"I…"
When Feng Li expressed his feelings, Yu Xin was speechless. While Yu Xin loved Feng Li, he couldn't be certain that Feng Li would love him in return indefinitely. Despite being a crown prince, Feng Li saw himself as an ordinary half-demon with no knowledge of his father's identity or any noteworthy accomplishments in the empire. He felt insignificant.
Noticing Yu Xin's hesitation and inner turmoil, Feng Li tenderly stroked Yu Xin's right hand and reassured him, saying, "Darling, you don't have to bear the weight of this confession alone. Let's start dating first, and you can take your time to respond. If you feel that my love for you is lacking after we've had some time together, just tell me, and I won't bother you."
Feng Li knew that if he didn't truly love Yu Xin, he couldn't continue to pursue him. He would rather wait for Yu Xin for the rest of his life than become a source of pain for him. Meanwhile, Yu Xin struggled to find the right words to respond to Feng Li's confession.
Both of them maintained a silent yet intimate connection. Feng Li continued to hold Yu Xin in his arms, while Yu Xin resembled a small bunny awaiting an embrace.
As Li Long made his way to the crown prince's residence, his face displayed a deep unease. A pressing matter consumed his thoughts, urging him to increase his horse's speed.
Upon arrival at his final destination, he swiftly dismounted from the horse and hurried into the courtyard. The housekeeper observed his hasty entrance and inquired with politeness, "Sir Long, if your intention is to find your highness, he is currently situated in his chamber."
Li Long offered a slight smile of acknowledgement and proceeded to advance towards Feng Li's chambers. Without bothering to knock or announce his presence, he promptly entered the room, only to discover his lord embracing a captivating woman. He was momentarily taken aback, causing his face to flush with embarrassment. Clearing his throat, he hastily exited the room.
Feng Li paid no mind to his departure, while Yu Xin's countenance held a faint blush of bashfulness.
Yu Xin rose from Feng Li's lap and settled beside him. Feng Li made no effort to prevent him and playfully remarked, "I shall return shortly, my little bunny."
Avoiding Feng Li's gaze, Yu Xin's beautiful face became even more alluring as a rosy hue tinted his cheeks.
Feng Li's pupils dilated as he averted his gaze. His ears turned crimson, and he coughed discreetly before stating, "I shall be back."
He swiftly departed from the room.
Regent emerged from the scene, prompting Li Long to hastily offer a bow. Though his blushing complexion had returned to normal, a lingering memory caused him to clench his fists.
With an impassive expression, Feng Li inquired, "What transpired?"
Gathering his composure, Li Long replied, "Master, Marquis Liao has proven treacherous by aligning himself with the rebels."
A sinister glimmer flickered in Feng Li's eyes as his eyebrows raised. Deception was what he despised above all else. If someone was willingly presenting themselves as a sacrifice, why not utilize them as bait to ensnare the hunter?
A subtle smile crept onto his handsome countenance, bearing an uncanny resemblance to that of a Greek deity.
Li Long trembled at the sight of the smile, his forehead slick with cold perspiration. He knew his master all too well; deception was his master's most detested vice. Even during times of war, when a soldier had nearly jeopardized the entire army by divulging their secrets, his master had successfully navigated the situation and emerged victorious. However, upon returning and apprehending the traitorous soldier, his fate remained unknown. What Li Long did know was that within half an hour, the soldier had perished without any discernible injuries or signs of poisoning.
Li Long trembled at the recollection of that fateful day. As he observed the same pained expression now, he beseeched for divine intervention on behalf of Marquis Liao.
Feng Li instructed him to inform the remaining Generals in the capital to gather at the palace tomorrow for an audience, as well as to dispatch a coded message to the distant Generals. Naturally, only those loyal to the empire would be eligible to enter this premises.
With a nod from Li Long, he departed.
Feng Li proceeded to summon all the house staff, including the servants, maids, and housekeeper, to his study.
Once they had all assembled before him, his scrutinizing gaze swept over each individual present. Each one stood upright, their brows glistening with perspiration under the weight of the pressure.
Feng Li's eyes returned to their normal state as he inquired, "Has anyone located the whereabouts of the little fox?"
In unison, everyone shook their heads to indicate a negative response.
Observing their gestures, Feng Li let out a melancholic sigh. The little fox seemed to have disappeared without a trace. Despite having found it only a few days ago, he had grown rather fond of the mischievous creature.
With a wave of his hand, he indicated for everyone to depart.
Upon the departure of all individuals, he stood up from his chair and approached the bookshelf. Deliberately, he selected a tome from its contents and settled down to peruse its contents.
Without warning, the sound of flapping wings from outside his window caught his attention. Having risen once more, he approached and released the letter from the clutches of a bird. The messenger pigeon swiftly departed upon successful delivery of its message.
Unfolding the letter, Feng Li's gaze fell upon the following words:
"[The creature's attempts to breach confinement render exertion unnecessary.]"
Feng Li's eyes narrowed with suspicion before promptly incinerating the letter.
Ever since Feng Li's arrival in this realm, a spy had been dispatched to observe Jing Tian. Every meeting, every location, and every intricate detail had been faithfully reported back to him. Now that Jing Tian sought to break free from the influence of the Left side minister, no further action was required. Time would reveal the unfolding of their elaborate charade.