The Kingdom of Xiliang and the Kingdom of Dongqin established a friendly relationship. Dongqin shared its methods of tree cultivation with Xiliang and gifted tens of thousands of saplings in return.
Xiliang imparted the technique of dyeing with seven colors to Dongqin’s weavers and provided them with much fine Yanxia silk, whose seven-colored brilliance dazzled everyone in the hall.
The Northern Dynasty also willingly sought amity with Dongqin, and the two nations decided to form an alliance through marriage, becoming lasting friends.
Currently, the Kingdom of Dongqin had a princess awaiting marriage, who was to be wed to the Northern Dynasty for peace.
Emperor Yan Yu of the Northern Dynasty, upon his return to the Northern Dynasty, would select the most trustworthy prince from the court for this marital alliance.
As for the Kingdom of Nan Jin, they had initially intended to observe the proceedings as mere spectators. However, with the alliance of these three kingdoms, if they remained indifferent, they risked inviting trouble. Therefore, they pledged to present a plan and become friendly with Dongqin as soon as possible after their return to court.
With the gathering of these four nations, the situation finally reached a satisfactory conclusion.
The envoys of the three kingdoms took their leave of Emperor Yin, departing the next day. With the New Year approaching, they could not linger for long. This was a time when considerable activity occurred in court, and no one wished to be away from their duties. They were eager to return swiftly.
Shangguan Yin instructed Yun Mo and Lan Qing Lun, the Minister of War, to oversee this matter and bid farewell to the envoys of the three kingdoms on behalf of Dongqin.
Yun Mo and Lan Qing Lun accepted the decree and carried out their duties.
After the morning court, Shangguan Yin eagerly returned to Qingxiao Palace. Yun Xiao had just woken up and was dressed in her inner garment, sitting shyly on the bed, pulling the quilt around her as she lost herself in thought.
She had noticed the palace maids trying their best to suppress their laughter and had initially wondered what was happening. Upon closer inspection, she realized her body was covered in bruises and purplish marks from kisses, and her face turned green.
"Did Shangguan Yin really need to be so forceful?" The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she felt. She waved her hand, and the palace maids withdrew.
"Xiao'er, what's wrong?"
As soon as Shangguan Yin returned, he sat beside Yun Xiao and took the opportunity to steal a kiss. Yun Xiao glared at him, then with a swift movement, pulled down the thin quilt, revealing the kisses on her neck and even on her exposed arms.
"Look, all your doing. And my whole body aches."
Although her words were meant as a scolding, her weakness made them sound soft like cotton, akin to a coy complaint. Seeing her charming and lovely appearance, Shangguan Yin couldn't resist pecking her again. Truthfully, if he weren't afraid of losing control, he would have loved to kiss her passionately.
"It will get better. Come, let me help you bathe."
After the passionate night, both of them had perspired profusely and only returned at dawn. He had to attend the morning court, and she was resting. Thus, he didn't mind a shared bath.
Shangguan Yin smiled like a thousand-year-old fox, while Yun Xiao was still preoccupied with the kiss marks on her arm. Hearing Shangguan Yin's words, she couldn't help but reach out and hit him.
"I can go by myself."
With that, she stood up, revealing the white fox fur cloak beneath her, stained with splashes of red plum blood. She felt a surge of embarrassment again and quickly tried to pull it away.
However, Shangguan Yin was faster. He picked it up, carefully tidied it, and put it away. Yun Xiao stared at him.
"What are you doing? It's dirty, give it to me."
"No, this is a cherished item. How can I give it to you? This is my thing."
Shangguan Yin said this as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if it were his treasure and he was unwilling to give it to Yun Xiao. Yun Xiao's face turned crimson, and she stood on the bed for a long time without moving.
Shangguan Yin quietly walked over, extended his arm, scooped her up, and walked towards the bathroom.
Yun Xiao resisted playfully, "Put me down, I can walk myself."
"Your body must be very sore, and you don't know where the bathhouse is. It's better if I carry you there."
Shangguan Yin's pupils were deep and dark, flickering with sparks. He gazed intently at Yun Xiao until she was completely captivated, her attention lost. She stared blankly at Shangguan Yin, extending a slender, fair, and delicate hand to gently trace the contours of his face. Finally, she sighed.
"Shangguan Yin, you are truly a demon."
"A demon?"
A smile creased Shangguan Yin's lips, so captivating and boundless in its allure that Yun Xiao felt her mouth go dry. This man was truly enchanting, always seducing her.
"I am yours. Here, here, it's all yours."
Shangguan Yin had regained his memories, and the two were as if merged in blood. Thus, when he spoke sweet words, it was so natural. He held Yun Xiao's hand, guiding it across his stunning features, then over his body, and finally to his chest. His large hand held her small hand, sending a tingling, intoxicating sensation.
In the time it took them to speak, they had already entered the bathhouse located to the west of the sleeping quarters.
The bathhouse was not only elegant but also very spacious. Palace maids were currently filling the water, with wisps of steam floating and the scent of fragrance swirling. The clear water was filled with red petals.
As soon as Shangguan Yin entered, he waved his hand and commanded, "All of you, withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Several palace maids filed out, stealing glances at the woman in the Emperor's arms. She was petite and exquisitely formed, dressed in a white inner garment. Although her face was unclear, the Emperor's doting expression was evident.
What virtue did this woman possess to have earned such deep love from the Emperor?
The Emperor was so stunningly handsome that any woman would gladly die after just one night of his favor. Yet, he showered all his tenderness upon the woman in his embrace. Truly enviable.
Yun Xiao was busy admiring the bathhouse. It wasn't until she felt a chill on her body that she regained her senses. She struggled to get down, and this time, Shangguan Yin did not make things difficult for her. He gently set her down.
As Yun Xiao faced his hot, burning gaze, her fair skin flushed. She quickly stepped into the bath and submerged herself up to her chest, finally feeling a sense of relief.
The warm water felt comforting on her skin, washing away all fatigue through every pore. After sleeping for only a short while, she felt her energy was quite good, not as exhausted as she had imagined.
Recalling the rush of energy during their intimacy last night, it seemed the Six Meridian Divine Heart was indeed beneficial.
As Yun Xiao was lost in thought, she suddenly saw Shangguan Yin begin to remove his dragon robe, which startled her greatly. She took a step back, leaning against the bath wall, and protested loudly.
"Shangguan Yin, what are you doing? Get out."
"Xiao'er, you've forgotten that I also sweated last night. I came back and attended the morning court, so I haven't bathed yet. See, this bath is large enough for both of us to have our own half, isn't it perfect?"
As he spoke, his entire face was lit with an wicked smile, and his actions grew faster, like a big bad wolf luring a little white rabbit.
Yun Xiao was momentarily stunned. By then, Shangguan Yin had already undressed and gracefully stepped into the bath with his strong physique. Faced with such a naked sight, Yun Xiao couldn't help but cover her eyes with her hands.
Until the person opposite her let out a chuckle, and a playful, low voice rang out.
"Xiao'er, we've already seen each other."
"That's different," Yun Xiao grumbled. In that situation, who would see clearly? At that moment, she only wanted to help him relieve his passion; who would pay attention to such details?
But now? Yun Xiao couldn't resist peeking at him. His muscular body was lazily and casually leaning against the white jade bath wall. His dark hair was loosely scattered and draped over his shoulders. His narrow eyebrows held a slightly wicked air, and his eyes were unfathomably deep, with flames dancing within, gazing at her intensely.
Yun Xiao felt a rush, her mind spinning. This man was always seducing her. Annoyed, she raised her hand and slapped the water, causing it to splash.