TSFLIP Chapter 683

Fengguang didn’t really mind being ignored. She wasn’t gold or silver—there was no way she could expect everyone to like her. Life was about being carefree. If someone tried to make everyone like them, that would be far too exhausting. And Fengguang had never been the type to wear herself out for others.

Suva gave a polite smile. “Lady Beiming, outside the academy, you don’t need to call me ‘teacher.’ It would be more appropriate to call me brother-in-law.”

“I’ll never admit you’re my brother-in-law!” Beiming Yu pouted, her angry expression making her look both spoiled and adorable. “You know I like you. Besides, the only reason you married Fengguang back then was because she was the princess. You couldn’t refuse, so you were forced to marry her. But I’m not like that—I’d never use my status to pressure you into marrying me.”

“What did you just say?” Fengguang, who had planned to stay quiet and unnoticed, spoke up. “Are you saying Suva and I got married only because I used my position to force him?”

At last, Beiming Yu looked directly at Fengguang. “What else would you think? Do you really believe someone as refined as Teacher Su would willingly marry a woman who only knows how to fight—like you?”

“Lady Beiming.” Suva’s eyes curved slightly, as if he were smiling, but in their depths a storm was gathering. “You seem to be mistaken. My union with Fengguang was born of mutual affection. If I hadn’t wanted to marry her, no one could have forced me into something I didn’t wish to do.”

That was the truth. In all three realms, no one could compel Suva—except Fengguang. Because he cherished her, he was willing to do anything for her. Even things he didn’t want to do—if it was for her, he would compromise.

“I’m not the only one who says so…” Beiming Yu retreated a step, clutching the hem of her dress, summoning the courage to continue. “Everyone says the same thing. Teacher, you don’t care about fame or fortune, only herbs and medicine. You’re aloof, elegant. Back then, when Fengguang confessed to you and the whole incident stirred such a commotion, people said the Heavenly Emperor secretly pressured you to marry her for the sake of his daughter’s reputation.”

Suva replied calmly, “That’s nothing more than rumor, Lady Beiming. You shouldn’t take it seriously. Some people like to gossip behind others’ backs, not realizing there’s always a price to pay for it.”

Beiming Yu’s face went pale, and she couldn’t help but glance at Fengguang.

Sensing the sudden tension, Fengguang noticed the girl’s silence and gaze fixed on her. A subtle, indescribable feeling welled up inside. She was about to say something to ease the mood when, from the other end of the corridor, another man appeared.

True Lord Qingya strolled over at a leisurely pace. Spotting the three familiar faces, he let out a cheerful “Well, what a coincidence! I was just wondering who the first familiar face I’d run into today would be, and here I’ve bumped into the three of you.”

“It really is a coincidence, True Lord Qingya,” Fengguang greeted him with a smile. His carefree arrival was a perfect chance to ease the awkward atmosphere. “Are you here for the banquet as well?”

It was really just a polite question, but perhaps Qingya had sensed the tension too, because he answered seriously. “That’s right, I came for the banquet. In the past, I was usually traveling when the Empress’s birthday feast was held. But this year, I happen to be teaching swordsmanship at the academy, so I had no excuse not to come.”

Suva chuckled. “True Lord Qingya, you’re always so free-spirited. It’s never easy to get you to attend such events. Why, even when Fengguang and I had our wedding, you didn’t show up.”