Feng Xiwu’s eyes were fixed on Lu Qingwan, his gaze unwavering.
He looked as if he would wrestle with the virulent plague itself if he didn’t get a satisfactory explanation.
Lu Qingwan patiently explained, “Saving him this time only means His Majesty is temporarily out of danger.
But his body is now extremely weak; a common cold or a small cut could prove fatal.
So, Your Highness, His Majesty is well aware of his own condition.
Though it sounds cruel, for His Majesty to rest in peace, it’s best to make preparations.”
Lu Qingwan spoke with utmost care. She wasn’t afraid of Feng Xiwu’s temper, but rather of him acting impulsively and hurting himself.
Surprisingly, after hearing her words, Feng Xiwu calmed down.
He slowly released Lu Qingwan’s wrist and spoke in a measured tone.
“Tang Xiao, return and tell my imperial brother that regardless of what the officials say, Marquis Lu must remain in Shangjing.
As for those who defend the border, the Southern Prince, Marquis Xuanwu, General Pingning, and other experienced old generals are suitable. Dispatch them as soon as possible.
My imperial brother knows how to command the Black Armored Army in Saibei. You only need to relay my words to him.”
Feng Xiwu’s expression was unusually solemn. Tang Xiao dared not utter a word of protest, simply engraving Feng Xiwu’s instructions into his mind and accepting the order dutifully.
Then, Feng Xiwu changed the subject. “From today onwards, have Zhou Liang return to the palace to be in charge of His Majesty’s meals, and Shen Ci to remain in the palace to ensure His Majesty’s safety.
If any further problems arise concerning His Majesty during this period, you are to end your own lives on the spot and never return.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Tang Xiao acknowledged the order, took three steps back, and then turned to flee.
Feng Xiwu watched the doorway for a long moment before speaking softly, “If I were to stand up and engage in martial arts now, would it render the Princess Consort’s previous efforts in vain?”
If Lu Qingwan’s efforts were in vain, it would mean his蠱毒 (gǔdú - poison) was also unhealed.
He would remain crippled, unable to stand.
Finding it difficult to ask so indirectly, Lu Qingwan pursed her lips and knelt before Feng Xiwu, her forehead resting on his knees.
Her eyes held a sadness he couldn't comprehend as she murmured, “Feng Xiwu, can I trust you?
Trust you so much that even if you were to turn against me one day, I would still think it was a villain behind me?”
Feng Xiwu couldn’t understand Lu Qingwan’s sudden sorrow and unease, but instinctively cupped her face.
“Of course.
You are the Princess Consort I personally chose, my wife. I trust you as I trust myself.”
Lu Qingwan looked at him for a long time with her dark, deep eyes, then suddenly stood up. “Guards.”
Liyang appeared, “What are the Princess Consort’s orders?”
“This Princess Consort wishes to cleanse the remaining poison from His Highness. Everyone leave, even the secret guards are not permitted to stay.
Guard all entrances and exits inside and outside the courtyard. Without my and His Highness’s command, no one is to enter Wutong Courtyard, especially this room, not even half a step.”
While the guards could be dismissed, the secret guards were the last line of defense for Feng Xiwu and Lu Qingwan.
Liyang hesitated to carry out Lu Qingwan’s command immediately, casting a furtive glance at Feng Xiwu.
The latter met his gaze openly. “Execute the Princess Consort’s orders.
Furthermore, relay my command: from this day forward, the Princess Consort shall be the mistress of the Regent Prince’s Manor. Within and without the manor, and among the Black Armored Army, see the Princess Consort as you would see me.”
As he spoke, he took out a ring and solemnly placed it on Lu Qingwan’s right middle finger.
Liyang’s pupils contracted at the sight, and he resolutely responded, “Yes, Your Highness!”
He then bowed respectfully to Lu Qingwan before retreating.
His demeanor was so earnest, so unlike the boisterous and often exasperating guard Lu Qingwan was accustomed to.
Following this, rustling sounds could be heard from various places, presumably the secret guards withdrawing.
Lu Qingwan examined the new ring on her hand. “Is this made of iron? And is that a phoenix on it?”
She feigned lightness, joking with Feng Xiwu, “As a Princess Consort, you have me ostentatiously wearing a phoenix ring. Fortunately, there’s no Empress in the Central Palace. If there were, wouldn’t I become a target?”
“You won’t.”
Feng Xiwu gently stroked her hand, his eyes holding a unique depth of affection.
“This was left to me by a very important elder, and it is the most formal symbol of my wife.”
As he spoke, he took the ring off. Lu Qingwan wondered aloud, “What, changed your mind? No longer want to give it to me?”
“Nonsense.”
Feng Xiwu chided her, “This Ring of the King of Myriad Phoenixes is forged from a thousand-year-old profound iron. It appears ordinary, but within it lies a hidden power.”
As he spoke, Feng Xiwu did something. The phoenix on the ring setting instantly scattered into pieces and flew forward.
These flying components were connected by incredibly fine threads, almost invisible unless they moved in unison.
From over a dozen feet away, the parts of the phoenix embedded themselves into a nearby pillar.
Lu Qingwan stared, dumbfounded. “If I recall correctly, this room is built from the wood of the small Xiangsishu tree, isn't it?”
The small Xiangsishu tree was one of the hardest woods imaginable. Emperor Jingyou, in his desire to protect his younger brother, had spared no effort in finding skilled craftsmen from across the land to build this small courtyard.
Yet now, tiny components from this ring had so easily shot into a pillar made of such wood.
It made her doubt her understanding of over twenty years. She thought of the small Xiangsishu tree’s immense hardness, how difficult it was to drive a nail into it or pull one out.
As long as it couldn't be pulled out, she could still prove her attempt hadn't been in vain.
With this thought in mind, Lu Qingwan tentatively nudged Feng Xiwu. “Can you retract them?”
“Why would that be difficult?”
Feng Xiwu smiled, and with a slight movement of his wrist, the fine threads rapidly retracted.
The scattered components then reformed into a phoenix, perched on the ring setting.
Feng Xiwu showed it to her, then with another flick, the entire phoenix flew out.
This time, the threads were slightly thicker. The phoenix, trailing the threads, circled around the armrest of a nearby chair.
With a pull and a tug, without apparent effort, the chair’s armrest was sliced off as cleanly as if by a blade and fell to the ground.
Immediately, the phoenix returned to the ring setting with lightning speed.
Lu Qingwan was truly astonished this time. She rushed over to examine the neat cross-section on the chair’s armrest, utterly speechless.
“Quickly, let me see. What are these threads made of?”
Feng Xiwu maneuvered his wheelchair, now missing one armrest, closer to her. “The setting and the phoenix of the Ring of the King of Myriad Phoenixes are both crafted from thousand-year-old profound iron.
The fine threads inside are made from the finest Jiao silk.
The ring setting is hollow inside, capable of concealing medicinal powders, small pills, or even liquids.
After I leave, all forces in Shangjing who are dissatisfied with me will target you.
I will instruct Li Qing and the others to protect you, but the most crucial thing is to rely on yourself.
If you truly cannot cope, take this to Fanshe. Someone will then escort you to a safe place.”