The Emperor was naturally displeased by Feng Ran's questioning. However, he had long since mastered the art of concealing his emotions, so he maintained his composure in the face of Feng Ran's words.
The Emperor's demeanor struck such fear into those around him that they dared not even breathe.
They even averted their gazes, lest they be caught in the crossfire.
Everyone's complexion was exceedingly grim, save for Xuan Yuanheng, whose face was wreathed in smiles as he observed Feng Ran.
He had, in fact, underestimated Feng Ran, believing she would not dare to utter such words.
Xuan Yuanheng's hand rested on his wine goblet, a smile playing on his lips as he regarded Feng Ran. Indeed, this woman seemed even more intriguing.
Between the Emperor and himself, a normal person would surely curry favor with the Emperor.
It was utterly unexpected that Feng Ran would choose to appease a mere prince like him, rather than the Emperor.
The Emperor burst into laughter and, gazing at the person kneeling on the ground, said with chilling indifference, "I thought the eldest daughter of the Feng family had long since perished. It appears she is still alive."
"Perhaps, at that time, the entire Feng family was executed, and Feng Ran, by virtue of being Xuan Yuan's consort, was spared death."
"All these people, I believed Feng Ran was dead, yet she lives."
"Not only does she live, but she appears before me. It seems the affairs of this realm are not entirely within my purview."
The Emperor's bloodthirsty gaze fell upon Feng Ran, and he spoke coldly, "Feng Ran, are you not afraid that I will kill you? After all, no one has ever dared to show such blatant disrespect to me. You are the first."
"Now that you are no longer the Regent's consort, it would be an exceedingly simple matter for me to end your life."
"Feng Ran, who emboldened you to utter such treasonous words in my presence?"
Treasonous?
Feng Ran smiled, a smile that evoked a pang of sorrow.
Such treasonous words?
Was she not afraid of being killed?
Afraid?
Death was a universal fear. Yet, even if she remained silent and passive, her life was not guaranteed.
She seemed to have let go of all restraint, letting out a cold scoff. "Your Majesty, the Regent promised to spare my life. If Your Majesty intends to take my life, what will the Regent say?"
Feng Ran's words stunned everyone. Their eyes widened as they stared at her, cold sweat beading on their brows. They watched her, bewildered by her audacious utterance.
If she sought death, so be it. But why must she drag them into her predicament?
The Emperor glared at Feng Ran, a surge of rage compelling him to wish her torn limb from limb.
Here, before so many witnesses, Feng Ran had utterly disgraced him.
The Emperor's expression contorted with displeasure, but ultimately, he merely smiled and turned to Xuan Yuanheng, saying, "Regent, this person was brought by you. Henceforth, you must discipline her well and teach her how to speak."
"Such discourse is likely to offend many."
Feng Ran gazed at the Emperor in astonishment. She had expected him to fly into a rage and have her executed. But gradually, she realized her assumptions had been overly dramatic.
Even in the Emperor's presence, he treated Xuan Yuanheng with such deference.
The Emperor's face was wreathed in smiles, and he dared not raise his voice to Xuan Yuanheng.
Feng Ran's smile was tinged with a profound sadness.
Xuan Yuanheng had inflicted such suffering upon her, and she had constantly avoided him, hating him with all her heart.
Yet, how ironic it was that, at this very moment, it was Xuan Yuanheng who had preserved her life.
It was due to Xuan Yuanheng that the Emperor did not strike her down.
The Emperor frowned at Feng Ran's laughter.
The Emperor had not forgotten the purpose of the banquet. He turned to Xuan Yuanheng and calmly stated, "Regent, the position of Regent's consort has remained vacant for too long, which is not ideal. After all, the Xuan Yuan residence requires someone to manage its affairs."
The ladies present stirred with anticipation. Each one harbored the hope that such an advantageous opportunity would fall to her.
They began to clear their throats subtly, preening themselves, eager to showcase their best attributes in hopes of catching the Regent's eye. They were here with the sole intention of pleasing the Regent.
Xuan Yuanheng offered no immediate reply, merely smiling, his laughter sending a shiver down one's spine.
Feng Ran observed this, already comprehending its implications.
She remained silent, her gaze fixed on Xuan Yuanheng, then flickered to the 'honorable daughters' who were assiduously adorning themselves. Suddenly, she found it rather amusing.
These young ladies, who usually carried themselves with such lofty airs, were now engaged in actions that were truly laughable. They behaved much like the women in a pleasure house, seeking to entice their patrons.
It seemed their esteemed titles were merely a veneer.
Xuan Yuanheng's gaze returned to Feng Ran. He raised his wine goblet, draining its contents in a single gulp. He chuckled softly, "This matter, I fear, is beyond my purview to decide."
The Emperor understood that Xuan Yuanheng was unwilling. He had specifically organized this banquet today, hoping that Xuan Yuanheng, faced with the present circumstances, would show some restraint and not refuse him outright.
However, he had overestimated his own authority. Xuan Yuanheng harbored no fear of him.
The Emperor found his pride somewhat wounded.
With a sigh of resignation, he let out a breath.
Feng Ran's heart sank as she met Xuan Yuanheng's beaming countenance. She found herself questioning why such a fate had befallen her.
She desperately wished to flee.
Xuan Yuanheng's intentions were abundantly clear. He was using her as a human shield.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Xuan Yuanheng silenced her with a sharp look.
The Emperor's face darkened to an extreme degree. He descended from his high seat, approaching step by step.
Feng Ran recoiled instinctively, almost convinced that her end was nigh.
Feng Ran was terrified, her body trembling uncontrollably. Despite her fear, she did not flee.
At that very moment, Xuan Yuanheng materialized behind her, drawing her into his embrace. He swept her back to her seat, his gaze lingering on Feng Ran, and chuckled, "The position of Xuan Yuan's consort will remain Feng Ran's."
The Emperor's brows furrowed. Xuan Yuanheng's declaration was entirely unacceptable to him.
He had only yesterday considered arranging a companion for Xuan Yuanheng. Upon further reflection, he had concluded that a consort for Xuan Yuanheng would be the most fitting solution.
When he saw Xuan Yuanheng bring Feng Ran with him, he had felt an ominous premonition.
However, he had kept his misgivings to himself.
He had assumed that even if Xuan Yuanheng brought Feng Ran, he would not act recklessly.
But he soon realized that bringing Feng Ran was intended to thwart his plan. It appeared Xuan Yuanheng had been aware of his scheme from the very beginning.
The thought sent a fresh wave of grimness across the Emperor's face.
There must be informants within the palace. Otherwise, how could Xuan Yuanheng have devised a countermeasure and brought Feng Ran today, when the decision was only made yesterday?