Wandering the Martial World [Complete] - 21

Volume One, Chapter Ten: Undercurrents Surge

in the Capital.

Dajue Temple is always bustling with worshippers, and today was no exception. However, observant people noticed that there seemed to be far more people than usual, at least twice the usual number.

A beautiful young woman attracted many eyes; her innocent face and perfect features were truly captivating.

"Whose daughter is this?" a young man whispered to a fair-skinned man beside him. The young man possessed an extraordinary air, unlike ordinary people.

"Your Majesty, she is General Nalan's beloved daughter." This man was none other than the current Emperor, Zhu Zheng. He had come incognito to offer incense, but unexpectedly encountered Nalan Ruoshui.

"General Nalan has such a daughter?" Zhu Zheng murmured, a hint of excitement appearing on his face.

Two hours later, in a distant place, a young man opened a paper tube, a satisfied smile on his face. The paper contained only two lines: The first step has been successful; the second step is now underway.

**********

White Horse Manor.

Sikong Hanxing was sulking. Xiao Tianci had gone to Situ Yu's place last night and hadn't returned yet. She naturally guessed what had happened. Suddenly, she heard footsteps at the door and looked up happily, only to be startled.

"You, who are you?" Sikong Hanxing thought it was Xiao Tianci returning, but instead, three beautiful and alluring women entered, whom she didn't recognize.

"Are you Xing'er? Where's Xiao Lang?" The girl in red smiled slightly and asked Xiao Tianci.

"Xiao Min." Xiao Tianci's slightly surprised voice came from the doorway.

"Xiao Lang, you're back." Yue Xiaomin turned around and flew into Xiao Tianci's arms, hooking her arms around his neck and giving him a happy kiss, leaving her two subordinates dumbfounded.

"Xiao Min, where did you run off to the other day?" Xiao Tianci looked at her with a hint of reproach.

"I'm just going out for a bit, I won't leave again, don't blame me." Yue Xiaomin wriggled her hot, alluring body and began to whine. Xiao Tianci couldn't resist her. Although he knew it wasn't that simple, he had no choice but to stop asking. In any case, Yue Xiaomin's return was a good thing.

"Eva, Lina, come and pay your respects to Xiao Lang." Yue Xiaomin finally got off Xiao Tianci and nestled beside him, instructing her two subordinates.

"Phoenix Saint Envoy Eva (Lina) pays her respects to Xiao Lang." Their broken Chinese came out, making Xiao Tianci both laugh and cry. Yue Xiaomin was already laughing uncontrollably beside him.

"Eva, Lina, you can just call him Young Master Xiao, don't call him Xiao Lang anymore." Yue Xiaomin said to them, suppressing her laughter.

"Yes, Master." Although they didn't understand what was going on, since Yue Xiaomin said so, they naturally obeyed.

"Xiaomin, who are they? And why do they call you cult leader?" Xiao Tianci was still feeling awkward and confused after what they had just done; they clearly weren't from the Central Plains.

"They're from Persia. There's a mysterious sect in Persia called the Phoenix Holy Sect. They worship the Phoenix God, but the way they choose their leader is very special. It's not decided by people, but according to a so-called tradition. They believe the leader is chosen by the Phoenix God, who selects someone to represent him. And I'm the one chosen by the Phoenix God this time." Yue Xiaomin seemed a little helpless, but Xiao Tianci was even more confused.

"How do they determine who is chosen?" Xiao Tianci asked again.

“The Phoenix Holy Sect changes its leader every twenty years, and each leader must train two Phoenix Envoys for the next leader. The envoys' task is to find the leader and assist her. Only the leader can successfully master the Phoenix Divine Technique, and I became the leader because I mastered it.” Yue Xiaomin found it a little funny, but she knew she couldn't laugh, because she knew that Eva and Lina considered this very sacred. Even though she was the leader, she couldn't offend them too much.

“Xiao Lang, don't say anything bad, or they might fight you to the death.” Yue Xiaomin whispered in Xiao Tianci's ear, startling him. He was about to complain, but after hearing Yue Xiaomin's words, he knew it was best not to say anything. Fighting two girls was no good idea.

Xiao Tianci suddenly remembered Sikong Hanxing and quickly glanced at her, only to find her still sulking. He had come in intending to coax her, but Yue Xiaomin's matter had delayed him. Now he realized that if he didn't comfort her soon, she would probably throw another tantrum.

"Xing'er, who upset you? Why do you look so unhappy? Tell me quickly, and I'll go and get revenge for you." Xiao Tianci said in a conciliatory tone.

"You, I'm ignoring you!" Sikong Hanxing was annoyed by his knowing look and turned her face away angrily.

"Little sister Xing'er, you don't need to pay attention to him. Come on, I'll take you to play." Yue Xiaomin giggled and took Sikong Hanxing's hand, pulling her outside.

"Xiaomin, where do you want to go again?" Xiao Tianci blocked the doorway.

“Xiao Lang, we’re just going out for a bit, we’ll be back soon.” Yue Xiaomin whispered in Xiao Tianci’s ear, “Xiao Lang, don’t you want to see your Fairy Qiu? I’m helping you, you have to thank me properly.” It seems Yue Xiaomin is evolving into a little enchantress.

Xiao Tianci conjured up the image of Qiu Shuiyao’s beautiful and ethereal figure, and paused for a moment. Yue Xiaomin had already pulled Sikong Hanxing out the door, with Eva Lina following naturally.

Xiao Tianci sat quietly in his room. He didn’t immediately go to find Qiu Shuiyao. He wanted to see her, but he was also a little afraid to. He didn’t dare to imagine the consequences if Qiu Shuiyao found out about his ambiguous relationship with Yan Wuxin. Qiu Shuiyao could accept that he had many women, but could she accept her master? Xiao Tianci sighed slightly, deciding to put these thoughts aside for now. He only knew that no matter what, he would not let Qiu Shuiyao leave him. He would let everything else take its course for now.

Last night, he confirmed that Situ Yu was indeed Yue Xiaorou. Although Situ Yu hadn't directly admitted it, her actions were tantamount to confirmation. Xiao Tianci had also stayed with her. However, Xiao Tianci understood that while Situ Yu and Yue Xiaorou were the same person, they weren't truly one. Yue Xiaorou could stay by his side all day, content to be his little woman, but Situ Yu couldn't. What troubled Xiao Tianci even more was that Situ Yu was Situ Yingwu's sister. How would he face Situ Yingwu in the future?

"The Murong family is here too. I should go see Tong'er first," Xiao Tianci shook his head and muttered to himself.

*********

The only thing that comforted Murong Shuangqing was that the White Alliance treated the Murong family fairly well. They didn't discriminate against them despite their weakened strength. They were treated like any other major sect, almost no different from Shaolin and Wudang.

"Sister," Murong Bi called out beside her. She could tell her sister was unhappy.

"Miss, I think we can go back soon," Tong'er said softly. Although she was Murong Shuangqing's maid, she had been with her since childhood and could figure out her feelings quite well. They were essentially living under someone else's roof here, and Murong Bai was seriously injured; how could Murong Shuangqing be happy?

"Xiao Tianci greets the Eldest and Second Misses," Xiao Tianci's voice came from the doorway. Tong'er's body stiffened, and she almost turned to look at him, but ultimately refrained from doing so.

"Young Master Xiao, we meet again so soon," Murong Shuangqing said calmly.

"I am truly sorry for what happened at your residence." Xiao Tianci's face was turned towards Murong Shuangqing, but his eyes were fixed on Tong'er, a pang of heartache in his heart. She wouldn't even glance at him.

"Young Master Xiao is too kind. I must thank your subordinates for their great help this time; otherwise, I fear my Murong family would have vanished from the martial world." Murong Shuangqing said indifferently. She didn't understand why, even though she knew Xiao Tianci had helped her, she didn't want to thank him.

"Miss saved my life back then, and I haven't had a chance to repay her. If Miss needs anything, please don't hesitate to ask." Xiao Tianci sighed inwardly; Murong Shuangqing didn't seem to care much for him.

"Young Master Xiao didn't come here just to say these polite words, did he?" Murong Bi finally spoke up, her words immediately aggressive.

"I would like to speak with Tong'er alone for a few minutes. Would Miss allow me to?" Xiao Tianci finally revealed his main purpose for coming.

"Tong'er, you go with him." Murong Shuangqing glanced at Tong'er and said calmly.

"Miss, I... I won't go," Tong'er said softly.

"Tong'er, are you not going to listen to me? Since Young Master Xiao has something to discuss with you, why are you turning him away?" Murong Shuangqing said. Tong'er suddenly raised her head, glanced at Murong Shuangqing, then quickly glanced at Xiao Tianci, turned around and silently walked outside. Xiao Tianci bowed slightly to the Murong sisters and quickly followed behind her.

"Sister, are you going to let Tong'er go with him?" Murong Bi asked after Xiao Tianci left.

"If he really treats Tong'er well, and Tong'er is willing, it might not be a bad thing," Murong Shuangqing said calmly.

"But, sister, this man is a complete womanizer, and he has so many women around him. Tong'er is not as pretty as them, nor does she have their high status. Will he truly be sincere towards Tong'er?" Murong Bi said indignantly.

“Sister, since every woman around him is better than Tong’er, and he still comes to see Tong’er, it means he’s either a promiscuous man or a fickle man. If it’s the latter, perhaps he’s truly sincere towards Tong’er,” Murong Shuang said quietly.

“Is there a difference between fickle and fickle?” Murong Bi muttered, but didn’t say anything more.

**********

Tong’er finally stopped beside a small artificial hill.

“Tong’er,” Xiao Tianci called her softly.

“What business does Young Master Xiao have with this humble servant?” Tong’er finally spoke, but her voice was as hard as stone.

“Tong’er, when did you become so distant with me? Didn’t you always call me Xiao Tian? I liked it when you continued to call me that,” Xiao Tianci said helplessly. “Young

Master Xiao, you are the renowned Xiao Tianci of the martial arts world, not Xiao Tian. I am just a lowly maid. Young Master Xiao, please don’t waste your time on me,” Tong’er said coldly.

"Tong'er, don't you really understand my heart? I know you hate me for using you, but I truly love you. Won't you give me a chance to make it up to you?" Xiao Tianci reached behind and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, whispering affectionately in her ear.

"Let me go!" Tong'er struggled stubbornly.

"Tong'er, as long as you agree to marry me, I'll let you go." Xiao Tianci not only didn't let go, but hugged her even tighter.

"Will you let go or not? If you don't, I'll scream!" Tong'er seemed quite formidable, her words not at all feigned.

"Go ahead and scream if you want, it'll let everyone know that you're mine, Tong'er," Xiao Tianci said calmly.

"Xiao Tianci, you're a scoundrel!" Tong'er cursed, but Xiao Tianci pretended not to hear. Seeing that cursing wasn't working, Tong'er began to plead softly: "You have so many women, why won't you let me go? Please let me go, okay?"

"Tong'er, are you really that unhappy with me? Don't you really want to at all?" Xiao Tianci remained silent for a long time before speaking.

Xiao Tianci stared intently at Tong'er, hoping for an answer. Tong'er looked away, her eyes darting away in a flustered manner.

"Tong'er, I just want to know, are you unhappy being with me?" Xiao Tianci gazed steadily at her.

"Yes, I don't like being with you." Tong'er felt her heart bleeding, but she still gritted her teeth and said it.

"Is that really so?" Xiao Tianci murmured, his hands, which had been tightly holding Tong'er's slender waist, unconsciously loosening. Tong'er suddenly broke free and ran towards the room.

Xiao Tianci stared blankly as she disappeared from sight, remaining silent for a long time.

***********

Xiao Tianci returned to his room, dejected. Upon entering, he was again lost in thought, staring at the beautiful woman before him, unsure what to do.

"Silly boy, what are you looking at?" A soft, gentle laugh snapped him out of his daze.

Volume 1, Chapter 11: Nalan's Change

"Yao'er." Xiao Tianci called softly, wanting to reach out and hug her, but found himself hesitant. Months had passed, and Qiu Shuiyao seemed to have changed considerably; her aura of unapproachability was even stronger than before. Although Xiao Tianci saw her softly giggling, he dared not be disrespectful.

"Silly boy, what's wrong?" Qiu Shuiyao gracefully moved to his side, leaning slightly against him, her slender arms slowly hooking around his neck, her beautiful eyes gazing at him tenderly.

"Yao'er, I... I missed you so much." Xiao Tianci gently embraced Qiu Shuiyao, speaking in a murmured tone.

"Xiao Lang, I missed you too." Qiu Shuiyao said softly, finally speaking directly for the first time; she also missed Xiao Tianci.

"Xiao Lang, aren't you happy?" Qiu Shuiyao pulled Xiao Tianci to sit down, then sat on his lap. Xiao Tianci was somewhat like a puppet, being manipulated; he had never seen Qiu Shuiyao so proactive.

"Yao'er, am I a terrible person?" Xiao Tianci murmured. "Why won't Tong'er accept me? Why is Sister Shuang leaving me? I'm helpless. I don't know how to bring them back. I... I'm really useless."

"Xiao Lang, are you saying I'm useless?" Qiu Shuiyao said softly, startling Xiao Tianci.

"Yao'er, how could I say you're useless?" Xiao Tianci smiled bitterly.

"Xiao Lang, you are my husband. If you're useless, then am I useless too?" Qiu Shuiyao's logic seemed flawed, yet somehow sound.

"Yao'er, let's not talk about this. You've been locked up these past few days. You haven't suffered, have you?" Although Xiao Tianci knew Qiu Shuiyao was comforting him, he felt a little better and sighed softly.

“Xiao Lang, my master loves me very much, of course he wouldn’t let me suffer, it’s just that I miss you a little.” Qiu Shuiyao suddenly gave Xiao Tianci a charmingly coquettish look, a look that was truly captivating, making Xiao Tianci’s heart, which had finally calmed down, pound again.

“Yao’er, you’re getting more and more beautiful.” Xiao Tianci murmured, finally no longer caring whether it was disrespectful to a fairy, and kissed her. Qiu Shuiyao responded shyly, and slowly the two became one, their figures overlapping and intertwined.

“Yao’er, can you promise me that no matter what, you will never leave me?” After the passion subsided, Xiao Tianci held Qiu Shuiyao and murmured.

“Xiao Lang, don’t you still trust me? Are you worried that I’ll be with someone else?” Qiu Shuiyao seemed a little angry, and said resentfully.

"Yao'er," Xiao Tianci called softly, holding her tightly. He had things on his mind but didn't know how to express them. He wasn't worried that Qiu Shuiyao would stop loving him, nor that she would fall in love with someone else. He was worried that although Qiu Shuiyao loved him, she wouldn't be with him. And if Qiu Shuiyao found out about his relationship with Yan Wuxin, that might very well happen.

************

"Xiao Lang, will you come with me to see Master?" Qiu Shuiyao suddenly said softly.

"Okay," Xiao Tianci answered subconsciously, suddenly realizing he shouldn't be seeing Yan Wuxin right now. However, since he had already agreed, and besides, he couldn't refuse Qiu Shuiyao's request, it seemed he had no choice but to go.

Qiu Shuiyao, like a devoted wife, helped Xiao Tianci get up, then pulled him towards Yan Wuxin's room. She no longer tried to hide anything, because now that everyone in the martial arts world knew about their relationship, there was no need to conceal it anymore.

With the White Alliance free of trouble recently, Yan Wuxin was naturally relaxed. However, accustomed to tranquility, she remained in her room, lost in thought, when Qiu Shuiyao pulled Xiao Tianci in.

"Master!" Qiu Shuiyao tossed Xiao Tianci aside, jumping excitedly onto Yan Wuxin, displaying a childlike, infatuated demeanor that left Xiao Tianci speechless. Perhaps Qiu Shuiyao only acted this way around Yan Wuxin.

"Xiao Lang, quickly greet Master!" Qiu Shuiyao clung to Yan Wuxin for a moment, then ran to Xiao Tianci, continuing her coquettish act.

"Greetings, Fairy Yan." Xiao Tianci, somewhat helpless, had no choice but to comply with Qiu Shuiyao's wishes, giving Yan Wuxin a slight bow, though inwardly he was quite unhappy.

"Silly boy, don't call Master Fairy. Call her Master like I do," Qiu Shuiyao whispered in his ear, making Xiao Tianci inwardly groan. Asking him to call Yan Wuxin Master was truly a difficult task for him.

"If you want to be with Yao'er, you'd better not think about anything else. Just do whatever she tells you to do." Yan Wuxin's cold voice suddenly rang in his ears. Xiao Tianci understood. It seemed that Yan Wuxin had agreed to be with Qiu Shuiyao. However, perhaps he and Yan Wuxin were destined to be apart from now on.

"Call her quickly." Qiu Shuiyao urged him.

"Greetings, Master." Xiao Tianci finally called out, his tone indifferent. A strange look flashed across Yan Wuxin's face. He seemed relieved, yet also a little disappointed.

"Xiao Lang, Master has agreed to let me be with you. Quickly thank Master." Qiu Shuiyao smiled brightly. At this moment, she was no longer the celestial fairy she once was. She now looked like a girl in love.

"Thank you for granting my wish, Master." Xiao Tianci bowed again. Since he had already called her that once, calling her a second time didn't matter. Although he felt a little uncomfortable, he was still very happy that Qiu Shuiyao could be with him without any obstacles.

"I hope you'll treat Yao'er well in the future." Yan Wuxin looked at Qiu Shuiyao with kind eyes, clearly showing her deep affection for her only disciple.

"Master, don't worry. If she dares to treat me badly, I'll make her pay." Qiu Shuiyao giggled, giving Xiao Tianci a defiant look. She was right; Xiao Tianci doted on her, how could he possibly treat her badly?

Watching Qiu Shuiyao and Xiao Tianci walk away hand in hand, Yan Wuxin suddenly felt a strange pang of emotion.

**********

Capital City.

The routine morning court session.

"Gentlemen, if you have something to report, speak now; otherwise, court is adjourned." Zhu Zheng continued with the routine.

"Your Majesty, this humble subject has something to report." It was Shu Benqing, the Minister of Rites, who spoke.

"Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, the country has been peaceful and prosperous, and the world is at peace. Your Majesty's wisdom is known throughout the land. However, Your Majesty has been preoccupied with governing the country, which has delayed your wedding. Therefore, I urge Your Majesty to marry as soon as possible and choose an Empress so that she can manage the concubines in the future," said Shu Benqing .

"General Nalan, what do you think?" Zhu Zheng turned to Nalan Wudi and asked, a beautiful and lovely young girl appearing in his mind.

"Your Majesty, I also believe that Your Majesty should get married," said Nalan Wudi.

"Your Majesty, I have heard that General Qi has a daughter, who is exceptionally intelligent and naturally beautiful. She has just turned twenty this year and is of marriageable age. General Qi is a loyal minister of our dynasty. If Your Majesty could become in-laws with General Qi, it would surely be a great joy for our dynasty," said Ning Tianwei, Minister of Justice.

"Oh, General, is what Minister Ning said true?" Zhu Zheng was thinking about Nalan Wudi's precious daughter, and now someone had brought it up for him, which delighted him. However, he pretended not to know anything on the surface.

"Your Majesty, this old minister does indeed have a daughter, but she is not as good as Minister Ning described. Moreover, she has been mischievous since childhood, and I'm afraid she might damage Your Majesty's dignity." Nalan Wudi hated Ning Tianwei to the core, but he had no choice but to answer since Zhu Zheng had asked.

"General, His Majesty will naturally understand whether your daughter is fit to be Empress. General, you are a meritorious official of this dynasty. I think even if your daughter occasionally makes a mistake, His Majesty will not blame her. Why do you need to worry?" Ning Tianwei said with a forced smile.

*********

Nalan Wudi returned to the General's Mansion in a daze. Zhu Zheng had actually agreed to make Nalan Ruoshui Empress without even seeing his daughter. Of course, he didn't expect that Zhu Zheng had already met Nalan Ruoshui. However, he knew about Ruoshui's relationship with Xiao Tianci. If Ruoshui entered the palace, she would definitely not be happy. He had thought that heaven was really looking out for him, that his daughter, whom he thought was surely dead, had survived. He had vowed then to let her live a happy and fulfilling life. Now, he couldn't help but hate himself. Why did he have to let Xiao Tianci openly marry Ruoshui? If he had just let her be with him directly, wouldn't everything have been fine?

"Father, you're back." Nalan Ruoshui rushed over, her small body beaming with joy.

"Father, aren't you happy?" Nalan Ruoshui asked sweetly.

"No, Ruo'er, even if Father is unhappy, seeing you will make him happy." Nalan Wudi looked at his beloved daughter with loving eyes. In an instant, he made a decision.

"Ruo'er, do you miss your Xiao Lang, Xiao Tianci?" Nalan Wudi said gently, with a hint of teasing.

"I don't miss that big bad guy at all. He hasn't come to see me for so long." Nalan Ruoshui pouted angrily.

"Father wants you to go see him tomorrow, okay? You've been home for so long, haven't seen him for months, he must miss you too," Nalan Wudi said.

"Father, you can just have someone tell him to come pick me up," Nalan Ruoshui said coquettishly.

"Silly child, he must be too busy right now, otherwise he would have come to see you long ago. Since you miss him so much, how can Father let you stay away from him? Ruoshui, I'll have Zhang Long and Zhao Hu take you there tomorrow. Oh, no, right away," Nalan Wudi said.

"Father, has something happened? Why are you in such a hurry to leave?" Nalan Ruoshui's expression suddenly changed slightly as she asked.

"Ruoshui, don't think too much, Father just wants you to see your lover as soon as possible, and to have a little grandson for Father as soon as possible," Nalan Wudi said, gently patting her head.

"Ruoshui, pack your things, I'll go tell Zhang Long and Zhao Hu to prepare," Nalan Wudi continued, then hurriedly left to arrange the relevant matters.

Nalan Ruoshui stared blankly at her father's retreating figure, a pang of sorrow gripping her heart, almost bringing her to tears. Although she didn't fully understand what had happened, she knew from Nalan Wudi's expression that something was amiss. While she didn't know why her father insisted he leave, she knew it was entirely for her sake.

*********

Nalan Wudi finally breathed a sigh of relief, watching his daughter depart, finally able to relax.

"Stop the car!" Nalan Ruoshui suddenly called out as the carriage pulled out of the city gate.

"Miss, what are your orders?" Zhang Long asked, as the carriage stopped.

"Brother Zhang, Brother Zhao, let's go back into the city," Nalan Ruoshui said calmly.

"But, Miss, the General ordered us to get you to Young Master Xiao's place as soon as possible," Zhang Long said, startled.

"Brother Zhang, do you know why Father wanted me to leave?" Nalan Ruoshui asked.

"Miss, we don't know either," Zhang Long replied, genuinely unsure.

“I know Father is in big trouble, and it’s because of me, so I have to find out the truth. Brother Zhang, would you come with me to the city to inquire?” Nalan Ruoshui said softly.

“Miss, but the General…” Zhang Long hesitated. “

Brother Zhang, do you really want Father to be in danger without us helping at all?” Nalan Ruoshui knew Zhang Long was the most loyal, and this was the only way to move him.

“Then, Miss, after we find out the truth, shall we go to Young Master Xiao’s place immediately?” Zhang Long said through gritted teeth.

“Okay, then Brother Zhang, let’s go to the city now,” Nalan Ruoshui said.

**********

In the streets and alleys of the capital, a piece of news suddenly spread like wildfire: the Emperor was finally going to establish an Empress, and the choice of Empress had been made—General Nalan’s daughter, Nalan Ruoshui. Everyone felt it was natural, because they all knew that General Nalan was the Emperor’s most trusted person, and it was only natural for the Emperor to marry his daughter as Empress.

Nalan Wudi also received the news. He suddenly felt that this seemed to be deliberately arranged by someone, but what was the purpose? However, he was also relieved, because no matter what, Ruoshui was gone. As long as she returned to Xiao Tianci's side, he believed that Xiao Tianci would protect her well.

"Father." A soft voice sounded from behind. Nalan Wudi thought he had misheard and turned around sharply, only to find that he had not misheard. At the door, Nalan Ruoshui was standing there gracefully.

"Ruo'er, you, why are you back? Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, didn't I tell you to make sure Miss was sent away?" Nalan Wudi was furious.

Volume 1, Chapter 12: A Heart of Genius and Wisdom.

"Father, it was I who asked them to bring me back," Nalan Ruoshui said softly. "Father, I know everything. Don't worry, I won't let you suffer here alone."

"Ruo'er, listen to me. Go find Xiao Tianci. I have a way to handle things here," Nalan Wudi tried to persuade Nalan Ruoshui. "The Emperor has always been good to us; he won't make things difficult for me."

"Father, don't lie to me," Nalan Ruoshui said. "Now the whole capital knows I will become Empress. If the Emperor marries someone else, he will be ridiculed."

"Ruo'er, even if he kills me, I won't let you do what you don't want to do. I won't let you marry into the palace. Listen to me, leave here with Zhang Long and Zhao Hu first. I'll resign my official post and come find you. Ruo'er, be good, understand?" Nalan Wudi pleaded earnestly.

"Father, don't lie to me. You want me to leave and then go to the Emperor to apologize, is that it?" Nalan Ruoshui said softly. Nalan Wudi didn't know that Ruoshui could see through people's thoughts, so he had no scruples about what he was thinking, and thus his plans were clearly seen through by Nalan Ruoshui.

"Ruoshui." Suddenly, a sweet and gentle voice came from the doorway.

"Sister Ruolan, why are you here?" Ruoshui happily rushed to the person who came.

"Greetings, Princess." Nalan Wudi quickly knelt down.

"General, I told you you don't need to bow so deeply to me." Ruolan sighed softly.

"Princess, I have a request." Nalan Wudi was still on the ground.

"General, please get up. I only just learned about Ruoshui's situation and came here." Ruolan said gently.

"Sister Ruolan, please don't tell him about this, okay?" Ruoshui said softly.

This Ruolan is Zhu Ruolan, Zhu Zheng's younger sister. She was favored by the late emperor from a young age and loved freedom, thus becoming the renowned Celestial Fairy of the martial world. However, almost no one knew her true identity as a princess, not even Xiao Tianci.

Zhu Ruolan sighed softly, remaining silent. Remembering Xiao Tianci's scolding for not telling him sooner that Nalan Wudi wanted to propose, she couldn't help but blame herself. If Xiao Tianci had already married Nalan Ruoshui, none of this would have happened.

"Sister Ruolan, please promise me, don't tell him, okay?" Nalan Ruoshui pleaded softly.

"Ruoshui, he will find out eventually. Knowing his personality, even if you become the true empress, he will still come and take you away," Zhu Ruolan sighed softly. She had witnessed Xiao Tianci's attempts to take the An sisters away, and she understood the importance of Nalan Ruoshui in Xiao Tianci's heart.

"Princess, in my opinion, the decision to make Ruoshui Empress was deliberately orchestrated," Nalan Wudi suddenly said. Having been invincible on the battlefield for many years, Nalan Wudi was no fool. Upon closer examination, he realized something was amiss. Logically, the Emperor's decision to appoint an Empress shouldn't have spread throughout the capital so quickly. Clearly, someone was deliberately spreading the news to create a fait accompli.

"General is right, but it's already like this. Even knowing it's a trap, we have no choice but to jump in," Zhu Ruolan said helplessly. "Although my brother had dealings with Young Master Xiao before, he is now the ruler of the country. If people knew he abandoned Ruoshui for a mere江湖人 (jianghu person, a person from the martial arts world), he would be ridiculed by the world. Therefore, even if he knows someone is deliberately trying to pit him against Young Master Xiao, he will continue unless Young Master Xiao abandons Ruoshui, which is impossible. Thus, conflict between my brother and Young Master Xiao is inevitable."

"Princess, can't you persuade the Emperor?" Nalan Wudi asked.

Zhu Ruolan shook her head without speaking. Although she hadn't spent much time in the palace, she understood her brother well. He was now the Emperor, not the Crown Prince anymore, and it was impossible for him to yield to Xiao Tianci.

"Ruoshui, General, please don't make any moves yet. I'll go find Young Master Xiao. Perhaps there are other ways," Zhu Ruolan said after a long silence. Nalan Wudi and his daughter nodded silently. No one could have imagined things would come to this.

*********

Meanwhile, Xiao Tianci and Qiu Shuiyao, since receiving Yan Wuxin's approval, had been inseparable, much to the envy of many. Although Xiao Tianci missed Tang Feishuang and the others, Qiu Shuiyao's presence made him feel much more at ease. Yue Xiaomin, on the other hand, spent all her time taking Sikong Hanxing around, probably having scoured Luoyang several times over.

"Xiao Lang, who are you thinking about again?" Xiao Tianci was lost in thought, which annoyed Qiu Shuiyao. She pinched him hard, waking him up.

"I never thought my good Yao'er would be jealous." Xiao Tianci pulled Qiu Shuiyao into his arms and whispered in her ear.

"You big pervert, let me tell you, every woman gets jealous! If you dare to hold me and think about other women again, see what I'll do to you!" Qiu Shuiyao rolled her eyes at him. Xiao Tianci was a little amused and exasperated. He hadn't expected Qiu Shuiyao, who looked more like a fairy, to actually be such a jealous person.

"To have Fairy Qiu jealous for you is a great blessing. Young Master Xiao, don't take your good fortune for granted." A soft voice drifted in.

The voice arrived with her, and judging from her unchanging palace attire, it was naturally Zhu Ruolan.

Although Qiu Shuiyao was still in Xiao Tianci's arms, she instantly regained the poise and dignity she displayed in front of others. She glanced at Zhu Ruolan with her beautiful eyes but didn't speak.

"Fairy Qiu, I would like to borrow Young Master Xiao for a moment. Is that alright?" Zhu Ruolan looked at Qiu Shuiyao with a hint of jealousy. This woman was too outstanding, always making her feel inferior.

"Yes, yes, of course." Suddenly, the ice thawed, and Qiu Shuiyao's face lit up with a bright smile. "Sister Ruolan, feel free to take it. Even if it's just for a year or ten years, it's fine." She then looked at Xiao Tianci with a mischievous expression, as if examining a precious item.

"Young Master Xiao, may I come with you?" Zhu Ruolan said calmly. Xiao Tianci's first thought was that these two women were unreasonable. They clearly wanted to find him, but they hadn't seemed to ask his opinion at all. Now, Zhu Ruolan's so-called inquiry was actually an urging for him to leave.

"Yao'er, wait for me to come back." Xiao Tianci looked at Qiu Shuiyao with a bit of helplessness, thinking he'd deal with her tonight.

*********

"Where are you taking me?" Xiao Tianci asked, a little puzzled, on the crane's back. Zhu Ruolan had directed the white crane to fly nearly a hundred miles from White Horse Manor, and below seemed to be a forest.

"This is it." After a while, the white crane finally landed slowly. It was indeed a forest, seemingly sparsely populated. However, strangely, there was a small wooden house not far ahead of them.

Zhu Ruolan walked towards the house, and Xiao Tianci followed her inside. He found it fully furnished with tables, chairs, and other common items, but no one was there.

"What do you think of this place?" Zhu Ruolan asked as she entered the inner room. There was a small stone couch inside; the room was simply yet elegantly furnished, seemingly a woman's boudoir.

"Is this house yours?" Xiao Tianci asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"The environment and air here are very nice. I used to come here often when I wanted some peace and quiet. I really like this place. What about you?" Zhu Ruolan said softly, her gaze towards Xiao Tianci seeming to hold something more.

"I naturally like this place too," Xiao Tianci sighed gently. "But can you tell me why you asked me to come here?"

"Do you really want to go back to see Qiu Shuiyao so soon? I just wanted you to come here and keep me company, is that not allowed?" Zhu Ruolan suddenly raised her head, looking at Xiao Tianci with a hint of affection in her eyes.

"Of course, of course. It's my honor to accompany you, Miss," Xiao Tianci said, sensing that something seemed amiss with Zhu Ruolan; she seemed a little off.

"Don't worry, I won't keep you with me for long, three days will do. I'll send you back after three days, okay?" Zhu Ruolan said, sounding somewhat weak.

Xiao Tianci nodded silently, saying nothing more.

That evening at dinner, Xiao Tianci was surprised by Zhu Ruolan's cooking skills. He hadn't expected that her delicate hands, accustomed to playing the zither, could produce such delicious food, which changed his opinion of her considerably.

The melodious sound of the zither echoed through the woods, its melody tender and poignant, seemingly containing a thousand longings and ten thousand sorrows. Xiao Tianci gently approached Zhu Ruolan, watching her focused expression and her nimble fingers, a strange feeling stirring within him.

Suddenly, the music stopped. Zhu Ruolan turned to look at Xiao Tianci and smiled sweetly, almost stealing his soul.

"So, you can smile too," Xiao Tianci murmured. It was truly the first time he had seen her smile, and such a beautiful, dazzling smile at that.

"Tell me, if we could live such a peaceful life every day, with me cooking for you and playing the piano for you, would you be willing to stay here forever?" Zhu Ruolan asked softly, her pretty face seemingly filled with expectation.

"Miss Zhu..."

"Can you call me Ruolan?" Zhu Ruolan interrupted him.

"Ruolan, I..." Xiao Tianci didn't know what to say. Although he loved this peaceful life, he couldn't possibly stay here with someone like this forever.

"I know you don't want to spend your life like this with me," Zhu Ruolan said, her face filled with resentment.

"Ruolan, if you were the first person I met in my life, or if I had never met any other woman, I would definitely agree to your request. But I can't now," Xiao Tianci sighed.

"Ruolan, is something wrong? Tell me, maybe I can help you." Xiao Tianci finally couldn't help but ask. Although he liked Zhu Ruolan somewhat—after all, it was normal to like such a beautiful girl—he didn't think Zhu Ruolan had much affection for him, at least not to this extent. Therefore, he couldn't help but wonder if she had suffered some kind of blow.

"I'm fine. It's late, shall we go back and rest?" Zhu Ruolan shook her head and walked into the house first, heading straight into the inner room. Xiao Tianci hesitated at the door, because there was only one room to sleep in, and only one bed. He didn't know whether he should go in. After thinking about it, he decided to spend the night outside. He couldn't guarantee he would have the willpower to be alone with her.

"Come in." Suddenly, Zhu Ruolan showed half her face, urging him.

"But, but..." Xiao Tianci ultimately couldn't get a straight answer.

"A grown man like you, are you afraid I'll eat you up? You coward!" Zhu Ruolan's pretty face was frosty, slightly angry. Xiao Tianci had no choice but to go inside, thinking to himself: It's not that I'm afraid you'll eat me up, it's that I'm afraid I won't be able to resist eating you up.

"It's getting late, go to sleep." Zhu Ruolan said calmly, slowly taking off her outer palace dress. Without any hesitation, she slipped into the quilt, leaning over to the side, and then turned to Xiao Tianci, saying, "You sleep on the outside. The bed is small, be careful not to fall off." Xiao Tianci

was truly puzzled now. Did Zhu Ruolan really like him? If she didn't like him, even if she was looking for someone to amuse herself, she wouldn't share a bed with him. The two of them were squeezed into such a small bed. Even if nothing actually happened, in this era, no one would do this unless they were husband and wife.

"Aren't you going to hurry up? I'm not going to worry about you anymore, I'm going to sleep first." Zhu Ruolan said, and actually turned over, burying her face in the quilt. After a while, there was no movement, and she seemed to have fallen asleep.

"You really just fall asleep like that?" Xiao Tianci sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Zhu Ruolan's beautiful appearance, and murmured. After a while, he finally steeled himself and lay down next to Zhu Ruolan, fully clothed. However, the bed was too small, and our Miss Zhu didn't seem to sleep very well, fidgeting a bit. In the end, she simply rolled into Xiao Tianci's arms, and Xiao Tianci had no choice but to hold her in his arms

as well. The two slept in this extremely ambiguous position all night, and Xiao Tianci's self-control was put to a considerable test. Little did Xiao Tianci know that the person in his arms woke up after he fell asleep, her face slightly flushed, but she obediently nestled in his arms without moving. She looked at him with complex and tender eyes for a long time, then suddenly gently kissed his cheek, and then lay quietly in his arms again, not moving at all. This time, she was truly asleep.

*********

The sun rose, its rays spreading in all directions. A few rays of sunlight shone through the dense forest onto the small house, where a man and a woman were sleeping peacefully together, a truly warm and cozy scene.

Xiao Tianci felt someone tickling his face. He instinctively reached out and grabbed a soft little hand.

"Get up! Let go of me!" Zhu Ruolan's coquettish voice came from beside him. Xiao Tianci opened his eyes, fully awake, and realized the soft body in his arms was Zhu Ruolan.

"Ruolan, I'm sorry." Xiao Tianci felt a pang of guilt. Although Zhu Ruolan had rolled into his arms on her own, he had held her all night, and it still felt a little wrong.

"We've been through this, why are you still being so formal?" Zhu Ruolan gave Xiao Tianci a resentful look. Xiao Tianci's heart skipped a beat, and he gave an awkward smile, thinking to himself: I thought you didn't care, but now you're using this against me.

Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: The Orchid in the Mountains. Zhu

Ruolan climbed out of Xiao Tianci's arms and began to dress herself. Although Xiao Tianci felt he shouldn't watch, he couldn't help but look. However, looking at the densely packed buttons on her palace dress, he felt a little dizzy and suddenly thought: wouldn't it be difficult for her to take off her clothes?

Zhu Ruolan was used to it after all, and she dressed in a flash. Xiao Tianci hadn't even seen how she buttoned it up, and he felt a little sorry for her.

In the dense forest, a girl in white ran happily, leaving behind a string of silvery laughter, followed by a boy with a helpless expression. These two were Zhu Ruolan and Xiao Tianci. Xiao Tianci began to wonder if Zhu Ruolan had taken the wrong medicine. Now she looked like a playful girl, with no trace of her former noble and aloof demeanor. However, seeing her laughing so happily, a slight smile naturally appeared on his face. Perhaps Zhu Ruolan had laughed more in her entire life than she had today.

"I'm tired, let's go back." After playing for most of the day, the sun was already setting. Miss Zhu certainly had a

knack for playing, and Xiao Tianci was already starving, but he couldn't say so. Now that she said she wanted to go back, he was overjoyed and quickly nodded, turning to leave. "Hey." Zhu Ruolan called from behind. Xiao Tianci turned around and found Zhu Ruolan still standing there.

"Ruolan, didn't you say you wanted to go back?" Xiao Tianci was a little helpless, wondering what she was up to now, hoping she wouldn't change her mind again.

"I'm tired, carry me back." Zhu Ruolan didn't move, but stretched out her arms in a coquettish manner, leaning forward as if she was about to collapse. Xiao Tianci quickly rushed over and caught her in his arms; her fragrant body fell against him.

"How come she's becoming more and more like that little vixen Ruoshui?" Xiao Tianci muttered to himself. Ruoshui's innocent and lovely face floated into his mind again. He had originally wanted to ask Zhu Ruolan about Ruoshui's situation, but then he felt it wasn't appropriate to ask now, thinking he should wait a couple of days.

Poor Xiao Tianci wouldn't be able to enjoy Zhu Ruolan's cooking this time. Zhu Ruolan said she was tired and hungry, so she told Xiao Tianci to make himself something to eat. Xiao Tianci's poor cooking skills were hardly presentable, but perhaps Zhu Ruolan was also very hungry, because she ate with relish, while Xiao Tianci himself seemed unable to swallow.

Night fell again, and having shared a bed the previous night, they weren't so reserved today. However, the thing Xiao Tianci had worried about in the morning had now come to pass. Zhu Ruolan actually wanted him to help her take off her palace dress, which Xiao Tianci didn't know how to remove. Poor Xiao Tianci clumsily tried for a long time but couldn't untie it, and ended up sweating profusely. He had an impulse to just tear it apart.

"You're so clumsy," Zhu Ruolan said softly, but her hand moved subtly somewhere, and Xiao Tianci's clothes, which he had been struggling to undo for so long, were easily undone by her. Zhu Ruolan slipped under the covers and pulled Xiao Tianci up with her. This time, she was more direct, wrapping her slender arms around Xiao Tianci's waist. The two lay facing each other, and Xiao Tianci could feel her soft breath, a delicate fragrance wafting through the air, her breath as sweet as orchids, incredibly alluring

. "Don't look at me like that," Zhu Ruolan said shyly, a little embarrassed by Xiao Tianci's unwavering gaze.

Xiao Tianci lowered his head slightly and kissed her lips. Last night, Zhu Ruolan was asleep, so he couldn't take advantage of her. Now that she was awake and still seducing him in every way, Xiao Tianci could no longer resist and wasn't afraid to be impolite.

Xiao Tianci slowly savored her cherry lips, his hands becoming increasingly restless, gently stroking the skin on her back. Zhu Ruolan's face flushed red, but she passively accepted Xiao Tianci's advances. Suddenly, Xiao Tianci felt a sharp pain in his lips and quickly released her.

"I...I was suffocating from suffocation!" Zhu Ruolan's face was as delicate and alluring as a begonia, and she said shyly. It turned out she had never experienced this before and didn't know how to reciprocate, so in desperation, she bit Xiao Tianci.

"Ruolan, aren't you angry with me?" Xiao Tianci asked softly.

"I...since we're together like this, naturally you can do whatever you want." Zhu Ruolan gently shook her head, her voice growing softer with embarrassment.

"Ruolan, can you tell me how you fell in love with me?" Xiao Tianci was beginning to believe that Zhu Ruolan truly loved him.

"I...I won't tell you." Zhu Ruolan turned her body away, her back to Xiao Tianci.

"Ruolan, can I have you?" Xiao Tianci gently lifted her up and placed her on his lap, whispering in her ear.

Zhu Ruolan's face flushed even more, and she seemed to nod slightly, but she didn't say a word. Instead, she buried her head in Xiao Tianci's body. Having received permission, Xiao Tianci began to tease the beautiful woman. At this moment, he was glad that Zhu Ruolan had undressed herself; otherwise, he probably would have spent half the night figuring out how to turn the beauty before him into a naked woman. He gently kissed Zhu Ruolan's eyebrows, cheeks, and neck, slowly moving downwards. Gradually, his movements became more frenzied. Zhu Ruolan let out a soft moan, her beautiful eyes closed tightly, her skin turning pink. Her clothes gradually disappeared until she was completely naked. Finally, she felt a sharp pain; the chastity she had guarded for twenty years was finally gone. In a small cabin in the primeval forest, a young couple was expressing their primal desires.

After a night of passionate lovemaking, Xiao Tianci awoke the next morning to a beautiful, delicate body. Her sweet sleeping face still bore the marks of their previous night's pleasure. He gently kissed her cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness and his heart overflowing with happiness.

The sleeping princess was finally awakened by the kiss. Zhu Ruolan opened her beautiful eyes, but shyly looked away, unable to meet Xiao Tianci's piercing gaze.

"Ruolan, it's time to get up," Xiao Tianci said mischievously, giving her a light kiss on her breast, causing her to tremble.

"You big bad guy!" Zhu Ruolan glared at Xiao Tianci, pulling the covers over her beautiful body, showing no intention of getting up.

“So my dear Ruolan doesn’t want to get up? Then I’ll serve you properly some more.” Xiao Tianci chuckled, flipping over and pressing her naked body beneath him again…

“You big bad guy, you pervert!” Zhu Ruolan cursed Xiao Tianci, but this guy was still inside her and wouldn’t leave.

*********

After helping Zhu Ruolan get dressed, Xiao Tianci finally understood the structure of her clothes. He chuckled inwardly, thinking that he wouldn’t have to worry about not being able to undress her anymore. If Zhu Ruolan knew that all he was thinking about now was how to take advantage of her, she would probably be furious.

“Ruolan, shouldn’t we go back?” Xiao Tianci suddenly said, thinking that today was already the third day, and if it went on too long, Qiu Shuiyao might worry about him.

“You really want to go back that much?” Zhu Ruolan said softly.

“Ruolan, what are you thinking? Of course I’ll go back with you.” Xiao Tianci sighed slightly and gently put his arm around her slender waist.

“I saw Ruoshui a few days ago.” Zhu Ruolan suddenly said, but her tone was strange.

"Ruoshui? I was just about to ask you when I got back. How is that little vixen now?" Xiao Tianci asked.

"Xiao Lang, Ruoshui, she's fine, but..." Zhu Ruolan lowered her head, seemingly afraid to speak.

"But what?" Xiao Tianci also noticed something was wrong. Zhu Ruolan's expression was strange.

"You, you shouldn't be sad, Ruoshui, she's already the Empress." Zhu Ruolan finally managed to say, haltingly.

"Empress?" Xiao Tianci murmured, his arm around Zhu Ruolan falling limply. He took a few steps forward instinctively, then suddenly stumbled and almost fell.

"Are you, are you alright?" Zhu Ruolan quickly went to support him, her anxiety genuine.

"Why did you only tell me now?" Xiao Tianci suddenly pulled away from her, looking at her coldly, his eyes so icy, as if he had never known her before.

“I didn’t want you to be sad, but things have already come to this. There was no point in telling you sooner,” Zhu Ruolan said, her eyes reddening, her voice filled with grievance.

“Zhu Zheng, I won’t let you get away with this!” Xiao Tianci murmured, ignoring Zhu Ruolan and turning to walk away slowly.

“Where are you going?” Zhu Ruolan asked timidly.

“Where I go is none of your business!” Xiao Tianci’s tone was colder than ice.

“Why? What do I lack compared to Ruoshui? Ruoshui is the Empress now, can’t I take her place? You may not have Ruoshui, but you still have me, right? Why are you doing this to me?” Zhu Ruolan suddenly cried out. Xiao Tianci paused slightly, then continued walking.

The mournful sound of the zither pierced through the dense forest. Zhu Ruolan’s face was streaked with tears. Finally, the music stopped, and she could no longer hold back her sobs.

“Don’t cry, let’s go home.” A gentle voice sounded from behind, and a pair of hands embraced her slender waist.

"Didn't you leave? What are you doing back here?" Zhu Ruolan turned around and threw herself into the arms of the newcomer.

Xiao Tianci didn't speak, but gently patted her back. He did want to leave, and he was indeed angry with Zhu Ruolan for not telling him about Ruoshui. When he heard the zither music, he finally stopped. After thinking it over, he realized he shouldn't have left Zhu Ruolan here like that, so he came back.

"I didn't mean to hide it from you. I just didn't want you and my brother to fight to the death. What Ruoshui could do, I can do too. Why won't you accept me?" Zhu Ruolan sobbed, appearing exceptionally weak at this moment.

"Brother?" Xiao Tianci was slightly taken aback. Suddenly, he understood. "So, your identity is actually that of a royal princess. No wonder you also have the surname Zhu. It's laughable that I only realized this now." Xiao Tianci smiled self-deprecatingly, but it was a bitter smile.

“Ruolan, why don’t you understand? Ruoshui is Ruoshui, and you are you. Ruoshui can’t replace you, and you can’t replace Ruoshui. I want you, and I want Ruoshui. I don’t want to lose either of them,” Xiao Tianci said calmly. “Ruolan, let’s go back to White Horse Manor together.”

Zhu Ruolan looked at Xiao Tianci with complicated eyes, finally nodded, summoned a white crane, and flew the two of them towards White Horse Manor.

This time, Xiao Tianci was able to soar with his beauty in his arms, but he felt no joy at all. Thinking of Ruoshui, he felt a pang of heartache.

“The Empress? Even if you are already the Empress, I will still take you back,” Xiao Tianci thought to himself.

**********

“Xiao Lang,” Zhu Ruolan suddenly turned around and called Xiao Tianci softly, “If one day I am married off to someone else like Ruoshui, will you take me back?”

“Neither Ruoshui nor you can be taken away from me,” Xiao Tianci said calmly.

"Xiao Lang, actually, I lied to you," Zhu Ruolan said timidly, her head bowed like a little girl who had done something wrong.

"Is it that Ruoshui hasn't actually married into the palace yet?" Xiao Tianci said with a slight smile.

"You, how did you know?" Zhu Ruolan was taken aback.

"It's actually very simple. If Ruoshui had really married into the palace, I couldn't possibly not know," Xiao Tianci said calmly. "You used to be very smart, how did you become so foolish? Did you think that once it was a done deal, I would give up on Ruoshui? You actually wanted to use yourself to replace Ruoshui, what do you think you are? Putting aside whether you can replace her, are you willing to be someone else's substitute? If I didn't have to, I really wanted to give you a good spanking." Xiao Tianci didn't spank her, but instead kissed her fiercely, greedily sucking on her lips for a full quarter of an hour, until she was almost out of breath before he let her go.

"I... I was just worried about you. My brother won't back down. He's not the Crown Prince anymore. I grew up in the palace, and I've seen a lot of things there. Once he becomes emperor, he changes." Zhu Ruolan looked aggrieved and leaned weakly into Xiao Tianci's arms.

"We're here. Let's go down first and talk later." Seeing that Baima Manor was just below, Xiao Tianci sighed softly. Originally, if it weren't for Zhu Ruolan, he could have focused solely on winning back Ruoshui without any worries. Now he had to consider her as well. For a moment, he couldn't think of a good solution, but one thing he was certain of was that no matter what, he would definitely get Ruoshui back.

**********

"Xiao Lang, why are you only coming back now? Little Jing has been waiting for you for so long." As soon as Xiao Tianci stepped into the room, he found a room full of beautiful women: Qiu Shuiyao, Yue Xiaomin, Eva, Lina, Sikong Hanxing, and Yue Xiaojing were all there.

"Yao'er, take care of Ruolan for a while." Zhu Ruolan had only recently been favored by the emperor, and after crying her heart out, she wasn't in good spirits. Xiao Tianci placed her next to Qiu Shuiyao, who glared at him and pulled Zhu Ruolan into the inner room.

"Young Master, there's something I need to report to you," Yue Xiaojing said, giving Xiao Tianci a resentful look.

"Xiaojing, when did you arrive?" Xiao Tianci asked apologetically, glancing at the women.

"Young Master, news has come from the capital that Emperor Zhu Zheng intends to make Nalan Ruoshui his empress. This news has spread like wildfire throughout the capital, and I've even heard that Zhu Zheng plans to select concubines nationwide," Yue Xiaojing said softly.

Volume 1, Chapter 14: Flying to the Capital

"I already know about Ruoshui's matter," Xiao Tianci said sadly. "Xiaojing, first send someone to find out when Zhu Zheng's wedding is. Also, keep an eye on the movements of other important officials in the capital."

All the women in the room were staring at Xiao Tianci. Yue Xiaojing had been gone for almost an hour. Since she left, Xiao Tianci had been in a daze, causing the women to look at him like he was a monster, but he himself seemed oblivious.

"Hey, are you alright?" Zhu Ruolan and Qiu Shuiyao had also come out for a while. Zhu Ruolan looked quite energetic now, and even seemed to have dressed up a little. Seeing Xiao Tianci's dazed expression, she finally snapped him out of it.

"Oh, I'm fine. Why are you all looking at me like that?" Xiao Tianci finally realized something was wrong. Yue Xiaomin finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, incredibly charming. Xiao Tianci glared at her angrily, and Yue Xiaomin stuck out her tongue, looking adorable.

“Xiao Lang, do you know how long you’ve been spacing out?” Qiu Shuiyao was alright and didn’t laugh.

“I’ve been thinking about Ruoshui.” Xiao Tianci sighed slightly. “I always feel like something’s not quite right, but I can’t figure out what it is. Why would Zhu Zheng suddenly want to make Ruoshui his empress? Ruoshui has hardly ever left the house, so no one should know about her.”

"Xiao Lang, what's there to think about? Just go and kill that pig-headed Zhu Zheng, then take Ruoshui and run away together." Yue Xiaomin's words were anything but intimidating.

"You, how can you say that?" Before Xiao Tianci could speak, Zhu Ruolan couldn't help but interject.

"What's wrong? I didn't say anything wrong. Zhu Zheng is indeed a pig-headed idiot. He tried to steal Yuya before, and now he's set his sights on Ruoshui. I think he's trying to make things difficult for Xiao Lang. Why does he always end up with Xiao Lang's people?" Yue Xiaomin continued, seemingly unconcerned.

"Alright, Xiaomin, stop talking." Xiao Tianci, both amused and exasperated, quickly comforted Zhu Ruolan, "Xiaomin was just scolding Zhu Zheng, not you, don't overthink it."

"How could I be overthinking it?" Zhu Ruolan rolled her eyes at Xiao Tianci, "If my brother is a pig's head, then what am I?"

"Huh? Brother? You call that pig-head Zhu Zheng your brother? Are you some kind of princess?" Yue Xiaomin was taken aback, and the other women around her also looked at Zhu Ruolan with some surprise, while Qiu Shuiyao looked at Xiao Tianci with questioning eyes.

"I am a princess, is that not allowed? And don't call my brother a pig's head anymore." Zhu Ruolan and Yue Xiaomin stared at each other, showing signs of about to quarrel.

"The head of the Zhu family, isn't that a pig's head? I didn't say anything wrong." Yue Xiaomin said indignantly, while Sikong Hanxing couldn't help but chuckle.

"You, you guys..." Zhu Ruolan was so angry that she was about to explode, no longer caring about her ladylike image.

"Ruolan, Xiaomin, stop fooling around." Xiao Tianci pulled Zhu Ruolan into his arms, preventing her from rushing over. "Xiaomin, stop talking bad about Zhu Zheng." Although Xiao Tianci disliked Zhu Zheng, he still had to consider Zhu Ruolan's feelings.

"Really, if you're going to say something, don't say it in front of me. You don't give me any face at all." Zhu Ruolan muttered, making everyone laugh. They had really thought she and Zhu Zheng had a deep relationship, but it turned out to be for this reason.

"Ruolan, don't be angry. Let's help Xiao Lang think of a way to make your brother give up the idea of making Ruoshui empress." Qiu Shuiyao, who had been watching the drama for a while, finally spoke. Her voice was soft, but it made people unconsciously obey. Zhu Ruolan glared at Yue Xiaomin and sat down on Xiao Tianci in a defiant manner. Yue Xiaomin pretended not to see it, but secretly thought: What's wrong with the princess now? Why are you so fierce to me? Don't expect me to help you when you can't stand Xiao Lang tonight. If Xiao Tianci knew Yue Xiaomin's thoughts, he'd probably faint.

"Sister Shuiyao, based on my understanding of my brother, he definitely won't give up on marrying Ruoshui. Moreover, it seems someone set a trap this time, deliberately creating conflict between Xiao Lang and my brother. The most frustrating thing is that we know it's a trap but have no choice but to fall into it. Neither my brother nor Xiao Lang is willing to back down. I don't know if my brother truly loves Ruoshui, but just to maintain his imperial dignity, he can't possibly give up Ruoshui for Xiao Lang. So things are very complicated," Zhu Ruolan said slowly.

"If we can find out who set the trap, perhaps the Emperor will understand and allow Xiao Lang and Ruoshui to be together?" Sikong Hanxing suddenly interjected.

"No, even if we find out who set the trap, even if we kill the person who set it, after everything is over, my brother will still marry Ruoshui. Now everyone in the capital knows Ruoshui is the Empress, and it will probably be known throughout the land in a while. Ordinary people won't care about any traps or conspiracies. They'll just say that the Empress was taken away by a man named Xiao Tianci from the martial arts world. With my brother's status, he definitely won't be able to accept that," Zhu Ruolan said, shaking her head.

"Then, according to you, unless we kill that pig... oh, Zhu Zheng, it won't work," Yue Xiaomin said irritably from the side.

"Actually, it's not necessarily true. If we can find someone who can deal with Zhu Zheng, and if we have a way to protect his reputation, maybe it's still possible. But even so, it depends on what Zhu Zheng thinks," Xiao Tianci said calmly.

"Xiao Lang, I think we should act according to the situation. When are you going to the capital?" Qiu Shuiyao asked.

"I want to see Ruoshui as soon as possible, otherwise I'm afraid she might do something foolish and that would be terrible," Xiao Tianci said after thinking for a moment. "However, I'm also a little worried about you all here. Although Baima Manor seems quiet now, we don't know what secret moves the Demonic Sect and Situ Yingwu might make." As Xiao Tianci spoke, he thought of the gentle Yue Xiaorou, who was also the exceptionally beautiful Situ Yu.

"I'm here, nothing will happen," Qiu Shuiyao glanced at him, looking a little dissatisfied.

"Then I'll go to the capital with Ruolan tomorrow. Xiaomin, you, Xing'er, and Yao'er will stay here." Xiao Tianci paused slightly and then said, "Yao'er, please take care of the Murong family for me."

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of those three beauties for you," Yue Xiaomin said angrily. She actually wanted to go to the capital with Xiao Tianci, but she thought that Zhu Ruolan would definitely not want to take her. Besides, if she went, Eva and Lina would definitely come along, and Zhu Ruolan's white crane couldn't carry so many people.

Zhu Ruolan, however, was overjoyed. Young girls newly in love usually have few worries, and Zhu Ruolan didn't even consider whether Xiao Tianci and Zhu Zheng would get into a fight.

*********

The Alliance Leader's room was generally uninvited and guarded, but for Xiao Tianci, the guards were practically nonexistent. He easily bypassed them and went to Situ Yu's window. After quietly checking and finding no one else, he jumped in.

Situ Yu was half-leaning on the bed. The moment Xiao Tianci jumped in, she already knew who he was, so she didn't make a sound, only looking at him with her beautiful eyes, her joy evident.

"Xiao Rou," Xiao Tianci slipped under the covers, gently embracing her, and whispered affectionately.

"Aren't you going to stay with them?" Situ Yu sighed softly, moving closer to him. Suddenly, with a flick of her slender hand, the window was tightly shut.

Xiao Tianci didn't speak, but his actions spoke volumes as he greedily began to enjoy this familiar yet unfamiliar woman. Situ Yu silently yielded, a few suppressed moans occasionally escaping the darkness.

"Xiao Rou, I'll be leaving here for a while tomorrow. Be careful. If you encounter any problems you can't handle, go to Yao'er; she'll help you." Xiao Tianci helped her put her clothes back on, gently kissed her, and spoke softly. He got up, walked to the window, and looked back at her one last time before finally gritting his teeth and leaving through the window.

After leaving Situ Yu, Xiao Tianci was about to return when he was suddenly surprised as he passed the back garden. He saw two people, a man and a woman, embracing each other. One of them was none other than Situ Yingwu, and the other was none other than Xiao Yuru.

"Brother Situ, you're in high spirits!" Xiao Tianci suddenly appeared before them, laughing heartily.

"Not at all, Brother Xiao, where have you been coming from so late?" Situ Yingwu forced a smile.

"I...I'm going back first!" Xiao Yuru was startled by Xiao Tianci and hurriedly left.

"Brother Situ, take your time. I'll go back to my room first." Xiao Tianci laughed again, turned around and left. His purpose was to get Xiao Yuru back. Who knew what might happen between a man and a woman alone together in the middle of the night? Although Xiao Tianci didn't like Xiao Yuru, she was still Xiao Yuya's sister, so he was helping Xiao Yuya out.

*********

"Tell me honestly, where did you go having fun?" As soon as Xiao Tianci entered the room, Zhu Ruolan and Qiu Shuiyao each grabbed him and began interrogating him.

"Yao'er, Ruolan, I'll tell you later, okay?" Xiao Tianci chuckled, picked up the two women and fell onto the bed.

"You smell so good. Tell me honestly, which woman is she, or you won't be able to touch me." Qiu Shuiyao wasn't going to give in to him so easily this time. She and Zhu Ruolan stared at him fiercely.

"Yao'er, I was just about to ask you to do something for me." Seeing Qiu Shuiyao's fierce expression, Xiao Tianci thought that since he had to say it anyway, he might as well say it now, lest Qiu Shuiyao really prevent him from touching her and he would be in trouble.

"What is it? Tell me quickly! And don't change the subject. First, tell me who that woman is. I just saw that all the sisters are here. Is there any woman we don't know?" Qiu Shuiyao said fiercely. Zhu Ruolan, standing beside her, wanted to laugh. She hadn't expected Qiu Shuiyao to be so jealous.

"Yao'er, after I leave, if Xiao Rou has any problems, you must help her." Xiao Tianci said in a low voice.

"Xiao Rou? You mean Yue Xiao Rou? She's at White Horse Manor?" Qiu Shuiyao asked in surprise.

"Xiao Rou's other identity is the current leader of the White Alliance, Situ Yu." Xiao Tianci said with a slight sigh.

"So that's how it is. You went to see her just now, right?" Qiu Shuiyao was stunned; this was something she hadn't expected at all.

"Xiao Rou has always been very good, gentle, and kind. I just never imagined that she was actually Situ Yu, and even more so, Situ Yingwu's sister. But she wouldn't tell me why she disguised herself as Xiao Rou and came to Mingyue Palace, nor would she tell me what she was up to. I've been very worried that something might happen to her, but there was nothing I could do. I could only go to see her often to see if there was anything I could do to help her. Now that I'm leaving, I can only ask Yao'er to take care of her for me." Xiao Tianci murmured softly.

"Xiao Lang, don't worry, I will keep an eye on her for you." Qiu Shuiyao said softly. She could sense that Xiao Tianci's feelings for Yue Xiao Rou were truly deep.

"Yao'er is the best. Let me thank you properly first." Xiao Tianci felt a little sad thinking about Yue Xiao Rou, but he quickly recovered and began to touch Qiu Shuiyao.

"Who asked for your thanks? You lecherous bastard, you've only just recovered and you're already showing your true colors." Qiu Shuiyao spat under her breath.

A celestial fairy, a princess on earth, one yielding to pleasure, the other feigning resistance, their two fiery, exquisite bodies coiled around Xiao Tianci like serpents, giving him unparalleled pleasure. That night, the three of them were locked in a passionate embrace. Qiu Shuiyao, facing separation from her lover, opened her heart to pleasure, while Zhu Ruolan, experiencing pleasure for the first time, clung to her tenderly, only to have Xiao Tianci reap the benefits.

*********

Amidst the blue sky and white clouds, a white crane flapped its wings and flew away. On the crane, Xiao Tianci and Zhu Ruolan began arguing again.

"Ruolan, why did you bring me to that house?" Xiao Tianci started asking questions he shouldn't have.

"Mind your own business. You didn't lose anything anyway," Zhu Ruolan rolled her eyes at him.

"You could have just taken me to the capital. What if something else happens after a few more days?" Xiao Tianci grumbled.

"You only remember Ruoshui? Do you think you're losing out by spending three days with me?" Zhu Ruolan said angrily.

"No, no, I was just saying. Don't take it so seriously, okay?" Xiao Tianci smiled wryly.

"Hmph, you heartless bastard! I wanted you to spend your whole life with me there, and you wouldn't even stay for three days." Zhu Ruolan started cursing. "Men are all fickle. Jingmei said you were fickle back then. I really don't know what's so good about you. Why would I fall for a man like you?"

Xiao Tianci fell silent. He gradually realized that you can't reason with women. Now, his best approach was to remain silent. Sure enough, after a while, Zhu Ruolan stopped talking when she saw he was silent. But then she said something that made Xiao Tianci both laugh and cry.

"I'm going to sleep, you're not allowed to sleep. If you drop me, I'll never forgive you." Saying this, she fell into Xiao Tianci's arms and muttered to herself, "Finally, I can sleep in the air. It feels so good!"

What could Xiao Tianci say except to hold her? For the long journey ahead, he could only watch the scenery in the air all by himself.

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