The Cloud Feather of the Red Chamber: A Marriage Arranged with Gong Yuanzheng at the Start

Gong Shangjiao's expression went blank for a moment, and he mechanically repeated Qi Yan'an's words.

"Second Miss Lin and Young Master Lin, are you heading to the palace gates?"

"Yes." Qi Yan'an unfolded his folding fan, hiding the smile on his lips.

"You two are in-laws, so you should visit each other more often."

"Besides, as the son-in-law of the Lin family, Yuanzheng should at least meet his in-laws,"

"If nothing unexpected happens, they will probably continue to live at the palace gate until Wufeng is wiped out."

That's right, the two families will definitely be in-laws in the future, and the palace has no reason to refuse.

He didn't know what others thought, but he was certain that his younger brother Yuanzheng was definitely not happy to see the Lin family right now.

Once the second daughter and young master of the Lin family entered the palace, Miss Lin's thoughts were definitely focused on her younger brother and sister.

This is definitely the hardest thing for the younger brother to accept.

If it's a short time, it's fine, but if it goes on for a long time, how painful it must be for the younger brother on the expedition.

Just thinking about it gives me a headache.

“I’ve heard that these prominent families value rules the most.” Gong Shangjiao carefully chose his words.

"Isn't it a bit inappropriate for Miss Lin and Young Master Lin to stay at the palace gate for so long?"

"Alright, let me tell you the truth." Qi Yan'an's smile faded.

"The poison in the young master of the Lin family was brought from the womb. Young Master Yue cannot cure this poison; we can only rely on Yuanzheng's younger brother."

"Moreover, the two siblings were already in poor health. Their trip to the palace gate was also in the hope that their younger brother would help them recuperate."

Gong Shangjiao was speechless; these reasons were simply impossible to refuse.

Qi Yan'an looked at his expression and continued:

"Originally, Madam Lin was also going, since her health needs recuperation, but she heard that Young Master Yue would be staying at the Lin residence."

"She was worried about leaving Lord Lin alone in Jiangnan, and it would be too conspicuous for the mother and her two children to leave Jiangnan together."

"Only then did I make up my mind to allow only my youngest children to accompany you to the palace gates."

Gong Shangjiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thankfully Madam Lin did not go to the palace gate with him this time.

Although he knew that Yuanzheng's younger brother would eventually meet Lord Lin and Lady Lin, Gong Shangjiao hoped that day would come later, at least until Yuanzheng's younger brother and Lady Lin's relationship was stable.

“Alright, I’ll write to the palace gates in a bit and tell them to get ready.”

After finishing discussing the Lin family's affairs, Qi Yan'an brought up Wu Feng's matter.

"Shang Jiao, based on the portrait you provided, I have tracked down all the whereabouts of these three people."

Qi Yan'an took out the latest secret letter he had received.

"The trail of Han Yi Ke and Bei Xu appeared in Yu Chuan three days ago." A dark glint flashed in Qi Yan'an's eyes, and his voice was somewhat cold.

“These two are very vigilant. They have caused the loss of several imperial guards. I did not dare to let them get too close. What I can confirm is that these two have not left Yuchuan yet.”

"As for Wan Qi'ai," Qi Yan'an said with a smirk, "you would never guess that he has been hiding in the Zhen family all along."

Gong Shangjiao raised an eyebrow, and two people immediately came to mind: Consort Zhen and the Seventh Prince.

Unexpectedly, Wu Feng's collusion with the imperial court was so deep.

"He came to the capital with Madam Zhen this time. Madam Zhen must have come for my maternal grandmother's birthday."

Why Wanqi'ai came to the capital remains unknown.

While Gong Shangjiao and Qi Yan'an could roughly guess the specifics of Wan Qi'ai's purpose, they knew it was definitely not simple.

If it were just a simple trip to the capital, Wan Qi'ai could have come by himself; there was no need for him to come with Madam Zhen.

Unless the place he is going requires someone of Madam Zhen's status to accompany him.

Qi Yan'an closed his folding fan, his expression turning serious. "Shang Jiao, my brother has only one request: capture Wan Qi'ai alive before they enter the capital."

Gong Shangjiao's expression was equally solemn. "Your Highness, please rest assured, that's what I meant too."

Qi Yan'an nodded. "This operation must not be leaked. The relationship between the palace and the court cannot be exposed yet."

"Lord Lin will cooperate with this operation to wipe out the Zhen family's influence in Jiangnan in one fell swoop. As for the charges..."

Qi Yan'an unfolded his folding fan again, gently fanning himself, a cold and sarcastic smile playing on his lips.

"Once Wan Qi'ai is captured, he'll be charged with every crime imaginable."

Suddenly he frowned again. "Although our operation is kept secret, we cannot guarantee that it will be foolproof."

"If Wufeng finds out about the relationship between the imperial court and the palace gates, he might do something detrimental to the palace gates."

"Shang Jiao, you still need to remind Miss Zi Shang to be prepared."

At that time, only Xue Zhongzi and Gong Yuanzheng were worthy of mention in the palace.

If Wu Feng attacks the palace gate with a do-or-die attitude, I'm afraid even Xue Chongzi and Gong Yuanzheng won't be able to stop him.

Gong Shangjiao smiled slightly, "Your Highness can rest assured, the palace already has a solution."

“Zishang captured Situ Hong a few days ago and successfully turned two of the Cold Crows to their side. They will pass on false information to Wufeng, which can completely confuse Wufeng in a short period of time.”

Qi Yan'an raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, then clapped his hands and laughed, "Miss Zi Shang is indeed incredibly clever, resolving your worries without making a sound."

He then looked at Gong Shangjiao, a hint of expectation in his eyes, "Did she say anything else in her letter?"

Gong Shangjiao put down his teacup and told Qi Yan'an the contents of the letter one by one.

"Yes, according to Situ Hong, Wufeng's headquarters is in Yinzhou."

“I saw the map there. The terrain there is treacherous and easy to defend. If we want to attack, we need to develop a detailed plan.”

"Situ Hong also explained the martial arts styles of the three demons, but this information is from ten years ago. Their skills must be even better now."

"We can only find out Wu Feng's latest situation after we capture Wan Qi'ai alive and interrogate him."

Qi Yan'an paused in fanning himself. "That's all? Nothing else?"

Gong Shangjiao looked back calmly and said, "Your Highness, that's all."

Qi Yan'an closed his folding fan and silently looked at Gong Shangjiao, the smile on his lips gradually fading.

Gong Shangjiao met his gaze calmly, "If Your Highness doesn't believe me, you'll see for yourself."

As he spoke, he handed the letter in his hand to Qi Yan'an.

Qi Yan opened the letter without hesitation.

This character is very similar to Gong Zishang's personality, both carrying a sense of freedom and unrestrainedness.

The letter contained a lot of information, but not much of it was about serious matters. It was mostly Gong Zishang's "complaints" to Gong Shangjiao about not having time to go to the guard camp.

He wasn't mentioned at all in the entire article.

Qi Yan'an clenched the paper in his hand, but immediately smoothed it out after noticing that it was wrinkled.

Gong Shangjiao watched his actions, his tone becoming more solemn, "Your Highness, you and Sister Zishang are from two different worlds."

Qi Yan'an didn't speak, but simply folded and put the papers away. "Aren't Miss Lin and your brother from two different worlds?"

Gong Shangjiao's expression darkened slightly. "Your Highness, you understand what I mean."

Gong Zishang wants a carefree life, something Qi Yan'an can never provide.

The palace already has a marriage alliance with the court, so there is no need for it to form another marriage alliance with the royal family.

He was initially reluctant to propose Gong Yuanzheng, but fortunately, his younger brother was very satisfied with the marriage.

Gong Zishang clearly had no interest in Qi Yan'an. As her cousin, Gong Shangjiao would never push Gong Zishang forward for the sake of the Gong family's interests.

The complex social interactions among high-ranking families are unparalleled by those in the martial arts world. Look at the Lin and Jia families, such close kinship ties, yet they still resort to such underhanded tactics out of jealousy and self-interest.

No matter how clever and intelligent Gong Zishang is, she can't outsmart these shrewd people.

Living in such an environment, without freedom, and having to adhere to rules and etiquette everywhere.

The first to follow in Madam Lan's footsteps will probably be Gong Zishang.

Qi Yan'an smiled, his aura as a member of the royal family fully revealed at this moment.

"Shang Jiao, we've known each other for years, and you know my personality very well."

"Once I've made a decision, it's not so easy to change it."

Gong Shangjiao said in a deep voice, "The Crown Prince will never agree to this."

“I have my own way.” Qi Yan’an stood up. “Shang Jiao, I will write a letter to Miss Zi Shang. Please help me send it to her.”

As he spoke, he looked at Jin Shu and asked, "Where is the study? Take me there."

"Why?" Gong Shangjiao couldn't help but ask, "You and Sister Zishang have only met once and spent no more than two days together."

Qi Yan'an smiled, "Who can really say for sure about things like this?"

Gong Shangjiao frowned; he didn't believe Qi Yan'an would fall in love with Gong Zishang at first sight.

Qi Yan'an is not Gong Yuanzheng; he grew up in a simple environment.

He grew up in the treacherous palace, his mind was as sharp as a hornet's nest, and he didn't believe in "love" at all. How could he fall in love with someone so easily?

On his way to the study, Qi Yan'an recalled his conversation with the Crown Prince a few days ago.

He didn't have a strong desire for fame and power to begin with; the reason he was vying for them was because his elder brother, who shared the same mother, was the crown prince.

If they don't fight, the mother and her two children will only face death.

Having seen the far reaches of the martial world, he became even more indifferent to the imperial court.

Having power and being surrounded by admirers is good, but he prefers this kind of unrestrained, carefree life.

He didn't know why it was Gong Zishang.

Over the past twenty years, he has seen no shortage of beauties, each with their own distinct personality, some gentle, some coquettish, but none of them have captivated him like Gong Zishang.

He couldn't bear to confine Gong Zishang to this square courtyard; a woman like her should soar through the air.

Since she can't come to his world, then let him go to hers.

His letter was written quickly, containing only one sentence: "Sister Zishang, I will only be the principal wife."