“Second Miss? What are you…?”
“Hush—!”
A servant passing by the courtyard was cut short mid-question by Feng Yiyi’s hushed hiss.
Her body froze abruptly, her heart leaping into her throat.
Thank goodness, that wretched Feng Yinwan hadn’t discovered her!
“Why are you babbling? Hurry up and leave!”
Confused by the reprimand, the servant nodded fearfully and quickly scurried away.
Feng Yiyi turned her gaze back to the courtyard, her eyes sweeping over the two figures diligently practicing swordplay, a smug curve forming on her lips.
Just you wait, Feng Yinwan!
Though it was an act, Song Qingan’s swordsmanship was indeed not bad. With his guidance, Feng Yinwan’s control over her internal energy had genuinely improved.
“Young Master Song’s instruction is excellent. This Princess Consort truly feels much better.”
Sheathing her sword after a move, Feng Yinwan rotated her wrist and returned it to Song Qingan.
Song Qingan accepted it with both hands. “The Princess Consort is naturally intelligent. My guidance was merely superficial, and I dare not accept such praise.”
He was always so courteous.
Feng Yinwan waved her hand, her beautiful eyes glancing towards the shadows at the courtyard gate, a smile playing on her lips.
“Let’s stop here for today. Young Master Song has worked hard. Yuping, serve some tea.”
To put on a show, it would certainly not be a fleeting effort.
Song Qingan understood and immediately nodded. “Thank you, Princess Consort.”
A pot of floral tea brewed, its bubbling and simmering continuing on the earthenware stove for the entire afternoon.
Feng Yinwan leaned back on the rattan chair, her slender jade fingers holding the teacup, her silhouette cast by the setting sun appearing both lazy and alluring.
Song Qingan, catching a glimpse, was momentarily lost in her beauty.
The courtyard gate was suddenly pushed open, and Yuping entered swiftly with two porcelain bowls.
“Miss, the sour plum and lychee drink is ready.”
Song Qingan snapped back to attention as the porcelain cup was placed before him.
Feng Yinwan picked up a spoon and took a sip herself. Seeing him still dazed, she called out to him again.
“Young Master Song, try some? Yuping’s skill is no less than that of the chefs at Juxian Tower.”
Song Qingan nodded and hesitantly picked up the cup to taste it.
Too sour.
In his daze, the soup in Feng Yinwan’s bowl was already finished. She smacked her lips and then looked pleadingly at Yuping.
“Yuping, please serve me another bowl! Just one more!”
Yuping glanced at her, a hint of hesitation. “Miss, you said the same thing this morning…”
Ice was a rare commodity in the capital, so after the sour plum and lychee drink was prepared, she had placed it in the well to chill.
Although delicious, drinking too much was not good for a woman’s health.
However, she couldn't resist Feng Yinwan's persistent pestering.
“Just one last bowl, I promise! Oh Yuping, please, please!”
Though her young lady’s appearance was on the stunning side, she was also genuinely adorable when she acted cute.
Unable to resist the beauty’s charm, Yuping immediately conceded.
“Alright, but Miss, this truly is the last bowl.”
Feng Yinwan nodded, like a pecking chick. “Mhm, mhm, mhm!”
Her demeanor was rather endearing.
Having always seen her as cold and dignified, Song Qingan was momentarily stunned, slightly taken aback.
The gaze from his side was too intense, and Feng Yinwan turned her head, looking puzzled.
“Young Master Song?”
“Mm…”
Song Qingan quickly averted his gaze, a faint blush spreading across his ears.
Feng Yinwan, not understanding, was about to speak when she heard him clear his throat and his voice returned to normal.
“The Princess Consort seems to have a great fondness for sour food?”
Feng Yinwan was taken aback by the question. The denial was on the tip of her tongue, but she hesitated.
She, who only gnawed on the sugar coating of candied hawthorns, couldn’t honestly claim to love sour tastes, but then again…
Glancing at the bowl in her hand, she licked her lips.
Lately, she did seem a little abnormal.
News of Feng Yinwan’s pregnancy had spread like wildfire throughout the palace and beyond, and Song Qingan had naturally heard of it.
Seeing her silence, his eyes darkened, and he immediately stood up.
“The tea is finished. I shall take my leave.”
Feng Yiyi had ordered people to keep a close watch on the embroidered pavilion all afternoon. Seeing Song Qingan emerge near dinnertime, she was almost overjoyed.
They met in the garden just a few steps later. Feng Yiyi’s eyes flashed, and she quickly went to greet him.
“Young Master Song?”
Upon seeing her, Song Qingan’s steps faltered slightly.
“Second Miss.”
Feng Yiyi curved her lips, her eyes darting rapidly.
“Did you just come from my elder sister’s courtyard? Why did you stay so long?”
Remembering Feng Yinwan’s instructions, Song Qingan nodded and replied politely.
“The Princess Consort was very engaged and kept asking me questions, which is why I stayed longer.”
Asking questions?
Could that wretch be that studious?
She scoffed inwardly but replied with great agreement.
“Yes, yes, elder sister has always been eager to learn. You must go again tomorrow!”
Song Qingan nodded. “The Princess Consort also intends to.”
Feng Yiyi almost burst out laughing.
That wretch, it was exactly what she wanted!
Full and satisfied, the day’s fatigue washed over her. Feng Yinwan yawned lazily and went straight to bed.
Yuping, collecting the bowls beside her, spoke with some concern.
“Miss, are you truly not going to explain yourself to His Highness anymore?”
They say couples shouldn’t let grudges fester overnight, but why did it seem like Miss was determined to stand her ground?
“What is there to explain? He’s as stubborn as a mule.”
Feng Yinwan kicked off her shoes and burrowed into the covers. “Sleep!”
Yuping shook her head helplessly and carried the tray out of the room.
A gentle breeze caressed the moon, and soon soft snores emanated from the embroidered pavilion. In the main courtyard of the Ink Prince’s estate, however, the lights were blazing, and the candles flickered.
The atmosphere in the room was oppressively heavy.
Qi Xuan, under immense pressure, brought a teacup inside, trembling. Before he could speak, his Prince’s intimidating aura washed over him.
“Who told you to come in.”
“Your Highness, you haven’t eaten a meal all day. You must take care of yourself…”
Qi Xuan offered the teacup, his head bowed lower than the tray.
Ye Tinglan was about to lash out when a faint, elegant aroma entered his nostrils. He paused, his grip on the teacup tightening instinctively.
It was the Clear Jasmine Ginseng tea that Feng Yinwan had brewed for him after his cold poison had flared up.
His thoughts were stirred, and Ye Tinglan’s eyes flickered. The sternness on his lips immediately softened.
“Has she returned to the estate? Why did she not come to admit her mistake in person?”
Woman, as long as you come and admit your mistake to this Prince, this Prince will forgive you!
Qi Xuan’s eyelids twitched at the question, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
As he was pondering how to answer, Ye Tinglan had already reached for the teacup and urged him, frowning.
“I am asking you.”
Between lying and losing his head, Qi Xuan unhesitatingly chose the latter.
“Your… Your Highness, the Princess Consort did not return to the estate…”
Did not return?
Ye Tinglan’s hand holding the teacup froze, and his handsome face immediately turned cold.
“There’s no need to be so evasive. Since she’s willing to brew tea, it means she’s truly admitting her mistake to this Prince. Go and call her in.”
Qi Xuan: …Call her in, my foot!
Though he greatly feared for his life, he had to admit it.
“Your Highness… this tea was brewed by this subordinate…”
In an instant, the chill emanating from above became impossibly frigid.
What Qi Xuan said: The Princess Consort didn't return, I brewed this tea.
What Ye Tinglan heard: Hahaha, you dared to make me angry, and you got kicked out! Not only is the Princess Consort not admitting her mistake, but she’s also enjoying herself at the General’s estate, chatting and laughing with Young Master Song, under the moonlit flowers, she’s simply overjoyed!
“Bang—”
The teacup was smashed to the ground with great force, instantly turning into powder.
Ye Tinglan’s expression was exceedingly grim.
“Go and seal off Lanqing Courtyard for this Prince!”
That damned woman, if she doesn’t want to come back, then don’t!