The biting words hit one after another. Luo Ying’s face was pale, her mind already numb.
Feng Lezhen turned and left. But halfway there, she seemed to remember something. She doubled back, leaned close to Luo Ying’s ear, whispered a few more words, and then left for good.
Feizhan had been waiting in the Rinuan Pavilion. When he saw her return, he stood up instinctively. “She agreed?”
“No,” Feng Lezhen replied.
Feizhan didn’t seem surprised. “She’s always worshipped Father like a god. It’s not strange that she refused. We’ll have to think of something else.”
“Why bother?” Feng Lezhen gave him a glance. “I don’t have that much time to waste on you. Just wait. She’ll come to you soon. As long as you don’t soften, she’ll definitely agree.”
Feizhan frowned slightly. Meeting her firm gaze, he fell silent for a moment before turning his face away.
As Feng Lezhen predicted, that very night, Luo Ying’s servant came by, saying that the Third Consort was gravely ill and wished to see the Third Prince. Feng Lezhen calmly continued eating her meal, allowing Feizhan’s gaze to fall silently on her.
Feizhan was silent for a moment before going alone to Ruyue Pavilion.
Before he even reached the door, he could already hear Luo Ying softly sobbing. Instinctively, Feizhan quickened his pace. The moment he entered the room, he was met with Luo Ying’s reddened eyes, and his heart tightened. “Mother.”
“My son!” Luo Ying clung to him like she’d just found her anchor, choking back sobs as she threw herself into his arms.
Feizhan hurriedly caught her. “Mother, are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I just used this as an excuse to call you here,” Luo Ying admitted frankly. “Feizhan, do you know about Ah Tao visiting me today?”
Feizhan said nothing.
Seeing his reaction, Luo Ying’s heart began to sink. “Then… what she said about you planning a rebellion… that’s true too?”
“It’s not rebellion,” Feizhan explained. “I’m not trying to revolt. I just want to contend with Feishi for the position of heir.”
“Why must you fight for it!” Luo Ying suddenly became agitated, shaking off his hand and backing away several steps. “Wouldn’t it be better to just live peacefully and safely? Why must you fight for something that doesn’t belong to you? Why must you stir up trouble?”
Feizhan’s expression remained calm. “I’m also the king’s son. Why is the heir’s position something that doesn’t belong to me?”
“Don’t you know that you…” Luo Ying cut herself off mid-sentence.
Feizhan gave a short laugh and finished it for her: “That I’m a b*stard, so I’m unworthy of the title, is that it?”
“That’s not what I meant. Feizhan, don’t overthink it. How could I think of you as a—” That word was too hard for her to utter. After a pause, Luo Ying choked out, “Son, in my heart, you’re the best child in the world. But to the people of Tayuan, you’re not. I know you want that position, but those people will never accept you. Even if you succeed, your life afterward will be full of hardship.”
She took a deep breath and, after calming down, pleaded sorrowfully, “Wouldn’t it be better to just stay by my side? Your father has already paved the way for the two of us. As long as you behave, we’ll live a life of wealth and honor for the rest of our days. Isn’t that better than becoming the Tayuan King?”
As she spoke, her tears were on the verge of falling. But remembering her daughter-in-law’s mocking gaze, she forcibly held them back, looking pleadingly at her only son.
Her son, though a bit unruly in temperament, had always been known for his filial piety. Every time she asked him for something, he never refused her. Surely, this time would be the same…
“No.” Feizhan’s voice was cold. “I must fight for it.”
“Why!” Luo Ying burst out in anger, as if betrayed by the person dearest to her.
Feizhan stared at her flushed face for a moment, then finally spoke slowly: “Because only if I ascend the throne can I ensure that my child will never be sent away as a hostage to another country.”
Luo Ying was stunned.
“Mother gave me life, and I have always been grateful,” Feizhan said. “But there were times I did envy Feishai and Feishi—not because their mothers were noble-born Tayuan women with pure bloodlines from the start, but because…” He let out a bitter laugh. “Because their mothers always placed them first, shared their worries, rejoiced in their joys.”
Luo Ying opened her mouth, but couldn’t say a word. After a long while, she finally squeezed out: “If the King wanted their sons as hostages, they wouldn’t dare refuse either…”
“Not daring to refuse is one thing. Happily sending your son away just to please your husband is another,” Feizhan said with a sigh. “Mother, why keep trying to justify yourself? Any more, and it’ll just add to the disgrace.”
Luo Ying’s tears finally fell. “W-what do you want me to do, then? Would you rather I give you back this life you gave me? In any case, as long as I’m alive, I will never allow you and your father to turn against each other!”
“If Mother is willing to help me, then there will be no conflict between Father and son. But if not…” Feizhan’s lips curved slightly, though a trace of reluctance still lingered. “If not, then so be it. I’ll think of another plan. But if Mother tells Father what happened today, then I will have to act. And if things blow up, not only will my life be forfeit, I fear you won’t be able to stay by Father’s side anymore either.”
As he spoke, he looked up at Luo Ying. “The court officials will never allow the mother of a traitor to remain in the palace. When public outrage erupts, do you think Father will defy them to keep you, or will he sacrifice you to preserve peace in the court?”
If Feng Lezhen’s visit earlier that day had exposed Luo Ying’s hypocrisy and unfitness as a mother, then Feizhan’s visit that night had laid bare her so-called deep marital love for what it truly was: a one-woman show. From beginning to end, the Tayuan King had only ever cared about his kingdom.
Luo Ying felt dazed and numb. At this point, she no longer knew whether Feizhan or Feng Lezhen was crueler. Feizhan looked at her expression, sighed softly to himself, and finally left.
“We’ll need a new plan. This one really won’t work.” Upon returning to the Rinuan Pavilion, Feizhan told Feng Lezhen.
But Feng Lezhen was calm. “Not necessarily. Stay close to the Tayuan King for the next few days. Let everyone believe he’s planning to promote you.”
Feizhan tugged the corner of his lips but didn’t speak.
Though he felt this plan would fail, he still carried out Feng Lezhen’s instructions diligently. The Tayuan palace was small, and no movement could go unnoticed. After days of lying low, the Second Consort and Feishi suddenly realized they had fallen for Feizhan’s trap.
But it was already too late to say anything. The best time to clarify had passed. To bring it up again now would only make people think they were trying to pin blame elsewhere. The Second Consort was so furious she nearly ground her teeth to dust, wishing she could tear Feizhan limb from limb. Feishi, more direct, intercepted Feizhan that very night on the road he would take back to the Rinuan Pavilion.
“Second Brother?” Feizhan looked surprised. “What are you doing here?”
Feishi looked darkly at the younger brother he had been so close to just days ago—so close they could have shared a pair of pants: “Third Brother, you’ve been riding quite the wave of success lately, haven’t you?”
“How could that be? I’ve merely been following Second Brother’s instructions, doing my utmost to assist Father each day,” Feizhan replied politely.
Feishi laughed. “Third Brother is no longer the same as before. Who am I to give you instructions now?”
“Second Brother, that’s too harsh. You’re my elder brother—it’s only right that you direct me,” Feizhan said, glancing around before lowering his voice. “But Second Brother, you really were too careless this time. Got yourself caught up in such a mess that not even scrubbing can clean it off. Next time, think twice before acting on impulse.”
Though Feishi was second in rank among the brothers, he often took on the role of the eldest due to the real eldest being frivolous. He loved lecturing his siblings. When he used to get along well with Feizhan, his favorite scolding words were “careless,” “reckless,” and “impulsive.” Who would’ve thought—in just a few short days, Feizhan had turned into the one doing the lecturing?
“You don’t actually think just because Father’s ignored me for a few days, you can take my place, do you?” Feishi ground his teeth, mouth filled with the taste of blood. After a long pause, he sneered, “Attempting to murder a prince is a serious crime, yet all Father did was tell me to lie low for a few days. Why? Isn’t it because I’m still the only one truly qualified to be heir?”
“Well then… congratulations, Second Brother?” Feizhan tilted his head innocently.
After spending ten years in the Great Qian royal palace, Feizhan had perfected the art of feigning innocence while irritating others. As expected, that expression immediately enraged Feishi: “You b*stard—married to a Great Qian woman—and you actually think you’re worthy to compete with me for the throne?!”
Feizhan paused, then looked past him and said, “Father. Mother.”
Feishi froze and spun around—only to meet King Tayuan’s gaze. He hurriedly bowed. “Father.”
“And you still remember I’m your father?” King Tayuan had just been out walking with Luo Ying, only to overhear his own son insulting another. He trembled with rage. “Feishai is dead. No one’s fighting you for the throne. You must be pleased with yourself now, huh?”
“N-no… I wouldn’t dare…” Feishi dropped to his knees.
The more King Tayuan looked at him, the angrier he became. He raised his foot to kick him, but Luo Ying quickly stepped in to stop him. “Your Majesty! Please calm your anger…”
She was just about to say more to ease the mood, but when she turned, she saw Feizhan standing quietly in place, face expressionless. Luo Ying paused—the words of consolation caught in her throat.
Her son… had just been called a b*stard.
“It’s alright, Mother. I’m used to it,” Feizhan said slowly. “You should talk to Father—don’t let him stay angry. After all… you’re best at soothing people.”
Luo Ying felt as if her chest had been ripped open, icy wind rushing through the wound.
King Tayuan looked at his pale-faced beloved consort, then at the poor son who’d been insulted. His disgust toward the kneeling one only deepened. “Get out! Get back to your palace. Without my order, you’re not to leave again!”
Feishi, the previously favored son of King Tayuan, had never seen his father erupt like this. Stunned, he staggered to his feet and fled.
King Tayuan took a deep breath, suppressing his anger to gently console Feizhan, then turned to soothe Luo Ying. Feizhan watched his parents’ tender moment. After a quiet pause, he made an excuse to leave.
Because of this delay, night had fully fallen. He walked alone through the dim, silent palace paths—endless ahead and behind. At some point, he stopped walking, unsure of where to go next.
Alone, between heaven and earth.
Feizhan wondered if he’d lost his mind. Why else would his legs feel heavy as lead, refusing to move? He stood there by himself, a growing sense of despair rooting him to the spot—as if he might rot into the stone beneath his feet.
The hopelessness spread like nightfall, seeping into every crevice, slowly consuming him. Just as he let his eyes fall shut, ready to surrender to the darkness, a clear, bright voice suddenly rang out—
“What are you standing around like a fool for?”
Feizhan snapped his eyes open. Down the dim palace path stood Feng Lezhen, dressed in gentle Great Qian robes, holding a lantern, smiling softly at him.
In an instant, he felt like a drowning man who had finally reached shore—his feet touched ground, and he could breathe again.
“Gone dumb?” she asked with a teasing arch of her brow.
Feizhan looked at her for a long moment, then finally smiled. “Naturally, I was waiting for Your Highness to come fetch me.”
With that, he held out his hand to her.
Feng Lezhen gave a soft snort but still stepped forward, placing her hand reluctantly in his. Feizhan clasped her fingers tightly, and with that touch, the heaviness in his legs disappeared. He walked easily toward Rinuan Pavilion, fingers entwined with hers.
“I ran into Feishi just now,” he said.
Feng Lezhen asked, “He came looking for you?”
“Mhm. He insulted me,” Feizhan replied.
“Then you really are pitiful,” she said.
“I thought so too at first,” Feizhan said, “but Father and Mother just happened to be passing by and got angry on my behalf.” He took the lantern from her hand.
“Well, that’s lucky,” said Feng Lezhen.
“Very lucky. I’d just been scolded when they arrived.” Feizhan stopped walking, smiling faintly as he looked at her.
Feng Lezhen smiled back. “You’re welcome.”
Then she walked on ahead.
Feizhan stared at her back for a moment before striding to catch up. “How did you manage that?”
“Was it that hard? King Tayuan’s been in a bad mood lately, and he takes a walk with your mother every day around this time. I noticed you weren’t back yet, so I sent someone to look for you. Just happened to see Feishi making trouble, so I made a few arrangements to redirect King Tayuan and your mother along that path…”
Before she could finish, Feizhan suddenly dropped the lantern. She paused, about to ask what kind of crazy mood he was in again, when he pulled her firmly into his arms.
“What now?” Feng Lezhen couldn’t be bothered to push him away and asked casually.
Feizhan said nothing. He simply held her in silence. The lantern that had fallen to the ground was already burning a small hole, slowly turning into a ball of flame. By the time Feizhan let her go, the candle had gone out, and the once beautiful lantern was reduced to a charred frame, lying lonesome at their feet.
“I was kind enough to come pick you up, and this is how you repay me?” Feng Lezhen asked, looking at the blackened lantern skeleton.
Feizhan chuckled and bent to pick it up. “I’ll keep it carefully, how about I enshrine and worship it every day from now on?”
“Forget it. I can’t bear your worship.” Seeing he was back to his usual self, Feng Lezhen turned and headed toward Rinuan Pavilion.
Feizhan followed behind at a leisurely pace, the burned lantern still dangling in his hand.
Inside the Ruyue Pavilion, lantern shadows flickered faintly.
After calling Luo Ying three times without a response, King Tayuan sighed, “Third Consort.”
“…Mm,” Luo Ying realized her lapse and lowered her head awkwardly. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I wasn’t feeling well today and neglected you.”
“I don’t think it’s your body that’s unwell—it’s your heart.” King Tayuan sighed again. “I know, you’re hurting for the third prince. Don’t worry, I’ll punish Old Two harshly. I won’t let him dare humiliate his brother like that again.”
“Feizhan’s bloodline was never pure to begin with. What the second prince said wasn’t false—it wasn’t meant to humiliate him. Your Majesty, you should let it go,” Luo Ying said, head still bowed.
King Tayuan smiled faintly at her words and pulled her into his arms. “I knew you were thoughtful, Ah Ying. You wouldn’t deliberately make things hard for me. I’ll make it up to Feizhan, I promise. I won’t let you or him suffer any loss.”
If it had been before, such sweet, conciliatory words would have earned a smile and agreement from Luo Ying. But today, for some reason, she kept recalling the sight of Feizhan standing alone at the end of the alley, thinking of the things he had said recently… and what her daughter-in-law had said.
King Tayuan, not receiving the gentle affection he’d expected, paused and looked into her worried eyes. He coaxed her again, softly, “Don’t be upset. As long as I live, I won’t let anyone bully you two.”
But you’re already over sixty… how many days do you have left? The thought sprang unbidden to Luo Ying’s mind, and it shocked her. Yet she couldn’t stop herself from thinking deeper—
King Tayuan spoke so confidently of making arrangements, of ensuring no injustice fell upon them. But if even now—while he’s still alive—the second prince dares to humiliate Feizhan like this… what will become of them if the second prince inherits the throne?
Luo Ying had always been dutiful and reserved. This was the first time such thoughts occurred to her, and they left her cold with sweat. When she looked at King Tayuan again, she found her former trust wavering.
“What’s wrong?” King Tayuan asked gently.
Luo Ying forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking how hard things have been for Your Majesty these years—trying to balance the harem and watch over the court, every day walking on thin ice. And now, you have to deal with the disputes between your sons too. It must be exhausting.”
“How could it be hard, with you by my side?” King Tayuan looked at her delicate features with deep emotion. “Over the years, all the other women cared only about their own children or families, never about my feelings. Only you, Ah Ying, saw me as a god—devoted to me, unwavering till death. Every time I visit you, my heart feels at ease.”
“Yes… the other women only thought of their own children. And I—always thought of you,” Luo Ying lowered her gaze, dazed and dispirited, walking over to the table and picking up the teapot. “But I wonder… does Your Majesty ever think of us the way I think of you?”
“Of course I do. Why else would I be planning to pass the throne to the second prince soon, so I can take you and Feizhan to live peacefully beyond the borders?” King Tayuan looked at her aging back, eyes full of affection. “Let Feizhan give us more grandchildren. We won’t need to worry about anything—just enjoy the joy of family.”
Luo Ying gave a bitter smile. “But it seems Feizhan doesn’t want that kind of life.”
“What kind of life does he want, then?” King Tayuan frowned. “He may be a prince, but… retreating from court life with me is already the best outcome he could hope for.”
“…So that’s how Your Majesty sees it.” Luo Ying responded softly, her hand trembling slightly as she pulled a packet of medicine from her sleeve.
