Xiao Lanjue, full after eating and drinking, got up and intended to leave.
Today was indeed a good day to go out. He had eaten his fill and watched the show. Today was worthwhile.
Well, he should be able to leave now. Staying here any longer would be inappropriate.
At this moment, Bei Chenye reappeared. He seemed to have something to say, but because Xiao Lanjue was present, he spoke something into Xuanyuan Heng’s ear with a wary look in his eyes.
Xuanyuan Heng’s expression was already grim, and after hearing what Bei Chenye said, it became even more so.
“Your Highness, these are what this subordinate has investigated.”
Xiao Lanjue, who had been standing aside and had no interest in what was happening, suddenly became curious as he watched everything unfold. He couldn’t help but interject, “Xuanyuan Heng, what are you talking about? May I listen in a little?”
“Do your own work. It’s best to listen and see less of what doesn’t concern you.”
Xiao Lanjue: “……”
Feng Ran, who had been lying on the bed, woke up and went out, only to see Xuanyuan Heng and Xiao Lanjue.
She instinctively wanted to retreat, thinking that perhaps if she moved slowly and lightly, no one would notice her presence.
But she was perhaps too naive. Both of them possessed top-tier martial arts skills. While many might desire to defeat them, none could match their prowess.
Naturally, they were acutely aware of their surroundings.
“Feng Ran, since you are awake, please come over.”
After a long wait, the person still did not appear.
Xuanyuan Heng let out a cold snort, “Do I have to personally invite you to be willing?”
Feng Ran’s whole body trembled, filled with fear.
Finally, she walked out.
“Feng Ran, it’s been a while. How have you been recently?” Xiao Lanjue’s smile remained, making people feel good.
Feng Ran raised her eyes and met Xiao Lanjue’s scrutinizing gaze. She trembled all over.
Feng Ran’s face instantly turned pale. She had never imagined meeting Xiao Lanjue under such circumstances.
The words Xiao Lanjue had spoken to her in Chun Manyuan back then were still vivid in her memory. At this moment, she wished she could just hide. And what she had done to Xiao Lanjue to escape Chun Manyuan, only she and Xiao Lanjue knew.
Before meeting Xiao Lanjue, she was fine. But Xiao Lanjue’s appearance made her feel instantly unwell.
“Young Master Xiao.” She managed a pale, strained smile, “It’s been a long time. You are as elegant and graceful as ever.”
She didn’t know what else to say.
At this moment, she just wanted to escape, to get away from here.
Xiao Lanjue seemed to find it hard to believe that Feng Ran could still greet him. He had expected Feng Ran to avoid him or run away upon seeing him again.
Now, Feng Ran appeared remarkably calm, while he seemed somewhat out of place.
“A few days ago, I did go to Chun Manyuan, only to find it had already become ruins.”
“I thought, if Chun Manyuan was gone, where in this world would you find a place to stay? Yet, I never expected you to be here.”
Xiao Lanjue smiled and said, “However, it’s good that you are here. At least you don’t have to put on a pleasant face…”
The words Xiao Lanjue was about to say were cut short at this moment.
A murderous gaze fell upon him, and he suddenly realized he had said something wrong.
After a long pause, he finally spoke, “I remember I have matters to attend to in the manor, so I shall take my leave.”
As Xiao Lanjue was leaving, he returned, took the pastries from the table, and quickly said, “I’m going.”
These pastries, eaten today, would he ever have the chance to eat them again in this life?
What he said today was unintentional; he had no ill intentions. He was merely asking the questions that were on his mind. Anyone would have asked, wouldn’t they?
But he had forgotten that Xuanyuan Heng was still beside him. Such words were truly inappropriate to ask.
He supposed it would be best not to appear here for a while.
Xiao Lanjue fled as if escaping for his life.
Everything seemed to have happened, yet also as if nothing had happened.
Xuanyuan Heng, his face as dark as ever, looked at Feng Ran and said coldly, “Feng Ran, do not forget your position as the Regent’s Consort. Remember to maintain distance from those outside men.”
“Chun Manyuan is gone. Consider it all a dream, do you understand?”
Feng Ran stood still, head bowed, obediently and calmly listening to Xuanyuan Heng.
Where Xuanyuan Heng couldn’t see, a mocking smile tugged at the corner of her lips: Everything started because of him, yet she didn’t mind. And he did.
Hadn’t she become this way because he wanted it?
“Yes, I understand.” Due to her frailty, her complexion was unusually haggard.
“I… I’m not feeling well. Can I go and rest?”
Since she couldn’t leave this place, she would resign herself to staying here.
In Xuanyuan Manor, as long as she was careful and avoided trouble, it should be fine.
Naturally, she still had to plan her escape slowly and meticulously, ensuring a flawless departure.
She had escaped once and was caught. So, next time, she couldn’t be so reckless.
At this moment, she regretted her impulsiveness. Xuanyuan Heng’s supervision over her was now much stricter.
Xuanyuan Heng raised an eyebrow but took her hand and said, “Come with me for a stroll in the rear garden.”
“I… I’m not feeling well. Your Highness should have other female family members accompany you. I imagine they would be very willing.”
Xuanyuan Heng knew that Feng Ran was trying to evade and hide at this moment, but he sneered, “Is that so? Then I shall have Xiao Lanjue come over. I believe your body will recover much faster then.”
At this moment, Bei Chenye knelt before him: “Please summon Xiao Lanjue.”
Feng Ran wanted to speak and say no, but she didn’t know how to articulate it.
As Bei Chenye stood up, Feng Ran panicked. She quickly said, “No, there’s no need. There’s no need to summon Bei Chenye.”
“I’m feeling better. I can accompany Your Highness for a walk.”
Feng Ran lowered her head, her hands clenched tightly. She hated her powerlessness. She hated that she could only be led by the nose by Xuanyuan Heng.
She hated even more why Xuanyuan Heng insisted on keeping her by his side.
Xuanyuan Heng looked at the person beside him, and for some reason, he suddenly pulled her into his embrace.
Feng Ran couldn’t move.
Just as Xuanyuan Heng released her, and Feng Ran thought everything was over, Xuanyuan Heng, for some unknown reason, held her hand and said with a good mood, “Let’s go for a walk.”
Feng Ran was stunned. Even her walking steps became extremely rigid. She felt utterly unwell.
However, she had to put on a fake smile.
It wasn’t until the voices of “Consort is well” and “Your Highness is well” reached her ears that she was pulled back to reality.
These were things she had once longed for. But what about later? What was once longed for had ultimately become a joke.
And when she wanted to give up, everything happened as she wished.
Heaven truly played a colossal joke on her.
Feng Ran struggled, trying to pull her hand away, but found that Xuanyuan Heng was holding on too tightly, rendering her completely immobile.
“What’s wrong? Is it not good for me to hold your hand? Do you want me to carry you in front of everyone?”
“If that’s what you desire, it’s not impossible.”
Xuanyuan Heng said with a smile, his hand slowly reaching out, looking as if he was truly about to act.