Chapter 648: Chapter 648

Fengyu scarcely had a chance to enter the palace when she saw Xie Xun brooding. The palace maids and eunuchs of Changshou Palace were all standing guard outside the hall. Xie Xun was seated on the warming couch in the study, surrounded by countless scrolls of portraits. He was flipping through them, murmuring to himself like he was critiquing something. At a glance, Fengyu knew he was sulking.

When Xie Xun was truly angry, he would say nothing at all. The angrier he got, the more silent he became. However, if it was someone close to him who provoked him, he would make a lot of noise but take little action, grumbling incessantly. That was precisely what was happening now.

Fengyu stepped over. "Who upset you to make you this mad?"

"No such thing." Xie Xun denied it outright. Curious, Fengyu also took a look at the portraits. They were all of young maidens, and among them, there was even a portrait of Lin Yunong. Fengyu’s expression darkened instantly. Could it be that the imperial wedding ceremony had yet to take place, and someone was already pressuring him to fill the harem? Read complete versıon only at novel~fire~net

"What’s the meaning of these portraits?"

"Ayu, come here and sit. Quickly, help me take a look—tell me which family’s young lady you think is good!" Xie Xun pulled Fengyu to sit beside him. Lost in his own musings, he failed to notice Fengyu’s grim expression, his attention entirely focused on the portraits of the young ladies.

Taking a deep breath, Fengyu skimmed a few of the portraits. They were all of noble daughters, and no matter how she looked at them, it felt like pre-selection portraits for the emperor. With a cutting tone, she remarked, "Each one is indeed beautiful—enchanting, with her own merits. Most of these young ladies I’ve met before; they’re well-bred, especially Lin Yunong."

"I think Yunong is great too." She could surely stir up the Fang Family into a whirlwind.

Fengyu sneered coldly. Lin Yunong was a noble selection meant to compete with her for favor, a challenger to her position. They all assumed she was frail, incapable of bearing the imperial heir. In this perspective, the throne would undoubtedly go to a child born to a favored concubine. Whoever bore Xie Xun’s first son would naturally secure their rank through their child. Fengyu could already guess the tribal leaders’ calculations, but she never expected to face all of this before even marrying Xie Xun.

And for Xie Xun to not outright reject these portraits—utterly unacceptable.

Fengyu placed her hands on her knees, gripping tightly. Her nails nearly pierced into her palms. The overwhelming torrent of jealousy left her both distraught and despondent, clouding her judgment of Xie Xun’s behavior.

"Oh, it’s all quite impressive!" Fengyu’s tone lost all warmth. She wanted to lash out at Xie Xun, questioning loudly why he was looking at portraits of other women. Was he bowing to pressure and truly preparing to expand the harem? Even if it were only nominal, she wouldn’t accept it! She wasn’t so magnanimous. Once someone had a title, they’d want a child. When they had a child, they’d aspire for the throne.

When they had a son, they’d want to become Empress Dowager. She could not tolerate even a speck of sand in her eyes.

"Xie Xun, let me make this very clear—"

"Do you think Yunong and Fang Chuning are a good match?" Xie Xun asked excitedly, interrupting Fengyu as he turned to her with glee in his voice.

Fengyu’s lips trembled slightly. "Ah..."

She sat right beside him, the two of them close. Only then did Xie Xun notice her pale expression. Heart aching, he clasped her hands in his. Fengyu had just entered the palace, where the wind outside was bitterly cold. Her hands were encased in Xie Xun’s warm palms. "Ayu, are you feeling unwell? Your hands are so cold. Where do you feel uncomfortable?"

He rubbed her hands and pulled her into his arms, touching his forehead to hers. Fengyu showed no signs of fever, which reassured him. In autumn and winter, he was most concerned about Fengyu catching a chill and falling ill. Back in West State, everyone paid extra attention to the weather changes, ensuring she had enough layers to keep warm.

"I’m not cold. Just caught a bit of the wind. It’s nothing serious. Why did you bring up Fang Chuning and Lin Yunong?"

Xie Xun poured her a cup of hot tea and waited for her to warm her hands around it before answering. "Mrs. Fang has been looking for potential partners for Fang Chuning. I asked Zhang Boxi to bring the portraits over for me to take a look. I didn’t expect Mrs. Fang would even consider Yunong."

"Mrs. Fang is matchmaking for Fang Chuning?"

Fengyu pondered to herself: What about Second Brother, then?

So it was Fang Chuning searching for a match. She had misunderstood the situation. How foolish she was. How could Xie Xun possibly consider holding a selection for concubines before their wedding? Even afterward, as long as their love remained unchanged, Xie Xun would never consider it. She had been so consumed by jealousy that she couldn’t see the simple truth.

Jealousy, indeed, led to lost reason.

Now that she knew Xie Xun wasn’t considering a harem selection, she finally felt the heavy weight in her heart lift. "So why are you so enthusiastic about Fang Chuning’s matchmaking?"

"He’s not a child anymore; it’s time for him to settle down." Xie Xun replied without expression. "He clings to Second Brother all the time, ruining his reputation. Every day after court, he chases after Second Brother—it’s improper for others to see."

You have way too much time on your hands!

No doubt he was just looking forward to a spectacle. After all, the General was also in the Capital City now. The Fang Family had been going through quite a lot lately. The General treated Xiaoqi like his own son. Mrs. Fang even hosted a banquet, inviting high-ranking noblewomen and promising young men specifically to introduce Xiaoqi. Madam Li of the Li Family had even argued with Mrs. Fang at the event. Mrs. Fang had been in a good mood and hadn’t stooped to hold it against the Li Family that day.

Now, knowing Fang Chuning had matchmaking efforts underway, it was certain that Xie Xun just wanted to enjoy the show.

"Second Brother is already twenty-four. After the new year, he’ll be twenty-five. It’s time for him to marry as well." Fengyu said calmly but mischievously, knowing that Xie Xun might have realized something but would never admit to it. She decided to play along, feigning amusement. She too wanted to enjoy the spectacle. "You shouldn’t show favoritism either."

"Second Brother isn’t in a rush." Xie Xun defended firmly. "He’s picky and can take his time."

Something seemed to cross Xie Xun’s mind, and his tone paused briefly before he continued, "I’ll discuss it with him."

"Brother Fang has had so many fiancées meet unfortunate ends. Are there really still women willing to marry him?" Fengyu asked incredulously. Fang Chuning’s marriage situation in the Capital City was the stuff of legend, and no one could tell whether it was just bad luck or an issue with his destiny. Regardless, women tied to him always seemed doomed. Mrs. Fang’s efforts this time were clearly about acting quickly to avoid dragging things out. If the marriage was decided, it would likely be settled within half a year.

"He’s handsome, accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and hails from an illustrious family. Even with such an ominous reputation, the world is now at peace—there’s no need for him to risk his life on the battlefield. Plenty of women are willing to take a chance. Wealth is often found in the face of danger—if not for the ominous rumors, he’d be one of the most sought-after men in the Capital. Even with such rumors, there are plenty of women who secretly admire him. If he agrees, the wedding could be held in half a year, and they’ll have a child within a year."

"Oh..." Fengyu finally understood why Xie Xun had been muttering to himself earlier. She couldn’t help but find it amusing. "Then why were you looking at the portraits?"

"Curiosity, I suppose."

Fengyu purposely began flipping through the portraits again. Indeed, they showcased beauties of every shape and size, each extraordinary in their own way. "I still think none of them are better-looking than Second Brother."

Ayu, why must you always touch on sensitive topics?!

Fengyu wasn’t deliberately making such comparisons; it simply came to mind. "When you were leading the imperial army, didn’t the noblewomen send matchmakers to inquire about Second Brother’s marriage prospects? You know, right? Mrs. Fang and Duchess Marquis An Yuan both thought Second Brother and Junjun were a perfect match. A royal-family marriage alliance with the Fang Family—what’s your opinion on that?"