benefactor

In early February, after Chi Ying finished her confinement period, Cui Yi reluctantly had to lead troops to Xuan Prefecture for rotation. Although Yang Qiong was skilled with spears, his combat experience was far inferior to Cui Yi's, and his understanding of the generals in the imperial court was insufficient. It was unwise for him to guard Xuan Prefecture alone.

Cao Qian had just gotten married, and Chi Ying felt it was inappropriate to separate them. Besides, he had been following Cui Yi everywhere, enduring hardships, and needed a break. So she sent Xu Cheng along to establish military achievements and gain a foothold in the Yan Prefecture camp.

After they arrived at Xuan Prefecture and completed various handovers, Yang Qiong returned to Yan Prefecture. Everyone was happy about Yang Qiong's return, including Nian Jiaojiao, who had never met him before. She admired him after hearing about his journey to save his benefactor, Cheng Fengyi.

Only Cui Xiang was depressed almost to death. With Yang Qiong returning, Zhong Green Ping would pay even less attention to him. On the second day after Chi Ying gave birth, Zhong Green Ping went to the side courtyard to talk to him. Although her words were subtle, her meaning was clear: she hoped he wouldn't bother her anymore and focus on other things.

However, if he were easily persuaded, he wouldn't be Cui Xiang. From February to March, he became increasingly resentful. Upon hearing that Yang Qiong was returning to Yan Prefecture, his hostility reached unprecedented heights, to the point where even the maidservants could see the dark aura around him.

How could Yang Qiong compare to him? In terms of family background, he was born into royalty, surpassing countless others. Who could be nobler than a prince? In appearance, he was no worse off, growing up in luxury. Unlike battle-hardened warriors with scars and weathered faces, he was refined. As for talent, he studied in the upper study hall since childhood, and only top scholars were qualified to teach him. How could he be inferior to a poor man who had to sell himself to bury his father?

Comparing everything, Cui Xiang grew angrier, unable to understand why Zhong Green Ping liked Yang Qiong.

Zhong Green Ping had no idea he misunderstood her intentions, so Cui Xiang didn't even get a chance to hear her explanation, spiraling deeper into his own delusions.

Regardless of his depression, Yang Qiong returned to Yan Prefecture in early April. Chi Ying had caught a cold a few days earlier and couldn't go out, so she entrusted Zhong Green Ping to greet him at the city gate and represent Cui Yi in rewarding the soldiers for their hard work over the year. Since Zhong Green Ping arrived in Yan Prefecture, Chi Ying's burden had lightened considerably, allowing her more time to spend with her children.

Wearing the "imperial envoy's hat," Zhong Green Ping left the mansion first, followed secretly by Cui Xiang and his servant. Hearing the report, Chi Ying was accustomed to it and, due to her headache, didn't take it seriously.

At the southern city gate, Yang Qiong dismounted, and Zhong Green Ping greeted him on behalf of Chi Ying, "General Yang, you must be tired from your journey."

"Miss Zhong?" Yang Qiong was slightly surprised to see her and quickly bowed, "How dare I trouble Miss to come and welcome me!"

"Sister is unwell and must rest in bed according to the doctor's orders, so I'm doing it for her," Zhong Green Ping smiled.

As the concubine of Prince Wu, Chi Ying always treated her subordinates generously, greeting arrivals and seeing off departures, which had become a habit. Yang Qiong nodded and asked, "Is Lady ill? Yan Prefecture is bitterly cold, and Lady just gave birth to the young prince. It's unsuitable for her to worry herself, so she must take care of her health."

Bai Li Zan stroked his beard and smiled, "It's my fault for not doing enough, causing Lady to worry about everything."

Yang Qiong hurriedly replied, "Sir works hard. I am merely occupying a position without contributing, failing to serve the prince faithfully and relieve Lady's worries."

Cui Xiang, hiding around the corner, listened angrily. Seeing Yang Qiong being polite and not asking about Zhong Green Ping, he felt deeply dissatisfied—Green Ping adored him, yet he showed no appreciation. What the king begged for, he squandered!

After announcing the rewards for the soldiers, Yang Qiong led the army back to the camp, while Bai Li Zan and Zhong Green Ping went about their tasks. Cui Xiang sat dejectedly against the wall, scratching his ears, and returned to the mansion listlessly.

The next day, Yang Qiong came to the mansion to pay his respects.

A charcoal brazier warmed the room, with a basin of water placed above it to keep the air moist. Red paper cutouts adorned the windows, and the afternoon sun slanted in, adding to the warmth.

Chi Ying sat on the bed under a thin quilt, reading a book, while Zhong Green Ping sat across the table, embroidering shoes for Xiao Cui Hao. Nian Jiaojiao held Xiao Cui Xian, teaching her a folk song from Yan Prefecture.

Seeing this scene, Yang Qiong smiled, "Lady's place is getting livelier."

Nian Jiaojiao looked up and grinned, "Brother Yang is back!"

Not recognizing her, Chi Ying introduced, "This is General Xu's fiancée, surnamed Nian, meaning abundance every year." Yang Qiong realized and quickly bowed, "Madam." Nian Jiaojiao pouted, "Calling me madam makes me sound old. Do I look that old?"

Upon hearing that Yang Qiong was paying respects at the mansion, Cui Xiang couldn't sit still and rushed over despite his servant's attempts to stop him. Unable to enter the main yard with guards and maidservants watching, he sneaked into the neighboring yard and listened from atop the wall.

"No!" Yang Qiong was caught off guard and apologized, "No, no, not at all! Miss Nian is youthful and in the prime of life, how could she look old? It's my mistake."

Zhong Green Ping quickly mediated, "Jiaojiao, don't take advantage of Brother Yang's unfamiliarity with your personality to bully him."

On the wall, Cui Xiang clenched his teeth—these words sounded like a wife defending her husband! Green Ping, you're so devoted to him that you won't tolerate even a joke?

Nian Jiaojiao stuck out her tongue and made a face. Chi Ying smiled, "Jiaojiao is just playful and likes to joke. General Yang, please don't mind."

Yang Qiong assured her he wouldn't and exchanged pleasantries with Chi Ying. Suddenly, he sighed, "If I weren't lacking in experience and unable to bear great responsibilities, I shouldn't have let the prince and General Xu leave Yan Prefecture, separating Lady and Miss Nian, relying on letters to convey longing."

Nian Jiaojiao pouted, "Who's exchanging letters with him? Hmph!"

"The prince is our lord and must prioritize the empire and the welfare of his soldiers," Chi Ying said gently, "Even if separated and unable to exchange letters, as long as we think of each other, distance doesn't matter. General Yang is currently single, but you'll marry and have children someday, right?"

Yang Qiong smiled self-deprecatingly, "I've failed my ancestors. I've decided not to marry in this life."

Cui Xiang's eyes widened in disbelief—such a wonderful woman as Green Ping loved him, yet he declared he wouldn't marry. How could he live with that?

"You still can't let go of the past," Chi Ying sighed helplessly.

Curious, Nian Jiaojiao asked, "What happened in the past?" Zhong Green Ping signaled her not to ask.

Yang Qiong bowed deeply, "Lady's kindness touches me deeply, but my decision is final. Please don't worry about this anymore. No matter what, I will follow the prince faithfully, eliminating internal threats and defending against external enemies until death."

With this declaration, Chi Ying couldn't insist further. Even if Cui Yi eventually defeated the Northern Di and brought Cheng Fengyi back, Yang Qiong, respecting moral principles, would never express his feelings. His love, from its inception, was doomed to remain unfulfilled. Cheng Fengyi's resolve and Yang Qiong's integrity created an insurmountable gap between them, with all the pain borne by Yang Qiong alone.

Chi Ying felt sorrow and pity, "I understand. I won't bring this up again. But remember one thing: whether you remain single or meet someone else who can heal your heart, none of that matters. Right now, please don't risk your life recklessly on the battlefield because you feel unburdened. Your life is as valuable as anyone else's."

Chi Ying's concern wasn't unfounded. Before meeting Cheng Fengyi, Yang Qiong once shielded Cui Yi from an arrow with his own hand. Now, with everyone in Yan Prefecture having families, even Bai Li Zan receiving warm clothes and shoes from his fiancée, Yang Qiong's loneliness might lead him to sacrifice himself to save others, causing regrettable consequences.

Yang Qiong hesitated, staring at her for a moment, then lowered his head, "Yes."

"It's spring planting season outside the city. You should go," Chi Ying said, fearing Nian Jiaojiao might inadvertently hurt Yang Qiong with her innocent remarks, and dismissed him.

Yang Qiong bid farewell and left. Zhong Green Ping sighed, "There are such loyal men in this world, truly difficult for him."

Suddenly, shouts erupted outside, "I'll show you arrogance! Who do you think you are!" Followed by scuffles, screams from maidservants, and servants trying to mediate.

Inside, the three women rushed to the door. Zhong Green Ping saw Cui Xiang beating Yang Qiong fiercely, with servants struggling to restrain him. Afraid of harming the prince, they couldn't intervene physically. Yang Qiong, unwilling to fight back, dodged, avoiding hurting Cui Xiang.

Chi Ying was furious, "This is outrageous! Men, restrain Prince Jing!"

Soldiers immediately restrained Cui Xiang, who kicked wildly, leaving marks on Yang Qiong's clean robe. Stumbling up, Yang Qiong remained silent.

Zhong Green Ping rushed forward, nearly in tears, "General Yang, are you hurt? Seventh Prince, why did you attack him like this?"

Cui Xiang scoffed, spitting, "I can't stand his arrogance! Thinking he's someone important, just a slave bought by Sister-in-law!"

The word "slave" slapped Yang Qiong's face. Instantly enraged, he shouted, "What did you say?"

Cui Xiang retorted, "What, you don't agree? With your qualifications, you dare to be picky? Green Ping treats me coldly but favors you. You're ungrateful!"

"Stop!" Chi Ying stepped between them, shouting, "Prince Jing, raised with dignity and virtue, how could you behave like a thug! Take him to the side courtyard. Without my permission, he's not allowed to leave. Anyone neglecting their duty will face military punishment!"