FID – Chapter 711

Chapter 711: The Emperor’s Heartlessness

“Greetings, Your Highness, King of Nanling.” On the other side, Prince Yuan also returned the courtesy.

The Emperor laughed heartily and said, “I was just speaking with Yuan’er about you, and here you are, how timely!”

“I wonder what Your Majesty and Prince Yuan were discussing about me.” Feng Qingbai sat down after finding a seat, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

“In truth, I entered the palace today hoping that Imperial Father could introduce us. I have admired the King of Nanling for a long time—so accomplished at a young age, brilliant and extraordinary. It would be a regret in my life if I couldn’t befriend you.”

Feng Qingbai’s heart stirred slightly, though his expression remained calm. “If Prince Yuan wishes to befriend me, that’s a simple matter. I’ve been staying at Prince Ting’s Manor lately with plenty of free time. I’ll be waiting anytime for Prince Yuan to invite me over for a drink and good conversation.”

“With the King’s word, I will certainly pay a visit another day—and perhaps check in on my Fourteenth Brother as well.”

Nodding slightly at the other party, Feng Qingbai lowered his eyes.

Prince Yuan—he truly had been overlooked by everyone.

An utterly unremarkable, seemingly insignificant prince—how could such a person easily gain an audience with the Emperor, let alone chat comfortably with him in the imperial study?

The atmosphere between the two was indeed relaxed, without any of the typical formality or caution of an emperor conversing with his son. Instead, it felt as casual as a conversation between a real father and son.

And the Beicang Emperor did not shy away from letting him witness this dynamic. Clearly, he was preparing to support Prince Yuan.

Prince Yuan was the son he truly favored!

All the previous confusion suddenly became crystal clear.

At first, he thought that the Emperor was stalling to see if he would soften his stance on the marriage alliance. But it turned out that wasn’t the case.

The reason he had delayed issuing the decree for so long was precisely for this moment—to let him witness Prince Yuan’s true status, and thereby push him to switch allegiance to Prince Yuan’s side.

As long as he made his position clear now, the imperial decree could be announced to the world immediately.

Once Prince Yuan formed an alliance with Feng Qingbai, his path to the throne would be within reach.

For this son, the Emperor had indeed gone to great lengths.

An emperor’s heart may be cold—and it truly was. He could discard his other children as easily as worn-out shoes.

But toward Prince Yuan, he showed affection. As for the deeper reason behind that, it was likely something not meant for outsiders to know.

That was a closely guarded secret of the Beicang royal family, and Feng Qingbai had no interest in probing it.

All he wanted was a diplomatic alliance between the two nations and peace along the border.

“Early next month, I have decided to lead the royal family and the court officials in a ceremony to worship our royal ancestors. At that time, I will announce the alliance between Beicang and Nanling. Following that, I will issue an imperial decree proclaiming to the world that Beicang and Nanling shall be allies forever!”

In other words, he had until early next month to carefully consider whether or not to board Prince Yuan’s ship.

Feng Qingbai smiled faintly. “I will wait patiently for the good news.”

“As for the marriage alliance between our two nations—if Your Highness has no interest in our princesses, it’s because they lack the qualities to catch your eye, and I won’t insist. However, the alliance can still proceed.” Pausing briefly, the Emperor looked at Feng Qingbai with a smile. “I’ve heard that the Nanling royal family also has a few unmarried princesses of noble bearing. I’m willing to set aside my dignity and seek a favorable match here on behalf of my eighth son. What do you think, Your Highness?”

“If one of our princesses could win Prince Yuan’s favor, it would be the best of both worlds—strengthening the alliance between our two nations while also sealing a marriage alliance. Since that is Your Majesty’s wish, I will agree to it.”

It was still a marriage alliance, but instead of giving away a bride, they were gaining one. For Feng Qingbai, this was a favorable turn of events.

As for those princesses who had been tucked away and forgotten in the royal palace, he could take some time to bring them back into the spotlight once he returned.

On the surface, the Emperor seemed to be using this proposal to strengthen the bond between Prince Yuan and Nanling. In reality, he was leveraging the status of a Nanling princess to intimidate the Beicang court ministers and attract more supporters to Prince Yuan’s side.

Shrewd and calculating.

As he left the palace, he saw that the royal carriage was still parked at the palace gates, waiting.

His little girl had been waiting there the whole time. Was she really afraid that he might be devoured by some palace demon?

The curtain of the carriage was lifted by a slender, jade-like hand, and a young girl poked her head out, pouting at him. “Feng Qingbai, why did you take so long?”

“That was already pretty quick.” He smiled, quickening his pace toward the carriage. When he reached the window, he tilted his head slightly, letting his lips brush faintly against her cheek before stepping inside.

The teasing, flirtatious gesture made the young girl’s face turn bright red as she quickly ducked her head back inside with a swoosh.

There were people at the palace gates! In broad daylight, he dared to flirt with her—this dignified king had no shame!

The carriage turned around and slowly drove away.

From the palace entrance, a figure emerged, unhurried and composed. His gaze followed the departing carriage, eyes dark and unreadable.

The corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly. “So, the rumors are true…”

When Feng Qingbai returned to the Prince’s residence, he barely made it through the gates before being intercepted by Duan Ting.

“I was just about to head out. Come on, I’ll take you out for some fun. You’ve been in Beicang for so long, Miss Liu, and haven’t had the chance to explore, have you?” Duan Ting said excitedly.

Feng Qingbai gave him a sidelong glance. “Besides brothels and pleasure boats, do you even know any other places to visit?”

“Hey, come on now,” Duan Ting protested, clearly displeased. “If I were going out alone, sure, I’d drink and party. But since I’m taking you two out, and with Miss Liu here, how could I possibly bring her to that kind of place?”

Just how unreliable did Feng Qingbai think he was?

“Then let’s go,” Liu Yusheng said, giving Duan Ting a once-over before sighing. “You’re really quite pitiful.”

“…” Duan Ting was baffled. 

He was pitiful? What did that even mean?

Since Liu Yusheng had agreed, Feng Qingbai naturally didn’t object.

Fortunately, this time, the place Duan Ting took them to wasn’t too bad.

It was an estate on the northern outskirts of the city, with red walls and dark tiled roofs. From all four corners of the courtyard, vibrant begonia branches stretched outward, giving a glimpse of the autumn scenery within.

There were guards stationed at the courtyard gate, and several luxurious carriages parked outside, indicating that others from the city had also come to this place.

Duan Ting led Feng Qingbai and Liu Yusheng off the carriage, and the servants at the gate immediately stepped forward to greet them respectfully and guide them inside.

As they entered the courtyard, a vibrant display of flowers came into view. Begonias bloomed brilliantly on both sides, while a rock garden and pond in the center of the courtyard acted as a barrier, shielding the inner area from prying eyes. The paths were paved with blue bricks, and the entire setting exuded an elegant, classical charm that was both refined and unique.

What surprised Liu Yusheng slightly was that the servant leading them didn’t ask any unnecessary questions and took them directly to a private room in the inner courtyard. Once the three of them were seated, the servant quietly withdrew.

“I’m a regular here. I always book this private room when I visit,” Duan Ting explained, clearing up her confusion. Then, when he turned to Feng Qingbai, his demeanor completely changed. Gone was his usual carefree attitude; instead, he looked serious. “You entered the palace today. How did it go?”

“You’re quite pitiful.”

The comment was almost identical to what Liu Yusheng had said earlier.

Duan Ting pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. “Now that you’ve both had your turn calling me pitiful, can we please get to the main topic?”

“Aren’t you worried about eavesdroppers?”

“This is my turf. Anything said in this room will stay between the three of us—no one else will ever know.”

Liu Yusheng finally understood why Duan Ting had suddenly suggested taking them out for some fun. It turned out that he wanted to find a quiet, safe place to talk.

Apparently, Prince Ting’s Manor wasn’t as secure as it seemed.

Author’s Mini Theater:

Me: “Oh merciful Bodhisattva, please save me!”

Bodhisattva: “What troubles you? Speak, and I shall listen.”

Me: “There’s a group of little demons at home, and they think about nothing but how to drain me dry every single day! What should I do?”

Bodhisattva: [angrily] “Do you think this peaceful temple is a place for you to show off your love life? Get out!”

Me: “….”