"You're angry,"
Nangong Yue murmured, apparently her tone had offended her. But he was also too angry. He realized he could no longer bless her with a calm heart.
A desire to keep her confined by his side made his heart ache more and more, beyond his control.
"I'm angry because why did you send people to kill us? Does Cang Lang Pavilion only recognize money and not people?"
Liu Liu spoke coldly, looking at the man sitting under the moonlight through the gauze curtain. He was so elegant, yet carried a sense of distance, an indifference that made one unable to get close.
What kind of fiery woman could warm the heart of such a man? And her own personality wasn't suited for him, because they were too alike, somewhat indifferent.
"Kill you? Our Cang Lang Pavilion did not accept such a mission. Although someone offered a price before, we did not accept it,"
Nangong Yue denied after his surprise. Liu Liu's eyes darkened. She reached out her jade hand and lifted the gauze curtain, meeting his gaze. At that moment, both of them thought of something. It seemed someone was instigating conflict between the martial world and the imperial family.
Who was this person behind it? The further she walked, the more fearful she became. This person's mind was too astute. If he became a pillar of the state, it would be fortunate for the court.
But his mind went down crooked paths. Did he have a grudge against Feng Xie, or did he want to usurp the throne?
If he wanted to usurp the throne, he must have a justifiable reason. If it was a grudge, he would kill without regard. Based on all current developments,
This person was clearly more motivated by the throne. Was this person also from the imperial family? It was rumored that Feng Xie had a younger brother, born from the Emperor's drunken indulgence, who was banished from the capital and sent to a border province. Could it be that prince?
Otherwise, there was no one else with such great capability.
"Then who is it?"
They both spoke simultaneously, then looked at each other and smiled faintly. Liu Liu looked at the clear moonlight outside the window and said calmly,
"You should go back. If people find out there's a man in the Empress's sleeping quarters, I won't be able to clear my name even if I jump into the Yellow River. There are already rumors in the court that I am an imposter, and they even call me a demoness?"
Nangong Yue knew she was speaking the truth. Many people were watching the Empress and the Crown Prince.
Because five years ago, the Empress was buried in the imperial tomb. Now, an Empress had appeared out of nowhere, and this Empress didn't look at all like the former Empress.
The former Empress was known as the ugliest woman in the world, while the current Empress was a beauty. The difference between the two was immense, which was enough to show that the Emperor had replaced one with another, bringing an inexplicable woman into the palace.
"Alright, then I'll leave. If you need me, you know where to find me," Nangong Yue stood up and said only a few words. The anger in his heart strangely dissipated, and he became ethereal and unrestrained, flashing out the window.
Liu Liu looked at the dim night outside the window. A cool breeze blew past, making her shiver lightly. Her mind cleared, and she carefully analyzed the figures in the shadows.
Feng Xie seemed to be suffering setbacks from different angles. Some things were even happening simultaneously, which indicated one thing: it was definitely not a small group of people trying to deal with Feng Xie. There should be at least two groups targeting him.
Then which party or faction was it? The Lou family should be one faction, so what about others?
Since Feng Lie knew that Xin Hun was his child, how could he stand by and do nothing? Even the Empress Dowager knew about Xin Hun. After meeting the little fellow, she was overjoyed, praising him for his intelligence, and in turn, severely reprimanding her son.
Empress Dowager specially summoned Princess Jie Lan to express her deep apologies.
Her son was born to her, and doing bad things was her responsibility as a mother. How could Jie Lan bear to blame the Empress Dowager? She said that the past was in the past.
But the Empress Dowager was a shrewd old fox. Otherwise, why could she dominate the harem? As soon as she understood Jie Lan's intentions, she pressed her advantage and stared at her, asking her to forgive Feng Lie and decree their marriage.
Little Xin Hun, after a few days of Feng Lie's efforts, finally showed some softening and no longer confronted Feng Lie directly. This made everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
In the afternoon, in the imperial garden, the flowers were in full bloom, swaying gently in the wind like countless beauties dancing, indescribably beautiful. The air was filled with a strong fragrance.
Liu Liu and Jie Lan sat in a pavilion in a corner of the garden, two women having afternoon tea.
Liu Liu put down her teacup and looked at Jie Lan seriously. Jie Lan, after a few days of recuperation, had regained her rosy complexion, looking beautiful and charming. She knew what the Empress meant and remained silent, waiting for the Empress's words.
"Your Highness, please speak."
Liu Liu was surprised that Jie Lan could tell she had something to say at a glance. She didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly, "Haven't you forgiven Prince Yan yet?"
Jie Lan remained silent, gazing deeply at the Empress. She was so beautiful, standing there quietly, like a pure and elegant orchid in an empty valley, her fragrance intoxicating.
Let alone men, even she, as a woman, was deeply attracted to her. In fact, she knew that Feng Lie hadn't truly forgotten her; he had just placed her in a corner of his heart.
She didn't know if his feelings for her now counted as romantic love, perhaps just gratitude. If he felt no affection for her at all, then why would she bother staying by his side?
This was everyone's fate, wasn't it? Feng Lie liked the Empress, and she liked Feng Lie, as if they were in a circle. Perhaps everyone in the world was chasing something. Jie Lan sighed.
Liu Liu reached out and caught her.
"Jie Lan, I don't want to persuade you to accept him or forgive him. This is a matter between you two, not for outsiders to discuss.
However, we are now considering it from the perspective of two countries. If your father knew about the matters between you, he would surely not let it go. So I only want you, for the sake of the people, to give Feng Lie a chance.
Let him escort you and your son to Yue Hua Kingdom. Perhaps this journey will be a miracle for the two of you. Heaven is always creating miracles; you never know what surprise it will arrange for you next."
Jie Lan thought for a moment, knowing that the Empress was speaking the truth. Perhaps she should give Feng Lie a chance, because they had Xin Hun between them. She didn't want to be separated from Xin Hun.
Nor did she want him to be without a father, so she would try to see if she could tolerate him.
"Alright, Jie Lan will follow the Empress's arrangements in everything."
Upon hearing Jie Lan's words, Liu Liu immediately began making preparations, arranging for Prince Yan to escort the princess to Yue Hua Kingdom to visit relatives. Knowing that those hiding in the shadows were waiting for an opportunity,
Liu Liu used a tactic of "golden cicada shedding its shell" to send Prince Yan and the princess back to Yue Hua Kingdom. The Emperor bestowed a large number of items for the princess to take back to her country. The streets were crowded with people, and the cheers on both sides of the street were thunderous, as lively as five years ago.
Everyone solemnly bid farewell to the princess and Prince Yan as they traveled to Yue Hua Kingdom. The common people did not like war. As long as the princess returned and explained the situation, the old Emperor of Yue Hua Kingdom would withdraw his troops.
In reality, the true Feng Lie and the princess traveled by waterway. On a painted boat, a family of three stood, dressed in casual clothes, traveling with only a few maids and plain-clothed guards, leisurely heading towards Yue Hua Kingdom.