"I don't know what you're talking about?"
"I don't know anything about these things you're mentioning."
"Who is Lan Xian? I don't know either. I hope the Regent speaks with caution," Feng Ran said with a calm expression.
However, as she spoke these words, her hands clenched tightly, her lips were bitten, and her face turned pale.
Feng Ran smiled self-deprecatingly, finding it unbelievable that such heartless words were actually coming from her.
Yet, she understood better than anyone.
She could not have any connection with Lan Xian, not even show the slightest concern for her.
She knew very well that if Xuanyuan Heng found out, Lan Xian's days would become very difficult.
In fact, she understood better than anyone that only by saying these words could she protect Lan Xian and keep her out of danger.
Upon hearing Lan Xian's words, Xuanyuan Heng showed no surprise, as if he had expected them.
Xuanyuan Heng scoffed and said coldly, "Feng Ran, do you think that by saying this, this King will believe you?"
"Feng Ran, you're saying this only to protect Lan Xian. You're afraid, afraid that this King will harm Lan Xian."
"After all, she is your close friend."
"And you now know your ill omen has been revealed. You don't want to burden Lan Xian anymore, do you?"
"However, Feng Ran, you seem to underestimate this King too much. Do you know how this King has reached this point?"
"If this King cannot see through such petty tricks of yours, then how do you think this King has secured this position?"
At this, Feng Ran's heart skipped a beat. Her brow furrowed, and a bad premonition began to surface.
She watched Xuanyuan Heng warily and asked cautiously, "Regent, you said all that just to humiliate me, is that right?"
"Do you know why this King brought you to the Lan family today?" Xuanyuan Heng said coldly, his eyes emanating a more terrifying gleam.
A bad premonition rose within Feng Ran. She earnestly recalled that Xuanyuan Heng had been repeatedly bringing up Lan Xian's name. Thus, today's events must be related to Lan Xian.
"What is the purpose of going to the Lan family today?" Feng Ran's heart clenched inexplicably. She even wondered what would happen if something truly went wrong.
Could Lan Xian be in danger?
Feng Ran's heart was filled with unease.
"Today's event is ostensibly a banquet hosted by the Lan family, but in reality, it's a plan to marry off Lan Xian."
Marry her off?
The more Feng Ran listened, the more she felt that things were not as simple as they appeared.
"Marry her off?"
If things were as straightforward as Xuanyuan Heng made them out to be, he wouldn't have mentioned it to her, and the Lan family wouldn't have invited Xuanyuan Heng.
Could it be about a marriage alliance with the outer regions?
When she was still the eldest young lady of the Feng family, she had seen such things countless times. As the cherished eldest young lady of the Feng family, such a fate would naturally not befall her.
However, for some concubines' daughters in noble houses, or some officials, willing to trade their daughters for wealth and status, they would naturally be amenable.
Yet, those with even a little power and influence would not marry their daughters to the border regions. That place was unbearable, and its people were extremely savage.
She had heard many accounts that women married off to the border regions did not live long.
They were said to have been tortured to death.
Feng Ran, however, paid no mind to such matters, as they would never happen to her.
But now, it was happening to Lan Xian, and how could she accept that?
Most importantly, this matter had arisen because of her. It was because of her that Lan Xian now faced such a fate.
Feng Ran stood frozen, unsure what to say for a moment.
Perhaps, she was stunned and didn't know how to respond.
Xuanyuan Heng did not continue to discuss Lan Xian's situation. Instead, he said coldly, "Whether you go or not, you decide for yourself. This King will not force you."
"Naturally, as long as you can reconcile with it in your heart."
Feng Ran bit her lip tightly. After a long period of hesitation and much thought, she finally agreed to go. Because this matter had originated with her, she felt she should be there to see Lan Xian and repay whatever she owed Lan Xian, if it were possible.
At this moment, Feng Ran said nothing, allowing them to do as they pleased.
Xuanyuan Heng sat by the side, calmly watching Feng Ran.
Faced with Feng Ran, who seemed to have lost all vitality and desire for life, Xuanyuan Heng felt inexplicably agitated.
Looking at the dressed-up Feng Ran, Xuanyuan Heng was reminded of the once dignified eldest young lady of the Feng family. At this moment, Feng Ran seemed to have returned to her past self.
Feng Ran sat in the carriage. Throughout the journey, she was remarkably quiet.
If it weren't for her breathing, Xuanyuan Heng might have felt as though there was no one beside him.
Xuanyuan Heng's hand reached for Feng Ran's and clasped it tightly. Feng Ran tried to pull her hand away, but Xuanyuan Heng held it fast.
Finally, Feng Ran gave up struggling.
Seeing this, Xuanyuan Heng smiled with satisfaction, while he continued to toy with Feng Ran's hand.
They arrived at the Lan family.
Xuanyuan Heng alighted from the carriage first. Feng Ran, however, remained inside for a long time. Upon hearing the servant announce the Lan family, she trembled all over, her face deathly pale.
Xuanyuan Heng stood by the carriage and pulled back the curtain. "Come down."
Feng Ran finally stepped out of the carriage with resignation.
Xuanyuan Heng took her hand and, under everyone's gaze, walked into the Lan family.
As all eyes fell upon her, she felt a surge of desire to retreat. But at this moment, Xuanyuan Heng gave her no opportunity, instead holding her tightly and pulling her inside.
"Afraid?" Xuanyuan Heng's indifferent voice rang out. "Are you already scared now?"
"Feng Ran, the real show is yet to come. It's not good to back down before it's even begun."
"However, since we are already here, this King will certainly not give you a chance to retreat."
"Feng Ran, you must remember every word this King says."
"Feng Ran, if you don't go in, Lan Xian will only suffer more. Do you believe that?"
Feng Ran hesitated, her eyes widening as she looked at Xuanyuan Heng, even with a look of disbelief.
Feng Ran, do you believe it?
Yes, she certainly believed it.
Xuanyuan Heng's words were like a death knell, making Feng Ran dare not say anything more, and she could only follow obediently.
"Feng Ran, remember, once you go in, don't do anything that embarrasses this King."
"If this King is embarrassed, then I will destroy those people you care about."
"Feng Ran, remember, your current identity is Princess Consort Xuanyuan. If you do something embarrassing, will it be you who is embarrassed? Or will it be this King?"
Feng Ran shivered upon hearing Xuanyuan Heng's words. These warnings made her afraid to even breathe heavily, for fear of accidentally provoking his ire.
"Feng Ran, what's wrong? Afraid to see Lan Xian? Worried Lan Xian will blame you?"
"Even, you don't know how to face Lan Xian?"
He said, "Feng Ran, when you did those things back then, you should have thought about the consequences."
"Is it not too late to be afraid and worried now?"
Xuanyuan Heng pinched her chin and said coldly, "However, seeing you like this now, this King feels that all of this is your own doing and the punishment you deserve."