While Phoenix was practicing yoga in the studio, her trusted maid hurried over and said, "Your Highness, something terrible has happened. Tang Shengyan has gone to the Imperial Inspection Bureau to find Mr. Tang."
Phoenix somersaulted off the ribbons, her beautiful eyebrows furrowing as she asked urgently, "Is that true?"
"Absolutely true. You had us keep an eye on Tang Shengyan’s movements, and we have been monitoring this matter closely. Our people have just sent word that Tang Shengyan has appeared at the entrance of the Inspection Bureau, specifically asking to see Dean Yan and Mr. Tang."
"That must be to forcefully seek accountability," Phoenix said gravely.
"That place is the Inspection Bureau. Dean Yan Wenli should protect Mr. Tang, right? After all, Mr. Tang is just following orders."
"Hmph, whether he can protect him is one thing; whether he wants to protect him is another," Phoenix said with a hint of sarcasm, "Bring me my clothes, I am going to the Light Pavilion."
"Your Highness, why are you going to the Light Pavilion now?"
"I’m going to ask my dear brother... the things he promised, has he done them? If he called Tang Shengyan, would Tang Shengyan give us no face at all?"
This matter involved the Royal Family’s internal affairs and sibling relationships, so the maid dared not say more and quickly fetched a cloak for Phoenix.
Phoenix, not bothering to change, wore her yoga outfit under the cloak and rushed to the Light Pavilion.
Upon hearing that Phoenix was coming, Zhong Tianque rubbed his temples and said with a headache to Qian Taian, "I don’t know what kind of charm Tang Fei has cast on my sister, to make the usually aloof Phoenix care so much about his affairs... She’s here to trouble me now."
"I heard Tang Fei and the Princess are extremely close. Tang Fei doesn’t even need to notify anyone in advance when he goes to Phoenix Pavilion. He can just walk in," Qian Taian timely fueled the fire.
Zhong Tianque glanced at Qian Taian, knowing everyone had their own interests; naturally, Qian Taian wouldn’t want Tang Fei to be more favored by him.
"Let her in," Zhong Tianque said, "And you, step aside."
"Yes, Your Highness."
After Phoenix entered the room, she looked at Zhong Tianque, who was reviewing documents at his desk, and asked, "Brother, did you call Tang Shengyan to speak for Tang Fei?"
"I did, sister. How could I not do something you asked of me?" Zhong Tianque, looking puzzled, added, "Tang Shengyan agreed to it; as long as everyone saves face, he definitely won’t make it difficult for me in between."
"What? You look so furious... What happened?"
"Tang Shengyan went to the Inspection Bureau."
"Really?" Zhong Tianque stood up from his chair, angry, "He had already agreed, how could he go back on his word?"
"Brother, did you really help plead?"
"What kind of question is that? We are siblings, would I deceive you in such matters? A call made is made; none made is none... You know my character, when have I ever lied to you?"
"Besides, Tang Fei is someone I value a lot, someone I plan to use extensively in the future... I don’t want him to get into any trouble... I didn’t make that call just for you, it was for myself as well..."
Phoenix stared intently, scrutinizing the changing expressions on Zhong Tianque’s face.
However, years as the Crown Prince had instilled in Zhong Tianque a calm and composed demeanor, unflinching even if the sky were to fall.
"Alright, I will believe you," Phoenix said.
After speaking, she turned and walked away.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"To the Inspection Bureau."
One is the Director of the Supervision Institute of the Empire, immensely powerful, rivaling that of the Three Ministers.
The other is the commander of the formidable Flame-Bathed Legion, with hundreds of thousands of strong troops, his reputation resounding across the cosmos.
One as gentle as water, the other as domineering as fire.
When these two confront each other, it is like a spark hitting Sirius.
Though silent, they carry the threats of thunder.
Once provoked, the result is earth-shattering and intensely explosive.
Those nearby shiver with fear, not even daring to speak.
Who would dare to provoke these two at such a time?
Being slapped is the lesser consequence; getting a leg broken is getting off cheaply.
Yet, there are exceptions.
"Why wasn’t I informed of the arrival of such an esteemed guest? I would have welcomed you at the door," a clear and hearty voice rang out.
Everyone turned, only to see a seventeen or eighteen-year-old youth walking out of the Inspection Bureau building.
He was dressed in the so-called ’black dog skin’ uniform of the Inspection Bureau, with a black cloak of indeterminate material draped behind him.
His feet were clad in the standard black leather boots of the Inspection Bureau, making his stature and legs appear even longer.
His features were picturesque, his demeanor frosty.
Most notable were his eyes, bright and pure, exuding a warm and friendly aura.
It was as if he was really meeting a long-lost old friend or a noble guest he had long anticipated.
Yet, this made Tang Shengyan even more wary.
He knew his own purpose, yet the youth still displayed such a smile...
This person was either extremely cunning or wicked.
Tang Shengyan recognized him, knowing that this young man was Tang Fei, whom he had come to take away today.
Before coming here, Tang Fei’s profile had already been laid out on his desk, which he had read through several times.
When he saw the photo, he thought this was just a handsome young man; the Flame-Bathed Legion had many with more robust or delicate features.
However, upon meeting him in person, he felt that his initial assessment might have been slightly underestimated.
He was different from the disciplined soldiers of the Flame-Bathed Legion, and unlike any other youth of Phoenix City.
Lively, vibrant, full of wild energy.