Wangyue Tower was built by the river on the western outskirts, standing by the lake with painted beams and carved eaves, exuding an ancient charm. Patrons who came to drink tea were endless, most of them seeking its reputation.
The weather was crisp and clear, the pool a deep, clear blue, and as the wind blew, it stirred the shimmering water.
The teahouse was crowded. As the group of people stood before the entrance, they instantly became the focus of the entire establishment. The men were handsome, the women alluring, and hushed whispers reached their ears: "Who are these people?"
"Minister Jin?"
"Prince Yan?"
The moment these two names were spoken, the teahouse fell silent. These members of the royal family and nobility were not to be gossiped about. They might bring death upon themselves. Everyone quickly lowered their heads to sip their tea. Only the unmarried young ladies, from the corner of their eyes, secretly observed the people entering. There were men as beautiful as celestial beings, and men who were overbearing, arrogant, and the center of attention.
In short, these were people far beyond their reach, whom they could only dream of from afar.
Liu Liu and Dai Mei were surrounded by several men, unable to break free. They had no choice but to quietly follow them into the teahouse. Her face flickered with alternating light and shadow, her heart filled with anxiety. Her master had been struck by the Wind Evil’s palm, and she didn't know how he was.
However, she could not reveal the slightest clue. The Wind Evil was extremely vigilant. If he discovered her connection to the assassin, he would likely pursue her relentlessly. If the Liu family were implicated, it would be a great disaster.
As soon as the innkeeper saw Jin Shaoyuan and Feng Lie, he personally escorted them and their entourage to a private room on the second floor, ordering tea and refreshments to be served.
Liu Liu sat as far away from the four men as possible, leaning against the window. The wind blew in from outside, lifting her hair and revealing her small, delicate face, fair and radiant. Her large, dark eyes, like grapes, were clear and luminous, while her lips curled into a cold smile.
"Speak. What exactly do you want with me here?"
Liu Liu was not so foolish as to believe that the Emperor had brought her here simply to have tea or to thank her for saving his life.
Feng Xie's unfathomably deep dark eyes held an immense depth. His lips curved into an arc, not of amusement, but of a sharp, icy blade, piercing straight towards Liu Liu. His sinister voice rang out, "What exactly do you intend to do? Why are you using the Emperor's name to distribute porridge?"
As expected. Liu Liu laughed, not in anger, but with a bold, unrestrained, and defiant merriment.
"And what do you think we want? Because we simply cannot bear to see beggars wandering the streets, or even worse, committing acts of rebellion out of hunger. And we can save lives by distributing some porridge. Is saving lives a crime? I never thought an emperor, a famously enlightened emperor, would be so narrow-minded. It is truly disappointing!"
As soon as Liu Liu finished speaking, Feng Xie's handsome, wicked, and cold face was instantly shrouded in gloom, becoming stern and murderous. "How do you know I am the Emperor?"
"Anyone with eyes can see it, can't they? Otherwise, why would those people be assassinating you? The Minister of War, a high official, treats you with such respect and extreme caution, even calling you 'Master.' Does this not sufficiently prove your identity as Emperor? What other explanation do you need?"
Liu Liu did not miss the opportunity to mock Feng Xie. Although his fair hand was tightly gripping the teacup, wishing he could crush it, she just wanted to provoke him. Since she had been wronged in the palace, thinking this made her feel remarkably better.
"Is there anything else? If not, we shall take our leave." Liu Liu stood up, preparing to leave with Dai Mei.
Feng Xie waved his long sleeve, and a faint halo of light appeared. The wind blew through his dark hair, and his face momentarily broke into a smile that could captivate all beings.
The jade-bone fan in his hand transformed into a unique lotus and was swiftly struck towards Liu Liu. However, it stopped two inches away from her, spun, and returned to his hand. The air around them filled with the faint fragrance of jade bone.
He was warning her to behave herself. Liu Liu sat back down. She did not want to confront them directly, for he was the master, and his subordinates would not stand idly by.
And there were only the two of them. Glancing sideways, she saw Dai Mei's pretty face had turned a purplish-red. She reached out and squeezed her hand, signaling her not to make any rash moves.
"Speak. What is it?"
"Why are you using my banner to perform acts of charity?" Feng Xie did not beat around the bush. His gaze rested on Liu Liu. This young man was so calm and self-possessed when facing him.
If he truly harbored ill intentions, it would likely bring him great disaster. Therefore, as soon as he found any clue, he would spare no expense to eliminate him. His eyes suddenly turned sinister.
Liu Liu clearly detected the killing intent in his eyes and felt a flicker of nervousness, followed by increased caution. It seemed the Emperor valued his empire immensely and would not tolerate any threat.
But how many hidden dangers were there in this world? Could he eliminate them all?
"I don't care about 'acts of charity' at all. I just don't want people to starve. Haven't you heard that I've taken in many beggars?"
Liu Liu looked at Feng Xie indifferently. Her expression was serious and firm, without any trace of ulterior motives. Feng Xie couldn't help but ponder inwardly, was he perhaps making a mountain out of a molehill? Did this person genuinely have no such intentions? But he dared not be careless.
Sunlight streamed through the pink gauze curtains, casting a dazzling light that bathed Feng Xie's already handsome face in a golden hue. A red kapok flower fell from mid-air, drifting lazily.
It cast a dark red shadow, making his face appear strangely dim and bright, lost in thought. He became like a perfectly sculpted statue.
"Your Majesty, we should return."
Liu Liu spoke coldly. She had no intention of watching a statue here. She stood up and waited. Feng Xie returned to his senses and gave her a meaningful look. They would meet again. He waved his hand and ordered Jin Shaoyuan, who was beside him.
"Escort Young Master Qiye and Miss Dai Mei out."
"Yes, Master." Jin Shaoyuan responded, escorting Liu Liu and Dai Mei out of Wangyue Tower. Upstairs, Feng Xie gazed out the window. The wind howled, shadows flickered, and Feng Xie's eyes darkened.
This young man named Qiye piqued his interest. He turned to look at Ri Ying behind him and said with a sinister coldness, "Investigate Qiye's recent movements."
"Yes, your subordinate will attend to it immediately."
Ri Ying departed. Feng Lie and Nangong Yue urged the Emperor, "It's time to return to the palace, Your Majesty."
"Let's go. I have more important matters to attend to." Feng Xie thought of the beggars, who were waiting for their Empress to help them return home.
Although he couldn't understand those paintings, he still had to study them carefully. Perhaps he could find a way out. If he were to rely on the officials in court, it was likely that these beggars would have already rioted.
The group of them left Wangyue Teahouse and returned to the palace.
Liu Liu and Dai Mei circled the city several times. After confirming they were not being followed, they slipped out of the city and headed towards Shilipo outside the city.
Shilipo was lush and green, serene all around. Within this serenity, a few wisps of smoke rose, dissipating with the gentle breeze.
A graceful nunnery was hidden within this fragrance. A lake flowed before the hall, and a few precious birds with red heads and green feathers were preening their feathers. Fallen leaves swirled in the wind, landing on the water's surface and drifting downstream.