Feng Yexuan remained silent, his fingertips tense.
The large palm holding his was also icy cold, devoid of any warmth.
After a long while, Granny Cui spoke, "Your Highness, please don't always speak of life and death. It's too inauspicious."
She then looked at Feng Yexuan and said gently, "Your Highness has been sleepless for days taking care of the Prince. He spoke a little out of control today, please don't mind him."
After speaking, she supported Hua Rong and whispered, "Your Highness, the Prince is intelligent and wise. He naturally knows who is genuinely good to him and who is merely using him."
"Your Highness, please don't worry. The Prince can distinguish right from wrong and knows how to walk his own path. Your Highness should go back and rest first."
Hua Rong said nothing more this time and, supported by Granny Cui, stood up.
"Mother has sent Liujin to take care of you. Mother won't disturb your rest. We'll discuss everything tomorrow."
After Hua Rong left, Liujin arrived, intending to take Feng Yexuan's pulse.
Feng Yexuan, however, said, "No need. Have Leng Ji come."
Leng Ji arrived quickly.
Feng Yexuan asked in a cold voice, "What is the situation outside now?"
Leng Ji immediately recounted the important events of the past few days.
Wen Ni, Granny of Murong Yu, attempted to assassinate the Madam and was killed in the back mountain.
Long Xinghe requested marriage from the Emperor and yesterday left the imperial city with Feng Wuya and Murong Yu, heading towards Tengbei.
After Chu Qianli was declared a sinner of Long Teng, she did not go to Feng Qihe's place but was soon re-appointed as Prince Li and reappeared.
However, she was suspected of attempting to assassinate Princess Feiyan and was placed under house arrest in Yuhua Palace by Chu Minghao.
There was also a rumor that Chu Qianli voluntarily remained in Yuhua Palace to keep Prince Hao company.
As he spoke of this, every nerve in Leng Ji's body was taut, fearing he might anger the Prince.
But the Prince remained expressionless, his calm, watery face showing no ripple of emotion.
No one knew what he was thinking.
Had Chu Qianli's matters been… put behind them?
No one dared to ask.
Leng Ji remained silent for a moment before continuing his report, "There is news that the Heaven and Earth Lock has appeared in the Southern Ming imperial city."
Feng Yexuan's eyes finally showed a slight change.
Seeing this, Leng Ji quickly added, "But we don't know if the news is true or false. However, all factions are now coveting the Heaven and Earth Lock, and the Madam... I'm afraid she is determined to obtain it."
Liujin touched his nose and asked, "Did the Madam not mention the Heaven and Earth Lock to Your Highness today?"
Feng Yexuan did not speak, but from his cold, resolute face and unperturbed gaze, it was clear the Madam had indeed not mentioned it tonight.
"Perhaps the Madam feared that Your Highness was still too weak after just waking up and didn't want to tell you for now. However, if not tonight, the Madam will definitely bring it up tomorrow."
"Yes, Your Highness. As for King He, there are rumors that he sent an invitation to Princess Feiyan today and will likely visit her personally tomorrow."
It was obvious to everyone that Feng Qihe was interested in Chu Feiyan, and he was likely trying to win over Prince Yu.
Furthermore, now that the Heaven and Earth Lock had appeared in the Southern Ming imperial city, regardless of whether the news was true or false, someone had to investigate personally.
Otherwise, if someone else got there first and obtained the Heaven and Earth Lock, thereby finding the treasure within it, the power dynamics of the imperial city would be reshuffled.
"Your Highness, although some of what the Madam said was unpleasant, it was at least… reasonable."
Liujin had been guarding the door and had not left.
He said softly, "For Your Highness now, personal matters are indeed not important. Your Highness... the Madam's health truly cannot wait."