Yan Xiaohan, no matter how righteous he sounded, couldn’t keep the decree-bearing eunuch waiting and had to temporarily set aside the matter, hurrying to the Hall of Nurturing Heart.
Secretary Tian and the Flying Dragon Guard had long been at odds, and the young eunuch, following his master’s grudge, was unwilling to reveal any hints. It wasn’t until Yan Xiaohan entered the hall that he discovered Crown Prince Sun Yanliang was also present.
“This subject pays respects to Your Majesty and the Crown Prince.”
“Rise.”
Emperor Yuan Tai was tall and imposing, with a stern face slightly plump and relaxed, deep lines beside his nose, and thin lips—the face of a strict, decisive, and cold-hearted ruler. This emperor could be considered shrewd and capable, never casual in speech, quite serious. But now he seemed in a good mood, even smiling, dispelling the anger and gloom from the recent envoy case, appearing somewhat benevolent.
It doesn’t seem to be bad news. Yan Xiaohan’s heart settled slightly, thinking he had been too jumpy after the recent series of tricks.
The Crown Prince maintained a composed expression, standing impassively. Yan Xiaohan could feel his gaze falling on him, not malicious, but containing a needle-like probing.
“Crown Prince, return to the Eastern Palace,” Emperor Yuan Tai wanted to speak with Yan Xiaohan alone. After thinking, he unusually encouraged the Crown Prince, “You did well today.”
Having received this praise, the Crown Prince had achieved his main objective and did not linger. He withdrew his gaze from Yan Xiaohan and even smiled at him before bowing and leaving.
That smile seemed to contain an indescribable mockery and pity, suddenly causing Yan Xiaohan to feel an ominous premonition.
Yan Daren was suffering in the palace.
A few days ago, Fu Shen had just settled down when his sister, the King of Qi’s wife Fu Ling, sent her servants to pay respects and deliver items, also passing a message that she would personally visit him soon. Fu Shen had no energy to deal with her and feared the King of Qi might misunderstand. He directly refused: “No need, just let her take care of herself.”
The person from the King of Qi’s mansion was a servant from the Ying Guo Gong Mansion that Fu Ling had brought with her when she married, well aware of her young master’s uncompromising temperament. Without daring to argue, they returned and relayed the exact words to Fu Ling.
At that moment, the King of Qi, Sun Yanduan, was present and couldn’t help but shake his head, saying, “The Marquis is somewhat lacking in human sentiment…”
Fu Ling had been unable to sleep for nights since hearing about Fu Shen’s injury, secretly crying several times. Hearing this familiar blunt tone, she unexpectedly felt oddly reassured. Sun Yanduan, her husband since youth and on good terms, teased, “Now you dare to talk about him behind his back?”
Fu Ling blushed, “My big brother may seem cold, but he’s warm-hearted. He’s just harsh with words. I wonder what kind of sister-in-law could possibly match him.”
The King of Qi recalled some rumors and deliberately changed the subject: “Who can predict matters of marriage? The Marquis just returned to the capital, and his mansion must be in chaos. It’s not appropriate for you to go now.” He gently held Fu Ling’s hand, “Wait a couple more days until he’s settled, then you can visit. How’s that?”
Fu Ling’s eyes brightened, “Is the King willing to let this wife leave the mansion?”
The King of Qi kissed her cheek and softly laughed, “He’s your own brother, not an outsider. Only promise me to take care of yourself, don’t be rash…”
Fu Ling’s face instantly flushed, making her even more radiant. She lowered her head and softly said, “I understand.”
Today was overcast, the wind colder than usual, looking like rain was imminent. Fu Shen’s wounds were most sensitive to this weather, causing endless pain that irritated him. He was about to have someone push him to the study to distract himself with some idle books when a servant reported that the King of Qi’s wife was personally coming to visit, with her carriage already at the door.
Fu Shen immediately felt a headache: “This troublemaker… Help me up. Fu Bo, have Xiao Chun and the personal guards step back, and control the servants in the back courtyard to avoid offending her. Have the King’s wife wait in the main hall. Find a couple of matrons or young servants to attend to her. I’ll change and come over after.”
In the main hall, Fu Ling nervously wrung her handkerchief, unable to focus on tea. Moments later, the sound of wheels rolling came from inside. She abruptly stood up, turning to meet Fu Shen’s gaze as he sat in the wheelchair.
Fu Shen seemed unprepared, clearly stunned for a moment.
Fu Ling stared blankly, seemingly forgetting how to speak. The invincible big brother in her memory was now broken, awkwardly seated in a simple bamboo wheelchair, his features sharp from excessive weight loss, offering an unfamiliar smile.
Fu Ling could no longer hold back, rushing to him and wailing loudly.
The accompanying servants were terrified. Fu Shen was pushed back but steadily caught her in his arms: “My goodness, gentle… Little sister, are you still seven years old?”
Her tightly wound heartstrings finally snapped completely. Fu Ling cried uncontrollably: “You scared me to death… With our parents gone, you’re my only family left…”
Fu Shen’s breath caught. The frost in his heart melted into warm water. With clumsy carefulness, he gently patted her back, softly saying, “Don’t cry. It’s okay. Brother’s here. Don’t be sad.”
Fu Shen had finally consoled his sister, feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Pressing his temples, he said helplessly, “I told you not to come, but you wouldn’t listen.”
Crying like this, aren’t you afraid of hurting yourself? Your visit means our mansion’s garden won’t need watering for three years.”
Fu Ling, washing her face and reapplying makeup, couldn’t help but laugh. “Stop teasing me. Do you think I wanted to? Waiting anxiously at home is what truly hurts.”
Fu Shen was speechless.
“Very well, Wang Ye is also very good to me,” Fu Ling slightly turned sideways, pulling his sleeve like a little girl and whispered, “I’ve actually been looking forward to your return to the capital this year.”
“What’s wrong?” Fu Shen immediately asked, “Did something happen, or are you being bullied at home?”
“It was no wonder he was overthinking; most brothers in the world were like this, showing care by standing up for their siblings.”
“Nothing at all, it’s good news,” Fu Ling’s face flushed slightly, “Big brother, you’re going to be an uncle.”
“Oh,” Fu Shen only heard the first half of the sentence and nodded normally, but a few moments later, he suddenly realized the meaning of the latter half and was so shocked he almost stood up from his wheelchair, raising his voice: “What did you say?!”
Fu Ling placed her hand on her still-flat belly and smiled, “It’s been over three months already.”
“How… how…” Jing Ning Hou was rarely flustered, “You’re so young. No, when did this happen?”
Fu Ling watched him fumble, and Fu Shen slapped his forehead, realizing he had just asked a nonsensical question and laughed.
Xiao Xun wanted him to bandage his hand first, but Fu Shen didn’t even raise his eyes. Xiao Xun didn’t dare to disobey him and hurriedly lowered his head in agreement. Just as he was about to leave, Fu Shen suddenly called out, “Wait.”
Xiao Xun: “Yes, sir.”
He pondered for a moment and said, “Bring the personal guards in as well.”
