"We’re all friends here, no need for formalities."
Feng Yun’s smile was sparse as she glanced at Kong Yun’e, noticing a slight blush on her cheeks, which told her all she needed to know.
In her absence, Jin Ge must have been taking good care of his childhood friend.
Jin Ge bowed respectfully.
"May I know why the Princess had summoned here?"
Earlier that day, Feng Yun had sent Ge Guang to deliver congratulatory noodles to Ren Rude, without really saying anything special; however, by keeping Kong Yun’e behind after nightfall, Jin Ge understood.
Feng Yun preferred dealing with intelligent people, her gaze softening considerably.
"Please, take a seat."
Jin Ge complied, sitting not too far nor too close across from them, his hands resting on his knees, his back straight—clearly a trained individual.
Feng Yun smiled briefly.
"Is Mr. Ren’s hotown Jinyang?"
Jin Ge replied, "Yes."
Feng Yun continued, "Then why didn’t he go back ho for the New Year’s celebration?"
Jin Ge shook his head, "It seems there’s not many people left at ho."
Feng Yun looked at him with a peculiar smile, as if asking or probing sothing, yet her tone was unusually certain.
"How many of you are there, lurking in Andu County?"
Jin Ge’s eyes darkened, his fingers resting on his knees reflexively tensing slightly before relaxing again; he hesitated before informing Feng Yun.
"There are five hundred n, scattered across various trades, at Mr. Ren’s disposal. But I am not privy to the specific nas, only Mr. Ren knows."
Five hundred n?
Feng Yun was prepared but still startled by the number.
Xiao Cheng, a man with nurous sches in his mind.
How could he miss out on using such an opportunity during such a delicate ti in Dajin’s Central Capital?
In Feng Yun’s eyes, although Xiao Cheng’s conduct left much to be desired, he was invariably clear-headed when it ca to handling affairs.
If Jin Country allowed Li Sangruo, that woman, to govern and ddle, it would sooner or later be devoured entirely by Xiao Cheng.
She pondered, emitting a nonchalant grunt.
"In recent days, many noble families and common folk took the opportunity of the New Year to move south out of Andu, that must be Mr. Ren’s doing, right?"
Jin Ge remained silent for a mont, then slowly lifted his head to et Feng Yun’s gaze.
"The Princess might not be inclined to believe what I say. In truth, Mr. Ren doesn’t entirely trust , especially after the battle in Bingzhou; I couldn’t participate in many matters... As far as I know, Mr. Ren is well-connected, with wide social networks, and ets with friends often to discuss things outsiders can’t comprehend..."
Feng Yun detected Jin Ge’s reservations.
After all, he was trained by Xiao Cheng’s household. Even if reluctantly switching allegiance, it was only natural for him to still harbor a protective sentint towards his forr master...
She smiled, saying no more.
Knowing that Xiao Cheng had embedded so many agents, that was all she needed to understand.
If Andu was like this, other counties, including Xinzhou, were probably no different.
After Jin Ge left in the heavy snow, Kong Yun’e sat for a while longer, conversing with Feng Yun.
Ever since the village started a sewing workshop, she had been working with Ying Rong and seed much more cheerful than before, with several single n in the village looking to propose, only to be politely turned down by her.
Before she left, she insisted on giving Feng Yun a gold bracelet wrapped in a brocade bag.
"I missed your wedding, so I couldn’t co to congratulate you. This was prepared for you."
When they were little, they both had fantasized about what it would be like to attend each other’s weddings.
But when Kong Yun’e got married, Feng Yun happened to be accompanying her father on an assignnt to Andu, and their friendship had grown distant. She sent a gift in her stead, unable to attend in person.
Feng Yun’s wedding took place in Bingzhou, and Kong Yun’e did not have the chance to attend. This ti, Feng Yun had returned, and she lted down her own gold jewelry to craft this bracelet.
It was the best thing she could offer now.
"Why so formal with ?"
Feng Yun t her humble eyes, pausing for a mont before breaking into a smile.
"I’ll accept the gift. But no more such extravagance in the future. Hengyang is still young, and there will be plenty of expenses ahead. You need to save."
Kong Yun’e smiled faintly.
"Here in Changn, there’s not much I need to spend money on..."
In the village, everyone took good care of the widow and orphan. Kong Yun’e was capable, the second best at embroidery after Ying Rong the seamstress; besides, she was from a wealthy family, knew many things, liked to help others and was recognized as Feng Yun’s close friend. She was well-liked and respected; her lodging, food, and essentials were all provided by the village. With Hengyang studying at the family school in the village, she indeed didn’t have much to spend.
But the most important change wasn’t material, it was spiritual.
In Changn, there was work for everyone. As long as they didn’t break Feng Yun’s rules, they could live comfortably, independently. There was no discrimination or competition, not even a sense of hierarchy...
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