Perhaps due to her age, Princess Zhaoyue's voice was hoarse, each word laced with malice, "A mother's love makes one strong! The outside is filled with the Marquis of Wu'an's elite guards; you might not live to return today."
Marquis of Wu'an's wife, Madam Du, indeed harbored deep hatred for Zhan Feiyu. Although Madam Du's greatest animosity was directed towards the Grand Censor, Lord Chang, as You Bawang died in Lord Chang's residence, killed by the jailer Lai San right before Lord Chang's eyes.
However, this case not only involved the Grand Censorate but also the Shun Tian Fu. Moreover, it was just before the New Year. You Bawang had acted on his lust, placing him in the wrong. The Emperor would not easily move against Lord Chang or Prefect Bai for a dissolute young man. Unable to exact revenge, Madam Du naturally shifted her anger to Zhan Feiyu.
Looking at Princess Zhaoyue, who sat in the main seat with ill intentions, Zhan Feiyu was too lazy to even bow and instead sat down on a chair. "Although the Marquis's wife has lost her only son, if she offends the Forbidden Dragon Guard, the entire Du family might be uprooted. I believe the Marquis's wife will think twice before acting."
After speaking, Zhan Feiyu smiled and observed Princess Zhaoyue. The Marquis's wife had her own family, with parents alive and a large number of siblings, nephews, and nieces. Zhan Feiyu did not believe Madam Du would dare to risk the lives of her entire family for revenge.
Princess Zhaoyue's expression suddenly darkened. Fury instantly ignited in her cloudy eyes, which were drooping with age. "The Commander of the Forbidden Dragon Guard is my grand-nephew. If I kill you here today within my residence, the Forbidden Dragon Guard will not utter a single word of protest!"
Zhan Feiyu chuckled. This defiant posture clearly showed no fear. She provocatively challenged the displeased Princess Zhaoyue without reservation, "The Princess sent someone to deliver a post to槐树巷 (Huai Shu Alley), so she must know I've been staying with the Forbidden Dragon Guard these past few days. How about I make a bet with the Princess? Let's see whose side the Forbidden Dragon Guard will take."
Yin Wuyan did not even give face to several princes, let alone the nominally powerful Princess Zhaoyue.
Not to mention that she was already halfway into her coffin with age, but even the Emperor's indifferent attitude towards Princess Zhaoyue was telling. If not for being of the Yin imperial family, with the declining Zhang family, Princess Zhaoyue wouldn't even have the qualification to enter the palace.
Furious, Princess Zhaoyue slammed her palm on the table. Her wrinkled old face contorted and became ferocious with anger. "Do you truly believe this Princess dares not lay a hand on you?"
The servants attending in the room knelt on the ground with a thud. Qing Huan and Nanny Niu spoke in unison, "Princess, please calm your anger and preserve your esteemed health!"
If Zhan Feiyu were not concerned about angering the aged Princess Zhaoyue to death, she would have gotten up and left immediately. Princess Zhaoyue's harsh words were merely to scare outsiders.
"Let's speak plainly. Please state your purpose, Princess. What is it you wish to discuss by summoning me?" Zhan Feiyu asked directly.
Perhaps knowing that Zhan Feiyu was unyielding, Princess Zhaoyue suppressed her anger again. However, her expression remained unpleasant, her gloomy eyes fixed on Zhan Feiyu seated below.
"With You Haoran's death, the Marquis of Wu'an's residence is effectively without an heir. The Marquis of Wu'an will not forget this revenge. Whether it's three, five, ten, or twenty years, as long as an opportunity arises, the Marquis of Wu'an's residence will surely seek to kill you. Instead of defending against a thief for a thousand days, it is better to settle this matter once and for all."
So, this wasn't a Hongmen Banquet? Zhan Feiyu understood the Princess's intention. No wonder there were archers stationed outside. This was meant to give her a show of force, to intimidate her into accepting Princess Zhaoyue's conditions.
Zhan Feiyu nodded with feigned seriousness. Her delicate features, coupled with her festive expression, made her look exceptionally well-behaved. "May I ask how the Princess plans to help me resolve this revenge for a murdered son?"
No wonder she dared to act so brazenly in the capital. This wretched girl, though young, was unfathomable!
"My little grandson has reached the age of twenty. He will also be participating in this year's Spring Imperial Examinations. How about we celebrate a double happiness?" Princess Zhaoyue curved her lips into a smile. Unfortunately, her gaze as she assessed Zhan Feiyu was not that of a grandmother looking at a future granddaughter-in-law, but rather like appraising merchandise, gauging how much benefit Zhan Feiyu could bring to the Zhang family.
Before Zhan Feiyu could speak, Princess Zhaoyue picked up her teacup and took a sip before slowly saying, "Qing Huan, have Yun Ting come to meet Miss Zhan."
The Great Qing Dynasty had open customs; it was not a major issue for unmarried men and women to meet. Similar to when they went to the Chang residence to pay respects to the old madam, noble ladies like Wen Ruyi would gather with young masters from aristocratic families to compose poetry and couplets, which would be considered elegant affairs if spread.
However, in private, it was generally expected to have an elder present, otherwise, there was a suspicion of clandestine dealings. Princess Zhaoyue, without waiting for Zhan Feiyu's consent, had Zhang Yunting summoned, clearly looking down on Zhan Feiyu and not caring about her reputation or maiden name.
Zhan Feiyu watched the maidservant go to relay the message, then looked at Princess Zhaoyue leisurely drinking tea. If Princess Zhaoyue knew she was a disciple of her teacher, then this action would undoubtedly be aimed at her teacher.
However, due to the matter with Bai Zhaohui, she had gone to the Shun Tian Fu yamen. Prefect Bai had checked her travel permits but found no record. Furthermore, Zhan Feiyu had gone to the Scholar's residence secretly. Thus, her identity had not been exposed to this day.
After many years, the people in the capital had long forgotten that Scholar Gu had also taken a female disciple seven or eight years ago. Thinking of this, Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but suspect that Princess Zhaoyue was targeting the Forbidden Dragon Guard.
After all, her current residence in槐树巷 (Huai Shu Alley) indicated an unusual relationship with the Forbidden Dragon Guard. By sacrificing a grandson to secure a connection with the Forbidden Dragon Guard, the Zhang family would not be at a loss.
In less than a moment, footsteps could be heard from outside. Following the maidservant's greetings, a young man clad in a crane-feather cloak strode into the room, his gaze fixed forward as he walked in. "Greetings, Grandmother. Your grandson pays his respects."
"No need for formalities, Yun Ting. This is Miss Zhan," Princess Zhaoyue said, a tender smile gracing her face as she looked at her most promising grandson.
Participating in the Spring Imperial Examinations at the age of twenty indicated that Zhang Yunting indeed possessed talent for scholarship. With her assistance and maneuvering as his grandmother, securing a position in the imperial court would not be difficult.
Especially at this juncture, if he could achieve merit in assisting the emperor, Princess Zhaoyue's previously clouded eyes erupted with vibrant light. If that day truly came, she would surely be enfeoffed as a marquis and appointed as a minister!