Nuit éternelle

Chapitre 3

He gave a bitter laugh, slightly puzzled by her pain, but knew he wouldn't get any answers. His princess was undeniably shrewd; he understood that from the moment Ye Piao began observing her, he had unwittingly fallen into her trap step by step. This entire conversation, including her perfectly logical and flawless arguments, were all meticulously planned by her. Although he knew something was amiss, could he really pinpoint what was wrong?

What a brilliant strategy! This way, his opinion of her will definitely change, and he will naturally not make things difficult for her anymore. Ling Yuxiang finally understood why he admired her. How could anyone not admire someone who could scheme against him, the God of War Ling Yuxiang?

[The Rise of the Wind in Kyoto: Chapter Five - The Wind King of Qin]

Feng Xinglie felt a pang of sadness. She was always sensitive to the cold, and now she felt the warm hand on her shoulder tighten unconsciously. The warmth was incredibly alluring, and the arm behind her head began to burn. She leaned against his shoulder with a touch of longing, but snapped back to reality the moment she touched his chest. Her gaze shifted—good heavens! When did she snuggle into his arms?! She quickly and subtly pulled away, her words tinged with annoyance: "You take so long to think about an answer? And you dare call yourself the Great Ling War God? Humph, humph, you've completely disgraced the War God!"

The narcissistic Feng Xinglie naturally wouldn't reflect on his actions at all, blaming Ling Yuxiang entirely. Why was that bastard so warm? Why was he hugging and cuddling for no reason? Acting like a little woman, he's making a huge fool of himself!

Ling Yuxiang, who had just come to his senses, felt wronged: "The title of God of War is not something I called myself. It was a title given to me and Feng Xinglie by the people of the world, okay?"

"No good! Look at you, what right do you have to call yourself a God of War? That King of Qin, who is on par with me, is the real God of War. He's dashing, handsome, decisive, far-sighted, and passionate..." Feng Xinglie, who always had a great sense of self-worth, got more and more excited as he spoke: "Look at your indecisiveness, how can you compare to him! If he knew that his opponent, who was once considered one of the two greatest heroes of our time and could hold his own against him in the Battle of Baihui Pass, had become this miserable and wretched, he would definitely crawl out of the underworld to settle the score with you!"

Ling Yuxiang asked in surprise, "How do you know so much about the Great Qin Wind King?" Then he said with regret, "It's really a pity. He was such a great man, but he died such a pathetic death."

What? Feng Xinglie nearly jumped out of bed in a fit of rage. You didn't see me single-handedly holding off an army atop Zijin Mountain, you didn't witness my heroic act of stabbing myself in the heart with a dagger in front of Qin Han, and you don't know that although my attempt to commit suicide by jumping off a cliff failed, I remained defiant to the death. How dare you call me a coward! You actually dare to call me a coward!

"Ling Yuxiang, I don't care what those rumors are, can't you really guess how the Great Qin King Feng died?" With a cold laugh, Feng Xinglie's calm tone carried a hint of loneliness. In the same position, with his brilliant strategies, how could he not guess? If he couldn't guess, she would change the name Feng Xinglie!

Suddenly, a wistful smile appeared on Ling Yuxiang's face, a hint of disappointment in his expression. "The rumors circulating in the streets are all jokes. The official news from Qin is that King Feng has passed away. But even if King Feng has died, how could his most outstanding cavalry, the Flaming Cavalry, have vanished so suddenly, as if they'd evaporated into thin air? And how could his right-hand man, General Xi Suifeng, have suddenly resigned and returned to his hometown, disappearing without a trace? Our spies in Qin have also reported that on the night of the National Day celebrations, with the lights blazing, King Qin suddenly mobilized a large army to Zijin Mountain, and overnight, Feng Xinglie died, and the Flaming Cavalry, Xi Suifeng..." Disappearance? What else could it be? Throughout history, those who overshadow their rulers with their achievements never meet a good end. Feng Xinglie's reputation in Qin is too high. He seems to have had dealings with members of the royal family in Qingqiu. How could the King of Qin allow someone suspected of colluding with another country to hold power? Actually, I admire him. He didn't compromise with the King of Qin, and even under those circumstances, he managed to lead the Flame Cavalry out of trouble, though ultimately they couldn't escape their fate. That man's situation is quite similar to his own now. Will he also suffer the same fate, shattered to pieces and never to be redeemed?

"Then why did you call him a coward?" Touched by the past, Feng Xinglie was still somewhat conflicted, but right now she was just furious that this guy had called her a coward.

Ling Yuxiang sighed deeply: "Feng Xinglie was indeed a man of great integrity and pride, but he completely disregarded the fact that the Qin King's soldiers were far less capable than him. The three kingdoms were locked in a fierce battle at Baihui Pass on the border, and Qingli was no pushover either. It was originally a three-way standoff, but with his death, the Qin Kingdom lost power and retreated. How many people on the front lines suffered terribly? His death might have been a relief, but why couldn't he have used his position in the Qin King's heart to maneuver and instead cause harm to the common people, resulting in rivers of blood? Isn't such a death pathetic?"

No wonder he returned so early; Qin has indeed suffered a defeat...

Feng Xinglie gave a faint snort, a chilling smile playing on his lips. He really did understand her. He was absolutely right. How could she not see what would happen to Qin after her death? How could she not know how important she was to Qin Han? But she couldn't bear it, she couldn't swallow it!

What do the lives of the people have to do with me? Feng Xinglie never claimed to be a savior of the world! Everything she did was because of one person's words; what she protected was merely one person's promise! Since you can forget, why should I continue to entangle myself? You want to doubt me? Fine, it's me, it's me! Are you satisfied with my death? Are you happy now?

Who knew that Feng Xinglie was a ruthless person to the core? Who knew that her extreme and willful march toward death was merely an act of taking revenge on the person who hurt her, using her position in his heart as a means to do so?

All the evidence that cleared up the misunderstanding lay quietly beneath the stone inkstone in the imperial study that night. Unfortunately, that very night, he lit dazzling lamps and persuaded her to drink poisoned wine that sealed her inner strength, forcing her to hand over the elite Flaming Cavalry and all military power, and ultimately driving her to plunge seven daggers into her heart atop Purple Gold Mountain, into the abyss. However, the next day, Qin Han could clearly see the truth.

Cruel, isn't it? Then you discover that a loved one you suspected and forced to a tragic death was actually framed from the beginning—how devastating would that be? Ruthless, isn't it? Those seven self-inflicted wounds, weren't they also causing her immense pain and suffering? Her suicide attempt was entirely genuine. Even if she had another chance, she would still choose that path without hesitation, because she is Feng Xinglie!

Better to be a broken piece of jade than a whole piece of tile!

Even if hearing of Qin's defeat and the rivers of blood, she felt a chill run through her body, her hands and feet losing all warmth, she would not regret it. A cold, mocking laugh rippled through her heart. Who could understand her? Who would dare to understand her?

Ling Yuxiang, who was lamenting the fate of the Great Qin King and pondering his own situation, suddenly felt the person in front of him stiffen, her fingertips chillingly cold to the touch. Frowning slightly, and disregarding her wishes, he pulled her into his arms, surprised by her low body temperature. He touched the thin blanket with displeasure and scolded, "If you're so cold, why didn't you tell the servants to add more blankets? The heater will be put back in the room starting today, and the kitchen is just sitting idle anyway, so tell them to make you some more hot soup."

Feng Xinglie's internal injuries flared up at this moment, and fearing that the other man would notice something amiss, he struggled a couple of times but found he couldn't break free. He could only pout and reluctantly let the other man hold him. The hot chest under the fiery red clothes was incredibly reassuring, and he unconsciously relaxed, greedily accepting the warmth from the other man's body. But he still said awkwardly, "I say, Your Highness, who is not interested in women, what's wrong with you today? Aren't you afraid that someone will see this and spread it, ruining your reputation?"

Seeing that she was still somewhat unruly, Ling Yuxiang said angrily, "You better behave yourself! What I hate are women who are all show and no substance. You yourself said that you are not a fool, and you don't care about those so-called power and wealth, so why should I hate you?" In fact, he was somewhat impressed by her ability to flirt. Often, a few glances, a few actions, or a few words could easily make his emotions fluctuate greatly. Although this was somewhat unfamiliar and out of control, it was also quite enjoyable.

She couldn't be bothered arguing with him! Although Feng Xinglie really wanted to roll her eyes and ask, "Who are you to me? What business is it of yours?", she couldn't help but think about her current status. What if this guy really lost his mind and yelled at her, "You're my princess?" She was helpless. Since she was living under his roof, eating and using his food, she would be magnanimous and give him some face.

This interruption brought their conversation about the Great Qin King to a halt. Ling Yuxiang then remembered the original purpose of his visit: "My brother is hosting a banquet in the palace today and specifically asked me to take you with me. I came to invite you, but I didn't expect you to be so talkative."

"Prince Ling, it seems you're just as outspoken as I am!" Feng Xinglie glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, his words still carrying the same hostility.

Ling Yuxiang smiled bitterly to himself. He seemed to have grown accustomed to her sarcastic way of speaking and didn't mind it. However, he couldn't bear to let go of the person in his arms who had just begun to warm up. What talk of being uninterested in women? He, Ling Yuxiang, wasn't a saint. If he truly had no physical needs, he probably wouldn't be considered a normal man. It's just that he had always deeply despised women who clung to power and wealth, only caring about their own glory, and had always been extremely indifferent to them. Over time, this had led to the rumor that he was uninterested in women.

To be honest, he'd seen his fair share of beautiful women, but this one was more stunning than any woman he'd ever met combined. Leaving aside her intelligence, her breathtaking beauty alone was enough to amaze any man! Of course, that's excluding her damned temper and narcissism.

However unwilling he was, his elder brother's trap was still waiting, so he had no choice but to reluctantly loosen his grip: "I really don't know how cold you'll get if I let go."

Upon hearing these extremely ambiguous words, Feng Xinglie nearly got goosebumps. He grabbed the man's red robe and tossed him aside, finally getting rid of him! "I can be as cold as I want, it's none of your business! Are we that close? Why are you meddling?"

Seeing that Ling Yuxiang had finally left the room, she had no choice but to brave the cold and get out of bed, already thinking about what kind of palace banquet this so-called Prince Ling had arranged.

It seems that Ling Yuhan really wants to give Ling Yuxiang a warning. Although this banquet is not a formal victory celebration, it has the feel of welcoming guests. There may not be many ministers, but there will definitely be many close relatives of the royal family. Ling Yuxiang brought a good-for-nothing princess and made a complete fool of himself, losing face. In the eyes of these people, his dignity is naturally gone.

I couldn't help but shake my head slightly. You call me a coward, but aren't you just as cowardly? He's ostracizing you like this, yet you insist on clinging to the words "Great Ling Dynasty" and enduring everything. Do you really think that will save the people from their suffering? Do you know that your blind forbearance, your inability to relinquish military power, might even trigger an internal strife? Even if you don't want to take that position, your subordinates will force you to. Ling Yuxiang, do you even realize this...?

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[The Wind Rises in Kyoto: Chapter Six - The Feast at Hongmen]

"Halt! By order of the Emperor, no unauthorized persons are allowed to enter the palace today! Please identify yourselves." The carriages, which had been moving smoothly, suddenly stopped. Before anyone could ask, the clear voices from outside the carriages could be heard.

Ye Piao, the horse driver, snorted coldly, glaring at them with narrowed eyes, and said in a sinister tone, "You dare to block Prince Ling's carriage! Surely there's someone in this palace who doesn't know me, Ye Piao? Are you going to let us pass or wait for me to twist your head off?" Ye Piao was also a prodigy, but his family had fallen on hard times, and his entire clan was implicated in a major case. If it weren't for Ling Yuxiang's reckless protection of him, he would probably be dead by now. Otherwise, with Ye Piao's abilities, how could he merely be Ling Yuxiang's bodyguard?

The two guards' expressions flashed, and fear was clearly visible in their eyes, but they still stubbornly refused to take a step back, insisting, "His Majesty has ordered that we must see him in person before we can leave. Lord Ye Piao, please ask the Prince to show himself."

A cold glint flashed in Ye Piao's eyes. Very well, very well, a few lowly soldiers dare to block Prince Ling's path! Who would believe that he has no one backing him up? The prince has never been disloyal to the emperor, yet you dare to antagonize him like this! Ye Piao couldn't help but feel indignant for Ling Yuxiang, and sneered: "Are you deliberately courting death?" Under Ling Yuxiang's command, the secret guards didn't have much power in other areas, but killing someone was not a crime that could be investigated. These two lowly guards, who clearly didn't have much backing, could be killed, and a simple charge could be set up. No one would have the authority to question them. Even the emperor had to follow the rules of the secret guards when dealing with people in the secret guards.

This power was left by the late king, whose original intention was to make the Dark Pavilion the emperor's right-hand man, responsible for underground oversight. Matters that couldn't be resolved openly would be dealt with through clandestine means. However, now that this organization has fallen into the hands of Ling Yuxiang, a mere Prince of Zhenyuan, its position has become awkward and somewhat incongruous.

No wonder the emperor was worried. With so many things and people he couldn't control, how could he not be afraid?

The carriage curtain was suddenly lifted, and Ling Yuxiang's gaze fell on the guards in front of the door, his expression unreadable: "I am here, may I pass now?"

The two guards breathed a sigh of relief. They certainly didn't want to face Ye Piao's face, which was enough to freeze a person to death. But they had the Emperor's decree, so how could they dare to let him pass hastily? They quickly stepped aside, hurriedly saying, "Please come in." Who would want to block the Prince of Zhenyuan's carriage? After all, Prince Ling was their idol, their object of worship!

As he lowered the carriage curtain, Ling Yuxiang's eyes clearly showed a mixture of anger, helplessness, and deep emotion.

"He's reminding you that you're just a prince. There are rules for meeting the emperor. In this palace, you're not just brothers, but also ruler and subject. Brothers are close and affectionate, but ruler and subject are ruler and subject, and they should behave like ruler and subject." Feng Xinglie casually tightened her sleeves. She rarely wore women's clothing, so she never knew that these gorgeous clothes were so cumbersome and not warm at all. No wonder Ling Yuxiang disliked fancy clothes; these decorations only looked good on the outside, but were utterly tattered inside!

With a slight lift of his handsome brows, Ling Yuxiang's red robes billowed as he pulled her into his arms. He felt a growing concern at the chill emanating from her. Why was she so afraid of the cold? In the winter, with snow falling on the frontier and the southern border regions even more frigid, how was she going to survive? Her father had watched as she was sent to Da Ling as a gift for personal gain, his eyes already blinded. Who would have the time to properly care for her?

This woman, who is clearly extremely intelligent, is so incapable of taking care of herself! Ling Yuxiang felt a surge of inexplicable dissatisfaction, yet he was helpless.

What good would it do if he offered a word of advice? After several encounters, he had figured out her personality. The person in front of him might not appreciate his efforts or listen to him. Besides, she didn't know how to cherish herself and didn't take herself seriously. What use would it be if he said more?

Well, he would take care of her as best he could. Ling Yuxiang tightened his arms slightly, generously using his body heat to warm the languid, comfortable, and cold-looking woman with her eyes half-closed. Her nonchalant demeanor was all the more heartbreaking to see.

"You..." Ling Yuxiang couldn't find the words to say, so he could only let out a long sigh.

Feng Xinglie rolled his eyes at him with his usual arrogant and mocking gaze, then relaxed comfortably in his arms, letting his warmth slowly dispel the coldest chill in his body. For a moment, he was even a little dazed.

You knew he was warning you, so why didn't you clearly state your stance? Although our personalities are different, we share a deep-seated pride. I know you will never relinquish your military power. Even if you obeyed the imperial decree and married me, this incompetent queen, even if you always appear weak and never show the slightest resistance, you still have your bottom line. Once you hand over your military power, the Great Ling Kingdom will inevitably descend into chaos. When internal and external troubles erupt, even the gods in heaven will be powerless to save it. You are not as ruthless as I am; you cannot bear to watch your country plunge into misery.

Since ancient times, loyalty and righteousness have been difficult to reconcile. Ling Yuxiang, how could you not feel bitter and depressed at this moment? How could you possibly listen to my advice?

Feng Xinglie was unaware that Ling Yuxiang's sigh wasn't entirely for himself. He was also sighing for her heartbreak and her pain.

He knew that after their parting in the desert, she had personally rebuked her father and even forced the old prince to vomit blood. He knew that she had always been aggressive, cynical, and extremely harsh in her words, but wasn't what she said the truth?

What kind of state of mind would drive her to say such things to her beloved father? What kind of heartbreak would make her so ruthlessly hurt her closest relatives? Emotions are always a double-edged sword; they wound oneself before they can hurt others. She simply loathed hypocrisy, which is why she used a different, ironic method to expose the truth, even if it meant drawing blood and gore.

She claimed that the lives of the people were none of her concern, so why was she here? With her intelligence, could it be that she had arranged a way out for herself, making it so difficult to quietly disappear? Clearly, she couldn't bear to leave the people of the Southern Kingdom, and didn't want them to be implicated, which is why she came to Da Ling and became the princess whom the emperor had abandoned and given to him as a warning. Clearly, she was injured and bleeding, yet she still acted as if she didn't care. Clearly, she repeatedly used her methods to remind him and warn him to pay attention, yet she acted as if it were none of her business. Clearly, she couldn't resist warmth, yet she still stubbornly refused to admit it. With such a damnably awkward personality, she must have suffered the most pain herself. How could he not feel sorry for her?

Ling Yuxiang gazed at Feng Xinglie's exquisitely beautiful face, so close to his, like a porcelain doll. She was comfortably leaning against his strong arm, her eyes half-closed, feigning sleep. A faint smile played on her lips, radiant and captivating. For a moment, he couldn't look away. He had completely forgotten his brother's coercion, the ridiculousness and embarrassment of this trip to the palace, and his own suffering. At this moment, all he wanted was to warm her body with his burning passion, to let that smile last even for a fleeting moment.

They'd only known each other for a short time, so why did he already feel such a deep attachment to her? Why couldn't he let her go?

With his brows furrowed and deep in thought about his strange feelings, Ling Yuxiang was unaware that the carriage was so quiet, so quiet, that it felt completely isolated from the world.

The clamor of the women outside the window and the occasional playful banter of the palace servants could be heard clearly, but the carriage itself was a world of its own, calming and reassuring. Even the things that mattered most now seemed less important. A gentle smile, warm to the core, had appeared on Ling Yuxiang's lips. He gazed at her tenderly, never tiring of her gaze.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped again, and strangely, Ye Piao outside didn't utter a single complaint.

Seeing Feng Xinglie raise his eyebrows and sit up from his arms with a displeased expression, his gentle and bright smile gone, Ling Yuxiang almost cursed out loud.

Which damn bastard dared to disturb my peaceful sleep!

Ling Yuxiang lifted the car curtain with a cold face, glanced at the outside of the car with annoyance, but was stunned and froze on the spot.

At this moment, Feng Xinglie resembled an unruly alien, casually glancing outside. On the surface, he remained calm and composed, but inwardly he was quite surprised.

It was her!

This Ling Yuhan is no pushover either!

The widespread praise for Ling Yuxiang has led to a decline in the reputation of the emperor of the Great Ling Kingdom. However, Ling Yuxiang has fought on the battlefield for many years, and Ling Yuhan has not only stabilized the court on his own, but also has the strength and confidence to limit and suppress Ling Yuxiang. This shows that he has a great deal of confidence and assurance.

And today, at this treacherous banquet, he actually invited the two's adoptive mother, Empress Dowager Xiao Yun, who enjoys immense prestige in the Great Ling Kingdom! This is undoubtedly putting pressure on Ling Yuxiang!

Ling Yuxiang had already jumped off the carriage before her and bowed to the Empress Dowager: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

Empress Dowager Xiao Yun truly lived up to her reputation as the founding empress of a dynasty. Every gesture she made exuded an air of authority. She smiled kindly, reached out and pulled Ling Yuxiang over to look him up and down.

"My child, your mother has not seen you for a long time. Today you have finally returned in triumph, and your mother is very proud of you. I heard that your elder brother has found you a wife?"

Feng Xinglie slowly climbed down from the car, causing a noticeable gasp from those around him. Many young women passing by looked on with envy, pointing and whispering. She walked straight to Ling Yuxiang's side, staring blankly at the Empress Dowager, but didn't utter a single word.

The Empress Dowager's expression flickered, seemingly showing some displeasure.

Ling Yuxiang asked urgently, "Aren't you going to pay your respects yet?"

Feng Xinglie smiled inwardly. Although they had only known each other for a short time, they had a great understanding. She then slowly gave the Empress Dowager a very imperfect bow and stepped behind Ling Yuxiang.

Scornful glances rained down from all sides, as if to say, "This is the princess consort of yours, War God Ling Yuxiang? She really is a blockhead; the rumors were true!" Some lecherous men felt a pang of regret, but still envied her; even a blockhead like her was a beauty, and such an unfairly beautiful woman had been given to Ling Yuxiang. However, no one bothered to argue with this Princess Ronghua about etiquette anymore.

The Empress Dowager had, of course, heard all sorts of rumors. She frowned slightly but didn't dwell on it. Holding Ling Yuxiang's hand, she chatted amiably with her son as they walked into the Imperial Garden.

Feng Xinglie followed behind, head held high and chest puffed out, feeling utterly exhilarated. "Hmph," he thought, "I'm a fool, who am I afraid of? Do you expect me, the mighty King of Qin, to bow and scrape before you? What a beautiful dream!"

[The Wind Rises in Kyoto: Chapter Seven - Who Buries the Heroes?]

The scale of the so-called palace banquet was not much different from that in the Qin Kingdom, except that the seats where Qin Han and she had sat before were now occupied by the brothers Ling Yuhan and Ling Yuxiang. Empress Dowager Xiao Yun was next to Ling Yuxiang, and ever since she saw him, she had been chatting with him casually. Princess Ronghua, on the other hand, seemed to have become a burden, only using her large, clear eyes to subtly observe the people around her.

Ling Yuhan and Ling Yuxiang bore a slight resemblance in appearance, but the former, having spent much of his life in and out of the palace managing state affairs, possessed more handsome features than heroic spirit. Both brothers were so handsome they could rival superstars. Upon meeting, the two chatted and laughed, avoiding any discussion of power. If Feng Xinglie hadn't known about their methods of intimidation, he would have truly believed they were two close, unfettered brothers.

Most of those present were princes and nobles, children of prime ministers, princesses, young princes, and young masters. Feng Xinglie didn't want to remember so many vulgar people; he just wanted to behave himself as a simpleton, drinking and eating.

Although Ling Yuxiang was not far from her, they could not whisper to each other. However, she could occasionally see a few concerned and gentle gazes drifting over, which made Feng Xinglie feel a chill in his heart. What was wrong with him? How dare he flirt in public?

Not long after the banquet began, a young eunuch from Empress Dowager Xiao Yun's side came in with a smile and reported: "Princess Liuli has returned. She heard there was a feast here and rushed over."

Empress Dowager Xiao Yun was amused upon hearing this, and immediately released Ling Yuxiang, laughing, "That girl Liuli, she just returned from the temple and is already thinking about the banquet, she has no manners at all!"

Before the Empress Dowager could finish speaking, a voice as clear as a nightingale's chirp complained, "Mother, you're mistaken. Liuli came to keep you company because she was afraid you'd be lonely!" The woman was dressed in light purple, graceful and beautiful, radiating a pure and serene aura that soothed the eye. Feng Xinglie was secretly surprised that such a refined and intelligent person could emerge from the palace.

Liuli's words made the Empress Dowager laugh even more happily. Although she was scolding her, she had already ordered the eunuch to add a table. Liuli blinked her delicate eyes slightly and fixed her gaze on Feng Xinglie.

"Mother, don't ask for another table. This lady isn't alone." Before Feng Xinglie could speak, she had already walked over confidently, winking playfully, "This lady is as beautiful as a fairy, may I sit here?"

Feng Xinglie smiled calmly, glanced at the princess again, and nodded, saying, "Please go ahead, Princess."

Princess Liuli sat down, her eyes still playfully darting around Feng Xinglie. Ling Yuxiang frowned and said, his face tightening, "Liuli, this is your second sister-in-law. You must not be rude."

Princess Liuli's big eyes widened in disbelief. She opened her mouth and said in a sweet voice, "Second Brother, are you joking? You got married after only one trip to the National Temple? But everyone knows that you... Could it be that you've suddenly changed your mind?" She then looked at Feng Xinglie with surprise. "This sister's appearance is indeed worthy of Second Brother, but Second Brother, you wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you? Your sister must be very talented."

Feng Xinglie replied, "I come from the Southern Province and haven't received much education."

Princess Liuli frowned, then her eyes lit up again: "The dances of the Southern Barbarians are exceptional. Sister, someone as beautiful as you must dance beautifully. You must be very skilled at dancing, right?"

Feng Xinglie lowered his eyes, gently swirling the wine glass in his hand, his gaze revealing a profound meaning, and said with a smile, "Your Highness is too kind; Jinghua's dance skills are far from satisfactory."

Liuli pouted, her innocent and adorable appearance endearing her to all, and she pressed for more information. "Needlework? Music? Chess? Calligraphy?"

She kept asking, and Feng Xinglie just kept shaking his head with a light laugh. The gazes of those around them grew increasingly disdainful and envious. A princess consort, utterly ignorant of what women should know—it was a disgrace to the God of War, Ling Yuxiang! How many women admired Ling Yuxiang? Just as he said, if it weren't for the rumors that he was indifferent to women, the line of invitations to send his name would probably stretch from the palace gates all the way to the city walls! How could anyone not be jealous that such a pretty but incompetent woman had stolen the position of princess consort?

Liuli asked for a long time, panting, but still didn't hear a single "yes." She asked strangely and curiously, "Then what can you do, sister?"