The Slender Waist-Chapter 722 - 517 Jubilation_2

It was odd...

"Why would you trouble Awan?"

This time, it was Puyang Zong whose complexion changed.

Feng Yun glanced at him and then turned towards Tu Lan, "Speak."

Tu Lan bit her lower lip, tears streaming down her face in a delicate and pitiable manner, yet she struggled to articulate her words.

"She... and this concubine... Awan and this concubine..."

Feng Yun frowned, only to see Puyang Zong step forward, bowing his head in greeting.

"Princess, this matter is my fault."

His voice was slightly hoarse, weighed down by troubles, "I reside alone in Huaxi, and I truly detest the food provided at the village school. Occasionally, I would dine at Lady Wan’s eatery to sate my hunger. It seems this has led to a misunderstanding by Tu Ji."

Puyang Zong was sent to Huaxi as a punishment, and before his hand injury, he had no attendants to serve him and did not know how to cook, so it was true that he often mooched meals. However, after his hand injury, the Grand Princess arranged for servants to attend to him, so it made no sense for him not to be cooking.

How astute Feng Yun was; observing the expressions of him and Tu Lan, she knew...

It was yet another chaotic love triangle.

She asked: "And what of your wife? Where is the Princess Consort?"

Puyang Zong looked down, his expression anxious, "My mother came to Andu, and as her daughter-in-law, she naturally went to serve at Taiping Garden."

The Grand Princess and Puyang Yi’s entourage arrived in Andu five days prior.

They were staying at the former residence of the Grand Princess—Taiping Garden.

Feng Yun smiled lightly, glancing at Tu Lan, and said through proper respects:

"Then I’ll trouble the Commandery Prince to check for me the propriety at Taiping Garden, to see if there is any discrepancy..."

"Of course, of course." Puyang Zong breathed a sigh of relief.

-

After returning from the Puyang Family, Feng Yun immediately summoned Awan and got straight to the point.

"Do you have feelings for the Prince of Danyang?"

Awan felt much closer to Feng Yun. Since the mistress did not consider her an outsider, Awan was happy to confide her troubles to her.

"The Commandery Prince already has a wife. Even as lowly as I am, I would not wish to be someone’s mistress... How could such sordid thoughts arise? It’s Sister Tu who resents me, accusing me of enticing the Commandery Prince and even picking a fight over it. Mistress, isn’t that infuriating?"

Feng Yun met her resentful gaze with a smile and asked:

"What if the Commandery Prince had no wife?"

Awan paused.

Feng Yun said, "Think it over, then answer me."

Awan’s heart pounded erratically. She couldn’t nod in agreement, nor could she shake her head, and finally, pushed to the brink, tears welled up in her eyes.

"Mistress knows about me. With my background, how dare I be choosy... If the Commandery Prince favours me, Awan would naturally be beyond grateful..."

She bit her lip again and looked down, focusing on the tips of her shoes.

"But I do not wish to be a concubine. With a mistress at home and lacking the affection of a husband, I can only swallow my teeth and stomach the pain... Awan would rather remain unmarried."

She indeed had realistic views.

Feng Yun nodded, "Have you made this clear to him?"

Awan’s cheeks blushed slightly.

"The Commandery Prince merely frequents the place for meals, enjoying the dishes I cook. He has never spoken out of turn. How could I possibly speak of such things..."

Feng Yun understood and sighed.

"Go on, I will speak to Tu Lan."

"Yes." Awan’s eyelids quivered as she lowered her head.

Feng Yun gave her another look, "Matters of fate cannot be rushed."

Awan hummed in acknowledgment, "Awan understands. For now, my goal is to earn silver, pamper myself. Whether I marry or not is no longer important."

Feng Yun admired her, "Very well. No wonder even the Commandery Prince is fascinated by you."

Awan shyly scolded her with a glance, calling her "Mistress," and went on her way.

She knew well that without Feng Shi Er Niang, she would not have become the likeable Awan she is now, nor would she understand so much...

Thus, it’s best to heed the Mistress’s words and not overthink.

After she left, however, Feng Yun pondered alone for a long time.

If it had been during the time with Wei Zheng and Luo Yue, when she had not yet formed a lasting bond with these concubines and maids, she would not have let pass such an opportunity...

She would have tried every means to plant someone behind Puyang Zong.

In a future day, such a move could prove to be of use.

Don’t assume their alliance with the Princess Residence means an end to strife. With Yecheng eliminated, will the internal power struggles within Dajin cease?

They will not.

History and experience both told Feng Yun that where there are people, there will be strife.

The Grand Princess and Ruan Pu who she represents are not just from the Old Party, but also the imperial power of the Yuan Family of Pingcheng...

Having one of our own by their side is actually very good.

But Feng Yun’s situation now is no longer like it was at the beginning of her rebirth.

Without facing imminent crises or life-and-death situations, her thoughts have also shifted.

Especially after seeing Luo Yue in Xijing, she is even less willing to let Awan continue as someone’s concubine, trapped in the darkness of the harem competing for favor...

It might be better to just be a happy proprietress at Huaxi Wharf.

-

Feng Yun didn’t dwell on it as events unfolded.

Wen Xingsu arrived at Huaxi the next day, around noon.

Feng Yun had Pinshu serve him lunch, and then he tried on his wedding attire.

"Lady Tu will arrive in the afternoon, she will explain the wedding matters to your elder brother, and you must remember everything..."

Feng Yun and Wen Xingsu are of the same generation. She can manage the wedding, but some ceremonies still require the presence of an elder.

The one she sought was Lady Tu from the Tu Family Fort.

The Tu Family Fort is the first fort of Dajin, authorized by the Imperial Court, and no one dares to look down upon it, so it is not degrading to the status of Lord of Pingyuan County.

Of course, the main reason is that Lady Tu is a sister of our mother.

With Lady Tu present, it is as if our mother is here.

Wen Xingsu understood, nodding slightly, "Ayun, rest assured, there will be no mistakes."

-

Lady Tu arrived earlier than Feng Yun had anticipated.

Her carriage stopped at the front of the manor, and she called out to Ayun with a beaming smile, showing exceptional warmth.

"Aunt Rong." Feng Yun went forward to greet her.

Lady Tu grasped her hand tightly, examining her from head to toe.

"I heard that you have been to the battlefield and even stormed into the palace, you almost scared Aunt Rong to death."

Feng Yun smiled to comfort her and invited her inside.

She came ahead of time without Tu Boshan accompanying her, bringing only some maids and maidservants to handle affairs, all neat and tidy, getting to work as soon as they arrived.

Lady Tu was more than willing to shoulder the responsibility of being Feng Yun’s elder, not considering herself an outsider, and Feng Yun was very close to her as well.

"It’s been a long time since I’ve handled a wedding, this time I finally got the chance, and I must do well."

The two of them chatted and laughed, both feeling joyous about the wedding.

As for Wen Xingsu, he was gentle and smiling, but his mood was muted.

-

In the blink of an eye, December 14th arrived.

The day before the big wedding, most guests who traveled from afar to attend the banquet had arrived.

Some stayed in the city of Andu County, while others stayed right in Huaxi.

Feng Yun had prepared their accommodations well in advance, and there were no slip-ups...

It was just Pei Jue, who had agreed to come back for her uncle’s wedding, who hadn’t yet arrived.

Feng Yun didn’t know what had held him back, and felt somewhat anxious...

At dusk, as the night lights began to glow, the manor was immersed in the joy of the wedding with laughter occasionally heard.

Looking at all the happiness, Feng Yun felt inexplicably restless.

She took Xiaoman with her, intending to walk around; but before she knew it, she had reached the village entrance...

That was the direction from which Pei Jue was returning.

Just then, a noisy commotion came from ahead, the sound was thunderous.

The villagers on both sides stopped to look, exclaiming...

What a grand display!

Which noble family has come to partake in the celebration?

At the end of the road, several carriages slowly appeared, ostentatious and extravagant; the attendants all dressed in plain clothes, but there were more than a dozen, exuding a subtle, compelling aura...

Feng Yun focused her eyes, and looking at the man riding the horse in the front, her mind went blank with a boom.

Gongsun Jiong, Xuchi.

Following them were Ping’an and Jixiang, sitting firmly on the driver’s seat...

Why would Xiao San’s close attendants come here?

In those few carriages behind, who was it?