10
The Li family was busily preparing for their journey to the capital.
Following his wife’s reminder to formally bid farewell to Feng Yongyuan as a matter of courtesy, Li Taixuan rode out early in the morning to meet the young prince.
Li Yue Haili learned of this after washing up and heading to the main residence to pay her respects to her mother.
She asked the maid who accompanied her to wait outside while she went in to help brush her mother, Shen Xuefei’s, long black hair.
As she brushed, she began a conversation.
“Mother, when we go to the capital this time, will we return here again?” she asked, though she already had a guess about the answer.
Furen Li looked at her daughter’s reflection in the brass mirror for a moment.
“Ying Ying, do you want to go to the capital?”
“I…
don’t have any strong feelings for the capital, either good or bad.
But living here on the border, I’m quite happy.”
“I understand.
You’ve always been a sensible child.
From a young age, you’ve been content with everything, never throwing tantrums or crying to get your way.”
Shen Xuefei said as she turned to gently caress her daughter’s cheek.
“However, I fear we may stay in the capital for some time.
This will give you and your brother a chance to make friends your own age at the academy.”
Li Yue Haili didn’t argue, only nodded and said, “Yes, Mother.”
The summoning of a border general to the capital for no clear reason was suspicious.
From her mother’s words, Li Yue Haili inferred that the Emperor likely intended to have her father relinquish the Eastern Command Seal.
She guessed this but didn’t feel it was a matter of great consequence.
Her father was an honest man who had spent much of his life defending the borders with no ulterior motives.
He fought for the people’s safety, and beneath the bloodstained armor and rough hands, he was a bold man who could laugh freely without shame.
If the Emperor wished to reclaim the military power, then let him take it.
It would be better for her father to finally rest and enjoy time with her mother.
As for the wealth and power the nobility fought over, they could have it.
She had lived long enough to know many ways to make money.
Moreover, in this life, they were not in poverty, so starting over was far more comfortable than before.
However, going to the capital, she hoped she wouldn’t have to cross paths with Feng Yongyuan again.
She wished their recent encounter was nothing more than a brief, playful adventure for a young man eager to explore, and that once they parted, their paths would not cross again.
But heaven did not grant Li Yue Haili her small wish.
When her father returned, he did not come alone—he brought The Second Prince’s heir with him.
Li Yue Haili, along with her mother and brother, was about to eat breakfast when her eyes caught sight of the familiar face.
The chopsticks in her hand dropped onto the porcelain bowl with a loud clatter.
She quickly picked them up, trying to maintain her composure, though there was a faint awkwardness in her movements.
Shen Xuefei noticed but did not react, instead addressing their guests politely.
“Husband, Your Highness, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have you?
I thought you would return later, so I had the servants prepare the table early.
Please join us.
If His Highness doesn’t mind the simple fare, I would be honored.”
Furen Li ordered the maids to bring additional bowls and chopsticks and to add two more dishes.
The maids quickly left to handle the task.
“I’ll have to trouble Uncle and Aunt for a meal, then.”
“No need to be formal, Your Highness.
It’s only a matter of adding one more set of chopsticks.”
Li Taixuan said, cheerful.
“Father, you went to meet His Highness?” Li Zhengqing asked curiously.
“We are heading to the capital.
Father likely went to inform the Second Prince’s heir, as is proper,” Li Yue Haili answered her brother.
Although the prince was much younger, he was still royalty, and he had also helped their mother.
If they had left without notifying him, it would have been somewhat disrespectful.
“Since we may not meet again for some time, though the food here may not be fancy, its taste is excellent.
It’s an honor for us to offer you a meal,” she added with a gentle smile, as soft and calm as ever.
“I’ll be traveling back to the capital as well.
Wouldn’t it be better if we traveled together?
That way, we could look out for each other,” Feng Yongyuan said.
His handsome, commanding face—marked by the arrogance of someone who had been spoiled and adored—was now adorned with an innocent smile.
It was that very smile that sent a shiver through Li Yue Haili’s spine.
That smile was like a devil’s, ready to tear her heart out and swallow it whole.
His eyes gleamed, radiating an intensity that seemed to declare she would never see the light of day again.
It was as if he were proclaiming that she belonged to him and him alone.
Li Yue Haili kept her serene smile, but her heart trembled with fear.
Why…
why was this person so different from the Yongyuan she had encountered in all her past lives?
Who exactly was he?