Liu Liu withdrew her hand and walked into the house. Mu Xing was not yet awake. She burrowed into the thin quilt and held her son tightly, murmuring softly, "Mu Xing, Mother won't let anyone bully you. But who would dare provoke Mu Xing?"
Thinking of this, Liu Liu smiled. Mu Xing was no ordinary child. His defensive capabilities were extremely strong. If anyone provoked him, they would surely pay back tenfold, a hundredfold, or a thousandfold.
The next day, Ri Ying delivered the message from his master to Liu Liu, arranging to meet at a teahouse called Chun Lai outside.
Chun Lai Teahouse was filled with tea-drinking patrons, both upstairs and downstairs. Liu Liu led Dai Mei and Zhi Gu inside. Although the proprietors and waiters were accustomed to the handsome men and beautiful women of Feng Yue City, they were still captivated by Dai Mei's stunning beauty.
Then, there was the young man wearing a mask beside her. He was elegant and unconventional, refined and extraordinary. From their attire, it was clear they were either wealthy or noble. The proprietors quickly emerged from the back and said respectfully,
"Are you here for tea or accommodation, honored guests?"
"Is there a young master named Liu Xie here?"
Liu Liu asked calmly, not looking at the proprietors and waiters beside her, instead observing the teahouse. The establishment had two floors of small rooms. The lower floor was a large common room, with many tables and chairs set up.
The upper floor consisted of private rooms. Even the handrails were wiped clean and gleaming. Overall, the teahouse was not luxurious, but it was exquisite.
"Yes, yes. The young master who was here earlier left word, asking for you to come up as soon as you arrived?"
The proprietors called over a waiter and instructed him to lead the guests to the same private room as the previous guest. These were all people of great importance, so he had to be careful.
Especially the previous guests. The person leading them could freeze anyone with just a glance. His entire body exuded a cold, chilling aura, and those near him dared not speak loudly.
"Thank you for your trouble."
The waiter led Liu Liu and her party into the private room on the second floor and pushed the door open, inviting them in.
On the rectangular tea table, a lush green landscape was placed. Feng Xie sat at one side of the table, while the others stood. Upon seeing Qi Ye leading the group in, they all turned to look at them in unison.
Liu Liu did not stand on ceremony, nor did the others. In front of Feng Xie, Zhan Yun, Ri Ying, and the rest dared not speak.
Only this man, radiating coldness and indifference, looked at her with inscrutable eyes. Looking at him like this, she always felt a sense of unreality.
What had caused a proud and arrogant man to become so cold and aloof? Of course, Liu Liu would not attribute all of this to herself; she wasn't that self-important.
Five years was enough time to fade the feelings of those who deeply loved each other, let alone their relationship, which was nothing. So, she had been guessing that Feng Xie must have suffered some blow, or why else would he have been thrown into the Chu River?
Feng Xie looked at Qi Ye opposite him. For some reason, he always felt that the man before him was indifferent and distant, a demeanor that emanated from his very bones and was strikingly similar to his deceased Liu'er.
Looking at him brought back the scene of Liu'er's death. Her peerless beauty, her mocking smile at the last moment as she looked at him, speaking of his cruelty, and her words, lingered in his heart for a long time, never forgotten in five years.
She had said her face bore the traces of ruthlessness planted there. Because she loved, she had been liberated, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty. What pained him was not her appearance, but her words of love. She had loved him, but he had ruined her.
At that moment, he cried. No one knew that an emperor also shed tears.
Emperors had always been heartless, only until they met the right person. Seeing the one he deeply loved hurt, and being hurt by himself, at that moment, there was a resolute determination to give his own life for her safety. But the hardest thing in the world was regret medicine.
He thought, his eyes darkened, and his heart ached again. Five years had passed, and the pain in his heart had not lessened at all; it had only grown heavier.
"Your Majesty?"
Liu Liu called out softly, her words immediately indicating their past acquaintance. Feng Xie gazed intently at Liu Liu. Her face was hidden, her eyes deep and indifferent, and a faint smile played on her lips.
Although she was smiling, there was no warmth, only a polite pretense. Feng Xie couldn't help but recall the time they first met. He had begun to suspect and guard against her then, not expecting him to grow so powerful.
He had not misjudged this person; he was indeed a formidable character. If he could be used to his advantage, it would be a blessing to the court. If not, then to protect his empire, he would have to come up with a mutually beneficial plan.
"Since we know each other, why pretend not to?" Feng Xie spoke with cold charm. Liu Liu's expression darkened. "To those with ulterior motives, I have always pretended not to know them. Are you still the same Emperor you were back then?"
"Sit down," Feng Xie said noncommittally, and for once, he invited her to sit. Liu Liu sat opposite him.
Today was their negotiation. If the talks were successful, their tea would be returned in full. If the talks failed, not only would they not get the tea, but many subsequent business dealings would also be affected.
She did not want to oppose the court; she only wished to do her own things peacefully.
"You didn't ask me here to drink tea, did you, Your Majesty?" Cai Xue, the wife of the alliance leader, walked over, curtsied gracefully, and served them tea, placing it before them before slowly stepping aside. Feng Xie waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to withdraw, "All of you, leave."
Seeing that he wanted to talk privately, Liu Liu also waved for Dai Mei and the others to withdraw, "You all leave as well."
The private room was scented with musk, and ancient landscape paintings hung on the walls. Liu Liu felt somewhat stifled.
Feng Xie was adept at creating pressure. He remained silent, holding a tense stalemate, clearly waiting for her to speak. Since they were here to negotiate, why be hesitant about who spoke first? She picked up her teacup and took a sip.
"Speak. How can we get that batch of tea back? I believe there were no issues with that tea."
Feng Xie's eyes flickered. It was indeed much easier to talk to intelligent people. He had always believed Qi Ye's mind was first-class, or how else could he have created Tian Xia Yi Lou? Yet, he didn't realize that excessive fame only invited jealousy and hatred, even from the Emperor.
"From now on, choose one of these three industries – tea, salt, or silk – to operate. Withdraw from all others, and I will return that batch of tea to you."
Feng Xie stated his terms in a domineering and stern manner. He could not allow Seven Star Tower to monopolize Tian Feng's lifeline, as that would make them vulnerable to exploitation by those with intentions. The empire would then face a disaster, so he had to guard against it.
A cold smile immediately appeared on Liu Liu's lips. Feng Xie was indeed ruthless to say such a thing.
Her Seven Star Tower was thriving so successfully, yet he asked them to withdraw. It was simply because he feared they would monopolize the economic lifeline and cause trouble for Tian Feng in the future. However, she was not someone who could be easily manipulated.
"What if I don't withdraw? What do you plan to do, Your Majesty? Will you gradually swallow our goods?" she retorted sarcastically, her eyes filled with deep questioning.
Seeing her words becoming somewhat sharp, Feng Xie knew he had angered her. Instead of getting angry, he laughed and shook his head, swirling his jade teacup. The tea leaves floated and slowly sank.
He suddenly looked up. "Regarding your younger brother, I like him very much. Furthermore, I have investigated, and I have never heard of you having a brother. Therefore, he must be adopted. Hand him over to me, and I will return that batch of tea to you. You can also operate various businesses freely."
Liu Liu did not expect Feng Xie to demand Mu Xing in exchange for a batch of tea.
Mu Xing was someone she had painstakingly carried and given birth to after ten months of pregnancy.
This man was so detestable, trying to trade two million taels of tea for her son! This was unbearable, utterly unbearable. Liu Liu could no longer hold back. She stood up abruptly, slammed her hand on the tea table, and glared at the man opposite her.
"What do you want? We are discussing the matter of tea, why are you bringing up my brother? Let alone two million taels of tea, even if you asked me to give up the entire Seven Star Tower, I would never hand him over to anyone. Do you understand?"