Feng Zixiao quickly calmed down. Under such gazes, he deeply realized one thing: everything his mother did was for him and for the sake of the Great Zhou Dynasty. That's why he was so excited and believed that his mother would definitely have an explanation.
"Come, sit down."
The Empress Dowager pulled Feng Zixiao to sit beside her and spoke earnestly.
"Xiao'er, Jiang Feixue's entry into the palace is undoubtedly a good thing. Given her current status, if you don't take her into the harem, you will inevitably have to arrange a marriage between her and Prince Kang, Prince Shou, or Prince Jing. Do you allow such a thing to happen?"
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Feng Zixiao was jolted awake and instantly sobered up.
Yes, he was so angry today that he lost his mind. As the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, Jiang Feixue should be bestowed the title of princess even if she doesn't enter the palace. So, is he really at ease with that?
"Mother."
Feng Zixiao's voice was filled with gratitude. The Empress Dowager understood and patted Feng Zixiao's hand before continuing, "Jiang Feixue's entry into the palace shows the imperial family's boundless favor towards the Jiang family. The two sisters serving the emperor at the same time will be a celebrated story. Moreover, I can see that Jiang Feixue and the Empress are not on good terms. The harem has always been a place where it's either you or me. Let Jiang Feixue enter the palace and let the Jiang family fight amongst themselves. With Jiang Feixue's entry, it will definitely disrupt Jiang Batian's plans. I heard he dotes on this young lady. This is our opportunity. The longer we delay, the more advantageous it will be for us."
"Your Majesty, I understand."
Only now did Feng Zixiao truly accept it. Her mother was indeed worthy of holding the position of Empress in the palace for over twenty years, and her father still doted on her. Her scheming was truly unmatched.
"Yes, it's late, and I'm tired too. My son, you should go back."
"Yes, Mother, please rest early."
Feng Zixiao got up and left Qingxin Palace. He came in full of anger, but left with a face full of admiration. The eunuch who followed him finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Inside the Zhengyi Palace.
Hailing sat on the chaise longue in her bedchamber, drinking tea, while Rouge stood to the side, speaking angrily.
"Miss, what kind of situation is this? Why was the eldest young lady allowed into the palace and even bestowed upon her the title of Shurong, a second-rank official? Once she's in the palace, she'll definitely target you in every way!"
Hai Ling smiled, but her eyes were cold and icy; this was probably the intention of some cunning individuals.
Unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Sima Lan was so astute, easily discerning Jiang Feixue's affection for Feng Zixiao. Presumably, once Jiang Feixue entered the palace, she would certainly receive her attention. Her actions served two purposes: firstly, to incite the sisters to fight amongst themselves while she watched from the sidelines; and secondly, to restrain Jiang Batian and buy time. The later Jiang Batian made his move, the more advantageous it would be for the royal family.
"Forget it, none of this concerns us. If Jiang Feixue doesn't provoke me, fine, but if she does, she'll suffer the consequences. Don't forget, she's just a second-rank Shurong, not even a concubine. And I am the Empress now. If I want to punish a mere Shurong, who dares to say anything?"
The situation is becoming increasingly complicated, and they should find a way to leave the palace as soon as possible.
"But?"
Rouge had a feeling that things weren't so optimistic. Everyone in the palace seemed very shrewd, and it was really worrying that her mistress was in such a position.
Now she is also eager to leave the palace. This trip into the palace is becoming more and more terrifying, so it would be better to get out as soon as possible.
"Miss, go to sleep, it's late."
Rouge went over to help her mistress rest, but Hailing glanced at the lamplight and waved her hand, saying, "Rouge, you go and rest. I'll read for a while longer."
She's not sleepy yet, so she doesn't want to go to sleep.
Rouge listened and didn't force her. She went to wash up and went to sleep on one side of the bedchamber.
There was no sound in the palace. Hailing sat under the lamp reading a book, a historical record about the past and future dynasties, as well as some things about neighboring countries, such as the Southern and Northern Dynasties, and the destroyed Shaoyi. She was so engrossed in reading that she couldn't fall asleep for a while.
Suddenly, a faint fragrance wafted in the air. Hailin raised her head, her eyes bright and clear as she looked out the window.
"Xi Lingfeng, didn't you leave the palace?"
His scent was very distinctive; she could tell he was outside just by smelling it.
The window opened silently, and Xi Lingfeng stepped in, graceful and elegant. His long sleeves, like light clouds, drew beautiful arcs and fell down, carrying his unique fragrance in the air.
Under the lights, his face was ordinary, but his eyes were as deep as a blue lake, rippling with brilliant colors, and his every move exuded elegance.
Looking at him like this, Hailing recalled what had happened in the main hall that evening and couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"I didn't expect you to dislike women, what a pity."
Xi Lingfeng's lips slowly curved into a smile. That was why he came. He didn't know why, but he just wanted to come and see. Just as he thought, she was full of sympathy for him. Did this mean that he and she would get closer in the future?
"so what?"
He walked over step by step, his deep, fiery gaze fixed on Hailin, as if he were locking onto prey, filled with a wild, primal energy.
Unfortunately, she happened to encounter a clueless girl who had never been in a relationship. She had no idea what the burning flames in the man's eyes meant. She was still feeling sorry for him and comforted him with great pity as he walked over.
"Xi Lingfeng, I will help you in the future. You will definitely be able to change your inclinations and one day you will meet a woman you like."
I believe it.
Xi Lingfeng stretched out his long, jade-like hand and took Hai Ling's hand in his. He then sat down beside her on the couch, gently playing with the hand in his palm. It was delicate, smooth, and round and chubby, like a little bun, which was very cute.
Hai Ling was initially only concerned with sympathy, but when Xi Lingfeng took her hand and gently played with it, she belatedly realized something was wrong. The Prime Minister's actions seemed ambiguous no matter how you looked at them, and her heart seemed to be beating a little fast. What did this mean? She forcefully pulled her hand back and glared coldly at Xi Lingfeng.
"Xi Lingfeng, what are you doing?"
Xi Lingfeng felt a slight pang of regret. Touching her hand just now felt really nice. He realized that women's hands could be so soft. No, it should be said that her hand was so soft. He wouldn't easily get close to others.
However, when faced with Hai Ling's questioning gaze, Xi Lingfeng suppressed his laughter and looked at Hai Ling with a serious expression.
"Didn't you say you'd help me? I'm trying my best to adjust."
"I'm trying so hard to adjust, but why me?"
Upon hearing this, Hai Ling realized that he was just testing her hand, and her heart finally calmed down. Then she thought, "Wait a minute, why her? She's the Empress. Isn't Xi Lingfeng's behavior an insult to the Empress?"
“What does this have to do with me? When I say I’m helping you, I mean verbally, without any physical assistance.”