Cen Yu leaned against the carriage wall, his fingers tapping a rhythm on his leg. He had always been curious about the relationship between the Imperial Advisor and Xiao Man. He had initially believed their bond to be unbreakable, but now it seemed that was not the case. At the very least, Xiao Man did not fully trust him.
Once trust develops a crack, the fissure will only widen. It is impossible to restore it to its original state. If utilized correctly, these two could become the sharpest blades in his hand.
Cen Yu turned his head away, a half-smile gracing his lips as if contemplating something amusing. For a moment, his face lit up with joy, and his mood soared.
Feng Tianlan found Cen Yu's smile incredibly irritating. He knitted his brows and, with a palm strike, sent Cen Yu flying out of the carriage. Caught off guard, Cen Yu tumbled out, rolling several times on the ground before coming to a halt. A flicker of annoyance crossed his eyes, but he hid it exceptionally well. He got up, brushed the dirt from his clothes, and slowly followed.
"Master, why are you bringing him along?" Shu Xuan asked, puzzled. Cen Yu was ruthless and inherently rebellious; who knew when he might betray them.
"I need him to keep Wen Mohan in check for me," Feng Tianlan said softly. Despite speaking only a few words, fine beads of sweat dotted Feng Tianlan's forehead. Even with a calm expression, his trembling eyelashes betrayed the intense pain he was suppressing.
"Master, are you alright?"
Feng Tianlan took a breath, but maintained his elegant posture. "Medicine."
Shu Xuan hesitated, then produced a bottle of medicine. Feng Tianlan snatched it, poured out two pills, and swallowed them. His complexion improved slightly, and he appeared as if he had just been pulled from water, drenched in sweat.
"Master, are you truly not poisoned?" Shu Xuan asked hesitantly. In all these years, they had never seen their master in such a disheveled state. Even knowing Xiao Man's identity, it was hard not to resent her. Their master had done so much for her, yet she had poisoned him.
"It is poison, and yet it is not," Feng Tianlan said, taking a deep breath before slowly explaining. "The Feng family possesses a special physique with strong wound-healing capabilities. However, we must never come into contact with the blood of the Lan family."
"Blood?"
"The royal family of Lan Yue is immune to all poisons. Even the king of poisons must retreat from them. Their blood is harmless to ordinary people, but the Feng clan is an exception."
"Why?"
"This dates back a hundred years. A century ago, the Qin Dynasty fell and was divided into the four current great nations. The Feng and Lan families formed an alliance, with descendants destined to marry. Once the Feng men came of age, they would establish a blood pact with the Lan Yue royal family."
"Blood pact?" Shu Xuan was confused. What was a blood pact?
"A blood pact is, in essence, a shackle," Feng Tianlan said with a faint sigh. "But this shackle is one I placed upon myself."
"What does this have to do with Master being poisoned?"
"Because I am not poisoned; rather, the blood pact has been triggered," Feng Tianlan replied, his gaze deep and enigmatic, as if holding countless secrets, impenetrable and unfathomable.
"Was it the Eldest Young Lady who triggered the blood pact?" Shu Xuan finally understood. Xiao Man had not poisoned their master, but had triggered the blood pact within him, leading to his current condition.
Feng Tianlan nodded slowly. When Xiao Man had stabbed him, she must have been injured as well. The dagger was stained with her blood, thus triggering the blood pact within him.
"How can the blood pact be解除?"
"Marriage," Feng Tianlan lowered his gaze. This was why he was in such a hurry to return to Lan Yue. If he did not marry Xiao Man within a year, he would surely die.
Shu Xuan frowned. No wonder they had to bring Cen Yu along. Now that Xiao Man kept Wen Mohan by her side, and they had an engagement, though it was not recognized by Lan Yue, Xiao Man's attitude towards Wen Mohan was quite significant. They indeed needed someone to keep Wen Mohan in check.
"Master, will the Eldest Young Lady agree?" Shu Xuan suddenly thought of a problem. Xiao Man had a strong will, and was deeply devoted to King Qin. She would kill without hesitation. If she refused, who would dare force her?
Feng Tianlan fell silent. This was precisely what worried him. He had originally intended to gradually reveal the truth to Xiao Man once she had established herself firmly in Yusheng. Who knew Xiao Man would be so impulsive, severely injuring Nangong Yu and rebelling against Yusheng? He truly couldn't gauge what the current Xiao Man might do.
"She will agree eventually," Feng Tianlan said slowly after a long pause. His meticulously planned endeavors had been disrupted by Xiao Man, and he was somewhat annoyed, yet helpless against her. Now that the blood pact was triggered, he had to fulfill the agreement, or his life would be in jeopardy.
"What about Yun Qi?"
"King Song of Yun Qi, after all, is too green. He is no match for Murong Shengrui."
"I initially thought this boy was just a good-for-nothing who relied on women. I didn't expect him to be so cunning," Feng Tianlan regretted for a moment. Perhaps he should have kept Du Gu Man alive. If Du Gu Man were still alive, Murong Shengrui wouldn't dare to be so arrogant.
"Among those raised in the imperial family, how many are truly useless?"
"Indeed," Feng Tianlan sighed. "Have someone help Murong Ziheng, and don't let him lose too quickly. Before I complete the blood pact, Murong Shengrui must not cause any trouble."
"Yes, Master."
"Furthermore, Lan Yue and Yun Qi are forming an alliance, and Yusheng will undoubtedly seek foreign aid. Their only potential ally is Bei Rong..." Feng Tianlan paused for a moment. "Go and facilitate this matter. We cannot allow the balance between the four nations to be disrupted now."
"Your subordinate obeys."
Xiao Man's Hundred Flowers Pavilion was thriving, having clearly replaced the former Tianyu Tower. Even though the Grand Princess had invested a vast amount of manpower and financial resources to rebuild Tianyu Tower, it could never regain its former glory.
Qin Xue watched the bustling Hundred Flowers Pavilion, a smile flickering in her eyes. "Master, taste this year's new tea. The flavor is excellent. Ah Jin specifically sent it, saying you must try it."
Xiao Man lifted the teacup and inhaled. "The fragrance is refreshing; it is indeed good tea. I promised to officiate your wedding, but various accidents occurred, and it hasn't happened yet. Later, I'll have someone pick an auspicious date so you two can marry soon."
"Master, Ah Jin and I have discussed it. We will not have a grand ceremony, just two tables for relatives and friends to eat and bear witness."
"How can that be? I cannot let you be wronged."
"Miss, marriage is merely a formality. Ah Jin and I loving each other is the most important thing," Qin Xue said shyly. "Next month, Ah Jin will come to Bianjing. At that time, please act as our officiant, Master."
Xiao Man understood that Qin Xue was worried that a large-scale wedding would expose her hidden influence and bring her danger.