In the imperial study, Xue Song walked in and whispered to Xue Jingyun, "Your Highness, your subordinate has found Shen Yunxiu's residence in the capital, and surprisingly discovered that Shen Yunxiu has contact with the Seventh Prince of the Han Kingdom."
Xue Jingyun raised his eyes and said indifferently, "Han Xichen?"
Xue Song nodded, "Precisely."
Xue Jingyun said coldly, "He hasn't given up yet?"
"Who are you two talking about?" a voice came from outside the door.
Xue Jingyun looked up to see a slender and tall figure walk in, a dress the color of sky and water catching his eye.
Her face was exceptionally beautiful, her clear eyes were pure to the depths.
It was his A Ning.
He smiled faintly, his eyes, like scattered stars, filled with pampering, "A Ning, why have you come? Rest a little longer."
Xue Zining walked forward and reached out her hand. He took it in his, raising an eyebrow, "Why is it so cold?"
"Waiting for you to warm my hands," Xue Zining said.
Xue Song, standing nearby: "..." Can't they live without showing affection?
Xue Jingyun channeled his inner energy to dispel the cold air she had brought, and soon her body felt warm.
Xue Song, sensing the situation, retreated, thinking that finding Xue Yan later might be a good way to enhance their relationship.
Seeing Xue Song leave, Xue Zining no longer maintained her reserve. She sat on Xue Jingyun's lap and said, "Did you just mention that Han Xichen is also here?"
Xue Jingyun nodded, "Yes, it seems he has some kind of deal with Shen Yunxiu."
"Yan Zhao, leave Han Xichen to me," Xue Zining said.
Xue Jingyun did not hesitate, "Alright, as A Ning says."
"Yan Zhao, why are you so good to me?" She had wanted to ask this question for a long time, but only now did she voice it.
She saw his eyes shine like stars when he looked at her, "A Ning, you are worthy of me treating you this way."
"Yan Zhao, can we be together forever from now on?"
Xue Jingyun looked at her, his eyes exceptionally bright at this moment. Visible joy appeared on his refined and handsome face, "Yes."
She rested her head on his chest, listening to the strong and powerful heartbeat emanating from there. She knew that in this life, in this world, she would never let go.
Han Xichen never imagined that in just one night of sleep, he would be abducted, blanket and all.
In the pitch-black room, he could not see his hand. No, he didn't even have the chance to extend his hand.
"Who is it? Come out, stop playing tricks. Do you know who I am?" Han Xichen roared.
"Han Xichen, long time no see!"
A clear but cold voice drifted over.
Before Han Xichen could ask who it was, suddenly, a candle flame lit up, followed by more and more candle flames.
In an instant, the room was filled with light, as if it were day.
To Han Xichen's surprise, a slender figure slowly walked out, illuminated by the candlelight.
The long dress the color of sky and water swayed with the wind. As she approached, a tremendous pressure emanated from her.
Han Xichen's heart inexplicably trembled.
As the figure drew nearer, he finally saw her appearance.
Even after many years, he would still remember this face. He gritted his teeth and said, "Xue Zining, it's you."
"It is I," Xue Zining said. She came to him and stopped. Someone brought a chair from behind, and she sat down.
"What do you want?" Han Xichen tried to get up, but he was already securely bound within the quilt. At this moment, he was like a worm, unable to move, only able to writhe with all his might.
Xue Yan, standing beside him, kicked him and said coldly, "Behave yourself."
Xue Yan's kick landed squarely in Han Xichen's lower abdomen, causing him to sweat from the pain.
Seeing Han Xichen finally behave, Xue Zining said indifferently, "Han Xichen, have you come to the capital to attend my wedding?"
Han Xichen gritted his teeth, "Is this how the Empress entertains guests?"
Xue Zining sneered, "Shouldn't you come to see me first to attend my wedding? But you went to see Shen Yunxiu first?"
Han Xichen trembled all over. At this moment, he suddenly confirmed one fact: the Empress knew about his secret collusion with Shen Yunxiu.
Seeing Han Xichen remain silent, Xue Zining continued, "Am I right?"
"Xue Zining, since you know, why ask me? Kill me or torture me as you please, but you won't get a single word out of me," Han Xichen turned his head away, adopting an attitude of not saying anything.
"I don't need to know anything from your mouth, but I want you to know that if you come to my desolate land, you need to be obedient. You want to stir up trouble? You're overestimating yourself." Xue Zining said coldly.
Han Xichen sneered upon hearing this, "The winner is king and the loser is bandit. Since I am in your hands now, of course, whatever you say goes..."
"I won't touch you..." Xue Zining suddenly said.
Han Xichen heard this and treated it as a joke, "Do you think I'll believe you?"
"Believe it or not, it's up to you. I will have Han Xixia keep a close eye on you..."
"Then why aren't you killing me..." Han Xichen called out from behind her.
Xue Zining did not stop, and left directly. Xue Yan, following behind her, couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, why not deal with him? Leaving him here would be a hidden danger."
Xue Zining said, "I promised several elders that no matter what Han Xichen did, I would spare his life."
Xue Yan was stunned. She knew who the elders her Majesty was referring to were; they were elders from Miao Jiang who had shown kindness to her Majesty.
"Then I will write a letter asking the Emperor of Han to keep a close eye on him."
Xue Zining nodded, "Alright..."
Returning to her sleeping chambers, Xue Zining received news that Shen Yunxiu had disappeared, vanished without a trace.
It was as if he had vanished into thin air.
When Xue Jingyun returned, he saw his A Ning sitting there, motionless, deep in thought.
He walked over and embraced his A Ning, whispering, "Why aren't you sleeping?"
"Waiting for you, Yan Zhao."
Just four words, but they stirred a ripple of emotions in his heart.
He bent down and picked her up. Looking down at the girl in his arms, her eyes bright and clear, he gently placed her on the bed and with a wave of his hand, the sleeping chamber was instantly plunged into darkness.
This time, Xue Zining was fully awake when she made love with Yan Zhao.
It felt like entering the clouds, ethereal and illusory.
"Yan Zhao, let's get married!" She knew her voice must be hoarse.
"Yes," he replied, his deep, husky voice filled with emotion.
"Yan Zhao, together forever, never to be separated."
"Yes."
Xue Zining finally fell asleep in his tenderness.
"Your Majesty..."
Xue Zining's eyes snapped open. Xue Yan stood before her, covering her mouth and smiling.
"What are you laughing at?" Xue Zining realized her voice was still a bit hoarse. Last night had been a bit too indulgent.
Xue Yan giggled, "His Highness the Crown Prince was uncharacteristically late for court this morning, perhaps..."
Xue Yan didn't finish her sentence. Xue Zining felt her face flush and grow hot. She bit her lip and said, "Xue Yan, do you still see me as your mistress?"