The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Extra 12 The Mediator
The news of the Princess of Rong’an’s arrival in the northwest had reached Feng Subei two days earlier.
The rumor that the Northern Liang once again form an alliance through marriage with the Great Xia, with the Princess of Rong’an potentially marrying the Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion which has spread from the capital had also reached Feng Subei’s ears.
When combined with the news of the Princess of Rong’an heading west, Feng Subei began to form a guess in his mind, one that wasn’t entirely pleasant but seemed almost close to the truth.
Feng Subei and the governor of Yongzhou, Chen Xun, met with General Shen Ci, the Princess of Rong’an, and the entourage of Northern Liang officials about five miles outside Cangcheng.
After exchanging greetings, Chen Xun gave a slight bow and said, “I’ve prepared a simple drink at my mansion. I invite General Shen, the Princess, and all the envoys to come to my humble home to wash off the dust of the journey.”
Princess Rong’an, Xiao Weiru, followed her entourage as the host requested, and General Shen Ci had no objection to Chen Xun’s arrangement, as he was there on official business.
Chen Xun then turned to look at Shizi Feng Subei next to him, “Shizi…”
Feng Subei furrowed his brows, as though something occurred to him and spoke, “Let’s change the place.”
As soon as he said that, everyone present looked at Feng Subei with puzzled expressions.
Wasn’t it a usual practice for the governor of a province to arrange such receptions?
But Chen Xun quickly understood. The young shizi was likely concerned that the princess might feel uncomfortable…
Chen Ci was stationed in the northwest and had his own mansion in Cangcheng. His household was always well-managed, with servants attending to matters. This time, preparations were made to welcome the general in his mansion.
When Shen Ci noticed that Chen Xun seemed to have something off on his expression, he glanced at Feng Subei before speaking, “Let’s go to my place.”
Feng Subei nodded, indicating his agreement.
Chen Xun immediately sent the feast that had been prepared at the governor’s mansion to General Shen Ci’s mansion. The group then moved in a grand procession toward the city.
————
At the general’s mansion, Shen Ci led the group into the main hall. Just before entering, Feng Subei paused, turned, and spoke to Princess Rong’an, who was behind him, “Let’s have a word.”
Shen Ci also turned around. Seeing that Princess Rong’an, Xiao Weiru, had nodded in acknowledgment of Feng Subei’s request, Shen Ci motioned for Chen Xun to entertain the guests, then he made a gesture toward Feng Subei and Princess Rong’an, “Please.”
The three of them then walked off together.
Upon entering a side hall, Shen Ci instructed his servants to prepare tea. After giving a slight nod to both Feng Subei and Princess Rong’an, who were seated in the two opposite chairs, he turned and exited the hall, ordering the servants to step back a few paces but leaving the side door ajar to avoid any gossip.
Inside the hall, Feng Subei had not touched his tea. As soon as Princess Rong’an set her cup down, Feng Subei spoke, “Why has the Princess come to the northwest?”
Xiao Weiru could tell that Feng Subei was already aware of the situation. However, she was not here to play games with him, and thus, there was no need to beat around the bush.
She slightly paused her actions but was not surprised by Feng Subei’s direct and purposeful words.
Both of them were smart people, so it was clear they understood each other immediately.
Xiao Weiru looked at Feng Subei, smiled, and said, “Does Shizi think that the Great Xia and Northern Liang royal families still need another marriage alliance to strengthen the relations between the two countries?”
Feng Subei, sitting opposite her, kept a calm expression and did not respond.
Xiao Weiru picked up her teacup, took a small sip, then continued, “I intend to propose a marriage alliance between Northern Liang and Great Xia. May I ask what Shizi thinks?”
Her gaze fixed on Feng Subei’s face, but he remained unmoved, making it hard to read his emotions.
In her heart, Xiao Weiru silently praised Feng Subei. He was as steady as ever; no wonder he was such a trusted right-hand man highly valued by the Emperor of Great Xia.
After a moment, Feng Subei finally spoke, “If this were a few years ago, I would have unhesitatingly put the greater picture above all other matters, even putting my own marriage aside.”
“But I was rash once. One mistake led to another, and it almost caused irreparable consequences.”
“Sometimes, I wonder, if I hadn’t insisted on that marriage alliance, which I thought would benefit everyone, would that person have found a more suitable match? And perhaps everything that happened afterward would have been avoided.”
“My stubbornness led to an outcome that was, for everyone involved, nothing short of tragic.”
“Princess, you should take me as a warning. Do not let a moment of impulse cause irreparable consequences.”
“And as of now, the relationship between Great Xia and Northern Liang does not require another marriage alliance.”
“Princess, forming a marriage alliance is not difficult, but if you later meet someone you truly wish to spend your life with, it will be too late.”
Feng Subei finished speaking and silently waited for the Princess to consider his words.
Xiao Weiru calmly regarded him across from her. At this moment, she did not feel the usual awkwardness or embarrassment of rejection, but instead, a deeper appreciation for Feng Subei’s honesty.
She had once assumed that, like her, Feng Subei would always prioritize the interests of the country over personal feelings.
Indeed, as Feng Subei had said, the current relationship between Great Xia and Northern Liang meant that another marriage alliance was not a necessity, but merely a complementary gesture. He and Xiao Jingyan, the two siblings, were simply preparing for the future.
However… there seemed to be two women involved in Feng Subei’s words.
As she thought about it, Xiao Weiru leaned back leisurely in her chair, narrowing her eyes slightly.
The person he spoke of who had been “delayed” by him was likely the late Shizifei.
And his final words, “If one meets someone they truly wish to spend their life with…”
Xiao Weiru didn’t believe that Feng Subei would make such a comment without reason. Had he truly met someone?
Could this be connected to the reason he had hastily come to the Northwest in the middle of winter?
Now, it seemed quite likely that Feng Subei had found someone he cared about. If that were the case, she certainly wouldn’t want to be the one to stand in the way.
Xiao Weiru chuckled lightly, genuinely curious about which extraordinary woman could make this Shizi fall so deeply in love.
After a moment, Xiao Weiru spoke, “I wish you get what you desire, Shizi.”
Feng Subei relaxed his brow, replying, “Thank you, and I also wish the Princess finds a good match soon.”
With their conversation concluded, Feng Subei rose, extending a hand towards Xiao Weiru as a gesture.
“Princess, please.”
Xiao Weiru smiled, rising as well. The two of them left the hall one after the other.
Feng Subei and Xiao Weiru had many interactions in their official capacity, and both were open-minded individuals. They wouldn’t hold grudges or resentment simply because a marriage alliance did not come to fruition. Their shared mindset was fortunate for both Great Xia and Northern Liang.
Xiao Weiru and her older brother, Xiao Jingyan, had lost their father at a young age. Their circumstances in the royal family were not particularly good, even rather poor.
After leaving the side hall, however, Xiao Weiru suddenly stopped and spoke.
“Shizi, please go ahead. I’ll just stay for a moment and enjoy the breeze.”
Feng Subei nodded and then walked away with large strides.
Xiao Weiru stood under the corridor, exhaling softly. She gazed at the empty courtyard, and her thoughts gradually drifted away.
Although they were not as poor as to go hungry or without warm clothes, Xiao Jingyan and Xiao Weiru often faced oppression from other branches of the royal family.
This situation worsened after His Majesty consecutively selected two other royal family members to train as potential successors.
Xiao Jingyan and Xiao Weiru endured the humiliation, gritted their teeth, and worked hard, waiting for the right opportunity.
Later, they encountered Shen Shiying.
Soon after, Xiao Jingyan and Xiao Weiru earned military achievements. The two royal members previously chosen by the emperor were executed for treason. Afterward, Xiao Jingyan was granted the title of Yubei Wang, and their circumstances improved.
Xiao Jingyan and Xiao Weiru were deeply grateful to Shen Shiying and the emperor. Everything they had achieved was due to the trust and support of the emperor and empress.
Thus, Xiao Weiru, for the sake of Northern Liang, didn’t mind using her marriage as a bargaining chip.
But deep down, who wouldn’t want to meet a truly good match?
Feng Subei’s refusal, however, left Xiao Weiru feeling a sense of relief.
She had done what she was supposed to do and could do; at least, her conscience was clear.
Xiao Weiru let out a long sigh, a smile appearing in her eyes.
For the first time in many years, far from Northern Liang, she felt a sense of relief after unloading some of her responsibilities and burdens.
It was alright, after all.
————-
Chen Xun hosted a welcome banquet at the general’s mansion, and both the hosts and guests enjoyed the evening.
After the banquet, the Princess of Rong’an asked Chen Xun for advice on managing Yongzhou, and Chen Xun, having already received orders from the capital, spoke candidly with the Northern Liang envoy about non-confidential matters of governance.
In the afternoon, Chen Xun also invited other Yongzhou officials to join in further discussions with the Northern Liang delegation, resulting in a fruitful exchange for both parties.
Feng Subei and Shen Ci, acting as hosts, stayed with the guests until evening, after which the mansion arranged a second banquet for dinner.
After the dinner, Chen Xun and Shen Ci escorted the Northern Liang delegation back to their guesthouse, while Feng Subei took his carriage straight back to his own mansion.
When Feng Subei stepped out of the carriage, the sky had darkened completely.
He paused for a moment, glancing at the closed gate beside him, and then walked straight into the house in front of him.
————–
At this moment, Qin Lin was still flipping through a leisure book in the study.
The maid entered holding a bowl of bird’s nest soup and placing it on Qin Lin’s desk. After hesitating for a moment, she said, “Miss, Madam has reminded you not to read by the lamp for too long at night, to avoid straining your eyes.”
“Mm.” Qin Lin’s gaze didn’t leave the pages of the book.
The maid didn’t say anything more, instead, she walked over to check on the charcoal stove.
In the study, the only sounds were the occasional rustling of the pages as Qin Lin flipped through them, and the soft crackling of the charcoal stove being adjusted by the maid.
After a while, a quiet murmur broke the silence, “The commotion of Shizi returning is quite loud, so many people attending to him. Why not just move to a bigger mansion…”
Meanwhile, Lin Shu, who was directing the servants in the courtyard next door, thought, “If there isn’t some noise, how would Miss know that Shizi has returned?”
Qin Lin’s gaze paused at a certain point on the page, and she slowly turned her head toward the slightly open south window.
Through the half-closed window, she could see the dense darkness of the night outside.
She withdrew her gaze and returned her attention to the book.
It had been a whole day…
————-
The next day, Feng Subei went to the Governor’s office early. Princess Rong’an and her entourage were received by Chen Xun and Shen Ci, allowing Feng Subei to focus on his official duties.
However, Shizi’s drunken intentions were not really focused on the wine…
Once again in the discussion hall of the Governor’s office, Feng Subei sat at the head of the table, quietly sipping tea. Occasionally, he would look up at the officials from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue who were in the midst of discussion.
But by the time the sun had climbed higher, that person still hadn’t appeared.
Feng Subei’s expression darkened, and after a moment, he stood up and walked out of the hall.
Outside the discussion hall, Feng Subei encountered Lin Shu, who was walking briskly toward him.
Lin Shu glanced around quickly, then hurried to Feng Subei’s side, speaking urgently in a low voice.
“Your Highness, Princess Rong’an has gone to Miss Lin’s place.”
Feng Subei suddenly turned his head, his eyes cold as ice.
Xiao Weiru!
————
Qin Lin had stayed up late reading the night before and, having forgotten to close the window, caught a cold. Therefore, she had sent someone to inform Lin Liang, the Minister of Works, of her absence this morning.
After taking some medicine, Qin Lin was told that a distinguished guest had arrived.
The visitor was Princess Rong’an, Xiao Weiru of Northern Liang, escorted by General Shen Ci. After Qin Lin invited them into the main hall, Shen Ci nodded to both Xiao Weiru and Qin Lin before excusing himself and leaving.
As the two women were to speak, it was more appropriate for Shen Ci, as a man, to leave, so he stepped outside the house and waited by the carriage.
In the main hall, Qin Lin invited Princess Rong’an to sit at the host’s position, while she herself took a seat at a lower position and instructed the maid to bring tea.
Xiao Weiru did not decline; she gracefully sat in the host’s chair and then turned her gaze toward the woman before her.
Qin Lin, the cousin of the Empress of Great Xia, Qin Yan, and the daughter of the Minister of Works from the Qin family, her beauty was striking, and her demeanor was refined.
And Qin Lin, in turn, returned the gaze with equal grace, her every movement flawless.
Xiao Weiru, the Princess of Rong’an from Northern Liang, was rumored to possibly marry Feng Subei, the same woman who had spent the entire day with him yesterday.
Before long, the maid brought in the tea. Both women shifted their gazes, each taking a sip from their teacups.
—————
Xiao Weiru had gathered bits of information from Chen Xun, as well as learning that Feng Subei lived right next door to Qin Lin, leading her to come to a conclusion.
The person in Feng Subei’s heart was likely Qin Lin, most likely without a doubt.
Xiao Weiru set down her teacup and once again looked at Qin Lin before speaking, “Miss Qin, I’ve come to the northwest to discuss a potential marriage alliance with Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion.”
Qin Lin’s expression remained unchanged, and not even a single involuntary gesture betrayed her thoughts. Xiao Weiru couldn’t help but admire her inwardly.
This Miss Qin has impressive composure.
Xiao Weiru continued, with a hint of regret in her voice, “Unfortunately, I was rejected by the Shizi.”
She said this with her gaze still fixed on Qin Lin.
But Qin Lin remained composed, almost as if she were meditating, which only surprised Xiao Weiru more.
It’s rare to see a woman of this age so calm, neither proud nor impatient.
Xiao Weiru watched Qin Lin with admiration and smiled before speaking again, “Shizi told me that he once acted hastily, and in doing so, missed the chance to be with the person he truly wanted to spend his life with.”
“He advised me to be cautious and not to follow his path.”
“Miss Qin, what do you think?”
Xiao Weiru repeated Feng Subei’s words from yesterday, breaking them down and reassembling them, and after she spoke, she observed the woman sitting below her, whose expression remained unchanged.
Qin Lin looked at Princess Rong’an’s smiling face in front of her, and she felt a bit relieved in her heart.
She didn’t sense any malice from this noblewoman, and it seemed as though…
Was this person here to act as a mediator?