Qing Xuan, who was driving the carriage outside, didn't hear their discussion. When Ji Yunxi poked her head out to ask about the journey, he said curiously, "If the Prince of Rui is really that kind to the common people, he probably won't want to start a war, right?"
Ji Yunxi didn't answer.
"After all, once a war breaks out, the innocent common people will surely be the ones to suffer. Could it be that your analysis is wrong and you've got the wrong person?"
Ji Yunxi said in a low voice, "It's still unclear. Let's wait and see."
Back in the carriage, Ji Yuchen heard Qing Xuan's words, and the sense of strangeness in his heart grew stronger.
Feng Xingzhi saw that they were about to reach the Prince of Rui's Mansion and couldn't help reminding them, "We must be extra careful."
The group arrived at the Prince of Rui's Mansion. There were already several maids standing at the gate.
The carriage stopped, and the three of them got off.
The maids hurriedly stepped forward to greet them. "Greetings to Prince Feng, Minister Ji, and Miss Ji. His Highness the Prince has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come in quickly."
Following them into the mansion, Qing Xuan always closely followed behind Ji Yunxi. Looking around, he leaned close to his mistress's ear and whispered with emotion, "Mistress, the Prince of Rui's mansion is not as good as the Sang family's residence. It doesn't look like a prince's mansion at all."
Ji Yunxi had also noticed some differences. The Prince of Rui was really very low - key, and his mansion was indeed very simple.
The pavilions, terraces, and even the corridor they were walking through now were all of the specifications of an ordinary mansion. There was nothing luxurious to be seen along the way. For a prince, such a mansion was really too low - key.
Feng Xingzhi was walking in front. As if he had noticed something, he suddenly stopped and stared.
Ji Yunxi saw his expression and also stopped. She followed his gaze but saw nothing.
"A Zhi, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Let's go."
The Prince of Rui was waiting in the reception hall, with a smile in his eyes, looking like an elder delighted to see his juniors.
If he was acting, his acting skills and scheming were truly terrifying.
As a prince, Feng Xingzhi just cupped his hands and saluted when facing the Prince of Rui. And as a first - rank official, Minister Ji Yuchen naturally didn't need to perform grand salutes either. With them around, Ji Yunxi just curtsied.
The Prince of Rui didn't mind Ji Yunxi's etiquette. He smiled at Feng Xingzhi and said, "Xingzhi is here. It's been years since we last met. You haven't come to visit your uncle for so long!"
Feng Xingzhi wore a hint of a smile. "It's the junior's fault. I will surely visit often in the future."
"Hey, I'm just saying. I remember when you kids used to follow me around and call me uncle. In a blink of an eye, you've all grown up. Hahaha."
The Princess of Rui patted the Prince of Rui's arm on one side. "Don't bring up old things. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"
As she said this, she looked at Feng Xingzhi. "Xingzhi must be tired from the journey. Knowing your poor health, I've prepared everything. Treat this place as your own home when you're here."
"Okay. Thank you, aunt."
The Prince of Rui smiled and didn't say anything more.
After the greetings, they were led to the guest rooms.
As a female guest, Ji Yunxi followed the princess to the Western Courtyard where the women lived.
"Are you the daughter of Ji Qilin?"
The Princess of Rui looked gentle, which made people feel good about her. Knowing that she was about the same age as her father, Ji Yunxi replied gently, "Yes."
"He really has a wonderful daughter. You've grown up so well."
As they were talking, they arrived at Ji Yunxi's residence. It was quiet but not in a remote location, which showed that it was specially prepared.
Feng Xingzhi and Ji Yuchen were arranged to live in the same courtyard. The servant said a bit embarrassedly, "I'm sorry, Your Highness the Prince and Minister. The mansion is not big, so we can only arrange this courtyard. Please don't blame us."
Ji Yuchen glanced at Feng Xingzhi and then showed an indifferent attitude. "It's okay. It's good to have a place to stay. Since the prince is so thrifty, how can we be extravagant?"
The servant chuckled. "You're right, Minister. The prince is just too thrifty. The steward once suggested that the mansion should be renovated properly, but the prince refused."
Feng Xingzhi didn't say a word along the way. Only when they arrived at their destination did he quietly meet with Ji Yuchen.
"What do you think of the Prince of Rui's current behavior?"
"I don't believe there's nothing wrong. After all, he's a prince. Being so thrifty is a bit excessive, unless he's actually short of money." Ji Yuchen hit the nail on the head.
Feng Xingzhi curled his lips. "Buying weapons costs a lot of money."
The two looked at each other and didn't say anything more.
After thanking them, Ji Yunxi stayed in the room until someone came to announce that it was time for dinner. Then she went out with Qing Xuan.
The dishes were already on the table, but they were only slightly better than those in ordinary restaurants outside.
Feng Xingzhi said with a smile, "Uncle is too thrifty on normal days. If the Emperor knows about this, he will surely blame the Ministry of Rites."
"As I'm getting old, those things don't mean much to me anymore. I've saved all that money. Look, when there are abnormal celestial phenomena, I can use it to relieve the common people."
The Prince of Rui's answer was flawless, and Feng Xingzhi didn't continue on this topic.
"Xingzhi, I heard that you're engaged. Is it this young lady?"
Feng Xingzhi put down his chopsticks. "Yes."
Hearing this, Ji Yunxi immediately stood up and saluted the Prince of Rui. She looked dignified and her etiquette was impeccable.
"Quickly get up. You're really a good child! Has the wedding date been set?"
This time it was Ji Yuchen's turn. "Your Highness, not yet. Since my father passed away before, my younger sister is still in mourning, so the date has been postponed."
The Prince of Rui seemed a bit regretful. "Look at me. I've even forgotten that old fox Ji Qilin has passed away. We used to be friends. It's been so many years since we last met. Once you've set the date, don't forget to send someone to tell me!"
Feng Xingzhi nodded. "Of course. We came this time partly to visit you, uncle, and partly to introduce my future princess to you."
Hearing this, the Prince of Rui laughed heartily and seemed very happy.
Feng Xingzhi's words immediately brought them closer to the Prince of Rui. Bringing his fiancée to meet the elder not only made Ji Yunxi's appearance reasonable but also made the Prince of Rui less vigilant about their purpose.
"Alas, you're all really grown - up. Seeing that you're about to get married, your uncle is really happy."
The Princess of Rui ordered someone to fill everyone's glasses with wine and said with a smile, "Look at how sincere the children are, and Miss Yunxi is so wonderful. Why don't you wish them a long and happy marriage?"
The Prince of Rui quickly raised his glass. "Come on, I'm a bit confused. This glass of wine is to wish you a long and happy marriage!"
"Thank you, Your Highness (uncle)."
The Prince of Rui put down his glass. "Now I'm relieved. I have no children of my own. I just hope that you and the Emperor will both be well."
"Thank you for your concern, uncle. I also miss you."
The meal was a happy one for all the guests. When Feng Xingzhi left, his eyes were slightly blurred, as if he was drunk. He held Ji Yunxi's hand tightly and wouldn't let go.
Under the teasing looks of the Prince and Princess of Rui, Ji Yunxi finally led him away.