ll on things; she quickly attributed the discomfort to his injuries being caused by protecting her and promptly immersed herself in making amends.Ye Li declined Mo Xiuyao's earlier suggestion of hirin...Sidelong Story 13. City of the傾城Dance (Part 2)

Yao Ji stayed in Li City and, after careful consideration, finally asked Princess Consort Ding to find a good family for the child to be raised by. In the past when she was at the Myriad Sunshine Duke Manor, she would rather die than let go of her child because she knew that if the child were left alone at the duke manor, they wouldn't have a good life. Even though Mu Yang loved the child dearly, there would inevitably be times when he couldn't take care of them properly, and just one moment of negligence could cost the child their life.

Now that she was settled down, Yao Ji had more time to think about it. While it wasn’t ideal for the child to stay with Mu Yang, having such a mother might not necessarily be beneficial either. Moreover, raising a child alone wasn't difficult for her, but making the child happy and letting them grow up joyfully wasn't easy at all. Boys… always needed their fathers more than anything else. Furthermore, Yao Ji had a premonition that the matters concerning the Myriad Sunshine Duke Manor hadn’t ended yet.

Princess Consort Ding indeed found an excellent family for the child—a couple in their forties who had no children of their own and came from a scholarly family with some financial means. Yao Ji secretly visited them several times, and it was clear that the couple treated the child as if they were their own.

Seeing her son grow up in such a wholesome and comfortable environment, Yao Ji smiled faintly but felt genuinely happy and at peace within herself.

Three months later, Yao Ji opened an inn in town. The money for the inn was borrowed from Princess Consort Ding. In the end, Princess Consort Ding only charged her half of it, while the other half was considered as an investment by Prince Ding's household. Yao Ji had no objections to this; not only did she have a debt of gratitude toward Prince Ding’s household that would be difficult to repay in her lifetime, but also opening an inn on their territory meant having the most stable support available.

Yao Ji had several years of experience running the傾城Bazaar, even though running an inn was entirely different from managing a brothel. Nevertheless, it proved that she could handle interpersonal relationships and customer service well enough to manage the establishment’s operations. As expected, the inn soon established itself in town, and Yao Ji gradually no longer had to be front-and-center, truly retiring behind the scenes.

Yao Ji didn’t know when she got acquainted with Qin Feng; she only remembered that he frequently came back to support her new inn at its opening. He would simply order a pot of wine and two small dishes, sometimes sitting there for one or two hours straight. Because of his presence, although Yao Ji was an outsider running a newly opened inn, none of the town’s idle rich young men or competitors dared cause trouble in the inn. After all, who didn’t know that Qin Feng was Princess Consort Ding's personal guard in all of Ruyang City

Over time, they inevitably started chatting and became even more familiar with each other naturally. Only when Yao Ji finally realized it did she panic upon seeing Qin Feng’s stern expression as he deliberately acted cold but insisted on throwing the purple jade hairpin into her hand without room for refusal. Then almost without a second thought, she requested to go to the capital to assist Leng Haoyu from Princess Consort Ding. It was only after she had calmed down much later that she suddenly realized—she actually found it more difficult to face Qin Feng than to confront Mu Yang again or even potentially end up in a situation of swords and daggers, which is why she chose to escape to the capital.

Princess Consort Ding didn’t agree to her request at first, but Qin Feng came to find her that very evening. Yao Ji wasn't surprised by his arrival; given Qin Feng’s status in Prince Ding's household and the trust Princess Consort Ding placed in him, it was impossible for him not to know about this.

"If I’ve made you uncomfortable… then I can retract my previous actions," Qin Feng said solemnly as he looked at Yao Ji, who was dressed in a light purple robe without any makeup. His eyes fell on the streak of purple in her hairdo.

Yao Ji was taken aback and shook her head calmly: "No… not entirely." She wasn’t lying; she truly wasn't lying at that moment. Yao Ji knew very well that Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding were different individuals. Perhaps Princess Consort Ding herself didn't agree with her going to the capital, but Prince Ding insisted on it. Over these past years, they had a few encounters, and Yao Ji could only envy the love he held for his consort. But the methods Prince Ding employed against those who harmed or attempted to harm Princess Consort Ding were chilling. Yao Ji also knew… that when Princess Consort Ding nearly fell to her death off a cliff, it was Mu Yang who led the troops at that time. Each time she saw Prince Ding looking thoughtful upon meeting him, she understood that this matter… hadn’t been forgotten by him.

Although Ding Wang did not speak personally, Yao Ji understood his meaning. If she wished to live a tranquil and carefree life, she would have to personally resolve the Mu Yang Hou Fu herself. She might not be able to handle it as cleanly and decisively as others could, but with her child in tow, she could certainly make both the Mu Yang Hou Fu and Mu Yang suffer even more.

Yao Ji was no saint; therefore, she did not feel resentful or indignant. Just like how she wouldn't feel guilty if the Mu Yang Hou Fu disintegrated because of her, this world… was a harsh one where the weak were preyed upon by the strong. When she could not outshine Lady Less, all she could do was lie in the courtyard with her child, waiting for either Mu Yang to save them or death. When Consort Ding Wang's forces were insufficient, her only option was to jump off a cliff and risk her life. So when the Mu Yang Hou Fu provoked Ding Wang but lacked the means to withstand his retaliation, they could only await their destruction. She wanted to provide her child with a peaceful life; what others did was none of her concern.

Qin Feng remained silent without attempting to dissuade her further. He merely said, "Live to return. Don't forget… that you have another child waiting for you. I… will wait for you."

Seeing Yao Ji about to speak, Qin Feng calmly added, "I'll make my decision after your return." Yao Ji shook her head and gritted her teeth as she said, "I know how good you've been to me… This might take a long time. You're not getting any younger; it's high time…" Turning his gaze toward the window, Qin Feng replied indifferently, "Deciding what is your choice, waiting for me or not is my decision. Consort Ding Wang ordered me to escort you back to the capital, so get some rest early. We leave bright and early tomorrow." With that said, he gave Yao Ji no chance to refuse and turned around to head out of the room.

Watching his straight figure stride away from her, Yao Ji silently chuckled: You really should have… just rejected him outright...

A few years passed; Emperor Mo Jingqi of Chu, who had always tried to suppress Ding Wang Fu throughout his lifetime, had died. North Rong and the Northern Frontier invaded, leaving the powerless Chu incapable of resistance. The southern Chu capitulated and crossed southward over the Yangtze River. While Ding Wang Fu protected their land, Southern Chu's Regent Prince Mo Jingli joined forces with North Rong and Western Ling to counteract Ding Wang; Mu Yang Hou Fu… met its end.

When she saw Mu Yang close his eyes in resignation before her, Yao Ji did not feel the slightest satisfaction or relief. She was devoid of even sadness—her heart was merely a desolate wasteland. The war continued while Yao Ji returned to Li City with her adopted son Qin Lie and lived quietly as before. Only occasionally would she sneak off to check on her son who had enrolled in private school, providing some comfort to her heart.

Although she did not concern herself with the outside world, news of the battles still filtered into Yao Ji's ears daily. She sat by Qin Feng’s regular table at the tavern and listened as people walked past and chattered loudly about the ongoing war.

The Mo Family Army had overcome all their adversaries after several twists and turns, returning victorious.

“Mother! Mother, quick!” Qin Lie rushed in, grabbing Yao Ji to rush out. Yao Ji quickly held him back and asked helplessly, "What’s so urgent" Qin Lie rolled his eyes and said, "Father is back; we need to go welcome him!"

Originally, Qin Lie had always called her 'dry mother' or 'adoptive mother,' referring to Qin Feng as his adopted father. But after returning to Li City, Yao Ji suddenly noticed that although Qin Lie was usually calm and steady, he had become much livelier. Moreover, he started calling them simply Father and Mother, leading to misunderstandings. Despite being repeatedly corrected, he still persisted.

Yao Ji pulled his hand away and sighed softly as she said, "Today is the Mo Family Army's return; there are so many people there. Why would we want to join in on the commotion" Qin Lie pouted unhappily and said, "What’s wrong with welcoming Father back He’ll be delighted to see us."

Yao Ji shook her head and said, "You go then, I won’t be going. Just congratulate Qin… Commander on my behalf."

Qin Lie’s small face drooped immediately as he saw that his mother still wasn’t willing to accept his father. He felt that his foster father was the most devoted man in this world. Who else could continue pursuing a girl for seven or eight years Why couldn't his mother see him in a good light Then, he thought of some item his mother would secretly look at during their time in Chu Capital and Jiangnan. It seemed unlikely she didn’t approve.

Could it be… that his mother still had concerns

"Since you’re not going, I won’t go either," Qin Lie sat dejectedly across from Yao Ji as he looked at her with wide eyes. Yao Ji helplessly raised a hand to pat his forehead and said, "What nonsense are you up to Don't you know my identity Going out would just cause Commander Qin… embarrassment. And as for you, if I hear any more of your random shouting outside, do you believe I'll punish you"

"I don’t," Qin Lie replied with a smile. "My foster father said that maybe he’s only going to have me as his son in this lifetime. He’s the one who will take care of me when I’m old and bury me after I die, so there’s no reason not to call him ‘father’. As for you… it just feels too distant if we call each other foster mother or foster child, right"

Yao Ji felt utterly helpless and waved her hand. "In any case, go ahead and welcome your foster father first. I’m not feeling well today, so I won’t be joining you."

"Not feeling well" Qin Lie asked with a puzzled look.

"Yes. You should hurry up and leave," Yao Ji said solemnly. "I really can't go."

Qin Lie nodded seriously and said, "Understood, mother. I’ll be going now." As he left the door, Qin Lie glanced back at the Yao Ji who was staring absentmindedly at a table inside the room and muttered to himself, "Not feeling well means that… father should come over to see me personally, right"

In the courtyard behind the tavern where Yao Ji sat alone under a tree playing the qin, the melodic music she was supposed to play flowed intermittently with no particular pattern. It seemed as though her thoughts were elsewhere because her fingers moved aimlessly across the strings while she stared blankly into space.

A steady set of footsteps approached from the courtyard entrance. Yao Ji turned around in surprise and saw Qin Feng standing calmly a short distance away, dressed entirely in black.

For some reason, Yao Ji felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

Qin Feng walked over and looked down at her from his higher position before finally asking after a long pause, "Why didn’t you leave the city"

Yao Ji stood up nervously and said, "I... I need to look after the shop." In fact, almost everyone in the city had gone out to welcome the returning Mohist army. Even though Yao Ji's tavern was one of the best in Licheng, there wasn't a single customer this morning.

"Liar," Qin Feng said coolly as he stared at her. As the leader of the Qilin squad, if he couldn’t tell whether someone is lying to him, he wouldn’t have been able to survive his life so far.

Yao Ji was anxious and gnashed her teeth before saying firmly, "Alright then, I’ll say… I think we are not suitable for each other. Let’s see less of each other in the future. This... is yours!" Yao Ji reached out to Qin Feng, holding a purple jade hairpin in her hand.

However, Qin Feng didn’t get angry and his expression remained unchanged as he said calmly, "It's too late." Yao Ji was startled, “What’s too late” Qin Feng replied, "A few years ago when you went to the capital city before returning it to me, I took that as your consent."

"I... I..." Yao Ji usually knew how to handle herself and could charm everyone with her dance in Qingshan District. She could play every official or noble woman in southern Chu and even the entire Mu Yang Marquis Manor like a puppet when she was in Jiangnan, but now that faced this silent and calm man, she couldn’t even speak properly. After a while, she gritted her teeth and said, "I said it’s impossible! What is your status and what is mine If you really marry me, everyone will ridicule you!"

"Who dares to laugh at me" Qin Feng was not concerned about this. There weren’t many people in the world who dared to mock him. He was the head of the Qilin squad of Ding Wang’s estate and one of Dowager Princess Ding's most trusted confidants. Nowadays, everyone knew that he would have a bright future.

"Gossip can be frightening. You leave now. If there had been any mistakes in the past few years... it was my mistake," Yao Ji said with her head lowered. She didn’t know when she had put this man in her heart, perhaps it was due to his silent company day after day at the tavern back then; or maybe it was because of his quiet and silent comfort while he was in Jiangnan; or perhaps it was out of unwillingness to trouble him, and preferring to solve things for him personally instead of letting him face ridicule. Or... now, even though she felt something for him, she didn’t want to ruin his future.

Qin Feng nodded and said, "If you know that you have made a mistake, then you need to make amends. Come with me." Qin Feng pulled Yao Ji towards the courtyard’s exit. Yao Ji was no match for Qin Feng's strength even if he wasn’t actually using much force.

"Where… where are we going"

"To Ding Wangfu to ask His Excellency and Dowager Princess for permission to marry," Qin Feng replied calmly.

At Ding Wang’s estate,

Ye Li looked at the two of them calmly and asked, "Have you thought this through

"No..." Yao Ji anxiously said; she hadn't expected Qin Feng to actually drag her in front of the Princess Consort. Before she could finish, Qin Feng interrupted her: "Princess Consort, I have thought it over and I ask for your permission."

People have varying degrees of closeness. Compared to Yao Ji, Ye Li clearly valued Qin Feng's opinion more. She replied with a smile: "But from what I see, Yao Ji hasn't agreed yet. Qin Feng, do you know the punishment for forcing a virtuous woman"

"The severe penalty is one hundred lashes and exile three thousand li away."

Ye Li smiled contentedly: "You are my trusted aide, so I'll spare you from exile. However... when a prince breaks the law, commoners bear equal responsibility. Therefore, you will receive three hundred canings. Do you feel fortunate"

"I accept it; please grant me your permission."

Ye Li laughed and said with a smile: "Do you think that if you endure three hundred canings, I would marry Yao Ji to you"

Mosiusiao, who had been watching the scene from the side, suddenly spoke up: "Aili, if Qin Feng really endures three hundred canings, it means his fate shouldn't be so tragic. He deserves some leniency, don't you think Yao Ji, rest assured; as a significant contributor to the Prince's household, I won’t push you into a difficult situation. After Qin Feng receives those three hundred canings, he'll be incapacitated for life. In the future... wouldn't it still be up to your wishes"

Yao Ji was bewildered by this unexpected turn of events and couldn't comprehend how they had come to discussing such a severe punishment. Before Princess Consort could call someone over to administer the caning, Yao Ji hurriedly said: "No! Don’t do it, Princess Consort; Qin Feng didn’t force me."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow: "Oh Then what did you just say"

Yao Ji was at a loss for words, looking at the Prince's enthusiastic expression as if he would immediately drag Qin Feng away to punish him severely. Yao Ji carefully said: "My... my intention is that this matter doesn’t need Princess Consort’s involvement."

Ye Li replied with a slight smile: "What kind of trouble is this Since you don't have family and Qin Feng is also alone, your marriage naturally falls under the jurisdiction of the Prince's household. Qin Feng, go back and inform Chief Officer Mo; yes... arrange it according to the standards for a first-rank general." As the leader of the Qilin Guard, Qin Feng’s status was equivalent to that of a high-ranking general.

"Also, Yao Ji is an important contributor to my household and has been managing intelligence in the southern region for years. Prepare her dowry according to the rank of princess and arrange the wedding ceremony at the Prince's residence. How about setting it for August this year"

"Thank you, Princess. I will follow your decision," Qin Feng agreed cleanly and straightforwardly.

When they came out of the Dingwang Mansion, Yaoji was still a bit dazed and forgot to worry about what people might say when she walked around with Qin Feng during the daytime. Smiling at her, Qin Feng said, "Now that your marriage has been decided upon, you should obediently wait at home for your wedding."

"You..." Yaoji's expression was complex; she was no longer young. Women over thirty had long stopped hoping to wear a red bridal gown and marry like ordinary women did. But the man before her offered her everything she had ever dreamed of. From his eyes, she could tell that he truly didn't care about any possible rumors or ridicule. If... if there is one man in this world who treats me so well, why do I still push away the happiness within my grasp

"Are you still planning to run away from your marriage" Qin Feng frowned.

"No, I'm not. I...I'll wait for you," Yaoji said firmly after gathering her thoughts.

Qin Feng's expression softened and he smiled, "Alright then, let me escort you back."

"Qin Feng, do you... know what my name is"

"Of course I do." The tall man held the slender hand of the woman beside him as they walked, smiling faintly, "Isn't your surname Shen Shen Yao."

"Yes, my name is Shen Yao."

I am Shen Yao now; no longer Yaoji.

Qin Feng's Shen Yao.

--roudly smiled at her and said, "Finally got rid of them." Ye Li remained speechless, finally understanding why something felt off earlier. She had never seen such an expression on Mo Xiuyao before; ev...