The maids were tidying up when someone from the outer courtyard came to report that the eldest young master had arrived and brought guests with him. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

In Xinzhou, besides brothers like Shentu Jiong and Yang Qi, Wen Xingsu only had those people he pulled out from the dungeons when the Beiyong Army broke through Xinzhou.

Could it be someone from the Feng Family?

Thinking this, Feng Yun ordered Xiaoman, "Touch up my makeup."

She figured she couldn’t appear inferior in front of the Feng Family people; she definitely needed to meet them looking spirited and lively.

Upon hearing this, Pei Jue picked up the Biyong Sword and left.

Feng Yun looked on in surprise, "General, where are you going?"

Pei Jue: "To practice swordsmanship."

Feng Yun hummed softly, not bothering with him; it was good for a man with such vigorous energy to let off some steam, lest he pester her again at night.

A group of people appeared at Chunpei Academy, with Wen Xingsu on horseback, followed by a horse-drawn carriage and seven or eight attendants, proceeding majestically into the courtyard.

When the carriage curtain was lifted, the maids helped out a smiling beauty.

Who else could it be but Puyang Yi?

"Ayun," Puyang Yi had grown familiar with Feng Yun, and seeing her at the entrance, she glanced at Wen Xingsu and rushed over to hug her.

"I came to see you."

What was there to see about her?

Feng Yun glanced at her, not exposing her little schemes, and chided with a smile.

"Had I known it was the Lord of Pingyuan County, I wouldn’t have bothered dressing up."

The two chatted and laughed, walking hand in hand into the interior, with Wen Xingsu silently following, all entering the floral hall together.

The maids served tea, and the three of them sat around leisurely sipping.

Puyang Yi glanced around.

"This mansion is very comfortably arranged, Ayun, you have good taste..."

Feng Yun replied with a smile: "I didn’t arrange it, it was all set up by my elder brother before."

Puyang Yi’s gaze lingered on the quietly seated Wen Xingsu, her heart warming.

Steady and dignified, elegantly refined, not only did General Wen meet her aesthetic standards but the mansion’s decor also suited her taste.

But he just felt so distant.

He would maintain his warmth, but not provide warmth...

She felt slightly sentimental about such a man.

It’s hard to find a good husband.

Although the two had been talking for a while, Wen Xingsu didn’t say a word.

Feng Yun watched his every expression closely.

"Did elder brother meet with Lady Chen today? Did she say anything to you?"

Lady Chen was also at Mingquan today; Feng Yun saw her call Wen Xingsu away, and seeing his expression, had they had another disagreement?

Wen Xingsu looked up, his eyes gentle.

"She wants me to marry."

His smile was faint and detached, revealing neither joy nor anger.

It’s natural for people to marry; Wen Xingsu was of an age to settle down.

Feng Yun thought so herself.

But with Lady Chen’s temperament, she definitely wouldn’t comply with Wen Xingsu’s preferences. When choosing a daughter-in-law, she would surely pick a girl from a noble family, one that would benefit her and her clan...

Thinking of herself and then her elder brother, Feng Yun genuinely felt Puyang Yi would be a good match for him.

She leaned in slowly, pouring Wen Xingsu a fresh cup of hot tea.

"How does elder brother feel about it?"

Wen Xingsu lowered his eyes.

"Leave it to fate."

Puyang Yi didn’t look at him, her heart racing and holding her breath before he answered; after his reply, she let out a silent sigh of relief, feeling once again assured—wasn’t she Wen Xingsu’s destiny?

"General Wen, I have a piece of advice, though I’m unsure if it’s appropriate to say."

Wen Xingsu’s lips curved slightly, "Please speak, County Lord."

Puyang Yi said: "General Wen might think that for a man, the country should come before love, considering the latter inconsequential, but as someone with experience, I understand all too well..."

She bit her lip and looked straight at Wen Xingsu as she spoke.

"Loveless marriages lead to lifelong resentment and ruin a life."

Wen Xingsu’s expression changed subtly, and a fleeting look of melancholy in his eyes was quickly captured by Puyang Yi before it vanished, and then he smiled politely, bowing slightly to her.

"I thank the Lord of Pingyuan County for the reminder, I will keep it in mind."

Puyang Yi tugged at the corner of her mouth, managing an awkward smile, unable to continue.

After sitting for a moment more, Wen Xingsu stood to leave. His emotions well hidden, he still managed a warm smile for Puyang Yi when he said "farewell."

However...

When he turned, Puyang Yi saw his eyes turn ice-cold, more distant than before...

She couldn’t reach his heart.

This left her somewhat disheartened.

But after Wen Xingsu left, Feng Yun asked directly.

"County Lord, are you still interested in my elder brother?"

Puyang Yi’s eyes flashed with surprise, "But he’s not interested in me. It’s fruitless to force affection; besides, even if I wanted to force it, I couldn’t..."

Feng Yun cast a glance at the figure gradually disappearing into the courtyard, sighing silently.

"Then your visit wasn’t just to see me, was it?"

Puyang Yi narrowed her eyes, smiling lazily: "The one I wanted to see isn’t looking at me. So I can only look at you instead."

Feng Yun pressed her lips into a slight smile, bowed her head to drink her tea, and as if a thought occurred to her, she casually asked: