He should have been in the palace at this hour. Rushing back so hastily, he must have already known the purpose of her visit.
As expected, Ye Tinglan looked up, a complex coldness lingering on his face.
His thin lips pressed together for a moment, then relaxed. "Grandmother Empress, please follow me."
With that, he strode towards the front courtyard. The governess paused, her gaze flickering back.
"Your Majesty, this..."
That child should undoubtedly be in the courtyard. Ye Tinglan had been rather secretive about it, and they had come privately this time precisely to have a quiet meeting.
But...
The Empress Dowager shook her head at her, her tone resigned. "Let's go."
Feng Yinwan had hurried back, arriving just as Qixun was cleaning up the mess. Seeing the guards dispersing from the entrance of Hengwu Courtyard, and noticing the absence of the Empress Dowager among them, she immediately knitted her brows and stepped forward.
"Where is the Empress Dowager?"
The carriage was still parked at the entrance; the person must be within the manor, so where else could she be?
Upon hearing this, Qixun tossed aside her broom with a pained expression. "Miss, if you don't return soon, this matter truly can't be kept secret any longer."
"Enough nonsense, where is she now?"
Qixun shifted sheepishly. "Prince Mo intercepted her just now and took her away."
"Ye Tinglan?"
Feng Yinwan froze slightly.
Had he returned to the manor as well?
Naturally, news from the harem would reach him faster than it reached her.
The intent in her eyes deepened. She pressed further, "And Chenchen?"
Qixun pointed resentfully behind her. "He's inside. That cowardly turtle, Jianye, pushed me out and is hiding inside himself. It's truly outrageous!"
Hearing this, Feng Yinwan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed the Empress Dowager had not seen Chenchen.
Front hall.
After the governess helped the Empress Dowager to a soft seat, she withdrew. Their gazes met, and the Empress Dowager cut straight to the chase.
"Lan'er, is the matter of that child true or false?"
Ye Tinglan's icy expression froze for a moment upon hearing this, but instead of answering, he asked, "From where did Grandmother Empress hear of this matter?"
The Empress Dowager was perceptive. She had already guessed Feng Yinwan's identity when he prepared for the ceremony of taking a principal consort. However, he had never mentioned Feng Jinchen. The Empress Dowager lived deep within the palace; how could she suddenly know about this?
Admitting her initial misstep, the Empress Dowager was not displeased by his questioning.
She composed herself and said, "Someone conveyed a message to me, stating that she has a son over two years old, residing in your manor."
"Lan'er, if she is truly that girl from the Feng family, then this child would be from that year..."
"Grandmother Empress."
Ye Tinglan's voice, neither heavy nor light, interrupted her. "Your grandson does not wish to revisit old matters."
The Empress Dowager was confused. "Why?"
The timing and identity matched. As long as the child was verified as of royal blood, they could be officially brought into the ancestral clan.
If this matter was confirmed, the selection of the Crown Prince would be even more legitimate, with no room for dispute. It would be entirely beneficial to him.
Yet, Ye Tinglan was resolute.
"Let this matter drop here. I request Grandmother Empress return to the palace. Your grandson will pretend you never visited today."
"Lan'er, you..."
The Empress Dowager knew his temperament and her brow furrowed slightly, but she still rose.
As she was about to step forward, she seemed to recall something, and her expression turned stern. "Could it be that child is truly not your own?"
The lingering chill in the room paused for a moment.
The Empress Dowager's gaze was scrutinizing. After a long while, she saw him lift his lips, his voice deep, betraying no discernible emotion.
"Grandmother Empress, that person has passed away, and the longing remains eternal. She is not that person, and what is entrusted is merely my grandson's lingering wish. I beg Grandmother Empress to let this matter rest and not pursue it further."
He had selfishly considered keeping her by his side, and in fact, he had done so. But the past could not be revisited. After so much time, all indications showed that their relationship was never going to unfold according to his desires.
Feng Yinwan was not an object, but an independent person with her own thoughts and consciousness. She was different from other women of this era, and because of this, he had fully recognized it. He should not go against her wishes and impose restrictions.
Love was based on respect. He was willing to discard those selfish thoughts and let her choose everything herself.
"You..."
The Empress Dowager clearly had not expected him to deny Feng Yinwan's identity. She stared at his brow for a moment, then could only compromise with a sigh.
"Alright, I was presumptuous today."