The Slender Waist-Chapter 583 - 419 Sincere Goodness

Feng Yun had no personal animosity toward Cui Zhi, and even though she was Li Sangruo’s niece, she wouldn’t take it out on her.

A girl in her teens, how much could she understand...

She would feel sympathy for her, just like Wen Hui and the others did.

But that was all.

"County Lord," she helped the weeping Puyang Yi to her feet, "you should go to the Grand Princess, her word... carries more weight than mine..."

Puyang Yi shook her head, sobbing as she inhaled sharply.

"Mother refuses... and won’t let me intervene... Lady Yun, no one else can help her."

Feng Yun said, "I can’t help, and I won’t help."

Her clear refusal dealt a heavy blow to Puyang Yi, and her tears fell uncontrollably like pearls off a string.

"Why, why must they be so cruel, when Azhi clearly hasn’t done anything wrong..."

Feng Yun gently stroked her back and said indifferently, "County Lord is kind-hearted. You wish to lend a hand to anyone in trouble, which I admire and appreciate..."

When Feng Yun was in distress, Puyang Yi hadn’t stood idly by either.

In both her past and present life, Puyang Yi was a person of extreme kindness, simple and pure, wishing only that no innocent person would get hurt.

Feng Yun was willing to protect that kindness...

"But this matter is deeply intricate, the Grand Princess must have already mentioned it to you."

Puyang Yi’s eyes brimmed with tears, "Is there really no other way?"

Feng Yun pondered a moment, "Not necessarily."

Puyang Yi’s eyes lit up, and she clutched Feng Yun’s hand.

"What way? Lady Yun, please tell me, quickly..."

Feng Yun said, "Find a master willing to take her in, whether as a slave or a concubine, so long as they treat her well, life won’t be too hard to bear."

Puyang Yi’s smile faded from her face.

"In the Imperial Court, whether civilians or military men, princes or ministers, all seek benefits and shun harm. Who would step forward now to take in the Empress Dowager’s niece of Yecheng..."

Moreover, Cui Zhi didn’t possess extraordinary beauty that might tempt a man to take a risk.

Without something to gain, there would be no finding such a foolish person.

Puyang Yi racked her brains but couldn’t think of anyone who should come forward.

To her surprise, Feng Yun looked at her and said lightly, "Yourself."

Puyang Yi froze, staring at Feng Yun, and it took her a while to process the suggestion.

"Me?"

She had only thought of men taking Cui Zhi, but it never occurred to her that she could also ask for an official slave herself.

But her joy was short-lived as her expression once again darkened.

"Mother will never agree."

Feng Yun said, "Act first, report later."

-

No sooner had Puyang Yi left than Pei Jue returned, accompanied by Wen Xingsu.

They encountered each other at the entrance, but Puyang Yi, preoccupied with her thoughts, didn’t notice them. Hearing the hoofbeats, she headed home without looking back.

Wen Xingsu observed her hasty departure without a word.

After entering the house and learning the truth from Feng Yun’s mouth, he was slightly surprised.

Anyone clever would avoid any association with Cui Zhi’s case at such a time, lest they invite censure, let alone sever ties with the Cui Family...

But Puyang Yi was sincerely straightforward.

After Feng Yun explained the situation, she couldn’t help but laugh and sigh.

"If the Grand Princess finds out I encouraged the County Lord like this, she might blame me."

Pei Jue remained noncommittal.

While servants were serving dishes, Feng Yun paused for a moment from discussing Cui Zhi’s matter because she hadn’t heard the two brothers inside the house speak and found it somewhat strange.

"Have you two mastered the art of silence?"

Wen Xingsu chuckled.

"I was listening to you speak."

Pei Jue: "So was I."

Feng Yun huffed playfully, a smile crossing her face as she surveyed them both.

"Since the topic has been brought up, I won’t hold back."

She stepped up to Pei Jue, gave a formal bow with her hands clasped together, her voice clear and pleasant.

"Huaxi Wharf has been dug, and the work on wells and canals in the counties is in full swing, which has solved some of the villagers’ water supply and irrigation issues, and there’s more..."

She looked at Pei Jue, her lips pursed in a slight smile.

"I won’t list all the things I’ve done for the Imperial Court, right?"

Pei Jue made an affirming sound and nodded.

"The promotion Lady Yun desires, I have already thought it through."

He glanced at Wen Xingsu and added quietly, "On the way back, I even discussed it with General Wen, but we need Lady Yun’s consent first."

A promotion that required the recipient’s agreement?

Feng Yun narrowed her eyes slightly, "From that statement, I can tell that this promotion isn’t worth much..."

Who wouldn’t take on a beneficial opportunity?

Her directness amused both Pei Jue and Wen Xingsu.

Wen Xingsu said with a soft smile, "Lady Yun, you’ve misunderstood the Great General this time. He is sincerely and wholeheartedly seeking an official position for you, having taken great pains."

Feng Yun lifted her gaze, looking first to one and then to the other.

"Since the elder brother has said this, I shall look forward to it. May I ask, Great General, what exactly is the position you’ve secured for me?"

Pei Jue said, "Chief Historian of the Royal Mansion."

Feng Yun froze for a moment, temporarily unsure what to say.

The Chief Historian of the Royal Mansion was a formal official. Of course, it was a much more significant position than an insignificant Village Chief, but the Chief Historian of a royal mansion was equivalent to the head butler of the mansion, handling all of its internal and external affairs. To put it more bluntly, at best, it was just like being a chief aide to Pei Jue himself, devising plans and strategies for him.

The Chief Historian of Prince of Yonghuai Residence held a high status.

However, the role was essentially limited to being around Pei Jue...

When all was said and done, Pei Jue’s offer not only promoted her but also secured a competent chief steward for himself. It truly was killing two birds with one stone.

Seeing her silently staring at him, Pei Jue’s eyebrows slightly lifted.

"Lady Yun, you won’t accept?"

Feng Yun gave a faint smile, "Why wouldn’t I accept?"

Wasn’t this what she had wanted when she first entered the Beiyong Army camp?

Now she had become Pei Jue’s strategist and had even ascended to the position of chief aide all at once. What was there to be unsatisfied with?

Of course, the most crucial point was that she had realized seeking other positions not only posed difficulties for Pei Jue but also required turning the Imperial Court of Xijing upside down...

"Thank you, Your Highness." She bowed her respects, her expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

Pei Jue exchanged a glance with Wen Xingsu.

"The official appointment will be announced in a few days. Today, since General Wen has returned, let’s celebrate in advance," Pei Jue said.

Feng Yun grinned, "That sounds good, but there’s one question I have..."

Pei Jue said, "Speak."

Feng Yun looked at him with a teasing smile.

"May I ask, Your Highness, where is your royal mansion?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Jue was stunned.

Wen Xingsu couldn’t help but suppress a chuckle, coughing lightly into his fist to maintain his composure.

In Xijing, naturally, there would be a royal mansion.

Therefore, Pei Chong lived there.

But they were in Andu.

Originally, it was possible to convert the Grand General Residence into a royal mansion, but it was currently undergoing renovations to become the Emperor’s retreat...

Pei Jue himself had even been called a "son-in-law living in," so how could he have a royal mansion?

Pei Jue said seriously, "Once the official documents arrive, Tan Dajin will come to transition various domestic duties to Lady Yun. At that time, it will trouble Lady Yun to manage everything. If a royal mansion needs to be built, you will be in charge of it."

Another situation of achieving two goals with one action.

Feng Yun raised an eyebrow, "Isn’t that taking someone’s position? If I become the Chief Historian of the Royal Mansion, what will Tan Dajin do?"

Pei Jue’s lips curved into a smile, "I have other arrangements."

Feng Yun made a light ’oh’ sound, still smiling.

"Very well, I shall leave everything to the General’s arrangements."

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Feng Yun felt this was also a type of "promotion."

At least, she had moved from Pei Jue’s bed to his hall.

Indeed, that was cause for celebration.

That night, she set up a banquet at Changmen Village.

Originally meant to be a small dinner for three, she felt it was not lively enough, so she called over all the courtesans staying in the village...

He Chuandong came to the village to pick up his wife and stumbled upon the festivities, where he was pulled into the banquet.

While Pei Jue and Wen Xingsu sat properly, he alone sat at the lower end, feeling awkward.

But soon enough, He Chuandong realized his mistake.

The courtesans were not seeking to please Pei Jue and General Wen; instead, they were completely focused on Feng Twelve Niang...

Even his own wife behaved likewise.

Wen Hui’s attention seemed constantly fixed on Feng Yun.

She was always mindful of what Feng Yun ate, what she drank, and if she needed anything...

The care she showed him was never as attentive as this.

He Chuandong was utterly dumbstruck.

What shocked him even more was that Wen Hui refused to return home with him.

She said, "Tomorrow morning, I’m going to Yutangchun, and it’s easier to go straight from the village in the ox cart. Going back home would only be troublesome."

He Chuandong hesitated for a second, "Are you upset with me and my father over the issue with Mistress Yang San?"

Wen Hui looked briefly astonished, then laughed and shook her head.

"How could I dare to be upset with my husband and father-in-law? That’s not the case at all. It’s just that I haven’t been back to the village for a while, and I want to spend more time with Lady Twelve Niang and the sisters..."

She then playfully tugged at He Chuandong’s hand.

"Please return first, my lord. I will return home after closing up the shop tomorrow. As for my father, you’ll have to smooth things over for me."

He Chuandong replied gloomily and then suddenly said:

"Mistress Yang San is no longer in Andu."

Wen Hui looked surprised. "Where did she go?"

He Chuandong said, "I’ve heard people say that the Marchioness of Xuanping doesn’t want to dwell on painful memories in Andu. She’s packed her valuables and is prepared to take Mistress Yang San back to the Central Capital..."

The Central Capital was no longer what it used to be.

But the Marquis Xuanping Residence was still there, as were the Marchioness’s past.

Wen Hui nodded without asking further. After exchanging a few words of pleasantries with He Chuandong, she escorted him to the gate of the village before turning back.

However, when she spoke to Feng Yun about this matter.

Feng Yun’s expression changed at the mention of it.

"It sounds reasonable, but why do I feel... something isn’t right?"