TSFLIP Chapter 1021

Hearing that, Xianmo thought it over seriously for a moment, then nodded.

“See? That’s the power of a smile.” Fengguang patted his head and said earnestly, “A smile is incredibly powerful. It not only helps people like you, it also keeps those who want to pry into your thoughts from getting anywhere. Right now, the most important thing for you is building good relationships. Only then can you survive well in this palace.”

“But…” Xianmo frowned slightly. “I don’t know how to smile.”

“That’s okay. We can learn slowly.” Fengguang crouched in front of him, her voice softening. “A’Mo, you’re the Eldest Prince now—the old emperor’s oldest son. And in this palace, the emperor hasn’t named a crown prince yet, and the empress has no children. Your existence is an eyesore to many people, so you must be very careful. Understand?”

“I understand.”

Xianmo raised his hand and gently touched his own face. He could faintly feel that his hand overlapped the back of hers. A sudden thread of satisfaction welled up in his heart—so precious that his heart could hardly contain it.

The corner of his lips lifted slightly, like a brush of spring wind, there and gone in an instant.

It was a pleasant surprise.

Fengguang froze for a long moment, then happily hugged the boy in front of her. “That’s wonderful! So little A’Mo can smile after all—and you look so good when you do. Mommy’s so happy!”

The moment he heard the word “Mommy,” Xianmo’s expression instantly stiffened, and he turned his back to her.

She blinked, staring at his silent figure, not understanding how the boy who had been fine just moments ago had suddenly changed.

Fengguang carefully poked his back. “Little A’Mo… what’s wrong?”

After a while, his muffled voice came. “You’re not my mother.”

She suddenly didn’t know what to say. Xianmo’s thin back looked frail and lonely, painfully easy to pity. His mother had been executed after giving birth to him in prison, so he had never seen her. A mother’s love was a luxury to him. Perhaps, in his heart, the word mother was a sealed taboo.

A tidal wave of guilt washed over Fengguang. I really don’t know how to talk, she scolded herself. Of all things to say, I had to bring that up. Great—now I’ve hurt this child’s fragile heart.

“I’m sorry, A’Mo,” she said apologetically. “I won’t talk carelessly again. Please forgive me this once, okay?”

Xianmo said nothing.

“Really, I know I was wrong. I’m terrible with words. You’re generous—don’t hold it against me, okay?”

He still didn’t respond, nor did he turn around.

Fengguang’s voice began to tremble with tears. “A’Mo, what if you stop talking to me? You’re the only one who can hear me. If you ignore me… I might really disappear…”

“You won’t.”

He finally turned around. A faint darkness flickered in his eyes, barely noticeable. “You won’t disappear.”

Fengguang was startled by his certainty. “How do you know I won’t disappear?”

“That willow tree—I’ve been protecting it carefully. I won’t let you disappear.”

Hearing that, Fengguang couldn’t help but laugh. She hadn’t expected the child to remember the nonsense she’d said back then.

Patting his head gently, she said softly, “Okay. I won’t disappear.”