Feng Jinyao, however, felt that if they were to cooperate, they should be clear about everything.
So she dipped her fingers in some tea and wrote "Southwest" on the table, then flicked her sleeve and wiped away the water stain.
Even if Chi Zimò was foolish, he knew what she meant. However, he didn't know much about the southwest region and would have to investigate thoroughly after returning.
The two people before him, one strategizing and the other offering guidance, were a perfect match.
Having piqued Chi Zimò's interest and offered him irresistible benefits, he pondered for a moment before saying to Xiao Tingyi:
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will handle the Zhu family's affairs. Just give me one month."
"Patriarch Chi is straightforward. Then, let's set one month as the deadline. I will await your good news."
The two struck hands to seal their pact. In just a few words, the Zhu family was practically dismantled. The Zhu family, who had just caught their breath, didn't even know that their true disaster was yet to come!
After bidding farewell to Chi Zimò, the few of them slowly headed back.
Whether Xu Lin deliberately slowed down or their moods had lightened after resolving a major issue, the time spent together felt infinitely stretched.
Feng Jinyao pondered for a long time before frowning and speaking.
"Your Highness, there are some things I must say. How can you speak such nonsense in front of outsiders? When did I become your fiancée? And you even had them call me 'Wangfei'? Isn't this ruining my reputation?"
Hearing her complaint, Xiao Tingyi smiled apologetically.
"It was my haste. As soon as we return to Dongdu City, I will immediately send someone to the Feng family to propose. Once we have the title of engagement, speaking such words will be acceptable."
"No, when did I ever agree to marry you? Your Highness, please don't forget, there's a generation gap between us. If I were to calculate strictly, I should call you 'Imperial Uncle' like Cousin Siruo!"
Hearing the words "Imperial Uncle," Xiao Tingyi seemed to be instantly transported back to the first time they met at Bai Mansion.
His face darkened, and he suppressed his temper, saying:
"Stop mingling with that girl so much. She teaches you nothing useful."
Imperial Uncle?
To use such a distant relationship as an excuse to reject him was simply a fantasy.
The person he, Xiao Tingyi, desired, let alone a generation gap, even two or three generations apart, he would still pursue with all his might!
This was the first time Feng Jinyao had seen him lose his temper. Although he was restraining himself, the anger in his eyes was quite evident.
Feng Jinyao thought he was particularly bothered by the mention of a generation gap due to her age, but she didn't realize that Xiao Tingyi's thoughts were not about that at all.
So she patiently said again:
"Your Highness, you are of celestial beauty, while I am merely a weak willow, unable to reach you. Moreover, I have never focused my thoughts on romance or domestic struggles. Since you cannot give me the freedom to travel, nor can I be a dignified and virtuous princess, please retract your jesting words. I will pretend I never heard them."
"How do you know you cannot be a dignified and virtuous princess? I think you are very suitable. Whether it is in terms of status, appearance, demeanor, or vision, you are perfectly matched with me, aren't you?"
"But I am unwilling to share a husband with others, nor am I willing to generously allow my husband to take concubines, manage his consorts and illegitimate children. Therefore, I am definitely not a suitable candidate!"
Xiao Tingyi was stunned, which Feng Jinyao did not find surprising at all.
Even in ordinary families, polygamy was common, let alone for royalty who needed to propagate the imperial lineage.
Especially for Prince Ding, with his majestic presence, once news of his recovery spread back to Dongdu City, the women vying to be his princess would form a long queue!
Subsequent secondary consorts, concubines, bed warmers, and even fleeting romantic encounters were all possibilities.
Feng Jinyao, having been reborn, was unwilling to return to a life of such constraints.
Therefore, on this point alone, they could never be together.
Seeing that Xiao Tingyi remained silent, Feng Jinyao knew that the idea of a monogamous relationship would be enough to make him retreat. So she sat quietly, waiting for him to figure it out himself and stop pestering her.
But who knew he would utter words that made her jaw drop, leaving her stunned for a long time.
"I thought A'yao was rejecting me because she had no feelings for me. I didn't expect it to be this. Then I will swear on the names of my deceased father and mother. If in this life, besides you, Feng Jinyao, I have any other woman by my side, then I shall not let them rest in peace in the underworld, and I shall fall into the realm of beasts, never to be reincarnated!"
"Your Highness! Are you speaking nonsense?"
Feng Jinyao lowered her voice and immediately tried to dissuade him. She had merely used this excuse to reject Xiao Tingyi, but who knew he would immediately make such a solemn oath, even using the former emperor's name. Amitabha, how dare he!
Seeing Feng Jinyao's flustered look, Xiao Tingyi said with amusement again:
"Don't worry, I will never break my oath. My father and mother will naturally rest in peace, and I will be with A'yao for all eternity! As husband and wife forever!"
This time, it was Feng Jinyao's turn to be utterly speechless.
In her previous life, she had never interacted with this prince. She had no idea about his conduct or his attitude towards people and matters.
Where was the rumored cold and ruthless, iron-faced prince? How had he become this lecherous scoundrel?
Feng Jinyao was angry and too lazy to speak further with him.
Her flushed, pouting face, however, was a beautiful sight in Xiao Tingyi's eyes.
The scenery of Jinling City was indeed extraordinary. Since arriving here, he saw Feng Jinyao every day, and his heart felt at ease, finding everything more pleasing to the eye.
For the rest of the journey, Xiao Tingyi would occasionally talk about the scenery, food, customs, and festivals of the Jiangnan region, while Feng Jinyao closed her eyes, refusing to look or speak.
Xiao Tingyi, however, did not mind and continued to talk to himself.
Outside the carriage, Xu Lin silently thought that the Prince truly liked to force his way. Miss Feng San was truly unlucky to have caught his eye.
However, these words would never be spoken aloud. For the sake of their own peace and happiness in their duties, he hoped that the Prince and Miss Feng San would indeed tie the knot.
The carriage slowly entered the city and stopped in front of the inn.
Feng Jinyao didn't even want to say goodbye. She jumped straight off the carriage and walked towards the small courtyard.
Yang Zhao saw the situation and nudged Feng Er, saying in a low voice:
"The Prince must have said something unpleasant to anger Miss San. Why don't you go and comfort her? Tell her not to be angry for too long, or our lives will become difficult."
Feng Er rolled his eyes and said, adding insult to injury:
"That's perfect! Let the Prince torment you properly!"
"Tsk, tsk, you heartless Feng Jinlin, just you wait, I'll deal with you myself!"