Chapter 25: Like an Old Married Couple Quarreling

Gu Nanshu was not surprised by Lu Heng’s words. She had intentionally let him find that pamphlet. Since the matter had been laid bare, she saw no reason to protect Chancellor Feng; he was one of her murderers and deserved to face justice.

She spoke directly, "Nothing escapes your keen eyes, Prince. Since Chancellor Feng is your kinsman, if he truly committed murder, would you uphold the law and grant justice to the wronged?"

The world hailed the Prince of Beichen, Lu Heng, as incorruptible, impartial, and unswayed by sentiment. She hoped he lived up to his reputation—that his heart truly held righteousness and the people.

However, this seemed to touch a nerve. Lu Heng’s gaze turned icy. "Feng Sanniang, everything requires evidence. You have three months. But I warn you: until you find proof that Jiang Mubai killed you, do not stir up any trouble on the day you go to the Feng residence to see the bride off. Otherwise, the Prince of Beichen’s estate will have no place for you, and I will not let you off lightly."

Having anticipated this, she felt a pang of disappointment. Such was human nature; whenever their own kin or interests were involved, even the most upright person would turn a blind eye. She understood his position—if it were her, would she not do the same?

Feeling like a guest under another’s roof, she decided to endure it for now, as she was currently the Princess of Beichen. She bowed to him and said with dignified grace, "Rest assured, Prince. You have reminded me many times, and I am aware of it. Once I uncover the evidence of Jiang Mubai’s crime within these three months, I certainly will not disturb your peace here any longer."

She referred to herself as "Sanniang" rather than the formal "your concubine," marking a clear boundary—a chasm that, once drawn, would be impossible to bridge.

Lu Heng was taken aback, a flicker of inexplicable irritation rising within him. His pride would not allow him to yield to anyone. "Gu Nanshu, do you think you are still just Feng Sanniang? You are the Princess of Beichen by imperial decree. Do you think you can simply leave the estate whenever you please?"

Gu Nanshu replied with unyielding firmness, "The bond between us was a twist of fate. You are the bright moon in the sky; I have lived two lifetimes, and in my previous one, I was married and burdened with a blood feud. I am not worthy of you. Therefore, my departure is inevitable. Why are you angry, Prince?"

"Who said I was angry?" Lu Heng’s expression darkened. He slammed his hand on the desk with a sharp *thud*. "Feng Sanniang, you are incredibly bold! Do not test my patience repeatedly. I have granted you three months; if you find the evidence, I will judge the case. But leaving this house is out of the question. As for Chancellor Feng, this is a muddy pool you are not equipped to wade into."

Because the Grand Princess was involved, he did not want to hurt his own sister. He swept his robes and departed, feeling that if he continued to argue with her, her sharp tongue would surely leave him at a disadvantage. He had reached his limit and feared further conflict.

Outside, Lie Yan and Yun Feng exchanged glances. It was rare to see the Prince so furious; they looked like an old, bickering couple, arguing over trifles, refusing to yield, focused only on the heat of the moment regardless of right or wrong. It seemed the Beichen estate was in for some lively times.

Watching him storm off, Gu Nanshu knew she had spoken too bluntly, yet these were the truths she held, and she would stand by them.

Time passed quickly, and the day of Feng Yuxi’s wedding arrived. In the Northern Liang Kingdom, royal weddings and funerals were held at night, unlike those of the common people. The Grand Princess, Lu Tingyan, spared no expense, the red silk procession stretching for miles and drowning the streets of the capital in a display even more magnificent than her own wedding.

The young officials looked on with envy, whispering that Minister Jiang was truly blessed to marry the Grand Princess’s daughter, destined for a meteoric rise to the highest heights of the imperial court. They had long since forgotten that the Minister had once had a previous wife; who would remember a speck of dust?

At dusk, in front of the Prime Minister’s residence, Jiang Mubai, dressed in red bridal robes, held Feng Yuxi’s hand to bid farewell to the Grand Princess and the Chancellor. The Grand Princess wept, and Feng Yuxi, hidden beneath her veil, was also sobbing. They lingered in an embrace before finally parting.

Standing to the side, Gu Nanshu felt a sharp twist in her heart. It was a mix of love, hatred, vengeance, and fury. This despicable man had paved his path to power with her blood, and now, the sight of this red carpet felt like a mockery. Her heart ached, and she felt that everything she had once sacrificed had been worthless. She closed her eyes tightly, struggling to steady her emotions, treating the scene as nothing more than a play.

When she opened her eyes, she locked gazes with Jiang Mubai. His eyes were filled with an interrogation, and within them lay a strange, hidden craving. Gu Nanshu paused—what could he possibly be craving? Had he discovered something?

She quickly averted her eyes. Jiang Mubai did the same, then crouched down to carry Feng Yuxi toward the ornate, red-draped bridal sedan. Once the bride was inside and the groom had mounted his horse, a shout rang out to start the procession. The sound of drums, gongs, and suonas shattered the air.

The crowd surged, and the wedding party began to board their carriages. Suddenly, someone tugged at Gu Nanshu’s sleeve. A young voice spoke beside her: "Imperial Aunt, why don't you ride with Yuer to the Jiang residence? My carriage is huge; it can easily fit seven or eight people."

Gu Nanshu looked down to see Lu Yuting, the chubby boy she remembered from the training grounds. Behind him, two or three more heads popped out: Lu Zihao, Lu Chuanchuan, and Princess Zhaoyang, Lu Yanran.

Lu Yanran smiled sweetly, "Yes, Imperial Aunt, come with us! We can chat, and we’ve prepared plenty of food and drink. We can talk all night at the Jiang residence—it’ll be such fun!"

For these royal children, such events were the only times they were allowed to stay out all night, free to play, eat, and drink without restraint.