The Princess of Xiliang also perceived Ling Mohan's strong resistance. With a smile on her lips, she bashfully turned her head away.
Ling Mohan left without a trace. He was all too familiar with the Princess of Xiliang's affectionate gaze, akin to a hunter's eyes sparkling at the sight of prey, which made him deeply uncomfortable.
"Why did you run off here? You left me to deal with the Xiliang envoys alone."
Chu Chenyi, after a prolonged stalemate inside, finally managed to extricate himself. Baili Xi of Xiliang was exceptionally difficult to deal with, latching onto the slightest imperfection and refusing to let go.
The fifth princess of Xiliang, however, was gentle and didn't cause much trouble, even mediating and advising Baili Xi.
"Damn it, who is that Baili Xi? You seemed to know him just now."
"Baili Xi is a general of Xiliang. His grandfather was once the marshal of Xiliang. Three years ago, during a battle with Dongchu, I crossed swords with his grandfather and emerged slightly victorious. Marshal Baili, unable to accept defeat, died of grief and frustration."
"Heh, no wonder that Baili Xi spoke so harshly to you today. So, his grandfather was angered to death by you."
Having been injured in the leg back then, he naturally knew nothing of these affairs. Hearing Ling Mohan recount them today, he finally understood the history.
Ling Mohan shot him a sharp glance. "Past events are not worth mentioning. Besides, on the battlefield, everyone serves their own master. By that logic, I have enemies all over the place."
If Baili Xi truly resented him for this, he could do nothing to stop it.
As for the Princess of Xiliang, was she truly so gentle and agreeable, or was it merely a facade? If her nature was genuinely so mild, then the Emperor of Xiliang sending such a daughter for a marriage alliance would be akin to sending a lamb into a tiger's den.
"You should still be wary of that Princess of Xiliang," Ling Mohan advised kindly.
"I actually found the Princess of Xiliang quite amiable, certainly much better than that Baili Xi."
Chu Chenyi spoke his mind. In this short time, Baili Xi had been constantly provoking and making trouble, while the Princess of Xiliang had maintained a consistently kind demeanor.
Ling Mohan looked at Chu Chenyi as if he were an idiot. "Do you know what a 'white lotus' is?"
This term was taught to him by Feng Jin, and he felt it was quite fitting to describe the Princess of Xiliang.
"White lotus," Chu Chenyi repeated in confusion, shaking his head blankly. "Is it a type of flower?"
"It refers to women who appear delicate and innocent on the surface, but harbor deep and malicious intentions within."
Ling Mohan recounted the term Feng Jin had taught him, feeling that 'white lotus' was indeed a very suitable descriptor for the Princess of Xiliang.
"Really?" Chu Chenyi asked uncertainly. It seemed different from his own observations. However, Chu Chenyi, having grown up in the treacherous confines of the imperial harem, had witnessed more schemes than meals. He couldn't help but remain vigilant, replacing all the staff at the post station with his trusted confidantes.
Ling Mohan also left all his black-armored reconnaissance soldiers behind, just in case of unforeseen events.
After all, the Xiliang envoys were crucial to interstate relations. Any mishap would first bring blame upon him and Chu Chenyi. Prudence dictated an extra layer of precaution for everything.
"Is Lin Yuwei still at your estate?" Chu Chenyi asked, his expression slightly unnatural.
"Feng Jin has been busy arranging a husband for her these past couple of days."
Ling Mohan's nonchalant words struck Chu Chenyi like a bombshell.
"What!" Chu Chenyi exclaimed in furious disbelief. They hadn't even divorced yet, and she was already arranging for a new match. Lin Yuwei was truly something.
"You are to divorce soon, so she naturally needs to find a new partner sooner," Ling Mohan said deliberately, stirring the pot.
Chu Chenyi felt as if a fire was burning in his chest, making him exceedingly uncomfortable, wishing he could drag Lin Yuwei over immediately.
"Are you angry?" Ling Mohan asked knowingly.
Chu Chenyi shot him a fierce glare, stubbornly denying it. "How could I care about a mere woman?"
As a dignified prince, he could have any woman he desired. With just a beckoning of his hand, countless women would flock to him. Why would he care about Lin Yuwei?
It was merely her initiating the divorce that would make him lose face.
Yes, it was precisely because of this that he was so enraged and cared even more. This was a matter of dignity, which could not be compromised.
Even if a divorce were to happen, it should have been him who proposed it, not Lin Yuwei.
"Tell Lin Yuwei that she has no right to propose divorce to me. If there is a divorce, it will be I who proposes it."
With those words, Chu Chenyi left, strutting like a peacock displaying its plumage.
Ling Mohan couldn't help but shake his head and sigh. Based on his own experiences, he was certain that Chu Chenyi would one day regret his actions immensely.
Upon returning to his estate, Ling Mohan immediately went to Feng Jin's location, scooped her into his arms, and planted two kisses on her, to assuage his longing.
"You've gotten your saliva all over my face," Feng Jin mumbled in dissatisfaction, indignantly wiping the spot where the man had just kissed her.
"You dare to find me displeasing?" Ling Mohan grumbled, then aggressively bit down on Feng Jin's lips.
Feng Jin yelped in pain. "What are you doing? So many people are watching."
They were in a pavilion, with people coming and going. If they were seen, it would be a huge embarrassment.
"What are you afraid of? Even if they see, they wouldn't dare say a word."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ling Mohan continued to capture the woman's delicate red lips, savoring them. Only after his satisfaction did he reluctantly release her.
"So sweet." Ling Mohan seemed to have some lingering desire, gently licking his lips as if reminiscing.
The originally rather greasy gesture somehow appeared alluring and seductive when Ling Mohan did it.
Feng Jin found herself momentarily captivated by the man, unable to snap out of it for a long time.
"Your husband knows he's handsome, but my dear, you can't just stare at me like that all the time."
Ling Mohan detested it when people commented on his appearance, yet now, to please Feng Jin, he didn't mind being seductive.
"Hmph, shameless!" Feng Jin pushed him away abruptly, a blush immediately creeping up her cheeks.
"Didn't you go to pick up the Princess of Xiliang? Why are you back so soon?"
"I have received her, so naturally, I have returned to see my wife," Ling Mohan said, embracing Feng Jin's slender waist and burying his head in the woman's fair neck, murmuring his words.
The warm breath on her neck sent a shiver through Feng Jin, and she unnaturally turned her head. "I heard the Princess of Xiliang is a beauty. Did you get a good look at her?"
Ling Mohan's brow furrowed slightly. After a moment of thought, his mind was a complete blur. "I didn't get a clear look."