Chapter 47: His Person

Chapter 47: His Person

Feng Jingxian took the box and opened it, revealing a stack of banknotes inside, the amount so substantial that it turned his face pale.

As an associate commander, Huang Ningzhong's wealth was known to him, and these banknotes could not possibly have come from the man.

"I cannot accept this, Your Highness," he closed the box and placed it back in front of Chang Nian.

Chang Nian sighed. "Ningzhong knew you wouldn't take it, so he told me to find a way. If you don't accept it, I'll be scolded when I return to the palace."

Pushing the box back, Chang Nian whispered, "Sir, rest assured, this money is clean. It wasn't stolen nor taken by force."

Did it then fall from the sky? Feng Jingxian was in a dilemma.

His youngest son at home was severely ill, and to pay for the treatment, he had not only exhausted his savings but also borrowed a considerable amount from others. Lately, this matter had been causing him great distress. The Seventh Prince's sum of money would indeed alleviate his immediate financial crisis.

But he was also afraid that it might be considered a bribe.

"Here's an IOU," Chang Nian pulled a piece of paper from his sleeve and unfolded it before Feng Jingxian. "Would you like to take a look, Sir?"

The IOU was signed with Huang Ningzhong's name, indicating that the money was indeed borrowed from him.

Feng Jingxian pursed his lips, visibly moved.

He stood up and, with both hands clasped together in a bow, addressed Chang Nian, "Thank you, Your Highness!"

"Ah, no need for such formalities, Minister. Please rise," Chang Nian said as he tried to help Feng Jingxian back to his seat on the tea couch, handing him a writing brush and ink along the way.

Feng Jingxian received the brush with both hands, took out eight banknotes from the box, wrote down the amount on the IOU, then closed the box and returned it to Chang Nian.

His actions were graceful, and he didn't show any greed. Chang Nian put away the IOU, poured him a cup of tea, and said with a smile, "There have been many recent murders near the Chongyang Gate, but Ningzhong seems to be unscathed. He once mentioned to me that he was fortunate to be an eternal Deputy Commander, as any mishaps wouldn't fall on his head."

Upon hearing the term "eternal Deputy Commander," Feng Jingxian also smiled. "When we drink together, we often tease each other. He says I'm an eternal Vice Minister, and I say he's an eternal Deputy Commander, unable to advance but also not likely to be demoted. Contentment brings happiness."

The heavy atmosphere was lifted by their jesting. Chang Nian shared more anecdotes about Huang Ningzhong before turning to Feng Jingxian. "I've lived in the palace for so long that I don't understand much outside. I won't be able to rely on Ningzhong anymore once I leave, so I'll have to trouble Minister Feng."

"Fear not, Your Highness," Feng Jingxian said, bowing. "I will take care of everything for Your Highness. Any significant matters, I will report to you. As long as Your Highness doesn't mind my intrusion, I will seek your counsel often."

"I won't mind, I'm grateful for your assistance," Chang Nian replied. "After all, others usually try to deceive me."

"Your Highness is wise beyond appearance, they simply fail to recognize your greatness," Feng Jingxian remarked. "With a successful mission, Your Highness will rise from the ashes, and no one will dare to underestimate you again."

"I hope your kind words come true," Chang Nian replied, folding his arms in a salute.

...

When Ye Jiangbai returned from the palace, his aura was profoundly somber.

Chang Nian had been bouncing with excitement to greet him but, halfway through, sensed something amiss and tried to make a getaway.

"Where are you off to?" Ye Jiangbai asked in a cold tone.

Covering his stomach and clamping his legs together, Chang Nian contorted his face. "I... need to pee urgently."

Rolling his eyes, Ye Jiangbai strode over and dragged him into the house. "You can't even lie properly. If you really needed to go, wouldn't you use the side entrance?"

Chang Nian gave a silly grin, his bright black eyes darting around as he cautiously asked, "Did something happen in the palace?"

"…No," Ye Jiangbai replied, his thin lips pressed together in a clear indication that he didn't wish to discuss the matter.

Chang Nian clamped her mouth shut, no longer daring to mention it.

Laying her on the couch, Ye Jiangbai said, "Concubine Qin's spirit tablet was not discovered and remains well hidden in its secret compartment. I'll have someone keep an eye on it too, so Your Highness can rest assured."

Chang Nian rubbed her hands together. "I trust Duke's arrangements... but that item, I think it would be best if I personally oversee it. I've already discussed with the officials from the Ministry of Revenue, and once the officials from Jiangxi arrive in the capital, I can leave the palace again."

"No way," Ye Jiangbai's face darkened. "Your Highness should stay here comfortably and go nowhere else."

"But..."

Ye Jiangbai forced a smile, looking at her with a sideways glance. "Either Your Highness stays here or I'll move to the Autumn Palace. You choose."

He was going to move to the Autumn Palace? Chang Nian was stunned and immediately shook her head. "That's not acceptable!"

"Then don't go back," Ye Jiangbai huffed softly.

The room fell silent for a moment. Chang Nian pursed her lips, not speaking any further.

With a sidelong glance, Ye Jiangbai surveyed her with his peripheral vision. After a while, seeing that she still remained silent, he said irritably, "What? You're not agreeing?"

"No, it's just that..." Glancing at him cautiously, Chang Nian murmured, "Why is Duke angry with someone today? He seems to be acting irrationally."

If it were before, how could Ye Jiangbai have suggested living in the Autumn Palace? He would have known it was impossible and detrimental without any benefit. As clever as he was, he wouldn't have considered such a thing.

Ye Jiangbai paused, suddenly realizing that something was indeed off with him. He quickly closed his eyes to calm himself.

He had been so frustrated by Beitang Miao that he had lost his composure. The conflict should have been dealt with by himself, not by causing a scene at Prince Seventh's residence like a woman.

Spitting in secret, Ye Jiangbai sat on the soft couch, rubbing his temples, and let out a gentle sigh.

Seeing this, Chang Nian climbed behind him obediently. Reaching out, she took over his hands, pressing his scalp with just the right amount of pressure.

As her soft fingers pressed down, something in his mind stirred, making his eyes sting until he could barely keep them open. After a while, he felt a sense of relief throughout his body.

Relieved.

Loosening his tense muscles, he leaned against the soft cushion beside him, his tone softer. "I've encountered some trouble, but I'm not angry with anyone."

"Duke can also face troubles," Chang Nian chuckled. "I thought Duke was omnipotent, capable of shaking the capital with a flick of his sleeve."

"I'm no deity; I don't possess such extraordinary powers," Ye Jiangbai chuckled. "Everything requires a price to be paid for it to come to fruition."

Tongue protruding playfully, Chang Nian placed her hand on his shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze followed by a gentle pat.

"Thank you for your hard work," she whispered softly.

Her warm breath, infused with the vapor from her exhale, sprinkled upon the back of his neck. Ye Jiangbai felt his heart stir, an inexplicable warmth spreading from his chest and gradually flowing through his entire body.

His lips curved upward uncontrollably.

"If you know how hard I'm working, Your Highness, please don't add more trouble for me," he said with feigned seriousness. "I won't mistreat you."

"Alright! I trust Duke!" Chang Nian nodded earnestly.

The room was filled with the soft scent of incense, tranquil and serene.

With his head massaged so pleasantly, Ye Jiangbai felt drowsy again. Amidst his weariness, he heard a soft voice beside him calling, "Duke, Duke, you should return to your chamber for rest."

He let out a soft hum before rolling over, pulling her into his embrace. "Let's just sleep here," he mumbled indistinctly.

The person in his embrace struggled slightly, seemingly unwilling. Ye Jiangbai held her waist tightly and pressed her firmly against him.

His people, whether male or female, were off-limits to anyone who dared to snatch them away.

The image of Beitang Miao flashed through his mind, causing Ye Jiangbai to scoff.

A mere spirit tablet could make him surrender? Not a chance.

Perhaps due to the anger he felt that day, Ye Jiangbai had a dream all night long. In it, Beitang Miao engaged him in a duel and fought for the same person. Zhao Changnian was pulled by the two of them, stretching longer and longer until she turned into a rope.

He hurriedly released his grip, and Zhao Changnian returned to her human form, sticking out her tongue at him.

"Duke," she said, "I still prefer a general's cold demeanor. I'm leaving with him!"

With that, she transformed into a rabbit, hopping merrily after Beitang Miao, disappearing into the painting.

"Stop!" he roared in anger, feeling an unprecedented sense of panic. He tried to chase after them, but found himself unable to catch up.

"Stop! Stop!" he shouted repeatedly, yet the rabbit continued hopping, its pace only increasing without looking back.

Thus, at the break of dawn, Ye Jiangbai was roused from sleep by the oppressive pain in his chest.

Opening his eyes, he found himself gazing at the effeminate narcissus pattern on the canopy that Seventh Prince favored. He reached out to touch the empty space beside him, finding only the warm mink cushion he had given her.

His heart sank, and Ye Jiangbai called out, "Someone, come."

The door creaked open, but it was not Princess Chang Nian who entered. Instead, it was his attendant, Liang Ce.

"Lord," Liang Ce bowed, "you're awake."

Glancing around, Ye Jiangbai furrowed his brow. "Where's Prince Qi?"

Liang Ce shook his head. "This servant just received orders to attend to Master and didn't see Prince Qi."

The dream had become reality, and Ye Jiangbai was furious. He threw on a robe and searched the courtyard first.

Not only was Zhao Changnian nowhere to be found, but Hong Ti was also missing.