Chapter 375

As the banquet drew to a close, the monarch’s face revealed a hint of fatigue.

The Crown Prince, tactful as ever, spoke up, “Father, the queen has just awakened today and is in need of company. I understand your concern for her well-being. Allow me to take charge of tonight’s banquet.”

“There are reasons behind this decision, and I believe the envoys from both countries will understand that our kingdom means no disrespect.”

With these words, the Crown Prince received supportive nods from Qiao Zhongguo and Che Hebi.

The monarch felt greatly relieved and nodded approvingly at the Crown Prince, saying warmly, “Master Qiao, Master Che, although my eldest son is now in middle age, he knows the capital well. Tonight, let him host all of you.”

The monarch’s words showed his fondness for the Crown Prince.

Qiao Zhongguo and Che Hebi quickly expressed their agreement.

After the banquet, when the monarch left his seat, the Crown Prince smiled and announced, “Everyone, the capital boasts splendid scenery, but one of its finest spots is the Qinglian Boat on the Jinghua River.”

“Tonight, we shall gather there for our feast. How does that sound?”

Naturally, Qiao Zhongguo and the others followed the monarch’s lead, thus settling the evening’s plans.

With the midday banquet concluded, Qiao Zhongguo and company left the palace under the guidance of the court attendants.

Baili Chengyou led Meng Guxue towards the Qiushi Palace, unexpectedly joined by the Second Prince, Baili Chengzhi.

Frowning, Baili Chengyou asked, “Brother, what is your intention?”

Baili Chengzhi remained calm and replied naturally, “Third Brother, as a son, I naturally wish to visit the queen now that she has recovered. Our mother and I have shared an undeserved calamity.”

Meng Guxue, aware of Baili Chengzhi’s past relationship with the monarch’s wife, couldn’t fathom his current feelings. She couldn’t decipher why Baili Chengzhi spoke with such emotions.

Baili Chengyou’s face darkened upon hearing this.

“If you truly care for Mother, then you should avoid suspicion during this time. I won’t argue with you over those physicians’ matters today.”

Baili Chengyou had been exceptionally courteous towards his elder brother.

With an age gap of eighteen years between them, Baili Chengyou recalled how, in his childhood, his elder brother had always been stern in public but unusually warm and gentle towards him.

There was a time when he had been quite close to his elder brother.

However, something had changed later on, and his elder brother had begun to distance himself, leaving Baili Chengyou quietly upset for quite some time before accepting this reality.

The bond from the past remained, but if it were indeed the Crown Prince who had caused rumors this time, Baili Chengyou would have already stormed to the Crown Prince’s residence with a knife!

Baili Chengzhi sensed Baili Chengyou’s resistance and anger, hesitating briefly before nodding slowly.

“In that case, please convey my apologies on my behalf. As for this matter… I deeply regret it. Those with ill intentions will not be spared, and I ask the queen to take care of her health.”

“After the storm has passed, I will personally come to apologize.”

After Baili Chengzhi finished speaking, he turned and left the palace.

Baili Chengyou stood still, gazing at Baili Chengzhi’s departing figure with a deeply complex expression.

Meng Guxue felt uneasy; if she hadn’t known about the past entanglements between the monarch’s wife and the Second Prince, Baili Chengyou’s reactions wouldn’t have seemed so odd.

But now that she knew, something about the Second Prince felt… off.

Meng Guxue was aware that the Second Prince was married; his wife was Lan, a daughter of a newly risen noble family in the court, and it was said that the monarch himself had bestowed her marriage.

However, at that time, the Lan family had not yet risen. Everyone said the Second Prince was capable, personally lifting up the status of his wife’s family!

Yet, the Second Prince’s wife has not borne any children to this day. Many officials in the court are eager to marry their daughters into the Second Prince’s household!

Meng Guxue’s thoughts drifted far away, only returning when Baili Chengyou turned and headed towards the Qiushi Palace.

Now, there were only Meng Guxue and Baili Chengyou on the palace road, a perfect time for a private conversation.

However… Meng Guxue dared not think about what Baili Chengyou’s reaction would be if he knew about the past relationship between his mother and his elder brother.

But she firmly remembered the teachings of Qiao Tianjing.

To be honest!

“Baili.”

Meng Guxue finally spoke up.

“After Father called you away just now, I had a chat with Mother. I think you should know.”

Baili Chengyou abruptly halted, turning to look at Meng Guxue with a serious expression. “Go on.”

Meng Guxue cautiously scanned the surroundings, ensuring no one was nearby. She then grabbed Baili Chengyou’s sleeve, lowered her voice, and explained the situation in detail.

Baili Chengyou’s expression changed several times, looking extremely grim!

“You’re saying… Father made Mother drink something?”

Meng Guxue was slightly taken aback by his reaction. She had expected Baili Chengyou to be more concerned about the old relationship between the monarch’s wife and the Second Prince, not the latter part of the story.

She nodded dumbly, “That’s what Mother said.”

Baili Chengyou’s face gradually turned pale. He seemed to realize something and suddenly shook his sleeve.

“So it’s true! Father’s intentions…”

Meng Guxue hadn’t finished speaking when Baili Chengyou had already stormed off, his hands clenched tightly, his robe fluttering behind him.

Meng Guxue watched Baili Chengyou’s urgent departure, and a sudden conjecture slowly formed in her mind.

Baili Chengyou had dreams. In those dreams, he was the protagonist, and the setting was also in Nanli Kingdom.

If he could eventually become the monarch of Nanli, it must have been through numerous trials and tribulations.

So is it possible that he already knew about the unusual relationship between the monarch’s wife and the Second Prince?

Considering his recent turmoil, does this mean that in his dreams, the monarch’s wife never fell into a coma?

What would be the final outcome between the monarch’s wife and the Second Prince?

How much does Baili Chengyou actually know? With so many people under his command, what is he busy with?

The more Meng Guxue thought about it, the deeper she delved. Finally, unable to contain herself, she shuddered!

She had been in Nanli Kingdom for over a year now, and Baili Chengyou had been incredibly accommodating and tolerant towards her.

Over these days, as they interacted, she gradually let her guard down and completely integrated into Baili Chengyou’s camp, even learning to strategize and be vigilant to stay alive.

But looking back now, while she tirelessly worked here, always remembering Qiao Tianjing’s teaching of “honesty,” had Baili Chengyou ever been “honest” with her?

Or perhaps, from beginning to end in Baili Chengyou’s eyes, her value was only in the formulas in her head, those peculiar and rare bits of knowledge.

Once those things were taken from her, she would be nothing more than a worthless pawn.

With these thoughts, Meng Guxue stood still, dazed, staring into the distance, feeling a chill creep over her.