novelraw Chapter 769 - 748 Fight
Chapter 769 - 748 Fight
Qiuxiang used her deft strength to help Second Mrs. Lin up, while Fengyu personally handed her a cup of tea, smiling softly, "Aunt, there’s no need to stand on ceremony. If you have anything to say, feel free to speak directly."
Second Mrs. Lin felt an unspeakable unease. Facing Fengyu’s face, as gentle as the spring breeze in March, her face turned red and she couldn’t utter a word. Fengyu held the tea cup, inhaling the fragrance of the Biluochun tea, and suddenly seemed to recall something, smiling faintly, "Not long ago, Yunong had a quarrel with the two Commandery Princesses of Prince Jingbei. When the matter escalated, Zhixu rashly issued an imperial decree rebuking her without distinguishing right from wrong. Yunong must have been aggrieved. It was also my fault for failing in my responsibilities; I was at the archery range that day and didn’t properly handle the matter. Afterwards, busy with appeasing the Princesses upon returning to the palace, I didn’t have time to dissuade Zhixu. Yunong must have been deeply hurt and saddened by the reprimand. This was originally a trivial matter—young girls are bold and impulsive, and conflicts are inevitable. Whether they argue or fight, the matter would have resolved itself. But once Zhixu and I got involved, things became more complicated. He regretted it deeply afterward. These years, we’ve been working hard outside the capital. Zhixu and Second Brother worked tirelessly to convince the Beiman to surrender and resolve the centuries-long chaos between Beining and Beiman. They cherish this hard-won peace dearly and worry that such petty youthful disputes could affect the court’s politics. Fortunately, Prince Jingbei was understanding and did not pursue the matter. Zhixu also realized that he had gone overboard, but the reprimanding decree had already been issued, leaving him feeling guilty ever since. He often tells me that Yunong is like his own younger sister—spoiled and delicate, and he can handle her mischief. He shouldn’t have been so harsh with her. Since Aunt is here today, allow me to apologize on Zhixu’s behalf!"
The words Second Mrs. Lin was about to say were completely drowned out by Fengyu, leaving her feeling stifled and aggrieved. Each of Fengyu’s gentle remarks struck at her guilt like a soft blade, making her unable to voice what she had initially intended to say.
"Your Majesty speaks too kindly. This was Yunong’s fault for being unruly and provoking the Princesses of Beiman. We’ve already reprimanded her and won’t indulge her in causing trouble again in the future," Second Mrs. Lin hurriedly expressed her stance. "She was indeed at fault, and the reprimand was warranted."
Fengyu smiled warmly, "We’re family, and families don’t need to stand on ceremony. Since Aunt doesn’t take it to heart, I’m relieved as well. By the way, Aunt, what was it you wanted to discuss with me?"
Second Mrs. Lin had come to see Fengyu today to make a private decision. After Lin Helin had spoken with Madam Lin that day, Madam Lin had conveyed the gravity of the situation to Lin Yunong. The elders of the family hoped she would abandon her dream of entering the palace as a Noble Consort. Yunong was a lady of noble upbringing, educated and virtuous from a young age. Though a tad spoiled, her nature was fundamentally good. Yet for some reason, she was unyieldingly resolute on this matter, as if possessed, insisting on marrying Xie Xun.
She claimed that Fengyu’s health was frail and that she was unlikely to bear children, while Xie Xun would inevitably expand his harem over time—why couldn’t she join his household?
Her elder sister had been the previous Empress, and she now only asked for the title of Noble Consort. They were relatives, forging ties even closer—why was it impossible? She was willing to wait several more years for Xie Xun to hold a selection for consorts.
Madam Lin and Second Mrs. Lin had pleaded with her earnestly for a long time, but Yunong, punished by Lin Helin to kneel in the ancestral hall for introspection, remained unmoved. Moreover, she had refused both food and drink, stirring up a hunger strike in the ancestral hall.
Second Mrs. Lin’s heart ached for her daughter. Seeing Yunong faint in the ancestral hall had left her grief-stricken, prompting her to secretly come to Fengyu, hoping for her approval to allow Yunong to enter the palace.
But before she could voice her request, Fengyu preemptively and emotionally struck, leaving her unable to articulate the thoughts weighing heavily on her heart. The shame was too much to bear.
She was the elder. How could she trouble Fengyu in such a manner?
But with a daughter at home on the brink of despair, Second Mrs. Lin could not help but feel torn. She knew well Fengyu’s ways—she’s the quintessential smiling tiger, cunning to her core. On the surface, she appeared as serene and gentle as spring breezes and autumn moons, but in truth, her philosophy was "submit and flourish, oppose and perish," never hesitating to show favoritism. She had a penchant for Fang Lingjun and the Princesses of the Jingbei Royal Family. That clash between them—standing in her position as Empress, Fengyu should have defended the dignity of the noble ladies. But instead, she played spectator, watching calmly as matters spiraled out of control. In the end, she only sent people to placate the Jingbei Princesses, entirely disregarding the dignity of the noble ladies.
Madam Lin had advised her not to provoke this Empress. Don’t be deceived by her tender appearance; her tactics are ruthless. Without even realizing it, she’d mark you down and hold a grudge for life.
Take Lady Li, for instance. Because of the marriage dispute between Li Si and Fang Lingjun, every time the matriarchs entered the palace for an audience or a banquet, Lady Li was left out—that was Fengyu’s revenge.
Second Mrs. Lin swallowed all the words she had initially prepared, straightened her composure, and said, "Yunong offended you at the archery range. She has recently been punished and confined at home. As her mother, I bear the fault for failing to discipline her properly, allowing her to act so recklessly. I’ve come today to apologize, hoping Your Majesty will consider her first offense and grant her a chance to turn over a new leaf."
"Yunong is Zhixu’s sister, and that makes her my sister too. Sisters don’t keep grudges overnight. I’ve long since let it go, Aunt, so please set your heart at ease. Let things stay as they are; neither Zhixu nor I will hold any resentment against Yunong," Fengyu said with genuine sincerity, appreciating this aunt’s tactfulness in not bringing up matters that would embarrass them both.
Otherwise, such matters wouldn’t be resolved so smoothly.
The cabinet elders always carefully select their daughters-in-law, ensuring they are noblewomen—graceful and composed. Second Mrs. Lin, being a mother, naturally cares dearly for her daughter. Fengyu, who treats Ruyi like her own son, could certainly empathize with her maternal heart. Hence, since the request was unsaid, she chose not to take offense.
"Thank you for Your Majesty’s forgiveness."
Fengyu smiled without replying, letting the matter dissipate as if carried away by the breeze. Once Second Mrs. Lin left, Qiuxiang asked, "Your Majesty, why do you think she came today?"
"Just pretend she never came. It’s inconsequential!" Fengyu smiled faintly. "Send someone to investigate what Yunong has been up to lately at home."
If she hadn’t stirred up some trouble, her aunt wouldn’t have lost her composure and come to her.
"Yes!"
This matter could be handed to Zhang Da to investigate. Fengyu usually entrusted Zhang Da with such inquiries—not out of distrust for the Forbidden Army or the Jinyi Guard—but because information passed to them would quickly reach Xie Xun. Instead, she preferred Zhang Da to handle the intelligence around her since he wouldn’t report every detail to Xie Xun.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!" A palace maid rushed in, announcing, "Miss Fang and Duke Wu’an have started fighting at the archery range!"
"What?" Fengyu shot up abruptly, lifting her skirt and rushing outside, her face full of urgency.
How could they have started fighting!
Fengyu’s heart was racing with anxiety. Mrs. Fang was still at the academy—if she found out, Dugu Jing would be directly ruled out. She already disapproved of Dugu Jing for looking too intimidating, as if he were prone to physical violence, and now, a real fight? What would come of this? "Keep the news contained; don’t let it spread far and wide!"
"Your Majesty, it’s too late. You’ll understand when you arrive at the archery range." The maid looked troubled. Fengyu felt a wave of darkness enveloping her—her worst fears were coming true!
How could Dugu Jing lose his senses!
Rushing to the archery range, Fengyu immediately understood what the maid meant. A dense crowd surrounded the area, forming three layers of curious onlookers—students from the Imperial College—watching Dugu Jing and Fang Lingjun fight.
Fengyu, "..."
Upon seeing Fengyu arrive, the crowd respectfully made room for her. After pushing her way to the front, Fengyu caught sight of the scene on the stage—Dugu Jing threw a punch, sending Fang Lingjun flying off the platform, landing hard on the ground.
Fengyu winced just watching, her heart aching for Fang Lingjun.
Fang Lingjun was dazed with pain, while Dugu Jing provocatively curled his fingers, gesturing, "Come at me again!"
Fengyu, "...?"