Chapter 141: As If Seeing Something Disgusting

Soon, Feng Yu walked in with a man who wasn’t particularly tall. Xiao Li’s gaze flicked over Feng Yu before settling on the plain-looking man.

Although they had never met, she knew a great deal about him.

He Changyu. Twenty-six years old. The direct heir of the third-rate He aristocratic family. He currently served in the Ministry of Revenue as a Fourth-rank Official.

Ten years ago, Feng Yin’s father was killed by bandits. The head of the He Family and his direct heir, He Changyu, found the body. The two of them brought Father Feng’s remains back, forging a bond between the He and Feng families.

To repay the He Family for their kindness in retrieving the body, Old Sir Feng betrothed Feng Yu, who was only eleven at the time, to He Changyu. The two married after Feng Yu turned sixteen.

He Changyu was plain in appearance, but he seemed simple, honest, and dutiful. He treated his wife well, respected the Feng Family, and though he was no peerless talent, he was steady and reliable. He was a hard worker in his official duties and never complained.

Beyond that, he had another very endearing trait: he was a selective sweet-talker. He was taciturn in front of strangers, but the moment his wife was mentioned, he became voluble. His eyes would fill with love for her as he showered Feng Yu with praise, constantly defending and admiring her. Anyone who spoke of him called him a good man who adored his wife.

Outsiders praised him for being a good man, Feng Yu loved her good husband, and the entire Feng Family couldn’t be more pleased with him.

Even when he associated with his unsavory friends, the Feng Family believed they were the bad influence on He Changyu. The fact that he could mix with them and not be corrupted, they thought, spoke to his rare and commendable character.

Aside from his looks, the man was practically impeccable.

He was quite perfect, indeed. But he likely never imagined that Xiao Li, someone with whom he had no connection, would investigate him—and using the men of the palace’s Chief Eunuch, Lou Yan, no less.

"Feng Yu greets Princess Xuanyang."

"This official, He Changyu, greets the Princess."

While Xiao Li was lost in thought, the two had already walked before her and bowed. She returned to the present and raised a hand slightly. "No need for formalities. Sit."

Feng Yu glanced at Feng Yin, then at Xiao Li, realizing a moment too late. "Are we interrupting something?"

Feng Yin’s face was stony. He didn’t even want to answer her.

Xiao Li, however, didn’t seem to mind. "Not at all. The more, the merrier."

Feng Yu moved to take the seat next to Xiao Li. Instead of going directly to the opposite side, He Changyu gently guided her over, waiting until she was seated before taking his own place.

Xiao Li raised an eyebrow. "So attentive. Don’t tell me there’s happy news?"

At these words, Feng Yu’s expression fell. She forced a smile. "No. My husband is just overly worried about me. Please excuse us, Princess."

He Changyu immediately soothed her. "Yuanyuan, don’t worry. We’ll have a child soon enough."

Yuanyuan was Feng Yu’s pet name. ’But,’ Xiao Li thought, ’people in this era weren’t so progressive as to call their wives by their intimate names in front of strangers they’ve just met, were they?’

’Is this a sign of deep love, or a lack of respect?’

Xiao Li raised a playful eyebrow and asked nonchalantly, "You two have been married for five years, haven’t you?"

Feng Yu nodded. "A little over five years. But we still have no news. I’ve taken so much medicine, but none of it has worked."

He Changyu immediately put on a helpless look. "It’s a matter of fate. These things can’t be rushed."

’With that doting, pained, yet helpless expression, who wouldn’t think he was madly in love with his wife?’

’But is he unconcerned because it’s a matter of fate, or is it because he already has a certain... situation... on the side, so he has no reason to worry?’

’He Changyu’s performative personality might fool these ancient-minded people, but in my eyes—especially since I already know the truth—it’s painful to even look at him for a second longer.’

She turned her head toward Feng Yin, hoping to cleanse her eyes, only to see him with his head lowered, cheeks puffed out, looking as indignant as a pufferfish.

Xiao Li burst out laughing. ’A dignified fourth-rank official, and this is him?’

"Princess, why are you with my little brother?"

It was He Changyu who had spoken. Xiao Li didn’t even spare him a glance. She slowly raised her fruit tea, took a sip, and only after setting the cup down did she shoot him a sidelong look. "Are you questioning me?"

Her icy gaze was devoid of warmth, a look of pure contempt, as if she were staring at something disgusting.

He Changyu’s expression froze. Her sharp, imposing aura finally reminded him that the person before him was a princess. He shot to his feet. "This official misspoke. I beg the Princess’s forgiveness."

Feng Yu quickly rose as well. "Please forgive him, Princess."

Xiao Li waved a dismissive hand. "Sit down. You’re blocking my view."

The pair exchanged a glance before sitting down. Seeing Xiao Li listening intently to the performance below, neither dared to utter a word.

Feng Yu stole a glance at Xiao Li. ’The Princess seems like a completely different person now,’ she thought. ’She wasn’t like this before.’

’Did my husband say something clumsy to offend her? But he didn’t really say anything, did he?’

She looked to her little brother, her eyes asking, ’What’s wrong with the Princess?’

How would Feng Yin know? He was in a foul mood himself.

A moment ago, when it was just Xiao Li and Feng Yin, they would exchange a few words now and then. The atmosphere hadn’t been lively, but it had been harmonious. Now, with four people, the mood had plunged to a freezing point.

After some time, Xiao Li suddenly spoke. "I’m tired. I’m heading back."

She rose and left. Feng Yu stared after her, looking lost, while Feng Yin quickly hurried to follow. "I’ll escort the Princess back."

When Xiao Li reached the door, she raised a hand to stop Feng Yin from following. As he watched in confusion, she leaned in close, smiling as his ears instantly turned bright red before he shyly squeezed his eyes shut.

"..." ’What is he thinking?’

"The thirty-second house on South Street Golden Fish Lane. Have someone investigate it. You’ll find a surprise."

By the time Feng Yin opened his eyes, Xiao Li was already walking away. When he realized he had just closed his eyes in anticipation of something, his cheeks flushed crimson.

Feng Yu came over. "Tangtang, what on earth is wrong with the Princess? Your brother-in-law didn’t say anything, so why did she get so angry?"

He Changyu approached, his brow furrowed. "Why were you with the Princess? It wouldn’t look good for an unmarried man and woman to be seen together alone."

The warmth vanished from Feng Yin’s face, replaced by the familiar look of the little stick-in-the-mud Xiao Li knew. "Before the new year, our carriage broke down," he said, his expression flat. "Thanks to the Princess, my mother was able to return to the city quickly. I am accompanying her today to express my gratitude. Is there a problem with that?"

Feng Yu saw no issue, but He Changyu disapproved. "That Princess has a bad reputation. She’s a widow who killed her husband. You are a son of the Feng Family. What will people think if you associate with her?"

"I forbid you from speaking about the Princess that way."

Feng Yin’s face was cold as he, for the first time, vehemently contradicted his brother-in-law. "Who I spend time with is my own business. What does it have to do with you!"

Feng Yin then hurried downstairs, leaving He Changyu standing frozen in place.

Feng Yu quickly tried to placate him. "My dear, please don’t be angry. My little brother was just speaking out of anger. Don’t take it to heart."

A shadow flickered in He Changyu’s eyes, but he simply lowered his head, his gaze softening as he looked at his beloved wife. His tone was full of concern. "How could I be angry with him? Your brother is like my own. I’m just worried he’ll be led astray. He’s the only hope for the Feng Family, after all."

Feng Yu smiled. "Oh, you. You just worry too much. This was your first time meeting the Princess, so you don’t know her. She’s actually a very kind person. She has helped my little brother many times. She would never harm him."

Hearing this, He Changyu seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "Well, if that’s the case, then I’m relieved."