Feng Yun posed several questions in a row, and Pang Gui answered them all, withholding nothing, his attitude so humble it was as if he had prepared to come to Huaxi to face her interrogation.

"The new and old factions in the court are fighting a life-and-death struggle. Initially, Wei Zheng did not say much, but now the situation has reached a point where he cannot remain silent any longer..."

Protecting the Young Emperor was tantamount to protecting Wei Zheng’s own glory and wealth.

From the moment Wei Zheng chose not to go with Li Sangruo to Yecheng, his future was limited to one path—remaining loyal to the Western Capital Dynasty and wholeheartedly siding with Pei Jue.

Feng Yun watched Pang Gui without giving away her feelings.

"Director Wei has made up his mind."

Pang Gui said, "Director Wei told the Empress Dowager that there was a Doctor Yao in Huaxi Village who specializes in treating complex and miscellaneous diseases..."

Feng Yun smiled briefly, "And Eunuch Xu agrees with this?"

"He has no choice but to agree." Pang Gui spoke with some admiration for his own master. "At this time, the Empress Dowager has few people she can trust. She’s well aware that if anything happens to His Majesty, her fate won’t be pleasant. Even if it means seeking help from a dead horse as if it were a living doctor, she has to try it. Nothing Eunuch Xu says can stop her."

Feng Yun smiled lightly, "Director Wei has indeed waited for a good opportunity."

Pang Gui volunteered further: "My lord asked me to bring a message to the Princess. The debt of gratitude for saving his life at that time will not be forgotten."

Feng Yun gave a slight smile.

Back then, she wasn’t trying to save Wei Zheng’s life; it was clearly for her own sake.

However, she never engaged in acts that harmed others for her own benefit.

If she had a path for herself, she would willingly build a bridge for others along the way...

Feng Yun paused before asking the final question.

"Has the Imperial Cavalry Division received any certain news from the Prince of Yonghuai?"

Pang Gui shook his head, "No."

In fact, Wei Zheng’s initial inaction was also a wait for news from Pei Jue. In recent days, a large number of Imperial Cavalry spies had been dispatched, but in the vast rocky deserts and expansive wilds, they were powerless.

Pang Gui sighed, his eyes dimming with the emotion.

"Princess, please take care of yourself for now."

Feng Yun hummed in agreement, "When do you plan to set out?"

Pang Gui replied: "The sooner, the better."

Feng Yun smiled again, "That will also depend on Doctor Yao’s intent."

-

Doctor Yao was perusing medical texts at home.

They were copies of medical classics that Feng Yun had found in the manor, some content had long been lost, which he hadn’t found despite years of searching, yet the book was exceptionally detailed.

The more Doctor Yao read, the more curious he became about the event of Lu Sanniang bringing five thousand volumes of books as her dowry to the Feng Family years ago, wishing he could delve into those five thousand scrolls...

Feng Yun personally came to visit, and Mrs. Wang led people to the entrance of the pharmacy before Doctor Yao realized it.

The pharmacy had been completed just after spring began. Artisans sent from Changmen, together with people from the village, had helped without asking for a penny; the Yao Family just provided a few meals, and now, right by their home to the left, was built a large space for him to immerse himself in the study of medicines.

Doctor Yao, weary of the conflicts, was very satisfied with his current situation. When he learned he was to treat the Young Emperor, he was very resistant inside.

It was Feng Yun who persuaded him with a single sentence.

"A doctor does not choose his patients, and besides, the life and death of the Young Emperor concern the peace of the entire land..."

This sentence was spoken with solemnity.

But Doctor Yao knew the weight of the matter.

It didn’t matter that Yuan Shangyi was just a six-year-old child; as long as he lived, he was the "mandated" Emperor, and various powers at least would achieve a temporary balance.

If the Young Emperor truly passed away, it would lead to another storm of violence and bloodshed.

Doctor Yao said, "I can go to the Western Capital."

Feng Yun looked at him and shook her head with a smile.

"I know Doctor Yao does not wish to be involved in the court’s disputes, and you also worry about your family in Andu. If you went to the Western Capital, your future would be uncertain, and I would not have you take such risks..."

Doctor Yao was taken aback.

How could he treat the Young Emperor without going to the Western Capital?

Feng Yun said, "Finding a marvelous physician is not an easy task. It is not impossible for the Young Emperor to leave the capital in search of medical treatment."

Doctor Yao was struck dumb again by her suggestion.

"But, has there ever been such a precedent?"

Feng Yun met his gaze, her eyes showing no softness, just a cold sternness.

"If there is no precedent, then create one; precedents are set by people. It takes someone to be the first for there to be a precedent."

Doctor Yao was astounded.

Looking at her confident and determined face, he fell silent for a good while.

What a bold young lady.

He sighed softly, his heart settling on a decision.

For him, of course, not venturing to the Western Capital was the best option. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Andu County, Huaxi Village in Xinzhou, had somehow become a place where he could settle down and live his life, and he was willing to stay forever hidden in this shell, living out the rest of his days in peace with his family.

But he also knew that the person who was upholding this shell was this seemingly fragile woman before him.

Therefore, when it was time to contribute, he could not afford to be vague.

Doctor Yao clenched his fists tightly and bowed deeply before Feng Yun.

"I will follow the Princess’s commands in everything."

-

When Pang Gui left Huaxi, Feng Yun had him take quite a few things to the Western Capital. Luo Yue’s body was getting heavier by the day, and Feng Yun instructed Pang Gui to make sure she knew that she should come back to her maiden home in Andu when she had the chance.

Pang Gui agreed to each request.

Feng Yun sent Ge Guang with more than ten attendants, fearing they were not enough, she also had Ye Chuang select a few personal guards from the Imperial Guard Camp to join them on the journey.

Ye Chuang said, "Once we arrive at Xijing, I will first go to the Beiyong Army’s camp to meet up with old comrades."

Feng Yun smiled, "Good."

Most of the troops that Pei Jue took to Central Capital had followed him to the northwest, but when Ao Qi went to Xijing to arrange for the Imperial Court, he brought around five thousand men, who were now just outside West Capital City.

Ye Chuang carried three secret letters with him on this trip.

One was for the Empress Dowager, one for Ao Zheng, and another for Helian Qian of the Beiyong Army’s camp in Xijing.

All matters that needed to be explained had been settled the night before; Feng Yun saw them off at the entrance to the estate, leaving behind only a face full of smiles.

Ye Chuang’s gaze lingered on her face for a long while, suddenly tinged with wistfulness.

He had never seen any young lady as strong as Feng Yun, as if she had boundless energy, like no hardship could ever crush her...

It’s no wonder the Great General was wildly in love with her.

And no surprise Ao Qi cherished her as if she were his life.

Ye Chuang took a deep breath, mounted his horse, and gave a bow of his hands.

"Princess, take care."

Feng Yun looked at him, smiled silently, and then said to Ge Guang:

"On this trip to Xijing, you will follow the orders of Guard Ye."

Ge Guang bowed, "I understand."

Pang Gui also turned his horse around and saluted Feng Yun.

"There’s no need for the Princess to see us off any further, please go back."

Feng Yun nodded, gave them one last look, and turned back into the house.

There was no time for her to indulge in sorrowful springtime sentiments.

Once the group headed for Xijing had left, Feng Yun summoned Alou and ordered him to clean up a wing by Huaxi Creek in the southern part of the estate, then mobilized some people to work day and night to raise the walls higher and refurbish and expand the buildings into a quiet courtyard...

Alou, unaware of her plans and thinking it was for the lady herself, asked no further questions and directly set out to do the task.

Without pausing for a breather, Feng Yun called for Xing Bing to arrange for someone to investigate the situation in Andu, including Taiping Garden, and, as an afterthought, to pick a cartful of fresh and tender vegetables from the vegetable garden to be delivered to Taiping Garden, claiming it was to offer fresh tastes to the Princess, with a very humble and modest gesture.

By noon, she appeared in Yutangchun with Xiaoman.

He Chuandong came over during lunchtime.

Exchanging a glance with Wen Hui, she then invited him into a private room.

Two guards stood watch outside.

He Chuandong took out a letter from his bosom.

"My father instructed me to deliver this to the Princess," he said.

Feng Yun smiled, "Thank you, He Jun."

In the letter, He Qia expressed his loyalty and informed Feng Yun about the current situation in Xinzhou. He had already communicated with the governors of the five districts of Xinzhou; if someone in Xijing attempted to destabilize the position of Emperor Tian Shou, they would fight to the death with all their might.

Feng Yun calmly put down the letter and asked He Chuandong.

"Are all your family, old and young, in Andu?"

He Chuandong bowed, "Previously, my grandparents and other relatives were in Central Capital, but my father was promoted to governor last year, so he brought my grandparents here. Some uncles remained at the old house in Pingcheng, others are still in Central Capital."

He then glanced at Wen Hui unconsciously.

"I myself have no family yet; there was talk of marriage, but the girl’s family thought little of my joining my father in the military, lacking grand prospects, so they decided to call off the engagement, and since then, it has been delayed..."

Descendants of prominent families could enter officialdom relying on their family status without having to suffer in the military; thus, those who joined the army were seen as having no prospects.

The ongoing warfare had delayed his chances of marriage until He Qia took charge of Andu, and only then did father and son settle down...

He Chuandong spoke earnestly and straightforwardly.

Feng Yun and Wen Hui looked at each other and burst into laughter.

All she wanted to know was whether the He family members were all in Andu, ensuring that, before a fight to the death, the safety of family members at home was secured so they could give their all.

She had not asked about any of these things...

Her eyes twinkled with mirth, "After this matter is settled, shall I play matchmaker for you, He Jun?"

He Chuandong’s cheeks flushed with color, "Having the Princess as a matchmaker would indeed be fortunate."

Feng Yun said, "But the He family is of high standing; I wonder if they would be picky?"

He Chuandong replied, "My father and mother are reasonable; in these chaotic times, we do not care so much about suitable matches. If the person is good, that’s all that matters."

Wen Hui’s head lowered even more.

Feng Yun felt reassured.

This man, who frequented Yutangchun to dine, truly had taken a fancy to the female proprietor.

Were it not for inopportune timing, she would immediately have set about arranging this match and bringing together these two people in love.

"For now, I can only ask for your patience," she said to Wen Hui after He Chuandong had left.

"My lady jests, He Jun may not necessarily have such intentions," replied Wen Hui.

Wen Hui’s eyelashes trembled, her lips pursed, and she let out a slow sigh.

"Never did I imagine I would see such days. As a lowly woman, I am fortunate to follow my lady and not worry about food and clothing; how could I dare to dream of an ideal husband..."

"How is being a woman any different?" Feng Yun smiled, looking at her. Her bright eyes seemed to be filled with strength as if there were flames wildly burning within the calm lakes of her pupils.

"As long as we live, we can dream of anything. We can desire anything."

An eagle flew over the high Andu City Wall, emitting a piercing cry.

Wen Hui raised her eyes to look, catching Feng Yun’s profile.

In the shadows and light, the lady sat upright and composed, seemingly so fragile that a gust of wind might blow her away at any moment, yet so resilient that a sudden surge of vigor and a sense of invincible power awakened in Wen Hui’s heart...