Chapter 12: Feng Tingyun

Chapter 12: Feng Tingyun

Thus, as Ye Jiangbai and Feng Tingyun strolled down the main road, they heard a hushed call, "Duke, Duke!"

The voice was furtive, lacking in decorum. In the past, Ye Jiangbai would have pretended not to hear it and continued walking. However, considering the recent antics of the wayward prince he served, he paused and turned around.

Hong Ti stood hidden around the corner, nervously glanced around, then awkwardly bowed towards him, gesturing for him to come over.

"Feng Tingyun," Ye Jiangbai raised an eyebrow, looking at the maid then back at Ye Jiangbai, jesting, "You're even flirting with young girls in the palace now?"

"Shut up." Ye Jiangbai swatted him with his sleeve before heading towards Hong Ti. He asked, "What is it?"

Hong Ti glanced at Feng Tingyun, who had followed, feeling even more embarrassed. After muttering for a while, she released her grip on her sleeves, presenting the plate of green bean cakes. Mustering her courage, she said, "His Highness took pity on Duke's hard work and sent these... to fill your stomach."

Ye Jiangbai looked down at the plate, his eyelids twitching.

Feng Tingyun listened in surprise to the young palace maid's words. Just as he was about to remark on which prince dared to stop the Duke on the palace road to give gifts, he caught sight of the items on the plate and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"It's from Seventh Prince, right?"

Hong Ti's face flushed red as she nodded hesitantly. Feng Tingyun chuckled even more heartily and nudged Ye Jiangbai with his elbow, saying, "This prince is quite amusing. Can I go take a look?"

"You're not supposed to be busy with something?"

"That little matter? It's nothing," Feng Tingyun said as he rubbed his hands together, gesturing towards Hong Ti. "Lead the way, lead the way."

Just moments ago, he had been complaining about being overworked lately and having important matters to attend to that kept him occupied. Now, it was suddenly just a trivial matter? Ye Jiangbai felt rather helpless but didn't stop him. After all, Feng Tingyun had also been involved in the case of the prison historian, so it could be considered a follow-up.

However, upon entering the Autumn Palace, he regretted his decision.

"Your humble servant pays respects to Prince Qi," Feng Tingyun approached with a bow, his gaze wandering mischievously towards the bed.

Zhao Changnian had expected someone to visit after sending out the gift, but not two. She awkwardly propped herself up and said, "Please rise, Sir."

This official was quite bold, as he rose from his bow, smoothed his robe, and sat down beside her bed. With his phoenix-like eyes, he gently inquired, "How is Your Highness's injury?"

Startled by his proximity, Changnian blushed slightly. Swallowing, she replied softly, "The medicine has been applied, it's... much better."

"Your Highness has suffered unnecessarily and been wronged. My residence possesses superior medicinal herbs; I shall send them to you tomorrow," Feng Tingyun smiled, effortlessly reaching out to tuck the corner of her blanket.

To be honest, such gestures would normally be considered rude and intrusive. But Feng Tingyun was handsome, with sharp features and slender fingers that held the crimson brocade quilt elegantly, making the scene pleasing to the eye without causing any discomfort.

Chang Nian had spent many years in the palace and had seen few men, let alone ones with such skills. Thus, she found it difficult to resist his attentions, biting her lip slightly as a shimmer of emotion sparkled in her eyes.

Ye Jiangbai narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Lord Feng, mind your demeanor."

Feng Tingyun glanced around and responded, "This isn't exactly an open space, and Seventh Prince isn't someone who would deliberately make things difficult for others. Why is Duke being so stern?"

Ye Jiangbai's expression remained neutral. "The principle of 'self-discipline' need not be taught by me to you, Lord Feng. Seventh Prince is injured, so I request that you restrain yourself."

Upon hearing that he was displeased, Chang Nian hastily said, "It's no big deal at all."

For the two of them to argue in front of her would be quite awkward. As a mediator, she felt it was her duty to smooth things over.

However, strangely, her attempt to diffuse the tension seemed to worsen Ye Jiangbai's mood. His face darkened, and he turned to sit on a nearby chair, falling silent.

Feng Tingyun ignored the situation and smiled warmly. "My family has produced two generations of imperial physicians, so I have some knowledge of pulse diagnosis. It seems like the princess is still weak from anger. Would you like me to take your pulse?"

Chang Nian hesitated. "There's no need, the imperial physician has already taken my pulse this morning."

"It can't hurt to do it one more time," Feng Tingyun said with a crescent smile, reaching out to pull her wrist from under the covers and hold it in his hand.

Her delicate wrist felt exquisite to the touch, causing Feng Tingyun's brow to arch slightly as he pressed his finger against her pulse.

Chang Nian's face flushed even redder. She struggled for a moment before retracting her hand, feeling that she had been impolite. She apologized softly, "I'm sorry."

Who offended whom? It was clearly Feng Tingyun's fault, yet she was the one lacking confidence? Ye Jiangbai sneered inwardly. No wonder she had been bullied in the palace for so many years; being so soft, anyone would try to take advantage of her.

"Feng Tingyun sighed with genuine concern, "Your Highness's health is too frail." He gazed at her and continued, "If you were really sent away from the capital, enduring the hardships of the journey, how could you withstand it?"

Then, turning to Ye Jiangbai, he said, "Duke must have taken this into consideration when he opposed Grand Historian and insisted on keeping you here."

Chang Nian wore a look of confusion, as if she had just learned about this matter. She asked naively, "Someone wanted me to leave the capital?"

"Yes, but Duke protected you," Feng Tingyun winked at her. "You should properly thank Duke, not just with a plate of green bean cake."

Chang Nian panicked and looked at Ye Jiangbai. "What does Duke like? I... I'll think of something."

Feng Tingyun chuckled. "What else could Duke possibly like? The whole city knows of his obsession with jade. Top-grade Hetian jade, ice-type gems from foreign lands – whatever is precious, seek it out, and he's sure to appreciate it."

Ye Jiangbai glanced sideways and saw beads of cold sweat on Zhao Changnian's forehead. His lips quivered, and his brows and nose wrinkled together.

Unconsciously, he held the pendant hanging from his waist.

Seventh Prince had entrusted all his savings to him; what else could he possibly give? The worry on his face was so evident that outsiders might think they were bullying someone.

"Feng Tingyun, be quiet," Ye Jiangbai said sternly.

Realizing that he had crossed a line, Feng Tingyun knew Ye Jiangbai was genuinely displeased. He quickly raised his index finger to his lips and winked at Changnian.

Changnian found Feng Tingyun fascinating. It was common knowledge that Feng Tingyun and Ye Jiangbai had grown up as close friends, but it was peculiar that such an upbeat and approachable person would be friends with someone as grim and solemn as Ye Jiangbai.

She smiled warmly at him.

Ye Jiangbai spoke up, "It's getting late. My lord, you should leave the palace first. Please have Aunt Hong Ti escort you since he doesn't know the way."

"Huh?" Feng Tingyun looked out the window. "It's still early; the sun is still high in the sky."

Ye Jiangbai smiled politely and "accompanied" him out, making sure to have the Autumn Palace gates slammed shut firmly.

Gazing at his somewhat rough gesture, Chang Nian felt anxious. "Duke? Am I not allowed to interact with other court officials?"

"No," Ye Jiangbai turned to face her, fixing his gaze on her. "Just avoid this particular person as much as possible."