Chapter 743 – Changshou Wang Declares Himself Emperor (Part Three)
Hui Jun was taken aback. Why did the Young Master want to summon Feng Zhen?
Could it be that the Young Master not only wanted to squeeze out Feng Zhen’s intellect and physical strength but also wanted him to sell his looks?
Jiang Pengji noticed her expression and laughed, “Is your Young Master really that kind of person? Zishi was just complaining about having no time to rest, no time to chase after women, and was even looking for beauties and fine wines from me. Now there’s a noblewoman delivered right to his door—what a delightful encounter!”
Though it was clearly the same situation, the way Jiang Pengji said it turned the whole thing upside down.
After all, the Crown Princess had a special status; even if she came willingly, she was not on the same level as an ordinary woman.
Hui Jun caught the teasing and sarcasm in Jiang Pengji’s words and covered her mouth with her sleeve, her beautiful eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Your Young Master might end up disappointed…”
Jiang Pengji asked, “Oh? Disappointed about what?”
“I believe someone like Feng Zhen, who sees things clearly, should know which women are suitable for fun and which should be avoided. He must have his own set of principles. The Crown Princess has a unique identity—ordinary men might not mind, but being the Young Master’s subordinate, how could he dare to get involved with such a sensitive and problematic woman?”
Even if Jiang Pengji wanted to throw Feng Zhen out as a “scapegoat,” Feng Zhen would still put on an “immaculate” act and refuse to comply.
Listening to Hui Jun’s serious analysis, Jiang Pengji suddenly burst out laughing.
“Haha, don’t worry! I summoned Zishi to discuss matters, not to sell his boyish charm. Even if I wanted to, I’d worry that the Crown Princess wouldn’t be willing!” Jiang Pengji stopped laughing, her brilliant eyes still shining with light.
Hui Jun’s cheeks flushed red as she huffed, “You Young Master really knows how to poke fun. If you didn’t speak in such a misleading way, I wouldn’t have made a fool of myself.”
Just then, footsteps from Feng Zhen approached.
Having a nominal position as an official, Feng Zhen wasn’t dressed as casually as before and looked somewhat more serious.
Hui Jun then bowed and retreated to the back hall.
After Feng Zhen saluted, he sat upright and asked, “I wonder why my Lord summoned me in such haste?”
With many vacancies in the court, Jiang Pengji had managed to secure a title equal to that of a two-thousand stone Zhong Langjiang, with a salary similar to a Governor. Although she was a military official, in this special period she didn’t have actual military power, making it just a pleasant-sounding nominal position that facilitated her movements in court.
Jiang Pengji explained the invitation from the Crown Princess, straightforwardly talking about the suggestive fragrance that wafted from the invitation.
To her surprise, Feng Zhen smirked mischievously and teased, “With such a good opportunity, my Lord might as well just go.”
After all, the Crown Princess was the most esteemed female leader in the nation, after the Empress, Empress Dowager, and Grand Empress Dowager.
Jiang Pengji rolled her eyes in irritation, “Stop pretending to be dumb. If your Lord could attend the banquet, why would I need you here?”
Feng Zhen nearly bowed down, realizing the deeper meaning in his Lord’s words.
He stated firmly, “My Lord, I will not sell my looks!”
Feng Zhen put on an expression as if he was valiantly defending his honor, making Jiang Pengji wish to smack him.
The audience was thoroughly entertained, enjoying the show as they sent in hilarious comments.
【Silent Observer】: Quick, Feng Zhen! Your lady is coming; don’t be shy! Go get the Crown Princess!
【Scholar with Duck Pears】: Tsk tsk tsk, this is the year-end reward issued by my Lord, and the recipient is none other than the Crown Princess. So many people would kill for this perk. Not to call him out, but Feng Zhen discussing integrity and honor is like a bald man discussing hair care—hilarious!
【Lotus Flower】: The streamer is truly mischievous, leading Feng Zhen to trouble. I actually feel a bit sorry for him, having to quit the Cold Food Powder because of the streamer’s shenanigans. Always so busy, he has no time for flowers, wine, and merriment, working hard and feeding tigers instead; feels like a pity for a moment.
【Jianghu Slayer】: Feng Zhen stretches out his hand towards the door in despair, tears on his face, murmuring: Jing Rong, save me—
Faced with the entire screen of teasing, Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but laugh.
“With that little allure of yours, the Crown Princess wouldn’t even look your way. Even if she did, tsk tsk…” Jiang Pengji scrutinized Feng Zhen from head to toe, saying meaningfully, “They say women in their thirties are like wolves and tigers; this Crown Princess still retains her charm, just halfway past her prime. Zishi used to indulge in too much Cold Food Powder and is now rather feeble; I’m worried she might drain your energy dry, leaving you too weak to move.”
Feng Zhen wore a face of utter despair.
He must be serving a fake lord.
Jiang Pengji cleared her throat, setting aside her mischief, and said seriously, “Alright, I called you here to discuss important matters, no more jokes.”
Feng Zhen straightened, “The Crown Princess has sent the invitation. Will my Lord attend or not?”
“Of course, I shall go. The Emperor’s eldest grandson is too young to govern, and with a strong mother and weak son, it will be difficult to avoid a regency.” Feng Zhen’s expression was serious, showing no sign of teasing, his jet-black eyes gleaming with intelligence and calculation. “If we want to stabilize the court, the Crown Princess must rely on the powerful lords and win over the court officials. Now that she has sent an invitation, that is likely her intent. It’s just a pity that my Lord might end up disappointing her.”
Feng Zhen could indeed understand the Crown Princess’s approach; simple interests wouldn’t satisfy her. Adding a layer of personal relations could solidify the cooperation, dressing the manipulation as something more respectable. Yet, his Lord’s gender was identical to that of the Crown Princess.
“What do you mean by saying the Crown Princess is willing to sacrifice? If your Lord dares to accept her, then it’s clearly your Lord who is willing to sacrifice. A stubborn old bull trying to munch on tender grass will surely be the one to suffer!” Jiang Pengji laughed without restraint, “You’re coming with me to the Crown Princess’s estate!”
The Crown Princess herself may not be worth pursuing, but the obvious benefits shouldn’t go unclaimed.
Feng Zhen was taken aback, “Does my Lord want to reconsider?”
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “It’s merely a show of diplomacy; your Lord is not incapable. Given my current merits and military strength, securing the title of Wanzhou Mu wouldn’t be difficult. However, the other lords wouldn’t like to see that happen and would likely interfere, causing disturbances. If I can maneuver through the Crown Princess, letting her assist from the sidelines, this matter will be nearly guaranteed. It’d be a shame to pass up such a free opportunity.”
Feng Zhen bowed deeply, “Understood.”
Chenzhou’s royal city had been looted, and so had the Crown Princess’s estate.
Jiang Pengji followed the servant’s lead to the banquet garden.
Feng Zhen, as her attendant, quietly relayed, “I heard the Crown Princess’s estate was ransacked, leaving the treasury empty. It’s hard to imagine how extravagant it must have been before the looting, looking so splendid now.”
