Chapter 76: Cruel Prince 25

After hearing the Second Prince’s report, the emperor merely nodded slightly before saying:

“You’ve done well to care about the matter. However, there’s no need to worry too much. I already dispatched people to provide disaster relief.”

The Second Prince froze instantly.

How was that possible?

According to the information he received, although the Jiangbei governor had already sent urgent reports, the news shouldn’t have reached the capital until tomorrow at the earliest.

That was precisely why he deliberately entered the palace early today—to report the floods first and demonstrate both his capability and concern for the common people before the emperor.

Unexpectedly—

the emperor already knew?

And even the relief measures had already begun?

For a moment, the Second Prince’s expression turned pale.

Still, he quickly recovered and forced a smile.

“That’s wonderful. The moment this son received the news, I hurried into the palace to report it to Father Emperor. I didn’t expect Father Emperor to already know.”

The emperor nodded lightly.

“You are still thoughtful toward the people. Very well. If there is nothing else important, you may withdraw.”

“Yes, Father Emperor.”

After the Second Prince slowly withdrew, the emperor sighed softly toward the chief eunuch beside him.

“The Second Prince’s abilities are still far inferior compared to the Crown Prince.”

If there were no Crown Prince, perhaps the Second Prince could still preserve the empire adequately after ascending the throne.

But with Feng Qitong standing as comparison, the Second Prince’s vision and temperament appeared far too lacking.

Hearing the emperor’s words, the chief eunuch merely lowered his head silently.

This was not a topic he dared comment on.

...

Meanwhile, Tang Wan and Feng Qitong soon arrived at the Empress’s Weiyang Palace.

Although Feng Qitong was the Empress’s biological son, because of his temperament and methods, even she felt instinctively afraid of him.

Furthermore, in the Empress’s eyes, Tang Wan had likely been forced into marrying Feng Qitong.

As a result, she subconsciously pitied Tang Wan.

Thus, after the emperor’s rewards earlier, the Empress immediately showered Tang Wan with another wave of gifts as well.

By the end of the visit, Tang Wan practically felt her hands go numb from receiving treasures.

...

Although Feng Qitong outwardly remained calm before the Empress, he could clearly sense her fear toward him.

And that realization made him unhappy.

After all—

she was his biological mother.

Did she truly believe he would harm or kill her?

Once the formal greetings were completed, Feng Qitong suddenly stood and said coldly:

“Mother Empress, this son suddenly remembered there is still official business to handle. I’ll take the Crown Princess back first.”

Hearing this, the Empress visibly relaxed at once.

“Very well. You may go.”

Being in the same room as the Crown Prince truly made her feel suffocated.

Seeing this reaction, Feng Qitong’s expression immediately became colder.

...

After leaving Weiyang Palace, Feng Qitong gripped Tang Wan’s hand tightly.

So tightly that Tang Wan’s expression nearly twisted from pain.

Looking at Feng Qitong’s cold face, Tang Wan’s heart suddenly moved.

Instead of pulling away, she suddenly intertwined her fingers with his.

Then she spoke softly:

“You don’t need to feel sad.”

“Even if everyone else in the world fears you... I won’t.”

Tang Wan could clearly tell—

aside from the emperor, everyone treated Feng Qitong like a terrifying monster to be avoided.

But deep down, Feng Qitong still longed for his mother’s affection and closeness.

...

Feng Qitong clearly hadn’t expected Tang Wan to say such words.

For a moment, he froze.

She...

actually understood him?

The next moment, Feng Qitong suddenly pushed Tang Wan lightly against a nearby rockery in the palace garden.

Then he stared directly into her eyes.

“Aren’t you afraid this prince might kill you?”

Tang Wan merely smiled softly.

“Would Husband really kill me?”

As she spoke, she blinked at him playfully, her eyes bright with cunning amusement.

Feng Qitong suddenly laughed.

Then he lowered his head and slowly rubbed against her lips before finally saying in a low voice:

“This prince knew from the beginning... you were different from everyone else.”

Even if she truly wasn’t the original Tang Wan—

so what?

He, Feng Qitong, had already decided on her.