Her huffy demeanor clearly showed she felt wronged on her own behalf.
Feng Xiwu chuckled and pulled her closer. "You've made so many trips back and forth, and the sky is already dark. Aren't you tired?"
"I am, but I still have something to tell you!"
Lu Qingwan squirmed a few times, then lay back against Feng Xiwu's lap, leisurely beginning to speak.
"On my way back, I saw people from the Tian Xuan Sect. They're probably here to demand Yu Meiren. Do you think His Majesty will hand Yu Meiren over?"
Feng Xiwu had only been back for less than a day, and much of the intelligence had not yet been shared. Hearing this, he belatedly recalled that Lu Qingwan had indeed told Emperor Jingyou that Yu Meiren was from the Tian Xuan Sect.
"For years, the sects and the various countries have coexisted peacefully. The Tian Xuan Sect would not rashly place someone in the palace, and with such a serious incident, my Imperial Brother will not easily let them take her away. However, do you know why the Tian Xuan Sect would place someone of such importance by my Imperial Brother's side?"
Lu Qingwan shook her head. "How would I know? If it weren't for the Chu Xiao Hall incident, I wouldn't even know such a sect existed. However, according to Xie Shichuan, it was Xie Shiyu who arranged for this Yu Meiren to enter the palace. So, rather than Yu Meiren's purpose for entering the palace, I'm more curious about how many other tentacles Xie Shiyu has that we haven't discovered yet?"
For Xie Shiyu to be a noble consort to the King of Xiliang, collude with the Great Qian's powerful official Su Bojun, and the martial arts alliance leader Ming Wuya, and even interfere in the affairs of the Tian Xuan Sect was astonishing. Lu Qingwan had to admit that Xie Shiyu's influence was truly astounding.
Feng Xiwu sat cross-legged, and Lu Qingwan lay on his lap. Perhaps their postures were too natural, as Feng Xiwu very casually scratched Lu Qingwan's chin, much like stroking a cat. While petting his own little princess, Feng Xiwu said, "I specifically ordered people to investigate Xie Shiyu. It's confirmed that she traded gunpowder and refined salt, along with a long-term supply of ice, with the Tian Xuan Sect. She gained status within the Tian Xuan Sect with the formula for gunpowder and has a certain degree of influence. However, this influence is insignificant compared to the true members of the sect."
Lu Qingwan blinked. "What do you mean by that? For a woman of her station, achieving this much is already quite impressive. Why do you sound so dismissive?"
As of now, Lu Qingwan and Xie Shiyu had not yet met, but their positions were already opposed. Despite this, Lu Qingwan still recognized Xie Shiyu's capabilities. Seeing Feng Xiwu's disdainful expression, she became curious.
Feng Xiwu, with one hand scratching Lu Qingwan's chin and the other twirling a lock of her hair, said slowly, "From the current situation, at first glance, it seems Xie Shiyu has immense influence and is using the Tian Xuan Sect. But in my opinion, Xie Shiyu is being played by the Tian Xuan Sect without her knowledge."
Lu Qingwan puffed out her cheeks and grabbed his hand that was being mischievous. "Speak properly and don't keep me in suspense."
Feng Xiwu let out a chuckle. "Do you know that about a thousand years ago, this continent was ruled by sects?"
"Of course I know. I read 'Shan He Zhi,' you know that, right?" Thinking Feng Xiwu was still playing games, Lu Qingwan pouted in dissatisfaction. "At that time, there was only one dynasty on the entire continent, occupying a corner of the land, and it was suppressed by the major sects, which was extremely demeaning. But what does that have to do with what we're discussing now?"
Lu Qingwan seriously suspected that Feng Xiwu was being male chauvinistic, and from the bottom of his heart, he didn't believe that women could accomplish anything. Her expression was fierce, waiting to deliver a big blow to Feng Xiwu once her speculation was confirmed, to show him the power of women.
Feng Xiwu, unaware that he had already been scheduled for a big blow, said leisurely, "It's related. The Tian Xuan Sect is still dreaming of a sect-ruled era! They fantasize about ruling over all countries, just like the sects a thousand years ago, sitting in a position of superiority. However, the ancestors of the various countries suffered enough from the sects, so how could they easily allow the sects to interfere in their internal affairs? Therefore, these sects, although they sound powerful now, can never infiltrate the core strength of the various countries. Just as they were worrying about this, Xie Shiyu appeared. She was in the Xiliang palace and had her eyes on the imperial mausoleums of various countries. For the Tian Xuan Sect, wasn't this like finding a needle in a haystack?"
This outcome was somewhat unexpected for Lu Qingwan. She guiltily blinked her eyes and retracted her forty-meter saber, forcibly rebooting her brain. "So, Yu Meiren entering the Tianwu imperial palace wasn't to help Feng Qingheng ascend to the throne, nor to help Xie Shiyu, but to use this incident as a stepping stone for the Tian Xuan Sect to intervene in the center of power?" The more seriously she thought, the faster her eyes blinked.
Feng Xiwu raised his hand and covered her flickering eyes. "That is the ultimate goal. To maximize their interests, within their capabilities, they will also help Feng Qingheng and Xie Shiyu achieve their respective goals. However, what I don't understand is that with His Majesty's lifespan approaching its end, sacrificing the pearl of an elder's daughter, isn't that too high a price?"
*Knock, knock.* The door was knocked upon. Li Su poked his head in from outside. "Your Highness, Your Highness, Tang Xiao just sent news. Yu Meiren is pregnant."
Lu Qingwan jumped up like a carp, and Feng Xiwu leaned back sharply, narrowly avoiding a blow to the chin. He quickly supported Lu Qingwan. "Don't be in such a hurry. She's pregnant, not you. Why are you so anxious?"
"How can I not be anxious?" Lu Qingwan pulled Feng Xiwu up. "His Majesty's lifespan is nearing its end, and Feng Qingheng is incredibly stupid. If you die in a foreign land according to their plan this time, the child in her belly will be the only heir to Great Qian. How can you still sit still?"
Feng Xiwu reached out and pulled her back. "Did you forget that Consort Ye gave His Majesty an infertility drug? His Majesty is incapable of conceiving offspring?"
"There are no absolutes in such matters! Besides, by the time that child is born, His Majesty will have already kicked the bucket. Who can prove that it's not His Majesty's child? They can influence the progress of official duties held by the heads of the six ministries within a few days. Would it be difficult for them to establish that child as a royal descendant?" Lu Qingwan sprawled on the ground, her expression extremely troubled.
Feng Xiwu watched her with amusement. "But I am still alive, so this hypothesis does not exist. Moreover, there is clear evidence that Yu Meiren harmed His Majesty. Even if the child is truly His Majesty's, she will not have a chance to give birth."
Lu Qingwan nodded hesitantly. "That's true. They probably didn't expect you to return unharmed, nor did they expect that despite their calculations, His Majesty could still be alive. I think I understand why Yu Meiren, who could have directly entered the palace with the power of the Tian Xuan Sect, insisted on cooperating with Feng Qingheng."