The Slender Waist-Chapter 174 - 127 Loyalty and Friendship

If Feng Ying were with child, the Emperor would no longer force them back to the capital, and his face would have looked much better. Moreover, if Feng Ying were with child, she would be the nailed-on Empress, no longer that awkward "Madame Feng".

Xiao Rong was wholeheartedly planning for Feng Ying.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Cheng said nonchalantly, "She won’t be with child."

Feng Ying’s face turned pale as she looked down.

But Xiao Rong was completely baffled, "What are you talking about, Imperial Brother? You’re not a woman, how could you know..."

Seeing Feng Ying bite her lip and look down, full of grievance, Xiao Rong realized something and her eyes widened with understanding.

"Imperial Brother, are you bullying Aying again?"

Xiao Cheng frowned, "That’s none of your concern."

Xiao Rong huffed petulantly, "Could it be that you truly intend to bring that little fox back and make her Empress, letting Aying be the consort?"

"Arong."

Xiao Cheng’s deep eyes narrowed, his handsome face becoming incredibly sharp.

"Leave!"

Feng Ying turned pale and nervously began to pull on Xiao Rong, but Xiao Rong stubbornly refused to leave, glaring with wide eyes and argued with Xiao Cheng, "Have you lost your senses, Imperial Brother? Feng Shi Er Niang is no longer your rightful wife, she is Pei Jue’s concubine, sharing his bed every night. You may deceive others, but do not deceive yourself..."

"Silence!" Xiao Cheng commanded, "Take the Princess away."

When his gentle smile disappeared, even his calm voice was filled with imperial authority.

Feng Ying saw his anger and tugged forcefully at Xiao Rong, pleading softly.

Xiao Rong, realizing her brother was truly angry, begrudgingly shut her mouth and stamped her foot angrily as she left.

Only Xiao Cheng remained, silently sitting back down, wearing imperial robes yet looking like a lonely soul, as if all his strength had been drained, motionless.

"She is Pei Jue’s concubine, sharing his bed every day..."

Even though he never intentionally thought about it, images of her being oppressed by Pei Jue would always involuntarily surface in his mind, over and over...

-

Once outside the tent, Xiao Rong’s anger had yet to subside. Seeing Feng Ying’s pale, pitiful face only intensified her discontent, "Why would Imperial Brother act like this? He wasn’t like this before. Aying, have you noticed... Imperial Brother has changed..."

Feng Ying looked woeful and sighed softly.

"Perhaps His Majesty is too worried about my sister."

Xiao Rong bit her lip, "It’s that disaster again. She’s with someone else now, why can’t Imperial Brother let go?"

Feng Ying looked down in silence, her eyes brimming with tears. Xiao Rong huffed heavily again.

"Aying, don’t be sad. Imperial Brother has just ascended to the throne and is faced with warfare... Everyone in the court is watching him, even ironclad individuals would be unable to endure. Give him some breathing space. Once he sorts out the state affairs, he will come to his senses... With me here, Daqi’s Empress could only be you."

Feng Ying forced a smile, "I never thought about these things. I’m just worried about His Majesty’s health. If my sister could return safely and ease His Majesty’s mind, whether I become Empress or not, what does it matter?"

Xiao Rong said, "You are too kind-hearted and considerate of others. The good are taken advantage of, Aying."

At that, Xiao Rong seemed to recall something and gnashed her teeth in frustration.

"No, I must think of a way to stop Imperial Brother. I will never allow him to bring that little vixen back to Daqi, bringing disaster to the nation..."

-

Feng Yun met Wen Xingsu in Xinzhou.

This was his residence when he had been stationed in Xinzhou before, so Feng Yun was not surprised to be housed here. What did surprise him was the absence of a heavy soldier guard inside and outside the residence, meaning that his elder brother was free.

Pei Jue hadn’t imprisoned him, nor had he heavily restricted him.

Since their last parting, they hadn’t seen each other for a long time. Wen Xingsu’s wounds were not yet healed, and he was still limping, but upon seeing Feng Yun enter, he insisted on standing up, leaning on the desk.

"Waist..."

They looked at each other.

One showing surprise and delight, the other a smirk that wasn’t quite a smile. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Elder Brother, you didn’t expect me to come, did you?"

Wen Xingsu sighed, his smile filled with helplessness.

"You..."

Xinzhou was not as safe as Andu County; Feng Yun should not have come. That was what Wen Xingsu wanted to say, but now that Feng Yun was standing attractively right in front of him, what could he do?

"Come, sit down and we’ll talk."

Wen Xingsu beckoned her over without moving himself. Knowing he was incapacitated, Feng Yun smiled and walked over to dutifully sit in front of him, reminiscent of old times, her expression becoming particularly lively.

"With all these sweets and treats, Elder Brother seems to be living leisurely."

Inside the teapot was warm tea, which Wen Xingsu poured for her.

"The Great General treats me quite well."

Feng Yun sipped her tea with a content smile, took a honey date, and closed her eyes in satisfaction.

"Delicious."

Wen Xingsu doted on her warmly, raising his hand for a high-five.