The Emperor Feng Xie rose and left Cining Palace. He was going to the morning court. Today’s court was also quiet, with no important matters.
However, after the morning court, the news brought by Prince Yan, Feng Lie, managed to shock Feng Xie. He widened his eyes in disbelief, staring at his imperial brother.
“You say the Great General Yi Yu plotted rebellion? Do you have any evidence?”
Feng Xie found it hard to digest this fact. Feng Lie claimed that Jin Jiali’s father harbored rebellious intentions. How could this be possible? He had treated the Jin family well. They were actually planning to rebel?
Fortunately, he had not handed over all the real power to him at that time. He had left some to the副将 (fùjiàng - deputy general), allowing him to curb his misconduct if necessary. He hadn’t expected him to be so muddled.
The study was silent and cold. Feng Lie took out a list from his sleeve, containing the names of people the Great General Jin had contacted. Many of these individuals were high-ranking officials in the court. If the Great General exploited them, Tian Feng might not descend into chaos, but it would certainly…
What if foreign enemies attacked then? Wouldn’t that ruin Tian Feng?
Seeing this list, Feng Xie’s face suddenly turned cold, radiating a chilling aura. He took it and read through it. These were all ministers he had trusted in the past, yet they were doing things disloyal to him. It truly chilled him to the bone.
Feng Xie examined the list closely, his expression growing grimmer. The pupils of his eyes, dark and cold, turned towards his imperial brother, Feng Lie. “Immediately send a pigeon message to the deputy general. Have him relieve the Great General Jin of his military command, and send people to escort him back to the capital for trial.”
“Yes, your imperial brother will attend to it right away,” Feng Lie cupped his fist and left. This matter could not be taken lightly or handled carelessly.
If the Great General Jin truly rebelled, it would inevitably impact Tian Feng. Although it might not lead to the destruction of Tian Feng, it would cause significant negative repercussions among the populace.
Feng Lie left the imperial palace and, leading his subordinates, headed straight for his princely mansion. He began making secret arrangements.
Soon, a pigeon message was sent to the deputy general who had been placed within the Great General Jin’s command, instructing him to immediately apprehend the Great General and escort him back to the capital. He also dispatched subordinates on horseback to notify the参将 (cānjiàng - brigadier general) of a city not far from the border, ordering him to proceed to the border immediately and take over the Great General Jin’s military command.
He could not entrust all that military power to that deputy general alone, as it would create hidden dangers. Therefore, the military power was divided into two, with two individuals in charge, making it impossible for one to act independently.
Having completed all these arrangements, Feng Lie turned and walked back to his courtyard. The gentle breeze in the sky sprinkled onto the water-polished brick walls and the clear tile eaves. The branches in the courtyard were bare, rustling in the wind. Lanterns hung on either side, swaying back and forth. He didn’t know how Liu Liu was doing, feeling inexplicably restless. He reached up and ran a hand through his long hair before stepping into the reception hall.
A young maid served tea. Feng Lie sat down, took a sip, and waved for everyone to leave. In the silence, he sat alone, filled with deep worry.
Although he had promised Liu Liu that he would no longer bother her and that he would cease his reckless behavior, his heart still thought of her and cared about everything concerning her. He had known her for many years. At the very least, knowing she was happy would bring him peace of mind.
As Feng Lie was lost in thought, the wind blew in from the door, causing him to shiver. The night was indeed cold. A shadow was cast upon the stone steps, slowly approaching the entrance, appearing timid and cautious. Feng Lie called out coldly, “Who?”
“It’s me,” as Feng Lie’s voice fell, a small voice responded. Princess Jie Lan walked out. She was no longer the proud princess, but a woman consumed by fear and caution.
Since arriving at Prince Yan’s mansion, she had been greatly tormented. Feng Lie usually paid her no attention, so she could only watch him from afar.
Tonight, she had seen him drinking tea with a troubled expression through the crack in the open door. She finally couldn’t bear it and approached him. She had intended to comfort him, but thinking of his dislike for her, she was about to retreat when she heard his shout, forcing her to emerge.
Feng Lie looked at the woman standing in the candlelight. She was elegant and noble in her bearing, but at this moment, she looked at him cautiously, as if he were some fierce beast, afraid to approach. Annoyance flared within him, and he spoke harshly, “Why are you standing so far away? Come closer.”
“Yes, is Your Highness unhappy? Is there anything Jie Lan can do?” Jie Lan stepped closer, emanating a faint, elegant fragrance.
Ever since she had confessed her past wrongdoings to Feng Lie, he had been finding fault with her in every way. Even the two concubines in the mansion didn’t respect her and caused her trouble every day.
Her personal maid had intended to report all of this to the Emperor, but she had stopped her. Since she had made mistakes, she had to bear the consequences.
Feng Lie looked at Jie Lan’s beautiful face, her gentle smile, her brows like painted eyebrows, her eyes like blooming apricots, her lips red and teeth white. But why couldn’t he fall in love with Jie Lan?
Moreover, this woman so desperately craved his affection. Feng Lie’s large hand reached out and pulled Jie Lan into his embrace. He heard her startled gasp, “Your Highness, what are you doing?”
“What am I doing? What does a man want, don’t you know? Staying up late and wandering around my courtyard, what do you think I want? Since you want to make things a little better for me, then come here.” After speaking, Feng Lie, with no hint of tenderness, quickly leaned down and kissed Jie Lan’s lips. Feeling her trembling lips and teeth, it only stimulated his nerves, making him even more frenzied.
With a sweep of his hand, he quickly tore off Jie Lan’s clothes, suppressing her struggles. A tidal wave engulfed his beast-like desires. His lower body was burning. At this moment, he could no longer care who the woman beneath him was.
About half an hour later.
He stood up and tidied his clothes. He glanced at the huddled woman on the ground and spoke coldly, “You’d best not appear before me again, otherwise, what happened tonight will happen frequently.” Saying this, he walked out of the reception hall without looking back, returning to his own chambers to rest.
And Jie Lan was like a discarded toy, thrown brokenly onto the ground. She wept sadly. Although she had made mistakes, she was trying to make amends. But why did fate punish her like this? Must she be punished by being raped by this man?
Her eyes tearful, she fumbled on the ground for her torn clothes, feeling utterly ashamed. But what was more shameful was that after the initial pain and suffering, she had actually felt a trace of pleasure.
She felt ashamed of herself. Why would she have feelings for the man who harmed her? Jie Lan fumbled to put on her clothes, covering her beautiful body, and propped herself up to walk out. There was a small pool of blood on the ground, and even her ankles had some bloodstains. By the time she walked out, she only heard panicked voices from afar.
“Princess, what’s wrong? Princess, what’s wrong?” The surroundings then fell into silence.
In his chamber, Feng Lie frowned, listening to the commotion outside. Only when all was silent did he mutter to himself and fall asleep.
He hadn’t expected that woman’s body could be used to warm his bed. She felt much more stimulating than those beautiful concubines. Perhaps he could keep her in the mansion as a small concubine to warm his bed. A sinister smile flickered at the corner of his lips.