The Empress was an exceptionally intelligent woman.
Feng Yexuan had never shown much filial respect towards his mother.
His claim of coming to visit tonight was merely because he knew Chu Qianli had been "invited" to the palace by her, and he was here to demand her return.
She hadn't anticipated that Feng Yexuan would arrive an hour ago.
She had been too ill tonight, and her son, He'er, had been by her side constantly, thus overlooking Feng Yexuan's presence.
While he claimed to be here for her, the Empress knew that if she were to cause trouble for Chu Qianli tonight, this Prince Xuan would surely go mad.
Did he not care?
No, he cared deeply! No matter how he pretended indifference, he couldn't deceive her!
Chu Qianli was, and always would be, Feng Yexuan's greatest weakness. This weakness was something she intended to hold onto tightly.
The Empress smiled faintly and said, "Feiyan has been staying in the palace these past two days and often mentioned wanting to visit you. If you hadn't gone to Qiansui City, Princess Feiyan would probably have wished to move directly into your Prince Xuan's mansion."
"Xuan'er, you must understand that the girls of your Southern Ming Kingdom are not as shy and reserved as the girls of our Northern Ming. They are much more passionate and generous."
"You, my dear, should also be more enthusiastic towards them. Don't neglect the young ladies."
Feng Yexuan replied indifferently, "Your son understands."
"I am fine now. Xuan'er, you should go back and rest early." The Empress waved her hand.
Feng Yexuan remained expressionless, merely stating calmly, "Your son came tonight, firstly to pay his respects to Mother, and secondly, to take Li'er to Prince Xiaoyao's mansion to see the Fifth Prince."
"How is Wuya? Is he feeling unwell again?"
Chu Qianli tidied her needle bag and emerged from behind the screen.
Of course, she knew that Feng Yexuan's words were merely a pretext to get her to leave with him.
Although she still harbored some resentment towards Feng Yexuan, she was by no means an unreasonable person.
Leaving with Feng Yexuan now was far better than staying with Feng Qihe.
Having treated the Empress tonight, she, as a physician, did not regret it. However, the Empress's action of killing two palace maids as a result had filled her with utter disgust.
This woman, she would never treat again in the future!
"It's an old ailment, but I still hope Li'er can come and see him. He is accustomed to your treatment."
Feng Yexuan's gaze swept lightly over her face, as if not lingering.
It seemed he was genuinely only here to take her to see Feng Wuya.
"Since that is the case, this King will have someone escort Li'er to Prince Xiaoyao's mansion."
Feng Qihe, unwilling to be outdone, stepped forward and stood beside Chu Qianli.
"Regardless, Li'er was once this King's fiancée."
Speaking of this matter, Feng Qihe felt a surge of frustration, but this was not the time to be petty.
He couldn't escort her personally, and Feng Yexuan shouldn't expect to either!
"Fourth Brother, to avoid any harm to Li'er's reputation, it would be best not to trouble Fourth Brother to escort Li'er. Having Mother's people send her back would be most appropriate."
"No need. I am very familiar with the roads in the imperial city, and my people are waiting just outside the palace. I can leave on my own."
Chu Qianli cupped her hands in a salute and turned to leave.
Her dignified demeanor showed no trace of a young girl's shyness.
She left the two men, who were at odds with each other, to glare at each other outside the sleeping chambers.
She didn't want to be entangled with either of these men.
Not now, and not in the future.
After watching her leave, Feng Yexuan, with a somber expression, was about to take his leave when Feng Qihe said, "Fourth Brother went to Qiansui City. Elder Brother has many questions he wishes to ask Fourth Brother. Perhaps Elder Brother can personally escort you out, so I may seek your counsel?"