Chu Jiangnan did not want to explain.
He was just looking at her, and his heart suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.
His daughter should be around Chu Qianli's age.
Young girls of this age should be doted on and loved by their parents.
But she, inexplicably, was not doted on or loved by anyone, bearing all the pressure alone.
Even worse, she was toyed with by fate, used and manipulated by those around her, and bullied.
The smile on her lips at this moment, in his eyes, truly made his heart feel a bit uneasy.
"You... have never met your mother?" He had also heard about Long Xiyue.
However, over the years, he had no intention of expanding the territory of Nanming, only wanting the people of Nanming to live and work in peace.
Therefore, regarding matters of other countries, he only knew what he needed to know.
For things that did not need to be investigated deeply, it was enough to know the general outline; he did not delve into details.
Thus, he had not paid attention to who Chu Qianli's father was.
But at this moment, he suddenly became curious: "You lost your mother when you were young, did you not meet your father?"
Chu Qianli's eyes darkened, and her thin lips pressed tightly together.
She seemed very resistant to this question.
Chu Jiangnan smiled faintly, "I have no intention of prying, I am merely curious."
She still did not speak.
Chu Jiangnan waved his hand, "Never mind. You are free now, and Xiao Xuanzi will not make things difficult for you. As long as you do not leave the imperial city and do not disrupt the plans between me and Xiao Xuanzi, I will not stop you."
Was this considered the best treatment for a chess piece?
But Chu Qianli's mood was not much better at this moment.
She suddenly seemed to see the loneliness and sadness deep within the heart of this Nanming Emperor.
What was he sad about?
However, Fu Ning had said that a soft heart would lead to one's own demise.
Therefore, Chu Qianli decided that matters that did not need to be concerned about should not be inquired into.
"Thank you." She turned to leave.
Before she reached the door, Chu Jiangnan's deep voice suddenly came from behind her, "Wait."
"What? Has Your Majesty regretted giving me this token?" Chu Qianli looked back at him, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes.
Chu Jiangnan felt inexplicably heartbroken.
This little girl, had she been hurt too many times, making her unable to trust anyone easily?
If she had the protection of parents, how could she have endured such hardship outside?
"You..." He suddenly didn't know what he wanted to say.
Chu Qianli feared this kind of indecisiveness the most; she must not get entangled with anyone again.
"If Your Majesty has nothing else, I..."
"Do you think I really have designs on you?" Chu Jiangnan smiled and said, "I have no interest in little girls your age."
Chu Qianli remained silent.
Who knew!
Did emperors not like young, tender girls? How many fifteen or sixteen-year-old girls were there in the imperial harems of those emperors?
However, subconsciously, she also felt that this emperor before her was different from those lustful emperors.
"Then, Your Majesty, do you have any further instructions?" He called her to stop and then remained silent! She had no interest in guessing the imperial will.
Although, she actually did not dislike him at all.
It was precisely because she did not dislike him that it was even more troublesome.
He was allied with Feng Yexuan, and was Feng Yexuan's master. How could she not hate him?
She must hate him, and be as hard-hearted towards him as iron. This would be the best thing for her!
Chu Jiangnan collected his thoughts and looked at her face, still full of defensiveness, and said faintly, "Actually, Xiao Xuanzi is not as heartless as you think."