Feng Xiwu nodded, "Imperial Brother likely thinks so, but he holds the throne and doesn't truly understand the local officials beyond those he sees in court each day. Finding so many people to fill these vacancies, how easy could that be?"
Lu Qingwan, holding his outstretched finger, smiled heartily, "Your Highness, aren't you worried sick? Since His Majesty had this intention long ago, how could he let himself be without people? Have you forgotten, His Majesty still has a secret weapon up his sleeve!"
Feng Xiwu blinked, then realized, "Indeed, how could I have forgotten the Wufeng Hall? Since Imperial Brother's affairs don't require my concern, I should focus on the Consort's matters."
As he spoke, he turned to Li Qing and said, "All the evidence you've gathered against those individuals, bring it all to the forefront. Aim to present it all to Imperial Brother within three days. Keep a close eye on all witnesses and evidence. Before Imperial Brother makes a clear decision on these matters, not a single mistake must occur."
Li Qing acknowledged with seriousness and was about to withdraw when someone knocked on the door from outside. Feng Xiwu motioned for Li Qing to open it, and it turned out to be Li Su. He held a delicate food box and a smile on his face. Without needing to be asked, he cheerfully announced, "Your Highness, Consort, Miss Chi has sent some things via messenger. This is for both of you. She said the Chi family found a chef from the south and made some delicacies for Your Highness and Consort to try."
Although Lu Qingwan had just finished eating, her eyes lit up involuntarily at the mention of food. "Quick, let me see!"
Feng Xiwu watched her, like a child eager to unwrap a gift, and didn't interfere, letting her enjoy herself. He, meanwhile, calmly inquired, "What has Miss Chi prepared for Lian Yu?"
Lu Qingwan suddenly looked up, her eyes full of gossip as she stared at Li Su. The latter smiled and replied, "Miss Chi's gifts were wrapped very securely, so I didn't see them personally. However, the young maid who delivered them said that Miss Chi personally sewed two winter outfits and two pairs of deerskin boots for the Military Advisor. She also purchased commonly used medicines from Bai Xinglin at great expense, and compressed rations from Buye Continent. The quantity should be enough for the Military Advisor to use until next summer."
"Wow!" Lu Qingwan couldn't help but reveal an expression of delight, her eyes glinting as she looked at Feng Xiwu, "Are these things, perhaps, prepared by the soldiers' families for them?"
A smile gleamed in Feng Xiwu's eyes, but his words surprised Lu Qingwan immensely. He said, "Chi Yaoyao is pure of heart and kind; she is a good person. But Lian Yu is not suited for her. If you truly consider her a friend, then choose an opportune moment to advise her. Don't let her get too deeply involved."
This was incredibly surprising to Lu Qingwan. She was greatly puzzled, "Is it because of her background? I haven't paid much attention to Lian Yu's background, but I remember Yaoyao telling me that Scholar Chi and the old madam have no intention of forcing her into an arranged marriage; they only wish for her happiness. And I don't see Scholar Chi and the old madam as particularly rigid or old-fashioned people. They shouldn't mind Lian Yu's status, should they?"
Feng Xiwu gently shook his head, holding her hand. "It's not about social standing. If we were to discuss social standing, it would be Chi Yaoyao who is not worthy of Lian Yu."
Lu Qingwan immediately understood, "Lian Yu is also from... that place?"
Feng Xiwu sighed and nodded. "So, she will have to return eventually. It's not that her background is better than Chi Yaoyao's, making it impossible for them to be together. It's just that Lian Yu's family is also not simple. Chi Yaoyao has been pampered by her family and is too naive. If she enters Lian Yu's household, it would be like a lamb entering a wolf's den. If they were already in love, I naturally wouldn't object. But currently, Chi Yaoyao is not deeply infatuated, and Lian Yu is completely unaware. There's no need to take such a risk."
Feng Xiwu had always been reluctant to reveal his true identity. But if he had to hide his identity with such difficulty, then the people around him would not be in a good position either. Lu Qingwan completely understood his concerns, so she didn't resist Feng Xiwu's suggestion.
"I will find an opportunity to remind Yaoyao, but Lian Yu is, after all, the first person a young girl falls in love with when her feelings first blossom. I can't guarantee whether she will accept my advice."
Feng Xiwu smiled faintly and expressed his understanding. "I will also write to Lian Yu, explaining Chi Yaoyao's feelings. If he is willing to give Chi Yaoyao a try, I will naturally fulfill their wish."
"Then write to Lian Yu now. After you have gauged his feelings, I will consider how to talk to Yaoyao."
Li Su cleverly brought writing materials. Lu Qingwan, lounging on the carpet, happily instructed Li Su, "Go and bring Yuan'er over. Tell him I have delicious food for him."
Li Su chuckled, "Consort, the young heir is still attending his studies. It will be another hour or so before he finishes."
Lu Qingwan paused slightly, "Didn't he come back for the Lunar New Year holiday? Why is he still studying?"
Feng Xiwu, who was being urged to write to Lian Yu, said emotionlessly, "The New Year holiday is only fifteen days. Why such a long break? I had people send him to the Imperial Academy to study with other noble young men of his age. He can have a holiday during the New Year."
Lu Qingwan was shocked, "Wanting your son to be successful doesn't mean you do this, Your Highness. Yuan'er is only four years old!" She stared blankly at Feng Xiwu, then silently recalled, "When I was four years old, I was still..."
Mid-sentence, Lu Qingwan fell silent. As the only daughter of a military family, she hadn't fared much better. At four, she was left in her hometown to be force-fed knowledge. When she was brought back to her parents for the New Year, the entire house of relatives felt more like strangers than outsiders. Snapping back from her brief recollection, Lu Qingwan pursed her lips, "With parents like you, Yuan'er is truly unfortunate!"
Feng Xiwu snorted with laughter, "When I was four, Minister Wen personally oversaw my studies, and Imperial Brother personally taught me martial arts. Did I complain?"
Lu Qingwan chuckled and handed him a pastry, "So, Your Highness, because you suffered when you were young, you want to pull the umbrella away from Yuan'er's head too, is that it?"
Feng Xiwu found her peculiar logic both amusing and exasperating. Li Su also couldn't help but suppress a smile.
Days turned into weeks, and a new day dawned. Outside the palace gates, the Regent's carriage stopped amidst the curious gazes of the crowd. Feng Xiwu, dressed in a black python robe with four-clawed golden dragons and his hair bound with a golden crown, alighted from the carriage with an unhurried pace.
Everyone simultaneously bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness the Regent!"
Feng Xiwu, however, didn't glance at anyone. He waved Li Su, who was standing by the carriage, away and extended his hand. A fair hand reached out, the curtain was lifted, and Lu Qingwan's exquisite face appeared before everyone.
Lu Qingwan, dressed in a solemn winter festive outfit, was helped down from the carriage by Feng Xiwu. The crowd had no choice but to bow again, "Greetings, Her Highness the Regent Consort!"
The two of them, dressed in opulent festive attire, stood there like a perfect match, evoking endless admiration.