282 Imprisoned

followed silently. However, Qing Niao and the others did not listen obediently. They stayed where they were, ignoring Mo Jingli as if he hadn’t spoken. Mo Jingli said sternly, "I told you all to go o...282. Imprisoned

282. Imprisoned

Coldly observing Feng Haiting and Lady Feng Zhirao, Feng Zhirao snorted disdainfully before turning his head away. This had always been the case; from childhood to adulthood, his father only cared about his legitimate wife and children. No matter how hard he tried, he was always ignored. A sudden sense of helplessness rose in Feng Zhirao's heart, causing him to mock himself with a smile. His mind flashed back to a graceful white figure, and the originally resentful look on Feng Zhirao’s face softened instantly. That's right; even without the Feng family, he had other things. Mo Xiuyao, who grew up like brothers, and colleagues and comrades who shared equally strong bonds as brothers after many years of interaction. Perhaps, soon enough, he would have his own home.

Thinking about the slender figure in Ding Wangfu, the gloominess in Feng Zhirao’s heart instantly dissipated. Raising his head, he looked arrogantly at Feng Haiting in the corner: "I've already informed His Royal Highness of this situation; you will soon be able to leave. In the future... hmpf!" Without saying any decisive words, Feng Zhirao snorted and turned to walk away. Even if they were implicated by him, so what Feeling guilty about it would be like getting his head stuck in a door. Rescuing them now means no more mutual obligations later!

Feng Haiting silently watched the red-robed figure walking away, an approving and relieved expression flashing across the slightly aged eyes in the dark corner.

"Imperial Consort to arrive! Regent Wang to arrive!" Feng Zhirao hadn’t even taken a few steps when someone announced loudly at the door. Feng Zhirao raised his eyebrows; it was fine that Mo Jingli had come, but Empress Consort Liu was here too Indeed, as Huagong said, Empress Consort Liu could move around freely in the palace and leave at will. It seemed... she really grasped a significant weakness of Li Wang. Not急於離開，鳳之遙轉身緩緩走回。牢房的另一邊，一身白衣的柳貴妃看著眼前肮臟的環境嫌棄地皺了皺眉。牢房中的惡臭即使再多的熏香也無法掩蓋住，柳貴妃瞥了身旁的墨景黎一眼，不悅地道：“我真的不明白，有什麼非要親自來這種地方不可？”

“本王似乎冇有要求過柳貴妃一定要前來。”墨景黎淡淡道。

柳貴妃輕哼一聲，她當然知道墨景黎並冇有逼迫。隻是譚繼之失蹤了，身邊也冇有人出謀劃策，若不跟著來看看，又怎知墨景黎想做什麼鬼？

墨景黎對牢房的陰暗汙穢毫不在意，一邊往裡走一邊道：“你不必這樣防備本王，鳳家不過是商人而已，就算手段再高明也不會對他們怎麼樣。”柳貴妃心中一動，鳳家在朝堂上確實冇有足夠讓墨景黎心動的實力，但他們的財富足以令人心動，“你是看上了鳳家的財勢？”

“你以為鳳家好惹嗎？因為你說一句話本王就抄了整個鳳家。既然已經得罪了，何不乾脆一點讓他們永世不得翻身。”墨景黎漠然道。

柳貴妃冷笑，“說得倒是冠冕堂皇，鳳家是墨景祁的人，他們自然不會效忠於你。與其便宜彆人不如自己收下，就算冇有本宮的事，早晚你也對鳳家出手。”

墨景黎也不否認。

兩人說話間已繞過拐角來到牢房最深處，卻見一個不該在此出現的身影正閒適地站在走廊上，抱臂而立含笑望著他們。

“鳳之遙，你膽子真不小。”柳貴妃鳳眼微眯，冷笑道。

鳳之遙的笑容更深，似乎心情十分愉快，“再大的膽子也比不上貴妃娘娘...啊，錯了，是即將殉葬的太貴妃娘娘。身為宮中的嬪妃你怎麼敢隨意出宮？身為遺詔中要殉葬的嬪妃你卻還活著？”

“鳳之遙！”柳貴妃咬牙切齒盯著他霜麵，“定王府扣下了本宮的人，你回去告訴定王本宮會親自登門討要。”

鳳之遙擺手笑道：“親登門就免了。隻怕娘娘醉翁之意不在酒吧？討人是假，糾纏王爺纔是真，我們王妃醋勁兒可是很大的，所以為了王爺和定王府的安寧，在下就代王爺婉拒了。”

"Rudeness!" Imperial Concubine Liu shouted angrily. She didn’t mind everyone knowing about her affection for Mo Xiuyao, but she hated others mocking her deep feelings.

Mozhengli frowned and interrupted their verbal sparring with displeasure. "I am not here to listen to your nonsense. Feng San, you really are bold. Do you think that relying on the Ding王府’s support gives you the right to barge into the Dali Temple"

Feng Zhiyao smiled faintly. "Your Highness is too kind with such praise. Your Highness confiscated the Feng family without any evidence or charges, so my skills are nothing compared to yours."

Seeing Feng Zhiyao inevitably reminded him of the person behind Feng Zhiyao. This made Mozhengli frown involuntarily; he didn’t want to confront Mo Xiuyao nor provoke him at this moment. However, Mo Xiuyao’s prolonged stay in the capital rendered many of his plans unfeasible. Mozhengli did not ask Imperial Concubine Liu why she wanted to capture Feng family members, as it was beneficial for his reputation to have her as a shield. But he had always thought that Feng San and the Feng family were distant; would Feng San’s involvement in the Feng family affairs represent himself or the entire Ding王府 Or... could Mo Xiuyao also be eyeing the Feng family

Mozhengli furrowed his brows and asked, "Is His Royal Highness Well"

Feng Zhiyao was surprised to see this current version of Mozhengli. Truly, a person should be judged anew after three days apart. Years ago, even mentioning Mo Xiuyao would prompt Mozhengli to curse and mock; now he could calmly ask about his well-being. Indeed, power is the easiest thing to change one’s appearance with. Nodding, Feng Zhiyao replied with a smile, "Your Highness's concern is appreciated. Our royal highness has always been in good health."

"Is that so" Mozhengli said, "I heard that Western Ling’s Southern King plans to increase troops at the border; does His Royal Highness have any intentions regarding this matter"

Feng Zhiyao responded with a forced smile. "His Highness is currently on leave and has entrusted all matters to Qingchen公子, so you might want to ask him."

Mozhengli was familiar enough with Feng Zhiyao to know that if he started beating around the bush, they wouldn’t get anywhere. He therefore switched topics by asking, "Is this your visit for Lord Feng"

Feng Zhiyao shrugged in reply. Mozhengli said calmly, "Since there’s a connection between the Ding王府 and the Feng family, I can’t make decisions on these matters. But out of respect for His Royal Highness, it wouldn’t be too much trouble to help Feng San."

Feng Zhiyao lowered his eyes; Mozhengli was telling him that he wasn’t behind this targeting of the Feng family A cold smile rose in his heart—surely Mozhengli wasn’t a fool. He glanced indifferently at Imperial Concubine Liu, who seemed to be the one being manipulated here. Indeed, she was just an idiot with a pretty face, no wonder the royal highness didn’t think much of her.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I merely came by out of curiosity, and since my family doesn’t need me now that I’ve been cast out, there’s nothing pressing to attend to." Feng Zhiyao said respectfully before turning to leave.

"Hold it," Imperial Concubine Liu suddenly spoke up.

Feng Zhiyao turned around and looked at her indifferently.

Imperial Concubine Liu said arrogantly, "You can’t go."

Feng Zhiyao smiled unexpectedly. "Why not"

"Barging into the Dali Temple isn’t something you just do and leave as you please," Imperial Concubine Liu coldly stated.

So, she wanted an excuse to hold him back. Feng Zhiyao wasn’t bothered; he asked casually, "What would you like Can you stop me from leaving if I want to" Feng Zhiyao’s skills were tough against experts on Mo Xiuyao's level. But in this narrow alleyway, dealing with Mozhengli and Imperial Concubine Liu was not difficult.

Before he could even finish speaking, Mo Jingli had already discreetly stepped aside. He too had fought with Feng Zhirao in his youth and knew that he wasn't a match for him. With the narrow confines of the prison cell, only a few guards could enter. If Feng Zhirao were to grab one or accidentally injure them, it wouldn’t look good.

Of course, Empress Liu hadn’t thought about clashing with Feng Zhirao either. She sneered and said, "If you dare leave, I’ll kill Feng Huating."

Feng Zhirao lowered his gaze. After a moment of hesitation, he sighed helplessly as he casually tossed out a short dagger from his sleeve onto the ground to show Empress Liu that he had no weapons left on him. Only then did she wave her hand in satisfaction and let someone step forward to grab hold of Feng Zhirao. She simultaneously ordered them to bring Feng Huating out as well. “I want these two people with me, Marquis Li. Is there any problem” Mo Jingli impatiently said, "Whatever you like." He wanted the wealth of the Feng family, and in recent years, their two sons had already taken over the family business. Whether or not Feng Huating was around wasn’t important at all. Still, he reminded her, “You’d best be careful that you don’t end up counterproductive. If you provoke Mo Xiuyao too much, you won’t have to die with him.”

Empress Liu disdainfully harrumphed in displeasure. Deep down, she didn't believe that Mo Xiuyao would kill her.

"Of course I know my limits."

Feng Zhirao was taken away by Empress Liu without a fight, only Feng Huating went with him. The rest of the Feng family members were left to Mo Jingli’s disposal, but he didn’t concern himself with what Mo Jingli planned on doing. After all, compared to half-mad Mo Jingqi and the self-righteous Empress Liu, Mo Jingli was usually more in control of himself most of the time. As long as someone from Ding Wangfu was still in the capital, there would be a guarantee for these people's safety.

In Ding Wangfu

Mosuiyao raised his eyebrows when he received news from his subordinate and asked with a smile, "So Feng Zhirao has been arrested by Empress Liu"

The dark soldier standing several steps away shivered involuntarily. He wanted to casually step back further to avoid the seemingly calm but actually icy-cold flames of the prince’s wrath. However, when he met Mo Xiuyao's smiling eyes, his body froze and he answered through gritted teeth, "Your Highness, Empress Liu didn’t just arrest Feng Zhirao from Dali Temple, she also took Feng Huating with her." Mo Xiuyao harrumphed but said nothing. Ye Li covered Mo Xiuyao’s arm with her hand and smiled, "Feng Huating is still Feng Zhirao's father; if he truly doesn’t care at all about it, then he isn't Feng Zhirao anymore." How many people in this world really didn't have a heart or cared for anything Even if the Feng family had neglected Feng Zhirao, Feng Huating was still his biological father. It wasn't possible for him to completely disregard his feelings towards him. Like Leng Haoyu, he might not have lived an easy life in the Leng family compared to Feng Zhirao, but as soon as he heard about Leng Huan being besieged, he had remembered everything.

Mo Xiuyao rolled his eyes unhappily and looked at Ye Li with some grievance. "I didn't say that I wouldn’t save Feng Huating; what’s the matter with Feng Zhirao offering himself up as compensation"

Ye Li smiled and said, "This time it was probably just an accident. Feng Zhirao might not have known that Empress Liu and Marquis Li would happen to go to Dali Temple at that moment. It looks like what the Feng family is experiencing isn't only because of the Liu family but also due to Marquis Li’s involvement."

Mo Xiuyao was unsurprised, "Most of the power in the capital now lies under Mo Jingli’s control; without his consent, the Liu family wouldn’t have dared to move against the Feng family. It is likely that it wasn't the Liu family moving against them but Mo Jingli."

Ye Li was moved and looked at Mo Xiuyao, "The wealth of the Feng family Mo Jingli controls the wealthiest part of Greater Chu; he shouldn’t be short on money after years of operation."

Mo Xiuyao said with a smile, "That’s not necessarily true. Although Mo Jingli controls most of Southern Greater Chu, his roots aren't deep. The Jiangnan region is full of powerful families and their relationships are intertwined. It won’t be easy for Mo Jingli to get money from them. Furthermore… maintaining an army is a costly affair."

"Are you saying that… Mo Jingli secretly expanded the military" Ye Li naturally understood what he meant, and thinking about her own suspicions, she frowned.

Mo Xiuyao smiled and nodded his head, "Mo Jingli has wanted that dragon throne for a long time. We’ll return to Northwest once the new emperor ascends the throne; I don’t want to play with him anymore." Ye Li thought for a moment before saying, "If this is the case, why do we have to wait until the new emperor ascends the throne"

"Because I’m willing to give him some trouble."

“…” As long as Mo Xiuyao was still in the capital, even if Mo Jingli truly had the idea of usurping the throne, he wouldn’t have the courage to do so.

"Duke... Your Highness..." The subordinate, still alone in the hall and pitifully looking at Mo Xiuyao who had obviously forgotten his existence, didn't receive a reply.

"What else is there" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Finally finding an opportunity to speak, the poor man hurriedly reported what he needed to say, "Just now I received news from Concubine Liu that she will be visiting Duke Ding tomorrow morning and has some matters to discuss with Your Highness. Please do not refuse." The person who had been holding his breath without a pause finally let out a sigh of relief.

"Concubine Liu Visit Do not refuse" Mo Xiuyao asked with a smile.

The messenger inwardly shed tears: Your Highness, I am just the one delivering the message, it has nothing to do with me.

Ye Li found this amusing and tugged at Mo Xiuyao. She smiled at her subordinate and said, "Alright, the Duke knows now, you can go."

"Thank you, My Lady, I take my leave," the person who had let out a sigh of relief swiftly turned around and disappeared like lightning from the hall.

In an unknown prison cell somewhere, Feng Zhirao was leisurely leaning against a crude bed inside his cell. Feng Huiting, imprisoned in the adjacent cell, still sat on his bed closing his eyes to meditate, showing no intention of communicating with Feng Zhirao at all.

Feng Zhirao looked at the man opposite him, who had nearly gray hair by now, and walked over to the bars where he knocked hard a few times. Soon, someone came in and stared warily at Feng Zhirao as they asked, "What does Young Master Feng need" Feng Zhirao immediately laughed, "Hey Do you know this humble one" He nonchalantly sized up the middle-aged man before him who did not leave an impression on Feng Zhirao. But it was clear that his martial arts skills were far from ordinary. Feng Zhirao said, "Bring a cloak for me, do you want to freeze this humble one to death"

The middle-aged man glanced at Feng Zhirao indifferently before turning around and leaving. Soon he returned with an azure rabbit fur cloak in his arms which he handed over to Feng Zhirao before once again leaving the cell. Feng Zhirao looked thoughtfully at the azure cloak in his hands as he laughed, then flung it out through the bars so that it landed on Feng Huiting.

Feng Huiting opened his eyes and stared blankly for a moment at the cloak draped over him before turning to look towards Feng Zhirao. However, Feng Zhirao had already slowly walked back to his bed and now faced the wall opposite, ignoring him entirely. It was mid-March, still cool even outside, much less in the dark prison cells. As soon as he put on the cloak, most of the coldness that had previously permeated his body vanished immediately. Feng Huiting silently pulled the cloak tighter around himself and looked at the man opposite wearing a thin red robe, revealing an unusual softness in his eyes.

Feng Zhirao was someone who trained martial arts and had been on battlefields for many years; naturally, he could feel that there was still a gaze fixed upon him. Initially pouting, he ignored it but the look continued to stay fixed on him, making him gradually uncomfortable. He suddenly turned around irritably and said, "Just say what you want." Before Feng Huiting could speak, Feng Zhirao continued himself: "Don’t think too much about this; this time we have also been implicated by me. Don’t worry, I will guarantee that the Feng family can safely leave the prison."

"What did you do" After a long silence, Feng Huiting asked in a deep voice.

Feng Zhirao forced out an odd smile as he looked at Feng Huiting with deliberate malice in his eyes, "I kidnapped someone from the palace."

As the head of the Feng family, Feng Huiting naturally had his own information channels; even news of people going missing in the palace would reach him. Hearing Feng Zhirao’s words made his expression change slightly. After a long pause, he said solemnly, "After so many years... you still can't let go"

This time it was Feng Zhirao’s turn to be stunned; he had not expected that Feng Huiting would actually know about his feelings back then. He looked complicatedly at the man opposite him before finally growling, "This doesn’t concern you!"

The prison cell fell silent instantly, so still that one could almost hear their breathing. After a while, they heard Feng Huiting say, "If you are being so reckless and acting on your own accord, is it because of the support given by Duke Ding What if he does not want to help or cannot do anything for you—what will you do then"

Feng Zhirao was stunned for a moment before sneering coldly, "Isn’t this too late for your lecture!there wasn’t anything else, at least the Mu Family's entire Northwest business and half of its businesses in Dachu had already been brought under Ding Wang's domain. Even if they couldn't take any mor...