"Investigate immediately whether Consort Lou met with her family privately while I was away. Report back as soon as you have any findings. Also, assign some of your trusted men to the harem and keep a close watch. Report any developments to me immediately."
"Yes, Your Servant will attend to it right away."
Xiao Wanzi did not dare to be negligent. It seemed His Majesty had returned to his sharp and decisive demeanor.
Those who wished to cause trouble under his nose would likely face dire consequences. He had chosen not to interfere before, but now that he was involved, no one would escape his grasp.
Feng Xie flashed away from the Imperial Study, leading several eunuchs towards Weiyang Palace.
Liu Liu had just finished her evening meal and, after bathing, her hair was casually draped over her shoulders. She wore a robe of brocade silk.
She was indescribably alluring, and Feng Xie's blood surged. However, he dared not act presumptuously at this moment, for he knew Liu'er had not yet truly accepted him from the heart. Therefore, he could not be too hasty, lest he offend her, which would be of no benefit to him.
"Has Your Majesty finished his evening meal?" Liu Liu stood and performed a curtsy, asking calmly.
Feng Xie's dark eyes flickered with a gentle and doting light as he gently shook his head. Liu Liu turned and instructed Hong Xiu, "Prepare some dishes. His Majesty has not yet dined."
"Yes, Your Ladyship," Hong Xiu replied, turning to prepare the meal. Feng Xie and Liu'er sat down in the main hall, gazing at each other openly. Their eyes held an unfathomable depth, and neither spoke. Liu Liu spoke calmly, "Has Your Majesty made a decision regarding Moonflower Kingdom's invasion of our borders? How do you plan to handle this matter?"
A fleeting shadow crossed Feng Xie's handsome face as he frowned slightly and smiled gently, saying, "I will handle it properly, Liu'er. You need not worry."
"I am not worried; I merely fear that the people of Tianfeng will fall into dire straits. I have already sent Ri Ying to find Princess Jie Lan. I believe only Princess Jie Lan can resolve this matter. Given her understanding and righteousness, she will not let the people suffer."
Liu Liu's cold voice struck Feng Xie's heart, aligning perfectly with his own thoughts. It seemed they shared a remarkable understanding. Feng Xie's lips curved into a smile, hisηη-like eyes fixed deeply on Liu Liu.
"Liu Liu, you are considerate."
Liu Liu's face flushed. No matter how much she mocked or taunted him, she could not provoke his anger. He looked at her with such tolerant indulgence that she felt petty.
Taking a few deep breaths, her expression softened. She decided she would join him in eliminating the parasitic elements. As for whether she would remain in the palace, she believed no one could stop her.
"Your Majesty is too kind."
Liu Liu gave a faint smile, and Feng Xie's heart fluttered. He could tell Liu'er had softened considerably.
If he continued to encourage and praise her, he believed time would mend the rifts between them, and everything would eventually be alright.
With this thought, Feng Xie seemed to radiate brilliance. A smile graced his slender eyebrows, and his lips held an alluring sheen.
The main hall was filled with a gentle aura, which even the eunuchs and palace maids perceived, smiling as they looked at the Emperor and Empress on the upper seats.
The two exchanged smiles. By then, Hong Xiu had led eunuchs to bring in the dishes. Liu Liu instructed Hong Xiu to arrange them one by one and invited His Majesty to dine beside her.
Having finished her meal, Liu Liu asked Hong Xiu to bring a cup of tea and sat with His Majesty. Seeing him eat heartily, she felt comforted. His Majesty must take care of his health.
Tianfeng had many vulnerabilities at present, and countless people lurked in the shadows, waiting for His Majesty to stumble. Therefore, they had to tread carefully and be constantly vigilant.
"Your Majesty, I plan to return to the Willow Manor tomorrow."
"Good. Do you want me to accompany you?"
Feng Xie paused in his actions, looking at Liu Liu. He did not restrict her freedom in any way, only showing his genuine concern for her.
Liu Liu shook her head. His Majesty had been out of the palace for some time and had a mountain of administrative tasks. How could he possibly have time to accompany her to the Willow Manor?
Moreover, she only wished for a peaceful reunion with her family. If His Majesty visited the Willow Manor, it would only cause unrest. Feng Xie, seeing her expression, understood her thoughts and immediately smiled as he instructed.
"Then be careful. Although your martial arts are formidable, those hiding in the shadows are like ants, making them unpredictable. It is best to be cautious. From now on, I will have Ri Ying lead a few guards at your disposal."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Liu Liu said sincerely, her gaze softening considerably. Now, he treated her with the respect of a friend, a feeling entirely different from the arrogant oppression of the past, which made her feel much more at ease. Unconsciously, the two became harmonious and natural.
Feng Xie smiled and shook his head, then lowered his gaze to continue eating. Liu Liu, sitting opposite him, gazed at his handsome features, his tall stature, his unrestrained and wild expression, and his inherent nobility, yet he could be so gentle with her. Suddenly, she thought, perhaps this man truly loved her.
This thought took root, like a seedling, and she remembered many of his good qualities. People were truly strange, she sighed softly. Feng Xie finished his meal, took the cotton cloth handed by Hong Xiu to wipe his hands, and asked solicitously.
"What is it?"
Liu Liu shook her head, recalling something, and looked at His Majesty.
"Tomorrow, during the morning court, Your Majesty must not mention matters concerning my son and me. We must wait and see. If we remain still, someone will surely make a move. If we move, they will counter everything."
Feng Xie was taken aback. He had intended to announce the Empress's return to the palace during the morning court tomorrow. He had not expected Liu Liu to offer this suggestion, but her strategy of waiting and seeing was rather good.
Yet, he was eager for the world to know that his Empress and Crown Prince had returned.
"I had planned to announce it during tomorrow's morning court."
"There is no need to rush. I believe the court has already established a certain order. To disrupt it rashly might bring more harm than good. Therefore, Your Majesty should not act hastily and ruin everything. We have waited five years."
Liu Liu's expression turned serious, and she fixed her gaze on Feng Xie. The fervent light in his eyes seemed to convey his desire to immediately proclaim their return to the world.
However, this would be an unwise move. Those court officials would seize upon this matter. For now, it was best to stabilize the external threats before dealing with those within.
A hint of a cold smile touched Liu Liu's lips. Feng Xie looked at her demeanor with admiration. How could he have forgotten that Liu'er never showed mercy to those who offended her?
She was growing more mature now, no longer the Empress of five years ago. Therefore, he should restrain himself. Since she proposed it, they would cooperate and put on a show together.
"Very well, we shall do as Liu'er says. We will wait and see. After the Moonflower Kingdom issue is resolved, we will deal with these damnable matters."
Upon mentioning those who were to be dealt with, Feng Xie's expression became dark and cruel, like a predator. He was like a sheathed treasure sword, flashing with a sharp gleam, waiting for the moment to be unsheathed.
"By the way, when Liu'er returns to Willow Manor tomorrow, can you persuade Liu Ting to take up a post? For the position of Prime Minister of Tianfeng, after much thought, I believe he is the most suitable candidate. For the future of the empire belongs to Mu Xing, the influence of his maternal uncle is indispensable. He can then assist him in managing the empire, otherwise, an emperor alone is quite arduous."