The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 95 Phoenix Crown
On the stone platform of the mountain side at the Princess Mansion at Xishan.
Qin Yan and Feng Zhan had risen a bit late today. After spending another half hour in the bath, they only managed to have lunch close to noon. The two then leisurely strolled to this location and had Ji Nanfeng arrange a chessboard.
Qin Yan and Feng Zhan sat across from each other at the chessboard, while Shen Ying and Song Zhi served tea on the side.
The warm winter sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled light on the ground. A gentle breeze rustled through the forest, creating a soft sound.
Occasionally, there were bird calls and the cries of cranes from the lotus pond. The sounds of tea being brewed by the chessboard and the occasional moves being made provided a soothing backdrop.
After the game ended, it was still a draw with no clear winner.
Feng Zhan and Qin Yan each picked up their teacups and took a sip.
Putting down his cup, Feng Zhan looked at Qin Yan and asked, “Did you sell the stored grain from Yu Qingfeng?”
Qin Yan paused her movements and did not respond immediately.
Feng Zhan continued, “You wouldn’t have left yourself without a backup plan. Do you have other sources for your grain?”
Qin Yan smiled faintly but did not directly answer Feng Zhan’s question. “Your Highness, the two hundred thousand private soldiers you maintain, their provisions wouldn’t come from the Ministry of War’s supplies.”
“And where does Your Highness’s money and grain come from?”
The two exchanged a look but tacitly avoided addressing the issue directly.
Though Qin Yan and Feng Zhan were close, they each left the other enough personal space and had no intention of overstepping boundaries.
Shen Ying stepped forward to clear the chessboard for them.
———-
At this moment, Ji Nanfeng stepped onto the mountainside and addressed Qin Yan, “His Highness the Second Prince and the Minister of the Ministry of War, Minister Du, have come to visit, requesting to see you.”
Feng Zhan and Qin Yan exchanged glances, both understanding instantly.
The news from yesterday’s court had reached both Qin Yan and Feng Zhan immediately. Therefore, it was anticipated that the Second Prince Feng Xian and Minister Du were likely to be interested in dealing with Yu Qingfeng.
“Show them to the conference hall,” Qin Yan instructed Ji Nanfeng, then turned to Feng Zhan, “Your Highness, would you like to join?”
Ji Nanfeng paused momentarily and then continued down the mountain.
Feng Zhan furrowed his brows slightly, looks like Feng Xian was not only interested in Yu Qingfeng.
Feng Zhan stood up with Qin Yan, and the two of them walked slowly down the mountainside.
————
In the conference hall of the Princess Mansion.
After the Second Prince Feng Xian and the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Du Xian, entered, they were respectively guided to the seats on either side of the main seat.
Ji Nanfeng instructed the servants to serve tea and also had another large sandalwood chair, similar to the one in the main seat, placed next to the main seat. The two chairs were separated by a small round table.
Feng Xian and Du Xian were puzzled by Ji Nanfeng’s arrangement until they saw the pair of men and women walking in side by side from outside the hall.
Both Feng Xian and Du Xian stood up.
Feng Xian’s expression showed surprise at seeing the Taizi here but still bowed and greeted, “Imperial Brother.”
When Princess Zhaoren appeared in Taizi’s conference hall previously, Du Xian had already realized that the relationship between Taizi and Princess Zhaoren was complex. Upon seeing Taizi and Princess Zhaoren enter, Du Xian bowed,
“Your Highness Taizi, Princess Zhaoren.”
Feng Zhan nodded and, with Qin Yan, slowly walked to the main seats and sat down.
Feng Xian looked displeased. His visit to Qin Yan today was for both official and personal matters, and Taizi’s presence here was unexpected.
Du Xian, on the other hand, was pleased. After all, the Taizi had been elusive lately, and unexpectedly encountering him here at the Princess Mansion was quite a surprise.
Du Xian quickly refocused on the business at hand.
“Princess Zhaoren, this year, the Great Xia has suffered from severe floods, famines, and plagues. His Majesty has called upon all ministers and wealthy merchants to donate to the nation. Princess, could Yu Qingfeng also contribute?”
Qin Yan lightly tapped the small table with her fingertips, remaining silent.
She was aware that recent court activities had been frequent, and Empress Dowager Xiao had openly supported the Second Prince, causing fluctuations in the hearts of people throughout the court and the empire.
The civil and military ministers, from old ministers to new nobles, were all speculating whether the position of Crown Prince would be transferred to the Second Prince.
Qin Yan suspected that Taizi might be using this opportunity to conduct a major purge of the court and perhaps even rid himself of the constraints imposed by Empress Dowager Xiao, avoiding the stigma of being ungrateful.
Qin Yan was protective; having decided to seriously develop her relationship with Feng Zhan, she could not allow others to mistreat her people.
Seeing Qin Yan remain silent, Feng Xian spoke up, “Qin Yan, Yu Qingfeng is making a fortune daily. Contributing to the nation should not be difficult. It would also earn a good reputation. This would be a win-win situation for the court, the disaster victims, and Yu Qingfeng.”
Qin Yan’s response was a chuckle, followed by a glance at the handsome man beside her. She then turned to address the two individuals in the lower seats, “You’ve seen it as well. Recently, there have been more people added to the mansion. His Highness Taizi’s status requires significant expenses, and the outflow of funds is like a rushing river. I also have my difficulties.”
At these words, everyone in the hall changed their expressions.
Feng Zhan’s face grew slightly darker. He cast a cold glance at Qin Yan but remained silent, choosing not to speak.
Both Feng Xian and Du Xian were shocked.
Princess Zhaoren is supporting His Highness Taizi?
And His Highness Taizi didn’t deny it!
Qin Yan took a sip of tea and continued, “Donating funds is not impossible. As a citizen of Great Xia, it is our duty to contribute what we can.”
Feng Xian’s expression relaxed slightly, and Du Xian was also pleased.
But Qin Yan’s next words caught them off guard.
Qin Yan glanced at Feng Zhan and said leisurely, “Since His Highness Taizi manages this princess’s affairs closely, such a significant donation still requires His Highness Taizi’s approval.”
This statement caused both Feng Xian and Du Xian to be stunned once more.
Feng Zhan’s expression cleared up slightly as he looked at Qin Yan.
This woman…
Du Xian was speechless. It was clear that Princess Zhaorenwas implying that to get Yu Qingfeng’s money, it had to go through Taizi. However…
Du Xian discreetly glanced at the Second Prince. Princess Zhaorenhad clearly chosen a side.
Feng Xian’s expression darkened as he looked at Qin Yan but addressed Du Xian, “Du Xian, you should go back first.”
Du Xian saw that the matter of the donation was unlikely to be settled today.
It seemed that Princess Zhaorenwas now clearly positioning herself as the Crown Princess. Whoever could get money from her might end up being the one in power.
This was an internal matter of the imperial family, and as an outsider, it was not appropriate for him to interfere.
Du Xian immediately stood up to take his leave, “Your Highness, Second Prince, Princess Zhaoren, I take my leave.”
After Du Xian left, Feng Xian turned to Qin Yan, “Qin Yan, I have something to discuss with you privately.”
Having said that, Feng Xian cast a glance at the dark-faced Taizi.
Both Feng Zhan and Qin Yan leaned back in their chairs, resting one hand on the table, and remained silent. Their postures were strikingly similar.
Just as Feng Xian was about to speak again, Ji Nanfeng’s voice came from the doorway, “Princess Changle and Princess Jingyi have come to visit.”
Feng Xian felt a surge of frustration but had no choice but to swallow his words.
Qin Yan looked at Feng Zhan. Feng Yuyao had mentioned a few days ago that she would come, but Feng Yunchao’s visit… was it because of Taizi?
Feng Zhan’s brows furrowed slightly. He did not wish for his mother and Yunchao to be too involved in his personal affairs.
“Please invite the two princesses in,” Qin Yan instructed Ji Nanfeng in a calm voice.
———-
Feng Yunchao was genuinely curious about how Brother Taizi acted when caught up in matters of the heart, so she decided to visit the Princess Zhaoren Mansion today to observe.
However, Feng Yunchao had no intention of entering through the plum grove pathway. First, she wasn’t sure if she would be allowed in there; second, the path through the plum grove seemed to be a private space between Brother Taizi and Qin Yan, and she felt she had no right to wander there. Thus, she opted to use the main entrance.
Upon arriving at the main gate of the Princess Zhaoren Mansion, she ran into Feng Yuyao, and the two of them entered the mansion together.
When Feng Yunchao and Feng Yuyao entered the hall, they were both astonished by the seating arrangement at the head of the room.
So, Qin Yan… hadn’t overstepped?
And Brother Taizi didn’t mind?
After the two princesses paid their respects to the Taizi and the Second Prince, they took their seats.
Ji Nanfeng instructed the servants to serve tea, and the atmosphere in the hall became a bit tense as everyone had their own thoughts and remained silent.
Feng Yuyao, noticing the awkward atmosphere, decided to break the silence, “Well, the weather is really nice. How about we play some horse tag?”
Everyone’s attention turned to Feng Yuyao, who suddenly felt her suggestion was a bit out of place.
The Second Prince, Feng Xian, realized that this was not a good time for further discussion and decided to take his leave. He stood up to bid farewell to Taizi.
“I still have a lot of official duties to attend to and am not as leisurely as you, Imperial Brother. I will take my leave now. Enjoy your game.”
Taizi, with an indifferent expression, seemed unaffected by the Second Prince’s departure and said nothing.
Before leaving, Feng Xian addressed Qin Yan, “Qin Yan, I will come to find you another day.”
Not waiting for Qin Yan’s response, the second prince also spoke to the two princesses, “Two imperial sisters, please enjoy your time. I’ll take my leave now.”
As Feng Xian left, Feng Yuyao lamented, “It’s a pity we’re short one participant.”
Feng Yunchao, after glancing at the Taizi and Qin Yan, turned to Feng Yuyao, “Well, I suppose I could try playing horse tag as well.”
Everyone’s gaze shifted to Feng Yunchao, surprised by her interest.
This princess had not shown much liking for such common pastimes before.
Feng Yunchao chuckled twice, “Hehe, today’s weather is indeed perfect for playing horse tag.”
Feng Yunchao just wanted to spend more time with Taizi and Qin Yan and wasn’t keen on leaving so soon.
Thus, the four of them—Taizi, Qin Yan, Feng Yunchao, and Feng Yuyao —moved to the warm pavilion and began playing horse tag.
After playing a few rounds and getting into the groove, Ji Nanfeng entered the room, “Your Highness Taizi, Shizi Xie requests an audience.”
———–
The people in the room all stopped their actions.
Why did Xie Changyuan come to see the Crown Prince here instead of going to the Taizi Mansion?
Feng Zhan’s eyes narrowed, his gaze turning cold. He asked Ji Nanfeng in a low voice, “Is there a training ground in the mansion?”
Ji Nanfeng, though somewhat puzzled, answered, “There is one at the southern end of the mansion.”
“Take him there.” With that, Feng Zhan stood up, glanced at Qin Yan, and left the warm pavilion.
Feng Yuyao’s eyes brightened. Was there going to be a good show?
————–
Xie Changyuan carefully considered the current situation in the court over the past few days.
The Empress Dowager supported the second prince and aimed to overturn Taizi’s dominance. From the scene at yesterday’s court meeting, it appeared that although Taizi had seemingly relinquished some power, he still seemed to maintain a dominant position in many areas.
Xie Changyuan keenly sensed the danger. He, or rather the Marquis of Yongding Mansion, could no longer be entangled with the second prince and the Empress Dowager.
In other words, Xie Changyuan had decided to choose his side.
Whether for the potential future with Qin Yan or for his own prospects, he needed to resolve the issue with Ye Qingli, his nominal wife.
Although Xie Changyuan had discreetly arranged for someone to deal with Ye Qingli, if the younger sister of the Emperor of Yizhou encountered problems after marrying into the Marquis of Yongding Mansion, it would undoubtedly create trouble for the Marquis Mansion. He needed to find a powerful backing to handle this.
Given the Emperor’s recent stance, he would not actively oppose the Empress Dowager. He did not want the historians to record him as “unfilial and ungrateful.”
Both the Taizi and the Emperor shared the same stance: they did not want to entangle Yizhou with the Marquis of Yongding Mansion.
Therefore, the only option was to seek the Taizi’s assistance.
Even though the Taizi was essentially Xie Changyuan’s rival in love at present, Xie Changyuan had no other choice. If he did not resolve the issue with Ye Qingli swiftly, both he and the Marquis of Yongding Mansion would be forced into a power struggle, which could drag them into an abyss.
Although Xie Changyuan was unable to enter the Taizi Mansion, he immediately thought of the possibility that the Taizi might have gone to see Qin Yan, whom he had seen at the Princess Mansion the previous day.
Though Xie Changyuan was reluctant to admit it, the relationship between Qin Yan and the Taizi seemed to have become unusually close.
————-
Xie Changyuan was brought to the training grounds at the southern end of the Princess Mansion by Ji Nanfeng, and he began to have some suspicions in his mind.
Before long, the Taizi, dressed in a dark-colored, sleeved brocade robe and emanating a chilling aura, arrived.
Xie Changyuan immediately recalled that in his youth, he and the Taizi often sparred together. He wondered when they had gradually grown distant from each other, or when the Taizi had gradually become distant from him.
It seemed to have been after his engagement to Qin Yan…
Before Xie Changyuan could sink into deep reminiscence, the Taizi walked straight up to him and delivered a fierce kick aimed at his face. Xie Changyuan hurriedly dodged, but the Taizi continued to strike relentlessly, his moves swift and brutal. Xie Changyuan was forced to evade defensively, taking several punches in the process.
Xie Changyuan, frustrated by the recent troubles, was also inflamed by his suppressed anger. After exchanging a few moves, he began to counterattack actively.
When Qin Yan and the two princesses arrived at the training grounds, they saw the two tall and formidable men engaged in full-on combat, showing no restraint.
The two princesses were astonished, as they rarely saw the Taizi in action. It seemed they had arrived just in time for the excitement.
————
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow slightly and walked toward a covered viewing stand at the west end of the training grounds. She chose a chair and sat down, looking at the field.
Feng Yunchao and Feng Yuyao followed Qin Yan up to the stand. Once seated, they took the teacups handed to them by Shen Ying and began to watch the match with great interest.
Feng Yuyao clicked her tongue and commented, “Yan Yan, this is a meeting between love rivals. I’m so envious.”
Immediately after, Feng Yuyao mentally berated herself for her words. Xie Changyuan was already married and hardly suitable to be considered a rival to Taizi.
Feng Yuyao looked at Xie Changyuan in the field, shaking her head. Despite his flaws, he was undeniably handsome and impressive.
Both Taizi and Xie Changyuan were exceptionally skilled, moving with agility and fluidity. Their combat styles were quite pleasing to the eye.
Of course, this was only if one ignored the deadly force behind every strike, as each move aimed to defeat the opponent.
News of His Highness Taizi and Xie Changyuan of Marquis of Yongding Mansion sparring on the training grounds quickly spread throughout the Princess Mansion.
The servants dared not overstep their bounds, but some, like Jiang Mu, were bold enough to intrude.
Jiang Mu, on his day off, was also in the residence. As he approached the edge of the training grounds, he was signaled by Qin Yan to join the viewing stand.
Jiang Mu stood beside Qin Yan, but his gaze was fixed intently on the two men in the field, specifically on the Taizi dressed in dark robes.
Jiang Mu was astonished. The Taizi, Feng Zhan, was not only formidable in influence but also displayed incredible skill in physical abilities.
Jiang Mu glanced down at Qin Yan.
Is this the kind of person she likes?
———–
Qin Yan sensed Jiang Mu’s gaze and spoke softly, “Take note.”
Jiang Mu has grown taller over the past few days and has shed some of his youthful innocence. He now appeared more composed. He suppressed his thoughts and redirected his focus to the training grounds.
After about the time it took to burn an incense stick, the battle in the training grounds had nearly reached its conclusion. More precisely, Xie Changyuan had finally reached his limit.
Xie Changyuan had excellent combat skills, which was why he held the position of Commander of the Imperial Army, but he was still significantly outmatched by the Taizi, Feng Zhan.
Throughout the match, Xie Changyuan was covered in bruises. In the end, the Taizi delivered a powerful kick to Xie Changyuan’s abdomen, sending him crashing to the ground.
The Taizi withdrew his stance and walked calmly towards Qin Yan. His breathing was steady, and he looked composed, showing no signs of the fierce battle he had just fought.
Xie Changyuan, clutching his aching abdomen with one hand and wiping the blood from his mouth with the other, struggled to stand up. He didn’t want Qin Yan to see him in such a miserable state.
Feng Zhan approached Qin Yan and cast a cold glance at Jiang Mu beside her.
The Taizi’s icy gaze made Jiang Mu feel a chill. He knew he was no match for the Taizi at present. Though reluctant, he stepped back and withdrew.
The Taizi reached for the teacup beside Qin Yan, took a sip, and then set it down.
Feng Yunchao and Feng Yuyao stared in astonishment. That was… tea Qin Yan had just drunk…
The Taizi put down the cup and said to Qin Yan, “I will back to bathe first.”
He then looked at Ji Nanfeng and added, “Take him to the study.”
————-
After the Taizi left, Feng Yuyao spoke with regret, “Oh, we lost a player.”
Feng Yuyao suddenly turned to Xie Changyuan, who was standing not far away, and called out, “Shizi Xie, want to play some horse tag?”
Ji Nanfeng…
Shen Ying…
Xie Changyuan…
Seeing her brother Taizi leave, Feng Yunchao also stood up to bid farewell, “I will return to the Taizi Mansion to accompany Mother Empress.”
After Feng Yunchao left, Xie Changyuan, feeling somewhat awkward, gave Qin Yan a brief glance before following Ji Nanfeng to the study.
Qin Yan and Feng Yuyao, noticing the time, decided to have dinner together.
————
After Xie Changyuan was brought to the study by Ji Nanfeng, he was startled to find that there were two desks set opposite each other in the study, and one of them was familiar to him from the Taizi Mansion.
Both the desk and the writing tools on it were items commonly used by the Taizi.
Xie Changyuan’s heart sank. Was the Taizi living in the Princess Mansion?
Xie Changyuan did not have to wait long in Qin Yan’s study before the Taizi arrived.
As expected, the Taizi walked straight to the rosewood desk and took his seat, then cast a cold glance at Xie Changyuan, waiting for him to speak.
Xie Changyuan steadied himself, stood up, and cupped his fists in respect, saying, “Your Highness Taizi, I would like to request Taizi’s assistance in dealing with my nominal wife, Ye Qingli, who is the sister of the Emperor of Yizhou.”
The Taizi’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Xie Changyuan, was this an act of surrender?
————
Qin Yan and Feng Yuyao had dinner in the Warm Pavilion, and Feng Yuyao chatted with Qin Yan.
By the time it was the hour of the dog (around 9 PM), Qin Yan was preparing to go to rest. Feng Yuyao grabbed her and said, “Yan Yan, I still have so much to talk about. Let’s sleep together tonight, I—”
“Your Highness,” came Shen Ying’s voice from the door.
The Taizi clearly heard Feng Yuyao’s comment about wanting to sleep with Qin Yan that night. Feng Zhan’s expression darkened slightly as he entered the Warm Pavilion. His sharp gaze made Feng Yuyao’s heart shiver.
Qin Yan lazily stood up and turned to Feng Yuyao, saying, “Sleep? I have someone to accompany me.”
Feng Yuyao was stunned, her mouth agape.
Feng Zhan wrapped his arm around Qin Yan’s waist, shot a cold glance at Feng Yuyao, and then the two of them left.
Feng Yuyao …
Did I provoke him?
As Feng Yuyao listened to the fading voices of the departing couple:
— “The soft couch in the bathhouse needs replacing.”
— “Have Mr. Ji take care of it.”
— “I haven’t had dinner yet.”
— “Do you want me to feed you, Your Highness?”
The voices grew fainter…
Feng Yuyao …
She thought when the Taizi said he was going to bathe, he meant returning to the Taizi Mansion.
It turned out that… they were going to Yan Yan’s bathhouse…
And those two…
Feng Yuyao then realized that a few days ago, she had sent a message to Qin Yan saying she would come over, but Qin Yan had always responded saying it was inconvenient.
It turned out that it was inconvenient for Qin Yan and Brother Taizi…
————-
Qin Yan and Feng Zhan both had the habit of reading a couple of pages before sleep, and tonight was no exception.
They were each sitting at one of the two facing desks in the study, flipping through their books. However, Qin Yan’s mind was not on the pages. She wasn’t curious about what the Taizi and Xie Changyuan had discussed in her study earlier that day.
Qin Yan closed her book and looked at Feng Zhan opposite her, silently admiring in her heart.
He really is quite handsome.
Qin Yan stood up, slowly walked over to Feng Zhan, reached out with a delicate hand to take the book from his grasp, and then gently lifted his chiseled jaw with her fingertips.
With a smile on her lips and a voice laced with seduction, she said, “Your Highness, when will you truly give yourself to me?”
Feng Zhan’s breath hitched for a moment, and his throat slightly rolled. He pulled Qin Yan’s slender waist closer, bringing her into his lap and holding her securely.
Feng Zhan leaned in and kissed the woman in his arms.
An hour later, Qin Yan’s sultry voice echoed through the study, “Your Highness, are you going to ruin another set of my clothes?”
Feng Zhan lightly caressed Qin Yan’s delicate hand, his voice low and husky, “I’ll compensate you with a complete set of a phoenix crown and bridal dress*.”
(phoenix crown and bridal dress* – a formal dress of an official’s wife to show her honor)