TSFLIP Chapter 1012

“Now that I’ve said it… how exactly am I supposed to carry it out?” Feng Guang frowned, troubled.

She drifted from one end of the imperial palace to the other. At this moment, she had to admit that being in this ghostly form was somewhat useful—she wouldn’t get tired, she wouldn’t get hungry, and floating was even faster than walking. Finally, she stopped before a palace more heavily guarded than any other. On the plaque above the entrance were three large characters: Imperial Study.

If she wanted little Feng Yan to live a better life, she could only rely on the emperor. From what Awan had said, Feng Yan’s mother had once cuckolded the emperor, which was why his situation was so miserable. In this palace, aside from the emperor, no one would dare interfere in Feng Yan’s affairs.

As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle. First, she needed to understand what kind of person the emperor was before she could devise a sound plan.

Feng Guang raised a hand and rubbed her chin, then nodded to herself and entered the magnificent, golden palace. No one could see her anyway, so she strolled in as boldly as she pleased.

Inside the Imperial Study, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. A middle-aged man in imperial robes sat behind a desk. The traces of time had left their mark on his face, giving him an air of seasoned authority. One could imagine that in his youth, he must have been a remarkably charismatic man. Even in stillness, he radiated an intimidating presence.

Below the steps, a man stood with his head bowed and said, “Your Majesty, the State Preceptor has recently completed his divination.”

Xian Rang set down the memorial he had been reviewing and said in a deep voice, “A few days ago, the State Preceptor mentioned that someone who could affect the fate of the nation had appeared. I have been greatly concerned. What is the result?”

“It will not bring harm, but assistance,” the divine official replied. “This person will help Your Majesty unify the realm and bring prosperity and flourishing peace to the Great Yang Kingdom. However, such an opportunity cannot be forced—it depends on Your Majesty’s fortune.”

When Xian Rang heard this, his face lit up with joy, but he quickly asked, “Did the State Preceptor give any hint as to who this person might be?”

“In three days, Your Majesty should walk along the western palace grounds. After a long rain, when the sun emerges from the clouds, red clouds will appear in the sky. This is an omen—the arrival of the God of War from heaven, who will protect our people and bring peace to the nation,” the divine official said. “The State Preceptor’s message ends there.”

“Good, good, good!” Xian Rang said three times in succession. Then, with authority, he added, “This matter must not be revealed to anyone else.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Feng Guang curled her lips. She hadn’t expected the emperor to be so superstitious. Still, it seemed to be a common rule—every old emperor came with a State Preceptor as standard equipment. But this was actually good news. Suddenly, she had an idea she could work with.

She left the Imperial Study, casually swiping a book on the way out. As she passed a room whose owner she didn’t recognize, she grabbed a set of clothes left out to dry. Taking a small path, she returned to the remote little courtyard.

Feng Yan had already finished bathing. He stood beneath a tree, staring up at the clothes hanging from its branches without moving an inch—until a garment suddenly dropped from the sky and landed right over his head.

“Put that on,” Feng Guang said. She felt a little tired. Anyone who didn’t know better might think this boy had been hung out to dry.

Feng Yan obediently put on the clothes. Then a book was tossed into his hands. On its cover were the two characters: Military Strategy.

“You don’t have to memorize the whole thing. Just learn one or two passages by heart.”

He still didn’t react.

Feng Guang scratched her head. “Wait… don’t tell me you can’t read?”

He lifted his head and looked toward Feng Guang, showing not the slightest curiosity.

Suppressing the urge to lose her temper, she forced herself to stay calm. “Open the book. I’ll teach you.”

He casually flipped it open. The dense traditional characters on the page made her head spin.

Feng Guang’s expression twisted as if she had swallowed a fly. Oh my god—if you asked me to study, I’d rather die.

She waved her hand dismissively. “Forget it, forget it. I’ll say it out loud, and you memorize what I tell you.”