The events of that night.

Between An Ning and Fu Xingyi, it was never mentioned again.

Afterwards, Fu Xingyi never showed any initiative either. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Even though the time they spent together increased.

Fu Xingyi, being new to the palace, was unfamiliar with court affairs. On the day he returned, he quickly left the court claiming physical discomfort after dealing with the civil and military officials, and during this period, he consistently missed the morning court sessions due to health reasons, mostly handling memorials in Qiankun Hall, often indecisive, and couldn’t even use a brush for writing.

An Ning stayed by his side, assisting him with the affairs, occasionally seeking Luming’s advice.

Luming, naturally sensitive and intelligent, quickly seemed to discover Fu Xingyi’s anomaly.

When An Ning went to Qiankun Hall today to accompany Fu Xingyi for administrative matters, she had just reached the palace entrance.

"Mother." Xiao Luming caught up with her with big strides from behind.

An Ning stopped her steps and looked at Luming.

"Mother, your son has something he wishes to ask you." Luming couldn’t help but want to ask.

"Go ahead."

"What injuries did Father sustain in Mobei? Why has Father become noticeably unfamiliar with court affairs since returning from Mobei, even differing in writing and inkwork? What really happened?"

An Ning pursed her lips.

She anticipated Luming might discover it, but didn’t expect him to inquire so soon.

An Ning thought for a moment, and responded, "His whole body was injured, very seriously. Because his head, hand, and other parts were hurt, it’s somewhat different than before."

"Even if that’s the case, why has Father’s personality changed?" Xiao Luming was still puzzled.

"In any case, he is still your father, the Emperor of Daxuan Kingdom. Do not doubt too much." An Ning truly didn’t know how to explain further and didn’t want Luming or Youyou to know the truth.

Luming looked at An Ning.

An Ning smiled slightly, "Don’t think too much about it, assist your father well."

"Yes." Xiao Luming could see his mother didn’t want to say more, so he obediently asked no further questions.

An Ning and Luming entered the palace hall together.

Upon entering, they saw Xiao Wu with several Imperial Guards, standing in the great hall, seemingly reporting something to Fu Xingyi.

Seeing An Ning and Luming appear, Xiao Wu promptly greeted respectfully, "Your servant pays respects to the Empress, and the Crown Prince."

"Rise." An Ning responded, walking towards Fu Xingyi, saying, "I heard from Luming you were supposed to accompany Lu You back to her hometown? Her father passed away, isn’t Lu You going back for mourning? Why are you still in the Imperial Palace?"

Xiao Wu quickly replied, "When His Majesty went on the expedition, he instructed me to stay in the Imperial Palace to protect His Highness. Now that I am taking leave to leave the palace for a period, I have rearranged the Imperial Guards for His Highness, bringing them for His Majesty, the Empress, and His Highness to review today."

After speaking.

Xiao Wu called out, "Lin Zichan."

A tall, thin man wearing Imperial Guard attire appeared before them.

He knelt to pay respects, "Your servant pays respects to His Majesty, the Empress, and the Crown Prince."

An Ning glanced at him, noticing his lowered head and respectful demeanor, didn’t pay much attention.

Xiao Wu said, "Lin Zichan possesses exceptional martial arts. While I am away from the palace, Lin Zichan will replace me in protecting His Highness."

"Hmm." An Ning responded.

Xiao Luming took a look at Lin Zichan and also nodded.

Actually, there aren’t that many dangers in the palace.

"Then your servant will be taking leave." Xiao Wu said respectfully.

"Withdraw." Fu Xingyi responded.

Xiao Wu left.

Although a bit uneasy at heart.

But after Lu You’s father passed away, despite being sold by her parents early due to poverty, after marrying him, she returned to recognize her roots and family, her relations with them improved over the years. Her father’s sudden death left her overly saddened, and he couldn’t let her go back alone.

Moreover, after His Majesty returned victorious in battle, Yuan Wenkang had resumed duty at the Imperial Palace, and the entire court was peaceful, with no significant dangers within the palace, allowing him to take the initiative to request leave.

Besides, he selected Lin Zichan to temporarily replace him, who had high martial prowess, upright character, and unwavering loyalty. However, some time ago during an internal Imperial Guard competition, Lin Zichan fell from a high platform while saving another guard, though not seriously injured, his personality became more solitary and cold since then.