Chapter 105

In the evening, Feng Yaoguang returned, having changed his clothes. During the day, he wore a white brocade robe with a fox fur cloak. In the evening, he switched to a lake-blue robe and changed his cloak as well. His hair was still slightly damp, indicating he had just bathed. He arrived just in time as Yan Donghuang was having dinner. The table had four dishes and a soup, not too extravagant but enough for one person.

However, both Feng Yaoguang and Yan Donghuang were martial artists with larger appetites. After he sat down, Chang Yue and Chang Lan quickly set up a place for him and instructed the maids to bring two more dishes.

Yan Donghuang asked calmly, “Did you bathe after returning to the residence?”

The generals in the capital each had their own residences, differing in location but similar in size.

“Yes,” Feng Yaoguang nodded. “The smell in the prison was too strong; I didn’t want to offend Your Highness.”

Yan Donghuang gave him a strange look.

What smells hadn’t she encountered on the battlefield? If she were so delicate, how could she lead troops and fight?

“The Ministry of Justice just interrogated Chen Shaoheng. The results were as expected,” Feng Yaoguang frowned. “He said the poison was given to him by a servant from King Jing’s residence. The poison was tested on cats and dogs and was not fatal. Even after repeated questioning, he stuck to this story.”

Yan Donghuang responded, “What do you think?”

Feng Yaoguang replied, “Based on my experience, he doesn’t seem to be lying.”

Yan Donghuang remained silent.

Chen Shaoheng’s confession might not be a lie, but it wasn’t the truth either, as the mastermind wouldn’t be foolish enough to reveal their identity so quickly. If the person who gave him the poison claimed to be a servant from King Jing’s residence, Chen Shaoheng might believe it.

“What’s Your Highness’s judgment?” Feng Yaoguang asked. “Should we continue the interrogation?”

Chen Shaoheng had suffered severe torture in prison, screaming in pain and fear that he was telling the truth. Feng Yaoguang felt that continuing the interrogation wouldn’t yield a different answer.

“No need to interrogate further for now,” Yan Donghuang said calmly. “I will ask Yan Ming in a few days.”

Feng Yaoguang was surprised, “Your Highness will ask him directly?”

Yan Donghuang nodded, “Yes.”

“Will he admit it?”

“Of course not, because he didn’t do it.”

Although Yan Ming was foolish, he wasn’t silly enough to order poisoning while severely injured and demoted. Poisoning her at this time, whether successful or not, would be digging his own grave.

Feng Yaoguang was initially surprised by Yan Donghuang’s certainty that the Marquis of Pingyang’s confession was false. Then he looked at Yan Donghuang and realized she seemed to have everything under control, as if she knew everything, giving a sense of strategic mastery.

Yes, it was like the saying, “Planning strategies within a command tent, winning battles a thousand miles away.”

Feng Yaoguang’s lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes softening.
…

This year was bound to be busy and filled with turmoil. The ministers, anxious and fearful, followed Yan Donghuang in discussions, never daring to be late, afraid of bringing disaster upon themselves. After a few days of brief protests, state affairs quickly returned to normal. The ministers assisted Yan Donghuang in an orderly manner, no longer daring to slack off.

This meant Yan Donghuang would be extremely busy, both overseeing the government and dealing with numerous people. Today someone would plead for mercy, tomorrow someone would inquire about the situation.

The old madam of the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence sent people daily to inquire about Sheng Jing’an’s situation. Prince An would come to check on Yan Yushu and subtly advise her not to offend too many people regarding the confiscation of the Marquis of Pingyang’s residence. The other princes remained silent, watching the situation unfold.

During discussions, Prime Minister Pei and Grand Tutor Qi would inevitably ask a few questions, worried that Yan Donghuang’s many enemies would make her throne unstable.

Yan Donghuang didn’t mind.

After careful discussion, it was decided that Grand Tutor Qi’s grandson, Qi Jinhao, and General Mu Yunfan of the Qingluan Army would be responsible for disaster relief. They had been arranging the trip and relief plans for the past two days.

Qi Jinhao, the top scholar from two years ago, currently serves as a sixth-rank official in the Hanlin Academy. Before his departure, Yan Donghuang summoned him to the Grand Princess’s residence.

Qi Jinhao entered the study, respectfully knelt, and saluted her, “Your humble servant greets the Crown Princess. Long live Your Highness.”

Yan Donghuang examined the young man before her, “Rise.”

He wore a sapphire blue robe. Tall and elegant, he looked about twenty-three or twenty-four years old. He exuded a scholarly air and was clearly from a noble family.

“Most young nobles in the capital are immersed in studying and pursuing official titles, not understanding the hardships of the people. This time, I am sending you to provide disaster relief to allow you to see the people’s suffering and train your ability to handle affairs,” Yan Donghuang said calmly. “Qi Jinhao, I trust Grand Tutor Qi’s character and believe his grandson will be an excellent man. This is your opportunity; I hope you can seize it.”

Qi Jinhao bowed, “Although I come from a noble family, I have always been concerned about the people’s welfare and will not disgrace my grandfather’s teachings. Thank you for the opportunity, Your Highness. I will do my utmost, always putting the people’s lives first.”

“Since that’s the case, I have nothing more to say except one thing,” Yan Donghuang said. “I am willing to employ anyone with both ability and loyalty, regardless of age or background.”

“Yes.”

“I have assigned General Mu to you. He has selected some elite soldiers to ensure your safety on the road.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“You may leave now,” Yan Donghuang said, standing up and walking towards the east pavilion. “Let your sister come in.”

“Yes. Your humble servant takes his leave.” Qi Jinhao quickly left the study.

Qi Fangfei stepped over the threshold and followed Yan Donghuang into the east pavilion. At Yan Donghuang’s signal, she sat down by a chair.

Chang Lan served her tea and then silently withdrew.

Yan Donghuang got straight to the point, “Miss Qi, do you still intend to fulfill your engagement with Prince Jing?”

Qi Fangfei looked at her in surprise, “Your Highness means…”

“Yan Ming is unworthy of you,” Yan Donghuang said calmly, her gaze imposing. “It’s not about status, but his character. I advise you to break off the engagement as soon as possible if you can.”

Chapter 106

Qi Fangfei lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment. “My grandfather told me that Prince Jing once went to the Grand Princess’s residence to apologize for Minister Chu’s corruption but then accused Your Highness of using private punishment against him before the emperor. Is this true?”

“It’s true, but my opinion of his character has nothing to do with that incident,” Yan Donghuang said, sipping her tea. “You haven’t married yet; there’s still time.”

Qi Fangfei hesitated. “But if I break off the engagement now, won’t it seem heartless and opportunistic?”

Yan Donghuang smiled faintly. “I want you to be my companion reader. Would you be willing?”

“Companion reader?” Qi Fangfei was surprised. “But Your Highness is past the age for studying…”

“I’ve spent the past few years on the battlefield, reading military books and not much of the classics. I’ll catch up when I have time,” Yan Donghuang said lightly. “But having you as a companion reader is just a temporary role. It’s to prepare you for becoming a female official.”

A female official?

Qi Fangfei’s heart raced. Compared to an arranged marriage, becoming a female official was far more appealing. She had always admired Yan Donghuang, the first woman to go to the battlefield and earn countless military honors, commanding the respect of men. She envied her abilities and opportunities. Now, this admired Grand Princess was offering her a chance to become a female official.

“Will I be a female official in the court or serving the concubines in the harem?” Qi Fangfei asked directly.

“If I ascend the throne, there won’t be any concubines in the harem,” Yan Donghuang raised an eyebrow. “Do you think I have some peculiar preference?”

Qi Fangfei smiled sheepishly. “I was being presumptuous.”

“I want female officials who can participate in court affairs,” Yan Donghuang said clearly. “Once you enter the court, you’ll have equal opportunities for advancement as any man. Your future will depend entirely on your abilities.”

Qi Fangfei nodded. “I am willing.”

Yan Donghuang smiled. “I knew you were an ambitious woman.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Qi Fangfei said, bowing. “I won’t disappoint you.”

After their discussion, Qi Fangfei left the Grand Princess’s residence. As she stepped outside, she looked up at the clear blue sky. The air was still biting cold, but the sun was warm on her face.

Her maid, Taozhi, asked respectfully, “Miss, shall we return to the residence?”

Qi Fangfei adjusted her cloak and walked towards the carriage. “To Prince Jing’s residence.”

Breaking off the engagement was a mutual decision. Before deciding, she needed to understand her fiancé better.

The carriage stopped outside Prince Jing’s residence. Qi Fangfei got out and looked at the plaque above the gate.

Yan Ming had been demoted to a county prince, but his title remained, with “County” added to the plaque.

“Miss Qi,” the gatekeeper recognized her. “Are you here to visit the prince?”

Qi Fangfei nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed for coming empty-handed.

“Is the Prince available to see visitors?” she asked.

“Yes, please wait a moment,” the gatekeeper said, entering through a side door.

Soon, a mama came out and greeted Qi Fangfei. “Miss Qi, please follow me.”