Chapter 279: The Reaction of Marquis Huaguo

iuyao calmly replied, "The Emperor's second princess, Princess Zhenning, is Empress Liu's daughter."Ye Li looked ahead and noticed that the snow-white-clad Empress Liu seemed to be missing something b...279. The Marquis of Huo's Reaction

Hearing Ye Li's words, the Marquis of Huo was initially taken aback and clearly hadn't processed it. Mo Xiuyao remained silent, holding his teacup calmly while waiting for the Marquis of Huo's reaction. After a long while, the Marquis of Huo regained his senses and looked at the two calm people in front of him and asked, "What is going on here Prince Regent, you..." Mo Xiuyao put down his teacup and looking apologetically at the Marquis of Huo said, "This unexpected situation didn't give Old Marquis time to notify him. We sincerely apologize." It took a long while for the Marquis of Huo to truly process it, he sighed and glared unhappily at Mo Xiuyao saying, "Who do you think needs your apology I just want to know why you brought the empress to the Ding王府 without reason Does Prince Regent think there aren't enough people watching over the Ding王府 already"

Ye Li smiled faintly and replied, "Old Marquis was worried. We are young and inexperienced and acted on impulse."

The Marquis of Huo sighed and looking at Ye Li said, "Prince Regent and Princess Consort aren't people who act on impulses. Old man won't ask why this happened, please bring the empress out. I will find a way to send her back to the palace."

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao exchanged glances; they hadn't expected that just two sentences could convince the Marquis of Huo to take the person away. However, since Feng Zhirao had already risked his life to bring the empress out, without being certain that Feng Zhirao couldn't persuade the empress, they couldn't let the Marquis of Huo take her away. Mo Xiuyao looked at the Marquis of Huo and calmly said, "Therefore, this prince regrets not informing Old Marquis earlier; we can't allow him to take the person away temporarily."

"Why is that" The Marquis of Huo frowned and asked.

The empress being kidnapped from the palace by Ding王府 came as a total surprise. He hurriedly came to Ding王府 in order to use its power to investigate this matter, but it turned out this way instead. Regardless of whether it was for his personal relationship with Ding王府 or for the benefit of Chu and Northwest relations, this incident could not be made public. Therefore, this decision seemed best for everyone involved. He couldn't understand why Prince Regent and Princess Consort would oppose.

Ye Li sighed helplessly; it seemed that the Marquis of Huo was unaware of Feng Zhirao's situation. As such, they were unsure how the Marquis of Huo would react upon learning that Feng Zhirao had acted on his own initiative to rescue the empress.

After some thought, Ye Li intended to say something when Empress's voice was heard from outside, "I caused Father concern. I will go back with you now."

The three looked back at the doorway where the empress appeared in her bright yellow phoenix robe after removing her wide cloak. Her expression was indifferent and she didn't give away what she felt inside. Empress entered the hall while Feng Zhirao followed from outside. The man in red brocade clothes had reddened eyes, a tired and gloomy face, looking worse than when he was hit by Mo Xiuyao last night.

"Third Prince Feng, how is it that you look so ill Did you not see a doctor last night" Ye Li asked indifferently.

As soon as the Marquis of Huo saw Feng Zhirao following behind Empress, his expression changed. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao present, he didn't say much but tightened his grip on the armrest. With a glance at the Marquis of Huo, Ye Li smiled and asked Feng Zhirao.

Hearing this, Empress turned back to look at Feng Zhirao in surprise. She had noticed before that whenever something was troubling him, he would look unwell. They were somewhat upset with each other previously so she didn't ask too much, thinking only that he hadn't rested well last night. Now looking closely, she realized that Feng Zhirao not only looked ill but also seemed extremely fatigued and pale.

"I'm fine, thank you for your concern, Princess Consort," Feng Zhirao said hoarsely.

Ye Li frowned and said, "Xiuyao isn't light-handed. He should still see a doctor to avoid leaving any lasting damage."

Feng Zhirao silently lowered his head without rejecting or agreeing.

After Ye Li said this, the two people present naturally understood what was going on. The Empress’s face paled, and the Duke of Hua’s expression became even uglier.

Murong Xiya waved his hand and said, "There's still time to talk about it after you sit down. Senior Sister Hua, even if you have to return to the palace, there’s no need for a rush." The title 'Senior Sister' made the Empress’s eyes red. In fact, Murong Xiya stopped calling her that after she married Emperor Muyu when they were young. This ordinary term of address reminded her of those peaceful and carefree times when she was still a young girl.

The Duke of Hua stared at everyone present for a long time before he finally sighed heavily and waved his hand, saying, "Forget it. It's already this way no matter what. There’s nothing wrong with waiting a little longer."

Only then did the Empress and Feng Ziyao sit down on either side of him. Although Feng Ziyao was sitting opposite to the Duke of Hua, her gaze was fixed on the Empress as if everyone else around them didn’t exist. Seeing this, the Duke of Hua frowned but ultimately said nothing.

"Old Duke, do you really want to send the Empress back to the palace" Murong Xiya asked calmly after looking at the Duke of Hua.

The old duke was clearly annoyed as he glared at Feng Ziyao. He had experienced countless things in his lifetime and knew exactly what was going on from the scene before him. Looking at his daughter sitting beside him with a placid expression, the Duke of Hua sighed helplessly and said, "What if she doesn’t return If we could, our Hua family wouldn't want to… I understand your intentions, but the Empress’s position is different from others’. If it's discovered that the Empress was in the Northwest in the future, it will be a huge blow to both Your Highness and Prince Dìng王府的名譽。

當初華國公府又何嘗真的願意將女兒嫁給還是皇子的墨景祁？華家的富貴已經到了頂點，無論哪一位登基都會給華家留一份顏麵。一個皇妃甚至是皇後，對於華家來說從來就不是一件好事。可惜…當時的先帝擔心華家和定王府走得太近，於是強硬地將華家綁上了即將繼位的墨景祁的船上。君要臣死，臣不得不死，更何況隻是指婚而已。

華國公一直知道鳳之遙的存在。但他從未把鳳之遙看得太重要。並非他看不起鳳之遙，而是鳳之遙畢竟比皇後小了好幾歲。皇後出嫁時，鳳之遙其實還是個半大的孩子，當時即便有一些什麼，他也隻當是小孩子一時的迷戀造成的。所以當年皇後出嫁前夜，鳳之遙潛入華國公府他不僅冇動手抓人，反而讓他順利見到了人。不然以當年十五歲的年紀，想要闖入戒備森嚴的國公府哪裡有那麼容易？

這些事情華國公自然不會說出口，隻是打量著眼前的紅衣男子。已經三十多歲的鳳之遙早已不是當年那個大雨中落拓離去的單薄少年，俊美無儔的容顏多了幾分年輕時冇有的沉穩優雅。更重要的是，與墨修堯同齡的鳳之遙至今未娶妻甚至連個妾室都冇有，這一切華國公自然清楚原因。無論從哪個角度看，鳳之遙無疑是最佳女婿人選，可惜……看著對麵有些消瘦憔悴卻依然俊美的男子，華國公的眼神漸漸變成了惋惜和無奈。

葉璃唇邊帶著淡淡的微笑，輕聲道：“老國公，華家可有意扶植新皇？”

華國公愣了一下，冇想到葉璃會如此直接地問出這樣的問題。但看著墨修堯毫不在意地飲茶，基於對定王府和墨修堯的瞭解，他還是搖了搖頭直言道：“隻怕華國公府是有心無力了。”儘管華國公府後輩子弟不是紈絝子弟，也冇有什麼特彆傑出的人才。他在世時自然可以幫襯幾分，但已年過八十，誰也不知道還能撐多久？一旦他去世，不僅扶持新皇的華國公府會遭滅頂之災，就連被他們扶持的新皇恐怕也要跟著倒黴。

“若果如此…新皇登基之後。皇後孃娘該如何自處？”葉璃問道。

華國公皺眉，皇後是墨景祁的嫡妻，無論哪個皇子登基都要尊她為皇太後，這是常理。然而他同時明白，雖然十皇子的母親懦弱無能不怕皇後壓製，但深宮中的女人最善變多端。而且如果十皇子順利親政，袖手旁觀的華家絕對討不了好。到時候皇後日子也不會好過。如果十皇子出了什麼事，那麼作為嫡母的皇後同樣不會有什麼好聽的。

華國公猶豫地看向皇後，這些年他對這個女兒一直心懷愧疚。她是為了華家才加入皇室的，但同樣的因為華家她在宮中也隻能維持表麵尊榮，永遠得不到丈夫的心甚至冇有兒子。華家人知道，不是皇後生不齣兒子，而是…墨景祁不願意讓皇後生下兒子。

“父親不必如此，女兒一生尊榮無限，並冇有什麼委屈的地方。”看著老夫愧疚的雙眼，皇後淡淡微笑道。側首看向坐在墨修堯身邊的葉璃，皇後笑道：“我知道王妃是為了我著想，隻是有些事情…命中註定，實在無法強求。”

葉璃蹙眉道：“難道皇後孃娘就不想再見見長樂？”

"Chánglè" the Duke of Hua widened his eyes, "Is Chánglè in the Northwest" Although the Duke of Hua’s residence had sent people to protect their granddaughter-in-law, for safety reasons those people hadn’t returned. So the Duke of Hua merely guessed that Changle was hidden after being rescued by them, but he didn't expect her to be in the Northwest.

Ye Lye smiled and said, "Of course. Changle is a girl after all; how can someone feel at ease with her being alone outside"

The Duke of Huawu glanced at the empress then looked at Feng Zhirao and Mo Xiuyao. His fair eyebrows furrowed together tightly. Before he could say anything, Zhuo Jing came in to report, "Your Highness, Lady Consort, someone from the Duke of Huawu's residence has arrived. The Regent called for the old duke."

Mo Xiuyao raised his brows and showed a displeased expression, "Mojingli is getting more arrogant by the day."

The Duke of Huawu did not get angry; he stood up and said, "Forget it. He was personally appointed Regent by His Majesty the late emperor. There's nothing wrong with him summoning me. I've been a bother to Your Highness and Lady Consort; please allow me to take my leave." With that, he walked towards the door.

The empress also stood up and followed after the Duke of Huawu. Feng Zhirao wanted to stand up too when he felt an invisible pressure bearing down on him, making it impossible for him to move at all. He could only watch helplessly as the empress left.

When the Duke of Huawu reached the door, he suddenly turned back and looked at the empress, "You can stay in Ding王府for a while; you cannot be sent back now without being prepared."

"Father…" The empress frowned worriedly.

The Duke of Huawu did not give her a chance to refute him. He firmly said, "That's all there is to it. No need for an escort."

"Father, I…," seeing the Duke of Huawu leave, the empress wanted to follow but she heard Feng Zhirao cough up blood behind her.

“Zhirao!” The empress was alarmed; Feng Zhirao smiled weakly at her while droplets of blood kept sliding down from his lips. Red flowers bloomed all over the originally crimson brocade clothes he wore. The empress hurried to support him and looked towards Mo Xiuyao, "What happened Why is he injured so badly"

Mo Xiuyao remained aloof, calmly sipping tea, "I didn't hit hard last night; it's his own fault for not wanting to live."

The empress frowned and glared at Feng Zhirao angrily.

Ye Lye immediately said, "Please Empress, first help Third Prince Feng back to the room to rest. I'll send a doctor over right away." Looking at Feng Zhirao's even more pale complexion and precarious appearance after coughing up blood, the empress could no longer think about other matters; she had to support Feng Zhirao outside completely forgetting that they still had people who would help them.

Seeing how difficult it was for the empress to leave with Feng Zhirao, Ye Lye asked her husband puzzledly, "These two… can they make it or not"

Mo Xiuyao raised his brows and said, "How should this prince know This prince has sent away the Duke of Huawu for him and left a person for him. If Third Prince Feng still can't manage, then let him die by himself. This prince is not his father; there's no need to think about everything on his behalf."

Ye Lye pinched him in annoyance, sighing and saying, "These two…" She shook her head helplessly, unsure what else to say. In fact, she understood the empress' thoughts; apart from her responsibilities as an empress, women of this era were still bound by the concept of not taking another husband. Perhaps it wouldn't be difficult for her to give up her position as empress, but it might be even harder for her to accept Feng Zhirao.

Mo Xiuyao smiled and hugged her in his arms, softly saying, "Don’t worry; at least this time, Third Prince Feng should persuade the person to go to Northwest. After all, Changle is still there." Once she was no longer burdened with responsibilities as an empress, Changle would be the most important person for the empress. As long as the empress wanted to see her daughter, it wouldn’t be difficult to get her to leave. It’s just that how to make the empress accept Feng Zhirao is really none of his business; he's a prince, not a matchmaker.

Ye Li considered what Mo Xiuyao had said and found it reasonable. Moreover, even if they were considering the queen's best interests, they shouldn't overly interfere with her personal matters. Who she accepted or rejected was entirely up to the queen herself. It couldn't be said that Feng Zhiriao should naturally be accepted by the queen simply because he had sacrificed so much for her.

Furthermore, things were already better than what they had anticipated. At least Huo Guogong didn’t seem eager to take the queen back into the palace. As long as Huo Guogong did not oppose it, there was significantly less resistance for the queen to leave the capital.

"Did you perhaps go too hard on him just now" Ye Li recalled Feng Zhiriao spitting out a mouthful of blood earlier; he had genuinely vomited blood, not faking it to deceive the queen.

Mo Xiuyao casually replied, "Feng San has been harboring resentment in his heart for some time. Last night's injury also affected him greatly. Having him spit out that stagnant blood is a good thing. There’s no need to worry."

Is that so Ye Li was somewhat doubtful. Could it be that Mo Xiuyao wasn't taking revenge on Feng Zhiriao for causing such trouble

In the deepest part of the royal residence, in a courtyard shaded by green trees and flowers, the queen had changed out of her eye-catching phoenix robe into plain white clothes. She looked less regal but more graceful, appearing younger than before.

After sending away the doctor who treated Feng Zhiriao, the queen held tightly to the prescription left behind by the physician, furrowing her brows in worry when she recalled what the doctor said about Feng Zhiriao having harbored resentment for a long time and possibly damaging his lifespan. Looking at the man lying on the bed with pale complexion and dark shadows under his eyes, the queen suddenly felt a pang of sorrow and could only sigh softly as she went to find someone to prepare medicine.

"Don’t go…" Her skirt was pulled back by Feng Zhiriao's voice, clear yet weak. His gaze towards her was full of hope, resignation, and caution.

The queen held back for a moment before giving in. She walked over to a stool beside the bed and sat down, looking at him as she said, "Ayao, rest properly first. I won't leave; after you fall asleep, I’ll have someone go fetch medicine."

Feng Zhiriao was displeased, "I can’t sleep if you’re not here."

The queen was conflicted because she needed to find someone to prepare the medicine for him. Whether it was deliberate on Ye Li's part or due to a lack of people in the Ding王府 (Ding Royal Manor), there wasn't even a servant attending to Feng Zhiriao in his courtyard.

Feng Zhiriao stubbornly stared at her face, as if he wouldn’t close his eyes unless she agreed to stay.

Seeing her worried frown, Feng Zhiriao softly said, "I’m fine... The injury isn’t severe. I’ll be okay without medicine." In fact, the injury wasn't that serious; after spitting up blood, he felt much better mentally. However, it was indeed quite painful, and he knew from the start that Mo Xiuyao had secretly sabotaged him. But if this warmth could continue, even if Mo Xiuyao seriously injured him earlier, he would only be grateful.

"Nonsense, why don’t you want to take medicine Do you think you’re still a child" The queen gently scolded him.

Feng Zhiriao smiled faintly; when he was younger and often got beaten up by Mo Xiuyao but refused to apply ointment, the woman before him would also reprimand him in this manner.

"I’ll go after a while. Don’t run off when I’m asleep."

"Alright, rest well," The queen softly said, envisioning the stubborn and handsome young man who was barely ten years old but already stunningly beautiful from over a decade ago; her expression softened considerably.

Having received this promise, Feng Zhiriao finally closed his eyes contentedly.he Duchess and the King did not avoid him showed their trust in him. He was personally involved in training the first batch of Qilin members, so he knew each one well. As for who among the eight peopl...