Chu Qianli blinked.
For two seconds, she couldn't react.
"He... is indeed going to select a consort..."
That was right, this was something that was happening.
It was just that too many things had happened recently, and she had forgotten about it.
"Uncle, you mean..."
"She is a distinguished guest of Long Teng. It's not easy to see her on normal days, unless..."
Long Feifan seemed to have a bigger headache this time.
However, since the conversation had reached this point, he had to finish it.
He could only brace himself and say, "Father's intention is to hope that you... also participate in the selection for the Xuan King's consort."
These words were like a thunderclap, splitting Chu Qianli into a crispy outside and a tender inside.
It would be better to just strike her dead.
"Uncle, I... today in the main hall, I asked the Emperor for a letter of annulment."
Then, with pride like a peacock, she had abandoned that man.
And now, she was supposed to participate in the consort selection event held for him?
Could she just die?
Was this something a human could do?
Long Feifan rubbed his nose, knowing that what he said was indeed very difficult.
But... this was an excellent opportunity.
"Little Li'er, well, Uncle knows that going back on one's word is... a bit shameful."
"You know that's good!" Chu Qianli glared at him.
He didn't know that Feng Yexuan had come tonight, and they had had a big fight.
She had clearly stated that she didn't want him anymore.
"But Little Li'er, this is also a rare and good opportunity."
Long Feifan could only wear a fawning smile and coax her cautiously, "Little Li'er, although it's shameful, for the sake of our Long Teng... for the sake of your mother, your sacrifice is... is a helpless move."
Chu Qianli remained silent.
Although she was very angry, she was a rational person.
If it weren't for being forced, her uncle wouldn't have put her in such a difficult position.
However, this time... it was truly difficult.
If that scoundrel saw her participating in the selection... alas, after finally severing ties, was heaven playing a joke on her?
"I only need to contact her, is that right?"
"Yes, yes, yes, you just need to participate in the selection, find an opportunity to interact with her, and then find a way to persuade her to connect you with Prince Ding, and that's it."
Long Feifan, at this moment, dared not say no.
As long as she agreed to participate in the selection, he would agree to whatever she said.
"If you don't want to be the Xuan King's consort, just deliberately lose in the selection, that's all, Little Li'er, don't you agree?"
"Even if I win, I still can't be the Xuan King's consort," Chu Qianli said irritably.
After hurting him so badly, so much that his self-esteem was gone, if she went to him now, wouldn't she be tormented to death?
Feng Yexuan, that proud man, would definitely find ways to humiliate her.
Choosing her? That was impossible, even if she won all the competitions, he wouldn't want her.
Forget it, for Long Teng, for Long Xiyue, she would accept being mocked and ridiculed.
However...
"Is there really no other way to see Long Ziyue?"
...
When Feng Yexuan woke up, he was already in bed at the Xuan King's mansion.
The Empress Dowager was sitting by the bed, her face filled with peace and fatigue.
It was evident that she had not rested well last night.
"Imperial Grandmother..." he recalled.
The Empress Dowager was startled and immediately gently pressed his arm, "Xuan'er, you are still recovering from serious injuries, don't move around."
Behind the Empress Dowager stood a young woman, Yu Linglong.
She looked at Feng Yexuan at this moment and said cautiously, "Yexuan, you are really seriously injured this time. No matter what happens, you should focus on healing your injuries first."
Feng Yexuan said nothing, his expression as calm as water.
Yu Linglong dared not speak again.
Having offended him before, she now didn't even dare to speak loudly in front of him.
However, she now saw hope again.
Chu Qianli had asked for the annulment of their engagement on the spot in the main hall.
This matter had long been spread throughout the court and the public, and everyone in the imperial city knew about it.
This was definitely the biggest stain on Prince Xuan's life.
This was considered being publicly abandoned by that woman, Chu Qianli.
In short, all the young ladies in the imperial city were now extremely excited.
Everyone was waiting for the next opportunity.
Including Yu Linglong.
"Imperial Grandmother, you are not feeling well, you don't need to stay here to guard your grandson, your grandson is fine now."
Feng Yexuan said faintly, "Leng Ji."
"Your subordinate is here." Leng Ji and Liu Jin had also been guarding in the sleeping quarters all night.
Liu Jin had just gone to get the medicine and would be back soon.
As Feng Yexuan was about to say something, the Empress Dowager preempted him, "Xuan'er, I will leave immediately, I won't bother you."
"Your grandson would not dare." But at this moment, he really didn't want to talk to her much, he just wanted to rest.
The Empress Dowager could see that he was unwilling to speak.
But there were some things she had to say and persuade since she had come.
"Xuan'er, stop thinking about that woman."
"Imperial Grandmother, your grandson wants to rest."
"I know, I know, I'll just say a few words."
The Empress Dowager immediately comforted him, "Your father the Emperor had long ago issued an imperial decree and sent documents to all countries, announcing to the world the selection of a consort for you."
Feng Yexuan closed his eyes, clearly resistant to this topic.
The Empress Dowager quickly said again, "Xuan'er, I know you are in a bad mood, but this time, the Emperor has a different intention. He has promised that no matter their background, any young lady can participate in the selection."
"Moreover, the Emperor has also said that you will be the one to set the questions for this consort selection competition."
"Xuan'er, your father the Emperor truly wants to find a girl you like. He listens to you, and he has made a great concession for you."
The Empress Dowager held his hand and gently patted it.
"Xuan'er, think carefully about what kind of person you like and what kind of competition you want. We will all listen to you. As long as you get better, okay?"
Leng Ji quietly watched the Prince's face from the side.
This time, both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager were indeed doting on the Prince.
One should know that the marriages of princes were always decided by the Emperor, and it was never their place to set questions for selecting a consort.
If it were someone else, the Emperor would not be so accommodating.
The Empress Dowager persuaded again, "Xuan'er, you must get better quickly and cheer up. You are the most majestic and outstanding Prince Xuan of our royal family, don't... let people look down on you."
The Empress Dowager's words were very clear.
His current despondency would only make people look down on him.
As for who dared to look down on Prince Xuan, did that need to be said?
That dead woman who abandoned him!
Feng Yexuan took a deep breath, and finally, opened his eyes and looked at her, "Imperial Grandmother, you don't need to worry, your grandson is fine."
"Leng Ji," he called.
"No need for Leng Ji to send me, I can go back by myself."
As long as he could cheer up, she would be relieved.
The Empress Dowager and Yu Linglong left together. After Leng Ji saw them out, he returned to the sleeping quarters.
Just as he was about to say something, a deep voice came from outside: "Your Highness, General Qin is here."