The long street led directly to the city gate. By the time they arrived, the Emperor seemed to have anticipated their coming and ordered a path cleared.
Guards were stationed rigorously on the city wall. Through the gaps in the battlements, Feng Yinwan could vaguely see the figures of Old General Feng and Feng Jingyuan.
Their hands and feet were bound, and they were being held by guards.
Seeing this, Ye Tinglan's eyes darkened for a moment, then he turned to her and hesitated, "Are you willing to wait here?"
He knew she had her own mind and wouldn't be easily ordered around, but the situation ahead was dangerous, and he didn't want her to fall into the Emperor's hands again.
After a brief pause, he explained, "My father, the Emperor, is looking for me. As long as I go up, your father and brother will be safe."
The struggle for succession had ended, and many of the other princes' factions had been cleared. The court was in need of capable individuals, and the Emperor would not truly harm Old General Feng and Feng Jingyuan.
Feng Yinwan understood this. After a moment of thought, she spoke with a firm voice.
"I can protect myself."
The Emperor was determined to capture Ye Tinglan. She might not be able to change the situation, but she wouldn't be a hindrance.
Moreover, her father and brother were up there. How could she be at ease without seeing them safe with her own eyes?
Upon hearing this, Ye Tinglan's lips tightened slightly. After a moment, he nodded again, "Just take care of yourself. All other matters, I will negotiate with my father, the Emperor."
As Feng Yinwan prepared to agree, nodding, she suddenly remembered that when he left the capital before, he had also earnestly told her to prioritize her own safety above all else, and she had agreed. But what was the outcome?
No matter how clearly she understood, she knew she couldn't stand by and do nothing.
Seeing her expression, Ye Tinglan said nothing more and, stepping ahead of her, ascended the city wall.
Along the way, the guards at the gate faced them with drawn blades, treating them like enemies. Yet, only a few days prior, those same blades had been aimed at the Yue people causing trouble in the palace.
Feng Yinwan found it increasingly ironic, yet her heart felt strangely calm.
The most ruthless are emperors, a truth that has remained unchanged throughout the ages.
She had acted out of necessity back then to save the Emperor, never imagining that the situation would unfold like this today.
As if waiting for her, Ye Tinglan silently fell half a step behind. A gentle but powerful wind gusted from the city wall, lifting the hem of his dark robes.
Feng Yinwan's gaze flickered, and she then curved her lips in self-mockery.
Yes, what could she do even if she knew?
Not everything in this world could be controlled by humans. She had done her best; the rest was up to fate.
The wind on the city wall blew fiercely. The Emperor, clad in his dragon robe, stood with his hands behind his back. Upon seeing them, a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.
"Lan'er, you are indeed not dead."
His words held a sense of knowing, so indifferent that not a trace of warmth could be detected. Feng Yinwan frowned, but a large shadow fell before her.
Ye Tinglan leaned forward, shielding her, and looked up, calling out coldly, "Father, the Emperor."
Hearing this, the Emperor's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening further. "Lan'er, your prolonged absence from the capital, is it because you bear resentment for my previous order not to retreat?"
His tone was accusatory, carrying immense pressure.
Ye Tinglan lowered his gaze and calmly replied, "Your subject dares not."
The Emperor showed no sign of relenting. He scrutinized him, then suddenly exclaimed fiercely, "If you bear no resentment, then do you harbor other intentions!"
His gaze swept towards Feng Yinwan behind Ye Tinglan, his meaning clear.
Ye Tinglan said in a deep voice, "Father, the Emperor."
"My royal affairs need not involve others. The Duke of Zhenguo and his son are loyal subjects who serve the country, they are worthy generals. Father, the Emperor need not trouble them. Your son's return this time is a willing commitment to remain in the palace forever."