Chapter Thirty-Eight: Provocation

Faced with the provocation from the Prince of Pingyi, had it been Feng Yewu from her previous life, she might have already lost her composure. But in this life, Feng Yewu was prepared, and would not allow the Prince of Pingyi to behave so recklessly.

“So, it turns out the Prince of Pingyi is worried about this,” Feng Yewu said, smiling as she approached the prince, her demeanor full of concern. Though a faint smile lingered at her lips, her gaze was sharp and unwavering, fixed directly upon him. There was not the slightest hint of retreat—her stare was openly defiant.

“No need to worry. If the Prince of Pingyi truly wishes to replace his princess, I can select another for him,” Feng Yewu’s words were laced with mockery. Her implication was clear: the prince sought to abandon his consort, and she would readily facilitate his dishonorable intentions.

Originally, it was Feng Yewu herself who had bestowed the marriage upon the Prince of Pingyi; now, she was turning the tables, suggesting she would help him cast aside his bride.

The Prince of Pingyi had not anticipated such piercing words from Feng Yewu. Though only the two of them appeared to be present, countless eyes watched from the shadows. Under Feng Yewu’s penetrating gaze, the prince finally lowered his head, avoiding her forceful eyes.

After all, he was merely a prince—confronting Feng Yewu so openly, under so many watchful eyes, was unwise.

“I thank Your Majesty for your kindness. If I should take a liking to any lady in the future, I will make certain to inform Your Majesty first,” the Prince of Pingyi replied, suppressing his anger, his voice heavy as he expressed gratitude.

“There’s no need for thanks, Prince. I wonder, though, what are your plans for the days to come?” Feng Yewu asked, her mind turning to the other mysterious figure from Penglai Pavilion whom Lu Jue had encountered. She suspected that person was none other than Zhao Xiyan, the pavilion master who had escaped that day.

Yet now, since the Prince of Pingyi had come to her door, Feng Yewu would not let the opportunity slip by, regardless of whether his words were true or false. At least she could discern his current intentions.

“I have decided to remain in the capital, to accompany Your Majesty,” the Prince of Pingyi replied, a cold smile flickering in his heart at Feng Yewu’s words.

The death of the Prime Minister’s daughter had become the focal point of public attention. The prince, who had originally intended to leave, now sensed that Feng Yewu wished to investigate as well. Naturally, he was unwilling to depart; only by staying could he keep a close watch on her inquiries. If he were to leave the capital now, any clue Feng Yewu might uncover would place blame squarely upon him, and he would be powerless to defend himself from afar.

Feng Yewu noted the prince’s mention of “accompanying” her, but she understood it was merely a continuation of their game. She gave a cold laugh and returned to her desk, sitting down slowly and addressing him without looking up.

“I appreciate the prince’s kindness. If there is nothing else, I suggest you retire for the evening,” she said, clearly dismissing him.

The Prince of Pingyi gazed at her, his eyes flashing coldly as she focused intently upon her documents. “I take my leave, Your Majesty. Please take care of your health,” he said.

Feng Yewu waved her hand absently, and the prince departed. Once he was gone, her expressionless brow furrowed slightly. The Prince of Pingyi was growing increasingly bold, disregarding her authority.

“Your Majesty, I never expected the Prince of Pingyi to become so audacious,” remarked a figure emerging from behind the screen in the imperial study—a trusted confidant, Zheng Tianlan.

“He has evidently learned of our investigation into the Prime Minister’s daughter,” Feng Yewu replied, not bothering to turn, wholly confident in Zheng Tianlan’s loyalty. The prince’s words had made it plain: he knew she was probing the matter, and was daring her to do anything about it.

“Your Majesty believes his provocation is merely a test?” Zheng Tianlan asked, puzzled.

“A test? Hmph, you underestimate him,” Feng Yewu scoffed. “He wishes to stay and set his own trap.”

Had it been her previous life, Feng Yewu might not have grasped this, but now she saw through his intentions at once. The prince’s bold visit was meant to show the various factions in the capital just who he was. Now, with the local princes preparing to depart, the nobility who once sought their favor were watching and waiting for new alliances.

When the princes were in the capital, currying favor brought benefits; there was mutual support. But with their departure, the city’s power dynamics would shift, and the nobles would quietly observe new contenders.

If the Prince of Pingyi had left as intended, he would no longer be involved. But with Feng Yewu investigating the Prime Minister’s daughter’s death, he intended to remain, ensuring the hidden factions kept him in sight. His visit to Feng Yewu was precisely for this reason—even if they did not aid him, they would exercise caution, creating obstacles for her covert investigation.

“So, Your Majesty, do we let him stay or not?” Zheng Tianlan asked, uncertain.

“We cannot touch the Prince of Pingyi—that is forbidden,” Feng Yewu said, her brow creasing. If she were to kill him, or if he were to die mysteriously, suspicion would fall upon her first. As heir to the throne, Feng Yewu could not resort to such methods; any action must be open and honorable. Otherwise, she would invite ridicule and disillusionment throughout the realm.

Zheng Tianlan wished only to help, but Feng Yewu rejected his suggestion without blame. “If you truly wish to assist me, consider how we might persuade the Prince of Pingyi to leave the capital,” she said, glancing at him as she pondered her own strategy.

“Your Majesty, I am skilled in intelligence and assassination, but in schemes, I am at a loss,” Zheng Tianlan replied, managing a bitter smile.

Feng Yewu had not expected a solution from him. With Lu Jue absent, she had no one else with whom to discuss her plans.

Just as her head began to ache, Zheng Tianlan approached, hesitant and stammering. “Your Majesty, I do have an idea.”