This man really knew how to push his luck; he just went ahead and kissed her, completely spoiled.
"Do you want to know how His Majesty dealt with the Third Prince today?"
Feng Jin's thoughts were immediately drawn to Ling Mohan, and she completely forgot what had just happened. "How was he dealt with?"
"He was fined a year's salary and given a verbal reprimand."
Her previously high spirits plummeted instantly. Feng Jin said sarcastically, "Emperor Xuanwen is truly biased. Delaying the army's march would be a death sentence for anyone else, yet Chu Yanxi is punished so lightly. He's worried about chilling the hearts of the other princes."
It was true that those who are favored are emboldened. It was all because the Third Prince had a favored mother, who happened to be Emperor Xuanwen's white moonlight from his youth.
Even if Chu Chenyi committed a monstrous mistake, with the Empress present, a few words of plea, a whisper in his ear, and a few drops of tears, Emperor Xuanwen would immediately soften and surrender, forgetting all his previous anger.
"His Majesty's handling of this matter was indeed unfair, and it caused an uproar in the court. Many ministers raised objections, but they were all suppressed by His Majesty."
Ling Mohan also felt dissatisfied with the outcome, but since it was His Majesty's decision, and the imperial decree had been issued, no amount of anger would change it.
"It's all because His Majesty is too biased. If this matter of delaying the army and military affairs had happened to another prince, they would have been stripped bare even if they weren't killed. Ultimately, it's still His Majesty's favoritism."
She had originally intended to use this matter to completely corner Chu Yanxi, but who would have expected Emperor Xuanwen to be so biased and foolish?
With Emperor Xuanwen's favor and the Empress's support in the harem, Chu Yanxi would not be easily overthrown, unless he committed an unforgivable crime that even Emperor Xuanwen could not protect him from.
"Who committed the greatest crime, a crime punishable by death?"
Feng Jin uttered this question lightly, causing Ling Mohan to pause slightly. "Only rebellion."
After a moment, Ling Mohan finally understood Feng Jin's meaning. "I advise you to dismiss this idea. Chu Yanxi, as foolish as he is, wouldn't dare to rebel."
If the situation continued to develop as it was, as long as Chu Yanxi didn't make any major mistakes and maintained his usual demeanor, there was a seventy to eighty percent chance the throne would be his. Chu Yanxi wouldn't be foolish enough to rebel.
"That's not necessarily true. Don't forget, even a cornered rabbit will bite." Feng Jin was dismissive of Ling Mohan's words. "Chu Yanxi is proud and impatient. If he knew that the throne, which was originally within his grasp, was being snatched away bit by bit by others, how do you think he would react? Would he choose to hand it over willingly, or would he fight to snatch it back at all costs?"
After a moment of thought, Ling Mohan lowered his voice. "Naturally, he would fight for it."
"Then that's exactly it. We only need to set a few traps, lure the enemy in, and leave them with no way out, so we can catch them all in one net."
To put it plainly, this was a psychological battle. Given Chu Yanxi's personality, he definitely wouldn't be able to stand it, his own possessions being taken by others.
Therefore, as soon as he realized that Chu Chenyi was threatening his position, he would naturally take action to destroy everything.
A flicker of surprise flashed in Ling Mohan's eyes as he gazed at Feng Jin in a daze. She actually had such a plan, and she constantly brought him pleasant surprises.
"Tell Chu Chenyi about this, and make sure he cooperates fully. Have him pick on Chu Yanxi now and then, slowly provoking him."
Feng Jin's strategy was truly a scheme to the heart. Upon hearing it, Ling Mohan couldn't help but shudder.
"Women and petty people are difficult to deal with," the saying was absolutely true. It was better not to provoke anyone, especially a woman, or you wouldn't even know how you died.
"Why do you have that expression?" Feng Jin interrogated.
"It's nothing, I just feel that my wife's strategy is brilliant. With my wife as the strategist behind the scenes, guiding me, it's absolutely foolproof."
"You know how to talk."
Feng Jin's lips curved into a satisfied smile. This fellow was really quite glib now, she wondered where he learned it all.
Ling Mohan raised his eyebrows slightly, a triumphant glint in his eyes. Gu Beichen's method was indeed effective. A few words could make Feng Jin so happy. It seemed he should use it more often in the future.
"Greetings, Young General, Madam." Cai Qing pushed open the door and entered, holding a red piece of paper.
"Madam, this is an invitation from the Feng Manor and the Third Prince's manor."
Feng Jin took it and couldn't help but let out a mocking smile. "It's not easy for these two to achieve their happily ever after!"
She had to witness their happily ever after with her own eyes; it would surely be a classic.
"Cai Qing, go to the storeroom and find something to wrap as a congratulatory gift. I'll take it to their wedding banquet."
"There's no need to go through so much trouble. Feng Ruoyan is entering the Third Prince's manor as a concubine, so everything will be kept simple. They won't even hold a wedding ceremony, so whether you go or not is meaningless."
A hint of displeasure crossed Feng Jin's face. She angrily slammed the invitation onto the table and let out a string of curses.
"How disappointing. They're not even having a wedding, yet they send out invitations. What a ridiculous pretense!"
"If you want to go, I'll accompany you," Ling Mohan said, unable to bear seeing Feng Jin disappointed.
Feng Jin considered for a moment and then directly refused. "You can't go. It's just marrying a concubine, she's not even considered a proper concubine. She's only one level above a maid. If you go, won't it be giving them too much face!"
Having Ling Mohan go would be too much of a concession to them. However, she still wanted to go and watch the fun.
After all, Feng Ruoyan had repeatedly claimed that she was going to be the Third Prince's consort. Now, she was just a mere concubine.
Such an interesting event would surely attract quite a crowd of onlookers, both inside and outside the capital.
"Cai Qing, I recall you mentioning some kind of... flower fair tomorrow?"
"Madam, it's the Spring Festival Flower Fair. Ladies and young unmarried women from the capital will be attending."
A plan immediately formed in Feng Jin's mind. She slapped the table decisively. "Let's go to the Spring Festival Flower Fair tomorrow and have some fun."
"You are forbidden to go!"
A deep voice rang out, like a basin of cold water dousing Feng Jin.
"Can you stop being such a wet blanket?"
Every time she was happy, he would pop out and pour cold water on her. She was starting to suspect that Ling Mohan was deliberately targeting her.
"You are pregnant now, and everything must be done with caution. The Spring Festival Flower Fair will be crowded and full of prying eyes. I'm worried about any accidents happening to you."
Ling Mohan rambled on, but it all boiled down to one thing.