Just as Feng Beichuan was about to find something to talk about and spend more time with Li Chang'an, he saw the woman walking outside, so he followed her and looked over.
"Brother Bao is back?"
At this moment, Li Chang'an's expression softened a bit. She smiled and waved to Qin Yubao, then politely nodded to Qin Xiashi, who was standing next to Qin Yubao.
Qin Yubao winked mischievously at Li Chang'an. Although the two did not exchange any words, Qin Xiashi still keenly noticed this small gesture.
Qin Xia couldn't help but frown, and subtly pulled Qin Yubao closer to her: "Brother Bao, let's go wash our hands and then eat some pastries, okay?"
Xing'er immediately understood her mistress's thoughts, so she coaxed Qin Yubao to leave first.
Seeing that Qin Xia's complexion seemed unwell, Li Chang'an asked, "Auntie, are you feeling unwell? Why do you look so pale?"
"fine."
Qin Xia waved her hand, then glanced at Feng Beichuan standing at the entrance of the main hall. Her brows furrowed even more, and she opened her mouth, seemingly hesitant: "Your Highness has come to visit today..."
"Oh, don't worry, it's nothing."
Although Li Chang'an's words were simply meant to comfort Qin Xiashi, they were interpreted differently by her.
This is a general's mansion, after all. How come Feng Beichuan never even greets us when he comes over? Even if he is the regent, he can't be so unscrupulous! Moreover, he always comes over with Li Chang'an. It's simply outrageous for a man and a woman to be alone together in broad daylight.
Thinking of this, Qin Xia couldn't help but recall the gossip she had overheard on the street, and she felt even more strongly that the relationship between Feng Beichuan and Li Chang'an was definitely not ordinary.
Perhaps Feng Beichuan is so brazen in coming here every day because of their relationship. Since nothing's wrong, the two must be having a secret rendezvous.
The more Qin Xia thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt. She had been managing the General's Mansion for the past few years, so why did Li Chang'an act as if the entire place belonged to her the moment she returned? If this continued, she might not even have a foothold in the General's Mansion anymore.
Moreover, just as she entered the room, she happened to see Feng Beichuan excitedly talking to Li Chang'an. The two looked quite intimate, which was undoubtedly indecent behavior in Qin Xia's eyes.
"The Regent seems to have a good relationship with the Lady?"
Changing the subject, a hint of something unfathomable flashed in Qin Xia's eyes, and her tone became much harsher than before.
Li Chang'an felt there was a hint of sarcasm in her words, and couldn't help but wonder—how could Qin Xia suddenly seem like a different person?
Speaking of which, during the days she was back at the General's Mansion, although Qin Xiashi wasn't very close to her, she was still very polite and knew how to behave properly. She never had the same attitude as just now.
"You're overthinking it. We're just ordinary friends."
After a moment's thought, Li Chang'an ultimately defined his relationship with Feng Beichuan as that of ordinary friends.
However, Qin Xia was no pushover and could not be easily dismissed. Therefore, Li Chang'an's words "ordinary friend" sounded very ambiguous to her. Moreover, if the two were truly innocent, why would others gossip like that?
Qin Xia's shrewd eyes darted around again. She felt that this explanation was just a delaying tactic by Li Chang'an. Perhaps this woman wanted to secretly collude with the Regent while taking control of the General's Mansion. Maybe she would even win over Yu Bao in the end.
This hypothetical scenario was undoubtedly terrifying for Qin Xia Shi. She would never allow her position in the General's Mansion to be threatened, nor would she allow anyone to try to take Qin Yu Bao away from her.
"What are you talking about? Tell me so I can hear it too."
At this moment, Feng Beichuan also came over. He had been waiting for a long time but Li Chang'an hadn't returned. Seeing her chatting so enthusiastically with Qin Xiashi, he couldn't help but get a little anxious.
I can't help but complain about how this woman can chat with anyone but me?
And so, Feng Beichuan once again displayed his shamelessness in front of Li Chang'an.
However, Qin Xiashi found Feng Beichuan's actions extremely presumptuous. But neither of these two men was someone she could afford to offend, so she couldn't do anything about it. She couldn't help but wonder if these two were unaware of the rumors circulating in the streets, or if they were simply indifferent and didn't care at all.
However, regardless of the circumstances, Madam Qin felt obligated to stop these two from trampling on the reputation of their General's Mansion.
"Since Your Highness wishes to reminisce with your wife, why not find a quieter place elsewhere to avoid being disturbed?"
Li Chang'an naturally understood the hidden meaning in Qin Xia's words, but he couldn't understand why this woman had suddenly become so strange and sarcastic.
But Feng Beichuan didn't think so. He was eager to have more opportunities to spend time alone with Li Chang'an, so he gladly accepted the way out offered by Qin Xiashi.
"Madam Qin is so thoughtful. It just so happens that the large patch of crabapple blossoms behind my villa in the suburbs is in bloom. Why don't you join me, Your Highness, to admire the flowers and have some tea? That would be quite elegant."
"I……"
"The weather is exceptionally nice today, and since Madam has nothing to do, instead of staying cooped up at home, why don't you go out with the Regent and have a look around?"
Just as Li Chang'an was about to refuse, Qin Xiashi interrupted him quickly, eager to send these two important people away as soon as possible.
Having said all that, it would be unreasonable for him to refuse again, but Li Chang'an couldn't help but glance at Qin Xiashi with surprise, wondering why the two of them were acting in concert today.
"Oh well!"
Thinking that going to the outskirts of the city would allow him to pass by the villa where Deputy General Sun and his men lived, and that he could check on the soldiers' recent situation on his way back, Li Chang'an agreed.
Seeing that his wish had been fulfilled, Feng Beichuan was very happy and prepared to call a carriage, but Li Chang'an insisted on riding a horse there himself to avoid the awkwardness of the two of them sitting in the carriage later.
Seeing Li Chang'an's insistence, Feng Beichuan had no choice but to ride with her.
Because she knew the way to the outskirts of the city, Li Chang'an rode her horse at top speed all the way, not caring that Feng Beichuan had already left her far behind. Fortunately, no one was bothering her, so she was happy to be free.
"Your Highness ran way too fast!"
After finally catching up, Feng Beichuan and Li Chang'an rode side by side. He kept waving his whip and complained helplessly. He originally wanted to go slower so he could enjoy the scenery along the way, but this woman was too unromantic. She had to make it look like they were on the run for their lives just to ride a horse.
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