“I know. But regarding this matter at hand, what do you think Father should do? Our Daqi has finally enjoyed peace these years—must we really stir up trouble over one member of the Xie family? Not to mention, though the Xies have grown ambitious, they’ve always shown us due respect. Even if we suppress them, we need a proper excuse. Acting against them without cause would only chill the hearts of other families who’ve previously shown loyalty to the royal house. What do you think, Li’er?”
The confusion and reminder from his son wiped the gentle expression from the face of the King of Daqi, replaced by an unreadable calm and restraint. He nodded in agreement but then looked back at his son, seeking his opinion.
“…” Though Feng Moli was seething with discontent, he remained silent. He knew full well that the Feng family’s rule had been secured with the support of the Xie family. Yet now, the royal house was being led by the nose. Worse still, the Fengs now held overwhelming financial and political power over the Xies in Daqi, yet his father’s hesitation baffled him.
But rashly targeting the Xie family would undoubtedly invite criticism from other noble houses.
“Then why have you placed Leng Mingye next to Qing’er and Xie Shaojun? Old man, you’re not planning to use Leng Mingye, are you…?”
Breaking the silence between father and son, the Queen of Daqi suddenly turned to her husband with a complaint. She had grown increasingly fond of Leng Mingye, given his qualifications, status, and capabilities. Though she didn’t wish to oppose her husband’s decision, the implications of his actions dawned on her, and she gasped in shock.
Her words also drew a stunned look from Feng Moli toward his father.
“After all these years, you still understand me best. If those three young people live close together, they’re bound to cross paths. And if Xie Shaojun truly provokes Leng Mingye, what do you think the consequences would be?”
With a faint smile, the King glanced at his son, then turned back to his wife, posing the question as if testing the waters.
“But Leng Mingye has lost his inner strength and sacrificed ten years of his youth for Qing’er. Father, how could you…?”
Feng Moli had no issue with his father’s reasoning, but the thought of Leng Mingye’s sacrifices for Wanqing made him unable to hold back his frustration.
“I know. That’s precisely why this is a test of Leng Mingye and Qing’er’s bond. We, the Feng family, must not interfere. Once the Xies cause trouble, we’ll have the justification to act against them. Don’t you agree?”
The King remained composed, addressing both his wife and son. Seeing that his son, though visibly displeased, did not openly object, he paused before continuing.
“This plan does wrong by Mingye, and Qing’er will be caught in the middle. What if Xie Shaojun seriously injures him? What then for Qing’er…?”
Though the Queen reluctantly accepted her husband’s strategy, her heart ached for the two young lovers. She couldn’t help but worry about the future and happiness of her granddaughter, who bore such a striking resemblance to her own daughter.
“If Father has already decided, what else can I say? Very well, let it be as you propose. As for any potential conflict between Xie Shaojun and Leng Mingye, I trust Qing’er will handle it. She’s no ordinary woman. I shall take my leave now.”
Seeing his mother’s reluctant agreement, Feng Moli could only suppress his sympathy for the ill-fated lovers, Wanqing and Leng Mingye. With a resigned nod, he offered a few words of reassurance before turning to depart.
“Sigh. Summon someone…”
As his son left, the King could sense the unspoken disapproval in his heart. But since Feng Moli had acquiesced, he knew his son wouldn’t undermine the plan midway.
Thinking of his granddaughter’s lifelong happiness and the thorn in their side—Xie Shaojun, the representative of the Xie family—the King sighed deeply. After a pause, he suddenly stood and called for a eunuch.
—
“Miss, what’s on your mind? It’s only been a day, and you’re already worried about Young Master Leng?”
Dawn broke, and in the courtyard of Wanqing’s residence, Honglian noticed her sitting beneath a tree, gazing at the exotic scenery without the excitement she had shown upon arriving in Daqi. Instead, her face was clouded with melancholy. Bringing over tea, Honglian teased her lightly.
“Don’t talk nonsense. I was just wondering what kind of person that Xie family’s young master is. Surely he’s not some uncouth brute or a complete fool?”
Wanqing lowered her eyes, accepting the tea Honglian poured for her. She sipped it thoughtfully, voicing her doubts about her betrothed. Internally, she debated whether to take the initiative and confront him directly.
“Ha, Young Master Xie grew up in the palace. I saw him once as a child, but how he looks now, I truly don’t know. But given Prince Ye’s opposition, I doubt he’s as exceptional as Young Master Leng. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have encouraged Leng Mingye so eagerly.”
Honglian chuckled softly at Wanqing’s troubled expression, then sighed wistfully before offering a reassuring smile.
“Of course, who could compare to our master’s grace and noble bearing?”
No sooner had Honglian spoken than a playful voice chimed in. Wanqing and Honglian looked up to see Bai Yu approaching, accompanied by Wan Chun.
“Bai Yu! Is your master alright?”
Though they had traveled together, upon arrival, they had been separated, and the Daqi guards barred her from seeing him. Even when she inquired, they only told her to wait patiently.
Though Wanqing trusted her uncle’s reassurance that he wouldn’t abandon Leng Mingye, the situation still troubled her. Seeing Bai Yu now, all her worries condensed into a single question.
“My master is fine. He specifically sent me to assure you, Princess, that he’s well and you needn’t worry. But Princess, the King of Daqi allowed us in yet forbids my master from leaving his quarters and restricts our movements. Do you know what he’s planning?”
Bai Yu smiled faintly at Wanqing’s anxious query, noting the tears glistening in her eyes. But his tone turned resentful as he recounted the difficulties he’d faced just to come here.
“I don’t know either. Where are you staying? The servants here claim ignorance when I ask about you. Are you all comfortable?”
Bai Yu’s words stirred mixed emotions in Wanqing. This soft imprisonment was nothing short of humiliation for a man as proud as Leng Mingye. Yet she was powerless to intervene. After a pause, she voiced her own concerns.
“We’re staying at Fenglin Pavilion, just a palace away from here. Princess, do you think this is the King’s tacit approval—or the Xie family’s doing?”
Though frustrated by Wanqing’s lack of answers, Bai Yu still shared their location. Suspicion laced his voice as he pressed further.
“I don’t know. But whoever is behind this, if they have ulterior motives, they’ll slip up sooner or later. Tell your master I’m fine, and I’ll do my best to contact my uncle to restore his inner strength. Once that’s done, no crisis will threaten us.”
Wanqing mirrored Bai Yu’s uncertainty about the King’s intentions. For now, she could only remain composed and relay her message. Though she wasn’t overly worried about their current predicament, Leng Mingye’s lack of inner strength left them vulnerable in the palace. With only Qing Feng and Bai Yu by his side, they’d be no match for the many skilled poisoners and schemers within Daqi’s walls.
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