"It was my fault back then, but I truly had no choice. It was all my father's idea!"
"Yan, I'm willing to leave with you. As long as it's you, I'll go anywhere!"
She thought that if she could just blame everything on his father, everything would be like before.
He had loved her so much, and even remained unmarried for so many years because of her.
As long as she explained clearly, he would surely forgive her.
Now there was no place for her in the palace, and that woman Murong Yan was targeting her everywhere, causing His Majesty to despise her. She had no choice but to resort to this strategy.
Xuanyuan Yan recalled the day before she entered the palace, when he had stumbled to see her.
At that time, he said that if she was willing, he would take her away. Even though he couldn't see, he would give her the best life possible.
She had rejected him without hesitation then, spouting noble-sounding lies about having to do it for her family.
He had been naive enough to believe her words then, but later Lord Gao had specially written an apology letter.
Only then did he learn that breaking off the engagement was her idea, and entering the palace was also her intention.
Her father was an upright man who would never do such a thing as to kick someone when they're down.
Even if they were to break off the engagement, they wouldn't have come to his door the day after his misfortune. She must have been in a great hurry to get rid of him at that time.
Now that he had chosen to let go, why was she putting on this victim act? Who was she trying to fool?
"Gao Jiayue, do you think you deserve it?"
"Do you take me for a fool? I won't believe a single word you say."
"Let's pretend we never met today. I'm just a blind man, how dare I occupy your thoughts? As for this jade pendant, it should be returned to its original owner."
Gao Jiayue tried to embrace Xuanyuan Yan again, but he avoided her.
"Your Highness, please show some self-respect!"
Watching Xuanyuan Yan's receding figure, Gao Jiayue's eyes were filled with anger.
She had lowered herself so much, yet he was so disrespectful. He's nothing but a blind man, what's he so proud of!
Xuanyuan Yan walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back, catching her vicious gaze.
How blind he had been back then, thinking he had the best woman in the world, even looking forward to spending his life with her.
Now, seeing her like this, it was truly disgusting.
For some reason, he suddenly remembered the gaze of that girl at Jinzun Tower that day. There was no discrimination, no probing, just calm like still water.
If he had met a woman like her back then, everything would be different now!
The snow falling from the sky grew heavier, reminiscent of that winter many years ago, the winter that took everything from him.
Fortunately, he now had enough power to take back everything that belonged to him.
Let the palace banquet continue for a while longer!
In Heyin Hall, Murong Yan sat absent-mindedly beside Xuanyuan Sheng.
With few people left in Shengjing under her control, she could only bide her time for now.
If only the child in her womb could be born earlier, she wouldn't need to be so passive.
But this child in her belly was her bargaining chip, nothing could go wrong. Even if not in Tianqi, she still needed this child.
"Yan, are you feeling unwell? Shall I call for the imperial physician to examine you?" Xuanyuan Sheng asked with concern.
Murong Yan shook her head, "I'm fine, Your Majesty. I just want to go rest."
"Then go back first. After the banquet ends, I'll come to see you."
"I take my leave, Your Majesty." Murong Yan bowed to Xuanyuan Sheng and left the hall, supported by Yan Lan.
On the way back to Changle Palace, Yan Lan whispered to Murong Yan.
"Lord Li says the situation in the Southern Frontier is turbulent. If possible, he suggests Your Highness prepare to return soon."
Murong Yan hesitated. After spending several years in Tianqi, she didn't want all her efforts to go to waste.
"Have Li He send someone disguised as me to return. We must stabilize the current situation at all costs. Keep a close eye on the Crown Prince's side as well. I don't want any more unexpected incidents."
"Understood, Your Highness!"
After returning to Changle Palace, Murong Yan dismissed everyone and entered the secret passage in her chambers alone.
"Your Highness, you've come!"
Murong Yan looked at this man who had followed her for many years. "Rong Sheng, I have a task for you."
"As long as Your Highness commands, I'll face death without regret."
"If you want to die, I'm not ready to part with you yet! The task I'm assigning you isn't dangerous. You must return alive."
Rong Sheng glanced at Murong Yan's belly, "Please instruct me, Your Highness."
"This is what you need to do. I'll be waiting for your return." Murong Yan handed him a piece of paper.
He took the paper, "Take care, Your Highness."
"You take care too, Rong Sheng."
Rong Sheng paused for a moment, then turned and left.
Murong Yan watched as he disappeared into the secret passage, a rare genuine smile appearing on her face.
In this world, he was the only person she could completely trust.
...
Jiang City, Feng Family.
Feng Qingyi watched Feng Qingci packing his things. "There's still a week until school starts. Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Xi said she wanted me to spend the Lantern Festival at her place. The Lantern Festival is tomorrow, so I'm preparing to leave later. Just packing up now."
The power of love indeed. In the past, he was only this enthusiastic about his games.
"As for you, you'll stay at home by yourself. I didn't buy a ticket for you."
Feng Qingyi: "As if I care. I'm free being alone at home."
"Then remember to cook for yourself. I'm off now." Feng Qingci left the house, dragging his suitcase.
After Feng Qingci left, only Feng Qingyi remained at home.
The Lantern Festival arrived as scheduled.
Feng Qingci had booked a room at a hotel not far from Lou Xi's house.
When Lou Xi came to find him at the hotel, there was a half-eaten cup of instant noodles and a can of cola on his table.
"Is this what you're having for lunch?" Lou Xi seemed somewhat disapproving.
Feng Qingci quickly brought a chair for Lou Xi.
"Xi, why are you here? Didn't you say you'd let me come over in the afternoon?"
Lou Xi didn't answer his question, instead saying: "Don't eat that. I'll take you out for lunch."
"Go out to eat? Great, let's go then!"
Feng Qingci didn't bother with the things on the table, just held Lou Xi's hand and walked out.
Lou Xi looked at her hand being held, then at his expression, but ultimately didn't pull away.
The streets were still lively on the Lantern Festival, and the weather in the capital had been lovely recently, with gentle sunshine.
"Xi, do we need to buy anything for your parents when we go to your house?" Feng Qingci asked.
Lou Xi thought for a moment, "No need."
"This is my first time visiting your home. What if your parents don't like me?"
Feng Qingci had already started researching online for strategies on meeting the parents. This visit came up suddenly, and he hadn't had time to prepare properly beforehand.
"Whether they like you or not is their business," she replied.
"That won't do. I need to try my best to gain your parents' approval. Otherwise, how will I be able to marry you in the future?"
