Feng Xie, standing on the other side, was originally gazing intently at Liu Liu, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
She wore her mask with such individuality. He truly wondered if the world was blind. Clearly, she was a graceful and resilient beauty, yet people insisted on perceiving her as an evil youth.
Including himself, he had always thought so. As Feng Xie was smiling happily, Ri Ying approached him, whispered something into his ear at close range, his expression flickered, he stood up, and followed Ri Ying out.
They walked all the way to the main hall of the guest courtyard and saw that the people Ri Ying had sent out had returned, presenting a personal letter from Prince Yan.
Feng Xie eagerly opened it. Although it contained only a few brief words, it was enough to make him ecstatic. While he had known for some time that Qi Ye was Liu'er, now he was one hundred percent certain.
It turned out the Imperial Mausoleum contained a false body. It was no wonder he hadn't detected the flaw at the time, having been too grief-stricken.
Most importantly, where had the bloodstains on Liu'er’s body come from? Thinking it might be self-inflicted to protect their child, Feng Xie felt as if the air had been sucked from his chest.
It was all his fault. Even if she refused to acknowledge him today, he would have no complaints. He only wished to stay by her side until she was moved and willing to return to the palace with him.
For the past five years, he had been merely an empty shell. Only now did he feel truly alive. Therefore, he didn't mind waiting, as long as he knew she was still alive.
He smiled gently, as if ink had been smeared on his lips. Even Ri Ying and Yue Ying could sense their master's joy.
"Master?"
"Good, let's go."
The noon banquet was about to begin. Naturally, he couldn't miss any opportunity to be alone with her and their son. Knowing Mu Xing was his child, his heart overflowed with gratitude. Fortunately, Liu'er had kept him.
Such an outstanding and intelligent child was the future of Tian Feng. The heavens had ordained him as the Crown Prince, which finally brought him some relief.
When Mu Xing grew up and ascended the throne, he would accompany Liu'er to travel the vast rivers and mountains. He knew she disliked the palace. So, one day, he would abandon everything and take her away from the imperial palace. He merely wanted to preserve everything he owned for the Crown Prince.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ri Ying and Yue Ying nodded respectfully. They now understood why their master had been so happy these past two days. Qi Ye was indeed the Empress, and that child named Mu Xing was the Crown Prince. No wonder their master was so pleased.
The young Crown Prince was exceptionally handsome. Not only the Emperor but even they felt happy. This was a blessing for the future of Tian Feng. The three of them returned to the main hall of the Feng Residence with beaming faces.
As everyone took their seats, Feng Xie suddenly sat next to Liu Liu and Mu Xing. Liu Liu had intended to distance herself from him, but he insisted on waiting until they were seated before sitting beside them.
If she reacted too strongly, it would inevitably draw attention. So, Liu Liu had no choice but to sit calmly aside, her gaze sweeping coldly towards Feng Xie's domineering yet gentle eyes.
This gaze made her understand a little. It seemed this man was determined to take them back to the palace. She sneered inwardly.
Feng Xie, you can dream. It's broad daylight now. Don't forget you once wanted to abort Mu Xing.
The lunch was harmonious and pleasant. After everyone had eaten their fill, they dispersed. Liu Liu and the others also packed their belongings, preparing to leave. Unexpectedly, something happened at the Feng Residence. Everyone at the lunch had been poisoned, vomiting, and feeling weak all over.
Even Feng Jiu was poisoned. The vast Feng Residence was in a state of panic. The woman who had wickedly administered the poison had already been dealt with. So who had poisoned the mansion?
Zhi Gu was originally an expert at antidotes, but she couldn't cure this poison. The entire Feng Residence was in chaos. Outside Feng Jiu's chamber, a courtyard was filled with his concubines. These women all burst into tears. If their master met with any misfortune, what would become of them?
Liu Liu, due to her higher martial arts proficiency, forcibly expelled the poison by channeling her energy, but she could only sustain it for a while. The poison was intensely acrid, causing her whole body to ache, her blood circulating slowly, as if needles were piercing her.
Liu Liu frowned in pain as she sternly instructed Zhi Gu to force the poison out of Mu Xing. Seeing her son suffering such hardship at such a young age, Liu Liu's heart ached.
Fortunately, among their group, Zhi Gu, Cui'er, and Hong Xiu had not dined in the main hall that day. They were now able to attend to the other poisoned individuals.
Even the young maids in the Feng Residence stood in the garden in fear. The doctor had already come and stated, "I don't recognize this poison!"
Liu Liu was filled with anxiety and unease. If she met with any misfortune, it was nothing. She only prayed that His Majesty and Mu Xing would be unharmed. His Majesty possessed profound cultivation; perhaps he could expel the poison.
Liu Liu speculated, her heart filled with urgency and anger. She never expected Hua Wu You to resort to such poison to harm them. Had their years of friendship been in vain? Had he left no room for retreat?
Thinking of this, her entire body and mind felt as if they would suffocate from the pain. Just as she was about to faint, a strong pair of arms supported her, and a voice anxiously inquired.
"Liu'er, are you alright?"
Smelling the faint scent of medicinal herbs on him, she knew who it was. She hadn't expected Nangong to arrive. It seemed heaven was still protecting them. Liu Liu used her last ounce of strength to look at the exquisitely handsome man before her.
"Nangong, go save His Majesty. Absolutely do not let Tian Feng be overthrown."
"Liu'er," Nangong Yue's heart was filled with mixed emotions. She knew it was him even with her eyes closed.
So she truly was Liu'er. But now was not the time for excitement. He knew her concerns and surely didn't want His Majesty poisoned.
Regardless of his stance, he didn't want His Majesty poisoned at this moment. If he didn't save His Majesty, she would certainly not blame him when she awoke. For her sake, he would still go and save His Majesty.
Nangong Yue stood up, preparing to leave the chamber. A figure strode in from outside and swiftly reached out to grasp Nangong Yue's hand: "Quick, save her."
It turned out Feng Xie had forcefully expelled the poison, but because the poison was too potent, remnants remained in his body. His face was very pale, and his steps were unsteady.
But at this moment, his heart was filled only with the woman who had fallen into a coma on the bed. The fear of having finally obtained something and now fearing its loss deeply ensnared him. His dark pupils flashed with suffocating sorrow.
He could no longer afford to compete with Nangong Yue. The two men shared a common wish: to save her. Nangong Yue squeezed the Emperor's hand back: "Alright, don't worry."
Nangong Yue returned to the bedside. He saw that Qi Ye, lying on the bed, was wearing a mask. The two exchanged a glance. Feng Xie reached out and removed Liu'er's butterfly mask.
Her exquisite, celestial beauty was covered with dark poisonous aura, even her lips were deep black. Nangong Yue swiftly took Liu Liu's hand, no longer caring about his inner joy or anger.
Beside them, Feng Xie's sharp eyes were fixed on Liu Liu's face, anger engulfing his entire being, crazily raging and shouting. If anything happened to Liu'er, he would make Hua Wu Mo and the entire Demonic Palace pay. His palms were ice-cold.
Clutching her small, cool, delicate hand, he silently chanted, "Liu'er, you must hold on. We still have a long way to go. I will learn how to love you properly in the future. Please give me this chance, okay?"
"Please, for the sake of my lonely past twenty-odd years, give me this chance. If I have ever hurt you, please allow me an opportunity to make amends. Otherwise, even if I chase you to the underworld, I will not let you rest in peace."