"Clever!"
Feng Xi Wu praised Lu Qing Wan generously.
Lu Qing Wan grinned, "I admit your thoughts are beautiful, but don't you think they're a bit *too* beautiful?
Tian Xuan Sect is the number one sect in the South, and they've been flexing their muscles between the three kingdoms and one region for so many years. This means their leaders, even if not supremely intelligent, are at least not fools, right?
If they really unlocked the formations on those two roads, would they willingly hand over those two paths to wealth to you?"
As she spoke, she knelt before Feng Xi Wu, her hands gesturing animatedly when she got excited.
Feng Xi Wu smiled and took her hands in his, "I understand your concerns, and I admit what you say has some truth to it.
But that's for the old Tian Xuan Sect. The current Tian Xuan Sect's dominance between the three kingdoms and one region is purely due to their control over the Tian Xuan City fortress.
And, the Tian Xuan City itself.
Tian Xuan City is located in the heart of the Cloud Forest. To withstand fierce beasts, its walls are ten zhang high, built entirely of hard granite, with wall seams sealed by clay mixed with sugar water and molten iron.
It's a truly impregnable fortress, easy to defend and difficult to attack.
If it weren't for that, someone as foolish and stubborn as Bei Ming Xiao, who only became the Tian Xuan Sect leader three years ago, would have had their lair sacked by now."
His tone showed no pretense of hiding his contempt and disdain for the Tian Xuan Sect.
Lu Qing Wan mulled over his words, then her small face scrunched up like a bun.
Feng Xi Wu playfully bumped foreheads with her, "What's wrong? I already said Tian Xuan Sect is nothing to fear, why are you still frowning?
If this continues, you'll become a little old lady, and what then?"
"You're finished!"
Lu Qing Wan pushed her forehead against Feng Xi Wu's, as if to hit a wall, "You thought of all this, no doubt, to resolve the threat Tian Xuan Sect poses to Da Gan.
But the Tian Xuan City fortress is the very foundation of Tian Xuan Sect's existence. Even if they're stupid, they must understand that the uniqueness of Tian Xuan City fortress is paramount to them.
You've revealed three routes at once, cutting off their wealth, which is like killing their parents, Your Highness!
I'm willing to bet that once this news spreads, you'll be Tian Xuan Sect's number one enemy!"
Feng Xi Wu raised an eyebrow nonchalantly, "Do you think I'd be afraid of their retaliation?"
Lu Qing Wan's expression turned serious. She looked at him intently for a long time, then suddenly took a small step back, "You... you weren't already planning to take down Tian Xuan Sect, were you?"
From the congratulatory banquet that day onwards, every word and action Feng Xi Wu took seemed to be digging a pit for Tian Xuan Sect.
He even didn't hesitate to provoke them with words, enraging them.
And now he had planned against them so thoroughly. Lu Qing Wan didn't believe these things could have been arranged overnight.
Feng Xi Wu didn't hide it from her, "I won't be the Regent of Da Gan forever. Tian Xuan City is nice. In the future, I'll make you a City Lord's wife, would you be willing?"
His tone was so matter-of-fact, as if Tian Xuan City already belonged to him.
But Lu Qing Wan didn't think there was anything wrong with that. If Tian Xuan Sect wanted to scheme against Da Gan and Feng Xi Wu, they should have the foresight to lose and pay the price.
She was just unsure, "Is it because of me?"
If it weren't for her, with Feng Xi Wu's capabilities, he wouldn't need to fear Feng Qing Heng.
It was likely that once the time was right, he could choose a child from Feng Qing Heng or Prince Ning's lineage to be the new emperor, and continue to be the powerful Regent.
But with her around, the conflict between Feng Qing Heng and Feng Xi Wu would be much sharper than before.
Even if Feng Xi Wu still intended to establish a new ruler, the years of transition under Feng Qing Heng would be fraught with danger for them.
Due to the grace of the late Empress Dowager and Emperor Jing You, Feng Xi Wu couldn't simply kill Feng Qing Heng and be done with it, so he had to avoid it.
Perhaps what Lu Qing Wan had said to Cheng Yi in the Samsara Hall earlier had an effect. Feng Xi Wu always displayed an uncharacteristic openness when facing Lu Qing Wan.
This time was no exception.
Hearing Lu Qing Wan's words, he was first stunned, then with a smile, he slowly said, "It's partly because of you, but not entirely."
Lu Qing Wan remained silent, raising her eyebrows to signal him to continue.
Feng Xi Wu's slender fingers tapped her forehead, "Are you foolish?
Do I look like someone who's content to stay in one place, guarding a small plot of land and living peacefully?"
Lu Qing Wan: "Does Your Highness have a misunderstanding of the word 'peaceful'?"
A man who practically had 'ostentatious' etched into his bones, how could he be peaceful?
Lu Qing Wan seriously suspected he was insulting her intelligence.
Feng Xi Wu finally burst into laughter, "That's right. Tian Xuan City is just a starting point. There will be a wider world waiting for me to conquer.
If Consort is interested, you can also accompany me on my conquests.
However, the prerequisite is that if Consort ever tires of constantly traveling and the life of fighting and killing, there will still be a place for you to rest peacefully.
In that regard, Tian Xuan City is a good choice, don't you think, Consort?"
"It sounds good, but I've never been to Tian Xuan City. Who knows if it's habitable!"
Lu Qing Wan playfully pinched Feng Xi Wu's face, "Your Highness, do your best. Aim to take down Tian Xuan City soon. I'll be waiting to be the young mistress of Tian Xuan City and infuriate that crazy woman, Bei Ming Xue!"
A hint of jealousy, unnoticed even by herself, surfaced in her words. Feng Xi Wu's heart, however, bloomed with joy.
It had finally taken so long for his little Consort to care about him a little.
The carriage swayed and entered the manor as night fell.
A thick layer of snow covered the ground, making the night less dim.
Lu Qing Wan and Feng Xi Wu, like conjoined twins, shuffled into the manor through the snow. Li Qing, who was left to guard the manor, greeted them.
"Your Highness, Consort, Princess Fei Feng has arrived and has been waiting in the warm chamber for a long time. She said she has urgent matters that she must convey to Your Highness in person."
The two exchanged glances and, with tacit understanding, turned towards the warm chamber.
Several months had passed, and Xie Shi Luan's spirit seemed to improve with each passing day.
On this day, she was unusually dressed in a light pink cheongsam, her elaborate headdress adorned with pearls and jade, and inlaid with gemstones, making her look noble and elegant.
A rabbit fur cloak lay beside her. Lu Qing Wan recognized it as the new Spring Festival set from Li Ren Fang.
She secretly rejoiced that even Xie Shi Luan patronized her business. Li Ren Fang seemed destined to make a fortune again.
However, she feigned ignorance, "Princess Fei Feng, your attire today is quite striking. Do you have some good news to share with us?"
Xie Shi Luan's expression was more relaxed than ever, "To tell you both, His Majesty has permitted me to return to Xi Liang."