Long Xiao almost choked on his own spit as he gaped at her in disbelief. “Royal Sister, what nonsense are you spouting?”
Long Qingzhi sighed. She said worriedly, “Even if you don’t have any unspeakable diseases, it would be best if you aren’t addicted to some unhealthy hobby.”
The corner of Long Xiao’s lips twitched. “Royal Sister, what sort ofaperson do you take me for? How could I have some sort of unhealthy hobby?”
Long Qingzhi frowned and said, “It’s good that you don’t have any. It’s just that I’ve heard word of some kind of male brothel after returning to the imperial capital, and that certain rich men’s sons would visit them frequently. I’m just worried that you’re…”
She paused and did not continue, but it was clear about what she wanted to say.
Long Xiao held his palm against his forehead. “Royal Sister, is it possible for us to have a decent conversation?”
Long Qingzhi tried her best to continue the advisory tone. “Xiao’er, even though we were not born from the same mother, but in my heart, I treat you just like your Royal Brother. I only hope both of you have a good life.”
Long Xiao was silent.
He could tell that his Royal Sister was being sincere toward him, but some things could not be taken back once the wheels had been set in motion.
A long time passed before he sighed quietly and changed the topic of conversation. “By the way, didn’t Zhi’er enter the Palace?”
Long Qingzhi’s expression turned gentle at the mention of her son. “He’s here, of course, but he is still too young, so I didn’t bring him along. I left him at Jade Dew Hall.”
Long Xiao nodded.
Meanwhile, on the tower, Long Yang and Lu Liangwei had made it halfway.
Long Yang was initially worried that Lu Liangwei would not be able to climb such a great height. He even took the trouble to slow down, but in the end, every step the girl made was quick and stable.
It would have been easy to think that she was not pregnant.
Long Yang was quite astonished.
In reality, Lu Liangwei was just being lazy after she got pregnant, and she was not as fragile as he had thought. He had just mistaken her lethargy to be caused by her pregnancy.
Lu Liangwei knew her physique best and she was actually quite healthy and sturdy. This was merely climbing some stairs, and she knew her limits.
However, when Long Yang saw the thin layer of sweat appear on Lu Liangwei’s forehead, he promptly carried her in his arms.
Lu Liangwei called out in shock, “Your Majesty, there’s no need for you to do this. I can walk on my own.”
“Stop talking, you should save some stamina. We still need to go down the stairs later.” Long Yang did not give her room for protest as he carried her firmly in his arms and continued moving up.
Lu Liangwei was secretly grateful that they were already high up the tower and his officials would not be able to see this scene. Otherwise, they would surely have criticized this as being undignified.
“Let me down if you’re tired,” Lu Liangwei said concernedly.
Long Yang darted her a look. “This small amount of weight from you won’t tire me out. Don’t worry.”
Lu Liangwei hugged him around the neck and said with a bright smile, “Since Your Majesty is full of stamina and strength, you should move more quickly. It’s getting dark and you’re being a slowpoke.”
Long Yang, “…”
By the time the ritual was over, the sky had turned completely dark.
His Majesty had prepared a palace banquet for all his officials in conjunction with today’s Lantern Festival.
Everyone moved from the tower toward Jade Dew Hall.
The Danjue ambassadors were also invited into the Palace to celebrate the festival together.
Long Qingzhi did not bring Wanyan Zhi along during the ritual and had left him at Jade Dew Hall. Currently, Wanyan Zhi was sitting next to Wanyan Luosang in the hall.
Wanyan Zhi had a deep fear for Wanyan Jin, but that feeling did not extend to Wanyan Luosang. In fact, the boy felt rather close to her.
Wanyan Luosang was whispering something to him and he was taking in every word earnestly.
By the end of their conversation, Wanyan Luosang rubbed his little head and complimented, “I always knew that Zhi’er is the most obedient boy. Wait till I get back to Danjue, I will get someone to send your father’s favorite horse back to Great Shang.”
Wanyan Zhi nodded obediently and nodded. “Thank you, Grandaunt.”