Within the palace, with ambushes laid out everywhere, no matter how powerful a person, they could not escape.
The most crucial point was that the Emperor held hostages.
No matter how formidable Prince Xuan was, under these circumstances, entering the palace would be a sure path to death.
Yet, he could not refuse to go, because the hostage was his own mother.
Chu Qianli understood clearly that for Huarong, Feng Yexuan would even risk his life.
Huarong being in anyone's hands would be a fatal blow to Feng Yexuan.
"But why would His Majesty target Prince Xuan like this? Is it all for the treasure map in his possession?"
Fu Ning still didn't understand.
Although she now knew Huarong's identity, she only knew one part of it, which was that Huarong was Prince Xuan's birth mother.
"If His Majesty wanted the treasure map, he could have simply exchanged Huarong for it, and Prince Xuan would surely have complied. Why set a trap like ordering Huarong to be executed to capture Prince Xuan?"
Fu Ning looked at Chu Qianli.
Chu Qianli merely pursed her lips, remaining silent.
Fu Long was also looking at her.
Ah Li had not told him anything about Prince Xuan's identity, but Fu Long had investigated it himself, regarding Huarong's death back then, and how Huarong had entered the palace.
While he might not have known the complete secret history of the Northern Underworld royal family, before Feng Yexuan confessed to Chu Qianli, he certainly knew more than Chu Qianli.
Fu Long had long suspected Consort Rong's identity.
Looking at Chu Qianli's expression now, Fu Long had a clear understanding.
"The city gates are heavily guarded now. Before we can figure out a way to get in, why don't we find a place to rest and plan our next move?" Fu Long suggested.
It was already late, and dusk was fast approaching.
"Our people are searching for a secret passage into the city. Miss, why don't you rest for a while? We can enter the city once they bring us news?" Shi Yi also suggested.
Fu Ning looked at Chu Qianli and said softly, "Miss, please don't worry. Although His Majesty and Prince Xuan have their disagreements in politics, Prince Xuan is ultimately His Majesty's son. Even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs. At most, the Prince will suffer some grievances, but he won't be in danger."
Chu Qianli's gaze deepened.
Fu Long immediately said, "Stop talking. Let's hide first."
... That night, Shi Yi went out again to meet up with his comrades.
Fu Ning was preparing dinner for everyone.
Fu Long glanced outside to ensure no one was around, then closed the door and walked up to Chu Qianli: "He is not His Majesty's son."
This was not a question.
Chu Qianli simply looked at him, saying nothing.
Fu Long knew then that his guess was correct.
And Ah Li had known all along.
"Did Prince Xuan tell you himself?"
This time, Chu Qianli nodded.
Fu Long couldn't help but sigh softly, "It seems Prince Xuan truly... loves you deeply."
Given Feng Yexuan's character, he would never reveal such a secret to anyone he didn't completely trust.
Even with a knife to his throat, he wouldn't utter a single word.
His主动开口 telling Chu Qianli meant he had truly and completely integrated Chu Qianli into his life.
"He will not betray you, Ah Li, you must believe him." At least, he believed it.
Chu Qianli merely looked at him and smiled faintly.
Fu Long felt reassured.
After a while, Chu Qianli finally said, "In the beginning, I was indeed very upset. Perhaps my trust in him was still not enough. I was too emotional then."
After calming down, she had likely guessed the entire sequence of events.
"His Majesty knows his identity."