“This…” Her request left Nangong Haotian somewhat at a loss as he glanced at the people beside him. Truth be told, given the current influence of the Nangong family, he didn’t dare take on this task when compared to the combined power of the Emperor and the Empress.
But if he could rely on the strength of his son and his in-laws, he would have nothing to worry about.
“We’ll decide on this matter after we meet your Bohai Emperor. For now, you should rest well.”
Just as Feng Moli and Leng Mingye were hesitating over this trivial matter, Feng Liusu suddenly looked at her and spoke, soothing Princess Ziyang before turning to leave.
“Mother, are you alright?”
Though her mother had said they would decide after meeting the Emperor, Wanqing had clearly noticed her mother’s earlier reactions during their conversation. Ever since meeting the Bohai Emperor, her mother had been preoccupied, and no matter how much Wanqing asked, she couldn’t get a straight answer. Now, for her to intervene in the Bohai royal succession was unusual, and Wanqing couldn’t help but worry as she followed her mother outside.
Seeing her mother standing by the lakeside, lost in thought, Wanqing approached with concern and asked, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Why do you keep asking me these days? Do you think something’s wrong with me, or are you just annoyed that I’m interrupting your time with Mingye?”
Though Wanqing’s question came from concern, Feng Liusu’s mind was still clouded with thoughts and worries about the person they were about to meet. She forced a faint smile and teased her daughter, who clearly didn’t believe her.
“Mother, how can you say that? To me, you’re just as important as him and Uncle. Besides, it’s only natural for a daughter to care for her mother. How could I ever resent you?”
Her mother’s rare teasing reassured Wanqing that, despite her pensive expression, she wasn’t as downcast as before. Relieved, Wanqing responded with a playful pout.
“You’ve always been like this. But after being apart from you for over a decade, I do regret letting you marry so young. Still, seeing how well Mingye treats you puts my heart at ease. No matter what, I understand your feelings for me. I’m just wondering—do you think the Bohai Emperor is truly worth helping?”
Feng Liusu smiled faintly at her daughter’s adorable mix of annoyance and shyness, her eyes filled with warmth. Then, turning serious, she voiced her doubts.
“I don’t know if helping them is worth it, but I trust Lord Nangong wouldn’t deceive us.”
Wanqing was equally uncertain but placed her faith in Nangong Haotian’s earlier words about the Bohai Emperor.
“I hope so. Well, it’s getting late. You should rest early. We’ll decide everything tomorrow after meeting the Emperor. I’ll retire to my room now and leave you two lovebirds alone—lest someone accuse me of being a third wheel.”
Feng Liusu sighed lightly at her daughter’s reassurance. Noticing the late hour, she teased Wanqing, whose cheeks flushed pink at her words.
“Mother, I’ll head back to my room now.”
Embarrassed, Wanqing nodded and took her leave, exhausted from the past few days.
Unbeknownst to Wanqing, the moment she left, Feng Liusu—now alone by the lake—slowly drew a half-piece of jade pendant from her robe.
Cradling it in her hands, her eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at it with longing and sorrow.
“Did you break your promise back then because of the turmoil in your kingdom and what followed?” she murmured to herself.
“Sister, I was wondering where you’d gone. Princess Ziyang and Lord Nangong have agreed—tomorrow, we’ll go together to meet the true Bohai Emperor. But after I left, I remembered something. Princess Ziyang’s face… Could you give this to her for me? I…”
Just as she was lost in thought, a voice interrupted her, and she turned to see someone standing nearby.
“Li’er, you… Alright, I’ll take it to her.”
Feng Liusu paused, surprised by her brother’s rare concern for someone other than herself or Wanqing. She accepted the item with a faint smile and turned to leave.
“Wait, Sister—never mind. Last time I said something about her, she got so angry she nearly hit me. Maybe it’s better if I don’t send it. She might misunderstand.”
Before Feng Liusu could take more than a few steps, Feng Moli called out again. In a flash, he retrieved the medicine bottle he’d asked her to deliver.
“Fine, then I won’t. I’ll head back to my room now. If you said something rude, maybe you should apologize to her face. She might forgive you.”
Amused by her brother’s uncharacteristic hesitation, Feng Liusu smiled knowingly. It was rare for him to care about someone else’s feelings—especially a woman.
At his age, he still hadn’t settled down, so seeing him like this warmed her heart. Nodding in understanding, she left before he could change his mind again.
“Sister, wait—I’ll deliver it myself. The sooner her face is treated, the faster it’ll heal.”
Sure enough, as soon as she walked away, Feng Moli called after her, only to find she was already gone. Sighing, he muttered an apology to himself and turned toward the room where the princess stayed.
“Come in.”
Princess Ziyang, still clad in black with her face veiled, sat by the bed. Hearing the knock, she frowned but granted entry.
“I… It’s the middle of the night, and you’re alone in your room, still wearing that veil. Ugly people make a fuss—don’t you find this boring?”
Feng Moli stepped inside, noticing how her demeanor cooled the moment he entered. Remembering how she’d lashed out at him after he’d accidentally glimpsed her unveiled face earlier, he struggled to keep his tone neutral.
Instead of asking her to remove the veil so he could examine her injuries, his words came out sharp.
“You… What I do is none of your concern. If you’re here just to insult me, leave. Your words mean nothing. Though my face is scarred, compared to someone like you—who hides behind his parents’ good looks to mock others—I’d say I’m far more decent.”
Her retort made his blood boil.
“You think highly of yourself, don’t you? If you don’t let me treat that face of yours, you’ll be stuck with it for life. While others find love, you’ll die alone.”
His venomous words hung in the air, a stark contrast to his usual composure.
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