Chapter 889: Getting to know each other and falling in love
Gu Mengzhen couldn't figure it out.
"When did they get to know each other?"
"Why have I never heard Leng Man mention Fang Zhixuan?"
"I have always been very cautious with people from the Leng clan. Logically, Leng Man doesn't know Fang Zhixuan."
"Could Fang Zhixuan be referring to other women of the Xu clan?"
Lin Mu thought carefully and then answered.
"Thinking back on Lord Jingshan's description, I infer that it must be Madam Xu Leng Man."
Fang Zhixuan also pretended to recall the past, and after a moment, he was slightly startled.
"Your Majesty, after hearing what Lord Xiaolin said, I suddenly remembered that Madam Xu mentioned Fang Zhixuan unintentionally."
Gu Mengzhen was shocked and listened attentively.
"Oh? Really? What did she say?"
Fang Zhixuan spoke sincerely and eloquently.
"She told me about her childhood experiences and said that she thought I would be as upright as I was when I grew up, but unexpectedly, I became selfish and was not as good as Xuan'er at all."
"I immediately asked, who is Xuan'er? She didn't answer."
"I guessed that it might be one of her good friends, so I didn't ask too much, nor did I think too much about it."
"Today, I suddenly realized that the person she called Xuan'er is most likely Fang Zhixuan."
Gu Mengzhen immediately believed it.
"It must be Fang Zhixuan, no doubt about it."
"She dared to hide it from me and have a tryst with someone from the enemy. She is so bold."
Fang Zhixuan used clever words to incite mislead people.
"Your Majesty knows very well that Madam Xu has been playful and willful since she was a child and has never been disciplined."
"The more you are on guard, the more she will give it a try. Perhaps she took the initiative to get to know Fang Zhixuan."
Gu Mengzhen was angry.
"More than just taking the initiative to get to know her? From the tone of her voice, I think she might have feelings for me."
"It is estimated that the two of them have already fallen in love with each other."
Lin Mulun made a firm judgment.
"In my humble opinion, their acquaintance and love were probably plotted by someone from the Fang clan."
Gu Mengzhen agreed.
"Well, what you said is very true."
Fang Zhixuan's words are smooth and the details are revealed.
"Fang Zhixuan died at a young age. No one knows where the Fang clan hid him."
"That year, the emperor had just entered the court and was beginning to show his talent. There were not many people around him who could help him. If we were to talk about his most trusted colleagues, it would have to be Grand Marshal Leng."
"Fang Zhixuan is about the same age as Madam Xu. In order to win over the Leng clan and undermine the emperor's power, Fang Renshu instructed his brother to fake his death and hide himself to get close to Madam Xu and plot something bad."
"Then, Madam Xu announced without warning that she would marry Lord Xu. The emperor's unintentional arrangement ruined Fang Renshu's scheme, preventing Fang Zhixuan from returning to the capital with the help of the Leng clan's power."
"After that, the Fang clan was destroyed, and he could only hide in the martial arts world and wait for an opportunity to act."
Gu Mengzhen nodded repeatedly.
"My dear, your analysis is very reasonable."
"It turns out that this is Fang Renshu's plan to kill two birds with one stone."
"However, she never expected that the Leng clan has long lost its power in today's political situation and is no longer as powerful as it once was. Even if Fang Zhixuan's plan goes smoothly and he uses the power of the Leng clan, he won't be able to cause any trouble."
"I didn't expect that she would miscalculate as well."
"Heh, interesting."
After exchanging glances with Lord Kobayashi, Fang Zhixuan understood what he meant and immediately spoke out.
"It's getting late, and the official duties are over. If Lord Xiaolin is not on duty, please allow him to return home and rest, Your Majesty?"
Gu Mengzhen smiled gently.
"My dear Xiaolin, please do as you please."
"When you have time, please help me check whether Fang Zhixuan and Leng Man have met in private."
Lin Mu stood up and replied solemnly.
"The emperor has given an order, how dare the subjects not serve with all their heart?"
"I will check it immediately."
Fang Zhixuan approved.
"Master Kobayashi's loyalty is admirable."
Lin Mu knelt down and saluted.
"Thank you, uncle."
"Wei Chen retire."
Fang Zhixuan pondered for a moment and spoke in earnest.
"In my opinion, Man'er may not necessarily fall in love with Fang Zhixuan."
"After all, you have a child between you."
"From the beginning of the year till now, I have seen how Man'er has been in love with you. I know it clearly."
"Both of them are probably just Fang Zhixuan's wishful thinking."
Gu Mengzhen understood.
"You mean, I should follow Fang Zhixuan's trick and send Leng Man to the enemy to be my informant?"
Fang Zhixuan smiled.
"Brother Emperor Shengming."
Gu Mengzhen disagreed.
"No, no, no."
"Leng Man's talent and intelligence are no different from her father's. She wants to deceive Fang Zhixuan and lie dormant in the enemy camp. Isn't that just wishful thinking?"
Fang Zhixuan looked confident.
"As long as it is proven that Fang Zhixuan is sincere, my brother can be assured of his plan. Man'er does not need to be highly talented or far-sighted. Simply acting like a spoiled child is enough to gain his trust."
"Also, as my brother said, the Leng clan has lost power now, and Man'er is even more insignificant. If she accidentally reveals her identity as an informant, she will die. My brother does not need to try to rescue her. The most he can do is to protect Madam Yuan and her brother and preserve the royal bloodline."
Gu Mengzhen teased.
"You are so bold."
"If she returns to Fang Zhixuan, where will you place your feelings?"
Fang Zhixuan's sitting posture is obedient and respectful.
"The opportunity is right before my eyes. For my brother and for justice, I will give up my love even if I am reluctant."
"Besides, I have deeply understood your sincere teachings, and I really shouldn't let you down, Madam."
Gu Mengzhen smiled with satisfaction.
"I'm glad you think so."
"Tong'er, no matter her virtue or beauty, she is unparalleled in the world. You must cherish her and never betray her."
There is a hint of slyness in Fang Zhixuan's eyes.
"My brother's words are profound and to the point, and they are logical and straightforward."
"However, I feel it is a pity to let her go like this."
"Anyway, my royal brother has abandoned it, so it doesn't matter. Just allow me to have a play."
Gu Mengzhen's smile suddenly disappeared and his face became grim.
"Bold."
Fang Zhixuan was terrified and knelt on his knees.
"I know my crime."
Gu Mengzhen helped him back to his seat and smiled again.
"Silly brother, I'm just teasing you."
"You should have said it earlier if you have feelings for me. You have endured it for so many years and you are deliberately making me feel bad."
Fang Zhixuan was surprised.
"Brother Emperor agrees?"
Gu Mengzhen dotes on her.
"Of course I agree."
Fang Zhixuan couldn't stop smiling.
"Thank you, my Royal Brother. I am overjoyed."
"I am nervous, my royal brother, please accompany me and play with me, okay?"
Gu Mengzhen tapped his forehead with his fingertips.
"I said I was with you, but I was actually trying to embarrass her, right?"
"Don't try to hide your little thoughts from me."
Fang Zhixuan narrowed his eyes.
"Brother, you have exposed me. I am ashamed."
Gu Mengzhen warned sternly.
"Don't use this trick on Tong'er. She is a good girl."
Fang Zhixuan agreed.
"I know, my dear brother, please be at ease."
Gu Mengzhen was worried and kept reminding him again and again.
"Leng Man, I am a humble person. It's okay for you to have some fun, but remember, you are not allowed to put your heart into it."
Fang Zhixuan cupped his hands and bowed solemnly.
"My brother obeys the order."
After the ceremony, he hurriedly urged.
"Night has fallen and the weather is beautiful. Brother Emperor, please summon her to the palace as soon as possible. I am impatient."
Look at him, a real man, regaining his childhood self. Gu Mengzhen smiled at him with pity.
"it is good."
"I will send someone to summon you right away. You should have dinner first. Don't worry about flowers or you will starve yourself."
"Come here, pass the meal."
The palace maid came upon hearing the voice, received the order, and led Fang Zhixuan to the kitchen of Di Sheng Palace.