Transmigration: of Mysteries and Songs

Chapter 148: Before the Storm

In a dining room on the third floor of Manchun Tang, Feng Luodi looked at Qi Jianqiu across the table, laughter in her eyes. The girl's cheeks were ruddy, a smile lighting up her face. Even after her marriage, she was still the undisputable "Beauty of Chang'an".

Situ sat beside Feng Luodi, as did Gan Qingjia beside Qi Jianqiu.

"Didn't you say that there was something to celebrate today?" Qi Jianqiu smiled as she spoke, her voice soft and gentle to the ears. "What's up?"

Gan Qingjia patted her lovingly. "It's a pity that the protagonist himself isn't here today; Yiqi is now the Chief of the Imperial Army."

"Are you serious?" Qi Jianqiu was surprised, joy showing apparently on her face. The love triangle between them has already been resolved, Xue  Yiqi giving up on her. "He's amazing!"

Gan Qingjia smiled dotingly at the genuine feelings of Qi Jianqiu. She was innocent and smart, beautiful but not petty. Feng Luodi, however, was a little confused at the sudden promotion of Xue Yiqi.

"The Chief?" She knew that Xue Yiqi did not possess the seniority to lead an army of five thousand strong; his age would be a huge limiting factor in his command presence. It would've been much more likely if he was the Assistant Chief of the Imperial Army instead.

"During the morning convention today, The Defender-in-chief has submitted his resignation to the Emperor, hoping to be allowed to be rid of his official duties. The eldest son of the Xue family is already the General-in-chief of the Western Army, and the glory of the Defender-in-chief will be inherited by Xue Yiqi."

Feng Luodi frowned. What is the Emperor trying to do? First, he assigns Gan Qingjia to the role of the Imperial Treasurer, and now it's giving the position of the Chief of the Imperial Army to Xue Yiqi. Although both are in some ways done to repay the efforts of their fathers, it is too much of a coincidence! He has given so much power to the friends and brothers of Situ, thus gathering such power under the wings of the First Prince.

Does he already know of Situ's allegiance to the First Prince? Is he really scheming all that? Is the increasing of support for the First Prince arranged by the Emperor as well? Feng Luodi felt a cold sweat run down her back. If that is true, Situ and the First Prince are in danger right now! Did the sacrifice of the Baicha Mountain Villa and the connections with the deceased Empress Zhaoren not move him one bit?

The Emperor has always been wary of the First Prince! The Seventh Prince has been exiled, the Second Prince removed from his position; who else can he pass on the throne to? The Eighth Prince? Or is it the Eleventh Prince?

Feng Luodi felt as if her thoughts were all jumbled up in a mess. This is so complicated...but I feel like I'm getting close to the truth...

"No need to worry." Situ's voice was firm and reassuring. "It might be a venomous trap for us, but it can be used to our advantage."

Feng Luodi and Gan Qingjia understood his words. Naturally, Situ would have a better understanding of the situation than them. Feng Luodi held a hand to her chest. But why do I still feel so uneasy?

Only Qi Jianqiu was confused. "What are you guys talking about? What trap?"

"Oh, it's nothing." Gan Qingjia smiled and took her into his arms. "Weren't you about to present your newest dishes to us? Take them out!"

The change of topic to her hobby quickly diverted her attention and Qi Jianqiu happily took out her food hamper. "I've brought my newest dishes today, but Yiqi isn't here yet! We can only start after he's here."

Gan Qingjia ignored her protests and reached across to take out dishes and plates from the hamper. "He won't be coming; there're too many people that're waiting for his attention. He'll still have to visit Moyin after he's done."