He Yunxiao nodded and said, "Just as beautiful as Your Highness."

"That's good, that's good." The Empress Dowager nodded gently, took out a handkerchief to wipe her tearful eyes, and then said to He Yunxiao, "This matter must never be told to anyone. It must be kept a secret!"

The Empress Dowager's behavior suggests that she must know something.

He Yunxiao couldn't help but ask, "What... exactly is going on?"

"I was pregnant before I entered the palace," the Empress Dowager said.

He Yunxiao was shocked.

Is this something I can say? .jpg

Before He Yunxiao could react, the Empress Dowager said something even more shocking.

"Shortly after Xiangjun was born, her father took her to the State of Yan. The name 'Qingmeng' was also given to her by her biological father."

He Yunxiao was dumbfounded. All sorts of melodramatic scenarios flashed through his mind, and he couldn't quite process what was happening.

The Empress Dowager sighed and said quietly, "Do you know why the Meng clan dared to let Qingqian hold all the power? Because when necessary, they can make her hand over all the power."

He Yunxiao thought of another person: Xiao Feng, the leader of the Xiao Gang.

From a martial arts master to someone everyone hates, it all happened in the instant his Liao Kingdom identity was revealed.

Mengbao loves the State of Qi so much, but she herself is from the State of Yan. This is too cruel.

He Yunxiao clenched his fists. Qi Yan was not Song Liao, and he absolutely could not let Xiao Feng's tragedy happen to Meng Bao!

Although He Yunxiao doesn't like to use his brain, that doesn't mean he's a clueless idiot. Even a fool could see something fishy about his relationship with Qi Yan.

The people, customs, and architectural styles of the states of Qi and Yan are extremely similar. Historically, it was the Meng family that rose to power, conquering half of Yan's territory and establishing Qi; the two states were originally one. Furthermore, the fact that the Li sisters have simultaneously ascended to the pinnacle of power in both states cannot be a coincidence. There must be a deeper reason behind it.

"Empress Dowager, what exactly is going on?"

The Empress Dowager stood up, took He Yunxiao's hand, and slowly walked out.

"Xiao'er, His Majesty is already eleven years old. In three years, His Majesty will be fourteen. At that time, Qingqian will relinquish power, and you can take her back to the Marquis's residence. If you like Nanzhu, there is no precedent in this dynasty, and I will find a way to give her to you. With the Marquis's residence, you will be rich and noble for the rest of your lives. But Xiangjun... just forget about her. Forget about her, as if you never met her. And don't mention her to Qingqian."

"Empress Dowager."

"Xiao'er," the Empress Dowager said seriously, without a smile, "I know, but I cannot say. It would harm you."

At the entrance of the main hall of Fenghua Palace, the Empress Dowager gestured towards the side hall where He Yunxiao and Mengbao were having their secret rendezvous, and said, "Go quickly, someone is waiting for you. Take care of yourself, don't stay out too late."

As He Yunxiao walked, he felt something was wrong.

Something about the Empress Dowager's words seemed off, but upon closer examination, I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The crucial point was that this matter involved Li Xiangjun, and I couldn't discuss it with anyone else…

That's right! Look at the little box the Empress Dowager gave us; perhaps the secret is inside!

He Yunxiao couldn't wait to open the box given to him by the Empress Dowager.

The result was both unexpected and reasonable.

Several ancient-style bunnies lay quietly in the box. There was also a box of fragrant, smooth, and slippery honey paste.

He Yunxiao: ...

He Yunxiao held the little rabbit, wanting to express his gratitude to the Empress Dowager for her kindness.

But he can't use this thing.

It's not that the craftsmanship is poor, but rather that the little rabbit is too young and not big enough.