"It's real, but what's the difference between it and a fake?"
An Honghan's words completely confused Xi Xizhi. In a daze, Xi Xizhi shook her head at him, indicating that she did not understand.
However, contrary to Xi Xizhi's expectations, An Honghan did not explain to her, but instead put the family tree back into the small box.
"The story ends here. If there's anything you don't understand, you'll just have to figure it out yourself."
The implication was that he wouldn't say anything more.
"What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and get out. If there's no movement in the Imperial Study for a long time, it will arouse suspicion." An Honghan took Xi Xizhi's small hand and they returned together along the way they came.
Everything An Honghan said in the secret room shocked Xi Xizhi. She was still in a daze. If An Honghan hadn't led her away, she probably wouldn't have been able to tell which way was which.
Doubts lingered in Xi Xizhi's mind, her delicate eyebrows furrowed tightly as she pondered the authenticity of the picture.
If the Heavenly Emperor wanted the An family to remain in the mortal world for generations, then the picture must be fake, right?
Otherwise, if the An clan were to return to the Heavenly Realm, wouldn't that ruin his plans?
However, Xi Xizhi also harbored a lingering hope that the seal was real, and this inner conflict filled her heart.
An Honghan had been observing her actions, noticing her furrowed brows and the confusion in her eyes. He gently rubbed her forehead and said, "Why think so much? Just because our ancestors couldn't find the secret hidden in the blueprints doesn't mean I can't either. Since he is the Heavenly Emperor, what he gives must be genuine; otherwise, how could he live up to his status?"
As someone in a position of authority, the most important thing is prestige.
If you lack prestige, which minister would be willing to risk their life for you?
Although it was the Heavenly Emperor who plotted against the An family's ancestors, he never uttered a single lie from beginning to end.
If investigated, the Heavenly Emperor only needs to say lightly, "It's all my fault for designing the blueprints to be too difficult, otherwise how could our ancestor An have lost his life in the mortal realm..." and cry a few times, with tears streaming down his face. No one would suspect him.
Having reigned as emperor for several years, An Honghan saw through these tricks thoroughly.
This is what people often refer to as – power politics.
"I'll help you find one too," Xi Xizhi murmured softly, her head bowed, the words slipping out unintentionally.
However, the sound was so faint that An Honghan did not hear it.
For some reason, Xi Xizhi actually held onto a sliver of hope that An Honghan could find the blueprints and the Dragon Ball.
Even if they don't return to the Heavenly Realm, at least they got back what belonged to the An family ancestors.
But what will happen to Feng Zeguo once he leaves?
The fall of Fengze Kingdom would mean chaos throughout the land.
Thinking about this, Xi Xizhi felt that she shouldn't be selfish.
A mix of frustrations made Xi Xizhi increasingly melancholy.
Time flies, and several more days have passed.
The capital was unusually lively today, and many ministers were all smiles.
As Xi Xizhi watched several groups of ministers walk past, she slowly remembered that today was the day that the Left Chancellor, Situ Feiyu, was returning to court.
Although Xi Xizhi did not go to Fengzhou, she heard a lot of rumors and learned that after Situ Feiyu arrived there, he quickly brought the disaster under control and handled all matters in Fengzhou.
Normally, dealing with this matter would have taken at least six months, but he somehow managed to bring the disaster under control and appease the local people in just three months using some ingenious method.
No wonder he was able to become the Left Chancellor; his competence alone is truly admirable.
"Miss Xi, aren't you going out to join the fun? Today, many ministers have gone to congratulate Lord Situ on his great achievement, and they're almost all waiting outside the Imperial Study." Lin En flicked his whisk and walked out of the Panlong Hall. Seeing Xi Xizhi squatting alone on the threshold, looking bored, he couldn't help but say something.
Upon hearing this, Xi Xizhi immediately shook her head.
Why would she flatter Situ Feiyu?
She disliked his personality based on the fact that he poisoned the Right Chancellor's grandson at the full moon banquet. Besides, she stayed in the palace just to freeload, so why should she squeeze into the court and get involved in this mess?
"I'm not going."
Knowing he had misspoke, Lynn's face stiffened, and he wished he could slap himself twice.
He's been incredibly busy these past few days just dealing with Lord Situ's return to court.
"His Majesty is currently meeting with Lord Situ in the Imperial Study. Otherwise, he wouldn't have left you alone without asking about your well-being. Perhaps His Majesty will be able to spare some time to spend with you soon," Lynn changed the subject again.
These words successfully caught Xi Xizhi's attention. Xi Xizhi blinked, glanced at Lin En, and asked with a puzzled look in her eyes, "Am I really that dependent on An Honghan?"
It's only been two hours!
Who do you think you are!
These words made Lynn cough forcefully, and her sharp eyes glanced at Xi Xizhi several times.
He thought to himself, "If you weren't thinking of His Majesty, why would you look so helpless?"
When His Majesty is by your side, his expressions and demeanor are always very vivid and endearing.
A series of coughs echoed within the Panlong Hall...
Many palace maids and eunuchs cast curious glances at them.
Xi Xizhi, still puzzled, asked, "Uncle Steward, what's wrong with your throat? Should I call the imperial physician for you?"
As Xi Xizhi spoke, she stood up and earnestly tried to pull the palace maid beside her to summon the imperial physician.
When Lin En saw this, he almost fainted. He quickly grabbed Xi Xizhi and hurriedly shouted, "Little ancestor, we're alright, really alright."
"Why would you cough if you're not feeling well?" Xi Xizhi blinked, whether on purpose or not, she made Lin En so angry that he almost fainted.
However, the little rascal still maintained his innocent and naive demeanor, and solemnly lectured, "Uncle Steward, you should seek medical treatment when you're sick. If you delay treatment, a minor illness can become a major one, and in severe cases, it can even be life-threatening. Over the years, you've been the only one taking care of An Honghan, making him relatively comfortable. If you leave, what will happen if the others can't take good care of An Honghan?"
Xi Xizhi spoke at length, and the palace maids and eunuchs around her looked at Lin En with increasingly strange eyes.
Their eyes all conveyed the same meaning... What illness did Steward Lin have? And why was his life in danger?!
Many eyes were filled with pity, as if Lynn was about to pass away.
Lynn's face turned red and then pale, he was so angry that his face turned red and his neck bulged. Seeing the gazes of the people around him, his heart almost couldn't take it.
He thought to himself, "Miss Xi, were you deliberately messing with him? He didn't offend you! Even if you're bored, you shouldn't make fun of him!"
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