The Slender Waist-Chapter 643 - 464 Xijing Turbulence

The procession traveled to West Capital City through the bitter cold of the twelfth lunar month.

Since that night, Feng Yun had been paying particular attention to Jin Shuang and Pin Shuang, trying to find some clue as to who had sent them...

But the result was...

Nothing at all.

She and Pin Shuang were both very proactive and cautious in their work.

In both their duties and personal conduct, there was almost nothing to criticize.

They didn’t even make an effort to interact excessively with their master.

They treated everyone in the troop equally, regardless of their rank.

They were enthusiastic, kind, responsible, always fearful that they weren’t doing well enough and couldn’t repay the kindness they received, so they were extremely careful...

Such girls were naturally likable and even evoked sympathy.

Everyone took good care of them; Jiu You, in particular, wished he could place Jin Shuang at the very top of his heart...

Watching all this, Feng Yun wasn’t sure whether to be glad that her kindness hadn’t been misplaced or to feel disappointed in her own hypersensitive sense of vigilance...

You can’t trust completely, yet you can’t not trust.

Her eyebrows furrowed without her realizing.

Xiaoman handed a hand warmer to Feng Yun.

"Lady, Jiu You and Jin Shuang are quite a match."

"Is that so?" Feng Yun stared at her, "As much as you and Zuo Zhong?"

"Lady..."

Xiaoman bashfully lowered her head.

Ever since she let go of her reservations and agreed to the marriage, she had become extremely shy over the past few days, not only avoiding Zuo Zhong but appearing guilty as a thief whenever someone mentioned him.

Feng Yun looked at her with a bit of amusement.

"Worry about yourself. Once the new year starts, I’ll take care of your wedding."

Xiaoman’s heart fluttered, "But if Jiu You asks Lady to betroth Jin Shuang to him, would you agree? I wish... for them both to be happy."

Feng Yun lifted her eyebrows.

Compared to guards like Zuo Zhong and Ye Chuang, Jiu You was outspoken and enthusiastic, saying what was on his mind. If Jin Shuang indeed was good, she would certainly be willing to help...

"Let’s wait and see."

Feng Yun would judge a person based on her feelings but would not convict someone based on them.

Jin Shuang had a captivating appearance, but judging a person by their looks wasn’t appropriate.

After all, she herself had been "convicted" by her looks by countless others; she didn’t want to become someone she disliked...

-

When they arrived in West Capital City, it was already the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month.

The New Year was approaching, and West Capital City was decorated with lanterns and streamers, bustling with activity.

The return of the Imperial Carriage revitalized the court and the public. With the Grand Princess and the Prince of Yonghuai accompanying, as well as the Prince of Yonghuai’s wife, who lived in the spit and stars of people, countless others wanted to catch a glimpse of her peerless beauty...

From the day the news arrived, people had secured spots along the route early to await the entrance of the Imperial Carriage into the city and witness it.

Even the Empress Dowager, who had been ailing for many days, had risen from her sickbed, donned her court attire, led the civil and military officials personally, and went out of the city to welcome them...

"Here they come, the Imperial Carriage has arrived."

The crowd was abuzz, with excitement and people standing on their toes.

A distant trot of hooves, the steady beat signaling the approach of the carriage with its creaking wheels...

The crowd quieted for a moment, extremely solemn.

It was as if everyone’s gaze was fixed on that line of troops that seemed to emerge from the horizon.

Today the weather was clear, with the warm sun shining like fire.

The returning entourage was neatly arranged, resembling a moving serpent, slowly advancing.

Behind the Imperial Carriage, Pei Jue was clad in dark armor, his black hair set under a crow-black cap, mounted on the majestic Ta Xue, his expression astonishingly cold, and equally astonishingly handsome.

A large flag with the character "Pei" flapped in the cold wind, seemingly even more imposing than the royal banners...

Feng Yun, having traveled so many days, was exhausted and lay in the carriage, motionless.

Xiaoman, curious, lifted a corner of the curtain, whispering excitedly:

"Lady, many people are praising the Prince for his valor..."

Feng Yun looked out the window following her gaze.

Many commoners had arrived, kept outside by the long spears of the Imperial Guards.

Amidst the sound of music and ceremony, many people were whispering to each other.

Even with the Imperial Guards in front, the crowd’s whispered speculations could not be stifled.

Pei Jue certainly had an imposing presence.

Especially when mounted on horseback, his aura was sharp, and he seemed to radiate light.

But with the Imperial Carriage leading, the one who should receive the commoners’ praise was not a prince with authority over the army.

Feng Yun felt a sinking in her heart and a chill up her spine.

Had she become too sensitive lately?

Why did she keep having this false sensation, always worrying that someone was plotting against them?

"Hail to His Majesty’s return to court—"

"Hail to His Majesty!"

The ministers bowed in unison, and the commoners followed with a chorus of long live the Emperor.

As Feng Yun pondered, the curtain of the carriage moved, and a voice came through.

"Lady Yun."

Xiaoman pulled back the curtain to reveal the face of Pei Jue.

He rode alongside the carriage and said indifferently, "Get out of the carriage and pay respects to the Empress Dowager."