Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 284 - 282. Imprisoned

282. Trapped in Prison

Watching Feng Huaiting and Madam Feng, his mother, Feng Zhiyao snorted softly and turned his head away in contempt. It was always this way; his father had only ever cared for his legitimate wife and son, ignoring him no matter how hard he tried to be noticed. Suddenly, a feeling of powerlessness emerged in Feng Zhiyao’s heart, and he laughed at himself sarcastically. An image of a pure, elegant white figure flashed through his mind, softening the resentment in Feng Zhiyao’s eyes. That’s right, even if he doesn’t have the Feng Family, he still has others. He had the company of Mo Xiuyao, whom he had grown up with like a brother, as well as close colleagues and comrades who shared a brotherly bond with him over the years. Perhaps, he might soon have a family of his own as well.

Thinking of the charming figure back in Prince Ding’s Mansion, the gloom in Feng Zhiyao’s heart instantly evaporated. He raised his head and stared defiantly at Feng Huaiting standing in the corner. "I’ve already reported to the Prince, and you all will be released soon. After that... Hmph!" In the end, he didn’t say anything decisive, only snorting lightly and walking towards the exit. Even if he had been dragged into this mess because of them, why should he feel guilty about it? After rescuing them, they would have nothing to do with each other anymore!

Feng Huaiting silently watched the retreating figure dressed in red; amidst the darkness of the corner, a glimmer of relief could be seen in his aged eyes.

"Her Highness Noble Consort and the Regent Prince have arrived!" Just as Feng Zhiyao hadn’t taken more than a few steps, a loud announcement echoed from the entrance. Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow. The presence of Mo Jingli was expected, but even Noble Consort Liu had shown up. As State Duke Hua had mentioned, Noble Consort Liu not only moved around the palace freely, she could even come and go from the palace as she wished. It appeared...she truly had a hold on a significant weakness of Prince Li. No longer rushing to leave, Feng Zhiyao turned around and casually walked back.

On the other side of the cell, Noble Consort Liu, adorned in white, frowned at the filthy environment before her. The stench within the cell was overpowering, and no amount of incense could mask it. She turned to Mo Jingli standing by her side and complained, "I really don’t get why it’s necessary for me to personally come to such a place."

Mo Jingli replied indifferently, "As far as I recall, I didn’t ask you to come."

Noble Consort Liu huffed in response. It was true that Mo Jingli hadn’t asked her to come. But with Tan Jizhi missing and no one by her side to strategize for her, how would she know what Mo Jingli was planning if she hadn’t come herself?

Mo Jingli, seemingly unfazed by the dirty and dark surroundings of the cell, walked further in as he said, "You don’t need to guard against me; the Feng Family are just merchants. If I were to take action, it certainly wouldn’t be against them."

Noble Consort Liu felt a twinge in her heart. While the Feng Family certainly didn’t possess any significant force in the court to make Mo Jingli take interest, their wealth was enough to entice anyone. "Are you after the Feng Family’s wealth?"

Mo Jingli responded indifferently, "Do you think the Feng Family is easy to offend? This Prince had their entire household seized because of a word from you. Since they’re already offended, why not offend them thoroughly so they can never recover?"

"You make it sound so righteous, but the Feng Family are loyal to Mo Jingqi; they obviously wouldn’t pledge allegiance to you. Rather than let someone else profit, you’d rather have them for yourself. Regardless of my interference, you would have eventually targeted the Feng Family," Noble Consort Liu scoffed with a cold smile. Mo Jingli didn’t deny it.

By the time their conversation ended, they had already navigated around the corner to the farthest cell. They saw a figure who had no business being there, standing leisurely in the hallway while folding his arms, smiling at them.

"Feng Zhiyao, you have quite the nerve," Noble Consort Liu said, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at him with a cold smile.

With a smirk on his face that deepened, as if he was in a delightful mood, Feng Zhiyao replied, "My nerve is nothing compared to Her Highness Noble Consort’s... Ah, my mistake, I meant the soon-to-be buried Grand Noble Consort. As a palace consort, how dare you leave the palace at will? As a consort who is supposed to die according to the posthumous edict, how do you... dare to still be alive?"

"Feng Zhiyao!" Noble Consort Liu lashed out, her face frozen into a frosty mask as she glared at Feng Zhiyao. "Prince Ding’s Mansion has taken my people. Tell Prince Ding I’ll personally come to demand them back."

Waving his hand, Feng Zhiyao laughed, "There’s no need for you to personally come. It seems Her Highness Noble Consort has ulterior motives. Rather than wanting your people back, you are looking for an excuse to cling to our Prince. Our Princess Consort is extremely jealous, so for the sake of our Prince’s and Prince Ding’s Mansion’s peace and tranquility, I’ll respectfully decline Her Highness’s kind offer on behalf of the Prince."

"Insolent!" Noble Consort Liu chastised angrily. While she was not afraid of the world knowing about her feelings for Mo Xiuyao, she equally despised being ridiculed for her unrequited love.

Mo Jingli frowned, displeased, interrupting the battle of words between the two. "This prince did not come here to listen to your nonsense. Third Feng, you are indeed bold. Do you think that having the backing of Prince Ding’s Mansion allows you to blatantly enter the Ministry of Criminal Justice?"

Feng Zhiyao gave a light smile. "Not at all, Prince. You are too kind. Aren’t you the one who ransacked the Feng Family without evidence or charges? Compared to you, my actions barely warrant any attention."

Seeing Feng Zhiyao reminded him of the person behind Feng Zhiyao. This made Mo Jingli involuntarily frown. He did not wish to cross swords with Mo Xiuyao nor did he intend to annoy him. However, Mo Xiuyao’s prolonged stay in the Capital City interfered with many of his plans. Mo Jingli didn’t question why Noble Consort Liu wanted to detain members of the Feng Family. After all, he also planned to take action against the Fengs. Having Noble Consort Liu as a shield would be much better for his reputation, so why not? But he always thought that Third Feng’s relationship with the Feng Family was weak. Was Third Feng’s involvement on behalf of himself or was it indicating the stance of the entire Prince Ding’s Mansion? Or perhaps... had Mo Xiuyao also set his sights on the juicy piece that was the Feng Family?

With his eyebrows tightly knitted, Mo Jingli asked, "Is Prince Ding doing well?"

Feng Zhiyao looked at Mo Jingli in surprise. Indeed, one should not underestimate a person who has been absent for a few days. A few years ago, if Mo Jingli didn’t curse or mock Mo Xiuyao when mentioning him, it was already considered very cultured of him. Now, he could actually inquire so calmly. Truly, power is the thing that most easily changes a person. Nodding, Feng Zhiyao replied with a smile, "I appreciate your concern, Prince Li. Our Prince is doing well as always."

"Is that so?" Mo Jingli said. "I seem to have heard that the Southern Garrison Prince in Xiling seems to be planning to increase troops at the border. Does Prince Ding have any plans?"

Feng Zhiyao responded with a forced smile, "The Prince said he is on vacation and has delegated all affairs to Young Master Qingchen. For that, I’m afraid Your Highness will have to ask Young Master Qingchen."

Mo Jingli, who was quite familiar with Feng Zhiyao, knew that beating around the bush with him was futile. He changed the topic. "Is Third Young Master Feng here to see Old Master Feng?"

Feng Zhiyao responded with a noncommittal shrug. Mo Jingli casually said, "The matter of the Feng Family also concerns Prince Ding’s Mansion to some extent. But my words don’t count in this. Otherwise, I would have made things easier for Third Young Master Feng out of consideration for Prince Ding."

Feng Zhiyao dropped his gaze. Was Mo Jingli implying that he was not the one targeting the Feng Family? If I believe Mo Jingli, then I’m a fool. She’s probably the one being used, isn’t she? What a fool with just a pretty face; no wonder the Prince doesn’t fancy her.

"Thank you for your concern, Prince. I merely came to take a casual look. After all, the Feng Family hardly needs a person who was driven out of their own home to worry about them, isn’t it? I am sure both the Prince and the Noble Consort have more important matters at hand. I will take my leave now." Bowing slightly to Mo Jingli and Noble Consort Liu, Feng Zhiyao prepared to leave.

"Wait," Noble Consort Liu suddenly spoke up.

Feng Zhiyao turned back, looking unfazed at Noble Consort Liu.

With arrogance in her voice, Noble Consort Liu declared, "You cannot leave."

Feng Zhiyao gave a sudden smile. "Why?"

"You dare to trespass into the Ministry of Criminal Justice. Do you think you can come and go as you please?" Noble Consort Liu responded coldly.

So, Noble Consort Liu was just looking for an excuse to keep him here. Feng Zhiyao was not bothered. Nonchalantly, he countered, "What do you want to do? I’m leaving. Can you stop me?" Dealing with the likes of Mo Xiuyao was difficult for Feng Zhiyao. However, it wouldn’t be a problem to deal with Mo Jingli and Noble Consort Liu in this narrow passage.

Before he could finish speaking, Mo Jingli had already subtly stepped aside. He had crossed swords with Feng Zhiyao in his youth and knew he was no match. In this cramped cell, not many guards could come in. It would be embarrassing if Feng Zhiyao seized him or if someone got accidentally hurt.

Naturally, Noble Consort Liu did not plan to take on Feng Zhiyao directly. She sneered, "If you dare to leave, I will kill Feng Huaiting."

Feng Zhiyao lowered his eyes, and after a moment, he sighed helplessly and casually threw a short knife from his sleeve onto the ground, indicating to Noble Consort Liu with open palms that he was unarmed. Noble Consort Liu finally waved in satisfaction, gesturing for her men to seize Feng Zhiyao. At the same time, she instructed, "Bring Feng Huaiting out as well. I’m taking these two away. Is there a problem, Prince Li?"

Mo Jingli replied impatiently, "Whatever. The wealth of the Feng Family is what I am after. Over the past few years, the two sons of the Feng Family have successively taken over the family business. Feng Huaiting’s presence doesn’t matter to me." But, he did give a word of caution, "You better be careful not to be too clever for your own good. If you provoke Mo Xiuyao too much, you won’t need to follow him in death."

Noble Consort Liu snorted in dissatisfaction. Deep down, she didn’t believe Mo Xiuyao would kill her.

"I naturally know where to draw the line."

Feng Zhiyao was taken away without resistance by Noble Consort Liu, and only Feng Huaiting was with him. The rest of the Feng Family was left to Mo Jingli’s disposal. Feng Zhiyao didn’t concern himself with what Mo Jingli planned. At least compared to the half-crazed Mo Jingqi and the self-righteous Noble Consort Liu, Mo Jingli was usually level-headed. As long as Prince Ding’s Mansion’s people were still in Capital City, the lives of these people were assured.

「Inside Prince Ding’s Mansion.」

Mo Xiuyao, who had just received the report from his subordinate, raised his sword-like eyebrows and asked with a smile, "So, Feng Zhiyao was captured by Noble Consort Liu?"

The shadow guard standing several steps away shivered involuntarily. He tried to discreetly back away to escape the Prince’s seemingly calm but icy cold aura, but froze when he met Mo Xiuyao’s smiling eyes. Gathering his courage, he answered, "Prince, not only did Noble Consort Liu capture Third Young Master Feng from the Ministry of Criminal Justice, but she also took away the Feng Family’s Family Head, Feng Huaiting."

Mo Xiuyao huffed lightly without saying anything. Ye Li lifted her hand and covered Mo Xiuyao’s arm, smiling lightly. "Feng Huaiting is after all Feng Zhiyao’s biological father. If he genuinely didn’t care, then he wouldn’t be Feng Zhiyao. How many people in this world truly have hearts of stone and aren’t bothered by anything? No matter how much the Feng Family ignored Feng Zhiyao, Feng Huaiting was still his biological father. It’s impossible for him not to care at all. This is similar to Leng Haoyu. Despite being in the Leng Family, Leng Haoyu’s life may not have been much better than Feng Zhiyao’s. But when he heard Leng Huai was besieged, he still came running like a shot."

Mo Xiuyao rolled his eyes in displeasure, looking somewhat wronged as he looked at Ye Li and said, "I didn’t say I wasn’t going to save Feng Huaiting. What’s with Feng Zhiyao getting himself into this?"

Ye Li laughed and said, "This situation probably caught him off guard. Feng Zhiyao might not have expected that Noble Consort Liu and Prince Li would coincidentally choose that time to go to the Ministry of Criminal Justice. It seems that this time it’s not just the Liu Family who’s after the Feng Family; even Prince Li got involved."

Mo Xiuyao wasn’t surprised at all. "Nowadays, the majority of the power in Capital City is controlled by Mo Jingli. Without his consent, the Liu Family would still have to think twice before acting against the Feng Family. It’s likely not the Liu Family wanting to act against the Feng Family, but Mo Jingli wanting to act against the Feng Family."

Ye Li contemplated and turned to Mo Xiuyao. "The Feng Family’s wealth? Mo Jingli controls the richest parts of Great Chu; after all these years of management, he shouldn’t be short of money."

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "That might not be the case. Although Mo Jingli controls more than half of the south of Great Chu, his foundation remains shallow. Moreover, the region of Jiangnan is filled to the brim with noble families with intricate ties. It won’t be easy for Mo Jingli to get money from them. Besides... maintaining an army is an expensive endeavor."

"You’re saying... Mo Jingli is secretly expanding his army?" Upon hearing this, Ye Li instantly understood but couldn’t help but frown.

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile and said, "Mo Jingli’s desire for the throne is nothing new. Once the new emperor ascends the throne, we’ll return to the Northwest. This King is not interested in playing along."

Ye Li pondered for a moment before replying, "If that’s the case, why must we wait for the ascension of the new emperor?"

"Because this King enjoys causing him discomfort."

"..." As long as Mo Xiuyao remained in Capital City, even if Mo Jingli truly harbored ambitions of usurpation, he wouldn’t dare act on them.

"Prince... Prince..." The subordinate who hadn’t received a response was still standing alone in the hall, pitifully looking at Mo Xiuyao, who seemed to have forgotten his existence.

"Is there anything else?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Finally finding the opportunity to speak, the pitifully anxious messenger hastily relayed the message, "I have just received a message from Noble Consort Liu. She wishes to visit Prince Ding’s Mansion tomorrow morning to discuss several matters and requests that the Prince not refuse her." Afterwards, the speaker, who had not paused for breath even once, exhaled a sigh of relief.

"Noble Consort Liu? A visit? Do not refuse?" Mo Xiuyao asked with a smile.

The messenger was inwardly weeping. Prince, I am only delivering the message. This has nothing to do with me!

Ye Li chuckled and tugged at Mo Xiuyao, then smilingly told the subordinate, "Alright, the Prince has understood. You may leave."

"Many thanks, Princess Consort. I shall take my leave." The relieved man turned around swiftly and disappeared from the doorway of the hall like a flash.

「In an unknown jail cell,」

Feng Zhiyao was lounging indolently on the crude bed. Feng Huaiting, locked up in the neighboring cell, still sat on his bed, meditating, showing no intention of conversing with Feng Zhiyao.

From his seat at the head of the bed, Feng Zhiyao glanced at the man opposite him, now with greying temples, and grunted lightly before striding to the bars and giving them a few strong taps. In no time, a man entered and fixed a wary gaze on Feng Zhiyao, asking, "What does Third Young Master Feng want?"

Feng Zhiyao laughed. "Oh? You recognize me?" Feng Zhiyao’s casual glance passed over the insignificant middle-aged man; he didn’t recognize him. However, it was clear the man’s martial cultivation was not bad. Feng Zhiyao spoke, "Bring a cloak. Do you want me to freeze to death?"

The middle-aged man cast an indifferent glance at Feng Zhiyao, turned around, and left. In a while, he returned, handing Feng Zhiyao an indigo rabbit-skin cloak, before turning again to leave. Feng Zhiyao glanced at the indigo cloak in his hand, chuckled thoughtfully, and with a flick of his wrist, threw it across the cell bars, landing it on Feng Huaiting.

Feng Huaiting opened his eyes, looking for a moment at the cloak lying across him, then turned to Feng Zhiyao. However, Feng Zhiyao, having already sauntered back to his bed and facing the wall, ignored him. It was the middle of March, and the chill was still tangible, particularly in the gloomy dungeon. As he wrapped the cloak around himself, the cold dissipated considerably. Feng Huaiting pulled the cloak around himself in silence, watching the man opposite him in a thin red garment with a rare softness in his eyes.

As a martial artist and a seasoned warrior, Feng Zhiyao was aware of the gaze on him. Though he initially wanted to ignore it out of spite, the persistent attention made him increasingly uncomfortable. Abruptly turning around, he said exasperatedly, "Speak up if you’ve got something to say!" Without waiting for Feng Huaiting’s response, Feng Zhiyao continued, "And don’t overthink. This time, you’ve indeed been dragged down by me. But rest assured, the Feng Family will leave the prison unscathed."

After a long silence, Feng Huaiting finally asked in a grave tone, "What did you do?"

Feng Zhiyao managed to summon an odd smile, his eyes gleaming maliciously on purpose as he gazed at Feng Huaiting. "I kidnapped someone from the palace."

As the Family Head of the Feng Family, Feng Huaiting had his own information network, and even news of someone disappearing from the palace could not evade him. Upon hearing Feng Zhiyao’s words, his color changed slightly. After a long pause, Feng Huaiting solemnly asked, "It has been so many years... Can’t you let it go?"

It was now Feng Zhiyao’s turn to be stunned. He hadn’t expected Feng Huaiting to know about his past feelings. He stared at the man opposite him with a complex expression. After a while, he growled furiously, "That’s none of your business!"

There was a sudden silence in the empty cell, so quiet that even their breaths could be heard. After a while, Feng Huaiting finally spoke, "Are you acting so recklessly because Prince Ding supports you? What will you do if Prince Ding refuses to help or is incapable of helping?"

Feng Zhiyao was taken aback and sneered, "Isn’t it a bit late for you to lecture me now?"

His impulsive behavior had indeed made him feel very guilty, but facing Feng Huaiting’s cold expression and tone made it impossible for him to calm down and speak properly.

Feng Huaiting looked at him placidly for a long time, eventually sighing softly without adding anything more. Gazing blankly at Feng Huaiting, who had closed his eyes again and stopped talking, Feng Zhiyao felt a mix of emotions and was lost in diverse thoughts.