Chapter 637: Chapter 637
The Fang Family remained peaceful and tranquil, with not a single rumor of discord between husband and wife. However, recently, Fang Chuning and Fang Lingjun had confined themselves at home, and now, Fengyu’s birthday had arrived.
Xie Xun had predicted correctly, and he didn’t even have time to prepare a birthday gift for Fengyu. Together with the entire Cabinet, and even Xie Jue, they were all racking their brains to secure the greatest possible advantage from Sannan. The best outcome would be to compel Sannan to surrender. Moreover, with Dugu Jing currently in the Capital City, Xie Jue had sent word early on: the outcome of a duel with Dugu Jing would determine victory or defeat. If Dugu Jing was defeated, Beiman’s submission would merely be a matter of time. With Sannan isolated to the south of Beining, it too would inevitably yield. That territory—Beining was determined to claim it.
The peace talks hadn’t even started yet, and the pressure was already weighing heavily on Han Ziqi. Because of this, there was no time to prepare for Fengyu’s birthday celebration. Xie Xun didn’t even celebrate his own birthday, as all energies were focused on rebuilding the nation. The current priorities lay in the peace negotiations and the imperial wedding planned for next month.
Su Yuejiao, Feng Changqing, and the elderly matriarch were all anxious and apprehensive. Finally, they welcomed the day of Fengyu’s birthday. Fengyu had already made arrangements with Xie Xun to celebrate at home, with plans to head to the palace in the evening.
This was her eighteenth birthday, a milestone the family treated with great importance. Preparations had been underway well in advance. A few days earlier, Su Yuejiao had gone to Xiangguo Temple to invite a deity’s blessing to their home, praying for Fengyu to enjoy a long life. At midday, the family gathered for a lively and joyous reunion feast. Knowing it was Fengyu’s birthday, the noblewomen of the Capital City’s clans also sent gifts to the Feng Mansion. Although the Feng Family did not host a grand banquet, the noblewomen—always well-informed—were eager to build goodwill with the future Empress, and the gifts they brought were exceptionally lavish. Knowing that Fengyu had a fondness for gold, silver, and jewelry, they predominantly offered exquisite ornaments and rare fabrics. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel{f}ire.net
Fengyu had Chunlu meticulously catalog each gift and place them in the storeroom, ensuring she would have a reference when it came time to reciprocate. Fengyu enjoyed receiving gifts, especially the sight of her storeroom glittering with dazzling jewelry, which brought her immense joy. Meanwhile, Feng Ling couldn’t help but covet her storeroom. Fengyu, generous as she was, allowed her to pick freely from anything that wasn’t of sentimental value.
The relationship between the two sisters had grown considerably closer compared to a few years ago.
Within the family, there had never been any deep-seated animosity between the sisters—merely petty squabbles typical among young girls. Now, harmony prevailed within the Feng Family.
Xie Xun had spent the day attending to government affairs, deliberately reserving his evening to celebrate Fengyu’s birthday in a manner unique to them. Yet, as time dragged on and the sun dipped below the horizon, Fengyu had still not arrived at the palace.
Unease stirred in Xie Xun’s heart. Today was Fengyu’s eighteenth birthday, and he had always taken Master Miao Yun’s prophecy to heart. Fearful of any mishap, he had even instructed Nuanyang to assign a group of skilled Forbidden Army soldiers to protect her. Fengyu was surrounded by elite guards and was in the Capital City—nothing should be able to harm her.
Yet, due to Master Miao Yun’s ominous words, Xie Xun couldn’t entirely shake his worries. Only when he saw Fengyu before the clock struck midnight could he truly feel at ease.
"Feiying, dispatch someone to find out where she is," Xie Xun said. His state duties had been mostly handled, and all that remained was waiting for Fengyu to come to the palace.
"A messenger has already been sent to the Feng Mansion. Don’t worry, Master. The young lady is protected by your personal guards—no one would dare harm her."
Still, Xie Xun remained restless. He waited until the city lights sparkled in the night, well past the hour he and Fengyu had agreed upon. Growing increasingly anxious, he rose and swiftly strode out—he could no longer bear to wait inside the palace.
Just as he stepped out of Changshou Palace’s great hall, a personal guard rushed forward, dropping to his knees to report, "Your Majesty, the young lady is in trouble. Please go to the Feng Mansion at once."