Feng Linche suddenly raised his voice and roared in a fit of rage.
Bai Sheng was startled by his sudden outburst of ferocity and stammered, "Your servant - your servant girl wouldn't dare."
Feng Linche didn't say a word. He calmly stared at Bai Sheng, and his gaze sent shivers down her spine.
All words died on their lips. The entire palace hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
When Feng Linche saw that she had fallen silent, he regained his calm and composure. He slowly sat up straight and let out a cold laugh. Although he was smiling, there was no trace of mirth in it, as if a crack had opened at the corner of his mouth. "It's getting late, and I'm tired. You should all go back and rest early."
At this moment, he finally noticed Bai Di, who had been cast aside. After a moment's thought, he made a decision. "General Bai has taken the fifty - board punishment for his daughter. There's no reason for me to punish Miss Bai Di further. Since Miss Bai Di and Young Master Chen are in love, I'll bestow a marriage upon you two. Choose a day to get married."
When Feng Linche said this, he was almost amiable.
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Just a moment ago, it was a storm, but now Feng Linche's smile had become so gentle. There was no sign of his previous fury. The heart of this emperor was truly unfathomable.
Bai Di widened her eyes and tearfully glanced at Feng Jingxuan. She wanted to refuse, but couldn't utter a single word of refusal.
She had just been released from the prison. She had almost been abandoned by her own father and lost her life. Now, it was a blessing just to be alive. How could she dare to ask Feng Linche to maintain her previous engagement with the Third Prince, Feng Jingxuan?
Chen Jianzhi stole a glance at Su Muxiao and said sheepishly, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Bai Zheng sneered coldly. Feng Linche had just taken back Bai Yizhang's military talisman, giving the Bai family a hard slap in the face. Naturally, he had to offer a sweet date.
Anyway, Princess Yunxi had already indicated that she forgave Bai Di before she left. Releasing Bai Di now wouldn't do any harm.
"Your Majesty, what about the general?" Hearing Feng Linche's order to release Bai Di, Mrs. Zhao finally showed a bit of joy. But soon she thought of Bai Yizhang, who was still being flogged, and asked worriedly.
Feng Linche smiled slightly. "General Bai has a strong constitution. You don't need to worry. After this flogging, he'll probably just have to lie in bed for a few days at home. Consider it as a few - day vacation I'm giving him.
By the way, just now, Miss Bai also said that the eldest young master of the Bai family has been learning the art of leading troops into battle from General Bai since he was a child. That's quite good.
Well, then, I'll arrange a suitable position for him in the military camp. This way, the general's efforts won't be in vain. How about that?"
Feng Linche asked in a friendly and consultative tone.
Bai Sheng's face couldn't help but tremble. It was hard for her to control the muscles on her face from twitching. She replied, "Bai Sheng thanks Your Majesty on behalf of my father and elder brother!"
Bai Nianyin was the eldest legitimate son of the General's Mansion, born to Mrs. Zhao.
Maybe because he didn't want his son to experience the same neglect from his parents that he had endured as the eldest son, Bai Yizhang highly valued this eldest son. Since Bai Nianyin was born, no matter where he went, even when he went to fight on the border, Bai Yizhang would take his son with him.
As a general, especially after Bai Qiying's death, Bai Yizhang spent almost half of his time on the battlefield. Bai Nianyin, who had always been with him, rarely appeared in the General's Mansion.
So, Bai Zheng wasn't very familiar with this elder brother who had grown up away from home.
However, even though Bai Zheng wasn't familiar with him, she had heard many glorious deeds about this elder brother from her grandmother, Mrs. He, and her father, Bai Yinan, throughout her life.
Just as Bai Sheng said, this Bai Nianyin had grown up on the battlefield with Bai Yizhang since he was a child. Although his ability to lead troops into battle couldn't compare to the legendary Feng Linyuan, he was still very capable.
Having been influenced by the battlefield all the time, his military talent was thus inspired.
It was said that this young general not only knew how to take the offensive as a means of defense and make careful plans on the battlefield, completely inheriting Bai Yizhang's strategies; but also remained calm and steady during battles, just like Bai Qiying.
What was most admirable was not only his outstanding military talent but also his bravery. He was never afraid of death. He always led the charge in every battle, calmly coping with the situation. Wherever his troops passed, they were invincible!
He had quite a reputation in the military camp.
It was just that back then, Feng Linyuan outshone him. In the battle that wiped out the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, ten years of peace on the border were achieved.
Bai Nianyin also lost the opportunity to show off his prowess and gain fame because of this.
This was also the reason why Feng Linche didn't know much about him.
However, it was said that in the recent battle between Bai Yihuan and Southern Shu, Bai Nianyin had contributed a lot. But for some reason, Bai Yizhang had withheld this information and didn't report it to the court.
Now, with the southern border just settled, Bai Nianyin had already set off back to Yongding and would arrive in a few days.
Thinking of this, a faint smile appeared on Bai Zheng's lips.
When he left, the General's Mansion was still a prestigious family. But when he returned, he would have to face a situation where Bai Yizhang was injured, the military talisman had been taken back, and his younger sister, Bai Di, was to marry someone else. Moreover, with Bai Sheng's scheming, she would surely shift all the blame onto her.
At that time, she wondered what this elder brother, who had never even said more than a few words to her, would do.
It was really something to look forward to.
Maybe thinking of Bai Nianyin, who was about to return to the capital, Bai Sheng felt a bit more at ease. She pulled her mother and younger sister, thanked the emperor together, and then withdrew. They hurriedly went to find Bai Yizhang.
After what had just happened, everyone looked a bit embarrassed. Their smiles became perfunctory, and even Empress Chu and the princes were still a bit shaken.
Feng Linche said indifferently, "Well, since everything has been resolved, I'm tired. You should all go back early."
After saying that, he was about to get up.
Empress Chu exchanged a glance with Feng Jingye and quickly asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, what about Princess Yunxi?"
Feng Linche paused in his movement to get up. Soon, he took another step forward and waved his hand. "The trouble the third son caused himself, he should handle it himself."
Feng Jingye was overjoyed. He quickly bowed to Feng Jingxuan and said loudly, "Congratulations, third brother. You're going to marry the beautiful princess!"
"Father!" Feng Jingxuan ignored him and urgently called out to Feng Linche. "Your son - your son can't marry Princess Yunxi!"
"Can't marry? Why can't you marry?" Feng Linche stopped in his tracks and slowly turned his head. He looked at Feng Jingxuan out of the corner of his eye, making him shiver. But his words were very calm. "Do you think it's a disgrace for a prince born of a concubine to marry a legitimate princess?"
Seeing his expression, for some reason, Feng Jingxuan's whole body couldn't help but tremble slightly. "No, no..."