The Empress spoke politely, yet Feng Bailing frowned slightly.
Emperor Yongye’s condition had stabilized, and without informing her and Dugu Wu, the Empress had brought the two children into the palace. This move was far from ordinary.
"Then I’ll have to trouble the Empress."
Feng Bailing said respectfully.
"Mr. Li, take Princess Consort Wu to see the children. This is my reward for you, I am very fond of children. Later, whenever you’re free, come and sit with me in my palace."
As the Empress spoke, she removed a bracelet from her wrist and placed it onto Feng Bailing’s hand.
The Empress was no longer young, and although she did not possess Noble Princess Consort Xiao’s beauty or Princess Consort Mu’s youthfulness, she had her own regal and elegant charm.
Whenever Feng Bailing had seen her before, she was always polite, but not particularly close.
Today, her proactive friendliness instead made Feng Bailing feel somewhat uneasy.
The jade bracelet on her hand was translucent; clearly of the highest ice-like quality.
But to Feng Bailing, that jade felt cold to the bone.
She bowed and walked out, following Mr. Li.
"Mr. Li, are the Empress and the Emperor’s relationship quite good?"
Feng Bailing asked casually.
"The Empress and the Emperor were childhood sweethearts. His Majesty is deeply affectionate towards the Empress; they’ve never argued since their marriage."
Mr. Li said with a smile.
They’ve never argued?
Feng Bailing thought of the palace’s numerous beauties; could Emperor Yongye, such a man, still have true affections?
"How does that compare to Prince Shun and Lady Dugu? I’ve heard Prince Shun loves Lady Dugu deeply and would give up his empire for her?"
Feng Bailing asked nonchalantly, causing Mr. Li to stumble.
"Mr. Li, please be careful."
Feng Bailing quickly steadied Mr. Li.
Mr. Li wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a wry smile.
"Princess Consort Wu, I need to return to serve the Emperor. Walk straight ahead for half a quarter of an hour, and you will see Young Master Xiaojin and Miss Xiao Li."
Having said that, Mr. Li hurriedly left as if the wind was at his heels.
"This Mr. Li, truly a clam at the river’s bottom."
Feng Bailing laughed and shook her head.
"Princess Consort Wu, ahead is the Empress’s Luan Palace. This humble one urgently needs to excuse himself."
The little eunuch who led the way spoke respectfully.
Feng Bailing nodded, and the little eunuch hastily left.
Feng Bailing took a few steps and saw the scenery change before her.
Beside a clear fish pond, Feng Xiaoli and Dugu Xiaojin were watching the fish.
Dongfang Jin was also there; they seemed to be talking and laughing cheerfully.
Just as Feng Bailing was about to approach, Nalan Yan’er emerged from a cluster of flourishing roses.
There were no palace maids by her side.
Her gaze was cold as she fixed her eyes on Feng Bailing for a moment.
"I have something to say to you."
"I have nothing to say to you."
Feng Bailing was about to walk away.
"Do not think that marrying Ah Wu means you’ve won."
Nalan Yan’er fixed her gaze on Feng Bailing.
"My man, I would appreciate it if the Crown Princess Consort Nalan would not linger over him."
Feng Bailing hadn’t forgotten; she and Dugu Wu had an agreement.
In public, they must act as a loving couple.
Her words only served to infuriate Nalan Yan’er further.
"Feng Bailing! Don’t be smug! Ah Wu only chose you out of compulsion."
Nalan Yan’er stepped forward, blocking Feng Bailing’s path.
By the fish pond, the children had already walked away.
"Crown Princess Consort, if you have spare time, perhaps you could pay more attention to your own husband, the Crown Prince."
Just as Feng Bailing was about to bypass Nalan Yan’er, the latter’s forehead, where the Wenhua Seal was embedded, flashed.
"Feng Bailing, look at me."
Feng Bailing looked into her eyes.
Nalan Yan’er’s beautiful eyes seemed to possess an invisible force.
Nalan Yan’er looked towards the fish pond.