As soon as he spoke, Wanqing was startled, followed by Prince Ning and Leng Mingye. Upon hearing this, Leng Mingye clenched his fists tightly at his sides, his lips pressing together. The look he gave the Bohai prince was so murderous that if looks could kill, the prince would have been riddled with holes on the spot.
“This…”
Faced with this request, Leng Yingjie couldn’t help but glance hesitantly at Wanqing before turning a puzzled gaze toward his mother, the Empress Dowager. Wanqing, meanwhile, was more bewildered than anything else. Was she really about to become a princess sent off for political marriage?
“I object. My niece is not someone to be betrothed at a mere word. If anyone wishes to marry her, they must first pass my test…”
Just as Prince Ning, Leng Mingye, and even Leng Yingjie were struggling with the situation, a cold yet resonant voice rang out. Then, at the entrance of the grand hall, a palanquin appeared in the sky.
The palanquin was carried by four men in black, all using qinggong to float down from midair, drifting gracefully until they reached the palace doors.
As the palanquin landed lightly, a woman in white stepped forward respectfully and lifted the curtain. Out stepped a man dressed in white brocade, his face as flawless as jade, exuding an air of elegance and an unshakable, profound aura.
“…”
At his words and the way he addressed them, Wanqing instinctively looked at him. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable familiarity upon seeing him.
“Greetings, Uncle. Father, it’s Uncle from Daqi.” Prince Ning was the first to regain his composure, rising to bow respectfully to the white-clad man who strode in. He then glanced at his father, whose brows furrowed slightly at the newcomer.
“Uncle? Are you Feng Moli, my old friend?”
Hearing Prince Ning’s words, Leng Yingjie turned to the newcomer. After a long pause, he asked in disbelief.
“Indeed, it is I, brother-in-law. How could I miss your grand ascension to the throne? Sixteen years ago, my sister was rescued but remained unconscious all these years. Now, at the moment of her awakening, I came in joy to seek the destined one who could hasten her recovery. Yet, to my surprise, I heard you arranging my niece’s marriage so casually. Qing’er, why don’t you greet your uncle?”
The newcomer was none other than Feng Moli, the current Crown Prince of Daqi. He was also the younger brother of Wanqing and Prince Ning’s mother, Feng Liuli. The King and Queen of Daqi had only these two children, and the King had remained devoted solely to his Queen.
At Leng Yingjie’s words, Feng Moli smiled faintly and nodded. Then, suddenly, he turned to Wanqing, who was staring at him in astonishment.
“Qing’er greets Uncle.”
Wanqing was stunned. The man appeared to be only in his late twenties, yet his commanding presence silenced the King and Prince of Bohai the moment he arrived. Hearing their exchange, she finally understood—this was her maternal uncle. No wonder she had felt that strange familiarity upon first seeing him.
Though unsure whether to trust his words, the news that her mother had been rescued and was still alive filled her with hope. She didn’t fully grasp his mention of finding the “destined one” to awaken her mother, but out of respect, she rose and bowed to him.
“The last time I saw you, you were still in swaddling clothes. Now, you’ve grown into a fine lady. Brother-in-law, if not for the rumors that the An Prince had usurped your throne for sixteen years, I might have believed you were the one who harmed my sister.”
Feng Moli regarded Wanqing coolly as she paid her respects. Then, turning to Leng Yingjie, his gaze turned icy, as if harboring some deep-seated grudge.
“I came today for Qing’er. Your court affairs are men’s business—do not involve my niece. Qing’er, come with me.”
Seeing Leng Yingjie at a loss for words, Feng Moli smirked. With a swift motion, he appeared beside Wanqing and took her hand, pulling her toward the palanquin.
“Wait! What gives you the right, Prince of Daqi? Princess Qingya is my chosen bride. She doesn’t leave unless I say so!”
Just as Wanqing was being led away, the Bohai Prince suddenly spoke up, lunging forward with a palm strike aimed at Feng Moli.
“Since when do you decide anything? Or you, brother-in-law? After all the help she’s given you since childhood, what right do you have to dictate her life? Today, I’m taking her. Anyone who dares stop me will share their fate. Qing’er, let’s go.”
Feng Moli dodged effortlessly. With a flick of his sleeve, he sent the Bohai Prince flying backward with a single palm strike. The King of Bohai rushed to intervene but was similarly repelled. Standing calmly with Wanqing, Feng Moli observed the pale, poisoned expressions of the Bohai royals.
“Uncle, I don’t even know you, yet you attack and poison people? Here’s the antidote—one pill morning and night for three days, and the toxins will be purged.”
Wanqing was appalled by her uncle’s ruthless actions. Despite his arrogance, she couldn’t condone his violence at such an important ceremony. Shaking off his grip, she coldly tossed a vial of antidote to the Bohai envoys.
“Feisty, aren’t you? And skilled, too. No wonder you’d defy even your uncle. I admire your courage. But today, I have urgent business with you. Come.”
Feng Moli’s eyes narrowed slightly at her defiance. Though taken aback by her attitude, he couldn’t deny her resemblance to his sister. With a swift motion, he sealed her acupoints and dragged her away.
“Wait! Brother Moli, you said my sister was rescued—she’s still alive?”
Leng Yingjie, finally snapping out of his daze, trembled with disbelief and joy at the thought of his beloved still living. His voice shook as he called after Feng Moli, who was already at the palace doors with Wanqing.
At his words, Wanqing and Prince Ning’s hearts clenched. This uncle’s sudden appearance was too strange, and his words with their father even more so. The possibility that their wronged mother still lived filled them with hope. Wanqing turned back, her eyes mirroring Prince Ning’s mix of shock and elation.
“Yes, she lives. But without immediate aid, she may never wake again. Attend to your kingdom’s affairs. But as for those who couldn’t even recognize Qing’er—dream on if you think your son can marry her. Qing’er, we’re leaving.”
Under the stunned, hopeful gazes of Wanqing and Prince Ning, Feng Moli turned back briefly to address Leng Yingjie. His parting words were clearly aimed at the Bohai royals. Then, with Wanqing in tow, he vanished into the palanquin, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and longing sighs from Leng Yingjie and Prince Ning.
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