Chapter 78
Beyond the lively banquet hall, the emperor and Feng Zhenhai sat in a more secluded chamber, away from the prying eyes of the court. A low table adorned with exquisite jade inlays sat between them, a delicate porcelain teapot resting upon it. The soft glow of lanterns flickered, casting long shadows along the walls.
"It’s been far too long, old friend." The emperor leaned back slightly, his golden robes pooling gracefully around him. "Seeing you stand so tall and unbothered by age... It is almost enough to make me envious."
Feng Zhenhai chuckled, pouring tea into both their cups. "Envy? You sit upon the dragon throne while I... could not even shelter the little girl my son entrusted on this old bones. And now contend with rebellious juniors and an ever-growing pile of sect matters. I would say I am the one who should be envious."
The emperor exhaled lightly, amusement lacing his gaze. "You always did prefer the solitude of cultivation over the chaos of the court. Many wondered if you had truly vanished into the mountains for good." He took a sip of tea before adding "I almost believed it myself." The emperor’s eyes grimned at that as he looked at his old friend.
Feng Zhenhai smirked. "Would that have been so terrible? The world is vast, and the matters of the empire continued on without me. A secluded life has its benefits. No intrigues, no betrayals, just the pursuit of enlightenment. The only regret I had... is that I failed as a father in educating my sons... One is missing, while those that stayed... sigh... where have I gone wrong?"
Seeing his friend’s enthusiasm dulling, the emperor decided to stir clear of that conversation.
"Enlightenment." The emperor sighed, setting down his cup. "That is a luxury few of us can afford. A ruler has no choice but to entangle himself in the affairs of the world. Even in seclusion, you were fortunate to escape the politics that weigh on those who remain."
Feng Zhenhai’s gaze darkened slightly. as he rolled his eyes and jestingly glared. "Escape? You make it sound as if I abandoned my duty. I do remember a certain crown prince in our youth that did not run from the palace even for a single day."
The emperor shook his head with a chuckle. "Ah, how times have changed." He toast a cup towards Feng Zhenhai. "Though, yes, I do understand. A clan leader’s duty is to his family first. The Feng Clan has always stood strong as a pillar of the empire and your retreat from the public eye never weakened it. If anything, it has only made your return more... noteworthy." He studied Feng Zhenhai for a long moment before adding, "Tell me, now that you are here, do you intend to stay?"
Feng Zhenhai stroked his beard thoughtfully. "That depends. I have no desire for power, nor for courtly entanglements, but..." He glanced at the emperor meaningfully. "It seems the world has forgotten me that they have dared to touch my beloved kin"
The emperor chuckled. "And that it shall regret." The emperor’s gaze flickered to Feng Jiao Xue, nodding slightly in approval upon seeing how, despite her cassual movemengs, her eyes remained as sharp as a well maintained sword. "Forgive me, old friend. I should have taken better care of your kins. If I had looked at it more attentively... perhaps, some grievances would not need to be amended." The emperor sincerely appologized.