"Ye Tinglan is changing course?"
The itinerary for the southern tour had been set by the Emperor himself before their departure. A sudden change of plans surprised everyone.
Feng Wuxi tapped his chin, clearly intrigued by the news.
"He only arrived in Jiangzhou yesterday and should have stayed for three days according to custom. Why the rush to豫州? Could it be that last night... tsk, when matters of the heart are involved, even ice can melt."
He deliberately drew out his words and glanced at Feng Yinwan, his eyes brimming with teasing amusement.
Beside him, Feng Yinwan's heart had been pounding like a drum since she first heard the mention of "豫州".
The border where her father and brother were exiled lay to the north of 豫州. Yesterday, she had mentioned it casually just to placate them. Now, with Ye Tinglan suddenly changing course to 豫州, she couldn't help but wonder if it was related.
Feng Wuxi's teasing continued, and with her thoughts somewhat scattered, Feng Yinwan directly kicked him out of the room.
After tidying herself up, she stepped outside only to find Feng Wuxi still loitering there, his hands behind his back in a posture reminiscent of an old cadre.
"Pack up. We're returning to the manor today."
Originally, Ye Tingyan had intended for them to stay in Jiangzhou and look for another opportunity. However, with Ye Tinglan's sudden change of plans to 豫州, the assassination would naturally have to be canceled.
She hadn't brought much with her anyway, so packing was quick. By the time Feng Yinwan went downstairs, Feng Wuxi was already waiting in the carriage.
Glancing at the faint dark circles under his eyes, she belatedly asked,
"You suddenly rushed back to the manor last night. Was there an emergency?"
He better have a good reason, or she'd hold him accountable for intentionally messing with her!
Upon hearing this, Feng Wuxi seemed unwilling to explain. "Nothing much, just dealt with some 'dirty things'."
His tone was so casual that Feng Yinwan genuinely believed he was talking about literal dirt.
Frowning, she looked at him suspiciously.
"Is your洁癖 really that severe?"
Feng Wuxi: "..."
It wasn't until they returned to the manor that Feng Yinwan understood. The "dirty things" he had mentioned were actually Ye Tingyan's spies planted in the Wuxi Pavilion.
"Pavilion Master."
Yu Feng and others came out to greet them. Seeing them again after two days, Feng Yinwan inexplicably felt a sense of closeness.
Her eyes immediately landed on Feng Yun following behind, and she promptly asked, "How has Miss Yun's injury recovered these past two days?"
The medicine she had given her earlier was very effective for bruises. By now, she should have almost fully recovered.
What was initially a casual question unexpectedly caused Feng Yun's expression to change, a suspicious blush flashing across her face.
He actually asked about her himself!
This... this was blatant concern!
"Thank you, Divine Physician Jiang, for your concern. My injuries have already healed."
Her voice was soft and gentle from the moment she spoke, so unlike her usual self, it was almost as if she were a different person.
Yu Feng, who was the most concerned, was immediately filled with suspicion.
"Junior Sister, what's wrong with your voice? It was fine just now, wasn't it?"
"And why is your face so red? You look like a monkey's backside..."
Ever since he was defeated by Feng Yinwan's barbecue magic, Yu Feng's sharp hostility had long since vanished.
Now, as he fussed over Feng Yun with concern, his thoughts were entirely straightforward.
As he spoke, he reached out to touch Feng Yun's forehead, but Feng Yun slapped his hand away with a "pa."
"Are you alright!"
Yu Feng blinked, shaking his head. "I'm fine. No, I mean, you seem to be the one who's not alright..."
Before he could finish, he was kicked again. Feng Yun glared at him, then turned and walked away quickly.
Ignoring the pain, Yu Feng, utterly bewildered, chased after her.
"Hey, Junior Sister..."
The formerly warm atmosphere had suddenly shifted. Feng Yinwan looked at the departing pair, utterly confused, then turned to Feng Wuxi.
"What's wrong with Feng Yun?"
Feng Wuxi's lips twitched imperceptibly as he strode forward.
It was only when they reached the dark prison that Feng Yinwan learned that after the failed assassination attempt yesterday, Ye Tingyan had also ordered his men to secretly attack Feng Yueli. However, Feng Wuxi had already made arrangements, and the attacker was apprehended by Yu Feng and his men as soon as they made their move.
And the reason Feng Wuxi had rushed back last night was precisely for this matter.
Guards were stationed at the dark prison. Upon seeing Feng Wuxi, they immediately stepped forward.
"Pavilion Master."
Feng Wuxi nodded, his gaze sweeping inside. "Did he reveal anything?"
It had been quite some time since last night, and they had been interrogating him, yet the subordinate shook his head.
"His lips are sealed. He tried to commit suicide earlier, but we stopped him. He just took a whipping and fainted."
Feng Wuxi's eyes narrowed. "Open the door."
He intended to interrogate the prisoner himself.
The subordinate quickly stepped forward to open the door. Feng Yinwan, following behind, was about to go in when Feng Wuxi stopped her.
"Are you sure you want to go in?"
Feng Wuxi's methods were ruthless, and he would not be lenient with traitors. It was safe to assume the scene would be gruesome.
Feng Yinwan hesitated for a moment, then decided to retreat.
"Then you take your time interrogating. I'll head back first."
Everything, for the sake of prenatal education!
She didn't know how Feng Yueli was doing. She had originally planned to go and see her at Yingyue Pond, but she was intercepted by Chef Xu halfway there.
"Divine Physician Jiang, come and try my newly researched dish!"
After the Mid-Autumn Festival was the perfect time to eat crabs. She didn't know where he got such large crabs from. Looking at the golden-brown roasted crab legs and the roe-filled shells that seemed about to burst with juice at the slightest touch, Feng Yinwan found it hard to move.
She really, damn it, wanted to eat them, but she also damn well couldn't eat them.
Showing a pregnant woman such things, what kind of human torture was this!
Unfortunately, Chef Xu was oblivious and kept pushing the plate towards her.
"Divine Physician Jiang, the quantity of crabs purchased this year is limited. Out of so many, I only managed to get this much roe. I haven't given any to anyone else; I wanted you to be the first to try it!"
It was also his way of repaying Feng Yinwan's kindness for generously teaching him the secret of barbecuing.
Feng Yinwan was truly touched, but she gritted her teeth, glared, and stamped her foot, pushing the plate back.
"Brother Xu, I appreciate your kind intentions, but I am actually allergic to seafood and cannot possibly enjoy such a rare delicacy."
Chef Xu was taken aback by this unexpected response. He showed a hint of regret.
"Is that so? That is indeed a shame..."
Feng Yinwan nodded, forcibly tearing her eyes away from the plate.
Afraid that her resolve would crumble in another second, she waved her hand and decisively left without looking back.
Behind her, Chef Xu sighed, sadly collected his plate, then suddenly remembered something and realized something was amiss.
Wait, didn't Divine Physician Jiang eat shrimp during the barbecue earlier? That didn't cause any allergic reaction...
Feng Yinwan, relying on her last shred of willpower, finally reached Yingyue Pond and let out a long sigh, stepping inside.
She had been here a few times before, but always accompanied by Feng Wuxi. The cave was dark, and going in alone now truly frightened her.
After a moment of hesitation, her foot stepped inside.
No one was around anyway, what was there to be afraid of!
However, the moment she thought this in her heart, she heard a very faint sound from the depths of the cave.
Feng Yinwan's steps faltered, and her heart suddenly felt a chill.