The crown prince, Wang Feng Li, sat at his table within his chamber, twirling a small silver cup in his hand.
It all came back to that oily faced fortune teller!
"Feng Yan!" Wang Feng Li called his aide. Feng Yan belonged to a special security force called the Blade Pavilion, who only answered to the Crown Prince. They went through rigorous training in martial arts and the best of the best received the surname 'Feng', from Wang Feng Li's own name, when they were inducted to the force.
This Feng Yan and his brother, Feng Lu, were the top echelon of the Blade Pavilion, and consequently the leaders. This gave them the ability to become the Crown Prince's most trusted aides.
"Yes, Feng Yan is here," the young man dressed in a silver robe with a black mask covering his face stepped out from the shadows and knelt on one knee.
"Investigate Long Ao Tian and his relationship with Xiao Tao Qi," Wang Feng Li ground his teeth in anger as he thought of there being any relationship between them. How dare the man!
"Lord Long Ao Tian?" Feng Yan was a little shocked.
"What lord," Wang Feng Li was pissed, "who gave him the mandate of lord?"
"Ahem," Feng Yan coughed to cover his awkwardness, "Feng Yan has received your highness' order," and he left.
Wang Feng Li continued to curse Long Ao Tian in his heart after Feng Yan left. As expected! Perhaps the damn man had hoodwinked his innocent consort with some wishy washy predictions! Perhaps his Tao Qi was even now with him, still bring fed lies! Damn!
"Pardon my intrusion, your highness," a guard called.
"What is it?" Wang Feng Li growled.
"Her Majesty seeks your presence at Summer Pavilion,"
"Alright," Wang Feng Li put the cup he was now crushing in his hands back onto the table, adjusted his outfit and headed out.
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Summer Pavilion, Empress Wang Caihong's Palace of Grace and Fairness
"This son greets Imperial Father and Mother," Wang Feng Li was a little surprised to see the Emperor here as well.
"Rise," the Emperor smiled. He was a tall sturdy man in his late forties, and his demeanor oozed strength and authority. His deep red robes wrapped firmly around his body. Wang Feng Li himself did not have the face of his father. He had inherited his mother's beauty and his father's stature.
"Your mother tells me that you're yet to pick an auspicious date to marry General Xiao's daughter." the Emperor said after Wang Feng Li took his seat.
The crown prince looked a little sheepish.
"I was at the Xiao Manor today to bring the Prince Consort into the palace for formalities." Wang Feng Li sighed, "but Xiao Tao Qi was not there,"
"What do you mean, she was not there?" Wang Caihong was stunned.
"There was no sign of her in the house. Apparently, she ran away,"
"What?" The Emperor was shocked, "that's impossible!"
"That's what has happened, father. I have asked Feng Yan to investigate the person who was with her last,"
"What nonsense!" The Emperor frowned, "you should dispatch the entire Blade Pavilion! This is the crown prince consort, the future mother of the empire! She must be found today! Even if not for your sake, how will I explain to General Xiao?"
"Your father is right," the Empress was serious, "this is not a little thing. Don't just investigate, arrest all those that were involved!"
"That's right," the Emperor supported, "who was it by the way,"
"A man called Long Ao Tian," Wang Feng Li replied.
"The renowned fortune teller?" The empress recognized the name, "what does he have to do with the Xiao family?"
"That does not matter," the emperor interrupted, " Feng Li, I give you leave. Arrest him and question him. Don't take this lightly,"
"Yes father," Wang Feng Li nodded. Just as he was about to get up, a cheery voice yelled.
"Brother Feng Li!"
Wang Feng Li turned around. It was Wang Feng Yue, the little princess.
"Feng Li ge-ge, where is the sister in law you promised Yue-er, huh? Since sisters Min and Yi-er went to join grandmother, Yue-er has been lonely!"
Wang Feng Li got up and patted his little sister's head.
"Don't worry, brother will bring her soon,"
Yue-er pouted.
"Hmph! Soon! If Yue-er hasn't found her own friend, that's how you'll all disappoint me!" Still pouting, Feng Yue ran off.
"Hahaha," the emperor and the empress laughed, "Little Yue-er hasn't dropped her habits," the emperor smiled, "but whose this friend of hers?"
"It's a young girl that saved us when we were attacked by bandits the last time we went to visit the empress dowager in the mountains,"
"Really! Why didn't you tell me about it? I would have made her Yue-er's reading partner so the two can be closer to each other,"
The empress shook her head.
"She's a shy young girl that grew up in the mountains. Palace life would not suit her,"
"If you say so then," the emperor replied, "Feng Li, you should have no mercy when it comes to those behind the disappearance of the prince consort,"
"Yes father," Wang Feng Li rose, "please excuse this son," he cupped his hands, bowed and left.
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"Feng Yan! I want Long Ao Tian before me right now!"
"Feng Yan has received your order!"