Chapter 7: 第7章

Murong Feng took a sip of tea. In truth, such days were not bad at all—drinking top-tier tea, admiring beautiful scenery, reading authentic ancient texts, and playing mental games with the ancients offered a different kind of interest compared to her previous life.

After waiting for a long time without receiving a response from Murong Feng, Murong Qian gave a light cough. "Did you hear the words your sister said, and did you take them to heart?"

Murong Feng smiled faintly. "Why must Sister be so concerned? What Feng'er does is Feng'er's business. The moment you decided to let Feng'er enter this place, which is no different from a fiery pit, in place of my younger sister, our sisterly affection was already gone. I am only still considering the Murong Prince's Mansion; otherwise, no one would be able to live in peace. So, I must trouble Sister to focus on being the Eldest Crown Princess and the future Empress; do not bother showing Feng'er your 'kindness' anymore."

"You—" Murong Qian was stunned.

"I am very well," Murong Feng smiled slightly. "Rest easy, Sister. Feng'er is doing fine. However, since Feng'er has only just entered the Fourth Prince's Estate and is unfamiliar with the surroundings, I won't keep Sister any longer. —Chunliu," Murong Feng called out softly. Looking at Chunliu as she walked in, she said in a gentle voice, "Chunliu, please see the Eldest Crown Princess out for me."

Murong Qian's eyes widened, and she was just about to speak.

"Sister, it is not just the two of us here right now; it is better not to speak too much," Murong Feng said with a soft laugh. Then, her voice rose slightly, yet her lips remained curved in a graceful smile as she looked at Murong Qian and said, "Please convey my greetings to the Eldest Crown Prince on my behalf. Thank him for his kind 'mediation,' which has allowed Feng'er to enjoy this wealth and glory. Feng'er is feeling unwell today; I shall certainly visit in person to express my thanks on another day."

Murong Qian said nothing, but she maintained a forced smile of concern on her face as she turned and left.

When Chunliu returned, Murong Feng had just finished the tea in her hand. She said softly, "Miss, the Eldest Miss brought many gifts when she came. Would you like to take a look?"

"Forget it," Murong Feng said lazily. "With such beautiful scenery before me and my heart at peace, just put those things away."

She slept wonderfully that night. When Murong Feng woke up in the morning, she let out a great stretch. Sima Rui had still not returned all night. Murong Feng was happy about this; she truly wished he would spend every night out among the flowers and willows, as long as he didn't come to provoke her. Although she held the Empress Dowager's imperial decree in her hand, it would still require some effort to use it, and if he were to resort to force, she would be the one to suffer.

An imperial decree was an imperial decree, but even the Empress Dowager could not truly forbid her grandson from avoiding his legally wedded wife. Moreover, Sima Rui did not seem like the type of fellow who played by the rules.

Just after breakfast, Xiao Dezi, a little eunuch from the Empress Dowager's side, arrived. Standing before Murong Feng with a flattering smile, he said in a soft, polite voice, "This servant greets the Fourth Prince's Consort. This servant must first thank the Fourth Prince's Consort for the great help you gave me yesterday, sparing me from a bout of physical pain."

Murong Feng smiled. "Chunliu, since Eunuch De is new to the Fourth Prince's Estate, go pick out an item to give to him as a small gift for our first meeting."

"Oh my, the Fourth Prince's Consort is truly going to overwhelm this servant," Xiao Dezi said, his face full of smiles.

"Eunuch De is teasing. Having stayed in the palace, what kind of items have you not seen? I only fear that the item I send will be beneath your notice," Murong Feng smiled slightly. "It is best that Eunuch De does not decline. Since this is your first time at the Fourth Prince's Estate, it counts as an acquaintance; this meeting gift is merely the icing on the cake."

"Then this servant shall not be modest. Thank you for the reward, Fourth Prince's Consort." With a beaming smile, Xiao Dezi accepted the item Chunliu handed over—a small, exquisite jade incense burner, delicately crafted and of pure quality.

Last night, Murong Feng had set aside some items to be used for social engagements; this was just one of them. The Murong Prince's Mansion's dowry consisted of dozens of large chests, and combined with the items sent from various places during the wedding the day before, it made Murong Feng's head spin. She had simply opened a chest at random, gathered some things, and set them aside, which happened to be useful this morning.

Xiao Dezi continued in a soft, smiling voice, "This servant is here to deliver the Empress Dowager's imperial decree. While having breakfast this morning, Her Majesty said to me, 'I find that Feng'er is quite a lovely girl; I actually find myself missing her. Xiao Dezi, go and invite her to come to me.' So, I came running here like the wind to invite the Fourth Prince's Consort to accompany me to Xiangfu Palace. Not that this servant is boasting, but of all the concubines in this palace, how many can the Empress Dowager keep in her heart? Since I began serving Her Majesty, I have only ever seen you, Fourth Prince's Consort. I wonder how many other ladies and concubines will be envious."

Murong Feng smiled. "Thank you, Eunuch De. I will tidy up here and then follow you."

Returning to her room, Murong Feng changed into a light water-blue dress. Her hair was tied with a water-blue silk ribbon and adorned with a blue hairpin, the tip of which hung with a fine, water-drop-like chain that swayed like misty rain.

Sitting before the Empress Dowager, Murong Feng's expression was calm and gentle, blending perfectly with her attire. She did not appear extravagant, yet she possessed an ethereal temperament.

The Empress Dowager observed her closely for a long time before smiling and saying, "Looking at you like this, Feng'er, you do not lose a bit to Murong Xue. You truly were raised in a secluded boudoir, unknown to the world. Rui'er is truly blessed to have met such a lovely girl like you."

"Thank you for the praise, Grandmother," Murong Feng smiled faintly.

"Did Rui'er not return to the estate again last night?" the Empress Dowager asked, though she already knew the answer.

Murong Feng thought to herself: *I wish he would never return.* But she said aloud, "I must trouble Grandmother to worry. When Feng'er lived with my maternal grandmother as a child, she often told me that one should not force things; do not grieve over what is lost, nor rejoice over what is gained, for everything is the will of Heaven. The Fourth Prince's intention was for my younger sister; since Grandmother likes Feng'er, you naturally see everything about me as good. I believe the Fourth Prince feels the same. His heart belongs to Murong Xue, yet he married Feng'er, so it is no wonder he is unhappy. Let him be. If Feng'er and the Fourth Prince are destined, he will naturally return. If they are not, he cannot be blamed. Grandmother, please do not reproach him."

The Empress Dowager sighed softly. "Sigh, it is because I spoiled him too much since he was young, raising him to be so unbearable now."

"Grandmother, do not blame yourself. Such small matters cannot reveal a person's true nature. Besides, the Fourth Prince is merely more willful than most; he has not done anything truly rebellious, so there is no need to be so sentimental," Murong Feng said in a soft, persuasive tone.

Hearing Murong Feng speak this way, the Empress Dowager felt greatly comforted. Although she spoke ill of Sima Rui, she could not bear to hear others complain about him. The fact that Murong Feng's every word showed a clear tendency to defend Sima Rui caused the Empress Dowager to develop even more goodwill toward her.

"Feng'er, you truly are a likable girl. Grandmother will certainly stand up for you and will not allow Rui'er to fail you," the Empress Dowager could not help but say.

Murong Feng smiled gently. "Grandmother, you truly are willing to worry. Feng'er herself is not in a hurry. Let us not talk about these vexing matters. Grandmother, you have lived in the Imperial Palace for so long; would you like to hear some interesting stories from outside the palace? Having lived with my grandmother since childhood, I have heard and seen many interesting things. If Grandmother is not bored, let me tell you some stories to relieve your boredom."

"Very well," the Empress Dowager nodded happily. Having stayed in this palace for so many years, who would dare to speak to her like this? The children, grandchildren, or concubines of her own generation she usually encountered were all respectful and cautious; let alone speaking, they didn't even dare to breathe loudly, to say nothing of the servants.

If there was anyone who dared to act impudently before her, it was likely only Sima Rui. Because of this, she actually held a greater sense of indulgence, accommodation, and affection for this unusually behaved grandson.