“This…” Hearing Nangong Haotian’s words, Wanqing instinctively turned to the man beside her. Seeing her husband’s furrowed brows lost in thought, she then glanced at her mother and uncle.
“Your king?”
Feng Liusu’s expression was one of shock, followed by a question tinged with surprise.
“It’s better to meet him. Yes, it’s the king of Bo Kingdom. Given my relationship with Qing’er, I believe this could further harmonize the ties between our three kingdoms. What do you think, Uncle King?”
Leng Mingye seized the moment to speak, confirming to Feng Liusu. Contemplating his intentions, he looked expectantly at Feng Moli beside him.
“Very well, Second Sister…” Feng Moli had initially been puzzled, considering this their family matter, yet the king of Bo Kingdom had proactively sought to meet them. Though he was also baffled by his sister’s reaction, hearing Leng Mingye’s words and seeing his niece remain silent, he nodded composedly and turned to his sister.
“Let’s meet him then. Nangong in-law, please lead the way.”
Seeing everyone nod in agreement, Feng Liusu’s expression flickered before she steeled herself and spoke, then looked at Nangong Haotian.
Under Nangong Haotian’s guidance, the group entered the Bo Kingdom’s palace to meet its king. This encounter finally clarified for Wanqing the truth behind the earlier visit of the Bo Kingdom’s prince and envoy.
They were received by the Bo Kingdom’s king, Dongfang Hai, and his two children. The prince was clearly a handsome young man with a cold demeanor, entirely different from the one they had met before.
Recalling how her uncle had exposed Ye Mei’s conspiracy, averting unimaginable consequences, Wanqing felt a wave of relief.
After a brief exchange of royal courtesies, the king invited them to be seated.
Following some polite conversation, they learned that the queen was unwell and unable to attend. Wanqing and the others smiled politely as Leng Mingye and Feng Moli engaged in discussions. Meanwhile, the Bo Kingdom’s princess, Dongfang Yuying, seemed particularly taken with Feng Moli, frequently asking him questions. Despite her enthusiasm, Feng Moli maintained a composed and courteous demeanor, though his brows occasionally furrowed slightly.
With the others occupied in conversation, Wanqing and her mother, uninterested in political matters, found themselves at a loose end. Noticing her mother’s distracted expression, Wanqing suggested they take a stroll in the palace gardens.
By the time they returned, the discussions had concluded. Unexpectedly, the king addressed Feng Liusu directly in front of everyone: “Princess Feng, you seem familiar to me. Have we met before?”
“Merely familiar? When would I have had the chance to meet Your Majesty? I believe you must be mistaken. Mingye, Li’er, since you’ve already met with the king and discussed matters concerning our three kingdoms, and there’s nothing further to address, let us return. The palace atmosphere is rather stifling for Qing’er and me.”
At Dongfang Hai’s inquiry, Feng Liusu’s expression shifted briefly before she smiled faintly and responded. Seeing the king remain silent, she turned to Leng Mingye and her brother.
“But guests from afar are always welcome. Since you’ve come all this way, why not stay for a meal before leaving? Father, what do you think? Prince Fengye, Yuying has often heard tales of your exploits. Now that we’ve finally met…”
Before Dongfang Hai could respond, Dongfang Yuying interjected eagerly, casting a tender smile at Feng Moli and even slipping her arm through his.
Faced with the princess’s boldness, Feng Moli, though inwardly exasperated, glanced helplessly at Leng Mingye and the others.
“Since His Majesty, the princess, and the prince have extended such a gracious invitation, we should—”
Noticing Feng Moli’s trapped expression and silent plea for help, Leng Mingye felt a surge of amusement. This man, who had recently been monopolizing his wife’s time with lessons on medicine and poison-making, was finally getting a taste of his own medicine.
Just as Leng Mingye was about to agree, someone cut him off.
“There’s no need for such trouble. We came at His Majesty’s invitation, and now that our discussions are concluded, it would be improper to linger. Moreover, though my brother remains unmarried, our parents have already arranged a match for him. I fear we must decline the princess’s kind regard. Let us depart.”
Feng Liusu’s words not only subtly rejected the king’s hospitality but also dashed Dongfang Yuying’s hopes regarding Feng Moli.
“Very well, let us return.”
Though Leng Mingye wanted to protest—he had never heard of any arranged marriage for Feng Moli—his mother-in-law’s stern expression and his wife’s subtle warning glance silenced him. With a resigned sigh, he followed as Feng Moli, visibly relieved, extricated himself from the princess’s grasp.
“My apologies, Princess. Your kindness is appreciated, but I am indeed betrothed. I must regretfully decline your gracious offer. Farewell.”
As the others departed, Nangong Haotian, though perplexed, followed with his son and daughter-in-law. Left alone, Feng Moli offered Dongfang Yuying an apologetic smile before taking his leave.
“Wait, you—!”
Dongfang Yuying, accustomed to getting her way, had orchestrated this meeting hoping to secure Feng Moli’s affections. Hearing of his supposed betrothal, she refused to accept defeat.
“Enough. He’s made it clear he’s already promised to another. Must you, a princess, stoop to competing for a man?”
Her brother, Dongfang Yujun, though initially supportive, now chastised her for her persistence in the face of obvious disinterest.
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