Interesting. That seventh younger brother of his really did surprise him.

In Long Qingxuan’s eyes, which had seemed calm, a few traces of coldness emerged.

"You few, go to the Cultivation Center and have a look first. I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t be lecturing today."

Long Qingxuan waved his hand, indicating for several students of the Taichang Holy Institute to leave first.

He himself went to the Imperial Palace.

Inside Fuluan Palace, Empress Feng was reclining on the noble concubine’s couch, her face rather unsightly.

This morning, Emperor Longteng had ordered many tonics to be rewarded to Shi Fei, and from the Empress Dowager’s side as well, tonics flowed over like running water.

Those concubines and talented ladies had all gone to congratulate Shi Fei.

It was only a child, yet those people each thought that Shi Fei had gained imperial favor.

One by one, none of them put her, the Empress, in their eyes.

She was the head of the harem. If she did not wish it, she refused to believe Shi Fei could give birth to the little bastard in her belly.

However, though Shi Fei looked weak and frail, she was not easy to deal with.

The Eunuch she had previously sent over had all been quietly pushed to the margins by Shi Fei.

The food she sent over, Shi Fei was also extremely cautious with.

Inside and outside Shi Fei’s hall were all under strict guard. Several times she sent people to make an attempt in the Dark, but none had succeeded.

Otherwise, she would not have waited until Shi Fei’s belly was big before learning that Shi Fei was pregnant.

Emperor Longteng’s offspring were not few, but for certain reasons, Empress Feng had not taken a single one to heart before.

But it was different after Little Xinzhuo and Shi Fei returned.

That mother and son were a threat, very likely to shatter the chessboard she had laid out for many years.

"Your Majesty the Empress, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience outside."

Empress Feng was pondering when she heard a palace maid report from outside.

Upon hearing that Long Qingxuan had returned, Empress Feng opened her eyes, her face filled with joy.

"My son."

Long Qingxuan strode in, and Empress Feng happily took his hand, sizing him up from head to toe.

"Mother, after so many days apart, your child has missed you very much."

Long Qingxuan said with a smile.

"Hmph, do you still have this palace in your heart?"

Empress Feng said displeased.

"Upon returning to the Imperial Palace, the first thing you did was go to your Imperial Father to plead for Tu Suxia and the others, and you didn’t even come see me, your mother. Had I known this, I shouldn’t have sent you to the Taichang Holy Institute. Look at you after staying there, you’ve become so cold-hearted."

"Mother, don’t be angry with your child. I see Mother frowning with worry—let me guess, who is it that has made you angry?"

Long Qingxuan said with a coaxing smile.

"Who else could it be. Naturally the one who is with child. Back then, for your sake, I drove her out of the palace, but unexpectedly she has come back, and even brought that little bastard with her."

Empress Feng cursed coldly.

"Mother."

Long Qingxuan lowered his voice and glanced around.

"What is there to fear? Everyone in Fuluan Palace is my people."

Empress Feng scrutinized Long Qingxuan, the more she looked, the more pleased she became.

This was her most beloved son, the son she had carefully groomed.

Whether it was the imperial throne or talent, all of it belonged to her son.

"Don’t worry. For my son’s sake, I will definitely deal with that mother and child."

"Mother, you still intend to make a move against Shi Fei and her child? They are no longer what they were back then."

Long Qingxuan frowned slightly.

"Just a bastard. Isn’t your Imperial Father simply wanting a daughter? I just won’t let him have his way."

Empress Feng sneered coldly.

"Mother, this time, don’t act. I have my own methods to naturally get rid of that mother and son and that formless fetus as well."

Long Qingxuan said after some thought.

"Are these words true?"

Hearing this, Empress Feng could not help but be overjoyed.