After Emperor Wei asked this question, he secretly observed Xiao Ziyu’s reaction from the corner of his eye. Great Liang’s Sixth Princess had an unclear past with that Qi Jingchen—this matter had been circulating for so long that it was somewhat difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. Although marriage alliances between nations had nothing to do with love, and Emperor Wei harbored no expectations of true feelings with Xiao Ziyu, he still didn’t want to be made a cuckold for nothing, so he intentionally probed with his words.

After he finished speaking, Xiao Ziyu showed no particular reaction, still admiring the flowers, appearing to have no concern for that Qi Jingchen. Emperor Wei’s heart eased somewhat, thinking that perhaps the rumors between them were false, and even if there had been something real, it was merely an old dream that shouldn’t cause any trouble now.

Han Feichi seemed not to notice Emperor Wei’s probing intent, only answering very appropriately: “Your Majesty is benevolent. This humble minister thanks you on behalf of the Left Chancellor. However, my superior is now well and will recover completely after a few more days of rest. There’s no need to trouble the Imperial Physicians.”

Emperor Wei nodded upon hearing this and said “That’s good,” then added: “The eighth day of the fourth month is the Buddha Bathing Festival—such a grand occasion cannot be missed. If he hasn’t recovered by then, we should still have the Imperial Physicians examine him.”

Han Feichi bowed and expressed thanks. Both sides exchanged pleasantries, then Emperor Wei laughed and said: “Speaking of which, Jingchen still owes me a match. Before he returns south, he must come to the polo field once to settle things with Wenruo. This game has been delayed for five or six years—it should finally have a conclusion.”

Everyone laughed along, the atmosphere very harmonious. Xiao Ziyu also smiled and said: “I’ve long heard that the northern people are fierce and martial, and that Your Majesty is also skilled at polo. I wonder if we might have the fortune to see Your Majesty personally take the field?”

This flattery was very soothing, and Emperor Wei was quite pleased, feeling this Great Liang princess did have her charms. Their marriage alliance wouldn’t be uninteresting after all. In high spirits, he intended to banter with her a few more times.

Unfortunately, at this moment palace servants came to report that Empress Mother was suffering from a headache, the Crown Prince had already gone to see her upon receiving word, and requested His Majesty to visit as well.

Emperor Wei became greatly alarmed upon hearing this and immediately could no longer spare attention for dallying with the delicate flower from Great Liang. After hurriedly giving a few instructions, he said he must go see the Empress. Xiao Ziyu feigned surprise and concern, offering to accompany Emperor Wei to visit, but he declined, asking her to tour the garden alone and promising to apologize to her afterward. With that, he hurried away.

Once Emperor Wei left, Xiao Ziyu immediately wiped the charming, seductive smile from her face, casually plucked a branch of elm-leaf plum, her eyes growing cold as she cursed something under her breath.

It wasn’t surprising that Xiao Ziyu was angry. She had never thought much of Gao Mian but was forced to feign interest for the future, yet that Empress who had been favored for decades still had to interfere—how could this not irritate her?

She was even more annoyed with herself for this pitiful appearance of humbling herself.

But it was just as well—she truly had no energy to continue being false with that Gao Mian. With his departure, she felt much more relaxed. After avoiding the palace servants Emperor Wei had arranged to attend her and the Great Liang officials accompanying her, she discreetly asked Han Feichi: “Is he… truly well now?”

The imperial garden was vast, the elm-leaf plums delicate and beautiful, quite similar to the pink cherry blossoms in the back garden of Qingji Mountain. Looking at them was like returning to Jiangzuo, back to those carefree youthful days.

At that time he was still her Brother Jingchen, they still had a betrothal known to all, he and her brother hadn’t yet reached that final state of discord, and everything was still good. She was a precious little princess who could openly chase after him wherever he went, could have Su Ping invite him to the Liang palace’s imperial garden for secret meetings with her.

Not like now… she had become a marriage alliance princess who had to seek favor from others, having to be careful even when asking about him.

Upon hearing her question, Han Feichi frowned, his expression shedding the thoughtful courtesy he had shown before Emperor Wei, becoming cold and arrogant instead.

He snorted coldly and said: “How he is—would Your Highness not know?”

These words carried a questioning tone, almost without courtesy. Though Han Feichi indeed had close kinship with Xiao Ziyu, there were still distinctions between ruler and subject, making his manner of speaking quite inappropriate.

But Xiao Ziyu didn’t become angry, even seeming to shrink back under his interrogation, unconsciously crushing the elm-leaf plum in her hand, the flower juice making her palm sticky.

She lowered her head.

Han Feichi drew a breath, looking at her with some sympathy, though more coldness than compassion.

He said quite rigidly: “Emperor Wei has already developed suspicions about you. If Your Highness wishes to live comfortably in the future, you must completely cast aside the past, otherwise harming others and yourself, you may never achieve a good outcome.”

He paused, then added: “Besides, truly speaking, you two don’t really have any past to speak of, do you?”

These words were too harsh, causing Xiao Ziyu’s nails to dig deeply into her palm’s flesh, yet she couldn’t refute them and could only remain silent.

Han Feichi said nothing more, bowing to Xiao Ziyu and saying: “Your Highness should settle peacefully in the Wei palace. If you have other orders, you may summon this minister to the palace at any time.”

Xiao Ziyu didn’t respond, and Han Feichi didn’t wait for her answer before turning around. He had only taken a few steps when he heard Xiao Ziyu call him back, asking in a very low voice: “Are you resentful toward me? But you clearly know that wasn’t my idea…”

These words were like speaking in riddles, completely confusing to anyone unaware of the circumstances, but Han Feichi knew what she was referring to. His expression grew even colder as he answered with his back turned: “This minister wouldn’t dare.”

His tone was somewhat sarcastic. After pausing, he turned back to look at Xiao Ziyu, this time with some malice in his expression: “If that had truly been Your Highness’s idea, he wouldn’t have come personally to escort you now.”

Xiao Ziyu’s reaction to these words was intense. She laughed coldly, violently throwing the crushed flowers in her hand to the ground, retorting: “Escort me? He clearly came to see his little sweetheart. Do you think I don’t know?”

Han Feichi remained cold, saying: “Your Highness should watch your words.”

Xiao Ziyu trembled with anger, looking at Han Feichi and saying: “You resent me, but not her? Can’t you see all the disasters she’s brought him?”

At the mention of this “her,” Xiao Ziyu’s emotions became somewhat uncontrolled, her voice turning shrill and drawing the covert attention of palace servants passing through the imperial garden.

Han Feichi was unwilling to continue arguing with Xiao Ziyu. He too seemed somewhat irritated, turning around again. Seeing him walking farther away, Xiao Ziyu left only one sentence: “That’s his willing choice. What about the others?”

Xiao Ziyu was struck as if by a blow to the head.

She stood somewhat stunned, and by then Han Feichi had walked far away, leaving her alone in the strange and empty imperial garden. The palace walls of the Wei palace were so high and thick. Looking toward the direction Han Feichi had gone, she felt only sorrow and powerlessness.

After leaving the palace, Han Feichi quickly returned to the Envoy’s Guest House.

Five years had passed, and many people and affairs had changed, but this Envoy’s Guest House remained the same as before, exactly as it had been when Qi Ying came north for negotiations years ago.

Han Feichi descended from the carriage and upon entering the guest house gates immediately sensed many eyes and hidden agents around the perimeter—all likely sent by the Wei people to monitor the movements of those in the guest house. Though Emperor Wei Gao Mian appeared affable, imperial cunning was always unfathomable. He was very wary of the Great Liang visitors, and their every move in Shangjing absolutely could not escape Emperor Wei’s eyes.

Han Feichi lowered his eyelids, maintaining his composure as he entered the mansion with several Great Liang officials.

Upon entering the Envoy’s Guest House, he immediately headed toward the quarters where Qi Ying was temporarily staying. Bai Song stood guard outside the door with his sword, courteously greeting Han Feichi upon seeing him.

Han Feichi nodded to Bai Song, glanced at the tightly closed door, and hurriedly asked: “How is he?”

Bai Song’s expression was somewhat tense, his brow furrowed as he shook his head.

Just then Qing Zhu emerged from the room, looking as grave as Bai Song. Han Feichi dismissed his greeting and asked about the person inside. Qing Zhu answered: “He was better originally, but after returning from there, he again…”

At this point, he couldn’t help but sigh.

Han Feichi’s frown deepened upon hearing this. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a voice from inside the room.

“Zhongheng?”

It was Qi Ying’s voice, low and cool as always, yet faintly… somewhat weak.

Han Feichi immediately responded outside the door: “Second Brother, it’s me.”

“Is Your Highness well in the palace?”

Through the door, Han Feichi answered: “All is well. Today Emperor Wei discussed wedding arrangements and seems quite attentive to the marriage ceremony.”

“That’s good.”

Han Feichi thought for a moment, saying with some hesitation: “Today Emperor Wei also asked about Second Brother. From his tone, he wants you to attend the Buddha Bathing Festival on the eighth day of the fourth month. This…”

Suppressed coughing came from inside the room.

Qing Zhu immediately moved to enter.

“No need for anyone to come in. It’s nothing.”

He stopped everyone from entering. Qing Zhu was anxious enough to break out in a sweat but didn’t dare disobey. He could almost imagine the scene inside the room and knew that even if he entered, it would be of no help.

Young Master, he…

Everyone’s hearts were heavy.

“The eighth day of the fourth month must be attended, to avoid Wei suspicion,” the coughing stopped and the cool voice came from the room. “Moreover, if I remain behind closed doors, that side will have no opportunity to act.”

He spoke calmly, but the matter hidden behind his words seemed extremely dangerous, so much so that even someone like Han Feichi who wasn’t afraid of trouble had a grave expression.

He said: “Second Brother, the guest house is surrounded by Emperor Wei’s people. I fear I won’t receive news from the family, and borrowing the Privy Council’s power won’t be easy then. If…”

He was full of worry, seeming to have dissuasive intent, but the person inside was very certain, answering: “Zhongheng, there’s no more time.”

Everyone’s hearts tightened, momentarily unclear about his meaning.

“No more time”?

Was he saying that missing this opportunity would mean no more chances? Or was he referring to himself…

No one dared ask.

The worry in Han Feichi’s eyes deepened as he asked: “Can that Gu Wenruo be trusted? If he betrays us, everything will be finished! This matter has too many variables and is too dangerous. Second Brother, please reconsider!”

For a long time no sound came from the room, but everyone outside knew him well. They all understood that silence didn’t represent his hesitation, but rather indicated he had already made his decision and would not change it no matter what.

They all felt somewhat powerless.

Not because they didn’t trust him, but because… the cost of failure was more than anyone could bear.

He would die.

He should be the person most aware of this point, yet he was also the one with the most indifferent attitude toward it, as if he didn’t care about success or failure, didn’t even care about his personal life or death.

“Bai Song.”

He suddenly called Bai Song, startling everyone. Bai Song immediately responded, then heard him say: “The eighth day of the fourth month will certainly be chaotic everywhere. Remember to watch over her then.”

Her.

No one didn’t know who he was referring to. They were just very surprised: he didn’t even care about success, failure, life or death, yet he still remembered her.

Clearly someone with a heart like iron and stone, yet…

Bai Song respectfully acknowledged, and then no more sounds came from the room.

Perhaps he was already too exhausted to speak.