Chapter 51: Tenderness

Though Zheng Tianlan and his companions were also adept at covert surveillance and trailing, when faced with the true assassins of the Penglai Pavilion, they found themselves somewhat outmatched.

“You may go now. Remind everyone to stay alert and not to act impulsively,” Feng Yewu instructed Zheng Tianlan repeatedly before allowing him to withdraw.

At present, all the various factions believed that Feng Yewu had lost her connection to Lu Jue and would not have time to arrange for another new agent. Seizing this opportunity, they all grew uncommonly active.

After Han Yue finished sorting the album of suitable young women gathered from the capital, she sent it off, along with a letter written by Feng Yewu herself, by express courier to the Domain of the Prince of Pingyi.

That night, after giving Han Yue a few final instructions, Feng Yewu changed into her night attire and made her way to Lu Jue’s residence.

The moonlight was enchanting, and the stars shimmered overhead.

Lu Jue sat inside, gazing at the flickering candle, his mind preoccupied with concerns from the palace. Suddenly, footsteps outside caught his attention. Sensing someone near, he grew alert, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword at his side.

“Who’s there?” he called out in a low voice, hearing the steps stop just outside his door. Clearly, the visitor was also testing for signs of activity within. After a moment’s silence, a voice rang out from beyond the door—a voice that made Lu Jue freeze, for it was the one he had been longing for with all his heart.

“Lu Jue, it’s me.”

Feng Yewu called his name softly, a hint of uncertainty in her tone.

“Your Majesty?” Lu Jue’s voice brimmed with surprise and joy. He promptly set aside his sword and hurried to open the door.

As the door swung open, their eyes met—half illuminated by candlelight, half bathed in moonbeams. The longing in their gazes spoke volumes, each reading the other’s heart.

“Aren’t you going to let me in?” Feng Yewu glanced around shyly, breaking the silence between them.

“Oh, please, come in,” Lu Jue quickly stepped aside, only now noticing her night attire. She must have slipped out of the palace alone and in secret.

Once inside, Lu Jue checked the surroundings cautiously, then gently closed the door.

“Your Majesty, what brings you here so late?” The awkwardness of the moment made him uneasy, so he hastened to ask.

Feng Yewu quietly recounted the events of the day.

“So, in your opinion, what should we do about the Penglai Pavilion next?” she asked.

“Your Majesty is right. The Penglai Pavilion must be plotting something new, or they wouldn’t dare act so brazenly,” Lu Jue mused. After a moment’s thought, he continued, “Your Majesty, I think it’s best if I personally investigate the Penglai Pavilion.”

Lu Jue, of course, knew Zheng Tianlan and his peers, but when it came to tracking and stealth, he believed himself better suited to the task.

“But you’ve only just recovered from your injuries. How can you go?” Feng Yewu’s concern was evident as she looked at him.

“Precisely because my wounds are only just healed, and my behavior these days has lulled them into a false sense of security,” Lu Jue insisted, moving to stand by Feng Yewu’s side. He understood her worry for his health, but his current state provided the perfect cover.

Once again, the two found themselves at an impasse. Lu Jue was determined to investigate personally, while Feng Yewu, anxious, grabbed his arm—only to lose her footing and nearly fall. Quick to react, Lu Jue caught her in his arms, and in that instant, all earlier disagreement melted away. Their eyes met, warmth surging between them. After a tender embrace, dawn approached, and Feng Yewu hurried back to the palace.

At the morning court, Feng Yewu cast a cold gaze over the assembled ministers, slamming the memorials down upon the table.

“You grow more brazen by the day!” she declared.

The ministers bowed their heads, bewildered by her anger.

“Tyrannizing your own territories, stirring the people’s resentment—such arrogance! You must think your positions untouchable!”

The court was stunned.

“How can this be?” some murmured.

Feng Yewu gave a chilling laugh. “These accusations have reached my very desk. Did you truly think your misdeeds would pass unnoticed?”

Whispers broke out among the ministers, but Feng Yewu let them argue amongst themselves.

“The lords who rule their domains with impunity will not be tolerated. Does anyone have any suggestions?” she asked, her gaze sweeping across their faces.

“Your Majesty,” one official stepped forward, “I suggest first investigating thoroughly. If these things are indeed true, then Your Majesty may punish them at your discretion.”

“And?” Feng Yewu gestured for him to step back, then looked to the others.

No one else dared speak.

After all, to meddle with the princes was to invite trouble; a careless word could provoke retribution.

Seeing their silence, Feng Yewu declared, “Very well. I will send envoys at once to investigate the domains of each prince. The truth must be uncovered!”

The great hall, moments before so lively, fell utterly silent.

“Who among you will volunteer to go?” she demanded sharply.

No one responded. Some even shuffled subtly backward.

“If none will step forward, then I shall name you myself,” she said coolly.

She called several names in succession, and those summoned wore expressions of unease—no one was pleased.

As the task of imperial envoy brooked no delay, arrangements were swiftly made and court dismissed. Feng Yewu returned to the royal study to prepare.

Among the envoys headed to the domains, Feng Yewu and Lu Jue’s own agents had been quietly embedded.

Since the territories lay at varying distances, the first envoys arrived after only two days. By the third day, Feng Yewu received a confidential report from her trusted aide.

In the royal study, reading the letter, she erupted in fury.

“So, my suspicions were correct! A pack of ingrates, every one of them neglecting their duties. If I hadn’t sent my own people, nothing would have come to light!”

She clenched the letter so tightly it seemed she would crush it.

“Please, Your Majesty, calm yourself. Fortunately, you were prepared,” Han Yue soothed.

“They are all the same—do they truly believe I am powerless against them?” A cold glint flashed in Feng Yewu’s eyes.

Han Yue bowed her head and said nothing more.

Feng Yewu fumed for a while, then a young palace maid entered gracefully.

“Your servant greets Your Majesty,” she said, bowing.

“Rise.”

The maid stood, carrying a box forward.

“Your Majesty, someone just delivered this pastry.”

Feng Yewu frowned, tempted to have it taken away, but a thought occurred to her. She ordered the box brought over and opened—and indeed, found inside a selection of familiar cakes.