Feng Xie faintly reminded his subordinates, his mind inevitably recalling that adorable little fellow, his eyes growing somewhat dim. Ri Ying and Yue Ying, seeing their master's expression unchanged for five years, now noticed a subtle shift and felt a touch of strangeness.
Inside the room, the few people exchanged glances, none able to fathom what was wrong with the Emperor.
"Is Your Majesty thinking about that child?" Madam Mengzhu, Cai Xue, who was Zhan Yun's wife and also a dark guard trained by the Emperor, ventured to ask with a bold tone.
Beside her, Zhan Yun, seeing his wife's imprudence, shot her a cold glare and turned to look at the Emperor. Fortunately, the Emperor showed no displeasure, which put his mind somewhat at ease.
Feng Xie was momentarily stunned by Cai Xue's words. Yes, ever since he had seen that child, he had been thinking of him. This was the child he had wanted, cute and intelligent, exuding wisdom.
It was a pity he had not given birth to him. That child was Qi Ye's younger brother. Was Qi Ye someone he had met before? Why did he pretend not to know them?
If it was truly that person, he had never heard of him having a brother. Could he have adopted him?
Feng Xie pondered secretly, suddenly a strange thought arose. He really wanted to bring that little fellow back to the palace. Even if he wasn't his own son, he would treat him as such, enfeoff him as a prince, and have him assist Yu Lou in governing the realm. Then he could leave with peace of mind.
As Feng Xie thought this, he actually felt a surge of excitement. This was the only thing that had interested him in five years. If he could cultivate this child into a versatile talent, assisting Yu Lou in stabilizing the empire would surely be no problem.
Upon thinking this, Feng Xie felt a strong sense of urgency, wishing he could claim that little fellow for himself immediately.
"Ri Ying, go and find out where Qi Ye's younger brother came from. Is he a biological brother?"
If he were someone else's biological brother, he would never give him away. Even if he gave them the entire realm, they wouldn't want it, because the Seven Star Tower's enterprises spanned the entire nation. Being the Master of the Seven Star Tower was far more comfortable than being an Emperor.
"Yes, Master," Ri Ying respectfully bowed and accepted the order. He was even more concerned than his master. He had never heard of Qi Ye having a brother, not only was he extremely cute, but he also possessed some skills.
The things that had occurred tonight were not something ordinary people could handle, nor would they be harmed.
Feng Xie turned to look at another side: "Zhan Yun, tonight, conduct a night raid on Qi Ye and see if she is indeed the person we met before, or someone else entirely?"
After Feng Xie finished speaking, Zhan Yun had some reservations. This Qi Ye was not like others; her martial arts were unfathomably profound. He might not even get to see her true appearance.
Perhaps it would be like startling the snake, causing them to become defensive. Regardless of whether she was the Qi Ye from before or not, their target was the Seven Star Tower, not the person herself. If they remained hidden in the shadows, it would be easier to control the Seven Star Tower.
"Your Majesty, wouldn't my attempting a probe startle the snake? They would then know we are targeting them. Wouldn't direct confrontation be unfavorable?"
"Do you think she doesn't know already? Even if we don't show up, they know that batch of tea was seized by the imperial court. Go tonight and test her, see if she is the person we met before. Sometimes, when you startle the snake, the snake will move. Must you let him remain dormant there without moving?"
Feng Xie's innate noble aura, the exquisite features on his face, showed a rare hint of mockery. Ri Ying and Yue Ying, looking at their Emperor like this, were actually a little startled. The Emperor had finally recovered some of his spirit.
He had been living in pain for the past five years, his expression unchanging day after day. They believed that upon their return, the Empress Dowager would be pleased.
"Yes, Master," Zhan Yun nodded. The master's thoughts were meticulous, beyond their estimation. Moreover, as his subjects, they should not try to fathom their master's intentions.
"You may all withdraw. I am a little tired."
Feng Xie waved his hand. After his subordinates left, he was enveloped in silence. He liked to stand quietly in the dark night, without having to think about anything, his mind a blank slate, and only then could he sleep.
If he thought too much, he wouldn't be able to sleep. But tonight, he felt somewhat excited. Was Qi Ye the Qi Ye he knew before? Whose child was that? Was it truly Qi Ye's biological brother?
A gust of night wind blew, stirring an unusual undercurrent. Liu Liu suddenly opened her eyes. There was someone outside the window. Just as she thought of it, a dark shadow flashed by.
Someone swept past her, reaching out a large hand to snatch at her face, but she dodged it even faster, flipping up quickly. Fearing she might wake her son, she spoke coldly, "Who?"
The person was masked, and she couldn't see their appearance, but those eyes seemed somewhat familiar. Liu Liu pondered seriously who this person could be.
Since they were masked, it must be someone she knew. The Emperor's expression at the banquet today seemed somewhat unusual. Could he have sent someone to test who she truly was? It was also possible that he was testing her strength.
That batch of tea was indeed seized by imperial decree. Why did he seize their tea? It was probably that old, cliché idea of fearing their strength would be too great and cause unrest in the country.
For the child in the palace, he had truly gone to great lengths. Liu Liu's lips curved into a cold smile.
She had no intention of dealing with those who targeted the Seven Star Tower. Her soft sword flashed out, and she darted forward. The two began to fight. Liu Liu, fearing she might wake her son, grunted darkly, "Zhan Yun, get out!"
Zhan Yun was shocked. He hadn't expected this Qi Ye to recognize him so quickly. It turned out he was the Qi Ye they were familiar with.
"The dignified leader of the martial arts alliance, sneaking into someone's chambers like a thief in the middle of the night, what are your intentions?" she questioned coldly. The butterfly mask remained tightly fitted on her exquisite and beautiful face; as long as she didn't want it removed, no one could.
Zhan Yun was somewhat speechless, secretly blaming the Emperor for assigning him such a dishonorable task. He vowed never to do such a thing again; it would sound terrible if it got out.
"I merely wished to see if the Master of the Seven Star Tower is an acquaintance of mine, so please forgive my presumptuousness."
Zhan Yun, after all, was a righteous person and managed to be forthright. Liu Liu lowered her soft sword, staring at him coldly, and asked with a half-smile, "What if they are an acquaintance? What if they are a stranger?"
"If they are an acquaintance, then there's no need for us to beat around the bush. We can speak directly. Our Emperor wishes to see you."
Zhan Yun spoke frankly. His personality was not suited for indirect means. He never imagined that the seemingly insignificant Qi Ye from the black market back then would have built the Seven Star Tower into the foremost tower in the land within five years.
"Alright, let's arrange a time to talk tomorrow," Liu Liu nodded. Her entire face was covered by the mask, making her expression unreadable. Only her eyes were remarkably bright, yet they held disdain and contempt. She gave him a deep look.
"Let's go, don't scare my brother." If she didn't admit it, Zhan Yun would pester her endlessly, and that would surely alarm Mu Xing. Since they were determined to know if she was the Qi Ye from before, what harm was there in telling them?
"Okay," Zhan Yun nodded. Just as he was about to slip away, he suddenly remembered something and asked earnestly, "Is your brother a biological brother?"
Liu Liu immediately felt a jolt of alarm. Wasn't this just about the tea leaves? Why had it now involved Mu Xing?
Liu Liu couldn't figure it out, but she became unusually angry. She stared coldly at Zhan Yun's face and warned him commandingly.
"Whatever abilities you possess, direct them at me. Do not harbor any ill intentions towards the child. If I find out you dare to scheme against my brother, I will fight you to the end."
The cold and fierce aura emanating from Liu Liu stunned Zhan Yun. It took him a while to regain his voice. "Master Qi Ye, you worry too much. I merely found the child adorable, hence the question."
"Alright, thank you for your concern."