In a word, Feng Yinwan's body instantly froze in place.
The Emperor of Yue seemed very satisfied with her reaction. After a slight pause, he said, "Your son is intelligent and clever. I am very fond of him."
Upon hearing this, Feng Yinwan clenched the hands bound behind her back and pursed her lips.
"I can help you, but currently, Ye Tingyun is in power within the Jing Kingdom's court. Although Ye Tinglan is the Regent, his military power was stripped before entering the palace. He is merely a figurehead in court, and dealing with him alone will be of little use."
"As for Ye Tingyun's heart ailment, I was the one who treated it. He has always trusted me, so it will not be difficult to control him through me."
What she said was the truth.
The Emperor knew he could do nothing about Ye Tinglan, so he retreated to advance, bestowing upon him the title of Regent.
If he truly, as he claimed, would wholeheartedly assist Ye Tingyun, then in the future, the brothers would be cordial, and the ruler and minister harmonious—that would indeed be a beautiful story.
But if his words and actions were inconsistent and he harbored ambitions for the throne, the mere title of "Regent" would suffice to trap him, leaving him with the infamy of a usurper.
The Emperor of Yue clearly knew these things as well. Hearing her words, he narrowed his eyes and looked at her, a hint of scrutiny in his gaze.
"Would you willingly serve me so readily?"
Feng Yinwan's gaze was steady. "I thought Your Majesty already knew. For a mother, nothing is more important than her child. Moreover, I genuinely need Your Majesty's method of breaking the curse."
Feng Jinche and the method to break the forbidden curse were indeed her most significant bargaining chips.
The Emperor of Yue pondered for a moment and said, "If you are truly as you say, I can inform you of the method of breaking the curse first."
Feng Yinwan, however, shook her head resolutely. "No, I must see Chenchen first."
She had to confirm that Feng Jinche was safe.
The atmosphere, which had been slightly easing, suddenly froze at this statement.
The Emperor of Yue's face turned grim for a long moment before he coldly stated, "I thought you would have more confidence in Ye Tinglan, as your mother and son are of utmost importance to him."
"Of course, I also believe that Prince Yi is equally important to you."
After saying this, he ordered Feng Yinwan to be taken away.
The guards led Feng Yinwan to the prison. After the heavy chains clanked shut, the dungeon fell silent.
Feng Yinwan slightly closed her eyes, allowing herself to completely disappear into the darkness, her mind constantly replaying the layout of the entire imperial palace.
The complex structure of the Yue imperial palace undoubtedly added difficulty to any escape. What required even more caution was the sheer number of hidden blind spots within the palace; one never knew where a master might be lurking.
To quickly find her uncle and Feng Jinche, and then escape from here without a sound, was by no means an easy task.
In the silent stillness, Feng Yinwan meticulously planned. When she realized it, a figure was already standing outside her cell door.
Her heart tensed, and she reached for her silver needles, but the other party spoke first.
"Miss Wan'er, it is the Prince who sent me to deliver a message."
The only Prince who could send her a message at this time within the imperial palace was likely Luo Qingyi.
Feng Yinwan paused slightly, then saw a small attendant in ordinary palace attire quietly slip a note through the door crack. She stepped forward to retrieve it and saw a young attendant in plain palace robes standing outside the door.
After handing over the note, the attendant said, "The Prince asked me to tell you that Miss should prioritize her own safety within the palace. He will arrange everything else."