,” he mentioned, adding with a slight smirk, “And it was a man.”
Both Feng Zhan and Qin Yan were reminded of that fateful encounter, when they had exchanged glances through the window at Yunfu Teahouse. In just half a year, they had gone from strangers to such an intimate relationship.
Feng Zhan continued, “The person I met at Shuyu Pavilion is named Ji Mu.”
“His mother is the head of maritime shipping in Xuzhou, Madam Ji,” Feng Zhan explained further.
Qin Yan understood. So, Ji Mu was the son of Madam Ji Qi, the powerful matriarch of the Xuzhou shipping family. That made sense; it explained why Madam Ji Qi was so loyal to the Taizi.
Qin Yan could feel that Feng Zhan was sharing more of his world with her, gradually integrating her into his life. This openness was his way of showing sincerity.
No matter what the future held, at this moment, Qin Yan was deeply satisfied with this Taizi.
She flipped herself onto Feng Zhan’s firm chest, her fingertips tracing along his smooth forehead, his handsome sword-like brows, his strong nose, and his sensual lips. Then, she pressed her own red lips to his face, sealing it with a deep kiss as the heat inside the carriage began to rise…
———–
After Su Qing separated from Qin Xi and Qin Lin, he strolled through the nearly deserted market. The sky loomed heavy with dark clouds, hinting at the coming snow. Vendors were closing up their stalls, and only a few hurried figures remained on the streets.
Passing by a fortune-teller’s stall, Su Qing noticed an old blind man sitting there, his long, graying mustache twitching slightly. Despite the approaching storm, the old man made no move to pack up his stall, seemingly content to stay.
Su Qing changed direction and sat at the fortune-teller’s table, extending his right palm, and placing it flat on the worn wood.
“Please, mister, read my fortune,” Su Qing requested calmly.
The blind man’s wrinkled hands, gripping a bamboo staff, slowly moved toward the table. His fingers grazed Su Qing’s outstretched hand before gently grasping it.
As his fingers traced the lines of Su Qing’s palm, his brow furrowed deeply, struggling to interpret the pattern.
The fortune-teller leaned closer, his head nearly touching Su Qing’s palm.
At that moment, Su Qing’s voice, low and deliberate, whispered, “Tell Master that the progress is going smoothly. I’ve made contact with Qin Yan.”