FID – Chapter 682

Chapter 682: Then Why Haven’t You Died Yet?

Both Nanling and Beicang had secretly issued strict orders to investigate the whereabouts of the assassin.

But so far, neither side has yielded any results.

This was not only frustrating but also deeply unsettling.

It only meant one thing: the strength of the other party was no less than that of a great nation!

The Emperor lowered his eyes, concealing the sharpness in his gaze. 

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, “As to the truth of this matter, both royal families likely already have their own calculations. But it’s useless if only we understand. The most important thing is still the people’s perception. It’s been so long, and the people’s anger has reached a boiling point. A few words of explanation will not quell the fury of the masses. If the people’s anger isn’t resolved, the country cannot stand.”

Feng Qingbai slowly leaned back into his chair, his lips pressed lightly together, and did not respond immediately.

At the entrance of the hall, the woman’s words, ‘Please do take care of me,’ once again echoed in his ears.

“I wonder if Your Majesty has a way to calm the people’s anger?” As he remained silent, one of the officials from the envoy team couldn’t hold back and asked.

“There is a way, and it would be beneficial for both nations, but it may be somewhat forcing matters,” the Emperor said, looking at Feng Qingbai, his words implying something.

“Please, Your Majesty, speak plainly.”

“A marriage alliance between the two countries.”

Upon hearing this, the entire Nanling envoy team fell silent, no one daring to speak.

A marriage alliance. Forcing matters. The Emperor was suggesting marrying his own princess to their Nanling King!

The entire hall fell into an eerie silence, the temperature seeming to drop little by little.

In the Seventeenth Princess’s courtyard, many princesses and concubines had gathered, chatting and laughing together.

Everyone was speaking in complimentary tones. “In the future, when Seventeenth goes to Nanling, she will become the King’s consort. I’ve heard that in Nanling, even the young Emperor has to show respect to the King!”

“Not only does he show respect, but if it weren’t for the King of Nanling, the young Emperor wouldn’t be able to keep his seat. The King has the power to control the court!” One of the concubines continued, “Once Seventeenth marries over, she will be truly blessed.”

“Father has always doted on Seventeenth. Whatever she asks for, Father will never refuse. Once the negotiations are over and the news spreads, we can already start calling her the King’s consort!”

Seventeenth sat in the main seat, listening to the flattery and compliments around her, her eyes gleaming with pride. “Whatever I have today is all thanks to Father’s love. But once the marriage alliance is settled, what I give back to Father will certainly be no less than what he has given me.”

“In that case, you must look after your sisters more in the future, Seventeenth. You can’t get too high and forget about us.”

“Are you all so eager to get married? Don’t worry, if there are any suitable young talents, I will certainly help match you up.”

After a round of laughter and chatter, Seventeenth sent the others away and instructed her maid to go through the gifts that had been brought for her. The precious and valuable ones were packed into a large brocade chest.

As a princess who had been pampered since childhood, she was certainly not lacking in money. However, with her upcoming marriage, the thought of marrying the man she had been drawn to at first sight made her happy, which gave her the mood to go through the gifts.

At this moment, everything in her eyes seemed pleasing.

What did her Fourteenth Brother say the other day?

That the King of Nanling was not someone she could provoke?

Heh, by arranging a marriage alliance to secure the peace of the two countries, she didn’t believe that Feng Qingbai would refuse.

No matter how much he loved a woman, could she possibly be less important than the stability of a nation?

Besides, her status would never bring shame to Feng Qingbai. She was more than worthy to be with him!

The discussions at Yanghe Hall continued until the afternoon and were only temporarily concluded. As for the outcome, everyone kept quiet about it.

It was a subject that was treated with great secrecy.

When returning to Prince Ting’s Manor, Feng Qingbai walked into the hall and saw the young man in white offering her a meaningful smile. He, however, ignored him.

“Why do you look like you have a dead expression on your face? Was the negotiation not going well? Soon, Your Highness will become the son-in-law of our Beicang. After that, you and I will be in-laws. If you have any worries, feel free to tell me, maybe I can offer some advice.”

It was a typical case of schadenfreude.

Feng Qingbai curved his lips into a faint smile, “Instead of offering me advice, you should go comfort your Seventeenth sister. Tell her that she shouldn’t always scheme about others; maybe then she could live a bit more happily.”

“What have you done? Will my Seventeenth Sister have a good future? I wasn’t there today, but could you give me a hint of what’s going on?”

“People who play in the world of pleasure should stick to it. Being so concerned about state affairs, aren’t you afraid that your plans will be ruined?”

Duan Ting’s smile faded, and he leaned back, “Feng Qingbai, smart people usually don’t live long.”

“Then why are you still alive?”

“……”

His threat had no effect on Feng Qingbai. After a sharp retort, he turned and returned to his guest room.

Watching the man’s retreating figure, Duan Ting sighed deeply, “What should I do? He can see through everything. If he were a friend, it wouldn’t matter, but if he were an enemy…”

Then his situation would be troublesome.

Back in his room, Wei Zi appeared.

“Have you found any leads?”

“Master, I couldn’t find anything.” Wei Zi said apologetically. “I ordered those following us to inquire everywhere, but there have been no signs of any unknown forces in Beicang’s capital, and the royal family hasn’t shown any irregularities in the past two years.”

The results of the investigation even made him question whether the Cangying Pavilion really existed at all.

However, they both knew that the assassin organization was real.

And they had clashed countless times.

“Since we haven’t found anything, let’s pause for now.” Feng Qingbai’s gaze was cold. “The enemy is hiding too deeply, and it will be difficult for us to uncover their roots with just the two of us.”

“Please, Master, give your instructions!”

“The enemy is in the dark, and we are in the light. If we can’t find them, then we’ll have to let them come find us.”

The negotiations between the two countries wouldn’t succeed in just one round. There were numerous issues of mutual interest that required repeated adjustments until both sides were satisfied before anything could be concluded.

The negotiations had only just begun, and there was still a lot to be worked through.

He wasn’t in a hurry; there was still time.

As for the result of this round of negotiations, it didn’t take long before rumors began to spread throughout the capital, quickly expanding outward.

First, the death of the Beicang Grand General, which left both Nanling and Beicang as victims, with someone attempting to stir trouble and disrupt the peace between the two nations.

Second, in order to solidify the alliance and strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries, it was decided after negotiation that a royal marriage would take place, and this matter would soon be scheduled.

The news spread like wildfire, not only throughout Beicang but also crossing the border to neighboring countries.

At that time, Liu Yusheng had already received the sixth letter from Feng Qingbai.

It was now early summer, and June had arrived.

While she was still carefully reading the letter in the inner courtyard, Qian Wanjin hurried in, his face dark and serious.

His expression surprised Liu Yusheng.

Qian Wanjin was known for his love of laughter and fun. Aside from when he was negotiating business, showing his sharp merchant skills, he usually acted like a big, silly guy. It was rare to see him so serious.

“What happened?”

He sat down across from the young woman, attempting to adjust his expression but finding it difficult. “Someone brought back news from Beicang—Beicang and Nanling are about to form a marriage alliance.”