Coldly watching Feng Huaiting and Madam Feng, Feng Zhiyao gave a light snort and turned his head away in disdain. It had always been like this – from childhood to adulthood, his father only cared about his legitimate wife and sons. No matter how hard he tried, he was always the ignored one. Feng Zhiyao suddenly felt a sense of helplessness in his heart and couldn’t help but smile self-mockingly. A gentle figure in white flashed through his mind, and Feng Zhiyao’s eyes, which had carried a trace of resentment, immediately softened considerably. That’s right, even without the Feng family, he had others. Mo Xiuyao, who had grown up with him like a brother, and colleagues and comrades-in-arms who shared brotherly feelings after years of friendship. Perhaps soon, he would have his own family too.

Thinking of that graceful figure in Prince Ding’s Manor, the depression in Feng Zhiyao’s heart immediately dispersed. Raising his head, he looked proudly at Feng Huaiting in the corner and said, “I’ve already reported to the Prince, you’ll be able to get out soon. In the future… hmph!” In the end, he still couldn’t say any decisive words. Feng Zhiyao gave a light snort and turned to leave. So what if they were implicated because of him? To feel guilty about it – he must have been hit in the head. Save them, and then they would owe each other nothing!

Feng Huaiting silently watched the departing figure in red, his somewhat aged eyes in the dark corner flashing with satisfaction and relief.

“Noble Consort arrives! Regent Prince arrives!” Before Feng Zhiyao had taken more than a few steps, loud announcements came from the entrance. Feng Zhiyao raised his sword-like eyebrows – Mo Jingli’s arrival was expected, but even Noble Consort Liu had come. It seemed what the Duke of Huaguo said was indeed true – Noble Consort Liu could not only move freely in the palace but even leave at will. It appeared… she truly had quite a hold over Prince Li’s weakness. No longer in a hurry to leave, Feng Zhiyao turned around and strolled back leisurely.

At the other end of the prison, Noble Consort Liu in white robes frowned with disgust at the filthy environment before her. The prison’s stench couldn’t be masked even with copious amounts of incense. Noble Consort Liu looked at Mo Jingli beside her and said displeased, “I don’t understand what requires coming to such a place in person?”

Mo Jingli said indifferently, “This prince doesn’t recall requiring Noble Consort Liu to come.”

Noble Consort Liu gave a light snort. Of course, Mo Jingli hadn’t required her to come. But Tan Jizhi had disappeared, and she had no one to give her advice. How would she know what tricks Mo Jingli was planning if she didn’t come to see for herself?

Mo Jingli, completely indifferent to the prison’s darkness and filth, walked inside saying, “You needn’t be so wary of this prince. The Feng family is merely a merchant family – even if this prince were to use underhanded methods, it wouldn’t be against them.” Noble Consort Liu’s heart stirred – the Feng family indeed didn’t have enough political influence to tempt Mo Jingli at court, but their money was enough to tempt anyone. “You’re after the Feng family’s money?”

Mo Jingli said coldly, “Do you think the Feng family is easy to offend? Because of one word from you, this prince confiscated the entire Feng family. Since we’ve already offended them, why not do it thoroughly and ensure they never rise again?”

“You make it sound good, but the Feng family is Mo Jingqi’s people – they naturally won’t be loyal to you. Rather than letting others benefit, you might as well take it yourself. Even without my involvement, you would have moved against the Feng family sooner or later,” Noble Consort Liu said with a cold laugh.

Mo Jingli didn’t deny it.

As they spoke, the two had turned the corner to reach the innermost part of the prison. There they saw a figure who shouldn’t have been there, standing leisurely in the passage, arms crossed and smiling at them.

“Feng Zhiyao, you’re quite bold,” Noble Consort Liu’s phoenix eyes narrowed as she said with a cold smile.

Feng Zhiyao’s smile deepened, as if in an extremely good mood, “However bold I might be, I can’t compare to Noble Consort… ah, my mistake, I mean the soon-to-be sacrificed Grand Noble Consort. As a palace consort, how dare you leave the palace at will? As a consort meant to be sacrificed according to the imperial edict, how dare you… still be alive?”

“Feng Zhiyao!” Noble Consort Liu gritted her teeth, glaring fiercely at Feng Zhiyao with frost on her jade face. “Prince Ding’s Manor has captured my person – go back and tell Prince Ding that I will come personally to demand their return.”

Feng Zhiyao waved his hand and smiled, “Please spare us the personal visit. I fear Noble Consort’s true intention isn’t to demand people back but to use the opportunity to entangle our Prince. Our Princess Consort can be quite jealous, so for the sake of our Prince and Prince Ding Manor’s peace and tranquility, I shall decline Your Highness’s kind intentions on behalf of our Prince.”

“Impudent!” Noble Consort Liu shouted in anger. She didn’t fear the whole world knowing she loved Mo Xiuyao, but she equally hated others mocking her deep feelings.

Mo Jingli frowned, displeased as he interrupted their war of words, “This prince didn’t come to hear your nonsense. Third Feng, you are indeed quite bold. Do you think having Prince Ding’s Manor’s backing means you can break into the Ministry of Justice at will?”

Feng Zhiyao smiled faintly, “Not at all, Your Highness flatters me. Your Highness confiscated the entire Feng family without evidence or charges. Compared to Your Highness, my abilities are truly not worth mentioning.”

Seeing Feng Zhiyao naturally brought to mind the person behind him. This made Mo Jingli frown involuntarily – he didn’t want to confront Mo Xiuyao now, nor did he plan to provoke him. But Mo Xiuyao’s extended stay in the capital prevented many of his plans from being implemented. Mo Jingli hadn’t asked Noble Consort Liu why she wanted to arrest the Feng family – he was going to move against them anyway, and having Noble Consort Liu as a scapegoat would be much better for his reputation, so why not? But he had always thought Third Feng’s relationship with the Feng family was distant – was Third Feng’s involvement in Feng family matters representing himself or Prince Ding Manor’s position? Or perhaps… had Mo Xiuyao also set his sights on this piece of fatty meat that was the Feng family?

His sword-like eyebrows furrowed as Mo Jingli asked, “How is Prince Ding?”

Feng Zhiyao looked at Mo Jingli before him in surprise. One truly must reassess people after three days apart. If it were a few years ago, Mo Jingli not cursing or mocking when mentioning Mo Xiuyao would already have been considered very cultured. Now he could even ask about him so calmly. Indeed, power was the thing that most easily changed people. Nodding, Feng Zhiyao smiled and said, “Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. Our Prince is well as always.”

“Is that so?” Mo Jingli said, “This prince seems to have heard that the Garrison South Prince of Xiling appears to intend to increase troops at the border. Does Prince Ding have any plans?”

Feng Zhiyao smiled without it reaching his eyes and said, “The Prince says he’s on vacation, with all matters fully entrusted to Young Master Qingchen’s disposal. For this matter, Your Highness would have to inquire with Young Master Qingchen.”

Mo Jingli and Feng Zhiyao were somewhat familiar – he knew that if they really started going in circles, they probably couldn’t get to any real business even by tomorrow morning. He had to change the topic first, “Third Young Master Feng came to see Old Master Feng?”

Feng Zhiyao shrugged in response. Mo Jingli said indifferently, “The Feng family’s matter does have some connection to Prince Ding’s Manor, but this prince’s word doesn’t count in this matter. Otherwise, showing some convenience to Third Young Master Feng for Prince Ding’s sake wouldn’t be an issue.”

Feng Zhiyao lowered his eyes – was Mo Jingli telling him that he wasn’t the one targeting the Feng family? He laughed coldly in his heart; he would be a fool to believe Mo Jingli. He glanced faintly at Noble Consort Liu beside them – likely this woman was the one being used. Indeed a fool who had merely grown a pretty face, no wonder the Prince didn’t fancy her.

“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. I merely came for a casual look. After all, the Feng family doesn’t need concern from someone who was expelled from the family, right? I assume Your Highness and Noble Consort have other matters, so I shall take my leave.” After giving a casual bow to Mo Jingli and Noble Consort Liu, Feng Zhiyao prepared to leave.

“Wait,” Noble Consort Liu suddenly spoke.

Feng Zhiyao turned back, looking calmly at Noble Consort Liu.

Noble Consort Liu said proudly, “You cannot leave.”

Feng Zhiyao suddenly smiled, “Why not?”

“Breaking into the Ministry of Justice – do you think you can come and go from the Ministry as you please?” Noble Consort Liu said coldly.

So, Noble Consort Liu just wanted to find an excuse to detain him. Feng Zhiyao didn’t mind, asking indifferently, “What do you want to do? If I want to leave, can you stop me?” Feng Zhiyao’s martial arts might have difficulty dealing with first-rate experts like Mo Xiuyao, but in this narrow passage, dealing with Mo Jingli and Noble Consort Liu wouldn’t be hard.

Before he finished speaking, Mo Jingli had already imperceptibly retreated to one side. He had fought with Feng Zhiyao in his youth and knew he was no match. In these narrow prison cells, guards could barely enter, and it wouldn’t look good if they were caught or injured by Feng Zhiyao.

Noble Consort Liu certainly hadn’t planned to confront Feng Zhiyao directly. She smiled coldly and said, “If you dare leave, I’ll kill Feng Huaiting.”

Feng Zhiyao lowered his eyes, and after a moment, sighed helplessly as he casually took a short dagger from his sleeve and threw it on the ground, spreading his hands toward Noble Consort Liu to show he was now unarmed. Only then did Noble Consort Liu smile with satisfaction and wave for people to seize Feng Zhiyao, while ordering, “Bring Feng Huaiting out too. I’m taking these two with me – Prince Li, any objections?” Mo Jingli said impatiently, “Whatever.” He wanted the Feng family’s property – in recent years, the two Feng sons had successively taken over the family business, so Feng Huaiting’s presence didn’t matter at all. However, he still added a warning, “You’d better be careful not to be too clever by half. If you provoke Mo Xiuyao too much, you won’t need to worry about being sacrificed.”

Noble Consort Liu gave a dissatisfied snort – deep down, she didn’t believe Mo Xiuyao would kill her.

“This consort naturally knows the limits.”

Feng Zhiyao was taken away by Noble Consort Liu without resistance, with only Feng Huaiting accompanying him. The remaining Feng family members were left to Mo Jingli’s disposal, and Feng Zhiyao didn’t concern himself with what Mo Jingli planned to do. At least compared to the half-mad Mo Jingqi and the presumptuous Noble Consort Liu, Mo Jingli usually showed restraint. With the Feng family in his hands, as long as Prince Ding’s people remained in the capital, at least these people’s lives were guaranteed.

In Prince Ding’s Manor

Mo Xiuyao, who had just received his subordinate’s report, raised his sword-like eyebrows and asked with a smile, “So, Feng Zhiyao was captured by Noble Consort Liu?”

The secret guard standing several steps away couldn’t help but shudder, wanting to retreat imperceptibly to avoid the prince’s seemingly peaceful but ice-cold gaze. However, when he met Mo Xiuyao’s smiling eyes, he froze, and had to steel himself to answer, “Your Highness, Noble Consort Liu not only took Third Young Master Feng from the Ministry of Justice but also took the Feng family head Feng Huaiting.”

Mo Xiuyao gave a light snort without speaking. Ye Li placed her hand on Mo Xiuyao’s arm and said with a gentle smile, “Feng Huaiting is still Third Feng’s father – if Third Feng truly didn’t care at all, he wouldn’t be Third Feng anymore.” How many people in this world could truly have hearts of stone and care for nothing? No matter how cold the Feng family had been to Feng Zhiyao, Feng Huaiting was still his birth father – Feng Zhiyao couldn’t be completely indifferent to him. Just like Leng Haoyu – his days in the Leng family weren’t necessarily better than Feng Zhiyao’s, but when he heard Leng Huan was surrounded, Leng Haoyu had still remembered, hadn’t he?

Mo Xiuyao rolled his eyes in displeasure and looked at Ye Li somewhat aggrieved, “I never said I wouldn’t save Feng Huaiting – what’s Third Feng thinking, getting himself caught too?”

Ye Li smiled and said, “This time was probably an accident. Feng Zhiyao likely didn’t know Noble Consort Liu and Prince Li would happen to go to the Ministry of Justice at that time. It seems this Feng family matter involves not just the Liu family – even Prince Li has gotten involved.”

Mo Xiuyao wasn’t surprised at all. “Most of the power in the capital is now in Mo Jingli’s hands. Without his agreement, the Liu family would have to think twice about moving against the Feng family. I fear it’s not the Liu family wanting to move against the Feng family, but Mo Jingli wanting to move against them.”

Ye Li’s heart stirred as she looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, “The Feng family’s wealth? Mo Jingli controls the richest parts of Great Chu – after these years of management, he shouldn’t be short of money.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, “That’s not necessarily true. Although Mo Jingli controls most of the southern regions of Great Chu, his foundation is still shallow. The Jiangnan region especially is full of established families with intricate relationships. It’s not easy for Mo Jingli to get money from these people. Moreover… maintaining an army is quite an expensive matter.”

“You mean… Mo Jingli is secretly expanding his army?” Ye Li naturally understood immediately, frowning at her conjecture.

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile and said, “Mo Jingli has wanted that dragon throne for more than a day or two. Let’s return to the Northwest after the new emperor’s enthronement – this prince has no interest in playing with him anymore.” Ye Li frowned in thought for a moment before saying, “If that’s the case, why must we wait for the new emperor’s enthronement?”

“Because this prince just enjoys making him uncomfortable.”

“…” As long as Mo Xiuyao remained in the capital, even if Mo Jingli truly had thoughts of usurping the throne, he wouldn’t have the courage.

“Your… Your Highness…” The subordinate who hadn’t received a response still stood alone in the hall, looking pitifully at Mo Xiuyao, who had forgotten his existence.

“What else?” Mo Xiuyao asked.

Finally finding a chance to speak, the poor man quickly reported his message at the fastest speed, “We just received a message from Noble Consort Liu saying she will visit Prince Ding’s Manor early tomorrow morning and has some matters to discuss with Your Highness, requesting that Your Highness not refuse.” The person who had held his breath without pause finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Noble Consort Liu? Visit? Don’t refuse?” Mo Xiuyao asked with a smile.

The messenger inwardly wept: Your Highness, I’m just delivering a message, this has nothing to do with me!

Ye Li tugged at Mo Xiuyao with amusement and smiled at the subordinate, “Alright, the Prince knows. You may go now.”

“Thank you, Princess Consort. This subordinate takes his leave.” The relieved person turned cleanly and disappeared from the hall entrance like the wind.

In some unknown prison cell, Feng Zhiyao lounged casually on the crude bed in his cell. Feng Huaiting, confined in the adjacent cell, still sat on his prison bed meditating, showing no intention of communicating with Feng Zhiyao.

Feng Zhiyao sat at the head of the bed looking at the man opposite him whose temples had already grayed, gave a light snort, and walked to the bars, knocking on them forcefully several times. Soon someone came in, watching Feng Zhiyao warily and asking, “What does Third Young Master Feng need?” Feng Zhiyao immediately laughed, “Oh? You know who I am?” He carelessly looked over the unremarkable middle-aged man before him – he had no memory of him. However, he could tell the man’s martial arts weren’t bad. Feng Zhiyao said, “Bring a cloak – are you trying to freeze this young master to death?”

The middle-aged man glanced coldly at Feng Zhiyao and turned to leave. Soon he returned carrying a dark blue brocade rabbit fur cloak, handed it to Feng Zhiyao, and left again. Feng Zhiyao looked at the dark blue cloak in his hands, smiled thoughtfully, and with a wave of his hand, the cloak passed unimpeded through the bars of both cells and fell onto Feng Huaiting.

Feng Huaiting opened his eyes, looked at the cloak draped over him in surprise, and turned to look at Feng Zhiyao beside him. However, Feng Zhiyao had already slowly walked back to his bed and faced the wall on the other side, ignoring him. It was mid-March, and even outside one could still feel some chill, let alone in this dark prison. With the cloak on, the cold that had pervaded his entire body immediately lessened considerably. Feng Huaiting silently drew the cloak closer around himself, looking at the thinly-clad man in red opposite him with rare softness in his eyes.

As a martial artist who had spent many years on battlefields, Feng Zhiyao naturally could sense the gaze falling on him. Originally sulking and not wanting to acknowledge it, but as that gaze continued to rest on him without moving, he gradually became uncomfortable. He suddenly turned around and said irritably, “If you have something to say, just say it.” Before Feng Huaiting could speak, Feng Zhiyao continued, “Don’t think too much about it – this time you were implicated because of me. Don’t worry, I guarantee the Feng family will safely leave prison.”

“What did you do?” After a long silence, Feng Huaiting finally asked in a deep voice.

Feng Zhiyao squeezed out a strange smile, looking at Feng Huaiting with deliberately malicious eyes, “I kidnapped someone from the palace.”

As the Feng family head, Feng Huaiting had his channels of information. Even news of someone disappearing from the palace would reach his ears. Hearing Feng Zhiyao’s words, his expression changed slightly. After a long while, he said in a deep voice, “After all these years… you still can’t let go?”

This time it was Feng Zhiyao’s turn to be stunned – he truly hadn’t expected Feng Huaiting to know about his feelings from back then. Looking at the man opposite him with a complicated expression, after a while he finally growled somewhat urgently, “That’s none of your business!”

The empty prison cell immediately fell silent, so quiet one could hear both men’s breathing. After a while, Feng Huaiting was heard saying, “You dare act so recklessly because you’re relying on Prince Ding’s support? What will you do if Prince Ding is unwilling or unable to help you?”

Feng Zhiyao froze for a moment, then laughed coldly, “Isn’t it a bit late to start lecturing me now!”

This time’s impulsive action had indeed left Feng Zhiyao feeling very guilty, but facing Feng Huaiting’s cold expression and tone made it impossible to calm down and have a proper conversation.

Feng Huaiting looked at him calmly for a long time and finally let out a soft sigh without saying more. Feng Zhiyao stared blankly at Feng Huaiting who had closed his eyes again and fallen silent, his heart filled with mixed emotions, lost in unknown thoughts.