ld winter. It turned colder today, looking like it was about to snow, and it was freezing.Xiao Li handed the brazier up, "She only brought two maidservants with her and is currently drinking tea in th...Feng Linglong’s words, she thought the Crown Princess would thank her, but unexpectedly, she was mocked by her.

"Mother, your maidservant has heard that Feng Lingxi is very good at hiding herself. We mustn't be careless just because we see her on the surface. If she makes a grand appearance on Mother's birthday and ruins Your Grace's celebration, it would be terrible."

Feng Linglong's smile froze slightly as she looked at the coldness on the Empress' face and explained, "Your Majesty, I grew up with Fourth Sister since childhood. She has never learned any skills, unless her master who taught her medicine taught her. Otherwise, she wouldn't have any talent."

The Empress glanced at Feng Linglong, “This Palace believes what you say, but what the Crown Princess said is not impossible either. Otherwise, why would Consort Shu allow her son to marry a useless person.”

"The Empress's teachings, this servant shall heed and be more careful."

Feng Linglong looked at the arrogant expression of the Crown Princess, her fists clenched under her sleeves. One day, she would bring her down.

"This palace heard that your father promoted his concubine to the status of wife, and your third sister is now also a legitimate daughter. Is there such a thing"

Speaking of this, Feng Linglong's clenched fist, her fingernails were even embedded in the flesh.

"Reporting back to Her Majesty, this is indeed the case."

"This palace has heard that Feng Lingxi and your third younger sister have a good relationship"

"They used to have a good relationship, but things seem to have gone wrong after Feng Lingxi's mother passed away. I'm not quite sure what the problem is."

The Empress smiled slightly, took Wind Linglong's hand, and patted it gently, saying, "If it weren't for Wind Lingxi's side, it would be ours."

"I understand."

"You two need to step it up! You have to show some spirit for this palace. Don't lose to Feng Lingxi!"

Feng Linglong subconsciously glanced at the Crown Princess. This period of time, the Crown Prince had been in her room. Even if he were to get pregnant, it would be her who was carrying it.

"This subject obeys your command."

The Crown Princess clenched her fists, looking at the triumphant gleam in Feng Linglong's eyes. If it weren't for Feng Linglong seducing the Crown Prince and leaving her alone in an empty room, she might have had a child with the Crown Prince by now. A cunning woman like her wouldn't let her keep the child even if she had one.

"Get ready, whoever wins against Feng Lingxi, this palace will bestow upon them a great reward."

"Yes."

As the two women left the Phoenix Hall, Feng Linglong looked at the Crown Princess's face and said softly, "Crown Princess, you haven't been to the Fourth Prince's Mansion for several days. Did you have a falling out with the Fourth Princess"

The Crown Princess looked at Feng Linglong's flirtatious gaze and coldly reminded her, "Concubine Feng, don't get too cocky. Don't forget your own status. In the end, you are just a commoner girl, not even as good as your third younger sister. At least she managed to become a legitimate daughter before getting married. I'm afraid after their mother's birthday, her husband will be even higher in rank than yours. By then, among the four Miss Jiang's of the General's Mansion, you'll probably be the only one who is a concubine."

After the crown princess finished speaking, she ignored Feng Linglong's gloomy face and turned to leave.

Teasing her back and thinking she's an easy target Don't get too cocky.

Feng Linglong clenched her fists, watching the back of the Crown Princess leave, her eyes reddened with anger. She coldly said, "Prepare the carriage, we are going to the General's Residence."

Feng Lingxi strolled through the market and then went around Zhang Taiyi's residence. She wanted to go inside to find Zhang Taiyi, but he was not at home, so she had to give up.

"Your Highness, perhaps we should return now. It's getting late."

Feng Lingxi paused her steps and beckoned to Xiaoli, whispering a few words in her ear. Xiaoli responded and then led her back to the Fourth Prince's Mansion, while the people following them also left after arriving at the mansion.

"Your Highness, who are we following Should we tell the King"

"Don't tell him, he's probably very busy these days. Let's observe for a few days. While you have nothing to do, go and see outside the palace. That person will surely appear again."

After that assassination attempt, no one came after her. Today, if she hadn't noticed someone following her, she would have almost forgotten about the assassination attempt that day.

Xiao Li replied, "This servant will do it right away."

Wind Ling-xi returned to her room, thinking about the Empress's birthday celebration in a few days, her brows furrowed.

"Xi'er, you're back."

Dugu Cheng walked into the room and saw her frowning, her handsome brows furrowed. He walked over and sat beside her.

"My lord, the Empress' birthday is coming. Is her gift ready"

"Not ready yet, Xi'er, do you have any good suggestions"

Wind Lingxi looked at him, “I’m not good at this, but you tell me, I can give you some reference.”

On hearing this, Dugu City's face lit up with joy. Xi'er was truly starting to care about him.

"Yesterday, I received a shipment of goods from the Western Regions. Perhaps I could choose something from it to give to the Empress as a birthday gift What do you think"

"Gold and silver jewelry won't do. If we could come up with something new, it would also shut their mouths."

Dugu Cheng thought for a moment, then stood up. "Xi'er, wait for me a moment, this king will be right back."

Du Gucheng went out and came back quickly, with an extra box in his hand. Feng Lingxi was very puzzled looking at the box in Du Gucheng's hand.

"Have a look."

Du Gu Cheng placed the box in front of her. Feng Ling Xi looked at him suspiciously, Du Gu Cheng urged, "Open it and have a look."

Seeing that she didn't make a move, Dugu City directly opened the box. Looking at the shining pearl inside, Feng Lingxi was somewhat surprised, "This is..."

“This luminous pearl is a gift for you. The king just acquired it yesterday.”

Feng Lingxi looked at the fist-sized night pearl, "Why not give it to the Empress as a birthday gift"

"Dugu Cheng chuckled indulgently, "This night pearl can only be given to you. The birthday present, this king is thinking of other ways."

When he saw it yesterday, the first thing that came to mind was to give it to Xi'er. Perhaps she would like it.

"Xier, don't you like this"

Seeing her lack of much reaction, Dugu Cheng's smile stiffened slightly. Feng Ling Xi placed the night pearl into the box, "It's not that I don't like it, it's just that with such a precious night pearl, you didn't give it to your Empress Dowager but to me. If my Empress Dowager knew, wouldn't she be jealous"

Dugu Cheng grinned. "If Mother knows that I gave this to you, she'd praise me, saying that I've learned how to spoil women."

Feng Lingxi was amused by his words. Looking at her smile, Du Gucheng's face became even more joyful. He held her hand, a look of satisfaction on his face, "Xier, you finally smiled. This king hasn't seen your smile in ages."

Since her mother-in-law's faked death, her smile has practically disappeared. Every time he sees her like that, he feels very uncomfortable.

Feng Lingxi this time did not retract her hand, watching him put so much effort into making her happy, how could she not be moved.

"My wife and I went to Dr. Zhang's house today, but he wasn't there."

"Doctor Zhang has taken leave and hasn't been to the Imperial Medical Bureau for several days now."

Dugu City's words caused Feng Ling Xi's face to change. Thinking of the person who had been following her today, would Zhang Taiyi be alrightt despite the biting cold of winter. He felt an unusual heat radiating from him.Luo Li smiled, a sly curve playing on her lips. Her gaze swept over the gathered clansmen. "Since we're all aware, let's...