CHAPTER 679: CHAPTER 659: DISLIKE

The flower boat was enormous, divided into multiple levels. Xie Xun, the Grand Marshal, Xie Jue, Fang Chuning, and others were on the deck drinking tea, enjoying lanterns, and discussing current political affairs. Meanwhile, Fengyu conversed idly with the female guests in the cabin. Xiaoqi was delighted to see Fengyu. After exchanging pleasantries, he refrained from staying in the cabin too long due to Fengyu’s presence. He said a few brief words before heading to the deck, taking Ruyi along to play. Fortunately, Ruyi wasn’t shy around others.

Fang Lingjun had truly come to realize that, now that Fengyu had become the Empress, they wouldn’t be able to meet as often. Previously, if she wanted to play with Fengyu, there was no need for formalities; she would directly visit the Feng Mansion, enter through the side gate, and look for Fengyu. Fengyu was generally free to accompany her. The two could go out together for autumn outings, enjoy flowers, or ride horses. But now, even entering the palace was a hassle.

Since Fengyu’s grand wedding, the two hadn’t had a chance to meet. Fang Lingjun was ecstatic and dragged Fengyu to an upper level to talk in private. Second Mrs. Li originally intended for her two daughters to join them, but Fang Lingjun turned back and said, "Mother, Ayu and I haven’t seen each other for ages; I miss her terribly. Let us talk for a while first."

"Alright, go ahead!"

Listening to those words, Second Mrs. Li’s daughters felt it inappropriate to follow. When they saw Fengyu, they were in extreme awe. Both girls had just come of age, still youthful, and had never seen her before.

"I’ve long heard elder sister speak of how the Empress boasts beauty that shames even the sinking fish and falling geese, like an immortal. Seeing her in person is far better than hearing tales—she is truly stunning," the eldest daughter said with admiration in her eyes. No wonder the Emperor favors her exclusively, establishing no harem.

Second Mrs. Li chuckled softly, "Junjun and the Empress share such genuine affection."

Mrs. Fang gave a faint response. Watching their departing backs, Second Mrs. Li appeared thoughtful—who, she wondered, would Junjun eventually marry?

Princess Xue Lan’s relationship could never rival the bond between Junjun and the Empress. Yet when Princess Xue Lan married, the Imperial Palace bestowed her with countless treasures; even her dowry took three carts—a clear sign of familial support. As for Zhang Boxi, he had risen from an insignificant branch of the Zhang Family to become its central pillar.

Everyone could see that whoever Junjun married would have their fortunes catapulted sky high; with the Empress backing her husband, he was bound to rise effortlessly through the ranks. Furthermore, the Fang Family remained steadfast in these shifting tides—even Fang Chuning and Fang Lingjun enjoyed no shortage of marriage prospects.

Second Mrs. Li felt tempted too. However, the relationship between the Li Family and Fang Family was such that her sister-in-law would never permit Junjun to marry into the Li Family, not even into her son’s household.

Fang Lingjun dragged Fengyu to the topmost level of the flower boat and whispered, "It’s so annoying. Originally, Aunt’s family wasn’t supposed to join us for New Year’s Eve. I finally managed to convince Mother to come out and go boating, but who knew they’d follow along!"

"Wasn’t this arranged beforehand?"

"How could it be? We ran into them by chance at the lakeside. Father Marshal was polite enough to ask, and who would’ve guessed they’d actually come along?" Fang Lingjun said, exasperated.

"But don’t you like Aunt’s family? You’ve always treated your two cousins kindly—didn’t you remember to bring them gifts when you visited Jiangnan?" Fengyu teasingly tapped Fang Lingjun’s nose. It was clear she was displeased.

"Ever since I learned about that matter, I haven’t liked the Li Family," Fang Lingjun lowered her voice, "Not any of them!"

So it was misplaced anger!

No wonder Aunt, despite doting on her and her siblings, rarely interacted with her mother. If her mother were to discover she knew, it would deeply hurt her. Nevertheless, Mrs. Fang remained unaware Fang Lingjun had uncovered the past; thus, Lingjun begrudgingly kept it to herself, though she felt stifled.

"Adult grievances have nothing to do with you; just keep a level mind. It’s New Year’s; be happy. If you don’t like them, simply don’t see them often."

"That’s not viable. Aunt brought my cousins over deliberately to probe Mother’s stance, hoping my cousin might marry my brother. I understood everything. Mother pretended not to, but Aunt knows well the grudge between her and the Li Family. Isn’t it hilarious? She still considers it a feud between the Li Family and Mother, rather than between the entire Li and Fang Families, trying to separate Father Marshal and the rest of us from it." Fang Lingjun seethed, though she kept her voice controlled. "Strengthening familial ties with marriage—what nonsense. A Li daughter, endlessly scheming for her family’s benefit? My mother definitely wouldn’t agree."

"It does seem amusing. Anyway, your brother won’t marry her. Don’t worry."

"That’s not certain. What if Father Marshal forces him? He dotes on Aunt and spoils my cousins terribly. If he softens on this matter, who knows what might happen?" Fang Lingjun fretted, "If so, Father Marshal and Mother would quarrel again, the household would be in chaos, and my brother would be put in a tough position."

"A forced union never brings happiness. The Grand Marshal understands this; he wouldn’t compel your brother." Fengyu thought to herself that the Grand Marshal and Mrs. Fang’s marriage was itself a forced union—but surely he wouldn’t pressure Fang Chuning. "It’s New Year’s Eve; let’s talk about cheerful things."

"You and Xue Lan are both married now. I’ve been so bored lately; there’s hardly anything cheerful to talk about."

"But you look so radiant—you must have been going hunting with Zhang Boxin and the others constantly. How can you say you haven’t been enjoying yourself?"

"Not constantly. They all have official duties and are terribly busy—no one has time for me. Sometimes I wish we wouldn’t grow up; then we could go off together as before, enjoying outings. Now, everyone has their own commitments: some are married, others tied up with work. I feel like I’m the only one left idle." Fang Lingjun sighed. "Granted, being bored at home is one thing, but being forced to meet suitors makes it worse."

"Have any caught your eye?" Fengyu asked curiously.

Fang Lingjun shook her head, "Not a single one."

"There are so many eligible men among the clans—none at all?"

"None!" Fang Lingjun stated resolutely. "Men like my brother are rare, after all."

Fengyu: "..."

Fang Lingjun then suddenly asked, "Why have Prince Yan and my brother been arguing lately? I’ll tell you this: in all my life, I’ve never seen them hold a grudge for this long."

"...I have no idea!" Fengyu truly didn’t know. Who would dare ask Second Brother why he was fighting? She and Xie Xun had speculated behind his back for ages, but no one dared to pry.

On the deck, the atmosphere initially carried a trace of tension with Xie Xun present. His status placed everyone somewhat on edge, discouraging them from getting too carried away. Fang Chuning was uncharacteristically silent, drinking wine and occasionally turning his gaze away to appreciate the lanterns. As the others conversed about recent political developments and the Beiman settlement arrangements, he seemed entirely disinterested—even Second Brother contributed a few remarks. Xie Xun, while engaging them in conversation, also observed. Clearly, Second Brother and Fang Chuning were indeed in a cold war.

"Your Majesty, regarding the matter of Beiman’s surrender, we can proceed after the New Year. There’s essentially nothing unexpected left. Does Prince Yan still need to serve as an envoy to Sannan?" The Grand Marshal spoke with a relaxed tone, as if casually chatting. "The terms we negotiated with Sannan were initially based on Beiman not surrendering. Now that Beiman has yielded, it would seem discourteous to go back on our word. However, Prince Yan may not need to continue his envoy duties. If we truly wish to reclaim Sannan, all that’s required is three years of recuperation; with troops sent to Sannan, they would have no capacity for resistance."

Mr. Li Er from the Ministry of Revenue listened with trepidation, though it aligned with his expectations. The youthful, ambitious Emperor, raised amidst military campaigns, served as the top commander of the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry. Surely, he harbored bold territorial aspirations. With Beiman now surrendered and red ore mines plentiful, both the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry and Jiangnan’s garrison forces would see their equipment upgraded significantly—Sannan couldn’t possibly stand a chance. He was certain the Emperor would seek to stabilize Jiangnan.

"What does Second Brother think?" Xie Xun directed the question toward Xie Jue.