Keep your voice down. Are you trying to look glamorous dressed as a forced lover?

No one expected that there would be an extra person in Li Qingyan's carriage.

The three of them, Song Qinian and Li Qingyan, all turned their gazes to the boy. They clenched their fists and then looked at Li Qingyan.

They had known for a long time that Li Qingyan was in contact with other people, and Song Qinian even guessed that she must have other people, but they did not expect her to bring them back so quickly.

Did they have prior contact? Or did it fall in love at first sight and bring her back?

How far have they gotten?

One question after another flashed through my mind, and everyone's face was a fascinating mix of pale and flushed.

Li Qingyan didn't look at them, but instead looked at the young man: "You will stay in the East Palace for the next few days, and leave the palace after the matter is resolved."

"Yes, thank you, Your Highness."

Just as the boy was about to bow, leaning on his cane, Li Qingyan gently nudged his elbow.

"Your leg injury makes things inconvenient, as I mentioned before, so there's no need for such formalities in the future."

After speaking, she looked at Song Qinian and the other two, nodded to them, and finally gave them a brief introduction: "This is General Cheng Fei, who guards the strategic pass. He will be staying at the Eastern Palace for the time being."

"Greetings, gentlemen." Cheng Fei bowed, glancing at the three men's unpleasant expressions, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Besides the doubts and tension, there was an undeniable wariness, and a faint... hostility.

It's one thing to have known for a long time that Your Highness has several exceptionally outstanding concubines in your harem, but it's quite another to actually meet them.

The three people standing together each had their own unique characteristics, making it impossible to look away.

Finally, Cheng Fei's gaze fell on Ji Mingzheng.

Ji Mingzheng was staring intently at Cheng Fei, feeling that he looked somewhat familiar, but because his mind was too chaotic, he couldn't remember why for a moment.

Ji Mingzheng's expression had returned to normal, but his hands, which were white from exerting too much force, showed that he was emotionally unstable.

Wen Sheng pursed her lips as she watched this scene, her hand trembling slightly in her sleeve. One Qiu Nanzhu was not enough, those portraits were not enough, and His Highness had actually brought people back after his long trip.

How many people does she need to find?

And why bring back someone who looks just like Ji Mingzheng? Suddenly, an absurd thought flashed through my mind:

Was His Highness doing this on purpose? Was he seeking revenge for Ji Mingzheng's rejection by finding a body double who resembled him?

It wasn't that Wen Sheng was overthinking things; it was just that Cheng Fei and Ji Mingzheng had too many things in common: the same skin color, the same decisiveness in killing, and the same leg problems...

Moreover, it wasn't just Ji Mingzheng who offended His Highness; he did too. Could it be that His Highness was dissatisfied with all those people he had met before because they weren't like them enough?

No, it must be just a coincidence. Her Highness wouldn't do that; she's not that kind of person.

Li Qingyan could not ignore their gazes.

She couldn't help but touch her nose. How should I put it? The world of the novel had once again become reality.

In other novels, a general goes to the border for three years and brings back a pregnant woman. She goes out for three days and brings back a man.

His identity and temperament are so unique, he looks just like Ji Mingzheng.

Li Qingyan had to admit that when she saw Cheng Fei, the first thought that came to her mind was Ji Mingzheng.

But Li Qingyan didn't do it on purpose. She actually disliked the male lead's behavior of finding a substitute, so she hadn't thought about it before.

The reason things turned out this way today is because the plot had set her up this way; she didn't have any intention of deliberately retaliating against Ji Mingzheng.

The plot of this little novel is always so suggestive. She had attended a banquet before and met a lot of people, but she didn't gain much. Most of them weren't very good. But this time, she discovered that if someone has the potential to become a protagonist or a supporting character, the plot will automatically start and make her see or encounter them.

For example, she met Cheng Fei when she was distributing the pension.

It was a very romantic encounter, like something out of an idol drama. They bumped into each other at a corner, kissed without falling, but also kissed other parts of their bodies.

Cheng Fei's temperament, excellence, and face made her keenly sense that he was different, and after a month of hard work, she naturally wouldn't miss it.

If she keeps going like this, she'll develop a nervous breakdown!

The emperor's death was imminent, and she had neither the time nor the capacity to wait.

"General Cheng, rest assured and recover from your injuries. If you need anything, contact me. Do not leave the East Palace unless absolutely necessary."

Li Qingyan seemed unaware of the undercurrents between them. After giving his instructions, he prepared to leave.

Song Qinian suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness is busy with official duties. General Cheng can contact me if you need anything."

He was speaking to Cheng Fei, but his gaze was fixed on Li Qingyan's face.

His Highness values ​​Cheng Fei exceptionally highly, even refusing to let him leave the East Palace. Is he truly determined to bring him into the harem?

Li Qingyan glanced at Song Qinian and said, "That's fine too. Consort Song is currently in charge of the affairs of the Crown Prince's Palace."

Song Qinian nodded reluctantly. Wen Sheng looked at Cheng Fei and spoke first: "General Cheng's leg?"

"If you get injured on the battlefield, you can recover completely in two months."

Wen Sheng pursed her lips and said "Oh," then added, "I wonder what brings General Cheng to the East Palace? Is there anything I can help him with?"

"Thank you, Mr. Wen, but I cannot disclose my private matters. However, I have no ill intentions and will not cause any trouble for anyone."

After Cheng Fei finished speaking, he glanced at Li Qingyan and saw her smiling. He then smiled and took out the gifts he had prepared for them: "I asked His Highness about the preferences of his concubines beforehand and prepared these small gifts. I hope you won't find them offensive."

The gifts Cheng Fei prepared for everyone weren't particularly expensive, but they were all very thoughtful.

Song Qinian was given an inkstone, Wen Sheng was given a very special tea, and Ji Mingzheng was given a thumb ring carved from animal bone.

Cheng Fei's sensible and well-behaved appearance made them all seem repulsive.

The men accepted the gifts, forcing smiles. "Thank you, General Cheng."

"I hope you all don't mind."

Compared to them, Cheng Fei's smile was much brighter.

Li Qingyan smiled as she watched him give the gift before leaving.

Cheng Fei is quite nice. After they met, he was always very proactive, and his eyes were always sparkling when he looked at her.

If all goes well, he will be a candidate for the fourth stage.

Cheng Fei watched Li Qingyan leave, then looked at the three of them again, his smile unchanged, but his sharp gaze was fixed directly on Ji Mingzheng.

Cheng Fei noticed the look in His Highness's eyes when he met him, and even the occasional absent-mindedness when they spoke later. Upon seeing Ji Mingzheng, he suddenly realized that His Highness might have been thinking of General Ji.

He tried to restrain himself, but the look in General Ji's eyes ignited a fighting spirit within him.

"General Ji, I've long admired your archery skills. I've heard you have a training ground; would it be possible to have a small spar with you?"

Ji Mingzheng gave a forced smile: "So eager to replace me?"

Cheng Fei looked on in surprise: "General Ji, what do you mean by that? I never intended to replace anyone. I have long admired General Ji and just wanted to have a friendly spar with him."

He bit his lip and said in a low voice, "I know my place. I have never thought of competing with you for anything, nor have I ever thought of replacing anyone. I am here to join you, not to destroy you."