Chu Jiangnan was Feng Yexuan's master!
So that was the relationship.
Then, was Chu Wang's martial arts also taught by Chu Jiangnan?
Did Feng Yexuan call him Martial Uncle because they were from the same sect, or simply because he was Chu Jiangnan's biological brother?
Among the Chu brothers, only Chu Jiangnan and Chu Wang were born to the Empress Dowager.
Chu Lingyang and Chu Danyu were born to other consorts.
Chu Wang might not truly be Feng Yexuan's Martial Uncle; perhaps he used the title for convenience.
Given this relationship, Chu Jiangnan and Chu Wang's bond must have been extremely close.
"Master, your body is not yet free of toxins. She needs to stay by your side."
The "she" Feng Yexuan referred to was naturally Chu Qianli.
If Chu Qianli were to leave, and the Emperor's condition worsened, Liujin would likely be helpless.
"I know my body better than anyone."
Chu Jiangnan slightly raised his long fingers, and Xiao Shunzi immediately stepped forward to help him sit up.
Chu Jiangnan looked at Chu Qianli with a complex expression. "She was your Princess Consort before, but Xiao Shunzi said she slept in the Dragon Bed last night?"
"Circumstances forced it."
Chu Qianli scoffed at Feng Yexuan's words.
She could understand being forced by circumstances, but did it have to be taken so literally?
However, she had completely given up on this man, and there was no need to say much more.
Chu Jiangnan's gaze remained on Chu Qianli's face. "I had originally planned to keep her by my side, but at the time, I did not know she was your Princess Consort."
"Why should Your Majesty worry?" Chu Qianli sneered. "A woman like me is merely a pawn in your power struggles. What does it matter whose person I was or whose person I am now?"
Feng Yexuan's expression was frosty, and he paid no attention.
Chu Jiangnan merely glanced at her before looking away.
Young as she was, her experiences were indeed many.
"Since she has already slept in the Dragon Bed, there is no turning back now."
He looked at Feng Yexuan. "My harem has been vacant for many years, leading to increasing chaos in the Imperial City. Now that we have Little Li'er, let her stand in the spotlight."
Chu Qianli continued to sneer inwardly.
His words sounded pleasant, but he was merely using her.
"Little Xuanzi, go make preparations. We must visit the moat today."
"Yes." Feng Yexuan turned and left.
This humility and respect were not even shown to Huarong, let alone the Emperor of Beiming.
Chu Qianli was somewhat surprised. Feng Yexuan held absolute reverence for his master.
More reverence than for anyone else.
Though not his biological father, their bond surpassed that of father and son.
"Your Majesty, your body is not yet recovered." Liujin knew that the Emperor wanted them to leave because he had something to say to Chu Qianli.
But the toxins in his body were still severe, and he feared that if he left, something might happen.
If the Emperor were to have an accident, would Miss Chu... save him?
"I need to speak with Little Li'er," Chu Jiangnan's gaze deepened.
Although Xiao Shunzi felt uneasy, he could only nod respectfully and say, "Yes."
He looked at Liujin. "Sir, please accompany this servant out for a moment."
Liujin could only stand up and leave with Xiao Shunzi.
As the door closed, only Chu Jiangnan and Chu Qianli remained in the secret chamber.
Chu Qianli said coldly, "Feng Yexuan used my friend's life to force me to save you. But if I were to use your life now to force him to commit suicide, do you think he would be willing to die for you?"