TSFLIP Chapter 247

The Dongyun Kingdom was not a matriarchal society but rather a nation where men and women enjoyed relative equality. This meant that while men could have multiple wives and concubines, women, if capable, could also take multiple husbands and attendants. When the previous emperor lay on his deathbed, having no sons, he passed the throne to his eldest daughter by the law, bestowing the title of “Princess of Peace” upon the second daughter. The title was meant to symbolize the hope that the second princess would support the new empress and foster harmony between the sisters.

Since the eldest daughter ascended the throne at the tender age of thirteen, the late emperor also issued a decree appointing the Duke of Qian, Gu Yan, as regent. Until the empress came of age, the regent was tasked with managing state affairs.

This led to an interesting dilemma: as a young empress with no responsibilities, how should she pass her time?

Feng Guang chose to lounge in the imperial garden, sipping wine and occasionally summoning dancers and musicians for entertainment. At fifteen years old, her face still carried a hint of youthfulness, but her beauty was undeniable. Draped in a simple red dress that flowed to the ground, her jet-black hair was held in place by a single white jade hairpin. A stray lock fell over her chest, partially concealing her slightly open neckline, hinting at elegance and allure. She radiated effortless charm.

Suddenly, a gust of wind brought with it the gleam of a sword. A black-clad, masked man lunged toward Feng Guang, his blade aimed straight at her. The tip of the sword nearly grazed her hair, yet she remained motionless. Her four maids, however, quickly drew soft swords from their waists and deflected his attack.

Failing his first strike, the man showed no desire to linger and attempted to retreat using light-footed martial arts. But the four maids positioned themselves to block every escape route. Individually, their skills could be considered first-rate but not top-tier. Together, however, their seamless coordination created a dense web of swordplay. Even the most elite martial artists would struggle to escape unscathed once trapped within.

The musicians and dancers had already fled in terror, but Feng Guang sipped her wine with amused eyes, as though watching a particularly entertaining performance. It wasn’t long before the imperial guards arrived, joining the fight. The black-clad man’s sword was knocked from his hand, and he was quickly subdued. The four maids sheathed their soft swords and returned to Feng Guang’s side. One fanned her, another served her fruit, and all stood behind her with downcast eyes, exuding quiet obedience.

The imperial guards forced the man to kneel, though his defiant eyes showed no hint of submission. Displeased by his disrespect toward the empress, one guard pressed his head lower, feigning an attitude of subservience.

“Your Majesty, my apologies for arriving late. Are you unharmed?” The leader of the imperial guards, Qian Qiu, was a man in his forties. He had served as the commander since the previous emperor’s reign. Kneeling before Feng Guang, his expression was full of concern.

Before Feng Guang could reply, a sweet voice called out, “What happened here?”

A young girl in a pink dress hurried over. Taking in the scene, she turned to Feng Guang with wide eyes. “Sister, are you alright?”

The girl was delicate and lovely, with a heart-shaped face and striking beauty that bore a strong resemblance to Feng Guang. She was none other than the Princess of Peace, Xia Fengya, who, at just fourteen years old, had an innocent charm.

Feng Guang gave a small smile but didn’t answer. Setting her wine cup down, she rose to her feet. Only then did the others notice she was barefoot. Qian Qiu and the imperial guards immediately lowered their heads even further, not daring to look.

“What is your name?”

The black-clad man’s gaze fell to a pair of delicate, white feet that had emerged from beneath the hem of her red gown, stirred by the wind. With evident disdain, he lifted his head and spat out two words: “Shameless flirt!”