Chapter 305 (2/2)

He thought a little, and in the blink of an eye, he cupped his hands to Feng Jin Yuan and said: “Since the eldest princess of Qian Zhou has already been to visit the Feng manor, this lowly prince naturally cannot fall behind. I wonder if Lord Feng has time tomorrow for this lowly prince to come and pay a visit?”

Feng Jin Yuan did not have a great impression of Li Kun. First was because of the iron essence that Da Shun had been hoping to receive for 100 years. Second, he had lost face because of Feng Yu Heng, but at the root of it all was Li Kun suddenly saying that he would give her a jade turtle to bring peace to the home. Feng Jin Yuan’s mind was still quite resourceful. Upon hearing that Kang YI and Ru Jia were living in the Feng manor, Li Kun immediately said that he would give something blessed to bring peace to the home. What did this mean? Who was this said for?

He suppressed an anger in his belly then looked at Kang Yi. Although she still had a graceful expression, he could see a trace of grief appear on that unexpressive face.

Feng Jin Yuan was upset over Kang Yi, and he could not help but become even more irritated by Li Kun, so he frankly said: “The manor is busy today. I fear that I would not be able to act as an adequate host. If the one that comes from Zong Sui to offer tribute next year is still your Highness, this prime minister will invite your Highness to come sit in our Manor.”

Not giving him any face, Feng Jin Yuan refused Li Kun. Feng Yu Heng laughed internally. Previously, she had heard that a prime minister would be able to even stomach holding up a boat; however, not to mention a boat, her father could not even stomach holding up a paddle.2

Seeing that Li Kun’s expression became a little ugly, and that he could not find a way out, she quickly picked up the conversation: “Your Highness, do not mind. With the two princesses from Qian Zhou now living in the manor, the family is indeed quite busy. How about this, A-Heng will invite your Highness on his Highness Prince Yu’s behalf to sit in the Yu Palace for a while. How is that?”

Hearing this, Li Kun was like a ball that had suddenly been filled with air, as he happily stood up and said: “Is county princess serious? His Highness Prince Yu… will he agree?”

Feng Yu Heng’s invitation was very strange to Li Kun. He thought that he was unable to go to the Feng manor simply because the princesses from Qian Zhou had gone. He felt that, as a special envoy, he could not be a step behind anyone else, but Feng Jin Yuan did not hesitate to refuse, causing him to feel awkward. But he never thought that when he was unable to visit the Feng family, he would instead be invited by county princess Ji An using the Yu Palace’s name.

He knew about the relationship between Feng Yu Heng and Xuan Tian Ming. He had a bit of understanding of what sort of existence the ninth prince, Xuan Tian Ming, was. Right before he had come, he had thought about forming relations with the princes of Da Shun; however, since Da Shun’s princes all had their own factions, regardless of who he formed relations with, they would not be able to avoid the battles between factions. But the ninth prince was different. Although word on the street was that the ninth prince’s legs were worthless and his body crippled, he felt that things were not so simple.

Moreover, there was also Feng Yu Heng! This county princess Ji An controlled the mysterious method for producing steel. Breaking apart the iron essence weapons so valiantly, she had already left a different impression on Li Kun.

Feng Yu Heng observed the changes in Li Kun’s eyes and managed to make a decent guess about his thoughts. She nodded to Li Kun, “This county princess personally invited you, so his Highness Prince Yu will naturally agree.”

“Good!” Li Kun’s eyes lit up, and he began laughing loudly, “Then I will ask county princess to set a date. This lowly prince will bring a gift.”

Feng Yu Heng smiled, “I have never delayed when doing this. Since we have decided on this matter, then let us do it tomorrow!”

“This lowly prince thanks county princess for the support!” Li Kun cupped his hands, his words truly sincere.

As for Feng Jin Yuan, who had spoken first, now began to feel some regret. Li Kun was still the prince of another country. Since he could come to Da Shun, it meant that he represented Zong Sui. Earlier, he had taken the initiative to ask about visiting, but he had refused. In the blink of an eye, this had pushed him into the Yu Palace. The chance to improve diplomacy had been given to someone else. What had his brain been smoking earlier?

It was not just Feng Jin Yuan, as even Kang Yi was very concerned about Li Kun meeting with Prince Yu and Feng Yu Heng. Zong Sui’s iron essence may have lost to Da Shun’s steel; however, for small countries that still used raw iron, it was still a large improvement. Why would he be able to feel at peace just because of the newly introduced steel?

With the two thinking their own thoughts, they quickly looked at each other.

Feng Jin Yuan was able to see her intentions in her gaze, and he quickly said to Li Kun: “Just now, this prime minister was not thorough with my considerations. Even if there are many things happening at home, we should invite your Highness to come and sit. Your Highness, please do not blame us. Could we carry on as before?”

This time, Li Kun shook his head, saying: “This lowly prince is nothing more than the prince of a vassal state. How could I dare to trouble Da Shun’s prime minister. If this lowly prince is still the one to come to Da Shun and offer tribute on behalf of my Zong Sui, I will come and visit!” After saying this, he did not pay any attention to Feng Jin Yuan, as he said to Feng YU Heng: “This lowly prince has finished my wontons and will be returning to make some preparations. County princess, farewell!”

Who knew that just as he finished speaking, and before he could leave, the sound of a horse’s hooves could be heard. They started far and began to grow near. It sounded as though it was headed straight for this wonton stall, and it did not sound like it was slowing down.

Kang Yi let out an “ah” sound, as she was frightened by the charging horse. Feng Jin Yuan did not show weakness, as he held one in each hand, pulling Ru Jia and Kang Yi into his body. Retreating many steps, he tried to avoid the wild horse.

Li Kun subconsciously wanted to reach out and grab Feng Yu Heng, but when he turned his head to look, he saw her stare straight at the charging horse. With her chin slightly raised, she stood her ground with no intention of running away. As for the wild horse, under the control of the person riding it, it stopped half a step in front of Feng Yu Heng.

The person on the horse looked at Feng Yu Heng then coldly said: “County princess Ji An, long time no see.”

1: The full idiom is to receive help but secretly help others.

2: The idiom is about being generous.