A group of people entered the palace, and a eunuch reported to the Emperor and Empress.
"Let him in," Feng Xie had already learned about Xin Hun's situation in this short time. The child had finally grown a bit closer to him, but he was very dependent on Liu'er. It must be because Liu'er had saved them at the most critical moment.
Prince Yan Feng Lie strode into the great hall and bowed respectfully, "Your humble brother greets His Majesty, the Empress."
"Rise," Feng Xie said commandingly, his voice like cold ice, with a hidden thunderous anger that filled the hall with a clear light.
Feng Lie, not understanding what was happening, walked to the side and sat down, then turned to look at the high seat.
He saw Liu'er, whose face was like a hibiscus flower and whose posture was like a willow. She sat on the high seat with grace and elegance, yet possessed an otherworldly aura. Her gaze pierced through the candlelight and fell directly upon him.
Although he had prepared himself mentally, he still trembled slightly. He quickly averted his gaze and saw the child beside the Emperor. The child was exquisitely beautiful, a Crown Prince of perfect charm and grace, instantly endearing.
Feng Lie couldn't help but look at the child a few more times.
Liu Liu's clear voice rang out, "Prince Yan, do you like this child?"
Feng Lie's expression froze. His dark, deep eyes were tinged with melancholy. Why would the Empress ask him such a question? He looked at the child again and nodded, "I do."
"Do you know who he is?"
Feng Xie interjected, this time not with displeasure, but with anger. His thin lips pressed tightly together, and his sharp gaze swept over Feng Lie. The rage that had been deliberately suppressed around him was palpable.
Feng Lie did not understand what was wrong with the Emperor and Empress. Why were they asking him such questions? Was this child not the Crown Prince?
If he wasn't the Crown Prince, then who was he? He looked at the child closely. The child's features were somewhat familiar to him, but he couldn't recall who he resembled.
"His name is Feng Xin Hun. Do you know who his mother is?" Liu Liu, seeing that Feng Lie was still unaware of the situation, emphasized her words and spoke sternly.
Upon hearing that the child was named Feng Xin Hun, Feng Lie frowned. He had heard that the Crown Prince was named Feng Mu Xing, so why had the name been changed? "Isn't he the Crown Prince?"
Feng Xie and Liu Liu were surprised that he could forget Xie Lan so completely. Angrily, they stopped looking at him and turned to Xin Hun, who stood between them. They spoke softly, "Xin Hun, what is your mother's name?"
Little Feng Xin Hun found it strange. Why were they asking his mother's name again? Didn't they already know his mother's name? Why were they asking again? He never refused Liu Liu's questions. Smiling, he replied, "My mother's name is Xie Lan."
The words struck Feng Lie like lightning. His body trembled, and he turned deathly pale.
This child's mother was Xie Lan, and his name was Feng Xin Hun. It was obvious whose child he was. Feng Lie couldn't help but hastily rise and speak quickly, "You say this is Xie Lan's child."
"No, Prince Yan. To be precise, this is your son. How deplorable! Your woman and son were being hunted outside, and you were completely unaware. What a failure of a person you are!" Liu Liu said with a cold sarcasm. Feng Lie was completely stunned. He looked up at the small figure. Indeed, his features bore a resemblance to his own, and also to his mother.
Xie Lan had given him a son. Recalling his actions that day, his heart suddenly ached, and he felt a pang of regret. He looked at Feng Xin Hun, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word for a long time.
Seeing his expression, Liu Liu realized he was not entirely heartless. She couldn't bear to blame him further and turned her gaze to Xin Hun, who was beside her.
The little boy had already understood from their conversation that the person before him was his father. Instead of feeling joy, his eyes were filled with anger. He stared fiercely at Feng Lie, biting his small lip, looking at him without a word.
Liu Liu knew that Feng Xin Hun resented Feng Lie, but he had to bear the consequences of his mistakes. Just like Feng Xie, he accepted his son's constant刁难 with equanimity.
"Xin Hun, he is your father. Quickly, call him 'Daddy.' From now on, no one will dare to bully Xin Hun. Your father will protect you."
Liu Liu's gentle words did not comfort Xin Hun; instead, they enraged him. Like a little leopard, he bared his teeth and roared, "He's not! I don't have a father! I don't! I only have my mother."
With that, he sprang out of the great hall, ignoring everyone present.
Liu Liu waved to a young eunuch to follow him, lest he get lost. The eunuch bowed and left.
In the great hall, Feng Lie swayed as if he couldn't bear the shock and sank onto the couch. Liu Liu saw his distressed state, his face a mixture of blue and purple. She softened her tone.
"Although he doesn't acknowledge you, you must strive to win his heart. For the past five years, he followed Xie Lan and endured much hardship. Mother and son depended on each other, constantly being hunted and nearly losing their lives. Although he is only five years old, he understands many things."
After Liu Liu finished speaking, Feng Lie felt a slight chill in his heart. There was no use in feeling pain, anxiety, or worry now. He had to calm himself and think about how to win back the hearts of his wife and son.
As Feng Lie was lost in thought, Liu Liu spoke softly, "Xie Lan has always loved you. You must treat her well. She is in Yingfeng Pavilion. Go and see her."
Feng Lie knew of Yingfeng Pavilion.
After hearing Liu Liu's words, he stood up and thanked the Emperor and Empress. Fortunately, they were there; otherwise, he would never have known he had a five-year-old son. And the child appeared to be very capable. If they had met with misfortune, he couldn't bear to imagine it.
"Your Majesty, Liu'er has already handed over the Prime Minister's seal to my brother. He has departed the capital to deliver a message to the border. Once Princess Xie Lan's letter reaches the Emperor of Yuehua, the Yuehua nation will likely cease its attacks. If the Princess reconciles with His Highness, His Highness should take the Princess to Yuehua immediately. I believe this will restore good relations between the two countries."
Such meticulous planning, leaving no room for error. It seemed he had not only gained a beloved woman but also a capable helper. She was truly an empress for the ages, her intelligence unmatched.
The great hall fell silent. Feng Xie reached out and held Liu Liu's hand, his face radiating brilliance, his eyes burning with fiery passion.
Upon seeing his expression, Liu Liu's heart grew cold. She was not yet fully ready to accept him. She quickly withdrew her hand and said calmly, "Your Majesty, please return. Liu'er is tired today and wishes to rest early."
Feng Xie felt a touch of disappointment but did not force her. He knew she was gradually accepting him, and that was enough. As for the future, everything would be fine. A hint of tenderness flashed across his handsome, icy face.
"Alright, Liu'er. Get some rest. I will return to Yongyuan Hall to rest."
"Yes, Liu'er will also rest."
After their voices faded, silence returned. Feng Xie stood up, embraced Liu Liu briefly, and then let go, leaving without hesitation. He feared that if he stayed any longer, he would be tempted to hold her through the night.
There were many matters of state to attend to now, so their relationship could be developed slowly.
Liu Liu waited for Feng Xie to leave before returning to her chambers to rest. Her emotions had been too volatile throughout the day, and she felt exhausted. After bathing and washing, she fell asleep. In the middle of the night, she sensed someone in her bedchamber. Who could it be?
It must be someone who would not harm her. If there were any killing intent, she would have woken up long ago. Precisely because they meant no harm, she slept soundly. Smelling a familiar scent, she found herself unsure of how to speak.
"Nangong?"
"Didn't you say you weren't coming back?"
Nangong Yue's cold voice rang out. He felt as if he had been deceived. He had said he wouldn't return to the capital during the day, but the next day, their family of three had disappeared. After a period of anguish, he couldn't help but come to the palace to ask her directly why she had lied to him. Even if she had said she was returning to the palace, he would not have stopped her. He would have at least been prepared.
"I don't know how to explain. At that time, it wasn't my will. My son drugged me." Liu Liu's voice was clear and cold. Although she had said those words, Nangong Yue had barged into her bedchamber in the middle of the night and angrily questioned her. In what capacity was he questioning her? Her expression darkened.
She sat entirely within the light gauze curtains, unmoving.