TSFLIP Chapter 1038

On New Year’s Eve, the investigation into the fire at Fengyi Palace quickly concluded: the Empress had tragically perished in the flames. Because it was a holiday and the Empress had been considerate enough to give all the palace servants the day off, she was the only one who died.

The body had been burned beyond recognition.

When Fengguang heard this, the weight in her heart finally lifted. A woman as mysterious and unpredictable as Rong Tingxue—how could she possibly die so easily? This had to be nothing more than a clever escape plan.

Soon after, another piece of news spread: the Imperial Preceptor had fallen gravely ill and voluntarily resigned, returning to his hometown to recuperate. He hadn’t even submitted his resignation in person to Xianrang—people only realized something was wrong when he hadn’t appeared for a long time. When they went to his residence, they found it empty, with only a letter of resignation left behind. No matter how hard Xianrang tried to search for Zou He, he was nowhere to be found.

At the time, Xianmo was practicing calligraphy when he suddenly heard Fengguang exclaim in realization, “So that’s what it was!”

Setting down his brush, he asked, “What did you figure out?”

“The child in the Empress’s womb—it was the Imperial Preceptor’s!”

He frowned. “The Empress was pregnant?”

“Yes!” Fengguang suddenly felt like a detective. She hurriedly explained, “I was wondering why the Empress would suddenly have an affair and then stage a fake death—turns out it was all planned with Zou He. Do you remember that day? We saw Zou He lying drunk in a tree, heartbroken over love. He must have been talking about the Empress!”

Although at that time, the Empress had seemed rather indifferent to him—so how had the two of them suddenly gotten involved?

Fengguang recalled the first time she met the Empress—the beautiful blue sky lantern. Maybe Zou He had sent it to make her happy.

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. When she saw Lan Zhao, she couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him. She had originally thought he and Zou He were close friends with a complicated bond, but it turned out Zou He had already run off with the girl.

However, nothing about Lan Zhao’s expression suggested any distress. He remained as strict as ever, showing no leniency in his instruction of Xianmo. Two years passed, and when Xianmo turned fifteen, Lan Zhao said, “Your Highness, there’s nothing more I can teach you. The rest will depend on your own cultivation and real combat experience.”

“Yes. Thank you, Master.”

At fifteen, the young man had grown much taller and far more composed. His features had matured as well—no one would be exaggerating to call him picture-perfect.

Although Lan Zhao often claimed he didn’t deserve to be called “Master,” there was no denying that Xianmo was his most outstanding student. He had never seen anyone absorb knowledge so quickly, and he was certain that, given time, Xianmo would surpass him.

“In one month, I will lead a campaign beyond the frontier. I have already recommended to His Majesty that you accompany me. Your Highness—are you willing?”

Fengguang, who had been distracted, immediately snapped to attention. “No!”

“I am willing,” Xianmo said, lowering his head. “As Master said, I need real combat experience.”

“Good.” Lan Zhao nodded in satisfaction. “War is nothing like life in the palace. Your Highness, prepare yourself to endure hardship in a month.”

“Understood.”

After leaving one final remark—that the First Prince would no longer need to come to the training grounds to wait for him—Lan Zhao departed with a pleased smile.