Chapter 154

Nianxi didn’t pay attention to the man nearby. She handed the food container to Fu Ling and said, “The princess likes this peach blossom pastry. But it’s hard to digest, so after confirming it’s safe, she should only eat up to two more.”

Xiao Nanxi laughed at this and said, “Nianxi, you really love me.”

Nianxi smiled softly at her words, her eyes curving slightly as if a clear spring had been scooped out, her gaze both enchanting and pure.

The man couldn’t help but take a step forward. Immediately, a black sword sheath was pressed against his throat.

Yan Qing remained expressionless, but the sheath tilted slightly, revealing a gleam of silver from the blade, radiating an aura of threat and lethal intent.

It would be impossible for anyone to remain calm with a sword at their throat, especially when the other party exuded such cold arrogance.

Fang Hongxi dared not move but forced himself to maintain composure, frowning and masking his simmering anger as he said, “Move it away.”

Yan Qing paid no heed to his threat. Not only did he not move the sword away, but Yan Qing pushed the hilt forward, striking the man’s collarbone with force, causing him to stagger backward several steps in an unsteady retreat.

Such a commotion immediately drew everyone’s attention inside and outside the entrance of Fusheng Banzhan.

Nianxi was completely unaware of what had just happened. As the shop owner, she should have stepped forward to mediate in the name of hospitality and harmony. However, Nianxi knew that Yan Qing was not the type to act without reason. Most of the time, he faded into the background, quiet and unassuming, like a part of the scenery. It was only when the princess was involved that he would take action. If Yan Qing had drawn his sword, then the man was surely not innocent.

Thus, Nianxi simply stood aside, observing the situation unfold.

Fang Hongxi, clutching his collarbone in pain, was furious and indignant. He threatened, “Try to touch me again? Do you even know who I am?”

Yan Qing’s response? Let’s try, then.

Expressionless, Yan Qing casually spun his sword into a flourish, drawing his blade in one smooth motion.

Xiao Nanxi, standing to the side, widened her eyes in excitement. Her heart raced wildly, thudding like a drum. This version of Yan Qing was irresistibly captivating to her.

“This princess has never received such a request in her life—Yan Qing, stab him!”

Hearing the order, Yan Qing didn’t even look back. He raised his sword and thrust it toward the man.

The crowd erupted into gasps and exclamations.

At that moment, a man who appeared to be a servant in his thirties dashed forward fearlessly, pulling Fang Hongxi aside and avoiding Yan Qing’s strike.

Yan Qing, intending only to teach a lesson, had restrained himself. However, swords are not forgiving tools; this strike still managed to tear Fang Hongxi’s left sleeve and scrape a layer of skin.

At this point, another well-dressed man stepped forward and bowed to Xiao Nanxi, saying, “Your Highness, please show mercy.”

Xu Ziqian had been tasked by his father to accompany Fang Hongxi for leisure activities in the capital. However, in the blink of an eye, Mr. Fang clashed with Princess Wen Shu. Having accompanied his father to court banquets and met Princess Wen Shu in person, Xu Ziqian immediately offered an apology: “Mr. Fang has just arrived in the capital and was unaware of Your Highness’s identity. Please, forgive him.”

Nianxi lightly tugged on Xiao Nanxi’s sleeve.

Xiao Nanxi, disappointed at missing Yan Qing’s heroic display of swordsmanship, lost interest and said, “Fine, just make sure this princess doesn’t see you again in the future.”

With that, she boarded her carriage and left on her own.

Although the princess was a royal noble, the patrons of the shop were also no ordinary individuals. After the commotion, the crowd dispersed quickly, having had their share of entertainment.

No one paid any attention to the unfamiliar face of Fang Hongxi.

Injured in the left shoulder, Fang Hongxi had lost all interest in leisure. He kept his head down and returned to the carriage, where his expression immediately changed. He was trembling with rage, consumed by the desire for vengeance.

Fang Hongxi was no ordinary individual—his father, Fang Zan, was the Grand Coordinator for the Shaanxi Province, holding significant military power over nearly the entire region east of the Yellow River. Leveraging the geographical advantage, especially the Grand Canal connecting the Capital and Hangzhou, the Shaanxi Province could exert influence over the Jiangnan region. This made him a key target for King Jing’s faction to win over.

Fang Hongxi, as Fang Zan’s only son, was sent to the capital primarily to marry into the Lu family.

Fang Hongxi hadn’t wanted to come in the first place.

Initially, it had been arranged for his elder sister to marry into Duke Fu’s household. However, Lu Wensheng changed his mind at the last minute, taking an interest in another woman, which led to Fang Hongxi being sent instead. Still, his father assured him that he could choose any girl from the Lu family—several, even, if he wanted. Reluctantly, Fang Hongxi came to the capital. Yet, on only the second day, he had already been injured by a sword.

Having grown accustomed to acting lawlessly in Shaanxi Province, where he was untouchable, Fang Hongxi was furious. Even though his opponent was a princess, he couldn’t swallow this humiliation. He cursed under his breath for some time. His agitated movements disturbed his injured arm, causing a sharp pain that made him wince and scrunch his face in agony.

Xu Ziqian, who didn’t have a close relationship with him, had little affection for such an arrogant person. He also considered the day’s events to be quite unlucky.

However, mindful of the relationship between their fathers, Xu Ziqian offered a kind suggestion: “First, get your injury bandaged.”

Fang Hongxi rolled his eyes in frustration and snapped, “Bandage what? My father is a high-ranking official, and I was just threatened with a sword to my throat. Is this Lu Wensheng’s idea of sincerity?”

“Go and summon Lu Wensheng!”

Unfazed, Xu Ziqian calmly asked, “What exactly happened earlier?”

At that moment, Fang Hongxi recalled Nianxi’s face. Though it had only been a fleeting glance, he still found it incredibly stunning, leaving his heart itching for more.

But that was a matter for later. For now, he would focus on venting his anger over the immediate humiliation.

“What could have happened? I didn’t do a damn thing, and that dog of a guard pointed his sword at me. I think he wanted to kill me. If he dares to bully me, I’ll make sure he pays with his life!” Fang Hongxi fumed.

Xu Ziqian, also from a distinguished family, was entirely different from Fang Hongxi. He was disciplined and reflective, while Fang Hongxi was indulgent and reckless.

Xu Ziqian didn’t believe Fang Hongxi’s version of events. He simply instructed the driver, “Take us to Duke Fu’s residence.”

After delivering Fang Hongxi, Xu Ziqian, who felt disgusted by Fang Hongxi’s character, made an excuse to leave.

In the front courtyard study of Duke Fu’s residence, King Jing was in discussion with Lu Wensheng.

Although Xiao Xun’s house arrest had been lifted, the series of events had ultimately caused him to lose the Emperor’s favor. He had been increasingly overshadowed by his mediocre yet steady Crown Prince brother. Even his fifth brother had received an official appointment, leaving only him as a leisurely and idle prince.

Because of him, his mother, the Empress, had been dragged into trouble, allowing that wretched Consort Shu to exploit the situation. Only at this moment did Xiao Xun truly understand the meaning of his mother’s words—his uncle was their greatest support. Yet Lu Wensheng never gave him a definitive answer, only telling him to hold steady.

Given the current circumstances, how could Xiao Xun possibly remain calm?

The nephew and uncle once again parted on bad terms.

As Xiao Xun was leaving the residence, he happened to encounter Fang Hongxi being led in by the servants.

Having hosted a banquet to welcome Fang Hongxi just the day before, Xiao Xun naturally recognized him.

Seeing Fang Hongxi’s ashen face and the bloodstains on his left shoulder, Xiao Xun stopped and asked, “What happened?”

Fang Hongxi was no fool. As the eldest son of the Empress and a critical figure for those seeking to align themselves for future royal power, Xiao Xun was a significant political figure in Fang Hongxi’s eyes.

When King Jing personally lowered himself to ask, Fang Hongxi first saluted him before suppressing his anger and saying, “I was injured by a sword.”

Xiao Xun was shocked. “Who would dare such a thing?”

“Princess Wen Shu,” Fang Hongxi answered deliberately, enunciating each word.