FID – Chapter 646

Chapter 646: Such Deep Affection

“I am not particularly fond of wine, but I do enjoy new experiences. After traveling such a long way, if I cannot fulfill my wish, I would certainly feel a sense of regret.”

“In life, one cannot expect everything to be perfect. To have regrets—is the norm.”

“Do you have regrets in life?”

“Too many to count.”

The banquet lasted late into the night, only ending when the guests were thoroughly intoxicated.

Upon returning to Qiande Palace, Feng Mohan collapsed face-first onto his dragon bed.

Exhausting.

Absolutely exhausting.

Especially having to deal with someone whose aura rivaled his imperial uncle’s—it felt as if he had been facing two versions of his uncle at the same time.

Feng Mohan looked utterly defeated.

“Imperial Uncle, that Duan Ting is an incredibly difficult man to deal with.”

“How do you know?” Feng Qingbai sat by the window, letting the night breeze sober him up.

Because you’re difficult to deal with!

Of course, Feng Mohan didn’t dare say that. He had simply substituted his uncle into Duan Ting’s place. Instead, he muttered, “Just look at him. Even in a wheelchair, he commands the absolute respect of the civil and military officials who accompanied him. That alone proves he is someone not to be trifled with in Beicang. And that ever-present smile on his face—it’s so fake. His lips are smiling, but his eyes never do.”

“Learn from him. If you can reach his level one day, the entire court will be under your control.”

“…” That’s going to take forever. 

“Imperial Uncle, I saw that you and Duan Ting had quite the conversation at the banquet. What did he say to you?”

Feng Qingbai remained silent, lifting his gaze to the starlit sky.

In his mind, an image surfaced—his little girl, laughing freely in the Liu family’s courtyard.

He would do everything in his power to preserve that peace.

At that very moment, in one of the rooms at the guest residence, another man in a wheelchair was also gazing at the stars.

“Your Highness, do you think the King of Nanling will allow us to visit Xinghua Village? That man’s mind runs deep—it’s difficult to read him.”

“Does it matter whether he allows it or not? If I want to go somewhere, do I need anyone’s permission?” The man chuckled softly, his voice calm and composed.

“It is said that he guards Xinghua Village fiercely. If Your Highness intends to go, it may not be an easy journey.”

“Indeed. A roadblock like that is troublesome. What should we do?” The man seemed to frown in frustration, but his eyes carried no trace of true distress.

The King of Nanling, Feng Qingbai.

Seeing him in person was far more impressive than simply hearing about him.

He turned his gaze around the room, noting the decent arrangements. Of course, a place for welcoming foreign envoys couldn’t be shabby, but still, something felt amiss.

He patted the armrest of the wheelchair. “Let’s go — to the King of Nanling’s Manor.”

“Your Highness?”

“Hm?” He glanced sideways at the palace maid. “Zifeng, you’re especially talkative today.”

The palace maid named Zifeng immediately lowered her head, not daring to speak further. She instead moved to push the wheelchair outside.

Though her master had a kind disposition, his words were never to be disputed.

Under the starlit sky, Feng Qingbai returned to his manor. As he entered, he saw someone treating the manor like their own home.

The person was wheeling around the main hall, inspecting this and that.

Truly a rare guest.

After entering the hall, Feng Qingbai called for a servant to bring tea and sat down in a chair, not bothering to stop the man from inspecting the room. “If anything is improperly arranged, Prince Ting, feel free to make suggestions.”

The man turned back with a smile, raising an eyebrow. “Your Highness, don’t you wonder why I’m here?”

“You’re already here, what’s the point of asking?” Feng Qingbai wanted to say that if the man wanted to explain, he would, but if he didn’t, asking wouldn’t make a difference.

Duan Ting laughed heartily. “I like your style, not like others who buzz around asking a whole bunch of questions. It’s so annoying.”

“It seems Prince Ting has a habit of intruding into other people’s homes, or you wouldn’t have caused so much trouble.”

“I’m just curious about a lot of things.”

“And now, has your curiosity been satisfied?”

Duan Ting wheeled himself closer to Feng Qingbai, propping his chin in his hand as he observed him. “No, I’m not curious about things anymore. I’m more curious about you, actually.”

“Do you have a penchant for the same gender? Apologies, but I do not.”

Duan Ting’s face twitched imperceptibly before he withdrew, saying, “If anyone else dared to say that to me, their head would already be on the ground.”

“Lucky for you, my head is still attached to my neck.”

After observing Feng Qingbai for a moment, Duan Ting leaned slightly forward, patting the armrest of his wheelchair with a smile. “I don’t like the room at the inn. Tonight, I’ll be staying at the King of Nanling’s Manor. Can you guarantee my safety, Your Highness?”

“Someone, prepare a guest room and show the distinguished guest to his quarters.” After giving the orders to his servants, Feng Qingbai stood up, nodded toward Duan Ting, and said, “Prince Ting, please make yourself at home.”

“Thank you.” The man’s soft voice drifted from behind.

Feng Qingbai didn’t turn around.

That night, an assassin tried to infiltrate the King’s Manor but was stopped outside the fortress-like defenses of the mansion.

The sounds of the struggle lasted nearly an hour. Meanwhile, the people in the guest quarters slept soundly. When they heard the commotion, they merely stirred slightly before sinking back into their deep slumber.

When Wei Zi arrived with news, Feng Qingbai was in his study, writing a letter to his little lady.

“Master, the assassin’s martial arts style is different from the usual. It doesn’t seem to be the same group of people.”

Feng Qingbai didn’t lift his head. “It’s aimed at Duan Ting. During his stay in the manor, increase the defenses around the residence.”

“Does that mean he came to the manor seeking refuge, Master?”

“The infighting within the Beicang royal family is far more turbulent than Nanling. A person who is both disabled yet extraordinarily talented, and highly favored by the Beicang royal family—there should be many who wish to see him dead.”

“If that’s the case, aren’t you now involved in the Beicang royal struggle?” Wei Zi frowned. “Your affairs are already numerous, and getting entangled with Duan Ting would only bring more trouble.”

“An assassination attempt on the King’s Manor is a legitimate act of self-defense. What does it have to do with the royal family conflict? I know nothing about those matters,” Feng Qingbai replied.

“…” Wei Zi pursed his lips and retreated.

The next morning, the person in the guest courtyard was pushed out in a wheelchair, looking energetic, stretching lazily upon seeing Feng Qingbai.

“Your Highness, are you heading to court?”

“No, I just came from court.”

“Has it gotten so late already? My apologies, I slept so soundly last night, I didn’t realize I had woken up.”

“No worries, you won’t have many days where you sleep so peacefully.”

Duan Ting rubbed his forehead. “Your Highness, you have a sharp tongue, every word you speak cuts like a knife.”

“Since Your Highness Duan Ting treats my Nanling Manor as a free bodyguard service, can’t I afford to be a little sharp? Consider it your payment,” Feng Qingbai said lightly, brushing past him.

Behind him, Duan Ting leaned on his hand, watching his back with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth.

“Your Highness, are you heading back to the inn? The purpose of this mission was to negotiate with Nanling. Without you, the group is leaderless.”

“Rarely do I get out, so why the rush? Let them wait. Push the chair, let’s take a stroll around the garden.”

The two maids exchanged a glance and reluctantly began pushing the wheelchair, touring the various paths of the manor, visiting the different side courtyards and the back garden.

As they passed a few side courtyards, Duan Ting looked at the names and let out a soft chuckle. “Liuyun Pavilion, Yuqing Courtyard, Shengxiao Courtyard. How interesting. I didn’t expect the renowned King of Nanling to be so sentimental.”

“Your Highness, Liu Yusheng is the name of the Little Divine Doctor from Yunzhou.”

“Is that so? I know, but I don’t like being reminded,” the man replied, glancing at Zifeng with a smile on his face, but no warmth in his eyes.

“Please forgive me, Your Highness!”