Long Xiyuan cast a curious glance at Feng Fuce.

He raised his brows quietly: "Who is this?"

Feng Fuce replied coldly: "What does it have to do with you?"

He was unceremonious, but Long Xiyuan was not offended.

It was merely met with a chuckle.

Long Xiyuan narrowed his eyes: "Even if you don’t say, I can guess. Isn’t it just a lover? The people I sent for investigation mentioned it."

Bai Zhi’er was taken aback: "Who is spouting nonsense!"

Bai Xingye was even more indignant than Bai Zhi’er.

"They are not like that, don’t speak nonsense!"

Long Xiyuan raised his eyebrows and looked at Bai Xingye.

After a while, he laughed: "Little girl, you have quite a few admirers, huh."

Seems like the misunderstanding is like with Song Qingrui.

Bai Zhi’er pressed her brow, feeling it was difficult to explain.

She simply returned to the main topic.

"Why has the Emperor suddenly come again?"

Long Xiyuan shifted his posture, speaking leisurely: "Of course, to back you up."

"Otherwise, given you, although skilled in martial arts, how could you possibly surpass Prince Li Zheng and Duke Huan, those two old foxes."

"You should thank me. If I had come a step later, by tomorrow morning, your friend would have been executed first and reported later."

"When I find out, it would be too late to help."

Guoguo furrowed his brows, gritting his teeth with hatred: "He certainly harbors ill intentions, truly disgusting."

Bai Zhi’er blinked her long eyelashes: "Isn’t the Emperor afraid of eavesdroppers speaking so carelessly?"

After all, this is Duke Huan Mansion.

Surrounded by their servants.

But Long Xiyuan said with a smile: "Afraid of what? I’ve already cleaned it out, otherwise, why do you think I was able to grow step by step surrounded by tigers and wolves within the court?"

If not for some skill, I would have long been reduced to bones.

Sitting on that throne, all around are scheming individuals.

These words reminded Bai Zhi’er of her father.

Originally, Bai Xilie’s court was also a tangled mess.

The former dynasty forces stirred trouble, and various ministers coveted the throne.

But over the years, through the joint efforts of father and daughter.

The court of Great Chu is almost entirely composed of illustrious ministers and capable generals.

There’s no longer a daily worry about power struggles.

Yet despite this, vigilance cannot be relaxed.

Being an Emperor is indeed exhausting.

Long Xiyuan stood up, preparing to leave.

"The matter is handled for you; I should go back and rest."

"Little girl, you best quickly consider what I asked you."

"Though I am patient, you’ve become quite the thorn in Prince Li Zheng and Duke Huan’s eyes."

"I cannot always come so promptly; think it through."

As Long Xiyuan passed by Feng Fuce, he paused.

He glanced sideways at this young man.

As someone who has seen all manners of people.

No one radiates as much aura of ruthlessness as Feng Fuce.

Long Xiyuan secretly observed Feng Fuce’s skills.

In the entire realm, almost no rival.

Yet such an impressive person follows a young girl claiming to be a merchant.

Curious.

Long Xiyuan withdrew his gaze, turning back to smile at Bai Zhi’er.

"I await your good news."

Long Xiyuan left Duke Huan Mansion, not expecting Duke Huan to still be waiting at the door, wanting to see him off.

However, Long Xiyuan waved his hand: "I think at this moment, the Duke should be contemplating in solitude rather than currying favor with me."

"Consider carefully the inner situation of today’s events before explaining to me at the palace."

Then, he flicked his sleeves and ascended the Dragon Chariot to depart.