TSFLIP Chapter 822

“What do you mean by that?” she asked.

Fengguang’s brows drew together as Zhou Xing replied, his tone cold. “Haven’t you ever wondered why, when the emperor found out I was getting married, he didn’t object—but instead approved of me taking a wife outside the palace?” He couldn’t even bring himself to call that man Father anymore.

Indeed, it made no sense. As the Crown Prince, marrying a merchant’s daughter was highly improper, a breach of royal protocol—yet the emperor had agreed. He hadn’t protested at all; in fact, he’d even sent gifts to celebrate the wedding.

Fengguang suddenly realized something. “He wanted to… he intended to…”

She met Zhou Xing’s gaze but couldn’t bring herself to say the rest aloud.

Zhou Xing smiled faintly, pulled her close, and settled her on his lap. As his hand gently brushed her hair, he said quietly, “When I was suppressing my mother’s clan’s rebellion, I was injured—my legs will never fully recover. No matter how you look at it, I’ve lost the qualifications to be the crown prince. The only reason he hasn’t formally stripped me of the title yet is that… I crippled myself defending his throne.”

After all, the emperor himself hadn’t taken part in that rebellion. If Zhou Xing had come back unharmed, things might have been different—but his wounds were proof of his loyalty. If the old emperor were to depose such a son and appoint another heir, the court would question his judgment and condemn his ingratitude.

But now more than a year had passed. The timing was right.

And news had just spread through the palace: the long-lost Second Prince had been found.

The imperial bloodline was thin. Aside from the late empress’s eldest son—Zhou Xing—there were only two younger princes, barely seven or eight years old, born to low-ranking consorts. They were too young and too unimportant to be considered contenders. But the Second Prince was different. His mother had once been the emperor’s favorite consort. He was only a few months younger than Zhou Xing.

It was whispered that, years ago, the empress herself had secretly sent the Second Prince out of the palace while the emperor was away at war—fearing the boy might one day threaten her own son’s claim to the throne.

The empress had long since passed away, unable to defend herself against the accusation. So the truth—whatever it was—had become official history.

And now, with the Second Prince miraculously “found,” it was clear that Zhou Xing’s time as crown prince was coming to an end.

He explained all of this to Fengguang, who listened in growing dread. She understood now that this trip back to the capital could not be avoided. Worse still, there was a very real chance Zhou Xing might never return. He could be imprisoned for life… or quietly killed.

She clutched the corner of his robe tightly. “No matter where you go, I’ll go with you.”

Zhou Xing’s expression softened. He kissed her forehead. “I couldn’t bear to let you leave me, either. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“You can’t let anything happen to yourself, either,” she whispered.

He smiled and drew her into his arms. “All right… nothing will happen to me. And nothing will happen to you.”

Because of his injured legs, it took them half a month to reach the capital. Once inside the palace, Zhou Xing first took Fengguang to the Eastern Palace—the Crown Prince’s residence. It would only be his for a little longer, but until the title was officially stripped, it was still his home.

Before long, a palace eunuch arrived with a message. “Your Highness, His Majesty is overjoyed to hear that you’ve returned. He commands that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess come to the imperial study at once.”

“Please thank His Majesty for his kindness,” Zhou Xing said calmly. “I will prepare and go shortly.”

The eunuch bowed and withdrew.

Fengguang’s hand tightened around Zhou Xing’s. Her heart was pounding—not from awe at meeting the emperor, the most powerful man in the realm—but from fear.

Fear of what that man would do to him.