“You, Father Emperor, look at my brother—I don’t even know if you’re really my brother. How could your sister just marry any ordinary man? Even if he’s already betrothed, why can’t I marry him? In my opinion, he’s much easier to get along with than that cold and aloof Leng Mingye, who’s like an ice sculpture…”
Brother’s immediate dismissal of her feelings made Dongfang Yuying turn to the Emperor with dissatisfaction. After speaking, she glanced at Dongfang Yujun, clearly holding a favorable impression of Feng Moli.
“You—I really don’t understand what you’re thinking. He’s already made it clear he’s rejecting us, yet you still insist. You know you’re a princess—are you really that unworthy? Why must you settle for being a concubine? If word gets out, wouldn’t it shame our Dongfang family? Don’t think I’m being harsh—if Mother were here, she’d never allow such foolishness.”
Dongfang Yujun looked at his sister, who was beautiful despite her somewhat haughty temperament, a noble and charming princess. Hearing her words and recalling the cold rejection they’d faced, he couldn’t help but invoke their mother’s authority.
“You—you always use Mother to pressure me! Father Emperor…”
Dongfang Yujun’s words made Dongfang Yuying’s pretty face darken with displeasure. Though she wasn’t the most stunning beauty, she was still a lovely and noble lady, raised with privilege and status.
Even if the other party had a betrothal and had chosen someone, hadn’t they yet formally named a primary consort? Why couldn’t she marry him? If they took the initiative, wouldn’t the primary consort position be hers?
But her brother’s harsh words, especially his mention of their mother, filled Dongfang Yuying with rare fear and helplessness. Seeing she couldn’t win the argument, she pouted and tugged at her father’s sleeve, sulking.
“Enough. A young lady should show some restraint, or you’ll become a laughingstock. Your brother speaks sense—this is a matter of betrothal. I think we should discuss it with your mother before making any decisions. After all, she is your mother.”
Dongfang Hai watched his children bicker before him, a common scene between them. Though accustomed to it, he still looked at them fondly, patting his daughter’s hand as she clung to his arm.
“Exactly. I have matters to attend to and won’t accompany you further. Your son takes his leave.”
At his father’s words, Dongfang Yujun turned to his sister. Seeing her flushed face and pouting lips, he bowed to the Emperor and left.
“You’re always like this—leaving everything to Mother. Now even my betrothal has to go through her. Those who don’t know might think you’re the king of Bo Kingdom, but those who do can only sigh in resignation.”
As her brother left, Dongfang Yuying stuck out her tongue and shook a fist at his retreating figure. Her father merely chuckled and soothed her, which only made her release his arm and vent her frustration.
“Ah, Father’s health isn’t the best, but your mother still leaves major decisions to me, doesn’t she? How can you say such things about your father?”
Dongfang Hai’s expression held rare helplessness and disappointment, but he still smiled and comforted his daughter, feigning offense at her words.
“What major decisions? Today’s discussions with Prince Ji and the envoys from Daqi were all arranged by Mother, weren’t they? And is my marriage not a major matter? You never take anything seriously—I fear one day, our Dongfang dynasty might even change hands. Sigh.”
Unmoved by her father’s explanations, Dongfang Yuying bluntly called him out. Seeing his clenched fists and the flicker of anger in his eyes—though his expression remained calm—she sighed and turned away.
It seemed the King of Bo Kingdom truly lived a stifled existence. But what was the truth? No one could say for sure.
“No, no—it can’t be, it just can’t…”
Upon returning to the Nan Gong residence, Feng Liusu suddenly stopped at the entrance, her expression strange as she muttered to herself.
“Mother, what’s wrong? What can’t be?”
Wanqing had noticed her mother’s odd behavior earlier—though she’d seemed calm, her cold demeanor when lying to protect her uncle had raised suspicions. But now, as soon as they left the palace, her mother seemed like a different person: brows furrowed, lips pressed tight, fists clenched. Though her face showed little, Wanqing sensed her suppressed agitation.
Hearing her mother’s sudden words upon entering the gate, Wanqing stepped forward in concern.
“I’m certain the King of Bo Kingdom we just met isn’t the real one.”
Feng Liusu’s declaration stunned everyone, even Nan Gong Haotian, who turned back in shock.
“Mother, how can you say that? This…”
Wanqing was taken aback by her mother’s bold claim.
“I can’t explain now, but if you investigate the palace at night, you’ll see. He’s definitely not the real King of Bo—at most, he’s someone who looks exactly like him.”
Facing the bewildered stares of her daughter, son-in-law, and the others, Feng Liusu spoke with chilling certainty.
“Father, you’ve served in court all these years—have you noticed any differences in the King?”
Hearing his mother-in-law’s words, Feng Moli followed her inside with his wife. Though unsure of the connection between Feng Liusu and the King, Leng Mingye recalled a question his wife had once asked him late at night.
This suggested their relationship was far from simple. But that alone proved nothing.
As Feng Liusu spoke, even Nan Gong Haotian looked shocked yet resigned. Instead of following immediately, Leng Mingye turned to his father-in-law.
“Truthfully, I can’t say for sure. Over a decade ago, our King was bold and decisive. But after returning from a campaign, his health declined, and his personality seemed to change entirely. Though he remains our King, many state affairs are handled by the Queen and the Grand Tutor. He’s become indecisive, always deferring to them.”
Nan Gong Haotian’s rare melancholy deepened Leng Mingye’s unease.
“Such a change… Even with poor health, one’s personality wouldn’t shift so drastically. Could my mother-in-law be right? Have you ever suspected this?”
His father’s words only confirmed Leng Mingye’s growing suspicion. Frowning, he murmured to himself before pressing further.
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