Chapter 146 Encountering the Fierce Wind Again

Chapter 146 Encountering the Fierce Wind Again

With the Emperor's departure, the birthday banquet officially came to an end.

But it also planted a seed of doubt in everyone's heart.

Xie Yu was the prince with the greatest potential for change, even though his power was inferior to that of Prince Jing and the Fifth Prince.

However, he had the emperor's favoritism, and Consort Wei was enjoying great favor.

The other princes could only look on in awe.

Was His Majesty's statement a drunken jest, or a genuine expression of his true feelings?

Until the crown prince is announced, everything is unknown.

Everyone left the Hall of Harmony with their own thoughts.

Shen Nanzi kept observing Xie Yan, whose expression seemed unchanged.

Even if he only heard the last words the emperor said.

It was getting dark outside, and a breeze had picked up.

On the lake in front of the Hall of Harmony, the lotus leaves were turned over by the wind, revealing the white base underneath.

Shen Nanzi felt the air was getting a bit chilly and was worried that Cheng'er might get sick.

She knelt down and looked him in the eye: "Mother, hug Cheng'er."

Cheng'er shook his head, "I'm seven years old, I don't need my mother to carry me, Cheng'er can walk by himself."

As he spoke, he started to jump down the steps, but halfway down, Xie Yan scooped him up and held him in his arms.

Xie Chengze turned to look at Shen Nanzi. The child, who had been neglected all along, suddenly received her father's love, and her face was filled with fear.

Shen Nanzi nodded, reassuring him.

Regardless of whether Xie Yan is real or not, let Xie Chengze have some fatherly love for the time being.

Before long, their fates may be completely reversed.

Shen Nanzi watched as Xie Yan carried Xie Chengze down the steps.

His eyes were filled with silence.

Looking back into the hall, he didn't see Xie Yu.

They are now doing their best to avoid suspicion, not even exchanging a glance.

Xie Yan's words echoed in her ears.

Shen Nanzi didn't dare to think about it further and followed them down the steps.

Xie Yan used his wide sleeves to protect Cheng'er's body and walked steadily toward the stone bridge.

On the stone bridge were the others who had left the birthday banquet.

Shen Nanzi spotted a familiar figure among the crowd. He was wearing black armor, holding a sword, and walking towards her.

His face was as cold and hard as iron, his eyes extremely calm, yet terrifyingly so, like a knife that had licked human blood, carrying a desolate aura.

Two rows of guards followed behind him, clearly indicating that they had come with a mission.

As he approached step by step, Shen Nanzi stared at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

It had only been a short time since I last saw him, but he seemed to have become more somber, more like a general, exuding the oppressive aura of a superior.

He saw them, stopped, and bowed to Xie Yan, saying, "Prince Jing!"

Xie Yan glanced at him. "General Lie, are you going to see the Emperor?"

Lie Feng's eyes flickered slightly, and he lowered his eyelids. "Yes."

Xie Yan said nothing more and carried Cheng'er off the bridge.

The two passed each other. Shen Nanzi turned her head to look at him. She still didn't believe that he was the one who did it, but the result was not reversed.

This felt like a hole had been dug in Shen Nanzi's heart; she should hate him, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

My heart is filled with sadness and confusion.

Nearly twenty years of living and working together, but now everything has changed.

"A fierce wind!" Xie Chengze suddenly exclaimed, his voice filled with the excitement and surprise of a child, pure and sincere.

Lie Feng's body trembled, and he paused for a moment. At that moment, Shen Nanzi thought he would turn around and look at her.

But he only paused for a moment before picking up his feet again and moving forward without hesitation.

The guards behind him walked with heavy footsteps, their footsteps causing a slight vibration on the bridge.

They quickly walked down the stone bridge.

Watching Lie Feng's departing figure, Xie Chengze said with some grievance, "Mother, why is Lie Feng ignoring Cheng'er? Didn't he hear me?"

Shen Nanzi didn't want Xie Chengze to feel bad. He didn't understand that people and things in this world could change at any time.

He had deep feelings for Lie Feng, and he was heartbroken for a long time after Lie Feng left.

He gradually accepted it after realizing that Lie Feng left for a better reason.

Shen Nanzi comforted him, saying, "Liefeng is now a general and is very busy with military affairs. The wind is strong on the bridge, so it must have blown it away."

Xie Chengze looked disappointed. "Next time, Cheng'er will definitely shout louder."

“Mm!” Shen Nanzi responded with a smile.

"The wind is so fierce!" Xie Chengze exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he watched his retreating figure. "Has he finally become a general?"

Xie Yan suddenly asked, "You like the general?"

Cheng'er still harbored resentment towards Xie Yan and did not answer, but the expression on his face already conveyed the answer.

Seeing that Cheng'er ignored him, Xie Yan didn't speak again.

He wanted to tell Cheng'er that he had worn armor, been on the battlefield, and beheaded enemies.

A bitter feeling welled up inside him; he was even jealous of Lie Feng's place in Cheng'er's heart.

The wind ruffled the hair at the temples of several people, carrying the fresh scent of lotus leaves from the lake.

Shen Nanzi thought to herself, "In such a short time, he has been promoted to the rank of general."

While recommendations from others are certainly necessary, there must also be solid achievements.

Since he didn't go out to fight, he must have received some secret order that no one else dared to take, the kind of order where he risked his life.

Thinking of this, Shen Nanzi could only console herself that everyone has their own ambitions.

…

Harmony Hall.

Consort Wei helped the Emperor to the bedside and watched him fall asleep. Then she asked Xie Yu to look after him and go to see her mother off.

In the side hall, Old Madam Wang was about to leave when Consort Wei entered. She had something to say to Consort Wei, so she asked the others to wait outside.

She pulled Consort Wei aside and whispered, "Whether His Majesty's words are true or false, others may not know, but you should know best in your heart."

Consort Wei didn't really understand why the Emperor seemed to treat her and her son so well.

However, she felt that the Emperor simply thought she was the most agreeable, had few problems, and a good temper, so coming to her was not a hassle.

She really couldn't see anything else.

Madam Wang added, "If Yu'er has someone in his heart, don't force him."

"What was his personality like before? His sudden willingness to compete for the throne is probably related to that Princess Jing."

Even though Consort Wei was unwilling to admit it, she had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on.

Madam Wang said, "You've been through this before. When it comes to matters of the heart, the more you resist, the more entangled you become."

"If you support him, things might not be as warm anymore. Just go along with his wishes and wait until that day comes before you fill the gaps with what you like."

Madam Wang gave a few more instructions before leaving.

After seeing her mother off, Consort Wei turned to return to her chambers and saw Xie Yu coming out.

He then asked in a low voice, "Is your father fast asleep?"

Xie Yu pulled Consort Wei away for a while, and the palace servants who were serving inside also came out.

When Consort Wei saw this commotion, she knew that there was something urgent to report.

"Yes, General Lie has an urgent military report."

Consort Wei nodded.

Inside the palace, the emperor lay on his bed, rubbing his forehead as if he had a headache, propping himself up on one side.

"Speak! What is it?"

Lie Feng knelt on one knee, took out a letter from his bosom, and handed it to the Emperor.

The emperor looked at the seal mark on it, struggled to sit up, and opened it to take a look.

As he read through the text word by word, his already pale face turned even more sallow.

There was no anger in his eyes, but rather a hint of mockery and joy.

Lie Feng knelt on one knee, and could see the emperor's expression out of the corner of his eye.

His expression remained unchanged, as silent as an ancient tree.

"Grand Commandant Shen is truly audacious, daring to hide troops right under my nose."

"Lie Feng, not bad, as expected of my fierce general, you can investigate so thoroughly."

Lie Feng lowered his head, "This is my duty."

A smile flashed across the Emperor's face as he handed the letter to him. "Give this message to the Fifth Prince and let him handle it on my behalf."

"Yes." Lie Feng took the letter.

The Emperor added, "Tell him that if this matter is handled well, he will surely get what he wants!"

Lie Feng's body trembled almost imperceptibly, then he stood up and said, "This subordinate obeys the order."