360: Chapter 360 Old Master Feng

Inside the Inn, the candlelight flickered, casting dim shadows across the room.

Xun Luoyuan explained the situation in detail for a full hour.

Zhang Bai, Jiang Bing, and the others listened in stunned silence, unable to process it for a long while; no one could have imagined that behind a seemingly ordinary disturbance lay imperial schemes, princely power plays, and layers of traps.

After Xun Luoyuan turned and left, the atmosphere in the Inn remained heavy.

Feng Ming looked down at the cold wine in his cup, realizing that after this incident, he wouldn't be able to return to Liang Province anytime soon.

Jiang Bing patted his shoulder and sighed, "No one expected things to reach this point.

But don't worry, with the Commandery Princess testifying, Old Master Feng certainly won't blame you. It's just Shuwan's side... you'll have to find an Opportunity to explain things to her properly."

Feng Ming nodded slightly, showing no sign of worry.

He knew Shuwan was sensible and discerning; she definitely wouldn't make a scene over this.

In fact, while Xun Luoyuan was explaining the truth to everyone, he had already secretly ordered Feng Da to send the full account of everything that happened in the Imperial Capital back to the Feng Family in Qingyang City through the Family's communication network.

Qingyang City.

The Feng Family.

The whole Family sat together, staring at the communication jade talisman with varying expressions.

Feng Mian suddenly slapped his thigh and stood up, huffing and puffing, "That Feng the Second! We're here waiting for him to return with bated breath, and this kid goes and runs off to the Imperial Capital to climb the social ladder and become a Prince Consort!"

He turned to Jiang Shuwan, who was sitting nearby, and patted his chest reassuringly, "Younger Brother's Wife, don't you worry. When that kid gets back, I'll teach him a lesson for you! Actually... don't wait for him. If you want to remarry, just say the word, and your Eldest Brother will find you a good man right away!"

Jiang Shuwan couldn't help but laugh and chided gently, "Eldest Brother, stop messing around. Feng Da's message already explained everything. The Commandery Princess was also forced by circumstances; this marriage decree is just a temporary measure."

As soon as she finished speaking, Eldest Uncle's Wife rolled her eyes and scolded Feng Mian, "You're certainly quick to join the chaos, urging Shuwan to remarry every single day. Look at yourself! Even a woman remarrying with children wouldn't look twice at someone as reckless as you. Shuwan is gentle and virtuous; if she really wanted to remarry, do you think it would be your place to meddle?"

Feng Mian was speechless and could only shut his mouth sheepishly.

Feng Muyang stepped forward and looked at his daughter-in-law, his eyes full of concern, "Child, if you feel wronged or Life Qi, just say it. When that brat comes back, I'll deal with him for you."

Jiang Shuwan smiled faintly, her eyes showing no resentment, only composure. "Father, I'm truly not Life Qi. My husband is exceptionally talented; it's only natural that he would catch the Commandery Princess's eye."

"I only regret that I couldn't find more confidantes for my husband. Now that His Majesty has decreed this marriage and even appointed him as the Prefect of Qianzhou, it is a momentous occasion for the Feng Family."

Jiang Shuwan truly was not Life Qi. Not only that, she was actually quite happy. She had previously felt that her husband's energy was a bit too much for her to handle alone.

She had finally found Likely Lu An'an, but then she went off to find a Master. Lu Qianqian and her husband had feelings for each other, but she was hesitant. Since becoming pregnant, she had been quite anxious.

Being pregnant, she couldn't attend to her husband, so she needed to find someone to take care of him. Now that His Majesty had decreed the marriage, it was a good thing.

She paused, her voice tinged with anticipation, "Feng Da's message said that Husband will soon take up his post in Qian Prefecture, and we will be able to set off to return to our ancestral home shortly."

Feng Muqing, Feng Muyang, and Feng Xiaotian looked at each other, their eyes shining with hope.

Feng Xiaotian stroked his white beard, overcome with emotion, "Qian Prefecture... I haven't been back in many years. I didn't expect that in my old age, I would have a day to return to my homeland. Minger... has truly grown up and become successful."

Meanwhile, far away in the Imperial Capital, Feng Ming was completely unaware of the chaotic drama back home.

After Xun Luoyuan left, Jiang Bing began arranging everyone's return journey.

Feng Ming needed to accompany Xun Luoyuan to Xun Prefecture to complete the marriage, Zhang Bai had to rush to the Qian Prefecture traveling palace, and Lu Qianqian was to stay in the Imperial Capital. The remaining brothers who had come from Liang Province together agreed to set off for home the next morning.

They had accompanied each other all the way from Liang Province, experiencing life and death together. With this parting, they didn't know when they would meet again.

Jiang Bing simply decided to hold a farewell banquet at the Inn that night, drinking and chatting to mark the end of their journey together.

Cups were exchanged, and after three rounds of wine, the atmosphere grew lively. Feng Ming raised his glass, clinked it lightly with Zhang Bai's, and asked in a low voice, "Zhang Bai, do you... resent me?"

Zhang Bai was startled for a moment, then laughed heartily, patting his shoulder, "Feng Ming, what kind of person do you take me for?"

"But you've admired the Commandery Princess for a long time, and now His Majesty has decreed her marriage to me. Anyone else would have felt some resentment." Feng Ming's tone was sincere; he had always viewed Zhang Bai as a brother through thick and thin and didn't want a ridiculous marriage decree to damage their friendship.

Zhang Bai waved his hand dismissively, "Admiration is one thing. In my life, I, Zhang Bai, have admired many women. My appreciation is their good fortune. As for whether they reciprocate, what does that have to do with me?"

"Besides, you don't need to feel guilty. The Commandery Princess doesn't have a shred of affection for you; she's just using you to escape the Second Prince's harassment."

He leaned closer to Feng Ming, his tone teasing, "Actually, I feel a bit sorry for you. This marriage of yours has nothing to do with love; it's just a scheme."

"To be honest, when I learned the truth, I was secretly relieved. A woman as calculating and strategic as Xun Luoyuan is definitely not someone I could handle. If I were really with her, I'd probably be sold off and still be counting the money for her."

"In the future, when I look for a wife, I'll definitely find a girl as simple, frank, and guileless as Xiao Qian to live a peaceful life."

"Get lost! You're the one who's stupid!" Lu Qianqian, who had heard him clearly, glared at Zhang Bai with a blush on her cheeks.

Seeing Zhang Bai's open and unresentful expression, the weight in Feng Ming's heart finally lifted.

Between him and Xun Luoyuan, there was indeed no affection. This marriage decree was merely a transaction where each took what they needed. As for whether feelings would develop in the future, it would all depend on Opportunity; there was no need to force it.

By the time the banquet ended, it was late at night.

Everyone returned to their rooms, but Lu Qianqian quietly pulled on Feng Ming's sleeve and handed him a sealed letter, her eyes slightly red. "This was just sent by my Master, specifically for you. Also, Zhang Bai is leaving with the group for the Qian Prefecture traveling palace tomorrow, and Master has also ordered me to report for duty at the Tianxuan Division tomorrow."

She looked down, fidgeting with the corner of her clothes, her voice filled with trepidation and reluctance, "I don't know what's in the letter, but... before we part, I want to have a drink with you alone, just the two of us. Consider it... to give me some courage. Staying in the Imperial Capital alone, I'm... really scared."

Before she could finish, tears slid down her cheeks, landing on her collar and leaving small wet marks.

Feng Ming's heart softened. He reached out to gently wipe away her tears and said warmly, "Silly girl, why are you crying? Go prepare some wine and food; I'll come to your room to wait for you in a moment."

"Mm!" Lu Qianqian nodded heavily, wiped her tears, and quickly ran off to prepare.