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"Please, Young Lord, your reasoning." Yue Ziyun said with a kind smile.
"I think this," Feng Yinxiao nodded, pausing for a moment before continuing, "actually these four hairpins made of gold, jade, copper, and wood are all exquisite accessories for women, suitable for Seventh Sister. However, Second Master chose this unique method to determine Seventh Sister's marriage, which must contain deep meaning. The wood represents the Five Elements of Seventh Sister's zodiac sign and signifies 'evergreen,' and it must be engraved with Seventh Sister's birth date," Feng Yinxiao said, his affectionate gaze directed at Yun Kexin as he smiled, "which means that whoever holds the Geng Tie signifies the person she will marry."
Yun Kexin lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushed; she admired Feng Yinxiao's keen insight. It was only in that fleeting moment when she saw the wooden hairpin that she understood her father's good intentions. She hadn't expected Feng Yinxiao to express it so clearly and accurately without knowing anything. It seemed she had been overly worried; her father in spirit would surely be pleased.
At this moment, Yue Ziyun and Yun Yang shared the same sentiment as Yun Kexin. They were astonished and incredulous that the Young Marquis, being a military general, could have such meticulous thoughts.
"That's truly wonderful," Yue Ziyun said calmly, her beautiful face radiating appreciation and joy. "Indeed, there are engravings on it that correspond to Seventh Young Lady's Geng Tie. You have grasped Master’s intentions perfectly."
After speaking, Yue Ziyun brought the wooden hairpin before the Crown Prince and Fu Yihang for inspection. Upon seeing it, they noticed that the smooth surface of the hairpin was densely engraved with characters. A closer look revealed it was indeed Yun Kexin's birth date. Fu Yihang's face darkened instantly—his father and mother had not agreed to his attending Yun Kexin's coming-of-age ceremony; he insisted on coming anyway. After much effort to learn that his cousin’s marriage would be decided in this manner, he was unwilling to miss it. He had only thought to choose a golden hairpin according to his own wishes and planned to take Yun Kexin home regardless of his family's disapproval. He never expected such a result; he felt as if he had fallen into an Ice Cellar, regretting his overconfidence and failure to think deeply. At this moment, Fu Yihang truly felt like rushing back to the royal residence to smash cups as Yun Kexin had coldly mocked.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Qin Ke felt deeply that he was not as thoughtful as Feng Yinxiao. Although he had come to similar conclusions as Feng Yinxiao, he could not understand Second Master’s protective feelings for his beloved daughter as thoroughly or timely. Therefore, his earlier reluctance to let go at the last moment seemed rather meaningless now. Feng Yinxiao and Yun Kexin were indeed in sync; otherwise, how could he understand her intentions so well?
Qin Ke raised his eyes and said with relief, "Second Madam, this Prince is sincerely convinced."
Fu Yihang, however, wore a long face and reluctantly moved his lips to say, "I feel the same."
Yue Ziyun smiled and nodded again before walking around with the wooden hairpin in front of the Yun Clan members. Old Lady Zhou and Second Matriarch Qian Clan were left speechless for a while. Meanwhile, Yun Yang and Cloud City felt as if a stone had finally dropped from their hearts. First House Yun Ci and Sun Rulan expressed their "regret" for Yun Kexin—not being able to connect with the Crown Prince—but Sun Rulan secretly rejoiced that such a prestigious matter could not involve Second House or Third House. Only Fu Lianyin could not hide her cold smile beneath her facade of amusement; she somewhat sympathized with her nephew who might be completely unaware of being played.
"Since that's the case, Seventh Young Lady's marriage is settled," Zhou said as she regained her composure from disappointment and casually stated, "She will marry into Duke of Yan's Residence; Yue Clan, you will formally issue the Geng Tie soon."
"Yes, Mother," Yue Ziyun replied with a smile. "I will choose an auspicious day to handle the arrangements."
At this point, the matters concerning the Brocade Box related to Seventh Sister's coming-of-age ceremony came to a close. The Yun Clan dispersed, escorting the Crown Prince to the entrance. Feng Yinxiao intended to accompany the Crown Prince back to the palace, but Qin Ke politely declined, suggesting that the accompanying Imperial Guards should handle it, and he also called for Tong Zhichen.
Inside the Colorful Glazed Canopy carriage, the Crown Prince glanced at the silent Tong Zhichen beside him and jokingly remarked, "Young Master Tong, I am quite surprised that you were not present at this 'competition'."
Tong Zhichen turned around and replied with a faint smile, "I can't very well compete with the Crown Prince for women—"
"Others have the courage; why don't you?" Qin Ke pouted in a playful manner, pretending to be disdainful. "With your attitude, you'll never catch a woman." He paused slightly, noticing the loneliness behind Tong Zhichen's calm demeanor and probed, "I fear it's not just because of me, is it?"
Tong Zhichen smiled lightly and after a moment of silence, candidly said, "Yes! A gentleman does not take what others love; there is also the principle of 'helping others achieve their happiness.'"
Qin Ke widened his eyes in surprise and exclaimed, "You know about Qingyuan Marquis and Seventh Sister? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Tong Zhichen shot a glance at the Crown Prince and replied leisurely, "Five years ago, when Young Lord first came to Tong Mansion to see Seventh Sister, I noticed it. It seemed that Seventh Sister only became shy when facing Young Lord. She just hasn't realized it herself. As for you, Your Highness, back then your eyes were only on Zhen'er. How could I have guessed that you would later turn your attention to Seventh Sister? Before this, when Father, Empress Dowager, and His Majesty wanted to establish Yun Kexin as Consort Qin, I was still half in doubt until I saw you appear in front of the Duke of E State Mansion, which confirmed the rumors."
The Crown Prince fell silent, his gaze fixed on the yellow silk curtain before him for a long time without speaking.
"Your Highness," Tong Zhichen said after a moment of contemplation, "I must speak frankly. I noticed that you initially seemed to favor that wooden hairpin; why did you ultimately choose the jade hairpin? I dare to speculate that you intended to let it go, didn't you?"
Qin Ke smiled wryly and murmured in response, "It could be either way." Seeing the confusion on Tong Zhichen's face, he paused slightly and his expression dimmed as he continued, "Because if Seventh Sister had feelings for me, I wouldn't have done such a foolish thing as 'helping others achieve their happiness.' However, when I was about to choose the wooden hairpin and saw Young Lord holding hands with Seventh Sister, do you know what I felt? They seemed inseparable as if they were one person; there was simply no room for me. So... never mind."
With an appreciative tone, Tong Zhichen remarked, "But I still admire you, Your Highness. You truly care for Seventh Sister, otherwise you wouldn't make such sacrifices—no one would let go of something they could easily possess at the last moment."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Qin Ke's mouth as he replied with difficulty, "Indeed, I have genuine feelings for Seventh Sister. I cannot bear to see her forced into the palace while her heart belongs to another."
Tong Zhichen said nothing more, simply placing a hand over the Prince's wrist, smiling silently.
A few days later, Feng Yinxiao requested an audience with the Prince, and Qin Ke met him in the Imperial Garden.
After exchanging greetings, Feng Yinxiao took out an accessory from his waist and said, "Your Highness, this is a gift from Seventh Sister, and she asked me to express her thanks to you."
The Prince accepted it and recognized it as a finely crafted Dragon Sparrow Ringed Blade ornament. He asked curiously, "What is this…?"
"This is a keepsake from her biological father," Feng Yinxiao said, gazing fondly at the beautiful ornament in Qin Ke's palm. He smiled gently and continued, "It was given to me on her birthday three years ago."
Qin Ke was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Since it was already given to Commander, why is it being passed on to me today?"
Feng Yinxiao looked at Qin Ke for a moment before kneeling on one knee and said, "I thank Your Highness once again for your generosity. To present such a precious item is both my sincerity and Seventh Sister's intention. I earnestly request that Your Highness accept it."
"Commander, please rise!" Qin Ke smiled lightly and then glanced at the item in his palm—he hadn't expected these two to exchange such a valuable gift. He felt a stirring in his heart and said, "Then I shall not be polite and will accept it."
"Prince Xie!" A weight lifted off Feng Yinxiao's heart as he stood respectfully beside him.
"When do you plan to get married?" The Prince asked as he walked through the Imperial Garden with Feng Yinxiao.
"In Golden Autumn October," Feng Yinxiao nodded while maintaining a certain distance. "We will formally announce our engagement then."
Qin Ke smiled and paused to say, "That's wonderful; congratulations to you both." His tone was straightforward but could not hide the melancholy and loneliness within. "My wedding with Princess Nalan Lan is at the end of this month. It's a pity that Seventh Sister has come of age and cannot attend; otherwise, you two could come together."
Feng Yinxiao restrained his expression, a hint of sympathy flashing in his ink-black eyes as he said, "Your Highness, I... also wish you well."
Qin Ke merely nodded with a half-smile and continued to walk with Feng Yinxiao in the Imperial Garden without further words.
****
As Yun Kexin had anticipated, the moment Fu Yihang returned to the royal residence that day, he went on a rampage, smashing cups and throwing things around.
The attendants or servants who were hit did not dare to speak up or step forward to clean up until he grew tired. Fu Yueze and Wang Ling watched this unfold, feeling frustrated by their precious son's "foolishness," yet they were unwilling to intervene too much, simply letting him vent before allowing him to wholeheartedly marry another woman.
Just as his mood had calmed down a bit, he heard that Feng Yinxiao was going to marry Seventh Sister in October, and he immediately seemed to lose his mind again, running wild in the royal residence and causing trouble for anyone he encountered.
"Hang Er, stop!" Just as Fu Yihang was about to strike a servant with a stick, Wang Ling rushed over and shouted, "Put that down!"
"Mother, how am I not as good as Feng Yinxiao? In what way?" Fu Yihang slammed the stick onto the ground in anger and shouted furiously, "Isn't he just a Palace Front Commander? What's so great about that!"
"Aunt told you not to go, but you insisted," Fu Lianyin had come specifically to check on her nephew's recent "abnormal" behavior after learning about it. Following Wang Ling, she mocked him coldly and scolded, "Knowing full well that Seventh Sister has had 'private dealings' with Feng Yinxiao for a long time, you're still wasting your thoughts on her. Aunt tells you that last time's incident might have been a play staged by the Second House." Since they were at her maternal home, the Fu Family spoke without reservations. "Feng Yinxiao likely knew about the Brocade Box long ago; otherwise, how could it be so coincidental that he was chosen..."
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