The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 1053 - 644: Choices (Third Update)

Qiankun Hall.

Feng Xiyun knelt on the grand hall, "I’ve angered the Empress; she won’t let me visit Fengqi Palace anymore, making it impossible to report the Empress’s recent health status to His Majesty in time. It’s my negligence, and I implore His Majesty for punishment."

Saying this, Feng Xiyun knelt, her face full of guilt.

"It’s unrelated to you. The Empress simply doesn’t want any relation with me," Xiao Jinxing said coldly, "Stand up."

"But the Empress’s health..."

"Her health, she can take care of herself," Xiao Jinxing replied indifferently.

Feng Xiyun bit her lip, not daring to speak further.

"If the Empress doesn’t let you visit in the future, you need not go. From now on, you don’t have to come to Qiankun Hall daily either," Xiao Jinxing instructed.

"I obey, Your Majesty."

"You may leave."

"Yes." Feng Xiyun replied respectfully.

Her wisdom lay in never overstepping boundaries.

Always knowing when to stop.

Thus, she never caused disgust.

Nor did she face rejection.

...

An Ning has rested for several days in Fengqi Palace.

Actually, the tonics Feng Xiyun sent later were truly meant to nourish her health.

They contained no harmful substances, and it was evident that her prescriptions were made with care.

Though the tonics from previous days indeed contained sedatives, making her sleep longer.

It was only afterwards that she deduced from Palace Attendants that Feng Xiyun did this to ensure Xiao Jinxing believed in her deep-seated resentment towards him.

The aim was to make Xiao Jinxing give up on her.

In the past, she might not have tolerated Feng Xiyun’s petty schemes.

Ultimately, she endured.

Undeniably, part of it was not wanting to completely annihilate those around Xiao Jinxing.

She and Xiao Jinxing were destined to have no connection.

She would soon leave the Imperial Palace.

She bore no hatred towards Xiao Jinxing.

Though Gu Xingchuan’s death would forever be a thorn in her heart, since she and Xiao Jinxing no longer had any relations, she wouldn’t blame him.

Thus, there’s no need to ensure Xiao Jinxing ends up alone.

Xiao Jinxing treated Feng Xiyun differently than others; Feng Xiyun clearly liked him, wanting to disrupt their relationship and ascend successfully.

The two were like-minded; perhaps Feng Xiyun might become his final companion.

She regarded it as the last time she’d yield to Xiao Jinxing.

Therefore, she spared Feng Xiyun, choosing not to expose her publicly.

On the other hand, Feng Xiyun’s tactics weren’t overly cruel.

At least she didn’t seize the opportunity to kill her.

Feng Xiyun had the capacity to act against her while she slept but did not; perhaps her heart wasn’t ruthless enough, or perhaps she feared being discovered. In any case, since Feng Xiyun didn’t kill her, she could also leave her a way out.

Thinking over these matters.

An Ning shifted her body, saying to a Palace Attendant, "Today I feel much better; I wish to cook myself. Please send word for the Crown Prince and the two Princesses to dine at the palace tonight."

"Yes." The Palace Attendant quickly agreed.

Since Minister Gu was sentenced to death, the Empress had been consistently dispirited.

Not only physically but emotionally, she evidently wasn’t in a good mood.

Today, rare that she feels up to cooking herself, naturally the Palace Attendant was delighted.

Thinking the Empress perhaps, finally, let go.

An Ning also tries to let go.

Some matters can only be chosen to be let go.

During evening meals.

Xiao Luming, An Youyou, and Xiao Anqi arrived at Fengqi Palace together.

"Mother," An Youyou exclaimed warmly, hugging An Ning’s leg, "I’ve missed you! They wouldn’t let me visit saying you weren’t well. Mother, are you feeling better?! How come since returning to the Imperial Palace you’ve been sick repeatedly; what exactly is wrong?"

"It’s nothing major, Mother didn’t pay attention to the weather recently and caught a cold, but now I’m fine," An Ning reassured.

An Youyou promptly nodded obediently.

Only An Youyou seems to believe her words.

An Ning turned her eyes to Xiao Luming and Xiao Anqi, clearly seeing their concern in their gaze.

An Ning pondered.

Could it be that those surnamed "Xiao" naturally harbor complex thoughts?!

Fortunately, Xiao Jinxing didn’t press An Youyou to change surnames.

"Sit down and let’s dine together." An Ning ignored Xiao Luming and Xiao Anqi’s gaze, gently inviting them.

Everyone gathered around the table.

An Youyou, seeing all her favorite dishes, began eating with great enthusiasm and appetite.

Xiao Luming and Xiao Anqi ate slowly, evidently burdened with thoughts.

They might have guessed that her sudden invitation meant something to discuss.

An Ning pursed her lips, "Anqi, since you’re the eldest, Mother will speak to you first."

Anqi quickly set down her bowl and chopsticks, stood up, and respectfully answered, "Yes, Mother."

"Sit, no need for formalities. Today is just a family gathering," An Ning beckoned Anqi.

"Yes." Anqi remained mindful of manners.

It’s ingrained deeply.

An Ning decided not to elaborate further, speaking candidly, "In a few days, Mother will leave the Imperial Palace."

Anqi raised her eyes to meet An Ning’s gaze.

Xiao Luming’s hand holding the bowl and chopsticks slightly tightened.

An Youyou, munching on a drumstick, also paused in surprise upon hearing An Ning’s words.

"Not leaving the palace for travel, but permanently," An Ning clarified.

"What about Father?" An Youyou, oil all over her mouth, asked curiously.

"Your father will remain here," An Ning explained, "Meaning, this departure marks our separation from him."

An Youyou suddenly felt the drumstick didn’t taste as good anymore.

Even when carefree, she vaguely grasped what Mother was saying.

"Father and I have discussed about whom you will stay with; I will leave the choice to you." An Ning addressed them, "Previously, I selfishly made the decision for you, not giving you any options. This time, I’m placing the decision in your hands. Anqi, you’re the eldest, make your choice first..."

"Is it truly impossible between you and Father?" Xiao Luming interrupted An Ning, asking.

An Ning looked at Xiao Luming and nodded, "Impossible."

Xiao Luming bit his lip, visible his distress.

An Ning felt a pang of reluctance but ultimately chose to overlook.

She turned towards Anqi.

Receiving An Ning’s gaze, Anqi bowed her head, eyes moist, "I grew up in the Imperial Palace, always by Father’s side. Though I am reluctant to leave you, I’m afraid Father would feel lonely if I left the palace. I’m sorry, Mother, I can’t leave with you."

An Ning smiled gently, caressing Anqi’s cheek, "It’s fine; take good care of your father, and I will miss you."

"I will always miss Mother too," Anqi declared earnestly.

An Ning comforted Anqi for a while, then turned to Xiao Luming.

Luming felt An Ning’s gaze upon her, causing her to bite her lip harder.