His Highness the Madman gave in again today.

"Look at me?"

Mo Sangyu chuckled: "Wasn't I looking at you?"

"What's so interesting about me?"

Feng Xingyu quietly took her hand, holding it very tightly.

Below the stage, the people gradually lowered their guard and began to truly enjoy this rare moment of joy shared between the military and civilians.

Children ran around in the crowd, and the elderly sat on the steps with bowls in their hands, their faces showing long-lost smiles.

Suddenly, someone saw Feng Xingyu holding Mo Sangyu's hand and exclaimed softly.

"Look, look! His Majesty and the Empress are holding hands..."

"They have such a good relationship..."

"I just saw His Majesty talking to the Empress. He lowered his head slightly, his eyes were shining, and he smiled so gently."

"Good heavens, to make the emperor bow down, who is this Empress of ours?"

"Ahhh, I'm so envious..."

As the sun gradually set, the sky was tinged with an orange-red hue.

The aroma of wine and meat filled the air, and laughter echoed for a long time in front of the palace gates.

That night, the people of the capital city were no longer afraid and willingly became subjects of the Great Chen Dynasty.

The next day.

Yan Qing and Ya Zi arrived, travel-worn.

In addition to them, more than a dozen military doctors led by Luo Ming also came.

Thanks to their constant companionship, timely medical treatment for wounded soldiers, and stabilization of morale, casualties in the army were greatly reduced, and the lives of countless soldiers were saved.

Inside the main hall of Lanting Palace.

Yan Qing learned that they had missed a grand Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, and he was filled with regret, beating his chest and gritting his teeth.

If he had known, he would have run himself ragged to get there yesterday.

"Your Majesty the Empress..."

Yan Qing pouted, looking aggrieved.

Ya Zi stood obediently in the hall, and was overjoyed to see Mo Sangyu again.

However, for some reason, he suddenly recalled the image of Mo Sangwan grabbing his sleeve and crying with tears in her eyes before he left.

The little girl always had a face similar to that of a young lady, clinging to him and acting coquettishly, which troubled him greatly, yet he couldn't bring himself to refuse her.

She is the young lady's sister.

So... he has to spoil him and pamper him.

Otherwise, the young lady will be angry.

Luo Ming was, after all, just a doctor, and his physical strength was not as good as those of the military generals. After entering the hall, he bowed properly to Mo Sangyu, then slumped in his chair, not wanting to move at all.

worn out.

These past few days, seeing these familiar faces, Mo Sangyu realized that her usually indifferent and aloof nature had been subtly and gradually changed by the people around her.

"Alright, the palace will host a banquet just for you tonight, and we'll have a good drink together. Is that alright?"

"Your Majesty is so magnanimous!"

Yan Qing's eyes lit up instantly, and his previously aggrieved expression turned into a wide smile.

Ya Zi stood to the side, his eyes lowered, but the corners of his mouth subtly curved upwards. He glanced at Mo Sangyu out of the corner of his eye and saw her gentle expression, which warmed his heart as well.

Luo Ming slumped in his chair, saying weakly, "Your Majesty is wise. Please prepare two more plates of meat and a pot of good wine for tonight's banquet. I need to replenish my body, which has been exhausted from the journey."

Everyone in the hall laughed, and the fatigue from their journey dissipated in these few words of conversation.

Feng Xingyu and Gu Jinzhi were discussing political affairs in the Imperial Study and it took them most of the day to come over.

Seeing that Feng Xingyu no longer concealed his red eyes, Yan Qing opened his mouth in surprise, and Luo Ming jumped up from his chair in excitement.

Ya Zi stared at it blankly for several moments.

It was... absolutely stunning.

"Why are you all looking at me like that? Don't you recognize me?"

Feng Xingyu walked to Mo Sangyu's side and naturally took her hand, his deep voice calm and relaxed.

"Let's get to know each other."

Yan Qing stepped forward and took a closer look, nodding repeatedly: "Sir, what have you been hiding all these years? If it were me..."

"You brat."

Gu Jinshang grabbed his arm, pulled him close, and glared at him: "No manners!"

"Mr. Gu, I'm just... happy."

"Stand still."

Yan Qing immediately stood up straight as a reflex.

no way.

Gu Jinzhi is their chief minister, and this time he is also the military advisor and marshal. His military discipline is extremely strict, and anyone who disobeys will be punished.

"I was wrong."

Yan Qing wisely admitted his guilt and apologized.

He didn't want to get beaten on his first day seeing the master and mistress again.

After his initial excitement subsided, Luo Ming silently turned away and wiped away his tears.

Back then, he had gone to great lengths to help the master hide those red eyes, but... the madam solved it all as soon as she arrived.

Now, he has directly accepted his own eyes and truly become himself again.

Madam, oh no, Her Majesty, is his god!

"Alright, everyone go and get some rest. We'll celebrate properly tonight."

As soon as Mo Sangyu spoke, the tense atmosphere immediately relaxed.

Gu Jinzhi sighed helplessly, "Your Majesty, just indulge them."

"I didn't spoil you," Yan Qing muttered softly.

After muttering to himself, he quickly ran off.

After leaving the palace, Yan Qing wondered how he should bring up Feng Mian's matter with the Empress.

Thinking back to the last time, when Feng Mian accidentally fell, he helped him up and then pulled him into his arms...

Her body felt soft.

I really want to marry her as soon as possible.

We need to find an opportunity to bring this up with the Empress as soon as possible.

After Yan Qing left, Ya Zi wanted to say a few more words to Mo Sangyu, but when she saw Feng Xingyu beside her, she stopped in her tracks.

"Yazi".

He had just turned around when Mo Sangyu called out to him.

"Miss."

Ya Zi's lowered eyes lit up slightly, and he quickly turned back, saying, "I am here."

"You have been freed from slavery and are now a fourth-rank official of the Great Chen Kingdom. Your future is limitless. Do not refer to yourself as such in the future."

"Miss... Your Majesty, I obey your command."

Seeing that he was somewhat sensible, Feng Xingyu subtly concealed the displeasure in his eyes.

He didn't say anything to disturb her, but just clung to Mo Sangyu, holding her hand tightly and silently playing with her fair and jade-like fingers.

Occasionally, I would help her tidy up the stray hairs on her forehead.

Mo Sangyu seemed used to such intimate behavior and didn't find anything wrong with it.

"Then, is there anything else you wish to ask me, Miss?"

Ya Zi looked at this scene and lowered his head slightly.

"I wanted to ask, how is Wanwan?"

"Don't worry, Miss. Miss Wan is staying in the palace and is being taken care of by Fengmian and Granny Yu. Everything is fine. However, she misses you very much and talks about it to me several times a day."

When Mo Sangwan was mentioned, Ya Zi unconsciously relaxed a bit.

A faint smile seemed to flicker at the corners of her lips.

The little girl is a bit silly, innocent, and sincere; she's really adorable.

Feng Xingyu noticed this subtle change in Ya Zi, and a delicate glint flashed in his red eyes.

"That's good."

Mo Sangyu said, "You should go and rest too."

Ya Zi bowed deeply to Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu, saying, "Your subject takes his leave."

Gu Jinzhi and Luo Ming hadn't left yet, and were about to leave with Ya Zi when Mo Sangyu suddenly spoke up again: "Dr. Luo, I have some rare medicinal herbs here that you'll definitely like. I'll have someone deliver them to your room later."

Those medicinal herbs were the ones Chu Canglan had stolen from the Great You Kingdom's treasury to prepare medicine for Yin Yue. There were still some left over, which Mo Sangyu specially left for Luo Ming.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing the words "rare medicinal herbs," Luo Ming felt a warmth in his heart.

Even if something good happens, the Empress still thinks about him.

Back then, he was most afraid of her, but now... he only has respect and complete faith in her.

After everyone left, only Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu remained.

Feng Xingyu put his arm around her waist, pulled her down to sit in his lap, buried his head in her neck and rubbed against her like a puppy.

"What are you doing?" Mo Sangyu asked him, amused.

"Ayu."

Feng Xingyu said in a low, deep voice, "Don't be too nice to them, just a little bit is enough. You are mine, and you belong to me alone."

Mo Sangyu: "..."

This man.

"I'm good to them, all because of you."

"don't want."

Feng Xingyu persisted, "Why don't you transfer all your extra kindness to me, Ayu?"

As he asked, he gently kissed her, from the corners of her lips to her chin, then to her earlobes and her slender, fair neck, with utmost tenderness and lingering affection.

Mo Sangyu is responsive to gentle persuasion but not force; this tactic has proven effective time and again.

"Okay, okay, I promise you."

Feng Xingyu's lips curled into a triumphant smile.

Ayu can only belong to him alone.

As night fell, the Lanting Palace was brightly lit, with candlelight casting a warm glow throughout the hall.

The imperial kitchen had already received the order, and delicacies were served in a continuous stream. The aroma of wine mixed with the fragrance of meat, making the mouths of the weary travelers eager to dig in.

At the dinner table, seeing Yuan Zhao and Han Xiao there, Yan Qing sneered, "Can't you two have any shame? You've already had two meals, and you still have the nerve to come."

Han Xiao smiled shyly and didn't say anything. Yuan Zhao picked up his chopsticks and stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth: "I'll do it. His Majesty and the Empress didn't say anything. It's none of your business. Who told you to be so slow and have short legs?"

Who has shorter legs?

Yan Qingqi glared at him, puffing out his beard: "I was delayed because I stayed behind to settle the wounded soldiers. What does that have to do with whether my legs are long or short?"

Yuan Zhao did not refute.

She simply stood up and silently swayed in front of him for a moment.

"No, it's not you... what do you mean?"

She's only half a head shorter than him, why is she so arrogant?

Gu Jinzhi walked in, his eyes flashing with a sharp look, and the two of them immediately sat down obediently.

Upon seeing this, Han Xiao shook his head and chuckled.

Ya Zi sat up straight, and soon Luo Ming followed Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu in.

"Everyone's here, please sit down."

After Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu took their seats in the main seats, the others followed suit.

Yan Qing picked up the wine pot and poured wine for everyone one by one.

The aroma of wine filled the air, and the atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious.

Yuan Zhao, holding up his wine cup, shouted at the top of his lungs, "Come on, fill it all up! Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk!"

Han Xiao picked up the wine cup expressionlessly, drank it all in one gulp, and a blush quietly crept onto his face.

Seeing this, Yan Qing leaned over and teased him, "Hey, Han Xiao, your face is already this red after just one drink. You can't hold your liquor."

Han Xiao glanced at him and said indifferently, "It's none of your business."

"Oh, don't be so stingy."

Yan Qing grinned and poured him another full glass: "Come on, have another drink, let's see if you can become even more famous."

Luo Ming ate a few bites of meat first, then picked up his wine cup, leaned back in his chair, and slowly sipped his wine, looking completely satisfied.

The hard times will eventually come to an end.

From now on, all that's left is to enjoy life.

What a blessing in life!

Ya Zi sat at the lower end of the table, silently drinking his wine, occasionally lost in thought, seemingly pondering something.

Feng Xingyu had one arm around Mo Sangyu's waist and the other holding a wine glass, watching everyone chatting and laughing indifferently.

Suddenly remembering something, she turned her head and whispered a few words in Mo Sangyu's ear.

Mo Sangyu turned her head and listened, then couldn't help but smile and patted the back of his hand: "Be serious."

Gu Jinzhi sat to the side, watching the lively scene in the hall. He also picked up his wine cup and took a sip, his eyes filled with emotion.

At this time.

Yan Qing gulped down a glass of wine, then suddenly stood up and cleared his throat: "Um... Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have something to report."

"Um?"

Feng Xingyu looked at him: "What is it?"

Yan Qing nervously swallowed, stammering as he looked at Mo Sangyu: "Your Majesty, I...I want to...ask Your Majesty for..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly stopped speaking.

Is someone eavesdropping?

Yan Qing's sharp gaze swept towards the palace gate: "Who?!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he casually threw the chopsticks in his hand towards the door.

A muffled groan was heard.

Yuan Zhao also stood up abruptly and said in a deep voice, "Who goes there? Show yourself!"

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes turned to the hall entrance.

As the candlelight flickered, a solitary figure slowly emerged.

She wore a thin blue robe, her figure was slender, and her face bore a faint red mark from where chopsticks had been used to draw lines.

It is Feng Tingye.

He stood at the doorway, his gaze sweeping over the people in the hall before finally settling on Feng Xingyu, who sat in the main seat.

"It's so lively here."

He felt awkward and embarrassed for a moment, but quickly recovered and stepped into the hall.

He walked straight to the table, looked at Feng Xingyu, and called out, "Seventh Brother."

After saying that, he seemed to realize it was inappropriate and quickly changed his address: "Now I should call you Your Majesty."

When Feng Xingyu saw him, his expression did not change. He simply instructed the palace servants, "Bring another set of bowls and chopsticks."

Then, looking at him, she said, "Since you're here, sit down and have something to eat with us."

"it is good."

Without even a word of politeness, Feng Tingye quickly sat down in a relatively empty spot: "Thank you, Seventh Brother."

The hall was completely silent.

Yan Qing and Yuan Zhao exchanged a glance, a hint of wariness flashing in their eyes.

Gu Jinzhi held his wine cup, his gaze fixed on Feng Tingye, lost in thought.

This person must be the one who did His Majesty a favor back then.

Eighth Prince Feng Tingye.

Unexpectedly, he was also in the palace.

Judging from his appearance, he is probably the only surviving member of the Great You royal family.

"Greetings, generals."

Feng Tingye bought himself a glass of wine and raised it to everyone: "I hope my arrival has not spoiled your enjoyment. I'd like to propose a toast to you all."

Having said that, he drank it all in one gulp.

I drank it too fast and choked a little.

After a brief silence, everyone quickly became lively again, and were not greatly affected by the person who had suddenly appeared.

Mo Sangyu leaned back in her chair, her expression calm, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She looked at Feng Tingye, a deep meaning flashing in her eyes.

Based on their observations over the past few days, Mo Sangyu and Feng Xingyu had already figured him out completely, while he remained oblivious.

It wasn't that they were completely oblivious; they must have sensed something and knew that going against them was like an egg hitting a rock. So, was this... a plan to confess voluntarily?

If that's the case, then he's a smart man.

However, we need to observe further.

After all, he was the only person who helped Feng Xingyu when they were children...