Tong Fengye

Biodata

Background / History

Academy Life and Aning’s Secret

Tong Fengye grows up in a close-knit marquis’s household, where his consistently poor examination results make him a frequent target of his father’s discipline. He attends the Imperial Academy alongside his younger sister, Tong Aning, and can hear her thoughts and her exchanges with the Gossip System. After witnessing shopkeepers react to her unspoken revelations, he warns his mother that this ability is not limited to their family 1 2.

His longstanding rivalry with Feng Chu gradually gives way to renewed friendship. Although he repeatedly resists Feng Chu’s attempts to reconcile, they resume spending time together, riding, studying, and accompanying Aning on gossip-fueled outings 3 8 12 15.

When the family recognizes the political danger surrounding Aning’s ability, Fengye accepts responsibility for protecting her at the Imperial Academy. He also distracts Su Zhouyue from questioning Aning about shooting a warning pebble into Prince Yong’s residence, volunteering himself as the target of their mother’s anger 14.

Attempts to Cripple Him

Fengye later accompanies Aning to intervene when Mei Xiangyu faces a forced marriage to the now-paralyzed Heir of Duke Anguo. Upon their arrival, the heir accuses Fengye of bringing his sister to steal the bride 33.

Choosing the Army

Fengye’s desire to protect Aning develops beyond simply staying beside her. After overhearing a discussion about Censor Ma, he promises never to leave her unguarded, only for his father to ask whether that alone will be enough 37.

His academic efforts remain unsuccessful. Feng Chu’s improved examination results drive him to shut himself away and study, but he subsequently fails Tong Yibin’s spot quiz and must copy a book ten times 46.

When Feng Chu’s father attempts to take his late mother’s dowry, Fengye helps summon the Feng clan elders and intervenes against Feng Chu’s punishment. Shortly afterward, Feng Chu announces his intention to join the army. Remembering his own martial training and frustration at contributing little to the family’s protection, Fengye decides to accompany him 55 56.

Su Zhouyue gives both young men sealed letters of introduction. Before his departure, Fengye receives a protective talisman from Aning and heart-protecting armor from Tong Siyan 56 57.

Military Service and Homecoming

Fengye and Feng Chu spend two New Years away from home. Their letters report good news while withholding their hardships, leaving Su Zhouyue both proud and anxious. After another family loses a son in battle, Xixi reassures the Tongs that Fengye can live to eighty 121 123.

The two return from the north at the end of May. Now a general, Fengye arrives sturdier and darker-skinned, having traveled day and night to reach home for Aning’s birthday and wedding. Among his gifts is a trained golden eagle intended to protect her after marriage 129 130.

Fengye reveals that he never used his mother’s letter of introduction. His family recognizes the hardship behind his achievements, and Tong Aobai announces that the emperor has praised both him and Feng Chu for outstanding service and will reward them 130.

Appearance

• Before military service: Described as a bold, energetic youth while mounted on the polo field 25.
• After returning from the north: Noticeably sturdier and darker-skinned; Aning jokingly compares him to a lump of black coal 129.
• Military dress: Returns wearing armor and initially wants to keep it on until his father can see how accomplished he has become 129.

Personality

Fengye is outspoken, mischievous, and quick to threaten a beating on behalf of his family. His literal-minded suggestion that he could beat Cui Heng to death with a book after being scolded about his education captures his irreverent humor. He also readily runs from parental punishment rather than accepting it quietly 1 4.

His bluster conceals considerable tenderness. He worries about Aning’s safety, buys her favorite pastries, and becomes visibly moved by small gestures of affection. Though initially embarrassed by his inability to devise an original coming-of-age present, he eventually gives her a specially chosen glowing hairpin and helps catch fireflies for her birthday celebration 8 22 46 48.

Fengye is intensely competitive with Feng Chu, especially over studying, yet refuses to abandon him when he is mistreated. His decision to enter the army marks a shift from seeking praise to pursuing the strength and standing needed to protect his family 37 46 55 56.

Abilities & Skills

Hearing Aning’s Thoughts

Fengye can hear Aning’s inner voice and her conversations with Xixi 1 2.

• Uses the revelations to recognize Fang Ji’s planned attack and the Heir of Duke Anguo’s intentions 15 25.
• Notices that outsiders can also hear the broadcasts and alerts Su Zhouyue 2.
• Deliberately conceals his awareness from Aning; she only learns that her family can hear her thoughts during the final New Year celebration 26 135.

Martial Arts and Warfare

His mother and maternal grandfather personally teach him martial arts, giving him an alternative to the scholarly career for which he shows little aptitude 56.

• Exchanges martial moves with Feng Chu before their rooftop conversation about enlistment 56.
• Earns recognition for outstanding military service and becomes a general without using his mother’s introduction letter 130.

Horsemanship and Polo

Fengye rides confidently, assists Aning while she is learning, and plays polo 12 25.

• Leads Bright Pearl by the reins when Aning is afraid to ride independently 12.
• Scores during the match against the Heir of Duke Anguo and changes direction to evade two charging opponents 26.
• Regains control of his horse after it is driven into a frenzy 26.

Eagle Training

• Tames a golden eagle for Aning and gives her a whistle that summons it 129.
• Trains it to respond obediently enough that it appears ready to attack him when Aning orders it to bite him 130.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Heart-protecting armor — An expensive gift from Tong Siyan before his military departure; Feng Chu receives another piece through his own sister 57.
• Protective talisman — Given to him by Aning before he leaves for the army 57.
• Sealed introduction letter — Written by Su Zhouyue for his military service; he later confirms that he never used it 56 130.
• Golden eagle and summoning whistle — Trained and presented to Aning as protection for her married life 129.

Relationships

• Tong Aobai — Father. Frequently disciplines Fengye over his studies and cheekiness, but later acknowledges his maturity and military achievements 1 46 130.
• Su Zhouyue — Mother and martial instructor. Supports his enlistment while emphasizing that he should not disappoint himself; worries deeply about his battlefield safety 56 57 121.
• Tong Yibin — Eldest brother. Tests his schoolwork and challenges him to consider how he can meaningfully protect Aning and their household 37 46 56.
• Tong Siyan — Elder sister. Fengye supports her separation from Cui Heng, promises to win her a pearl hairpin, and treasures the armor she buys him 4 25 57.
• Tong Aning — Younger sister. His frequent companion and favorite person to defend, despite their constant teasing and squabbling 14 22 48 129.
• Tong Yi’an — Youngest sister. Shares playful chases and snowball fights with him; he notices how much she has grown during his absence 25 129 135.
• Feng Chu — Former sworn rival, later close friend and fellow soldier. Their competitive banter persists alongside genuine loyalty and mutual support 3 46 55 56.
• Mu Yao — Su Zhouyue’s goddaughter and Fengye’s correspondent. Their connection receives romantic hints: he instinctively looks toward her when Aning speculates about a battlefield romance, and later discusses caring for her with Aning 82 90 94 130 135.
• Xue Lin — Aning’s eventual husband. Fengye insists that even the heir has no right to mistreat her and jokingly proposes using the golden eagle against him if he does 129.

Notable Quotes

“Even if I were a little chick, I wouldn't be stupid enough to stand still and let you hit me!” 1

“I couldn't just watch Feng Chu get beaten for no reason.” 55

“Heaven is vast and earth is vast, but family comes first. No one gets to mistreat Aning, not even the heir.” 129