ASTRP -Chapter 43 One Invites the Prince, One Invites Feng Jingge

At this place stood a pavilion—eight stories tall—where one could gaze upon the night sky filled with countless stars.

It was called Mingyue Tower.

As Xiao Jinghan finished explaining, the carriage came to a stop.

“Let’s go.”

His gaze swept over Feng Jingge’s face before he rose and stepped out of the carriage.

Feng Jingge followed closely behind.

As the curtain lifted, an endless stretch of green grass unfolded before them. Children played about, kites soared in the sky, and noble ladies walked together in groups.

In the distance stood waterside pavilions and terraces, with one towering building standing out prominently among them.

This… was basically an ancient version of a park~

Feng Jingge was momentarily stunned.

“Your Highness.”

Xiao Jinghan’s cold voice sounded.

Feng Jingge withdrew her gaze, stepped down from the carriage, and walked side by side with him.

Ning An and Qing Shan followed behind.

With Xiao Jinghan’s strikingly handsome face, Feng Jingge attracted the attention of many women.

The bold ones stared at her openly.

The shy ones hid behind their sleeves, stealing glances her way.

Some who recognized her identity even came forward to greet her.

That face of “Xiao Jinghan” was already eye-catching enough—add in the greetings, and she instantly became the center of attention.

Feng Jingge deeply regretted not wearing a veil when she came out.

Outwardly, she maintained a cold expression, back straight, eyes forward, striding ahead.

Mingyue Tower had already been reserved.

Four people stood at the entrance to the stairs, stopping anyone who tried to go up.

As Feng Jingge and her group approached, the four immediately recognized her and bowed.

“Greetings, Regent Prince.”

“Rise.”

Feng Jingge swept her gaze across them, her eyes darkening.

These four were highly skilled in martial arts.

Xiao Jinghan noticed as well and glanced at her.

The two quickly exchanged a look.

“Regent Prince, our lord is waiting upstairs. You may bring one person with you.”

Without hesitation, Feng Jingge chose Xiao Jinghan.

Just as she pointed toward him, one of the four spoke, “Apologies, Your Highness. Maids are not allowed upstairs.”

“You may choose one guard instead.”

Not allowed to bring a maid?

Feng Jingge frowned.

Xiao Jinghan spoke, “Your Highness, you go up with Ning An. Qing Shan and I will wait below.”

“Alright.”

Before going up, Feng Jingge shot Xiao Jinghan a look telling him to be careful, then ascended Mingyue Tower with Ning An.

Eight floors.

Prince Chen was waiting at the very top.

By the time she reached it, Feng Jingge was nearly exhausted from climbing.

She couldn’t understand it—of all places to meet, why here, and at the very top?

Could it be… for the convenience of pushing her off?

The moment that thought appeared, her heart jolted.

The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed, and she became wary.

Reaching the top floor, she saw a man in a green robe standing by the railing, wearing a jade crown, his back facing her.

Just as Feng Jingge was about to greet him, the man turned around.

He looked about twenty-five or twenty-six, with a refined and gentle appearance. Paired with that simple green robe…

He had nothing in common with the title of “Prince.”

More like… a scholar.

Prince Chen smiled slightly at her, lowered his head, and bowed. “Greetings, Imperial Uncle.”

Ning An bowed as well. “Ning An greets Your Highness.”

“Mm.”

“Rise.”

Feng Jingge and Prince Chen spoke at the same time.

Afterward, Feng Jingge got straight to the point. “Why did you ask to see me?”

Prince Chen hadn’t expected his royal uncle to skip all pleasantries and was momentarily stunned.

Recovering, he smiled again. “So direct—that truly suits you, Imperial Uncle.”

Seeing him smile for no reason, alarm bells rang in Feng Jingge’s mind.

Is he about to make a move?!

At that moment, Prince Chen moved.

Feng Jingge’s heart leapt to her throat.

If he attacked, she would kill him first!

But instead, Prince Chen lifted his robe and dropped to his knees with a thud before her.

???

The sudden kneeling completely stunned Feng Jingge.

Ning An frowned and quietly retreated toward the stairway.

The top floor fell silent, wind lifting their robes.

Feng Jingge frowned and said coldly, “What are you doing, Prince Chen?”

In a low voice, he said, “Imperial Uncle, Xiao Yan wishes to ask you for a favor…”

Feng Jingge cut him off. “Is it about the fief?”

Prince Chen gave a bitter smile and answered, “Yes.”

Feng Jingge turned away, looking into the distance. “I’ve already handed that matter over to the Grand Tutor. You should be seeking him, not me.”

“It is precisely because I’ve already seen the Grand Tutor that I’ve come to ask you.”

He’s already met him?!

Feng Jingge pressed her lips together, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes.

He moves fast.

Prince Chen continued, “The Grand Tutor assigned me Chen Prefecture.”

“Chen Prefecture is rich in resources, and the people live in peace.”

“But for me… I don’t need such a good fief.”

“So I want to ask you, Imperial Uncle, to exchange it for a poorer one.”

Feng Jingge: ???

She had heard of people complaining their fiefs weren’t good enough and wanting better ones.

But someone thinking their fief was too good and wanting a worse one…

This was a first.

So Prince Chen came to her… to request a worse fief???

Her tone turned complicated. “This is the first time I’ve heard such a request.”

Prince Chen asked, “At first, did you think I was dissatisfied and wanted a better fief?”

“Yes… and no.”

Feng Jingge answered vaguely. In truth, she had been more inclined to think he wanted to kill her.

“Aren’t you tired of kneeling?”

Hearing that, Prince Chen knew his request had a chance.

Overjoyed, he quickly kowtowed. “Thank you, Imperial Uncle!”

“For what?” Feng Jingge raised a brow. “I haven’t agreed yet.”

Prince Chen simply smiled and stood, not replying.

Looking at his gentle, scholarly face, Feng Jingge thought to herself: judging people by appearances—our ancestors truly didn’t deceive us.

After that, the two engaged in idle conversation.

While Feng Jingge chatted upstairs, Xiao Jinghan and Qing Shan waited below, looking somewhat foolish.

Thinking she wouldn’t be coming down anytime soon, Qing Shan suggested they walk around nearby—not too far, so they could still spot her as soon as she came down.

But that short walk led to trouble.

Not long after leaving Mingyue Tower, Qing Shan’s expression turned unpleasant as he said he needed to relieve himself urgently.

Xiao Jinghan naturally let him go.

The moment Qing Shan left, a strange man appeared out of nowhere behind Xiao Jinghan and spoke in a sinister tone:

“Miss Feng, my master wishes to see you.”

Xiao Jinghan’s eyes turned cold. Just as he was about to act, a sharp object pressed against his back.

No need to think—he knew it was a blade.

“Miss Feng, last time you failed to keep the appointment, and my master was already very displeased. So I hope you won’t make things difficult for me this time.”

An appointment?

Xiao Jinghan frowned.

That person from before?!