Feng Xie watched the agitated and furious Qi Ye before him, unexpectedly finding the renowned aloof and malevolent Qi Ye to be so deeply loyal.
For an adopted younger brother, he dismissed twenty million taels of tea as nothing, even willing to abandon the Seven Star Tower. It seemed his desire for that child would be difficult to fulfill, though it did not extinguish his intent.
"Believe me, he will be better off with me. I will cultivate him. If he stays with you, he will merely be a nobody in the martial world. But with me, he will be a member of the royal family, destined for power and prosperity, lacking nothing. Which do you think he will choose?"
He couldn't believe anyone would abandon the esteemed royal family for the humble Seven Star Tower. Therefore, his offer was incredibly enticing, and he even assured them the Seven Star Tower could continue its operations.
He was also at ease. The child, firstly, would be a companion for Feng Tian's future generals and ministers. Secondly, he could serve as a hostage, controlling Qi Ye's every move. This was a strategy with mutual benefits.
"Stop. Don't you dare lay a hand on Mu Xing. I will not give Mu Xing to you. This is sheer nonsense. Besides, I know the Emperor already has an heir. If you have your own children, why would you covet another's?"
Liu Liu's pointed and aggressive question, though her face was hidden, revealed her pale, chilling skin. She bit her lip, suppressing her outburst.
Feng Xie's handsome, almond-shaped eyes fixed coldly on Liu Liu, a hint of anger coloring his lips. The private chamber was instantly filled with an icy chill.
"Since you are unwilling to send Mu Xing to the palace, then cease your operations. Otherwise, I will confiscate all your goods. If you conduct your own inventory, your losses will be less severe."
Liu Liu suddenly felt an intense loathing for this man. He had tormented her relentlessly before, and now he was no different. Feng Xie, if you are so heartless, do not blame me for making you suffer. With this thought, her eyes blazed with coldness, and she let out a chilling hum.
"If I were Emperor, I would not be foolish enough to do this. There are three reasons why I would not act this way.
First, if you confiscate the Seven Star Tower's goods, you are forcing our hand. If my memory serves me correctly, Tian Feng is currently in a period of turmoil. Many wish to collaborate with us at the Seven Star Tower. At that time, it will be your great bane.
Second, a portion of our tea is destined for Western countries. If we delay the delivery date, we will report the Emperor's disgraceful conduct to those Western nations. Then, Tian Feng's reputation will be tarnished, with their esteemed Emperor engaging in such despicable acts.
Third, if I recall correctly, I once saved the Emperor's life in Chu Jiang. Is this how the Emperor repays a life-saving benefactor? If such an event were known to the world, I believe everyone would laugh at the Emperor."
After Liu Liu finished speaking, she retreated to the side to drink tea. Feng Xie was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected this Qi Ye to be so sharp-tongued. Moreover, her words were incisive. He also recalled that he had indeed been rescued in Chu Jiang by them; this was a profound debt of gratitude.
"So it was you who saved me that day? What was his name?" Feng Xie couldn't recall the name of the physician who had treated him. Liu Liu calmly replied, "Are you referring to A Bao? I had him take you to the inn."
This time, Feng Xie's expression softened considerably from its previous icy demeanor. Liu Liu noticed his handsome features relax and knew there was hope for the tea shipment. She breathed a sigh of relief and, looking at the man opposite her, couldn't help but say a few words.
"Your Majesty, I don't understand your thinking. Why do you seek to prevent trouble before it arises whenever someone gains significant influence? Sometimes, people don't have such intentions. Acting so arbitrarily will surely lead to regret one day. At the very least, you should try to understand what others are thinking, for instance, whether they intend to usurp your power or even the throne. Sometimes, things that you, as Emperor, deem important, others might not even care about, because everyone lives in a different environment and values different things."
Liu Liu's words struck Feng Xie like thunder. He was utterly shaken, remaining motionless, with images flashing through his mind.
Indeed, like Liu'er, she had never spoken of restoring a kingdom. He should have at least asked her if she had such intentions. It turned out she didn't think that way at all, but he had already made his mistake.
As for the Seven Star Tower, he had become suspicious simply because their economy was too vibrant. In reality, this Qi Ye might not even care about the imperial family. His firm refusal to let his younger brother enter the palace indicated her aversion to excessive contact with royalty.
Then what was he worrying about? What was he anxious about? All of this stemmed from his own unfounded anxieties.
"Very well. Since you saved me once, I shall return the tea to you. However, if you ever fall into my hands in the future, do not blame me for my ruthlessness," Feng Xie warned in a deep voice. Liu Liu relaxed, realizing her eloquent persuasion had registered with Feng Xie. Excellent, there would be no further trouble. As for his threats, there was no need to worry; she had no ambition to seize the empire.
"That day will never come," Liu Liu smiled faintly. Feng Xie stared blankly, wondering who she truly was, as he always felt a sense of familiarity.
Liu Liu returned to Wan Feng Tea House and informed Feng Jiu that the tea had been secured.
Feng Jiu immediately smiled with delight. Of course, Liu Liu did not forget to mention that everything was facilitated by the Martial Alliance Leader Zhan Yun and his friend Liu Xie.
To thank Zhan Yun and his friend for their help, Feng Jiu decided to treat them to an evening of music at "Xue Xiang Lou." Liu Liu's head immediately spun.
Xue Xiang Lou was the largest brothel in Feng Yue City. It was rumored that many dignitaries and nobles would travel from the capital just to catch a glimpse of the women at Xue Xiang Lou.
Men were truly driven by their base desires. Upon hearing this, their eyes lit up. None of the men around objected, only Liu Liu shook her head coldly, indicating her reluctance to visit such a place.
Unfortunately, Feng Jiu's personality was such that he did not easily take no for an answer. His enthusiasm was as ardent as fire.
When he genuinely wished to host you, he made it impossible to refuse. Therefore, after his lengthy persuasion, Liu Liu finally surrendered, agreeing to accompany them to Xue Xiang Lou.
As the group was conversing in the main hall of the Feng residence, Lu Qing entered with several servants, his expression grim.
"Master, has something happened to the young master?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Jiu's tall frame shot up, and he anxiously asked Lu Qing, "What happened? Wasn't he fine this morning?"
"The young master was playing with young master Mu Xing just now and touched that little snake of young master Mu Xing. Then, somehow, the young master put his finger in his mouth, and thus was poisoned."
The steward finished speaking with a tremor in his voice. Feng Jiu remained silent, but Liu Liu's expression turned grim. She immediately looked to Zhi Gu by her side and said, "Quickly go and detoxify young master Feng!"
Zhi Gu's detoxification skills were always excellent; a little snake venom was a minor matter. However, the venom of the Snake King Thorn was slightly troublesome, but neutralizing it was not an issue. She nodded and said, "Yes, this subordinate will attend to it immediately."
Hearing that someone could detoxify him, Feng Jiu's expression relaxed somewhat. Seeing the anger emanating from Liu Liu, he quickly said, "Children are playful. My dear brother, please do not blame Mu Xing. He did not do it intentionally. Shall we go and take a look?"
Liu Liu did not speak. She followed behind Steward Lu towards the backyard. The backyard consisted of numerous courtyards, where Feng Jiu's concubines resided.
Feng Jiu had always treated his concubines well, granting each an independent courtyard and showering them with equal affection. Thus, despite their occasional minor squabbles, these concubines generally coexisted peacefully.
Among them, the most favored was young master Feng's mother, Madam Qi, who, having borne a son, enjoyed elevated status and was considered a significant figure within the Wan Feng Tea House.
At this moment, in the flower hall of a separate courtyard, she was weeping profusely, looking like a tear-soaked doll.
Her son was her treasure. Currently, his face was blackened and purplish as he lay on a rectangular divan, murmuring in pain. Cui'er stood by, holding Mu Xing.