Chapter 172: Going Back to Shengjing

Hu Dapao suddenly changed his mind and decided to return to the capital together with them. Nangong Shu agreed readily, and he instructed the soldiers to pack up and get ready to go in two days.

Su Jiu had been in Northern Xinjiang for over a month. She was slightly reluctant that she had to leave all of a sudden.

The wide grasslands, lofty mountains, and rustic mountain folk around here provided a tranquil environment for one to completely rest and relax.

Su Jiu and Xiao Lie rode across the wilderness to their heart’s content for the last time, with the sun setting in the west. The entire view was infinitely majestic. The grass swayed with the wind, stretching towards the horizon.

“If you love it here, we can come back in the future!” Against the glow of the sunset, the man sat high on his horse, all in black robes, looking handsome and noble.

Su Jiu’s face was beautiful and brilliant as if it was meticulously painted on a canvas. She nodded. “I’ll remember this place!”

Under the twilight, the two returned side by side. With the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves, the sound of golden bells rang in the wind, echoing across Northern Xinjiang from far away.

On the day of their departure, the army assembled before dawn.

Governor Huang saw them off outside the city with several officials and guardsmen from Youzhou. Wei Tan and the others were also there.

“Young Mistress, take care of yourself along the way. I have written to Shengjing City about your return to the capital!” Wei Tan saluted with a loyal expression.

“Chief Guard Wei, I am extremely grateful that you’ve saved my life selflessly many times! I’ll do anything for you as long as you need my help!” Su Jiu said solemnly.

“It was my pleasure, Young Mistress. Have a nice trip!”

“Take care!”

Su Jiu said her goodbyes to Wei Tan and returned to the group.

At that moment, Huang Ying followed behind Governor Huang and looked at Hu Dapao, reluctant to leave. When she found the opportunity, she immediately said, “General Hu, I will always remember you! After you get back to the capital, if Princess Heyu dislikes you, be sure to come back to me!”

Hu Dapao answered in fear, “Miss Huang, thank you for your love. I don’t deserve it!”

Huang Ying laughed it off. That’s how people and things were—what you liked was precious, and what you disliked was worthless. It had nothing to do with others, and she was just a little late. She wouldn’t belittle herself easily because of this.

Putting the man out of her mind, she said earnestly, “Take care!”

Hu Dapao nodded slightly and turned over onto his horse.

The Daliang Army had set out from outside the city of Youzhou in early February, and by the time they returned to Shengjing, it was already March.

In March, the warblers flew and the grass was thick. Spring had arrived. The willow catkins made one feel as if he had suddenly gone from the snowy Northern Xinjiang to the bustling Shengjing City, filled with birdsong and flowers.

The army stopped in the barracks outside Shengjing. Xiao Lie and Nangong Shu returned to the city with only 500 elite soldiers.

Su Jiu, Ah Shu, and the others were not soldiers, so they left the group a day in advance and entered Shengjing before the gates closed, to greet the returning soldiers in triumph.

They rode into the city, looking at the vibrant ancient capital. The wine shops were ubiquitous. People and carriages went back and forth in the busy street. They could not help but take a deep breath of this familiar smell.

As good as Northern Xinjiang was, this was the place that they were familiar with.

Because of the soldiers’ arrival, people were pouring into Zhuque Avenue at the moment, making the rest of the city relatively quiet.

Su Jiu, Ah Shu, and Chang Huan, along with Nangong Bi, rode their horses slowly and wandered freely through Shengjing.

“Where are we going?” Ah Shu asked.

They abruptly returned to the capital. It seemed that there were too many places to go—trading companies, bodyguard agencies, restaurants… For a moment, they did not know where to go first.

“Instead of going back, why don’t we go for a drink first?” Su Jiu suggested.

During those days in Northern Xinjiang, no alcohol was allowed in the barracks. Even if there was wine, it was diluted with water, and it tasted underwhelming.

“Okay!” Both Ah Shu and Chang Huan agreed.

“My father is accompanying the Emperor to greet my brother along with those ministers, and my mother must have entered the palace as well. I’m in no hurry to go back, so I’m going to drink with all of you!” Nangong Bi chimed in.

Qingxin Tavern stood in Zhuque Street, which was crowded with people at this time, so it was impossible to squeeze through it. Thus, they decided to go to the Qingyuan Tavern first.

Master An and Hu Dapao were also staying in the palace tonight for the banquet, so it was just the four of them.

As a princess, Nangong Bi should have entered the palace, but now that she had a special relationship with Hu Dapao, it made sense for her to avoid it. Naturally, she was happy to join in with Su Jiu.

Although they didn’t go to see how the city greeted the soldiers of the northern expedition, they could guess how it had occurred, judging from the crowd’s discussions and their excitement.

Unattended, they got drunk and did not wake up until the evening. Only Nangong Bi was still asleep.

Su Jiu told Ah Shu to go back to the bodyguard agency, as well as Chang Huan to go back to the trading company. She then sent Nangong Bi back to the General’s Manor alone.

Since Madame Nangong was worried about Nangong Bi, she went back to the house early. She had been waiting anxiously when she saw Su Jiu carrying her back. She was amused as she vexed, “She should have come home the moment she had gotten back! She’s had too much fun!”

“I’m sorry if you were worried, Madame!” Su Jiu laughed.

“It’s not your fault, Miss. Thank you for sending her back!” Madame Nangong smiled amiably.

Coming out of the General’s Manor, the sunset shone right on Su Jiu’s face. She drove the carriage alone, moving towards her home without a hurry.

At that moment, the afterglow filled the sky, shedding a gorgeous luster on the delicate face of the maiden, clear and incomparable. Her eyes were glistening, and her gaze was calm. After the war and several life-and-death situations, the young woman was steadier and calmer.

In the corner of the outer wall, there was a dark carriage with spring flowers blooming next to it. Even the carriage was stained with a faint fragrance and seemed to have been waiting here for a long time.

As the sky darkened, Jin Feng frowned slightly and asked in a low voice, “Young Master, why hasn’t the young lady returned yet?”

The man in the carriage was in red, and his face was handsome. His phoenix eyes were half-narrowed, and his long fingers tapped the carriage window, revealing his impatience.

“Wait a little longer!” The man had a sexy low voice.

He had waited for so many days, and he didn’t care to wait another hour.

The sound of horses’ hooves faintly came from the opposite side of the alley, and Jin Feng’s eyes lit up as he chuckled. “Maybe the young lady is already back!”

Before he could say anything, however, the carriage door had already been opened, and the man’s long body came out of the carriage. His long eyes were looking away, waiting for her to appear.

The sound of the horses’ hooves was getting closer and closer, and a carriage gradually appeared in sight. The young girl herself rushed the carriage. Her posture was exquisite, her face was delicate, and her starry eyes were as pure as water.

Ji Yuxian’s thin lips slowly curled into a smile. His phoenix eyes flickered with light, staring at the girl without blinking. Two months of thinking about her had finally reached its peak at this point. When he saw her, he missed her even more.

The man’s slender figure looked even more elongated under the setting sun. He looked at her fondly and was about to greet her when he suddenly heard a rush of horse hooves.

The man, who was still wearing a military robe, galloped from the side road. He crossed the long bridge in front of the gate and stopped in front of Su Jiu’s carriage.

“Ah Jiu!” The man called her affectionately.

Ji Yuxian stopped, and his eyes slowly narrowed.

It was getting dark. The willow in front of the door hung down like a maiden’s hair. The breeze blew gently, and dark shadows were flickering.

Su Jiu jumped down from the carriage, her back glowing with glorious light. She smiled and remarked, “You’re supposed to be in the palace! Why are you here?”

Xiao Lie walked over quickly and took the girl in his arms, whispering, “I missed you too much to stay in the palace, so I came out to see you! I gave an excuse that I was going home!”

Su Jiu struggled a bit, but the man immediately wrapped his arms around her waist, his handsome face glowing. He laughed softly and muttered, “Don’t hide. Don’t forget about what we said after coming back to the capital!”

Su Jiu raised her eyes. “Said what?”

Xiao Lie leaned down to take a sniff between her lips and grinned. “Have you been drinking?”

He then continued, “You said you would consider dating me, but I just can’t wait any longer. I want to take you to my mother right now!”

Before Su Jiu could respond, she heard a sullen voice coming, “Your Highness, why does my wife have to see your mother?”

Su Jiu was shocked at the sound, and her chest throbbed violently. She raised her eyes and saw a man in a red robe in the twilight. He was as handsome as before, with a pair of evil cold eyes staring at her, just like in her dreams.

They looked into each other’s eyes, and for a moment, Su Jiu forgot how to breathe.

Xiao Lie’s black eyes looked cold. He slowly turned around as his palm tightly gripped Su Jiu’s hand. He then gazed sullenly at Ji Yuxian. ”Young Master Ji, there must be some mistake. Your wife is Miss Su. Su Jiu is with me now!”

Su Jiu turned around to look at Xiao Lie, and for some reason, she didn’t dare to look back at Ji Yuxian.

The man on the other side suddenly had a chilly aura, like a cold night. He asked slowly, “What did you say?”

”Can’t you see? Ah Jiu is in a relationship with me, and she will be my wife in the future. Do you understand now?” Xiao Lie’s cold eyes were clear.

Su Jiu gritted her teeth and turned her head away, whispering, “Xiao Lie, when did I agree?”

Xiao Lie slightly tilted his head and muttered in her ear, ”Aren’t you going to forget him? It’s the best chance to cut off all ties between you two!”

Su Jiu’s eyes darkened for a moment, and she suddenly recalled the day Miss Su knelt in front of her and begged her to return Ji Yuxian to her.

Closing her eyes, Su Jiu felt stifled. She told herself that indecisiveness would lead to disaster. Indeed, now was the best time!

“Su Jiu…” the man opposite looked at her incredulously, his voice carrying a hint of panic and dryness. “You came to tell me that in just two months, you have fallen for another man?”

Su Jiu didn’t turn back, and she seemed to bury her head in Xiao Lie’s shoulder. She choked back a sob and said hoarsely.

“Yes!”

Her reply was like thunder exploding above Ji Yuxian’s head. He peered at the girl’s back while his mind buzzed with a momentary blankness.

Xiao Lie smiled and looked calmly at the opposite side. “Did you hear that clearly, Eldest Young Master?”

At this moment, the door next to them opened a bit. Upon hearing the sound of the carriage, the nanny came out to welcome Su Jiu. However, she froze when she heard them talking at the door.

Miss was in love with Prince Rui?

It was getting dark, and the figures were blurring. Ji Yuxian looked at Su Jiu with hidden fear.

“Su Jiu, let’s get over this! Miss Su is no longer engaged to me. She took the initiative. I did not force her to leave, so you need not feel uneasy anymore. Come here, will you? Let’s go home together!”

Su Jiu was slightly perturbed, and she subconsciously wanted to turn back, but Xiao Lie pressed against her waist. She even felt his palm quiver a bit.

“Why bother to dwell on it, Eldest Young Master? Ah Jiu has already decided to have nothing more to do with you, and that won’t change!”

“Su Jiu…” Ji Yuxian stepped forward and called her name in a low voice, with deep pain in his phoenix eyes.

“Go!” Su Jiu closed her eyes and lowered her voice.

Yes, this time she had made up her mind, and she could not hold back any longer.

She could tell why Miss Su had left the Ji Manor. She stole Miss Su’s identity, and she drove her away from the Ji Manor as a result. Even if she and Ji Yuxian got back together, could they go back to the old days?

Xiao Lie suddenly picked up Su Jiu by the waist. He glanced at Ji Yuxian and strode towards the gate.

Ji Yuxian noticed Su Jiu’s golden bells shaking, while her hand gripped another man’s clothes. He suddenly stopped there. At that moment, he understood what it felt like to be desperate.

He had waited for two months. He had tossed and turned for sixty days. However, she wore the love token sent by others and buried into the arms of another man.

Ji Yuxian swallowed the blood that had surged up from his throat. Under the heavy twilight, his slender figure shook.

“Eldest Young Master!” Jin Feng hurriedly took a step forward and held his arm.

The man’s charming eyes seemed to have dark tide, with only bottomless darkness remaining. The gate closed in front of him, like her resolute departure. Half a day later, he shook Jin Feng’s hand off and slowly walked towards the carriage.

As the sky darkened, the man’s figure was long and morose, carrying loneliness that seemed to sink into eternal night.

Jin Feng frowned and turned his eyes to look at the tightly closed door, puzzled. How could the young lady be with Prince Rui?

Could it be that the relationship between the two was fake?

After Su Jiu entered the door, she saw the nanny in the courtyard and immediately jumped out of Xiao Lie’s arms, smiling lightly and saying, “Nanny, I’m back!”

“Ay! Oi!” The nanny came back to her senses. She nodded her head, looked Su Jiu up and down, and choked out, “Miss, are you hurt?”

Su Jiu shook her head. “No, everything is fine!”

“It’s good that you made it back. During these two months, both Master An and I have been so worried!” The nanny wiped her tears with her sleeve.

“I’m alright!” Su Jiu assured. “I’m thirsty after a day’s walk! Nanny, go and make some tea!”

“No problem, I’m going!” The nanny hurried inside.

After the nanny left, Su Jiu turned back to look at Xiao Lie and said, “Thank you for today!”

When she saw Ji Yuxian, both her mind and body were out of her control. If Xiao Lie had not been there today, she would not know if she was determined enough to break up with him.

Xiao Lie smiled faintly. ”Don’t mention it. I’m not helping you, I’m helping myself. Chase off the enemy of your love so you can hug your beauty!”

Su Jiu smiled gently. “Well, you should hurry back to the palace. It’s getting late. The banquet is about to start!”

Xiao Nu took a step forward, his upright body towering over Su Jiu. His eyes shined as he said in a low voice, “It doesn’t matter if it’s late. Nothing is more important than being with you!”

Su Jiu subconsciously raised her head. The man on top had already kissed on the corner of her lips as he laughed. “As you said, I’ve helped you today. This is repayment!”

Without waiting for Su Jiu to back off, the man stood up, his gaze warm. “I’m leaving. Tell your chef to make one more person’s dinner from now on!”

Su Jiu gape at him in astonishment. What did he mean by “one more person’s dinner?”

Was he going to come here for dinner?

But the man had turned away. The noble and upright figure slowly walked out of the courtyard, mounted his horse, and left.

The nanny, who was carrying the tea behind Su Jiu, was astounded. Miss and His Highness had kissed and embraced. She had fallen for Prince Rui!

What about the Eldest Young Master?

She had been eagerly waiting for Su Jiu to return and take her to the Eldest Mistress. If anyone in the world could identify Su Jiu, it was the Eldest Mistress!

But now she was in love with Prince Rui!

If Su Jiu was truly their Su Family’s eldest daughter, Su Yuejiu, then she would still be the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor, after making her true identity public.

As a result, she would be separated from Prince Rui.

The nanny was perplexed for a moment. She wanted Su Jiu to become the Eldest Mistress’s daughter, but she didn’t want her to be upset.

When Ji Yuxian returned to the Ji Manor, Old Yu immediately followed him.

He saw that Ji Yuxian’s face was somewhat pale as if the Half Moon Devourer had struck him and he didn’t sleep all night.

However, the Half Moon Devourer had just passed. It could not have returned so quickly.

Turning his head to Jin Feng, he saw that his face was also somewhat gloomy.

What was going on?

After entering the study, Old Yu immediately reported, “Eldest Young Master, the Su Family has sent word today. Su Wenqian wants to meet you!”

Jin Feng turned his head to look over. He knew that the Su Family was already struggling in Shengjing. The two brothers had lost a large amount of money, along with the money they had squandered in the brothels, emptying the Su Family’s years of savings.

These days, the gambling houses also kept coming to ask for money. It was said that Su Wenqian had to sell the courtyard he had just bought in Shengjing.

As the Su Family was running out of money, Su Wenqian must have come and begged Ji Yuxian to talk about the terms of the divorce.

Ji Yuxian leaned his head back on the wooden chair with his phoenix eyes tightly closed, as if he did not hear Old Yu’s words. He said in a low voice, “All of you, get out of here!”

Old Yu was stunned. Ji Yuxian had always had plans for the Su Family’s affairs. Now that the results had finally come, why was he so calm?

“Out!” The man spoke up again.

“Yes!”

Old Yu and Jin Feng responded. They both bowed and left.

After stepping out and descending the stone steps, Old Yu immediately asked, “What happened?”

Lanterns had been put up in the courtyard. Jin Feng frowned in the shadow of the lanterns, not knowing how to speak about it.

In the darkness of the study, Ji Yuxian’s long eyes were slightly open, looking out the window at the dreary night. His eyes were filled with despair.

She had spent a year with him day and night, and she had never said that she liked him. Now she had told him that she was in love with that man, after spending only two months with him!

Ji Yuxian’s thin lips suddenly turned up. His eyes were clear and cold, and too many emotions were brewing in them; jealousy, grief, and anger. These emotions stirred in his body like a raging wave, as though they would tear him apart.

She had a crush on someone else!

His Su Jiu had a crush on someone else!

The man suddenly tilted his head and laughed. His smile was pale as if the last remnants of the snow at the end of winter had melted in the corner of his eyes.

He was a man destined to be lonely. His parents had died early, and he was constantly surrounded by conspiracies and weasels. He thought that her presence was an exception in his life, a presence that would give him warmth and joy, but now he knew that she was poison, the kind that would kill him with a single dose.

She was indeed a robber, robbing him of all his emotions, and then leaving him in this cold place to fend for himself!

Did she know how cruel it was to give a ray of light to someone who had been in darkness for a long time, and then take it away?

She has promised him that she would always be at his side. She had fooled him!

Everyone in the world was lying to him!

Ji Yuxian inhaled deeply and pressed his hands to his forehead. The light flickered on his body, but it could no longer illuminate those rippling eyes.

…

After separating from Su Jiu, Chang Huan returned to the trading company alone. All the shopkeepers inside came out and welcomed him, “Master Huan, you’ve finally returned!”

Chang Huan was upright and tall. His face was handsome, and he smiled faintly. “All of you must have worked very hard. Is there anything going on during the two months I’ve been away?”

One of the shopkeepers hurriedly came over and said, “No, everything has been going smoothly!”

However, the shopkeeper stopped as he remembered something, and he continued, “It’s just that a woman often came to ask about you.”

A woman?

Chang Huan frowned slightly. He already knew who it was.

As soon as he entered the study, Princess Yu Long was waiting there. When she heard the sound of footsteps, she immediately greeted him, and exclaimed with tears in her eyes, “Huan’er, you’re back!”

She hurriedly walked up to Chang Huan and looked him up and down. “Let me see! Are you injured? Did you suffer a lot?”

Chang Huan felt very uncomfortable to have someone care for him like this, except if they were people from the Dragon Conqueror Gang. But when he saw her face was all ablaze with excitement, which implied that it was true that the woman sincerely cared about him, he couldn’t help but get touched as if he was moved by a kindred spirit for the first time. He said in a light voice, “I’m fine!”

“That’s right!” Yu Long pursed her lips and smiled as she looked at Chang Huan with a searing gaze. “You went to Northern Xinjiang so suddenly that I didn’t even dare to tell my parents, so all I can do is worry about you alone. I felt like every day passed like a year! Fortunately, you are back at last!”

When she heard that the soldiers of the northern expedition were coming back to the capital that day, she stayed there all day without attending the royal banquet.

Now that she had seen him, she was finally relieved.

Chang Huan looked somewhat cold. He sat on the chair and slowly flicked through the account books of the past few months.

Yu Long didn’t mind that. She poured a cup of tea and put it in his hand. With a gentle look, she asked, “Huan’er, when will you go with me to see Mother and Father?”

It was no wonder she was anxious. They did not have much time to stay in Shengjing. Chang Huan went to the northern border for two months, and now it was New Year’s Eve. When the weather was warmer, they would have to go back to Diannan City. What should they do if he still would not accept his identity?

Chang Huan’s eyes were half-dropped. He pondered for a moment, and then he raised his head, “What would you do if I wasn’t your brother?”

Stupefied, Yu Long immediately shook her head. “No, that’s impossible! You’re Huan’er! If you don’t believe me, you’ll know it when you meet our parents!”

Despite her pleas, Chang Huan was not responding any longer.

Yu Long looked at him eagerly. “Huan’er, what are you thinking about?”

If he doubted his identity, he would know it when he met Lord Yun Nan and Lady Yun Nan, and it would do him no harm.

Why the hell would he disown them?

“I’ve just returned to the capital today. I’m very tired, and I don’t want to think about these things! Princess, please go back first!” said Chang Huan.

Seeing the tiredness between his brows, Yu Long hurriedly replied, “Okay, you should get some rest first. I’ll come back tomorrow!”

“Don’t come again now!” Chang Huan said coldly.

Yu Long turned her back to Chang Huan. She frowned and sighed slightly, and then walked slowly towards the outside.

After the woman left, Chang Huan violently closed the account book, his face gloomy.

How could he be the Prince of Yun Nan?

If what she had claimed was true, why did they let him know now?

When he had suffered a lot and struggled to leave the Volcano Gang, his relatives didn’t appear. Now, he couldn’t leave Su Jiu, but they had unexpectedly returned to take him away.

How could this happen?

He didn’t want to be the prince at all!

When Ah Shu returned to the Qinglong Bodyguard Agency, all the bodyguards inside immediately rushed out. One by one, they surrounded Ah Shu with glee. “Boss, you’re back!”

“How’s Northern Xinjiang?”

“How many enemies did you kill?”

“I saw General Hu in the street today, and he was riding a horse! So imposing!”

Previously, Hu Dapao was on foot when he had returned from Northern Xinjiang and followed Nangong Shu into the city to be rewarded. This time, he was on a horse.

There was a clamor as people asked questions incessantly.

“Alright, everyone! Leave Master Shu alone. There is still a person waiting inside!” Someone in the crowd suddenly let out a meaningful laugh.

“Yes, we forgot about the person inside! Master Shu, hurry inside! Don’t make her wait too long!”

The crowd pushed Ah Shu toward the backyard.

Ah Shu laughed bewilderedly. “Who’s waiting for me?”

“Just go inside and see!”

Ah Shu gawked at them several times and laughed at their charade as he went into his room. He saw the woman behind the table, and he burst out laughing.

Zhao Shan was playing with a quill in her hand. When she saw Ah Shu, she immediately stood up. However, when she caught a whiff of alcohol from his breath, her gaze turned icy as she hummed, “You went to drink the moment you came back! It looks like you forgot about me long ago!”

Ah Shu chuckled. “I’ve been thinking about you!”

Zhao Shan’s face eased up a bit, and she inched closer to look at him. She felt a pang in her heart as she cried, “You got thinner!”

“Not really!” Ah Shu only giggled.

“Isn’t that a lot of suffering?” Zhao Shan frowned slightly as she stroked the man’s newly emerged stubble.

“No, I didn’t go to the battlefield. I just ate and drank every day in the barracks and fought with those soldiers.”

Before Ah Shu could finish his sentence, the woman suddenly extended her arms to hug him. Her face flushed red and she whispered, ”I miss you! I worry about you every day!”

Ah Shu’s body froze, and the corners of his mouth widened as he reached out to embrace the woman in his arms.

In the catacomb of the Coiling Dragon Ridge, he was petrified.

In the past, he had always been alone, and he had only stayed with the Dragon Conqueror Gang. He was not afraid of life and death, but now he had a concern in his heart. At that time, he was scared that he would die, that no one would take care of her and that others would bully her again.

Zhao Shan looked up at him and pouted. “All you’ve done is giggle!”

Ah Shu suddenly bowed his head and kissed her brow, holding the woman tightly in his arms.

Zhao Shan looked down and smiled. She could finally heave a sigh of relief.

As it was getting dark, Ah Shu said, “It’s late! I’ll bring you back home!”

Zhao Shan’s eyes flickered as she whispered, “I’m not going back tonight. I’ve told my family about it, and my father has sent servants to serve!”

“Huh?” Ah Shu was stunned. “If you don’t go back, where will you sleep?”

Zhao Shan blushed and turned away from him with a shy glance.

Ah Shu suddenly realized what she meant. Although he was happy, he became embarrassed and said, “It can’t be! We are not married! Your reputation will be ruined if word gets out!”

“I don’t care!” Zhao Shan bowed her head and bit her lip. “Besides, it’s not our first time either…”

Ah Shu breathed more quickly and heavily, but he still hesitated. Previously, no one had known about it, but this time, everyone in the bodyguard agency knew that she was in his room.

He would not care if word got out that she was sleeping in his room. However, Zhao Shan was, after all, a woman.

Seeing Ah Shu not moving, Zhao Shan became irritated. ”You don’t even want to do that? Then, I’ll go back!”

Without waiting for the woman to turn around, Ah Shu picked her up and walked towards the bed. He proceeded to throw the woman towards the bed and pressed her onto it.

“Of course I do! Why not? I’ve been dreaming about this!” Ah Shu let out a laugh and lowered his head to kiss heavily on the woman’s lips.

Zhao Shan reached out and pushed him. “Don’t! It’s not even dark yet!”

Ah Shu pulled down the bed tent as soon as he could. “…It’s dark now!”

Zhao Shan’s body was delicate. She raised her hands and held Ah Shu’s neck in a warm response.

“Zhao Shan, let’s get married!” With a rough gasp, the man said sincerely.

“Okay!”

The celebratory feast in the palace lasted until midnight, as the Emperor was happy. The ministers could only accompany him.

Xiao Lie and Nangong Shu, as well as the other generals, were rewarded, and Hu Dapao redeemed himself for his guilt. The Emperor, not caring about his previous disobedience, gave the decree that his marriage to Nangong Bi was set for March 26.

Old General Nangong frowned slightly. It was now March, which means the marriage was less than a month away.

He didn’t have any problems with Hu Dapao, but he was afraid that his daughter would defy him again.

This time, Hu Dapao was not stubborn, and he took the order immediately.

At the front of the banquet, Prince Zhao was holding the wine, and his eyes flashed. He did not expect that Hu Dapao could make it back safely!

Luo Sheng was dead, but that was good news!

Xiao Lie had found the right time. He had been to Northern Xinjiang, even though he did not have to as the Qiang Army could be defeated by anyone.

He saw how happy his father was as if he had accomplished a great feat!

Xiao Jing grunted disdainfully and tilted his head to drink the wine in his hand.

The palace was not a good place for Qiao An to have a conversation with Hu Dapao, so he made an excuse to leave early, and hurried back home.

In the courtyard, Su Jiu was waiting for him. The two met excitedly and talked about their respective situations over the last two months until it was late.

As he heard about Su Jiu’s encounter in the Coiling Dragon Ridge’s catacomb, Qiao An’s eyes widened. He felt both nervous and flabbergasted as he listened. Ordinary people would probably never encounter such a thing in their lifetime.

The Emperor was happy, so the officials could take a day off the next day. Thus, Qiao An was in no hurry to go back to sleep.

By the time the two of them got up, it was already dusk.

Su Jiu went back to her room and lay down. She was not sleepy, so she tossed and turned instead.

Something was under the pillow, and Su Jiu reached out and took it out. It turned out to be a copy of the book “Appreciation of the Flowers and Fragrance”, which she had stolen from the Ji Manor.

My wife and I…

Su Jiu placed the open book on her face, her heart aching sourly.

It hurt so much that she did not know when she fell asleep.

The next morning, when the sun came up, Su Jiu was still sleeping as she had slept late last night.

The nanny came in to see if she was awake and saw that Su Jiu was sound asleep, riding the quilt. A book with a peach blossom painted on the yellow cover lay on the floor.

”Since when did she become a nerd? Reading overnight!” The nanny giggled, picked up the book, and casually turned the page.

Holy sh*t! Seeing the porn illustrations inside, the nanny violently closed the book, and her heart pounded.

The young lady had just fallen for Prince Rui, but she had already begun reading this kind of book. She must have been ready to get married!

The nanny contemplated for a moment, and she felt even more uncertain.

It seemed that even if the Eldest Mistress recognized Su Jiu as her daughter, they would have to wait until Su Jiu became Princess Rui.

Nothing else could be done. Even if Su Jiu was Su Yuejiu, she could no longer be the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor.

The nanny placed the book carefully beside Su Jiu’s pillow, and she tiptoed out.

Old General Nangong had been up almost all night since he returned home last night, not knowing how to talk to his daughter.

Previously, although Nangong Bi had only been given a marriage order, she had cried and cried for many days.

After breakfast, Nangong Bi came to say good morning. Old General Nangong took her to the study, where he frowned and muttered, “Bi’er, there’s something I have to tell you, but you mustn’t make a scene. If you don’t want to do this, I will think of another way.”

Nangong Bi’s turned her crescent-like eyes. “What is it? Don’t be so serious!”

Old General Nangong coughed, “At the palace banquet last night, the Emperor gave an order that you and Hu Dapao must be married on March 26!”

Nangong Bi froze, and her ears blushed secretly.

“Bi’er?” Thinking that she was frightened, Old General Nangong called out, “Don’t be sad! I think Hu Dapao is a very nice man. He’s calm, steady, loyal, and honest.”

Nangong Bi lowered her head and bit her lip as she said in a slow voice, “…So soon?”

She was getting married in less than a month?

This time, Old General Nangong froze. His daughter’s reaction was wrong!

“Bi’er, what do you think?” Old General Nangong asked tentatively.

“Father, don’t worry! Your daughter has grown up after going out for a trip, and she won’t be as capricious as before! The Emperor was already furious last time, and I don’t know what the consequences will be this time if I resist again,” Nangong Bi assured her father and laughed.

Old General Nangong inhaled deeply. He had fought a lifetime of battles and had never been afraid when he was facing thousands of armies. However, his biggest fear was making his daughter unhappy. As a result, he was relieved at that moment. “Good, good! My daughter has matured!”

He continued, “Then prepare yourself well. Though we are short on time, I won’t let you be aggrieved!”

“Yes, Father!”

Nangong Bi left the study and walked along the veranda towards her yard, her chest pounding all the way. She was nervous about getting married.

However, there was indeed no more sadness or condescension.

The young girl stared at the peach blossoms blooming outside the corridor, and the reflection in her eyes showed the love inside her.

Had she developed a crush on Hu Dapao?

Was it because he had saved her life, or because she truly loved him?

The maiden wrapped her fingers around her ink-black hair hanging down from her chest, and the corners of her lips curved slightly.

“Bi’er!”

“…Bi’er?”

Nangong Shu came from the side corridor and shouted her name twice. The young girl turned back in shock as she uttered, “Ah?”

“What were you thinking about?” Nangong Shu walked over and grinned.

Nangong Bi’s face flushed scarlet. She hurriedly turned back and whispered, “Nothing! I’m just enjoying the flowers. Look how beautiful the blossoms are!”

Nangong Shu stood beside her, looking at the pink and white peach blossoms. His cold and tough heart also seemed to soften a little bit. He said in a faint voice, “The Emperor wants you to marry Hu Dapao. Do you know that?”

Nangong Bi bit her lip and nodded. “Yes, Father already told me!”

Observing the maiden’s appearance, Nangong Shu smiled lightly. The quarrelsome lovers had finally gotten together.

“But… isn’t it too soon? You’re not married yet. So I’ll be getting married first!” Nangong Bi frowned.

“I am long past the age of taking a wife. If I remain unmarried, what would happen to you? Besides, it’s the Emperor’s will, so don’t think too much of it!” Nangong Shu looked cold with his pronounced facial features. He raised his hand to stroke the top of the young girl’s hair.

Nangong Bi looked up at him. “Brother, have you ever had a crush on someone?”

Nangong Shu was slightly stunned. A crush?

His mind flashed back to the woman’s face, which had been washed away by the heavy rain that day. Perhaps he had been moved at that time.

However, he didn’t dare to think about it. Prince Rui’s love for her was deep-rooted. How could he possibly compete for it?

Wei Tan and the others called her Young Mistress. It seemed that she had a grudge against the Eldest Young Master of the Ji Manor. Thus, it was inappropriate for him to intervene.

He had some chemistry with her, but it was like a cloud floating over the water, which only left him a faint shadow. He could only bury it in the heart.

Maybe he would find a woman like her one day. Maybe he would meet a woman who was completely different from her. Who knew?

“Is Brother going out?” Nangong Bi asked, interrupting the man’s musings.

“Well, Hu Dapao and Su Jiu will certainly be drinking again today to celebrate! I’ll go over and have a look. What about you? Do you want to go with me?”

Nangong Bi’s eyes rolled. Although she and Hu Dapao had gotten engaged, they both got along quite well. Now that they were about to get married, she suddenly didn’t know how to face him.

It was as if the relationship had suddenly become ambiguous and awkward.

“I’m not going. I promised Mother to spend time with her today! You should go!” Nangong Bi smiled.

“Good, then stay with Mother more. Once you get married, you’ll have to leave!” Nangong Shu laughed.

Nangong Bi blushed and pushed Nangong Shu outside. ”What are you talking about? Just go!”

Nangong Shu was tall. He glanced at the girl’s shy expression and left the room with a meaningful smile on his face.

Nangong Bi became even more abashed when she glimpsed at his expression. When he was sufficiently far away, she turned around, smiled, and skipped to her mother’s yard.

Madame Nangong sighed when she heard that the marriage between Nangong Bi and Hu Dapao had been finalized, and they would marry in less than a month. However, when she saw that her daughter was not as resistant as before, she felt slightly relaxed.

Although she had been holding out against the marriage, it had been settled. She had no choice but to accept it.

She sent her servants to Robes Square to find embroiderers to make Nangong Bi’s wedding dress and jewelry.

There were approximately 20 days left, and she had a lot to prepare!