Fulong felt a deep sadness.
A'li, despite appearing cold and detached, possessed a heart kinder than anyone else's.
She always considered others, never truly thinking of herself.
"But you, you so desperately wish he would call you daughter," he couldn't help but sigh.
"There will be opportunities."
Chu Qianli was even more optimistic than he was!
"When Prince Yu's influence is dismantled, when their conspiracy is exposed, when Father Emperor's health recovers, when the empire is stable."
She paused, then said softly, "At that time, I can rightfully call him Father Emperor."
Time was short. The accompanying officials were preparing, and the procession was about to depart.
Chu Qianli had no more time to bid farewell to Fulong.
"The National Preceptor is in your care. He is vital to the life and future of our Nanming. Fulong, you must protect him for me."
"I shall swear to protect the National Preceptor with my life!"
"No! If it truly endangers your life, then disregard everything else and prioritize your own safety."
She smiled, a gentle smile that could instantly pierce his heart.
"Remember this."
Fulong's fingertips clenched tightly.
In that moment, he desperately wanted to reach out and embrace her.
Just a simple, pure hug, with no other intentions.
But he never found the courage.
"Alright, I remember," Fulong smiled at her, then watched her leave.
Until Chu Qianli was far away, he remained at the small path's entrance, gazing at the empty path, his heart a complex mix of emotions.
Reluctant to part, yet constantly experiencing farewells.
"If you like her that much, why don't you tell her?" He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Funing approaching from behind.
Fulong's tall frame stiffened slightly as he turned to face her. "Don't talk nonsense. Big Brother and A'li are friends bound by life and death."
"But Big Brother is deeply devoted to her, and she must surely know it in her heart."
It was just that fate was cruel; why didn't Big Brother meet her first?
If Big Brother had met her first, he would never have let her go to another man, to be hurt by another man.
"Prince Xuan already has Feng Ling by his side. The way he looks at you now shows no affection at all."
Funing felt she could still see this clearly.
"Prince Xuan truly dislikes you, he's even grown to detest you. Big Brother, I think... I think you still have a chance."
Afraid of angering Fulong, and afraid of hurting his feelings, she spoke haltingly, her voice barely audible.
Fulong, however, remained composed and smiled. "A'li's heart has been shattered into a thousand pieces; she doesn't need any romantic affection."
"Funing, isn't this situation good enough as it is?"
By not troubling her, he wouldn't have to see her look of disappointment.
A bond of life and death was the best way for them to interact.
"If, one day, a man can re-enter A'li's heart, Big Brother will not be sad; Big Brother will bless her."
But that man could never be him, never.
Because, in A'li's heart, he was already fixed as a friend bound by life and death.
It was impossible to become lovers.
...An incense stick's time later, Chu Qianli appeared before everyone, seated on horseback.
This makeup... it once again made the officials' eyes light up!
The moment they saw her, only one word came to mind.
Empress!