This talk was tantamount to house arrest.
Feng Yinwan's heart tightened. Before she could speak, Ye Tingyun interjected.
"Father! My heart condition has stabilized. There's no need for third sister-in-law to remain in the palace. She's pregnant and her movements are already inconvenient. The palace isn't like a prince's manor; she might not be accustomed to living here."
His intention was too obvious. The Emperor frowned, his long, slender eyes creasing with displeasure. Consort Li quickly interrupted.
"Your Majesty, Yun'er has always been someone who dislikes troubling others. If he were to keep the Mo Prince's Consort in the palace specifically for this reason, he would likely become restless."
"Besides, this old illness of mine has been with me for many years. Whether it's treated or not, I've grown accustomed to it..."
With the beauty beside him, looking so delicate and pitiable, a sliver of the Emperor's coldness melted. He spoke, however, looking at Ye Tingyun and chiding him lightly.
"You're already a grown man. Must your mother still worry about you? Starting tomorrow, go to the Grand Secretariat and study diligently under Grand Tutor Liu."
"Father..."
Disregarding his protest completely, the Emperor's gaze shifted back to Consort Li, and he gently took her hand.
"Your health is paramount. The Mo Prince's Consort is a skilled physician. I trust she can cure your old ailment."
"Don't you agree, Mo Prince's Consort?"
This statement left Feng Yinwan with no room for maneuver.
Feng Yinwan pursed her lips and could only nod. "Consort Li's health is noble. Yinwan is willing to try her best and will not dare to be less than diligent."
The Emperor's sharp gaze then softened. After a moment of silence, he instructed further.
"Jiuzhou Xiangxie is Lan'er's residence. You will continue to stay there."
"Yes."
The Emperor had come to visit Consort Li. Feng Yinwan and Ye Tingyun, being sensible, did not linger. As they exited, they saw Yunxiu approaching, offering to escort her to Jiuzhou Xiangxie.
Ye Tingyun, however, waved her away. "No need to trouble yourself. I'll accompany third sister-in-law."
He hadn't been able to go out freely these past two days. It was only to ensure things were secure that he had asked Feng Yinwan to enter the palace. Unexpectedly, the Emperor had stumbled upon her, and thus, kept her in the palace.
Ye Tingyun felt a slight pang of guilt and forced himself to offer comfort.
"Ahem, don't be too reluctant. Father asked you to stay in the palace for the sake of your pregnancy..."
Before he could finish, a sharp glare cut him off. Ye Tingyun's heart trembled, and he immediately patted his chest.
"You can stay here with peace of mind. I'll be in the palace these days as well. If anything comes up, you can find me anytime."
He dared not meet her gaze, feeling guilty. Feng Yinwan, however, merely replied calmly.
"Let's go."
The Emperor keeping her in the palace at this juncture could only mean he feared General Feng and Feng Jingyuan might truly rebel, and he wanted to hold her hostage first.
However, if this could dispel the Emperor's suspicion and bring justice to her father and brother, she didn't mind staying.
The matters outside would be left to Qi Xuan.
Her beautiful eyes darkened, and she mentally reviewed the overall situation. Upon reaching Jiuzhou Xiangxie, she took up a brush and wrote a letter, which she handed to Ye Tingyun.
"Qi Xuan is still waiting outside Donghua Gate. Since you can come and go freely, please deliver this letter to him for me."
The ink on the paper was still wet. Feng Yinwan did not hide it and handed it over directly.
It contained the key points she had listed and her next course of action. Ye Tingyun glanced at it, and his brows immediately furrowed.
Seeing his constipated expression as he stared at the secret letter, Feng Yinwan frowned and asked doubtfully.
"What's wrong?"
Ye Tingyun looked at her, holding back for a moment, but couldn't resist.
"You're a noble lady, yet your handwriting is atrocious! In my opinion, even Fifteen could write better than you!"
Feng Yinwan: ...
He constantly attacked her handwriting. Couldn't he show a little understanding for someone who transmigrated!
Her brows furrowed slightly, and she asked again, confused, "Who is Fifteen?"
"The turtle Father keeps in the imperial study..."
"Ye, Ting, Yun!"
In an instant, the temperature in the room plummeted.
Ye Tingyun flinched. Under Feng Yinwan's murderous gaze, he immediately grabbed the secret letter and left.
"Well, that is to say, Guard Qi is waiting, so I'll send it to him now!"
Behind him, a brush flew out of the room, whistling past his temple and hitting the ground.
With just a glance, Ye Tingyun shouted again, "Hey! That's third brother's favorite Xiang Fei bamboo!"
The next moment, Feng Yinwan lifted her wrist, scaring him into rushing out.
This boy had some backbone, but not much.
Qi Xuan had not expected Feng Yinwan to be detained. When he took the letter from Ye Tingyun, he was slightly taken aback.
"Your Highness Prince Yun, did His Majesty trouble the Consort?"
The palace was not like a prince's manor. If anything happened to Feng Yinwan, he would have no face to see the Prince.
Ye Tingyun, however, was quite indignant. "Who would dare trouble her!"
This woman, apart from the Emperor, he had never seen her fear anyone!
That's right, she even dared to deceive the Empress Dowager!
Suddenly recalling the unknown child in Feng Yinwan's womb, Ye Tingyun pursed his lips, a complex mix of emotions churning within him.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of that woman."
This matter was too complicated. He decided to wait for third brother to return and see what his intentions were.
Qi Xuan nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness."
...
The palace maid serving at Jiuzhou Xiangxie was the same one from before, named Qingruo.
Ye Tingyun mentioned that she had been transferred from Consort Rong's palace and had previously served Ye Tinglan.
Feng Yinwan understood.
No wonder she had not dared to stop Ye Ziyun that day but had secretly reported to the Empress Dowager's palace; it was all under Ye Tinglan's instructions.
"Consort, it's time for the palace to serve meals. Is there anything you'd like to eat? This servant will retrieve it for you."
The imperial kitchen naturally had everything.
Feng Yinwan thought for a moment and didn't stand on ceremony, naming a few dishes before sending her off.
The Emperor had asked her to diagnose Consort Li's old ailment, but she didn't even know what Consort Li's ailment was, let alone treat it.
At this hour, the Emperor would likely be dining in Chunhe Palace. Feng Yinwan pondered for a moment and decided to find Ye Tingyun to inquire.
However, as soon as she stepped out, a figure strode towards her. Upon closer inspection, it was Ye Ziyun's arrogant face again.
Feng Yinwan's brow furrowed slightly, and she was about to retreat when Ye Ziyun shrieked.
"Stop!"
Damn it, her reaction was still too slow.
Before Feng Yinwan could frown, Ye Ziyun had quickly approached, her lacquered fingernail extending forward, nearly poking Feng Yinwan's eye.
"What are you dodging for!"
Feng Yinwan found her rather foolish. "What do you think I'm dodging for?"
Seeing her bright, clear eyes staring at her, Ye Ziyun's features contorted.
"You...!"
"Me?"
Feng Yinwan crossed her arms, too lazy to even feign politeness.
Hearing this, Ye Ziyun's brows tightened even further. "Presumptuous! You daughter of a convicted criminal, how dare you speak to this princess like this! I think you still don't know the rules of the palace!"
Before she could finish her conclusion, she had already called her a "daughter of a convicted criminal." Feng Yinwan stared at her for a moment, feeling it necessary to let her experience the dangers of human hearts.
"Oh? And what are the rules of this palace?"