The Slender Waist-Chapter 433 - 314: Undercurrents Surge

"We’re all friends here, no need for formalities."

Feng Yun’s smile was sparse as she glanced at Kong Yun’e, noticing a slight blush on her cheeks, which told her all she needed to know.

In her absence, Jin Ge must have been taking good care of his childhood friend.

Jin Ge bowed respectfully.

"May I know why the Princess had summoned me here?"

Earlier that day, Feng Yun had sent Ge Guang to deliver congratulatory noodles to Ren Rude, without really saying anything special; however, by keeping Kong Yun’e behind after nightfall, Jin Ge understood.

Feng Yun preferred dealing with intelligent people, her gaze softening considerably.

"Please, take a seat." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Jin Ge complied, sitting not too far nor too close across from them, his hands resting on his knees, his back straight—clearly a trained individual.

Feng Yun smiled briefly.

"Is Mr. Ren’s hometown Jinyang?"

Jin Ge replied, "Yes."

Feng Yun continued, "Then why didn’t he go back home for the New Year’s celebration?"

Jin Ge shook his head, "It seems there’s not many people left at home."

Feng Yun looked at him with a peculiar smile, as if asking or probing something, yet her tone was unusually certain.

"How many of you are there, lurking in Andu County?"

Jin Ge’s eyes darkened, his fingers resting on his knees reflexively tensing slightly before relaxing again; he hesitated before informing Feng Yun.

"There are five hundred men, scattered across various trades, at Mr. Ren’s disposal. But I am not privy to the specific names, only Mr. Ren knows."

Five hundred men?

Feng Yun was prepared but still startled by the number.

Xiao Cheng, a man with numerous schemes in his mind.

How could he miss out on using such an opportunity during such a delicate time in Dajin’s Central Capital?

In Feng Yun’s eyes, although Xiao Cheng’s conduct left much to be desired, he was invariably clear-headed when it came to handling affairs.

If Jin Country allowed Li Sangruo, that woman, to govern and meddle, it would sooner or later be devoured entirely by Xiao Cheng.

She pondered, emitting a nonchalant grunt.

"In recent days, many noble families and common folk took the opportunity of the New Year to move south out of Andu, that must be Mr. Ren’s doing, right?"

Jin Ge remained silent for a moment, then slowly lifted his head to meet Feng Yun’s gaze.

"The Princess might not be inclined to believe what I say. In truth, Mr. Ren doesn’t entirely trust me, especially after the battle in Bingzhou; I couldn’t participate in many matters... As far as I know, Mr. Ren is well-connected, with wide social networks, and meets with friends often to discuss things outsiders can’t comprehend..."

Feng Yun detected Jin Ge’s reservations.

After all, he was trained by Xiao Cheng’s household. Even if reluctantly switching allegiance, it was only natural for him to still harbor a protective sentiment towards his former master...

She smiled, saying no more.

Knowing that Xiao Cheng had embedded so many agents, that was all she needed to understand.

If Andu was like this, other counties, including Xinzhou, were probably no different.

After Jin Ge left in the heavy snow, Kong Yun’e sat for a while longer, conversing with Feng Yun.

Ever since the village started a sewing workshop, she had been working with Ying Rong and seemed much more cheerful than before, with several single men in the village looking to propose, only to be politely turned down by her.

Before she left, she insisted on giving Feng Yun a gold bracelet wrapped in a brocade bag.

"I missed your wedding, so I couldn’t come to congratulate you. This was prepared for you."

When they were little, they both had fantasized about what it would be like to attend each other’s weddings.

But when Kong Yun’e got married, Feng Yun happened to be accompanying her father on an assignment to Andu, and their friendship had grown distant. She sent a gift in her stead, unable to attend in person.

Feng Yun’s wedding took place in Bingzhou, and Kong Yun’e did not have the chance to attend. This time, Feng Yun had returned, and she melted down her own gold jewelry to craft this bracelet.

It was the best thing she could offer now.

"Why so formal with me?"

Feng Yun met her humble eyes, pausing for a moment before breaking into a smile.

"I’ll accept the gift. But no more such extravagance in the future. Hengyang is still young, and there will be plenty of expenses ahead. You need to save."

Kong Yun’e smiled faintly.

"Here in Changmen, there’s not much I need to spend money on..."

In the village, everyone took good care of the widow and orphan. Kong Yun’e was capable, the second best at embroidery after Ying Rong the seamstress; besides, she was from a wealthy family, knew many things, liked to help others and was recognized as Feng Yun’s close friend. She was well-liked and respected; her lodging, food, and essentials were all provided by the village. With Hengyang studying at the family school in the village, she indeed didn’t have much to spend.

But the most important change wasn’t material, it was spiritual.

In Changmen, there was work for everyone. As long as they didn’t break Feng Yun’s rules, they could live comfortably, independently. There was no discrimination or competition, not even a sense of hierarchy...