Xing Yuan had no particular objections. She wasn't exactly close to Feng Lipan, and even if they fought, it wouldn't necessarily involve him, so she didn't feel much guilt.
The Empress ultimately selected a daughter of the Minister of Revenue, who wasn't particularly favored, from the candidates Feng Lipan had chosen. This move would demonstrate her magnanimity while also preventing the First Prince from harboring any ulterior motives in the future.
The Empress was Feng Liyu's birth mother, so Feng Liyu naturally needed to inform her before making a move against the Second Prince. This would not only prevent his allies from becoming a liability but also allow him to subtly influence her.
The Emperor was aware of many things but was content to watch his sons vie for power. Not just anyone could rule the Feng Yuan Dynasty. The more fiercely they competed, the more capable the prince who ultimately emerged victorious would be to bear the heavy responsibility of a nation's ruler.
His philosophy was simple: as long as they didn't die, they could scheme and fight amongst themselves as much as they pleased. He himself had been forged through a similar "gu" raising process by his own father, fighting his way through a multitude of brothers. Therefore, facing his sons' open and covert struggles, he felt little paternal affection, and much more like an amused spectator.
Feng Liyan returned to the capital, travel-worn and weary. Along the way, he had encountered numerous assassination attempts by various factions. He had offended quite a number of people over the years, and if he didn't secure the throne in the end, those individuals would surely tear him limb from limb. He lived with a constant sense of crisis.
As soon as he arrived back at the Second Prince's mansion, his subordinates rushed to report the events that had transpired during his absence. Feng Liyan listened patiently, his eyes holding a deep, unreadable gaze.
"So, my third brother didn't do anything significant while I was away from the capital?" What a shame. He had even left some men behind, intending to catch his dear brother in the act.
"Yes! The Third Prince has only managed to secure a lucrative position managing iron ore mining these past few days. He has indeed been excessively compliant." His subordinates also wore looks of confusion, but they had monitored the Third Prince around the clock and found no unusual activity.
Feng Liyan frowned and ordered, "Forget it! Since he hasn't made a move, he might be plotting something bigger in secret. Be vigilant recently and avoid giving anyone cause for gossip."
"Yes!" the subordinate replied, bowing his head.
"By the way, what has my fiancée been up to lately?" Feng Liyan suddenly remembered something and inquired.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Miss Bai prefers a quiet life and rarely leaves her residence. The only change is that a woman with exceptional martial arts skills has appeared by her side. We attempted to track her several times but were discovered, so we've resorted to monitoring from outside the mansion."
"Oh?" Feng Liyan raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Where would Prime Minister Bai find such a master? Even if he did, given his cautious nature, he wouldn't entrust his legitimate daughter to someone who was following him. Therefore, the identity of this person was highly questionable.
"Prepare a carriage. We shall pay a visit to the Prime Minister's mansion," Feng Liyan instructed.
"Yes!" The subordinate, without further ado, turned to carry out his master's command.
Feng Liyan bathed and changed into a set of clothes, presenting himself as a refined gentleman as he headed to the Prime Minister's mansion.
Bai Yulin, having received the news, was already waiting outside the mansion.
Bai Yulin bowed respectfully, his face beaming with a smile as he flattered, "Your Highness's visit brings great honor to our humble abode!"
"Mm!" Feng Liyan nodded proudly, offering a gesture to help him up.
Feng Liyan smiled, "Prime Minister, there's no need for such formality! Our two families are soon to be united, and we will be one family."
"Indeed! Your Highness speaks wisely!" Bai Yulin chimed in, ushering him inside.
After they were seated, Bai Yulin politely said, "I have already sent for my daughter. Please wait a moment, Your Highness!"
Feng Liyan's face wore a gentle smile, "It's quite alright! A woman naturally takes time to prepare herself. This Prince is, of course, patient."
"Yes, Your Highness has always been magnanimous!" Bai Yulin quickly responded, his eyes filled with joy.
"By the way, this Prince has not returned to the capital for several months. I heard that Qingyue has recently made a new friend from the martial world?"
Bai Yulin detected the probing nature of Feng Liyan's question and let out a wry smile, sighing, "My daughter has never left the capital, so how could she possibly know any martial world friends? She is a disciple of Huangfu Song, and at his dying request, she has come to look after her."
Feng Liyan nodded. He knew a thing or two about the Prime Minister's past. It had been a sensation back then when a civil official married a woman from the martial world. However, there had been no news from that side for so many years, so why would they suddenly appear now!
Feng Liyan smiled and explained, "That is good. With Qingyue protected, I can also be at ease. I merely heard some rumors and was concerned that this person might have ill intentions and be a threat to Qingyue, hence my inquiry. I hope the Prime Minister will not take offense."
"Not at all! Your Highness is merely concerned for my daughter, and I am delighted!"
After a few more pleasantries, they finally welcomed Bai Qingyue, with Xing Yuan following closely behind.
Although Bai Qingyue did not wish to see her nominal fiancé, she could not refuse when the esteemed Second Prince personally requested an audience. Thus, she deliberately delayed her arrival, hoping Feng Liyan would lose patience and leave.
Upon hearing that this "enemy" was coming, Xing Yuan had pestered Bai Qingyue for a long time before she finally agreed to let her accompany her.
Bai Qingyue's expression was indifferent, and she offered a courteous bow. She never allowed anyone to find fault with her in such matters.
"This humble subject greets Your Highness!"
"Rise!" Feng Liyan stepped forward and directly helped her up.
Bai Qingyue gave him little face, stepping back two paces and stating in a cool voice, "I request Your Highness to conduct yourself with propriety!"
Bai Yulin was startled by his daughter's direct actions and quickly reprimanded, "Do not be disrespectful!"
Feng Liyan forced a somewhat awkward smile, inwardly annoyed by Bai Qingyue's public snub. However, he suppressed his resentment and apologized, "It was my recklessness."
Feng Liyan quickly resumed his gentle demeanor as if nothing had happened, looking at Bai Qingyue and saying, "Qingyue, we haven't seen each other for many days. I have prepared some small gifts for you this time, and I will have them sent to your residence shortly."
Bai Qingyue frowned, but she had already rejected him once. If she were to object again, Feng Liyan might become enraged, which would not be beneficial for her.
Just as Bai Qingyue was about to express her thanks, Xing Yuan, standing behind her, could not help but interject, "Our mansion lacks nothing, so Your Highness the Second Prince should keep his gifts. It is truly thoughtful of Your Highness, who has been on a difficult relief mission, to still think of bringing gifts for Sister Qingyue. Your Highness has just returned to the capital; do you not need to report to the palace?"
Feng Liyan then carefully observed the woman rumored to be an exceptional martial artist. She appeared to be just a young girl. Was his subordinate incompetent, or was this woman exceptionally skilled at hiding her true abilities?
"You jest, girl. Qingyue and I are betrothed. This Prince naturally cares for her. As for reporting to the palace, my father the Emperor will surely understand."
He then looked at Bai Qingyue again with a gentle gaze, "Qingyue, these are my heartfelt sentiments. You must accept them! Otherwise... I will be very sad."