[Urban] Passion, Infatuation (Complete) - 13-15

☆、94. Don't get stuck at the doorway.

"Don't move!" Noticing the man beneath her becoming restless, the woman quickly pressed her small hands against his chest, her legs tightly clamping his strong buttocks. After he stopped moving, her small hands moved over his muscular chest. The man's physique was indeed different from the woman's, full of strength and power. Especially the heartbeat and warmth hidden beneath his firm muscles, transmitted from her palms to her entire body, fascinated her.

"Oh... my wife, please stop torturing your husband. Quickly untie me and let your husband serve you properly." Her soft hands caressed his sensitive clitoris, sliding over his body, enjoying him in a worshipful manner. His penis, nestled between his labia, was feeling the pleasure of being sucked, but the only drawback was that he couldn't penetrate into his moist and warm flower cave for a soul-stirring experience of thrusting.

"Haste makes waste. Doesn't my husband prefer to take things slowly?" The woman looked at the man with alluring eyes. Having finally gained the upper hand, how could she let him regain control in just a few words? She had to "repay" him properly!

"Alright! Then my wife shouldn't keep her husband waiting too long, otherwise..." The man gave a cautious warning. This small sash posed no threat to him, but bedroom fun couldn't be avoided. It wouldn't be a bad thing to get his darling wife to take the initiative.

The woman smiled brightly and charmingly, slightly raising her pink buttocks. She grasped his thick and hard penis between her legs, gently stroking it up and down. Her hips swayed as she lightly touched the round head of the penis, sliding it back and forth along the crevice, but she hesitated to enter.

Her other small hand moved to her chest, kneading her full breasts through her bra. After a few strokes, she realized this wasn't comfortable at all, so she reached inside the bra, pulled out one full breast, and gently pinched the nipple, playing with it wantonly.

The sight of this beauty made the man involuntarily breathe heavily. The agonizing yet ecstatic torment of almost entering, yet not quite, made him tense all his muscles, like a tiger eyeing its prey, waiting for the right moment to strike.

"Mmm…husband…am I doing well?" The woman continued to sway her body, caressing herself, grasping his penis and pressing it against her sensitive spots. Her vulva flowed with copious amounts of nectar, flooding the man's groin and buttocks.

"Good! Very good! Damn it!" The man longed to thrust in hard, enjoying the friction within her tight, tender opening. But when he tried to unexpectedly thrust upwards, the woman seemed to sense his intention, her pink buttocks shifting to the side, right, or left, causing him to miss his chance each time.

"Why are you scolding me, my husband..." the woman pouted, accusing the man of his faults. Although her words were scolding, they sounded like an alluring seduction to the man. "Since that's the case, then I won't make my husband sad."

"No!" The moment her soft little hand released his hard member, and her pink buttocks moved upwards, the man quickly stopped her. If she stopped like that, he'd be lucky to escape with his life. Looking at his beautiful wife, he gave her a fawning smile and said, "I wasn't scolding you, baby, but saying that thing was naughty, how could it be so unable to resist?"

"Oh..." The woman didn't seem very satisfied with the man's explanation, but she didn't say anything more. Silently, she untied the last strap of her bra, and slowly leaned down, her pink nipples swaying against the man's face. In a soft, delicate voice, she said, "Then tell me, husband, how should we punish that thing? Should we not let it in today?"

"Uh...this punishment is too severe, absolutely not!" The man didn't even have time to think before immediately rejecting the suggestion. The next moment, he revealed a cunning smile and said, "How about this, let your husband serve you wholeheartedly, my darling?"

The woman's beautiful eyes narrowed. What kind of punishment was this! It was simply using punishment as a pretext to take advantage of her tenderness. Of course, she wouldn't agree to such a thing. This time, she used a strong drug. After letting out a charming moan, she held one of her full breasts in one hand, pressing the nipple against the man's lips, while using the other hand to hold his penis at the entrance of her flower, preventing it from entering or leaving.

"Ah...darling, so sweet..." The man smelled the faint scent of milk emanating from the small bud swaying before his eyes, and he opened his mouth and began to suckle hard. At the same time, he tried to thrust his hips, but the woman's hands held him tightly, preventing him from moving an inch. Unable to get in after repeated attempts, he reluctantly stopped what he was doing and pleaded in a low voice, "Baby, let me in..."

"Mmm...don't stop...lick some more..." the woman moaned softly, kneading her full breasts. Dissatisfied that he had suddenly stopped licking her nipples, she twisted her upper body more forcefully, pushing her breasts towards the man's mouth.

The man knew this was a crucial moment. If he satisfied her too soon, he would be left alone in the end. His rough, husky voice carried a seductive tone, "Baby, let me in and give you a good fucking. I promise you'll be satisfied, hmm?" The last part of his voice had a slightly forceful tone. The woman was also at her limit. Under his tutelage, her sensitive body could no longer resist anything he did. Now, her vagina was only holding the large, round head, yet it felt as if countless electric currents were flowing through her body, causing wave after wave of tingling numbness.

The woman pouted, feigning compromise, and said, "Hmm... but at my pace..." Before she finished speaking, she released the thick male organ with her small hand and sat down forcefully with her hips.

The intense pleasure made both of them groan. The woman slowly swayed her hips, her vagina swallowing and releasing the male organ with wet, squelching sounds. The slapping sounds of flesh against flesh grew louder with the speed of her movements. Her rosy lips parted slightly, emitting one seductive moan after another, her two round breasts swaying beautifully before the man's eyes.

The man opened his mouth and sucked on her nipples, making smacking sounds. He licked and sucked one, then switched to the other, and soon the two small nipples became glistening under his caresses. The moment his penis entered the warm, narrow, tender vagina, he almost ejaculated, but fortunately, he retained some reason and controlled his ejaculation.

"Ahhh..." The woman wildly swallowed and spat out the man's penis, each thrust penetrating deep into her core. But this unruly thing, taking advantage of her lowering herself, thrust upwards forcefully, its round head piercing her cervix. She couldn't help but tense her body, almost ejaculating under his wicked actions.

☆, 95. Husband, no!

"Don't do anything rash! Lie still!" the woman said angrily. Even bound like this, she was still restless.

"Wife...baby..." The man wore a fawning smile, pausing his thrusts, waiting for her next move.

"Unhappy? Displeased?" The woman's small pink buttocks pressed against the man's groin, gently circling and rubbing against him.

"No..." the man said hoarsely. This inhuman treatment made him suppress the urge to rise. Although his words sounded like a plea, it was clear to anyone listening that this wasn't the case at all.

"Sigh... Husband, you didn't mean it. I won't force you." The woman made a move to get up, and the man quickly begged for mercy, "Baby, it's my fault! Do whatever you like, please don't stop halfway through!"

"Really?" the woman asked in a seductive voice. She didn't really want to stop there either. Her aroused desire hadn't been satisfied yet, and stopping like this felt like something was missing. Her heart itched, and even her body felt like it needed something more.

"Mmm! Absolutely! Baby, move faster! I really can't take it anymore!" Although the man was enjoying the squeezing sensation in the passage, without any thrusting friction, it was like delicious food lacking a little seasoning.

The woman slowly raised her hips again, then slowly sat down, raised them again, and sat down, repeating this several times. After this, the desire that had subsided gradually reignited. "Ah... so comfortable... mmm... so good... ah mmm... husband, you're so hot... ah..."

With each swallowing motion, her two white, jade-like breasts swayed even more alluringly, the small buds on them trembling with captivating charm. Reaching a certain level of pleasure, the woman's small hands couldn't help but caress her breasts, her slender fingers pinching the erect nipples, her palms cupping the full flesh. Her eyes were hazy as she looked at the man, her cherry-like lips uttering one lewd moan after another. Her seductive and wanton appearance caused the man's already swollen penis to grow even larger.

"Mmm...husband...ah...it's gotten bigger...mmm...it's making me so full...ah...so tight...ah...oh..." The woman's alluring body twisted even more wildly, the sounds of wetness escaping their joined bodies echoing. The lewd rhythm of their slapping flesh brought their desire to an even higher climax.

"Oh...baby, so good, so horny...oh...your little cunt is about to break me..." The man's eyes reddened as he watched the woman riding him in her wanton state. This time, he dared not be hasty. He secretly and slowly swayed his hips when she wasn't paying attention. He thought she would notice, but she was so overwhelmed by lust that she didn't notice his actions

at all. Realizing she hadn't noticed his little movements, the man began to thrust his hips wildly in sync with her rhythm. The woman, caught up in pleasure, also noticed his actions. Although she wanted to scold him, she couldn't deny that his cooperation made her even more sensitive, allowing his penis to penetrate even deeper into her vagina.

"Ah...husband...mmm...it feels so good...ah...but...but...ah...I can't reach it...woo..." The woman frowned and sobbed, a small hand gently massaging her clitoris. Although her body was becoming increasingly aroused, she could

n't reach the peak no matter how hard she tried. She had tried so hard to move her body, but she was just a little short...just a little short... "Oh...baby, let go of your husband...let your husband do it..." The man enjoyed the woman's service, but he couldn't thrust and pull at his own pace. He always felt stuck at the wrong point, this feeling of being suspended in mid-air was driving him crazy.

Moreover, he could clearly feel the passage beginning to contract strongly, which was a sign that she was about to climax. He knew her predicament without her crying out, but he couldn't just loosen the restraints. If she stubbornly resisted, he would be the one suffering.

Tears streaming down her face, the woman reached out and untied the man's restraints. The moment her clothes came undone, she was suddenly spun around, only to find the man on top of her, his hands parting her legs and draping them over his broad shoulders. He began a

frenzied, relentless thrusting. "Ah...so good...ah...husband, so thick...mmm...so hot...ah...thrust harder...ah..." Knowing she was now at the man's mercy, the woman cried out in ecstasy with each thrust. Each moan fueled the man's increasing force; his thick penis felt like a sharp blade, slowly ripping her last shred of composure into countless fragments with each stroke.

"Baby, you're moaning so lewdly... moan a few more times, and I'll love you even more..." The man gripped the woman's full breasts with one hand, kneading them forcefully, while the other held her slender waist. His lower body swayed wildly, each thrust penetrating to the hilt, his scrotum almost slamming into her flower-like opening. His fierce appearance seemed to want to pierce the woman beneath him.

"Ah... Husband, you're making me feel so good... mmm... your big cock is going to break me... mmm... ah..." The woman's small hands gripped the sheets beneath her, her head shaking helplessly. Her snow-white skin was flushed with desire, making her look incredibly delicate and tempting. The lewd words uttered from her small mouth drove the man to utter madness. Her pink buttocks became swollen and red from the man's intense thrusts.

"Baby, you're so horny... the hornier you are, the more I want to fuck you to death... you're such a slut... you've become this horny in just a short while... your little cunt really can't be without my big cock to pamper it..." The man bent down, kissing the woman's small mouth, sucking out her delicate tongue and licking it, while his lower body didn't stop moving at all, but instead increased the speed of his thrusting.

"Mmm... um... you bad husband... haa..." The woman was no match for the man's skillful teasing, and finally managed to escape his control with her tongue, panting softly and whimpering.

"Baby, don't you love your husband's badness?" After thrusting dozens of times, the man rearranged the woman into another position, making her lie face down on the bed, her pink buttocks raised high, while he knelt behind her, thrusting in and out hard from behind.

The man fought with increasing vigor, while the woman crumbled step by step. Before the man even ejaculated, the woman had already climaxed several times. Only when she lay limp and powerless on the bed, her voice hoarse from screaming, did the man let out a satisfied roar before burying himself deep inside her, releasing a large amount of hot, scalding essence.

☆, 96. The Villagers' Dispute

"Are you alright, baby?" To prevent his weight from crushing her, the man quickly pulled her close, pulling her to his chest. They lay quietly on the bed, one hand encircling her body, gently moving up and down caressing her.

"Mmm... I'm so tired, no more..." the woman replied weakly in a hoarse voice. The intense activity had left her exhausted, and the man's soothing words made her drowsy. However, the restless object still inside her seemed to be growing larger, occasionally twitching, reigniting the woman's previously subsided desire.

"Baby..." The man's low, husky voice was full of temptation. Her touch revived his previously limp manhood. Unfortunately, before he could make a move, the woman gently scolded, "Don't move! My body can't take it anymore."

"Okay, okay! If you say no, then no. But don't kick me out. Let my little brother rest inside, okay?" the man said somewhat wistfully. They hadn't been intimate for several days, and he'd finally gotten the chance, but his beloved wife wouldn't allow it. Being considerate, he had no choice but to give up; at least he couldn't be deprived of this small perk.

"Hmm... alright! But don't do anything rash, otherwise..." the woman warned. She never knew restraint; if she didn't give a warning first, she would be the one suffering in the end.

The man readily agreed. Although he couldn't enjoy the lavish meal, he couldn't miss the dessert. He breathed a sigh of relief and patted the woman's snowy back lightly. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he asked, "Wife."

"What?" The woman nestled against the man's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and responded with her eyes half-closed.

"In these past two years, have you ever had a single regret?" The man seemed casual, but inwardly he was filled with unease.

The woman was startled, but quickly recovered and said, "No."

Although life wasn't as affluent as before, with delicacies to satisfy her appetite, fine silks to adorn herself, and servants to attend to her, this life was the most fulfilling she had ever experienced. There was no strife, no scheming, no grudges, only a peaceful life, harmonious villagers, supporting and cooperating with each other, everyone living a tranquil and harmonious life. It was an ideal world that was hard to find.

Hearing the woman's answer, the man paused for a moment, then said, "Since you have no regrets, how about spending the rest of your life with me here?"

The woman, hearing him repeat the same words several times, couldn't help but laugh, saying, "My answer is already very clear, why are you still worried?"

"It's not that I'm worried, it's just that this dream has been in my heart for a very, very long time."

Sensing the man's rare moment of sadness, she patted his strong chest with her small hand, saying, "Don't worry, treat the past as a dream. I'm very satisfied with my life now!" She then gave him a charming smile, a smile that melted away his gloom, making him unable to resist a smile himself. "Although it won't be the same as before, I promise I will never let you suffer even a little."

"Mm." The woman hugged the man tightly, nodding her head slightly. Despite the man's assurance, a lingering unease remained in her heart. Would the future truly be as smooth as they imagined?

As the woman was lost in her dejected thoughts, a sudden commotion erupted outside the door. Amidst the rising and falling voices, there seemed to be angry curses, and the noise seemed to be escalating.

The situation outside startled the couple, who had been immersed in their sweet world, causing them to exchange bewildered glances

. They quickly got up, dressed, and hurried out the door. As soon as they opened it, they saw a dense, orderly mass of people, neatly divided into two groups, each vying for attention. It seemed almost the entire village had gathered there; the sheer number of people left the young couple dumbfounded.

Seeing the leaders of both sides, the man couldn't help but smile bitterly. Seeing them starting to rub their hands together, he knew the situation was about to spiral out of control. He quickly stepped in front of them and asked, "Village Chief, Awei, what's going on?"

"Ah! Luo Yi, you've come at the right time! You be the judge! This scoundrel actually said he wanted to give some of the village's jade to outsiders to help manage it. Those people have no good intentions at all; making such a request isn't for the good of Anyuan Village!" The village chief was so angry his mustache twitched and his eyes widened. He spoke haltingly, almost choking on his words. The people standing behind the village chief quickly agreed, trying their best to show their support.

"Father! I'm also from Anyuan Village. How could I do anything to harm the village? Their conditions are very good. With their help, the village can become increasingly prosperous, and the villagers' lives can be better." Awei realized his father was overthinking things; why had he always opposed the village's new prospects?

Behind Awei were mostly villagers who had returned from other places. They understood the gap between the village and the outside world and knew why Awei had partnered with others. For these villagers who had never seen the outside world, the two groups' perspectives were completely opposite.

"Who helped?" The village chief thought of those people's faces and said with contempt, "They are all wicked. I'm lucky they haven't turned the village into a mess. You're a naive child, and you've been fooled by them without even realizing it."

"Father! They are my good friends from my business dealings. Their character is absolutely trustworthy." How could Awei tolerate his friends being insulted? Moreover, these were friends he had made when he left the village to work outside. They had cooperated for many years, and he knew their character better than his own father.

"You can know a person's face but not their heart. You had nothing to offer them that they coveted back then. Now, thanks to Luo Yi, the village has finally found a glimmer of hope. These jade stones are priceless, and with such huge profits at stake, your shallow friendship is utterly worthless! Child, I won't harm you. Don't associate with those people anymore!" The village chief said earnestly. He knew that his child had returned from elsewhere and discovered that the village and the outside world had completely different lifestyles. He also knew that they were doing it for the good of the village, but the village had relied not on these jade stones for many years, but on the mutual support among the villagers. Otherwise, how could such an impoverished place have survived?

☆、97. Group Negotiation

"Father! I'm not a child anymore. I know who I can befriend and who I can't, and I know what's best for the village. Besides, I've already brought my wife and children back to Anyuan Village. Would I harm the village?" Awei argued logically. He wasn't acting for personal gain at all. Why didn't his father understand this, and why did he slander his friend like this?

"You!" The village chief glared at his son, seeing that he wouldn't easily back down, so he turned to the village's benefactor and said, "Luo Yi, tell me, how should this be handled? This rebellious son's friend has arrived in the village, but I don't remember agreeing to any cooperation. As for reasoning, even I, an old man, can't win against those glib outsiders. Now, it's up to you." He pointed a trembling finger at his son, almost speechless with anger. They had been arguing about this for days, each sticking to their own version of events, until today he learned that his "good son" had already informed those people that they could sign the agreement today. Such a unilateral attack, to prevent things from becoming even more irreversible, he quickly dragged his son to Luo Yi's residence to demand an explanation and, incidentally, to think of a solution.

"Village Chief, Awei, I know you both have the good of the village. Everyone has witnessed the Village Chief's concern for the village, and Awei was born and raised here, so naturally he wouldn't do anything to harm the village. As for my friend's character, I'm not in a position to comment. Could you please ask Awei to introduce us so I can act

as a fair person and we can have a calm and rational discussion to make the best decision for the village's future?" Luo Yi's unhurried tone eased the atmosphere considerably. The villagers exchanged glances and nodded. Normally, it's inappropriate for an outsider to interfere in village affairs. However, since Luo Yi arrived, his contributions to the village have been evident to everyone. He is also humble and polite, methodical in his work, and his wife is kind and gentle, often helping to care for the elderly and children. Therefore, in just two years, the villagers have come to regard them as one of their own.

"Alright." The village chief didn't consider himself a stubborn person. However, ever since their village acquired jade, countless outsiders had tried to profit from it, not genuinely caring about the village's well-being. Moreover, these outsiders were demanding a large pancake; if they took it, the village would revert to its previous state. While the original villagers wouldn't complain much, they didn't know if the young people returning to the village, who had finally regained their vitality, would have any objections. Therefore, it was better for everyone to speak openly and find a mutually agreeable solution.

"Then I'll trouble you, Brother Luo." Awei was an honest young man. Although he had lived away from home for many years, he had never lost his most basic humanity and deeply respected the benefactor of this village.

After both sides made their decisions, the group proceeded to the village chief's house in a grand procession. The village chief first asked Luo Yi to wait outside for a while. Although the village chief's house was the largest in Anyuan Village, it couldn't accommodate so many people. Therefore, he ordered people to bring out tables and chairs and set them up in the threshing ground outside. After everyone was settled, he would ask them to go to the temporary accommodations of the outsiders and then come out to discuss

the matter face to face. In less than fifteen minutes, three people were brought over by villagers from a short distance away. Two of them were acting as guards, protecting the person in the center as they slowly walked over. The two guards were strong and walked with a steady and agile gait, indicating that they were skilled in martial arts. The person in the middle was wearing a white robe with silver thread embroidered patterns. Although he was thinner than the other two, his dignified demeanor revealed that he came from an extraordinary family.

Luo Yi had been chatting and laughing with the villagers, but when he saw the three figures, his smile faded. When the three approached and bowed respectfully to the village chief and villagers, Luo Yi recognized the familiar face of the man in the middle, and his heart tightened.

"Village Chief, Brother Wei, and everyone else. My name is Pei Chen. I am honored to be here in Anyuan Village to discuss a jade cooperation. I welcome your guidance." Pei Chen had an adorable, youthful face, and his innocent smile made it hard to believe he was already a grown man.

Hearing Pei Chen's name, Luo Yi was even more shocked and speechless. Although he had a premonition that this peaceful life would eventually end, he hadn't expected it to end so soon. Especially seeing Pei Chen's thoughtful gaze drifting in his direction, he knew he had been recognized. However, given the large number of people present and the fact that their business hadn't even begun, this small matter of recognizing a relative could wait until they had finalized their cooperation agreement.

"Brother Pei, please sit down!" Awei hurriedly invited. Just as Pei Chen sat down, the village chief angrily said, "I haven't agreed yet!" Although Pei Chen's attitude had already lessened his dissatisfaction by half, he knew that the more radiant a smile was, the more cautious he should be, because no one knew whether a scheming person was hiding behind that smile.

"Father!" Awei said irritably, feeling somewhat resentful that his father had embarrassed the other party before even starting negotiations, but he couldn't say anything to his father. He could only apologize to Pei Chen, saying, "Brother Pei, I'm truly sorry."

"Brother Wei, don't worry about it," Pei Chen said with a smile. He knew that things like this couldn't possibly go smoothly from the start, and he wasn't surprised that some people opposed the cooperation proposal. "Village Chief, I'm from Liefeng Fort. It was my fault for not explaining the cooperation clearly at the beginning. I heard Brother Wei mention before that the Village Chief seemed worried that the conditions I proposed might harm the village's interests, which is why he hesitated to agree. I came here personally this time to reach an agreement with the Village Chief in person, without needing a third party. I was afraid that the true meaning would be lost during the transmission, which would only harm both parties."

Pei Chen's calm tone wasn't too harsh, allowing room for further discussion. However, his gaze was drawn to Luo Yi sitting to the side, and he couldn't help but ask suspiciously, "Excuse me, who is this gentleman?"

"This is Luo Yi. He'll also participate in the discussion. More people means a better discussion. Brother Pei shouldn't mind, right?" the village chief introduced, emphasizing that Luo Yi was an important member of the village and his participation was perfectly reasonable.

" Not at all," Pei Chen said with a smile, his large, round eyes fixed on

Luo

Yi, as if Luo Yi was more important than the jade.

Next, the village chief, Awei, Pei Chen, and Luo Yi began discussing the jade cooperation. Although there were some minor disagreements and unpleasant moments, everyone eventually reached a consensus: the cooperation could be considered, but a contract had to be drawn up first. Both parties would go to the government office to sign a document clearly defining their respective rights. With everyone's harmonious

discussion, the matter was finally resolved smoothly. It was initially thought that Pei Chen would leave after the contract was signed, but he unexpectedly said that the jade cooperation had only just begun, and he needed to ensure that all the details were complete before he could truly leave.

Therefore, Pei Chen requested the village chief to provide the three of them with a temporary place to stay. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of returning residents, the previously vacant houses had gradually become occupied, leaving only one place for the three of them to stay temporarily. However

, the place was somewhat dilapidated, and the village chief was worried that he might neglect his distinguished guests. But Pei Chen had no interest in the condition of the house. He had two very capable helpers who quickly tidied up the village chief's so-called dilapidated house, making it look brand new. Although it wasn't exactly a new house, it was much better than the ruins he had seen at first.

When Luo Yi heard that Pei Chen wanted to stay, he almost shouted "Get out!" He was also an outsider, and Pei Chen had become a partner in the village. From any perspective, he had no reason to drive his distinguished guest out of the village.

That evening, Anyuan Village held a grand celebration to mark the establishment of its cooperation agreement with Liefeng Fortress and to welcome Pei Chen, their distinguished guest. The entire village mobilized, and as soon as it got dark, villagers began arriving one after another at the celebration site. Once everyone had gathered, men, women, and children alike clapped their hands, sang, and danced, instantly creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Pei Chen, Luo Yi, and the couple Wu Yuan were among the honored guests. Initially, the three seemed a little reserved, but after a few drinks, they relaxed and began to converse.

"Brother Luo, have you heard this rumor?" Pei Chen's handsome face was flushed with the smell of alcohol, making his beautiful features even more alluring.

Luo Yi's gaze never met Pei Chen's, while Wu Yuan clung tightly to her husband without uttering a word, like a virtuous woman adhering to traditional virtues.

Seeing that the two had no reaction, Pei Chen just smiled and continued, "Two years ago, the King of the South Sea lost a favorite concubine. It is said that this concubine, in order to protect her reputation, fought with the man who kidnapped her and accidentally fell off a cliff. I don't know if it was because his woman died that he went crazy and spent more than a year searching for the concubine's whereabouts."

"The King of the South Sea immediately dispatched a large number of people down the cliff to search for the concubine's whereabouts. When these people reached the bottom, they found only a rushing torrent of water. After a thorough search, they found no body and reported that the concubine was likely dead. As time passed, no matter how many people went down, they could not find any trace of the concubine. The King of the South Sea went from being full of hope at the beginning to having to compromise with reality in the end. After more than a year of fruitless searching, he finally gave up the search and built a cenotaph for the concubine to commemorate her."

Wu Yuan listened quietly, seemingly having no interest in the matter, while Luo Yi calmly drank his wine, watching the villagers sing and dance joyfully.

Pei Chen didn't mind, taking a sip of his wine to moisten his throat, and continued talking to himself, "This kind of thing should have spread far and wide by now. I suppose you two aren't too interested in what you already know, so let me say something else. Hmm... let me tell you a little rumor. There's a rumor that the King of the South Sea's concubine might have been discovered having an affair with another man, so the King ordered his men to push her and her lover off a cliff, then pretended to be heartbroken and claimed that the concubine accidentally fell off the cliff while trying to maintain her reputation."

"This brings up another interesting matter. While the King of the South Sea was searching for his concubine, another man with white hair also posted a missing person notice. The woman he was looking for looked about 80% similar to the concubine the King of the South Sea was looking for. This gave some people a lot to speculate on. Everyone knows that the King of the South Sea's concubine disappeared when he was still the crown prince. This period wasn't long, but it wasn't short either, and it definitely damaged a woman's reputation."

"Especially since this concubine was the most beautiful courtesan in the Wan Yan Lou, her beauty and figure were every man's dream. Just think, wouldn't the criminals have made some moves during her disappearance? It's said that before becoming the most beautiful courtesan, this concubine had a particular fondness for matters between men and women. In order to climb the social ladder, she initially pretended to be pure and innocent. But after she climbed up to the Crown Prince, she gradually found that one man could no longer satisfy her, so she fabricated the illusion of being kidnapped, in reality, to meet her lover and soothe her unfulfilled desires." "

And this white-haired man, along with the man who supposedly kidnapped the concubine, were actually this lewd concubine's lovers. The two of them couldn't persuade the concubine to leave the King of the South Sea, so they conspired together to plot against her. But they never expected that their scheme would end in the loss of her soul. Alas... What is love in this world? Is it worth losing your life for a woman?"

Wu Yuan listened as if she were listening to a storyteller, and once the story ended, nothing more happened. But her husband was the complete opposite. Whenever he heard anything demeaning towards the concubine, his hands would clench involuntarily, his sharp eyes would become even more piercing, and his previously relaxed body would tense up. All of this showed that this man was very "touched" by her story.

Since he was so touched, it meant that the two of them were the people he was looking for. Unexpectedly, after searching high and low, they actually lived in a small village not far from the South China Sea Kingdom. Because the village was located in such a remote place, the government would not usually send anyone there. As the saying goes, the best place to hide a leaf is in the forest. This reverse thinking made them rack their brains to find the person, but they never noticed this place.

☆, 99. Chatting in bed

"Are you done talking nonsense?" Luo Yi's tone was slightly impatient. Although he was grateful for the patron's contribution to developing and building the village, he just wanted to spend this joyful night with his wife. Unexpectedly, an annoying sparrow chirping beside him had ruined his mood.

"Brother Luo, you're being too polite! Does our relationship need to be so distant?" Pei Chen smiled sincerely, showing no displeasure at Luo Yi's harsh words.

"Hmph!" Luo Yi snorted coldly, embracing his wife and drinking his wine in silence.

"I wonder what your opinion is on what I just said, sister-in-law?" Since Luo Yi was determined not to speak, he would approach someone else.

Wu Yuan was taken aback, then smiled and said, "I'm just a country bumpkin with limited experience, so I can't say I have any opinions."

"Sister-in-law is too modest." Pei Chen's eyes continued to scrutinize Wu Yuan, dissatisfied with her answer, and he pressed on, "In your opinion, if a wife with a husband were to have an affair because of desire, such a promiscuous woman would likely end up with no trace of her body. It should be a sign of divine justice!"

"You!" Upon hearing Pei Chen's words, Luo Yi's anger flared up, and he impulsively wanted to get up and attack him, but his wife gently pressed his shoulder with her small hand, calming his anger. He looked at his wife with sharp eyes, silently asking why she was stopping him.

Wu Yuan smiled and shook her head at her husband, picked up a glass of wine, placed it in his hand, and watched him drink it before slowly saying, "Young Master Pei's words have a deeper meaning. It's a pity that I'm too naive to care much about other people's affairs, but I do know that only those who are in the midst of it truly understand. I know that holding hands and growing old together, growing old with my husband, is one of life's greatest joys." She held his large hand tightly, gazing lovingly at his handsome profile. For them, living a simple life together was the greatest happiness in the world.

Pei Chen listened quietly to Wu Yuan's words, silently picking up the wine glass on the table and drinking one cup after another. Luo Yi and Wu Yuan, like a pair of lovebirds, whispered sweet nothings to each other. After an unknown amount of time, Pei Chen finally became drunk and, supported by two guards, returned to his residence.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, Luo Yi and his wife quietly left and returned home. After a quick tidy-up, Luo Yi embraced Wu Yuan and lay down on the bed. Both were preoccupied with their own thoughts. Finally, Wu Yuan broke the silence, saying, "Did he recognize us?" The identity of "him" was self-evident.

"Probably not, otherwise he wouldn't have tried to subtly coax us into letting something slip." Luo Yi turned to face Wu Yuan and said, "Our appearances are quite different from before. As long as we don't do anything to arouse his suspicion, we can continue our peaceful life once this is over."

Wu Yuan also turned to face her husband, looking into his starry eyes, filled with love. Thinking of the past, she couldn't help but sigh softly, "I hope so."

"Alright, let's put our worries aside. Now, it's time to comfort my almost wounded little heart." Luo Yi's large hand reached inside his wife's clothes, slowly kneading her through the thin strapless bra.

"What are you doing!" Wu Yuan scolded playfully, swatting away the mischievous hand.

"Of course, it's about doing what we do every day." Luo Yi's eyes were filled with desire. Every time he saw her, smelled her fragrance, or touched her skin, his desire was like a wild beast unleashed, uncontrollable.

"Ah...you hate it...we've already done it today...mmm..." Faced with her husband's skillful caresses, the fire deep within her began to burn.

"My darling, you're calling out so seductively, it almost makes my bones melt." Luo Yi flipped over and pinned her down, lowering his head to nibble and nibble at her delicate body. The tingling sensation made his wife moan involuntarily.

"No... Ah... Don't do this... Hmm... No... Oh..." Wu Yuan could only worry about her upper body, but lost sight of her lower body. In an instant, all her clothes were stripped off by the man, revealing her snow-white body without any gaps. Her pink cheeks, rounded breasts, and the slightly trembling nipples, her slender waist twisted helplessly, and between her snow-white legs was a seductive valley, exuding a charming luster and fragrance.

"My darling is all wet, and your little mouth down there is sucking my fingers so hard that you can hardly move." Luo Yi inserted his fingers into her pink flower hole, strongly feeling the little hole sucking and holding her tightly. The loud squelching sound represented the body's most genuine desire, and her slender waist swayed alluringly, making him even more eager to reveal his wife's more beautiful and wanton side.

"Hmm... Husband... Hmm... I, I..." Wu Yuan bit her pink lips lightly, wanting to speak but remaining reserved.

"What do you want, my darling? Tell me, and I'll find a way to satisfy you." The man quickly removed his clothes, holding his erect penis and rubbing it back and forth along the sticky crevice, occasionally playfully tapping it lightly against her clitoris, making the woman moan softly.

"Mmm... I want my husband to come in..." Wu Yuan guided Luo Yi's hand, which was holding his penis, towards her flower cave, but unfortunately, he hadn't heard what she wanted to hear yet, so how could he easily satisfy her needs?

"What do you want? Where do you want to go? Tell me, hmm?" The last, deep, seductive guidance was the final straw that broke Wu Yuan's rationality.

The man's malicious teasing made her body feel increasingly empty and unsatisfied. Finally, in a slightly tearful, delicate voice, she said, "Mmm... I want my husband's big cock... mmm... to go inside my little hole... ah... come in quickly... mmm..."

"My darling is so good... I'll satisfy you now." After saying that, he thrust hard, deeply penetrating the depths of her flower hole. The feeling of fullness made Wu Yuan involuntarily clench her body, her little hole tightly gripping the thick and hard male root. The deadly pleasure almost made Luo Yi set a new record for the shortest time.

"Ah... Husband... Ah... Ahh..." Wu Yuan spread her legs as wide as possible, desperately revealing her exquisite flower cave, welcoming the man's thrusts.

Luo Yi wrapped his arms around her slender waist, violently thrusting his hips back and forth. "How come your flower cave is still like a virgin's... so tight, so wet, so hot... Oh... it feels so good..."

☆, 100. A Blissful Sexual Life

"Hmm... Husband, go slower... Ah... I can't take it..." Wu Yuan grabbed the man's arm with her small hands, helplessly letting him pound her fiercely.

"Baby, you can do it. We've played even more intense games before, you can definitely take it." The warm and narrow passage tightly held the man's thick penis, and the rapid friction caused the tender flesh inside to contract. Between thrusts, the indescribable pleasure made him addicted, unable to leave her body.

"Ah... Husband... Ahh... Hmm..." Wu Yuan's words were broken by the impact, but her body's reaction became even more intense, making the man want her even more frantically.

"Baby, just bear with it...it'll be almost over...I know you're tired today, so I'll try to finish as quickly as possible...Oh...squeeze tighter...that's it...oh...good baby..." Luo Yi knew her body wasn't feeling well today, so he used the most stimulating method to thrust in and out, quickly and accurately hitting her sensitive spots, all to bring her to orgasm quickly.

"Ah...I...ah...um...ah...ah...I'm coming..." Wu Yuan shuddered, her delicate body arching and tensing, her small hands scratching several claw marks on the man's skin, and she climaxed during the rapid thrusting.

"Oh...baby, wait for me...oh...I'm almost there too..." Luo Yi increased the speed of his thrusting in and out of her orgasmic flower hole, and after dozens of thrusts, he thrust in forcefully, shooting all his thick male essence deep into her flower hole.

After their passionate lovemaking, the two lay in bed, embracing each other, enjoying a moment of peace and sweetness. Finally, as Wu Yuan could no longer keep her eyelids from closing, she whispered, "I don't want to be a tool. I just want to be a woman who is loved. Yi... can you promise me that?"

"Of course," Luo Yi replied in a low voice, his strong tone emphasizing his assurance. Hearing this, Wu Yuan couldn't help but smile with relief for the first time that day. "Goodnight, my husband," she said, and then she fell into a deep sleep.

Hearing his wife's heavy, steady breathing, Luo Yi carefully turned over so he could see her disguised face clearly. Yes, they were the people Pei Chen was looking for. Back then, he had carried her as they fell off the cliff. To protect her from harm, he had accidentally crashed into the cliff face. Below the cliff was a rushing river. By the time they reached the shore, his body was covered in wounds, and he was almost completely powerless.

Fortunately, Shui Qing only choked slightly and coughed a few times before recovering. Before he lost consciousness, he had instructed Shui Qing to take a package from his pocket containing what she needed, and told her not to worry about him and to find her own happiness.

At that moment, he truly believed he couldn't go on living, which was why he gave her the disguise items and a large amount of silver. However, he never expected that Shui Qing wouldn't abandon him but would instead lead him on an unknown journey to Anyuan Village for help.

When he awoke, he found his mask gone and saw Shui Qing's disguised face. He couldn't help but smile bitterly. She knew the secret behind the mask, and now she was still by his side, probably to help him recover before considering her next move.

At that time, Shui Qing didn't say a word, appearing somewhat dejected. After he recovered, she found time to have a serious talk with him. She expected a reckoning, but instead, Shui Qing gently told him to stay and live together as husband and wife.

Upon hearing this, Helian Chun—no… it should be Shui Qing's senior brother—Luo Shaoyi, was so overjoyed he almost couldn't speak. However, his excitement didn't cloud his judgment. Shui Qing's sudden change must have its reasons. He could abandon wealth and status, he could abandon his past relationships and things; what he wanted was her willingness. If it was merely to repay a debt of gratitude, she wouldn't have made such a decision.

Just as he expressed his feelings, Shui Qing gripped his hand tightly, telling him firmly that the moment she jumped off the cliff, she knew who truly loved her, who would live and die for her, who loved her without any self-interest—that was the person she truly wanted.

Luo Shaoyi decided then and there to abandon his identity as Helian Chun and spend his life with her in this village. Her sincerity was hard-won; it had been taken by other men before, and now that he had finally become the first, he wouldn't easily let go.

Life in Anyuan Village was quite poor, but also quite comfortable. Although he was a prince of a kingdom, he had lived with Gu Jingtang for a time and wasn't just some useless person who only knew how to expect to be waited on hand and foot.

Shui Qing, of course, was equally capable, showing her domestic side, managing the household chores and handling family affairs. The two lived a peaceful and tranquil life together.

Gradually, when he held her no longer soft and white hand, he realized that this kind of life had taken a toll on her. Unexpectedly, a chance encounter on a mountain led him to discover excellent jade. To repay the village for their care, he took on all the matters related to jade mining and trading, greatly improving the village's life. They also accumulated some savings, and their lives improved significantly.

Originally, he wanted to buy a house and hire a few village girls as maids so she could return to her previous, more affluent life. However, one sentence from her changed his mind. She wanted a life with her husband, supporting each other. In Anyuan Village, there weren't many things to handle, and having another person would only make things more complicated. Especially since Luo Shaoyi was always thinking about seducing her, it was better for just the two of them in the house, where they wouldn't have to worry about what others thought.

Luo Shaoyi wasn't initially in favor, but when Shui Qing blushed and talked about bedroom matters, his previous thoughts vanished. Anyway, they were doing well together, and having another person would reduce his benefits, so he wouldn't bother and continue their sweet life together.

Luo Shaoyi gently touched Shui Qing's delicate skin, causing her to murmur with dissatisfaction. She pouted and mumbled a few times, then grabbed his hand and wrapped it around her waist, rubbing her head against his chest a few times before falling asleep again.

Seeing Shui Qing's charming actions, Luo Shaoyi couldn't help but chuckle. Thinking of Pei Chen's gaze and probing actions, he knew a tough battle was ahead. He hoped Pei Chen would leave soon so their hard-won stable life could continue.

Dear readers~
Shui Shui is going abroad on the afternoon of the 5th.
This is Shui Shui's first time going abroad in all her years,
to rest her tired body and mind.
Especially since there aren't many opportunities to travel with her aging parents anymore.
So, Shui Shui will take a week off.
When she comes back, Shui Shui will be even more energetic, and
will continue to update daily~~
Chu~~ Getting ready to board the plane~~

☆, 101. A fruitless return

"Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law! Wait for me!" A clear voice, filled with excitement, happily chased after Shui Qing.

Shui Qing couldn't help but sigh inwardly. At first, she could pretend not to see him, treating him like a passerby. But Pei Chen seemed to have no sense of restraint, and he became more persistent with each setback. From initially chasing her for only an hour, he eventually chased her day and night. Even more outrageous, he sometimes stayed at her house until the middle of the night, which greatly displeased Luo Shaoyi.

Today, he went even further. From the moment the rooster crowed, he followed her around, almost like a clingy candy, stubbornly clinging to her. At home, with Luo Shaoyi's obstruction, she hadn't felt it too obviously. However, today her husband had to leave for a while, giving Pei Chen an opening to sneak in.

After Luo Shaoyi left home, Pei Chen followed closely behind her. At first, he acted as if she were invisible, but as time went by, he seemed to want to get her attention, calling her "sister-in-law" and "elder sister-in-law." She was numb to it and knew that ignoring him would give her some peace and quiet once his enthusiasm subsided. But today, for some reason, his polite greetings turned into cries like those of an abandoned child, making her feel like a heartless mother.

After enduring so much torment, Shui Qing finally stopped, turned around angrily, and glared at Pei Chen with wide eyes, saying, "Young Master Pei, is there something you need?"

"Hehe!" Pei Chen had initially smiled happily, but when he saw Shui Qing's furious expression, he couldn't help but chuckle dryly, saying, "Why are you being so formal, sister-in-law? We've met several times and eaten together several times."

"Young Master Pei, that's inappropriate, it's against etiquette. I never invited you," Shui Qing reminded him, pursing her lips. He had to pester her relentlessly to get a meeting, and he had to shamelessly beg for a meal. When someone's skin is thick enough to withstand any attack, nothing can make them feel ashamed.

"Sister-in-law, that's not right. Brother Luo and I hit it off immediately." Pei Chen approached Shui Qing, less than five steps away, blinking his big, round eyes innocently. "I know Brother Luo is naturally aloof, and it's extremely difficult for him to invite me to a meal. That's why I shamelessly came uninvited." "

Hmph! Don't talk nonsense! My husband and I don't like socializing at all, and we've never given any hints or suggestions." Shui Qing bluntly pointed it out. People like this can't be persuaded with reason; a direct confrontation is the best way to avoid future trouble.

Especially since Pei Chen is constantly trying to find out her and Luo Yi's true identities. As long as he's in the village, they'll be under suspicion. Regardless, they don't want to go back to their chaotic past. Now, they're farming and weaving; life may be simpler, but the spiritual fulfillment is something they've never experienced before.

"Sister-in-law, that's not right!" Pei Chen was a natural charmer, always ready to make friends. No matter how grumpy someone was, after a few interactions, strangers would become familiar. "At least there's some affection between people when you meet, and besides, I live next door to you, brother and sister-in-law. As the saying goes, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative, and it takes a hundred years of cultivation to share a boat ride. We should cherish this connection!"

Shui Qing pouted slightly. She really couldn't believe that her once lively and innocent third senior brother had now become someone who could use his youthful, boyish face to spout a string of fallacies, all while appearing completely self-righteous, utterly unaware that his actions were causing trouble for others.

Seeing Shui Qing's slightly angry expression, Pei Chen knew that his words and actions might have bothered her, so he changed his strategy, sighing and saying, "Sister-in-law, I really meant no harm. It's just that Brother Luo and you reminded me of an old friend, but that friend is nowhere to be found. Seeing you two reminded me of happy times in the past, and I couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Perhaps some of my actions offended you, sister-in-law. Please forgive me."

After Pei Chen finished speaking, he appeared even more dejected. Seeing this, Shui Qing couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart. Although they hadn't known each other for long, she could feel his concern.

"Young Master Pei, I am truly not your kin. My husband and I lost our parents at a young age and have relied on each other for survival. Unfortunately, the people of our hometown were unkind to us. We finally managed to save some money and wanted to move elsewhere to make a living." Shui Qing sighed softly, her gaze drifting into the distance as she said, "However, it seems that fate is testing us, and we encountered many misfortunes along the way. My husband and I went through countless hardships to reach Anyuan. Fortunately, the people here are very kind and do not mind our past, which has allowed us to settle down here."

Pei Chen lowered his eyes and said, "I apologize for what you just said. Putting aside this sense of familiarity, I truly believe that Brother Luo is no ordinary person. If you two leave here for the capital, with my help, your future will be limitless."

"I thank you on behalf of my husband for your kindness, Young Master Pei." Shui Qing gently shook her head, unable to suppress a happy smile. "My husband and I don't seek wealth or fame, only a peaceful and stable life. Having witnessed too much of the coldness and warmth of human relationships, we are grateful for everything Anyuan Village has given us and are willing to live and interact with the villagers. However, this doesn't mean we are willing to have too much contact with outsiders, especially someone like Young Master Pei who is just passing through, indulging in short-term leisure, and doesn't truly understand that a simple life is true happiness."

"Brother Luo has lofty ambitions, and such a small place would bury your talents. I guarantee that as long as Brother Luo is willing to go to the capital with me for three years... no, one year is enough, we can make a name for ourselves." Pei Chen anxiously tried to change Shui Qing's mind, but to no avail. She simply smiled and said, "I know that you are leaving Anyuan today, Young Master. I wish you a safe journey." After saying this, she turned and left, giving Pei Chen no further chance to persuade her.

Pei Chen watched Shui Qing's figure grow smaller and smaller, and couldn't help but let out a sigh, saying, "Brother Luo, sister-in-law is really hard to persuade."

Luo Shaoyi casually appeared from a short distance away, stood beside Pei Chen, and said, "Her thoughts are my thoughts. You've had enough of this these past few days. The matter can be settled today. Please forgive me for being busy with miscellaneous matters. Farewell."

05-26

☆、102. Planning and Scheming

Pei Chen couldn't help but laugh a few times upon hearing Luo Shaoyi's words, "Senior Brother, let's not beat around the bush. Although you've tried your best to conceal your identities, you've forgotten how many years we've lived together. Some of your little tricks haven't changed at all."

Luo Shaoyi said coldly, "Young Master Pei, I've already said we're not old acquaintances. What exactly is your intention in testing me repeatedly?"

"Senior Brother, is it so difficult to admit your identity?" Pei Chen's expression turned slightly downcast. He couldn't understand why, since both of them were safe and sound, they didn't return to the capital but instead chose to hide in this remote mountain village under assumed names.

"Young Master Pei, please excuse me." Luo Shaoyi bowed and turned to leave, not wanting to linger any longer. In any case, he wouldn't see Pei Chen again after today, and their lives would eventually return to normal.

Pei Chen saw the two ignoring him. Most people would be angry, but he was extremely pleased. Who was he? Most people wouldn't even be able to get close to him. Although the two of them seemed indifferent to fame and fortune, most people would still assess the benefits. Associating with him would be more advantageous than disadvantageous. Now they were practically offering themselves up. The more they tried to distance themselves from him, the more it meant that these two were the people he was looking for.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but hum a little tune, walking briskly towards his dwelling. Since they refused to acknowledge his identity, then they shouldn't blame him for what he might do in the near future.

Before leaving, Pei Chen, as always, cheerfully went to the young couple's house for a meal. The two almost packed him up and threw him out of the village. Having finally gotten rid of this plague, Luo Shaoyi and Shui Qing finally felt relieved as they watched his figure recede into the distance. However, they knew Pei Chen wouldn't stop there; more people might come to Anyuan Village in the future, disrupting their peaceful life.

After seeing off this troublesome figure, the couple sat at home, brewed a pot of tea, poured two cups, drank together, and considered their future path.

"Yi, shouldn't we leave here?" Shui Qing said softly. They had finally settled down here, but unexpectedly encountered someone they didn't want to see. The life they dreamed of, because of Pei Chen's appearance, had become a major omens of an unpredictable future.

Luo Shaoyi pondered for a moment and said, "It's time to leave. Anyway, the world is vast, and there's always a place for us. However... the village's jade business is just starting out, and there are still many things we need to do ourselves. It might take some time before we can leave."

Shui Qing listened without saying a word, holding the cup in both hands, her thumbs sliding back and forth along the rim. After a cup of tea, she looked up at Luo Shaoyi and asked, "How much longer?"

The man thought for a moment and said, "At the earliest, three months; at the latest, half a year."

Three months to half a year is neither long nor short. Anyuan Village has taken great care of them. Since the two have decided to leave, they should still set a standard for Anyuan's jade mining and trading, ensuring long-term operation rather than short-term profits.

Shui Qing gave a few bitter laughs and said, "This is such an awkward time. Sigh... Anyway, let's deal with everything in the village to a certain extent first, and then decide what to do next. If anything unexpected happens, we need to figure out how to handle it. Should we revert to our previous identities, or just leave the villagers behind?"

"Don't worry! I'm here for you." Luo Shaoyi held Shui Qing's hand and said firmly, "That's the worst-case scenario. Since we escaped once, we should be able to do the same this time." "

I hope so." Shui Qing felt uneasy, but until something happened, they could only take it one step at a time.

In a secluded manor, a man's excited shouts rang out: "Found them?"

"Yes. Your disciple wouldn't dare to speak carelessly. Although their appearances are different from before, after repeated testing, I'm ninety percent certain." Pei Chen said confidently. He wouldn't have said such a thing unless he was extremely confident, especially since he felt sorry for his master, whose once white hair and youthful face had become weathered by the events of his senior brother and junior sister over the past two years.

"Take me there quickly!" Gu Jingtang grabbed Pei Chen's hand and hurried towards the door.

"Master, please have some water and calm down." Pei Chen quickly stopped Gu Jingtang's impulsiveness, pulled him back to his seat, picked up the kettle on the table, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to his master. After seeing him take a sip, he said, "As I said before, both of them used various methods to dodge my tests, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge me. If I hadn't been familiar with Senior Brother's special tricks, I probably wouldn't have gained so much."

Seeing that Gu Jingtang was about to speak, Pei Chen quickly stopped him and continued, "Those two might leave right after I do, but please don't underestimate my disciple. Anyuan's jade business is just starting out, especially since it's still in the process of integrating with Liefeng Fortress. Given Senior Brother and Shi Mei's personalities, they would never abandon something halfway through. It will take at least three months, at most half a year. We have plenty of time to plan. If we rush there, it's fine if they don't admit it, but if they escape overnight, it will be much harder to find them later."

After hearing Pei Chen's words, Gu Jingtang's agitated mood calmed down. Although he knew he was right, his heart was not in control. The conflict between reason and emotion made him hesitant.

"Master, two years have already passed, a little more won't make a difference." Pei Chen could see Gu Jingtang's hesitation, but a moment's hesitation could ruin the whole plan. Since they knew where the people were, they wouldn't leave Anyuan Village immediately. They could wait until everything was in place before forcing them to confess.

Gu Jingtang clenched his fists, took several deep breaths, and said, "Alright! I understand. I won't act rashly during this time. You should also quickly return to Liefeng Fort to report back. Return here in a month and discuss the next steps with me." "

Disciple obeys."

Pei Chen bid farewell to Gu Jingtang, quickly returned to Liefeng Fort to handle everything, and then hurriedly rode back to his master's side. The round trip took less than a month. In the following month, the two began to discuss how to make the two remove their masks and reveal their true colors.

☆, 103. The Truth Comes Out

On an extremely luxurious bed, a strong male body pressed down on a delicate, snow-white female body. Their private parts were engaged in the most ancient and most ecstatic rhythm.

"Ah... Your Majesty... um... I can't take it anymore... ah... ah..." The woman's moans sounded like a plea for mercy, her delicate brows furrowed as she looked up at the man above her. Judging from her expression, she seemed to be in pain, but her two long, slender, white legs remained wrapped tightly around his waist.

The man remained silent, as if he hadn't heard her cries, thrusting into her relentlessly. His face was calm and expressionless, but his movements were fierce and extreme, as if venting his pent-up frustration and sorrow.

As the night deepened, the man's thrusting speed remained unchanged, even becoming more intense. Eventually, the woman felt her private parts burning and swollen. With each thrust, she felt no pleasure, only pain. Her small hands pushed against the man's chest, her legs kicking desperately. Her once delicate and beautiful face was streaked with tears as she cried out, "Your Majesty... ah... spare me... Your Majesty is killing me..."

Hearing her cries, the man felt no pity. Seeing her cries grow louder and her pushing motions more forceful, he slapped her across the face. The crisp sound of the slap stunned her, making her forget her cries and movements, and she stared blankly at the man.

The man didn't stop thrusting, his expression grim as he glared at the woman beneath him, gently stroking her swollen cheek with one hand. His tone was icy as he spoke: "My dear Consort Rong, I am the emperor of this nation. Your life is in my hands. If I want to kill you, who dares to say a word? Besides, you are no longer of any use. Don't think I don't know how many tricks you've played behind my back. Keeping you alive is already a great favor. To be able to receive my favor before you die, instead of countless other men, is something you should..." "I feel so fortunate!"

The man's words sounded like a death knell to Consort Rong. Large tears rolled down her face. She recalled that when she first entered the palace, a year and a half ago, the Queen was pregnant with the Dragon Prince and it was inconvenient for her to serve the King. The King's offspring were also few. For the sake of the country's fate and their own interests, the court officials suggested that a new beauty be selected to enter the palace. After many selection criteria, she successfully entered the harem and quickly gained the King's favor. She was soon promoted to the rank of Noble Consort Rong, and the King was so infatuated that he stayed in her palace every night.

Especially after the Queen gave birth to a princess, she was somewhat worried that the King would return to favoring her. However, the King didn't even step into the Queen's palace. News spread quickly in the palace, and those who sensed the shift in the wind flocked to her, which fueled her arrogance and desires. Eventually, she began to fantasize about conceiving a royal heir and giving birth to a prince, believing that this would solidify her position in the harem. Under this premise, any potential obstacle had to be eliminated.

At first, her actions weren't too obvious. She used subtle methods to prevent the King from favoring other concubines, or bribed palace maids and eunuchs to secretly give them contraceptive medicine after the King had favored other concubines. If any concubine became pregnant, they would inevitably miscarry, resulting in the King only having one princess born to the Queen in the past two years.

As time passed, there was still no sign of pregnancy. At first, she comforted herself that if she didn't conceive this time, she could try again next time. She even deliberately chose times when she was more fertile to have the king's favor with her, filling her with male essence each time, but she failed time and time again.

She consulted the imperial physicians, who all said that her body was healthy and that conceiving a royal child was absolutely no problem. She began to panic and searched for all sorts of methods to get pregnant with the royal child. Otherwise, the longer she waited, the more attention she would attract if no royal heir was produced. The struggle for power in the harem was a life-or-death matter, and without certain protection, one could not have the last laugh. In desperation, she used the most likely method to bring about her own downfall, but still, there was no sign of pregnancy.

When Consort Rong heard the king's words, she wondered if her deeds had been exposed, but she had to be cautious. In a flash, she opened her large, red, swollen eyes and looked at the man with whom she had shared many nights of love

. Her pink lips uttered a wronged voice, "Your Majesty, I don't understand. I have always been obedient and devoted to Your Majesty!" "Is that so?" The man smiled coldly, not at all surprised by Consort Rong's reaction. He simply shouted outside, "Bring him in!"

Two guards carried in a man covered in wounds. When Consort Rong saw the strange man enter, she realized she was naked and screamed in panic. She reached for the silk quilt to cover herself, but the man was faster. He threw everything that could cover her off the bed and quickly changed their positions. They sat on the bed facing the newcomers, and the man made her sit on his lap, watching them enter in the most shameful way.

Consort Rong initially tried to struggle, but no matter what she did, she couldn't break free, and the man continued his unfinished, ecstatic thrusts inside her.

"Your Majesty, the person has been brought." Two guards brought the man to the bedside. Although they heard incredibly arousing sounds and moans, they kept their heads down, afraid to look at the bed, lest they inadvertently bring trouble upon themselves.

Regardless of whether anyone else was present, the man continued thrusting inside the woman, his lips close to Consort Rong's ear, whispering, "My beloved consort, do you recognize him?"

Consort Rong hadn't been able to clearly see the man's face, which was covered in deep scars, but when he stood before her, the familiar outline appeared in her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said, "Your Majesty, I have never seen this person before."

"Really never seen him?" the man sneered.

"Your Majesty, I truly haven't seen it," Consort Rong denied, but the man's actions almost distracted her. Suppressing the urge to moan loudly, she pleaded in a soft voice, "Your Majesty, could you please let them leave first…?"

"Why?" The man reached forward and forcefully pinched the woman's full breasts, saying, "Don't you enjoy his service? Especially on this bed…" As

soon as the man finished speaking, Consort Rong's face turned deathly pale, cold sweat beading on her body. Only one thought occupied her mind—she wouldn't survive today!

☆, 104. Erotic Scenes

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I truly do not understand what you are saying." Consort Rong knew that whether she admitted it or not, she would die, but it concerned her posthumous treatment. If she did not admit it, she would die from a sudden illness and receive a posthumous title. If she admitted it, then not even a speck of ashes would remain, as if she had never existed in this world.

"Haha... It doesn't matter if my beloved consort does not admit it." The man's large hands roamed over Consort Rong's body, gently like the caresses of lovers. "Because this man has already confessed. Not only that, to prevent you from being framed, I specifically asked him about everything, not only the characteristics of your body, but also the taste of your vagina and the appearance of your orgasms. He described everything clearly. If we hadn't made love, how could he know so much?"

"Your Majesty, this is all slander... um... my body and heart belong to Your Majesty alone... ah... everything this man said is false... um... ah..." Although Consort Rong was caught in the tide of lust, she still knew what to say and what not to say. For the sake of her offspring, she seduced the man before her. Not many people knew about this, and those who did were all her confidants. This matter could not have been leaked by her own people.

The dim, yellowish light illuminated the bedchamber, filling the room with the scent of desire. The man's gentle care and the woman's alluring responses should have been a blissful moment, but wherever those warm hands touched, she felt an unbearable chill. Her body, already thoroughly trained, though fearful, was driven by desire far exceeding her survival instincts. She swayed her hips as the man continued to ignite her passion from behind.

"My beloved consort…" the man whispered in her ear, "Whether what he said is true or not, it's just to give me a good excuse." He then produced a pill from who-knows-where and tossed it into her mouth. Caught off guard, she swallowed it.

"Your Majesty! What is this? Ah… I'm so hot… um…" Consort Rong asked in alarm. What had this fickle man given her? Why did she feel her body growing increasingly strange, a certain emptiness growing stronger, yet her desire for men growing ever more intense? Already adrift in lust, she became even more unsatisfied, her body swaying more wantonly, her tender passage gripping the man's thick, hot penis tightening more and more, each thrust only intensifying her craving.

One small hand caressed her chest, her nail-painted fingers pinching her nipples, while the other hand moved down to their joined bodies, a finger piercing her flower, moving in and out with the man's rhythm, her palm rubbing against her engorged clitoris to increase stimulation, her small mouth uttering seductive moans. Consort

Rong, who had initially felt a slight embarrassment at the presence of others in the palace, suddenly realized that the men before her could offer her even greater satisfaction. Her alluring eyes frequently glanced in their direction, as if selecting an item, carefully inspecting it from head to toe.

When she saw the prominent bulges between the two guards' legs, images of two enormous male blades entering and exiting her body flashed through her mind. Her vagina leaked even more fluid, and her mouth cried out loudly, as if not just one man, but many men were satisfying her.

A normal man in such a lewd scene, especially hearing the increasingly loud moans, the sounds of flesh slapping, and the squelching of fluids, would be aroused. His penis would swell with each cry, but the woman before him was not someone they could touch, so he could only lower his head and try his best to endure.

The man, covered in wounds, was not tempted by the lust. Although disheveled, his eyes shone with resentment as he glared at the couple, his teeth clenched, seemingly filled with unwillingness.

"Don't worry, the pill won't harm anyone, just cause a slight reaction. My beloved concubine really wants a man to satisfy you, doesn't she?" The man didn't miss the expressions of everyone present. He gently turned her head with one hand, making her look at him, and said, "My beloved concubine, just say what you want, and I promise I won't get angry."

"Mmm... Your Majesty... Ah... Hmm..." Consort Rong bit her lower lip. Without the man behind her explaining, she knew what she had swallowed. But she was still a concubine in the harem, and the king was her only man. No matter what, she couldn't reveal her true thoughts. All men in the world were the same, regardless of their status. If a woman told him in front of him that she wanted more men, the outcome would definitely not be good.

"My beloved consort knows how lenient I have been with you, to the point that I've turned a blind eye to everything you've done. I never imagined you were so useless, relying on my favor to be unable to even bring down a mere queen. You never imagined this man was someone close to the queen; she knows everything you do. Now she has leverage over you, and you'll only be her lackey from now on. Keeping you around will only add to the trouble. As long as you do as I say, I promise I won't mistreat you. Think it over carefully." The man spoke in a voice only Consort Rong could hear, then finished. He chuckled softly, a laugh that wasn't genuine, and it filled Consort Rong with despair, causing her to sob uncontrollably. Suddenly, the man raised his voice, gently comforting her, "My beloved consort, what's wrong? A king's word is

his bond. What I say, I do. Speak your wish without worry, and I will certainly not disappoint you." Upon hearing the man's words, Consort Rong felt a chill run through her. She had thought she had covered her tracks perfectly, but she hadn't expected the other party to be someone sent by the Queen. Even the King knew about this, meaning she had no way out. Whether she admitted it or not, he would make this matter end. Thinking of this, the pill's effects grew stronger. The man's words caused her considerable inner turmoil. Knowing she was only one step away from death, she decided it was better to ascend to heaven happily than to suffer unbearably. With a determined heart, she said, "Your Majesty, I want more men..." "

Haha! Very good! That's exactly what I like about my beloved consort." The man thrust his hips forcefully, and after dozens of thrusts, he pushed the woman's body away. A stream of white semen sprayed onto her flushed flesh from the intense activity. A smile played on his handsome face as he said to the two guards, "You two, having heard what my beloved consort said, why don't you step forward and obey my orders?"

☆, 105. Sibling

Strife Although Consort Rong had experienced several orgasms, her body still felt empty. Her vagina, lacking the man's size, felt even more unsatisfied. Her eyes were hazy as she watched the two naked guards, their erections throbbing, approach her. One guard surrounded Consort Rong on each side, thrusting forcefully from both ends, easily penetrating her vagina, and began to pump violently.

"Ah...ah...so good...ah ah...harder...um...so good...ah..." The pleasurable numbness left Consort Rong only able to moan and groan, her body wantonly responding to the man's thrusts.

Hearing such seductive moans, the two men thrust even harder, and soon the three of them were wet together, no less passionate than when they had just made love with the man.

The man who had pushed Consort Rong away quickly called for someone to come in and dress him. He coldly watched the scene of the two men and one woman having sex, and looked at the disheveled man lying on the ground. He slowly walked in front of him, looked down at him, and said with a cold smile, "Want to join them?"

The man seemed to have only one breath left, but he still cursed viciously, "Sima Yuan, you are too shameless!"

"Second brother, you are wrong to say that!" Sima Yuan looked down at Sima Chao, who was like a stray dog, and couldn't help but feel a little regretful and helpless.

He and his second brother had been compared since childhood. Not only were they close in age, but their talents were also comparable. However, as the eldest son and legitimate heir, he was undoubtedly the undisputed choice for the throne, barring any unforeseen circumstances. His younger brother, on the other hand, was gentle, kind, and frugal from a young age, never vying for power. Whenever the Eighth Prince and the Sixteenth Prince clashed in court, he was always the mediator. The two brothers were known for their brotherly affection and respect; everyone said he had a good younger brother, and with such a wise and capable assistant, the South Sea Kingdom would surely become even more prosperous and powerful upon ascending the throne.

However, after he ascended the throne, he discovered that his second brother was two-faced. While his behavior in front of outsiders was commendable, his actions behind the scenes were far more ruthless than those of the veteran ministers.

Not only did he secretly form cliques and recruit soldiers across the land, but he even dared to lay his hands on his own father's wives. Although they were initially mostly unfavored concubines, he would secretly dispose of them after using them. The royal palace always has its share of unspeakable secrets, and as long as it doesn't go too far, most people turn a blind eye, pretending they never existed, and soon they're erased from the palace records.

However, after he ascended the throne and took over the "Xuan" faction, he discovered a dark side he had never seen before. This darkness sometimes penetrated to the very foundation of the nation; if it were to be eradicated, the country would either gradually decline or, worse, perish. Although the "Xuan" faction was not entirely loyal to the King of the South Sea, they were also part of the South Sea Kingdom's dark side. Initially, they might not have wielded much power, but the South Sea Kingdom had a history spanning centuries, and each successive "Xuan" faction knew many of the South Sea's hidden secrets, which had accumulated to the point of threatening the South Sea royal authority.

However, Sima Yuan couldn't eliminate them completely. They had been operating for so long that they could uncover anything he wanted to know, no matter how small or secluded the village. A mere second prince, a man of such high rank and power, was the first target "Xuan" needed to carefully observe. Presumably, his father had known about his younger brother's actions, but for the sake of the nation, he had to choose to turn a blind eye.

Sima Yuan originally wanted to do the same as his father, but after his ascension to the throne, the Sima dynasty became increasingly active, exaggerating minor disasters into major catastrophes, claiming that his reign was marked by licentiousness in the harem and even the heavens couldn't bear it, causing the people to suffer. What he found even more unacceptable was that in some areas of the South Sea Kingdom, loyalty to him, the second prince, surpassed even that of the king. These actions were challenging his royal authority, and if not eradicated completely, they would become a future threat.

Just as he was struggling to find conclusive evidence to bring down his second brother, "Xuan" sent word about the actions of his newly favored concubine. He had seen much of the inner palace, knowing that these women, for power and favor, would often engage in unspeakable acts. These acts were almost tacitly accepted, as the power of the state could not be monopolized. The inner palace was used to adjust the balance, creating a seemingly peaceful yet terrifyingly scheming equilibrium. Otherwise, how could the throne still be held by the Sima clan?

Sima Yuan favored Consort Rong only because she bore a striking resemblance to Shui Qing. He searched for her for two years without success, finding no trace of her body. Even if bones were found in the abyss, they would likely be shattered into countless fragments. However, without seeing his beloved's body, he still clung to a sliver of hope. But longing drives people mad. In the subsequent selection of concubines, he searched for similarities to Shui Qing among the women, hoping to soothe his long-empty heart.

Without Shui Qing, the women in this world were nothing more than tools for him to continue his lineage. He originally thought that this favored concubine was just drugging another concubine to compete for an heir, but he never expected that she would want to get pregnant and, fearing that the blood test would not be compatible, she would have the audacity to approach Sima Chao. Sima Chao, for reasons unknown, actually agreed to Rong Fei's illicit affair. One was cunning and the other was blinded by self-interest. The two mistakenly thought they were doing something without anyone noticing, but little did they know that "Xuan" was recording their every move.

The Queen's pregnancy was all intended to solidify her position and allow her to rule the harem. He didn't visit the Queen for two reasons: first, he already had a son and a daughter, which significantly strengthened her power; second, with both the eldest son and daughter being the Queen's offspring, the court's power was shifting, and the Li family was becoming increasingly unruly. To balance the various factions, he had to favor the Chen family's daughter, who was at odds with the Li family. Fortunately, this woman had caught his attention and satisfied him in bed. He was aware of her potential to become the mother of another prince; as long as she didn't cause a major incident, she would have to rely on her own abilities to rise in the harem.

Unfortunately, those in power are easily deceived by their current prosperity, mistakenly believing that everything will go smoothly. Therefore, they sometimes overlook important aspects, giving others opportunities to find weaknesses. Take, for example, the affair between the second prince and Consort Rong. If one hadn't wanted an heir and the other hadn't been struggling with the lack of a suitable opportunity, both could have lived for a while longer.

☆, 106. After the rain

, the sky cleared. Seeing the other's smiling face, Sima Chao's anger flared. While it's said that the victor is king and the loser is a bandit, was it necessary to put on such a face in front of him? It was blatant mockery of his failure!

His preparations and efforts were absolutely no less than those of such a useless, good-for-nothing brat. Why was all the luck on Sima Yuan's side, and why was fate always on his side?

"Sima Yuan, there's no need for crocodile tears. I am now a prisoner. There's no need to humiliate me in this way. Kill me or torture me, it's up to you!" Sima Chao only complained about the injustice of heaven. He had done everything he could, but since heaven still wouldn't give him a chance and had to let him end up like this, he could only accept it helplessly.

"Alas... Second brother, I have never treated you unfairly. Apart from the throne, everything you can enjoy is already the highest honor in the world. Why are you still not satisfied?" Sima Yuan sighed softly. Since ancient times, there have always been tragic events of fratricide in imperial families. The throne of the emperor seems noble, but he cannot obtain the ordinary happiness that ordinary people can have. There is only scheming around him, and no one truly cares for him—no, it should be said that there was one, but he did not know how to cherish it and let such a small happiness slip through his fingers.

"Hahaha..." Sima Chao laughed loudly, a laugh both bold and bitter. "The throne? Honor? I don't care about any of that. All I want is justice! In this life, apart from my birth, I believe I've never lost to you in any way. Why is everyone's attention focused on you!"

Sima Chao never intended to compete with Sima Yuan for the throne. As children, their minds were simple, and the two were almost inseparable. Even the scholars they consulted said that the two brothers were rare talents. Their studies and growth were almost equal. But from some point onward, he noticed that people's attention was no longer on him, but began to gravitate towards Sima Yuan. Finally, one day, he realized that his birth was a joke. No matter how much he studied or how hard he tried, everything he did was just to benefit someone else.

The same action, the results of their actions, were judged differently by their father. If it was his elder brother who did it, he would receive great praise, while Sima Chao would only offer a few words of praise and a small reward as a token of appreciation.

After the crown prince was chosen, his father only saw his elder brother. No matter how hard he tried, he was either simply glossed over or his brother's achievements were relegated to the background. Although he was resentful, this was the system of the state and the rules of the royal family. He alone could do nothing and could only swallow his bitterness.

One day, at a lavish banquet, his sixteenth uncle and the left prime minister came to see him privately. The three of them had a pleasant conversation. Before leaving, the sixteenth prince whispered in his ear, "The throne does not belong to one person but to the capable. If the South Sea wants to become strong, it must first eliminate the old system and bad habits."

It was this sentence that ignited his desire to compete with Sima Yuan. Why could the throne of the South Sea be passed down only to the eldest son and legitimate heir? He and Sima Yuan were not far apart in age, and even their knowledge and character were comparable. Why did his father's words limit his future to someone else?

Driven by a sense of defiance, he decided to conspire with his sixteenth uncle and the Left Prime Minister to seize the throne. They initially targeted his father's consorts, not the current favorites, but women who might become his favorites. They won their hearts without taking their bodies, using power and money to navigate the harem and ensure these women became his favorites.

Later, they used drugs and other means to make these women not only his father's women but also his greatest influence on him. From then on, many favorable rumors about him gradually caught his father's attention, such as his gentleness, filial piety, composure, and lack of ambition.

Of course, the most important thing for a ruler is to be wary of others. The father understood the history of fratricide, though he hadn't experienced it firsthand, he knew the deepest desires of royalty. He didn't believe anyone could truly be so indifferent to fame, fortune, and power.

Therefore, during that period, some unknown individuals came to investigate them. These might have been newly arrived servants, added guards, newly acquired concubines, or even women from brothels. Fortunately, their actions seemed to go undetected; otherwise, a single statement of treason would have been enough to exterminate their entire clan.

"Second brother, I have never thought of competing with you for anything." Sima Yuan, seeing that his childhood friend harbored so much resentment towards him, said painfully, "Do you think I like this throne so much? If it weren't for ancestral rules, I think you are more suitable for this throne. For this position, I have suffered countless punishments since childhood. While you could happily go to school and play, I had to discuss state affairs with Father in the study. While you could marry the woman you love, I had to sacrifice the one I love most for the sake of the country. The sacrifices I have made may seem insignificant to ordinary people, but only I know that the ordinary happiness that common people pursue is the least attainable thing for me in my entire life."

Sima Yuan's words, to Sima Chao, felt even more like a mockery of his defeat. He spat on Sima Yuan's shoe, turned his face away, and said no more.

Sima Yuan showed no displeasure at Sima Chao's disrespectful behavior, only a sorrowful look at his brother. Finally, in a low voice, he said, "Guards, take the prince away."

Soon, a group of people entered and dragged Sima Chao away. Watching his figure recede into the distance, Sima Yuan painfully closed his eyes. After a few seconds, he opened them again, his gaze returning to that of an emperor. His eyes glanced at the red and purple stains and copious amounts of semen on Consort Rong's body, and he couldn't help but sneer. This woman would never have imagined that her death would be so swift, far beyond what a single blow could accomplish.

The night was still long. Tonight's turmoil would be followed by calm tomorrow. But when would the emptiness in his heart be filled? He flicked his sleeve, leaving behind the two men and the woman, and strode away from this place of debauchery, heading towards his own little haven of happiness within the palace.

☆、107. A Storm is Brewing.

In Chuxu Palace, Sima Yuan sat on the bed where his beloved had once lain, his hand gently gliding across the bedding, as if the person he longed for day and night was still there.

The scenery remained the same, but the people had changed. For the past two years, he had devoted himself to politics, searching for traces of his beloved in the various concubines. His favors towards them were only for the sake of having offspring, or for the ebb and flow of power among the various factions. The purest place in his heart still belonged only to that person.

Whenever an occasion related to her came up, Sima Yuan would unconsciously come to Chuxu Palace, perhaps sitting there for a whole day, or even spending the night there.

He instructed the palace servants not to move any of the items here at will, to keep everything as it was when its original owner still lived, just so that he could have the illusion that she was still there, so that he could have a place of clarity in this murky palace.

Just as he was lost in thought, a low, hoarse voice suddenly came from the shadows, "Your Majesty."

"What is it?" Sima Yuan's voice was slightly angry. He disliked anyone entering or leaving the pure and innocent Chuxu Palace, not even his most trusted "Xuan."

"Your subordinate has not failed to live up to expectations. After two years of investigation, we have news."

Sima Yuan was stunned for a moment, seemingly still unable to believe the news. After breathing heavily several times, he asked in a slightly trembling voice, "Where is the person?"

"Anyuan Village." "Is he well?

" "Very well. " "Alone?" "A couple." Upon hearing the answer, Sima Yuan's face immediately darkened. He remained silent for a while, then said, "Continue to send people to keep an eye on them. I don't want them to disappear again."

" Yes, Your subordinate takes his leave." "Wait." Sima Yuan seemed to have thought of something and quickly called out to him. "Your subordinate is here." "How is the matter I entrusted to you a while ago progressing?" Sima Yuan asked, tapping his fingers lightly on the edge of the bed. "The other side is very cautious; the most crucial evidence is still missing." "I'll give you a month. You may leave." Sima Yuan narrowed his eyes, seemingly dissatisfied with the slow progress. "Yes." A brief, forceful reply followed, leaving the room silent. Sima Yuan sat expressionlessly on the bed, but his heart was in turmoil. Two years had passed. He had thought he would regret it for the rest of his life, but unexpectedly, after two years, such exciting news had arrived. But… he wondered if she was still angry with him. His careless words had deeply hurt her. Every time he closed his eyes, her heartbroken face vividly appeared before him, her tearful expression piercing his heart. If time could turn back, he would never have said those hurtful words or done anything to harm her. A momentary mistake had left him feeling like a walking corpse for the past two years, his heart empty, a void that nothing could fill. He never wanted to experience that again! This time, he would clear away all obstacles first, and then welcome her back in glory. There would be no more chances for her to escape from him! "Da Niu! Be careful, don't hurt yourself." Luo Yi saw a man pushing a cart full of stones, wobbling as it was being transported up from the quarry, and quickly warned him. "Okay! I'll be careful." The honest Da Niu grinned, telling Luo Yi not to worry. "Old Wang, don't go over there, be careful, it's slippery." Luo Yi saw another old man, his hunched back still full of spirit, wanting to help. Worried about the old man's safety, he quickly called out to the man standing next to him, "Brother Wang! Please take your father to a safe place." Brother Wang knew it was dangerous for his father to come here, but the old man insisted on coming along, ignoring all attempts to dissuade him. He said helplessly, "I want to, but..." Seeing Brother Wang's expression, Luo Yi understood his predicament and didn't force him, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Wang." Before he could finish speaking, he saw another spot and was about to speak when he heard a familiar, soft voice say, "Husband." Luo Yi saw his beloved wife holding a box high in her hand, and he knew he had forgotten something again. He said innocently, "How time flies! I clearly remember just eating." "That was several hours ago." Wu Yuan gave this forgetful man a playful glare. If she hadn't come, he probably wouldn't have remembered that he hadn't eaten lunch until evening. "Don't get down! It's been raining heavily these past few days, the roads are slippery, be careful not to fall." Luo Yi quickly stopped his wife when he saw her trying to get down. "What are you worried about? It's not like we haven't walked this road before." Wu Yuan had just taken a step when she saw her husband hurrying towards her, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. "Better safe than sorry, it's always better to be careful." Luo Yi came to his wife's side, took the food box from her hand, and pulled her towards him with one arm around her slender waist. The soft body and fragrance in his arms invigorated him, and he called out, "Everyone, take a break for a while. My dear wife has brought the food. We'll continue after we've eaten our fill!" Everyone looked up and saw the sweet scene between the two, and couldn't help but smile. Their eyes shifted, and they also saw their own wives and daughters arriving with lunch. Everyone put down their work and gradually went to their families to eat together happily.

Luo Yi, holding Wu Yuan's hand, led her to a relatively secluded spot. To prevent his delicate wife from being suffocated by the sun, he deliberately chose a shady place. Wu Yuan took a large cloth from her lunchbox and spread it on the ground, arranging the lunch items one by one.

After Wu Yuan finished, she helped her husband take off his shoes, and the two sat on the cloth, eating and chatting casually.

When they had almost finished eating, Wu Yuan brought out a teapot with brewed tea, poured warm tea into Luo Yi's bowl, and also served herself a small bowl. After taking a sip, she asked, "How is the disaster?"

After the heavy rains of the past few days, for some unknown reason, a large amount of mud slid down the mountain in Anyuan Village. Although it didn't cause any damage to the village, the mud landed right where the jade was being mined.

Finally, the rain stopped and the sky cleared. Luo Yi came to investigate first. He had initially thought the mining area would be buried by mud, but the surrounding forest had blocked it. The disaster he had expected was less severe than anticipated.

However, without clearing away the mud, the village still couldn't mine jade. Therefore, Luo Yi gathered the able-bodied men from the village to work together to clear the mud so that jade mining could resume as soon as possible. After many days of effort, the mud was cleared today, and the village could return to normal.

☆、108. Uninvited Guest

"It's not a big problem yet, after all, the main disaster area is in the mining area, which is some distance from the village. However, this natural disaster has buried all the jade that had already been mined," Luo Yi said with a worried expression. Although everyone's safety was the greatest blessing, the deadline for the latest batch to be delivered to the government was fast approaching. Although some had been salvaged, the shortage remained a problem.

"I understand, my husband. You don't need to worry about things at home. You just need to focus on helping the village get through this difficult time," Wu Yuan said softly. Hearing what Luo Yi said, she, with her keen mind, could of course guess what he was troubled by. She had no way to do this kind of inspection work. Her delicate body would only distract him from taking care of her. It would be better for her to be a good wife.

"You really are..." Luo Yi didn't know whether to be happy or angry. Faced with the current predicament, he really couldn't find the time to take care of her. But when he thought of how strong she was, he was also angry that she didn't rely on him. He didn't know how to react. He picked up the bowl and drank the tea in big gulps. A sweet liquid slid into his mouth. Compared with the tea he usually drank, it seemed to have something extra. He asked curiously, "It seems like something was added to this tea?"

"Husband is really amazing. I added some herbs and sugar water to it. It should taste better." Luo Yi had a bad habit of not liking to drink bland water. He preferred tea and soup with flavor. It was fine if he didn't drink water on ordinary days, but these days he had been working under the sun, giving orders back and forth almost non-stop. Under such busy conditions, he not only had to eat well, but also drink enough. The village didn't have a lot of flavorful tea, which made him feel thirsty and parched. Several times he almost fainted.

But how could ordinary people like them add all sorts of things to every sip of tea? For this picky old man, they had to add some harmless and inexpensive ingredients. Fortunately, his reaction was good, and they no longer had to worry about him getting sunstroke from not drinking enough water.

"My wife is truly amazing, able to skillfully make such delicious food. Another bowl, please." After finishing his drink, Luo Yi felt a little lighter for some reason, and the sweet taste made him want more, so he quickly handed the bowl to her.

Wu Yuan smiled and added another bowl for him. Seeing him drinking with relish, she was very happy. However, seeing him drinking without restraint, she knew that although good things are good, too much will definitely cause problems. She gently patted the large hand that was reaching out for more, saying, "You've already drunk too much!"

"My wife..." Luo Yi's face fell, looking innocently at his dear wife, but seeing her insistent expression of not giving him any more, he had no choice but to silently withdraw his hand.

Wu Yuan looked at the man with a childlike innocence, both amused and exasperated, and comforted him, "Really... Here, but drink it later. Aren't you afraid of getting a stomachache from drinking so much at once?"

"Hehe!" Luo Yi chuckled as he took the teapot, then, as if remembering something, asked, "Did you prepare any for the others?" "

Of course, this tea was brewed by all the women in the village. Everyone got a share, and no one was left out."

"Oh! Everyone got a share? Then, little brother, may I have some?" A familiar voice came from behind them.

Luo Yi and Wu Yuan hurriedly turned around and saw a familiar white robe with unforgettable silver thread patterns sewn on it. What was outrageous was the innocently cute face of the man, with his smug smile. No matter how you looked at him, he was utterly innocent and adorable. If you weren't careful, you might be manipulated by him.

"It's you!" Luo Yi was somewhat surprised. Then he thought about it; such a big thing had happened in Anyuan Village, someone should have relayed the news back to him. But judging by the timeline, he must have arrived immediately upon receiving the message.

"Brother Luo, sister-in-law! Long time no see! I'm here to greet you!" Pei Chen bowed, and before they could react, he immediately sat down, his two large, round eyes fixed on the teapot.

Wu Yuan, seeing this, didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It wasn't a problem for him to drink this crude stuff, but… glancing at her husband's sour face, she smiled helplessly and said, "If you don't mind, please drink."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony!" Pei Chen took the teapot, paused, and looked at her again with those two large, watery eyes.

"What? If you don't like it, then take it back!" Luo Yi reached out to snatch the teapot from Pei Chen's hand in a huff, but the other woman was a step ahead of him, tightly hugging her chest with her arms, pouting her pink lips, and said, "How could I not like it? It's just that there are no cups or bowls. Am I supposed to just hold the teapot directly in front of the spout?"

Luo Yi didn't even have time to think before he thought about what Pei Chen wanted to do, and he quickly retorted, "No way!" But after thinking about it, he couldn't let him enjoy the sweet taste of his beloved wife, so he had no choice but to reluctantly hold out the bowl in front of Pei Chen, with a look of a hero cutting off his own arm, and said, "Take it and use it!" Using his is better than using hers, anyway, he can just throw it away in the end, and the family won't miss one more bowl.

"Thank you, Brother!" Pei Chen smiled happily, took the bowl, poured out a large bowlful, and gulped it down in one go. He then refilled it several more times, not wanting to leave. Only when the teapot was almost empty did he finally put down the teapot and bowl with satisfaction, grinning and showing off his white teeth. "It's really delicious! Ah! I accidentally finished it all. Hey... Brother, don't look at me with those resentful eyes, it'll scare me!" he said, shrinking back as if Luo Yi's gaze was like a sharp sword, aimed directly at him.

"Consider this tea for the guest. Don't worry, there's plenty more at home." Wu Yuan's small hand pressed down on her husband's large hand, which was about to punch that cute face. Although Luo Yi was unwilling, it was much easier to save his energy for when he got home, closed the door, and kept the uninvited guest away.

Seeing that repulsive face, Luo Yi impatiently glanced at the sky and said gently to his wife, "I should go check on the villagers. The sun is strong now, let's go home quickly."

Wu Yuan nodded. She knew her role had just ended. Since she would be a hindrance here, it was better to go home and make some preparations so that he could have a hot bath and a delicious meal when he returned.

"You! Come with me!" Luo Yi glared at Pei Chen, but his expression changed drastically as soon as he turned his head. Pei Chen didn't seem to care and followed him with a smile.

☆, 109. In broad daylight, it's not allowed .

"I have already sent someone to deliver the letter to Young Master Pei, why did you need to come?" Luo Yi led Pei Chen to a relatively secluded place, directly pointing out Pei Chen's unnatural behavior without even exchanging pleasantries.

Although a disaster had occurred in Anyuan and the jade mining issue remained unresolved, there were no casualties. He had immediately written a letter, sending it to him in detail, recounting the events and the handling of the situation, and assuring him that the jade mining would not significantly impact the delivery time.

Logically, unless someone had died, most of these officials wouldn't have traveled such a long distance. Partly because they were busy, and partly because these aristocratic youths were accustomed to a comfortable life, they wouldn't want to come to a poor, remote place like Anyuan Village.

Pei Chen paused for a moment, then immediately smiled brightly and said, "If it weren't for your letter, but the summary in it was too brief, I wouldn't have known the true situation in the village. Only today, upon arriving, did I realize how hard you've worked these past few days. I've been too lax, so I've decided to stay here for a few days and help out." Brief

? Luo Yi thought about how he had written five long pages and was still criticized for being brief—this guy was deliberately nitpicking!

"No need to trouble Young Master Pei. The problem has been resolved today, and everything will resume as usual after tomorrow." Luo Yi rejected Pei Chen's suggestion without any politeness. Pei Chen had only been staying for a few days and had already made a mess of their lives. Judging from his tone, it seemed he wanted to stay permanently.

"No trouble at all!" Pei Chen wasn't intimidated by Luo Yi's impolite tone; instead, his smile widened. "I'm afraid there are some things you might have overlooked, and the hard work these past few days has made you look quite haggard. Why don't you entrust the matter to me, and then you can rest for a few days?"

Luo Yi was speechless. He already knew Pei Chen was incredibly thick-skinned, but he hadn't expected him to have become even more shameless in just a few years. He was now practically invincible. However, considering his almost non-stop work these past few days, and how he hadn't had a proper night's sleep at home, he knew Pei Chen's abilities, and this suggestion... It wasn't that he couldn't accept it, and this guy wasn't so easy to get rid of. He needed to be satisfied before he could ask people to leave early. After thinking for a while, Luo Yi relented slightly and said, "Alright, thank you for your trouble, Young Master Pei."

Over the next few days, Luo Yi and his young wife stayed at home. Although he was initially worried that Pei Chen wouldn't get along with the villagers, Pei Chen's personality was naturally easygoing, and with Awei's help, he quickly became one with the villagers and successfully got things done. Moreover, under the system established by Luo Yi, some unsuitable aspects were modified, making the village's operation more complete and efficient.

On a sunny day, in a room with the window half open, a pair of lovers lay on the large bed, their necks intertwined. Shui Qing lay sweetly on Luo Shaoyi's body, her delicate white hand gently patting the man's chest.

"Don't worry, everything was fine last time, and it'll be the same this time." Luo Shaoyi gently patted Shui Qing's snowy back. The two seemed to be leisurely enjoying the time, but the movement of her small hand betrayed Shui Qing's anxious mood. He knew what she was upset about, but he couldn't openly drive her out of the village.

"Mmm." Although Luo Shaoyi's words reassured her a lot, that inexplicable unease still lingered in her heart.

Luo Shaoyi saw Shui Qing frowning, and gently smoothed her brow with his fingers. "Don't frown, you're almost turning into a steamed bun."

Shui Qing pouted and slapped away the large hand that was playing tricks on her brow. She really didn't know where this man's confidence came from!

"My dear wife, don't be angry." Luo Shaoyi hugged Shui Qing tighter, comforting her while enjoying the sweet and warm feeling.

"How can I not be angry! Ah... what are you doing with your hand..." Shui Qing's anger was only half-vented when she realized that a large hand was messing with her body.

"I don't know either, should we ask it?" Luo Shaoyi said, feigning ignorance, stretching out his large hand in front of them, his self-righteous demeanor making them both laugh and cry.

"I hope it can talk! Ah... what are you doing again!" Shui Qing really couldn't understand Luo Shaoyi. Sometimes he seemed shrewd, sometimes he seemed composed, but when they were alone, he completely changed.

"My dear wife... baby... we haven't done it in so long." Luo Shaoyi whispered, his sexy voice sending shivers down Shui Qing's spine. In a moment of distraction, the man quickly stripped her naked.

"Not now..." Shui Qing lay on the bed, her body limp from the teasing. The sunlight slanted down, reflecting off her fair and delicate skin, making her glow, beautiful and dreamlike. Her hazy eyes gazed at the man on top of her, his gaze too intense, making her shyly want to cover her exposed body.

"Don't cover it! I never imagined sunlight could make my wife look so beautiful. It would be such a waste to hide it..." Luo Shaoyi exclaimed. In the past, Shui Qing was always shy, allowing him to admire her only in dim light. Now that he finally had the chance to see her in such dazzling light, how could he let her hide?

Luo Shaoyi lowered his head and gently kissed her already erect nipples, which trembled slightly on her snow-white breasts, like ripe fruits waiting to be tasted. Shui Qing's unique fragrance spread little by little as she became aroused. The man's rough fingers were moistened by the juices between her legs, rubbing back and forth along the alluring crevice.

"Ah...no...um...no...ah..." Shui Qing shyly squeezed her legs together, her small hands gently grasping the man's wrist. When his fingers pierced into her flower-like passage, the slight discomfort made her want to push him away, but when his fingers withdrew, she felt something was missing, and she pulled his hand closer.

Luo Shaoyi noticed Shui Qing's contradictory movements and couldn't help but chuckle. Hearing the man's laughter, Shui Qing seemed to realize her actions were anything but reserved; a blush rose to her cheeks, and with a coquettish cry, she pushed away his hand, using both hands and feet to retreat to the other end of the bed, desperately widening the distance between them.

Luo Shaoyi didn't rush to pull her to his side; he simply smiled, fiddling with his waist, untying the sash and tossing it to the floor. Then came his outer garment, undergarments, and underpants, instantly revealing his muscular physique to the woman. He slowly climbed onto the bed, moving towards her, his entire body radiating power and beauty. Of course, the most unmissable part of his body swayed and danced with his advance.

05-26

☆、110. In a panic,

Shui Qing watched as the weapon that had tormented her to the point of near death approached step by step. Terrified, she hastily retreated, forgetting she was on the bed. With just one step back, she found herself pressed against the wall, and in an instant, a huge black shadow loomed over her.

"My dear wife, why do you look so scared?" Luo Shaoyi smiled handsomely. Although he seemed kind and approachable, Shui Qing felt uneasy. If it weren't for this eerie moment, it would be undeniably pleasing to the eye.

"N-no...you...don't come any closer..." Shui Qing stammered. This man was becoming increasingly unrestrained, always wanting to be aroused. In broad daylight, he actually tried to harass a respectable woman—how shameless!

"My lady! Don't be shy! It's only natural for us to consummate our marriage." Luo Shaoyi grabbed Shui Qing's hand and pinned it above her head. He then moved his other hand to one of her round, jade-like breasts and began to gently knead it.

"No... ah..." Shui Qing wanted to stop him, but she didn't expect to hear herself let out a seductive moan as soon as she opened her mouth. To anyone, such a sound was an extremely alluring invitation.

How could Luo Shaoyi stop there? Instead, he played with her even more wickedly. Hearing Shui Qing's increasingly lewd moans, he lowered his head and opened his mouth to suckle the other breast that had been neglected. He sucked hard on the tip of her nipple. The intense stimulation made Shui Qing's already limp body tremble uncontrollably. She kicked her legs weakly, wanting to fight back but unable to muster the strength. She could only let the man set her ablaze little by little.

"So beautiful... moan a little more..." Luo Shaoyi's voice was low and husky as he laid her flat on the bed, spreading her long legs apart and placing himself between them. He lowered his head and continued to lick and kiss her two pink nipples, which were covered in his saliva and looked incredibly shiny. His

burgeoning desire pressed against the entrance of her flower cave, and he gently thrust his hips to stimulate her. Although he knew that desire was clamoring, he still didn't enter her, just wanting to hear those seductive moans a little longer. Otherwise, he would have already thrust hard into her warm and tight little cave and pounded into her, loving her fiercely.

"Ugh... Yi... um... ah... come in... um..." Shui Qing was almost driven crazy by the man. Her sensitive body was easily ignited by his gentle teasing. Under the man's intentional stimulation, a large amount of honey flowed between her legs instantly. Her little cave was already ready, but it was waiting to be satisfied, which made her unable to help but moan.

"My darling is so good, I'll satisfy you right away..." Hearing the woman's pleading, his vanity was satisfied. To avoid tormenting her or himself, Luo Shaoyi wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his hips erect, aiming for the entrance to her flower cave, ready to thrust in forcefully—

"Big brother! Sister-in-law! I've brought you something good!" A loud, jarring voice abruptly interrupted their blissful moment.

"Damn it!" Luo Shaoyi cursed through gritted teeth. This guy had to come at the crucial moment, shouting and yelling in front of their door.

"Someone's here..." Shui Qing knew how much stopping in this situation would affect them, but after spending the last few days together, she knew that even if they pretended not to be home and ignored him, he wouldn't be easy to deal with. He would come to their door several times a day, calling until they showed up.

"Ignore him! This bastard always ruins things!" Luo Shaoyi gritted his teeth in anger. This time, he wouldn't give in! They were already at the entrance, just one step away. If he stopped now, he'd be half-dead, if not dead.

"Big brother! Sister-in-law! Come out quickly..." Pei Chen had learned from the villagers that the two of them were home today. This time, he not only shouted at the top of his lungs but also pounded on the door. With a creak, the door to Luo Shaoyi's house was easily opened by Pei Chen. At first, Pei Chen didn't dare to go in, but then he shouted at the door again, "Big brother! Your door wasn't locked, I went in by myself!"

"They'll hear us, get out quickly..." Shui Qing pushed the man on top of her away forcefully. Pei Chen was almost completely uninhibited. Their house was practically like his backyard; he could come and go as he pleased and dared to barge into anywhere. Although he wouldn't actually barge into their room, standing outside the door might allow him to hear their lovemaking. This would make her, who was easily embarrassed, blush so much that she couldn't lift her head when she saw Pei Chen in the future.

Luo Shaoyi was already uncomfortable with Pei Chen's actions, and now Shui Qing had hurriedly pushed him away. Although he knew it was out of shyness, no matter the reason, she was rejecting him, and he felt uneasy. Hearing Pei Chen's increasingly loud shouts, he took several deep breaths and rolled off Shui Qing.

Luo Shaoyi angrily picked up his clothes from the floor, dressed quickly, and forcefully opened the door, slamming it shut in the next instant. He was met by Pei Chen, who walked briskly with a smile. Without a word, he crossed his arms and stared at him with sharp eyes.

Upon seeing Luo Shaoyi's unprecedentedly serious expression, Pei Chen's smile froze instantly. He cautiously approached Luo Shaoyi and asked, "Big brother... what happened?"

"What do you think?" Luo Shaoyi retorted, his unrelieved desire turning into anger, which he vented on Pei Chen.

Hearing Luo Shaoyi's tone, as if he were his father's killer, Pei Chen's large, round eyes darted around. He noticed a slight flush on Luo Shaoyi's face, and his clothes weren't as neat as before, as if he had put them on in a hurry. Coupled with the speed with which he had opened and closed the door, had he unintentionally interrupted the couple's intimate moment?

Pei Chen realized he had messed things up terribly and quickly said with a forced smile, "I didn't know you were busy, brother. Perhaps I should go home first and come back in a little while… no, no… in three hours?" Seeing Luo Shaoyi's increasingly unpleasant expression, he thought he had given too little time and quickly postponed his visit.

"Spit it out!" Luo Shaoyi roared at Pei Chen. He had already maliciously interrupted them; even if they wanted to continue, they needed the consent of the person inside! Moreover, Shui Qing had already heard his answer and knew that this bastard knew what the two of them had just done in the room. It was impossible for him to continue what he hadn't finished!

☆、111. Good times do

n't last long "Husband, don't be angry." After Shui Qing tidied herself up in the room, she slowly opened the door and heard Luo Shaoyi cursing. She quickly stopped him.

Luo Shaoyi turned around and saw Shui Qing still wearing a charming expression. He wished he could pull her back into the room immediately, partly to avoid other men seeing them, and partly because he wanted to continue what they had just finished. He had to suppress his impulsive desire and said, "How can I not be angry? This bastard comes every day. He's not annoyed, but I am!"

Shui Qing smiled and tugged at his sleeve, her red lips close to his ear as she whispered, "What else can we do? We need to deal with his problem first before we can go back to our lives, right? The village has almost recovered, and he won't stay much longer."

"Sigh... never mind, let's just hear what he has to say." Luo Shaoyi replied softly, then looked at the seemingly uneasy Pei Chen and said, "It'd better be something important, otherwise... humph!" The last word carried a serious warning, causing Pei Chen to tremble slightly involuntarily.

Originally, Luo Shaoyi wanted to send Pei Chen away as soon as possible, but Shui Qing seemed to want to come along after leaving the room. Of course, Luo Shaoyi wouldn't let his beloved woman stand, so he put his arm around her slender waist and led her to the front hall. He boldly pulled out a chair from under the table and sat down, then pulled her onto his lap. Although the woman in his arms blushed and protested, Luo Shaoyi didn't listen. Since they hadn't had a proper meal, it was only natural and reasonable for them to have some snacks to fill their stomachs.

As for the other person who often caused trouble, Luo Shaoyi didn't offer him much hospitality. Pei Chen also automatically found a seat at the table, picked up the teapot, poured two cups of tea, drank one himself, and handed the other to Luo Shaoyi.

The other only glanced at him before picking up the teacup and drinking it to Shui Qing.

Shui Qing naturally didn't want to be fed, especially with outsiders present. Unfortunately, Luo Shaoyi wouldn't budge, so she had to take a small sip. The man smiled contentedly, finished the rest of his tea, and then his gentle gaze instantly sharpened as he looked at Pei Chen, saying, "You didn't come here to drink my tea, did you?"

Pei Chen, seeing the two flirting, couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at still being alone. Lost in his own thoughts, he quickly snapped back to reality upon hearing Luo Shaoyi's question, replying, "Of course not! I have good news and bad news to share with you, elder brother and sister-in-law! Would you like to hear the good news first, or the bad news?"

"Tell me the bad news first," Luo Shaoyi said, preferring to deal with the most difficult or troublesome matters first.

"The bad news is that jade mining in the village has resumed as normal. I've already been urged by my family several times, and I'll be setting off back to Liefeng Fort tomorrow." As Pei Chen spoke, he pretended to wipe away tears, as if leaving Anyuan Village meant someone had a knife to his throat.

"This is good news." Luo Shaoyi smiled brightly, then lowered his head and stole a sweet kiss from Shui Qing, asking, "Wife, don't you think so?"

Shui Qing's eyes widened. Although she was used to Luo Shaoyi's occasional groping, public performances and private moments were two completely different situations. She wasn't shameless enough to remain unfazed like him.

"Waaah... Big brother, you're so heartless! Don't you even think about how I've been working like a slave these past few days..." Pei Chen was about to cry when he noticed Luo Shaoyi staring at him with even sharper eyes. He had no choice but to suppress his sorrow and quickly said, "Since big brother doesn't like bad news, then let me tell you the good news!"

Pei Chen quickly sat up straight, straightened his clothes and sleeves, coughed a few times, and said in a serious tone, "Anyuan Village was originally a poor little village, but because of its jade, it has now become a famous jade-producing area. Although Anyuan's jade production and sales are not among the top in the entire Hainan Kingdom, its quality is top-notch. In the annual re-evaluation of tribute items, Anyuan Village..." The jade stood out and became the first choice for this tribute. Moreover, news of the elder brother's deeds reached the king's ears. The selection and transport of the tribute were originally handled by the local government, but the king issued an imperial decree summoning the elder brother, partly to hear how he discovered the jade, and partly to praise his actions in Anyuan Village. "Brother, tell me, isn't this fantastic news?"

Upon hearing Pei Chen's "good news," Luo Shaoyi's face contorted to the extreme. Shui Qing's expression, though not as grim as his, was still filled with complex emotions. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly; Pei Chen's good news and bad news were, in essence, both good and bad news to them.

After hearing Pei Chen's "bad news," she initially thought they could return to their peaceful lives. However, after the "good news" was announced, she realized that their previous suffering at Pei Chen's hands was nothing compared to this. Although they could disobey Sima Yuan's imperial decree, they wouldn't feel at ease if the villagers of Anyuan Village were to be punished. If they obeyed the decree, they would have to return to the place they had so desperately wanted to escape. At this moment, she couldn't help but lament how ruthless and cruel fate was.

"Why do you and your wife look so unhappy?" Pei Chen wasn't blind; he could see the change in their expressions. Initially, he wasn't sure if they were the people he was looking for, but his subtle probing gave him some confidence. However, whether it was because they were too good at pretending, or because this couple wasn't the people he expected, he used some of the power of Liefeng Fortress to force them to admit their true identities, letting Sima Yuan know about such people and successfully creating an opportunity for them to return to their original identities.

Over this period of time, he had noticed some clues. Although he wasn't entirely certain, he had about 70-80% evidence. The couple in front of him, who called themselves Luo Yi and Wu Yuan, were definitely his senior brother and junior sister, with whom he had spent many years. Although he didn't know the cause and effect, he could guess from the discussions about their actions in the countryside that they were hiding their identities.

"A country bumpkin is no match for me. Going there would only offend the Emperor. Anyuan Village has a cooperative relationship with Liefeng Fortress. Therefore, I would like to trouble Young Master Pei to go in my place." Luo Shaoyi refused righteously. He and Shui Qing wouldn't be foolish enough to walk into a trap. He understood the principle that the country was far away. In Anyuan Village, Sima Yuan was out of reach, but once they were on his territory, he couldn't guarantee that he and Shui Qing could leave safely again.

☆, 112. Past Dreams (Part 1)

"What? I don't want to either!" Pei Chen shouted. The palace has a ton of rules; going there would only be suffocating. Although Liefeng Fortress often deals with officials, he's not the one handling the negotiations. His free spirit dislikes anything too formal; he'd rather let someone else do the drudgery than deal with such a thankless task. "Brother! I beg you! This is a personal order from the King. I'm not you, brother. Just finding someone to take the blame for this would be considered deceiving the King and getting you beheaded!"

"Hmph!" Luo Shaoyi snorted, seemingly determined not to go.

"Sister-in-law…" Pei Chen frowned, his seemingly cute face adding to his innocent expression. He knew that approaching her was better than getting a cold shoulder.

"This… I can't help it," Shui Qing replied with a wry smile. Although being summoned back to the country by the King was a great honor, their situation was different from most. Winning back this honor was a hot potato for them.

When Pei Chen saw that even the most powerful person had no intention of helping, his handsome face was so furrowed that his features were almost unrecognizable, showing that he and his wife were "of one mind" against the enemy!

"However..." Just as Pei Chen was about to make another desperate attempt, he heard Shui Qing lightly part her lips and say, "It's not that we can't go, but..."

Pei Chen quickly nodded and asked, "But what?"

"The reward should go to me, not him." Shui Qing smiled brightly, her serious expression startling Pei Chen. However, he wasn't someone who hadn't seen the world, and he quickly recovered, laughing and saying, "Sister-in-law, don't tease your little brother."

"I didn't!" Shui Qing retorted seriously, dissatisfied with Pei Chen's tone. "You can ask him if you don't believe me. Although jade appraisal isn't something I can handle, operations and planning are my forte."

"But... Sister-in-law, it's not that I don't trust you, but during this time, it was always the eldest brother who stepped forward, always talking to us so confidently. He doesn't seem like you at all..." Pei Chen was still not quite convinced. Although women in the South China Sea Kingdom had some impressive achievements in various fields, during the time they spent together, Shui Qing didn't seem like someone with a particularly good business sense to him.

"Don't underestimate her," Luo Shaoyi said calmly, a statement enough to prove that Shui Qing's words were true.

Pei Chen still looked at Shui Qing with suspicion. Although she didn't care what others thought of her, the feeling of seeing disbelief in her eyes was truly uncomfortable. She pouted and muttered, "Fine, don't believe me then."

Shui Qing didn't want to explain, because these thoughts were all her experiences before she transmigrated to this world.

That's right, her memories had returned! She remembered everything before her transmigration and rebirth, as well as everything she experienced after transmigrating, and she had also accepted the memories of the original owner of this body.

Perhaps due to the fall off the cliff, or perhaps because of the repeated blows of betrayal, she fell seriously ill after bringing Luo Shaoyi to Anyuan Village. During her illness, memories flooded back like waves, and she began to lose sight of who she truly was. Dreams and reality blurred, one moment she believed herself to be Fu Xue, the next she was the submissive Shui Qing from another world, then she might be the courtesan of Wanyan Tower, or a foolish woman deeply hurt by a man.

The jumbled memories nearly drove her to the brink of collapse. Fortunately, her body was too weak during that time, and she could only rest in bed. After a period of reflection and contemplation, her memories slowly merged, and the memories of each personality finally found a balance, resulting in the person she is now—neither Fu Xue nor Shui Qing, but Wu Yuan, an ordinary woman.

Her injuries were not as severe as Luo Shaoyi's, so while he teetered on the brink of death, she was able to take care of herself and stay by his side. During that time, she diligently thought about how to live her own future.

When the village chief inquired about their relationship, she lied without hesitation, claiming they were husband and wife. Although they weren't officially married, their relationship was, in essence, a truth hidden within this small lie. Fortunately, the village chief didn't suspect anything and simply asked about their past. She, of course, roughly fabricated their story. Thankfully, the people of Anyuan Village were kind and simple, and they didn't doubt her slightly flawed account. They kindly comforted her and offered them much help.

Initially, she didn't think she would stay in the village for long. She planned to leave Luo Shaoyi after his injuries healed, leave the South China Sea, and go somewhere no one knew her, to live out the rest of her life peacefully.

Whether it was Fu Xue, Shui Qing, or the famous courtesan Shui Qing, her three lives had been too bitter, too deeply influenced by others, and she had lived entirely for others. This time, she decided not to rely on anyone and to create a new life with her own hands.

But man proposes, God disposes. When Luo Shaoyi awoke, after hearing her account, he merely glanced at her indifferently and said nothing more.

His silence pleased her. She assumed they had reached an understanding: once he recovered sufficiently, they would part ways. He could return to Beiyuan to continue being the Fifth Prince, while she would find a peaceful and stable place to live a quiet life, free from scheming, betrayal, deception, conflict, and any prophecy or destiny. However,

she hadn't expected this man to be so persistent, and she didn't know how he had managed to solidify their marriage, further manipulating the villagers' hospitality to make it impossible for her to refuse, thus smoothly bringing him to stay in Anyuan Village. Although she considered leaving him, every morning when she stepped out of her house, she was greeted by the cheerful villagers. Over time, her desire to leave was completely worn away by the simple life she led.

Since they couldn't leave, they stayed, living a peaceful life for a while. One day, a newborn baby in the village caught a cold. Due to the village's poor living conditions, a doctor could only be found in a nearby town. It was the dead of winter, and the village's transportation to the outside world was inconvenient, so even if they wanted to call a doctor, they had no way to do so.

☆、113. Past Dreams (Part 2)

Therefore, by the time the weather improved and a doctor could be called, the child was already beyond saving. When

Shui Qing first heard about this, she just sighed silently, knowing that being a doctor wasn't a charitable profession. Doctors needed to make a living and couldn't stay in small villages; most of them stayed in larger towns or capitals.

This era is completely different from modern times. Transportation is underdeveloped; a thousand miles away is like another world. Even a short distance of a hundred miles takes a considerable amount of time. Moreover, education is not widespread, and doctors capable of saving lives are scarce. Furthermore, living in a town some distance away means that in case of a sudden illness, one can only leave it to fate.

Shui Qing had once thought of helping the village improve its current predicament. However, Anyuan Village was inherently flawed and its development was unbalanced. Truly reviving it was a real headache for her.

Just as she was racking her brains, Luo Shaoyi happily carried a large stone home, gesturing excitedly at the fact that the villagers had discovered a high-quality jade. However, no matter how she looked at it, it was just a very ordinary large stone, the kind that would be considered unsuitable even if it fell on the roadside. How could it possibly contain anything good?

Luo Shaoyi knew that jade's appearance and its contents differed, and it was often a gamble; it might contain top-quality jade, or it might contain nothing at all. His excitement in bringing the stone back stemmed from the fact that an old man had accidentally fallen on a riverbed. After treating the old man's injury, he noticed the stones around him emitting a different kind of light. Curious, he picked one up and examined it closely. A thought flashed through his mind, and he took the stone home.

Unexpectedly, after careful carving, he discovered it was a rare and excellent piece of jade. The next day, he returned to the riverbed and found several more stones, discovering jade stones of varying sizes. He then realized that Anyuan Village wasn't as barren as he had imagined; rather, the villagers lacked the discerning eye to appraise jade, thus hiding this treasure until now.

Luo Shaoyi and his group had lived in Anyuan Village for some time and knew that the villagers' lives were barely enough to make ends meet. After the incident with the child, they learned that Shui Qing wanted to improve the village's life, and they had discussed it. Unfortunately, the local produce was ordinary and had no economic value compared to other places. Fortunately, he discovered valuable jade, which could greatly improve the village's life. With money, the real challenge was how to gain a foothold in the jade market. That

evening, Luo Shaoyi discussed with Shui Qing and they reached a consensus that they could use jade to lead Anyuan Village to a different future. Therefore, Luo Shaoyi went to the village chief's house and discussed with the villagers. There were not many young people in the village; most were elderly, and they had no concept of jade. Although it was called a discussion, Luo Shaoyi was the one who led everything.

In the end, Luo Shaoyi and the village chief decided that the village chief would take the lead, while he would help with some miscellaneous tasks. The most important thing at the beginning was that jade was a licensed industry in the South China Sea Kingdom. It required national approval and a decree to buy and sell jade in various places.

The village chief initially thought applying to the government would be simple, but he encountered numerous obstacles. Anyuan Village was an obscure little place with little dealings with the government, unaware that obtaining a permit for such a specialized industry involved many unspoken rules.

Luo Shaoyi hadn't anticipated such an easy approval either. Jade, a luxury item, could be a large or small business, but regardless, it was a sure-fire way to make money. Most importantly, the government held the power to buy and sell, so their desire for a share wasn't unreasonable. These issues weren't difficult to resolve, and despite some setbacks, Luo Shaoyi handled them one by one.

The real challenge lay in the subsequent business operations. Jade wasn't rare in the South China Sea; jade from other countries was also traded there. Therefore, the jade market in the South China Sea was saturated. To stand out among numerous merchants, they needed to find something different.

First and foremost was quality. Anyuan's jade was of superior quality, but not every stone contained flawed jade. While some medium or inferior flawed pieces fetched lower prices, they still represented a profit, and abandoning them seemed wasteful.

In the South China Sea Kingdom, jade is an everyday commodity, frequently used in weddings, funerals, celebrations, and clothing decorations. Wealthy families not only demand high-quality jade but also exquisite craftsmanship. Having seen countless fine objects, their discerning tastes in jade have grown increasingly sophisticated. To gain a foothold among the upper class, they must employ methods distinct from others.

The South China Sea jade trade initially involves jade merchants creating numerous samples and sending them to the homes of the powerful and wealthy for selection. These chosen designs become the most popular patterns of the year. From these selected designs, different types of jade are chosen: the highest quality is sold to upper-middle-class customers, the middle-class to middle-class customers, and the remaining pieces with more flaws are sold at lower prices to ordinary people.

Although Shui Qing isn't a business genius, she learned how to market her products and gain public attention in the fashion world. Having also worked alongside Sima Yuan, she knows that the jade styles worn by these wealthy families are almost identical, with constant imitation resulting in a lack of originality.

Most importantly, Anyuan Village is a newly emerging jade-producing area. The jade market is rife with counterfeits, and the powerful and wealthy, to avoid embarrassment, wouldn't buy from an unknown jade merchant. How Anyuan Village could carve out a niche for itself was a real headache for Luo Shaoyi.

In light of this, Shui Qing offered her perspective to Luo Shaoyi. She observed that the South China Sea jade market resembled a mass-production model. Living in modern society, she knew that the era of mass production and mass consumption was no longer what people desired. People began to seek differentiation, hence the emergence of customized production models. The situation in the South China Sea was not far off; each year there was a fixed pattern, and everyone rushed to use it. However, people have a comparative mentality; what they have that others don't is truly precious.

Therefore, Shui Qing proposed a modern marketing approach: instead of pre-setting any styles, they would offer in-home service, tailor-making to each customer, and advertising each piece as unique and irreplaceable.

☆、114. Past Life Like a Dream (Part 2)

Shui Qing originally envisioned a perfect story, but once she started, she realized how difficult it would be.

People in the upper class pay a lot of attention to what others think. If they are too unconventional, they will become the focus of attention and receive mostly negative comments. Therefore, most people do not approve of Shui Qing's approach.

After several setbacks, just as Shui Qing was about to give up, a benefactor arrived. This benefactor had learned from others about custom-made jade and excitedly sent someone over. Both parties approached it with an experimental mindset, but unexpectedly, things turned out differently. Shui Qing became the center of attention, and the benefactor became a customer after just one try. Others followed suit, allowing An Yuan Village's jade to gradually achieve stable growth in the South China Sea.

Shui Qing didn't want to take credit. She was happy to be the woman behind the man, and besides, her ideas might not be suitable for the South China Sea. Therefore, she discussed each proposal with Luo Shaoyi beforehand. After the two of them refined their ideas, Luo Shaoyi would explain them to the villagers the next day. Over time, outsiders believed that An Yuan Village's gradual prosperity was due to Luo Shaoyi, but no one knew that the person who deserved the most credit was Shui Qing.

The jade industry in Anyuan Village then flourished, attracting the interest of Liefeng Fortress and leading to further development. However, things didn't go as planned; a flood submerged the production area. Fortunately, everyone was safe, and thanks to their concerted efforts, the area was quickly restored, preventing delays for jade items nearing their delivery deadlines.

As the saying goes, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and Pei Chen brought good news. However, this good news was a burden for the couple. They had to return regardless; Luo Shaoyi was too conspicuous. To avoid drawing too much attention from Sima Yuan, Shui Qing had to show her talent. Sima Yuan would never have imagined that a woman who had been pampered under his wing could also achieve success in business.

"How is it?" Shui Qing asked softly, but her tone held an unwavering determination.

Pei Chen anxiously looked in Luo Shaoyi's direction, but he didn't want to respond at all, only focusing on groping his wife sitting on him. Shui Qing also stopped making any response, only busy swatting away the mischievous hands.

"Sigh... I know!" No matter who Pei Chen looked at, no one responded. The miserable man could only silently swallow this sad moment. "But, sister-in-law, you must promise me again that you won't go back on your word."

Shui Qing just smiled without saying a word, but her expression was enough for Pei Chen to be certain that they had reached an agreement. The traffic

in the capital of the South China Sea

was bustling, with people coming and going on the streets. Various shops lined the streets, and even on the roadside and under the bridge, many vendors were enthusiastically calling out to customers. Among them, many luxurious vehicles and brightly colored clothes shuttled back and forth on the road.

The most striking sight was several simple horse-drawn carriages slowly making their way along the capital's official road. In the capital of the South Sea Kingdom, carriages were a symbol of status, so those with means would adorn their carriages with elaborate carvings or inlaid with gold and silver, their dazzling brilliance ensuring everyone would notice.

The bustling scene inside the carriages astonished Awei and his group, who were visiting from Anyuan Village for the first time. They couldn't believe this was the same country they lived in; it was like two completely different worlds.

However, one person remained completely unmoved by the sight: Shui Qing and Luo Shaoyi, sitting in the second carriage. Inside, Shui Qing leaned lazily against Luo Shaoyi, the two chatting idly. Hearing the exclamations of the villagers who had come with them from the carriage ahead, they couldn't help but exchange a smile.

Hearing their sincere voices, Luo Shaoyi was deeply moved. People who grew up in towns would find it impossible to resist the temptations of material things, yet they only marveled at the prosperity of this place, without a trace of envy. This showed that every villager in Anyuan Village worked diligently and had little desire for material enjoyment or vain displays.

Nothing he had encountered in his life had been as carefree and content as theirs; all he had experienced was endless greed, competition, and conflict, with everyone constantly worrying about and scheming against others. Only after living in Anyuan Village did he realize that somewhere in the world, there truly was a pure paradise where people worked hard and lived diligently, never abandoning their traditional way of life even with wealth.

However, Luo Shaoyi himself could not guarantee how long this paradise could last. When people have money, they can improve their lives. After improving their lives, they will want more money. With more money, they can enjoy an even better life. When money can satisfy their material needs, people begin to move towards power. They may become local tyrants or officials. No matter what, they want to make up for what money cannot satisfy. And this part is the source of all evil. It is untouchable, yet one cannot bear to do without it.

"What are you thinking about?" Shui Qing noticed Luo Shaoyi's unusual behavior and asked softly, "Are you worried about him?"

"No." Luo Shaoyi's large hands caressed her slender arms, seemingly both comforting and flirting. "This is his territory; there's no point in worrying." He knew who Shui Qing meant by "him." This was the capital, his sphere of influence, where he controlled all the resources. The two of them were now like ordinary people, powerless to resist. If they wanted to do anything, it would be like throwing an egg against a rock. However, he wasn't too worried. On one hand, they were only here to receive rewards; on the other hand, their appearances had changed significantly, and they were a strong woman and a weak man combination. It would be extremely difficult for acquaintances to guess their identities.

"That's true, but for some reason, I feel uneasy. I'm afraid..." The closer Shui Qing got to the capital, the stronger her unease became. She was now somewhat at a loss, and her anxiety made her restless.

"Don't be afraid." Luo Shaoyi hugged Shui Qing tightly. He knew what she was worried about and her anxiety, but he couldn't guarantee what would happen in the future. He could only comfort her, saying, "No matter what happens, I'm here for you. Don't think too much, okay?"

Shui Qing sighed softly. She hoped she was just worrying unnecessarily, but the more she tried to ignore it, the more her anxiety intensified.

☆, 115. Revisiting an Old haunt

On the bus, Shui Qing and Luo Shaoyi were deeply in love, putting all their anxieties behind them. Soon, they heard the driver call out, "You two, we've arrived at our destination."

"Okay." Luo Shaoyi called out to the outside, then looked down at Shui Qing. His firm gaze soothed her heart. He kissed the top of her head and said, "Since we're here, let's make the best of it." "

I hope that after this, we can return to our peaceful lives," Shui Qing said softly, hoping that God would have mercy on her and not let her go back to the past.

Luo Shaoyi smiled, took her hand, and they stepped off the carriage one after the other. As soon as they stood still, a middle-aged man approached them, smiling, and said, "You two honored guests have had a long journey. I am Wang Di from Liefeng Fortress. I am in charge of everything for you in the capital. Please let me know if you have any instructions or needs. This is where you will be staying temporarily. I wonder if you are satisfied?"

Shui Qing was speechless with surprise upon seeing the magnificent gate as soon as she stepped off the carriage. Luo Shaoyi, though startled, remained relatively calm. Hearing that someone was specifically in charge of their daily lives, he realized that Pei Chen's arrangements for them were indeed extravagant.

Suddenly, Shui Qing noticed something and asked, "Excuse me, are the others staying here as well?"

"The others have been arranged to stay elsewhere, and they have been given special service. Please rest assured," Wang Di said respectfully. These two were people the young master had specifically instructed him to take care of, and they could not be neglected.

"I understand." Knowing that the villagers had been well taken care of, Shui Qing felt relieved.

"Please come in, both of you." Wang Di bowed and waved, leading the two inside.

Upon entering the mansion, one sees a courtyard paved with large stones. Surrounding the courtyard is an extremely long corridor with beautifully carved eaves. As you walk further in through the courtyard, the scenery changes dramatically. All you see are lush green trees, with a winding corridor in the middle. On both sides, various bright flowers bloom in competition. Not far away, there are also small bridges, flowing water, artificial hills, and strange rocks.

Wang Di then led the two further inside, where the beautiful scenery of flowers and plants transformed into a courtyard house. There were side rooms on both sides, and the main hall was in the center. Wang Di had previously instructed the servants to take the two's luggage to their room. After leading them to their room, he asked, "Would you like to wash up first, or have a meal?"

Shui Qing glanced at Luo Shaoyi, and seeing that he had no objection, she took it upon herself to say, "Steward Wang, my husband and I have already eaten on the way, and we are not hungry now. Please prepare some hot water for us."

"We will prepare for you two. Xiao Zhu, Xiao Cui," Wang Di called out to the outside, and two pretty girls, about twelve or thirteen years old, walked in. "Xiao Zhu and Xiao Cui are here to serve you both. Please let them know if you need anything.

" Wang Di said to one of the plumper-looking girls, "Xiao Zhu, our distinguished guests wish to bathe and groom themselves. Go and prepare."

"Yes."

"Xiao Cui, stay here for now and await Master Luo and Madam Luo's instructions."

"Understood." After hearing Wang Di's instructions, Xiao Cui bowed towards Shui Qing and Luo Shaoyi.

"Steward Wang, we two are used to doing things ourselves, so..." Shui Qing didn't like having strangers around her 24/7, especially since their situation was special; having another person would only cause inconvenience. As soon as

Xiao Cui heard Shui Qing say they weren't needed, she quickly knelt down. "Madam, I don't know what's wrong with Xiao Cui. Please remind me."

"Get up! You're not wrong. It's just that my husband and I really aren't used to being served." Shui Qing quickly helped Xiao Cui up.

"Xiaocui begs for your forgiveness, Madam." Xiaocui refused to get up, so Shuiqing finally relented, saying, "I understand, you can get up now."

Knowing Shuiqing's attitude had softened, Xiaocui timidly rose, but her fearful appearance made it impossible for her to refuse service. She reluctantly said, "Xiaocui can stay, but I hope you can have some space. We'll let you know if we need anything, okay?"

Knowing she wouldn't be kicked out, Xiaocui happily replied, "Xiaocui understands, thank you, Madam."

Once everything was arranged, it was time for Wang Di to leave. Before departing, he reminded them, "Please rest in your room, distinguished guests. If you need a meal later, there are maids on duty in the small kitchen. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask; I will do my best."

After Wang Di left, Xiaocui was left alone. Seeing this, Shuiqing said, "Xiaocui, go and prepare Xiaozhu's bath."

"Yes, Madam."

After Xiao Cui left and closed the door, Luo Shaoyi saw her tired appearance and asked with concern, "Are you tired? Do you want to rest for a while?"

"No need." Shui Qing took Luo Shaoyi's large hand and rubbed it against her cheek a few times, feeling the warmth of his palm, and said, "I've been traveling these past few days, and I feel a bit sticky. I'll feel fresher after washing up."

"Sit down first, I'll go prepare some clothes for you." Luo Shaoyi saw her increasingly thin face these days and knew where her heart was troubled. He wanted to ease it, but he hated himself for being powerless to do so.

"You should sit down and rest!" Shui Qing glared at him angrily. "You look more tired than me. Don't think I don't know; you haven't been sleeping well these past few days."

They shared a bed, and she could see his condition clearly. Sometimes she'd wake up in the middle of the night to find his eyes still wide open, and when she asked him what was wrong, he'd deny it. He was often absent-minded during meals, and even on the carriage these past few days, she could clearly feel his tension. After all that, his complexion was worse than hers.

"Since that's the case… how about we both lie down and rest for a while, my dear wife?" Luo Shaoyi picked up Shui Qing and walked towards the bed with an ambiguous smile.

Startled by being suddenly lifted up, Shui Qing quickly wrapped her arms around the man's neck, playfully punching him a few times, and said coquettishly, "You shameless rascal!" Her pale cheeks instantly turned pink, and her shy appearance amused Luo Shaoyi. Knowing that her little head was wandering again, he smiled and said, "I've been traveling these past few days, so I may not be able to help."

Upon hearing this, Shui Qing felt her originally pink cheeks burn like fire. It was all this shameless man's fault; he would drag her to bed whenever he wanted, day or night. No wonder she had such impure thoughts!

☆, 116. Sweet Moments

"Damn it!" Shui Qing reached out to push him away, but he grabbed her hand. Her small pink fists clenched tightly against his chest, the strong, powerful heartbeat beneath her palms bewitching her.

"Little Shui'er," Luo Shaoyi called softly.

"Hmm?" Shui Qing responded softly, her heart fluttering at the long-unheard nickname. Her beautiful eyes, filled with emotion, gazed at the man, his deep affection warming her heart.

Luo Shaoyi reached out, gently stroking her delicate features, and said in a slightly husky voice, "After this is all over, do you want to come back to Beiyuan with me?"

"Huh?" Shui Qing was taken aback. Beiyuan was his country, wasn't it? Didn't Luo Shaoyi hate that place the most? Why would he want to return to Beiyuan now?

"Surprised?" Luo Shaoyi noticed Shui Qing's surprise, and the next moment he revealed a meaningful smile and said, "Don't say you're surprised, even I never thought I'd bring you back one day." As he spoke, he pulled Shui Qing up to sit on the bed, wrapped his arms around her, rested his head on her shoulder, and continued to whisper his long-hidden secret in her ear, "I told you before why I wear a mask all year round. There were some parts of that conversation that I didn't tell you explicitly. Being ugly isn't the real reason I wear a mask. It's because my appearance is very different from the people of Beiyuan Kingdom, because..."

Shui Qing listened quietly to Luo Shaoyi's narration, and when he stopped speaking, she simply remained silent and waited.

Luo Shaoyi took a deep breath and slowly began to speak: "I am not my father's son. My mother was kidnapped by villains during a trip. She was humiliated, and although my father found her soon after, she was already mentally unstable. But my father truly loved her and didn't care about her ordeal; he still brought her back to his side." "

After a month or two of recuperation, my mother gradually recovered. But fate played another cruel trick on her; she discovered she was pregnant, and the child wasn't my father's. She went berserk and tried to commit suicide. Fortunately, a palace maid was quick-witted and stopped her. My father, of course, learned what had happened afterward. He initially wanted to use medication to abort the child, but the imperial physician diagnosed that my mother's physical and mental condition couldn't withstand such a huge blow. My father was caught in a dilemma: his beloved woman on one side, and the illegitimate child on the other. He believed my mother wouldn't want to keep the child, but for her sake, he couldn't take any action."

"And so, day after day dragged on, and Mother's belly grew bigger and bigger. During her pregnancy, Mother tried every possible way to abort the child, but the child was too stubborn and in the end, she could not be aborted and had to be born. However, Mother then thought of a way to die together with her child, which was to stop eating. Fortunately, Father sent someone to force-feed Mother tonics, otherwise she might have been so weak that she could not muster any strength when she was about to give birth."

"My mother gave birth to the child with all her might, but she suffered a postpartum hemorrhage. She was saved with great difficulty, but lost her ability to have children. When my father saw me, he had already made the cruelest decision in his heart. When he knew that my mother was in danger and heard my cries, a will to live surged up, and he was rescued from the brink of death with great difficulty. My mother recovered her health little by little in order to breastfeed me. It was for this reason that my father decided to keep me. But he ordered me to wear a mask for the rest of my life, partly to protect my mother's reputation and partly to protect me."

"Being of impure royal blood is a very serious matter in the Northern Plains royal family. Long ago, a non-royal descendant, yet bearing the title of prince, caused a bloody conflict in the struggle for the throne. Not only was the royal family in turmoil, but the common people also suffered greatly. After the situation was finally quelled, the Northern Plains royal family established a rule that anyone proven to be of non-royal blood would be immediately executed to prevent a recurrence of the same tragedy. As a child, I didn't understand, but as I grew up, I realized the implications. At that time, I had a big argument with my father and left the Northern Plains in anger. By chance, I met my master, which shaped me into the person I am today."

"If that's the case, why go back?" Shui Qing didn't understand. After hearing Luo Shaoyi's explanation, it seemed he had no attachment to that place anymore. What was the point of going back?

"Because... Mother is critically ill." Luo Shaoyi's hoarse voice carried a hint of sobs, sounding fragile and helpless, a far cry from his usual spirited self. Shui Qing felt a pang of heartache upon hearing this. She stood up and turned to him, her small hands outstretched as she tightly embraced him, saying, "Okay! Let's go back."

Luo Shaoyi returned her embrace, inhaling her scent. His gloomy mood eased considerably, but soon his hands began to wander.

Shui Qing blushed, reaching out to grab his hand, both amused and exasperated, saying, "Can you behave yourself?"

"I want to too! But it's all because my wife smells so good, so..." Luo Shaoyi pressed her onto his lap, his hardness pressing against her crotch through the fabric.

Shui Qing playfully punched Luo Shaoyi's shoulder with her fist. "You said you were powerless today, how could you become like this just from smelling the scent!" Men's words were indeed unreliable, especially this number one lecher in the world. One moment he said he couldn't, the next he had her nearly dying.

"Ah...my wife, that's not right. How could I possibly control myself?" Luo Shaoyi swiftly and subtly stripped Shui Qing of her clothes, his own pants already unbuttoned, unleashing his fiery erection, beginning to probe the entrance to her mysterious watery orifice.

Shui Qing gasped, desperately trying to salvage the last possible chance, but she didn't realize that her actions would only further ignite the man's animalistic instincts. He forcefully pressed her down, their most private parts instantly making intimate contact.

"Ah..." The intense contact made Shui Qing involuntarily let out a satisfied moan, her sensitive body automatically writhing.

"My wife is so wanton, I love her to death!" Luo Shaoyi gently cupped her pink buttocks with one hand, while the other hand caressed her two round breasts with the most provocative force. His lower body thrust forward without restraint, and in an instant, the room was filled with the fragrance of spring.

Xiao Cui and Xiao Zhu, who were waiting outside, were inexperienced in such matters, but they could hear the gossip of some middle-aged women. When they heard such ambiguous sounds coming from inside the room, they could roughly guess what was happening inside.

The two looked at each other and smiled wryly. It seemed that they had to warm up the water for these two distinguished guests first.

☆, 117. Deep into the enemy camp

"This humble woman kowtows to Your Majesty."

"This commoner kowtows to Your Majesty."

Shui Qing and Luo Shaoyi's group knelt on both knees, respectfully bowing their heads to Sima Yuan, who sat in the superior position, to perform the rites of a subject to a ruler.

"No need for formalities, all of you, rise." Sima Yuan said in a deep voice, gesturing lightly with his hand, seemingly not very interested in the people below.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After rising, everyone kept their heads bowed. In the solemn court, they dared not make any move, let alone speak first.

"Are you from Anyuan Village?" Sima Yuan scrutinized the two people standing at the front for a long time before asking softly.

Shui Qing and Luo Shaoyi sensed the reservation in Sima Yuan's tone, but they had no choice but to answer. After thinking for a moment, just as they were about to reply, they heard another question from above, "I heard that this time I will be rewarding a wife instead of a husband?" The last sentence revealed Sima Yuan's serious tone, so serious that it carried a hint of murderous intent.

Shui Qing was taken aback. As the main actress in this drama, she couldn't afford to make a mistake. She calmly replied, "Your Majesty, my husband and I are from Anyuan Village. Anyuan Village's rapid rise to prominence is thanks to Your Majesty's grace. Your Majesty's benevolence towards Anyuan Village is something my husband, I, and the villagers have only done for Your Majesty's reputation. I had no choice but to speak out." "

In that case, shouldn't I thank you?" Sima Yuan disliked anyone questioning his decisions, especially a country woman. The imperial decree had been issued, and then the name was changed—a king's word is law, wouldn't that be a joke?

"I dare not," Shui Qing hurriedly knelt down to explain. The other simple villagers were even more panicked, not knowing what to do, and could only kneel down with her in a daze.

"I have no intention of offending you. However, I know that women in the South China Sea Kingdom can also make a name for themselves with the understanding of their husbands' families. Initially, my husband and I discussed this. I had the ideas, and he carried them out. After all, there are still restrictions on women in the South China Sea Kingdom doing business with men, especially since mining jade requires state permission. For convenience, my husband was the one who took the lead. Over time, people came to believe that my husband was the leader of the jade business in Anyuan Village."

Sima Yuan narrowed his eyes and did not respond. His sharp eyes remained fixed on Shui Qing. After a long while, he slowly spoke, "Get up, all of you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Shui Qing and the others stood up tremblingly, feeling relieved. Serving a king is like serving a tiger. One wrong move and you could lose your head. Although Luo Shaoyi and she were not afraid, the lives of the villagers who had accompanied them into the city could not be taken lightly.

Sima Yuan didn't say much more, only urging his men to hurry up. He had spent the entire day on bestowing rewards, rewards meant to incentivize the people. If he didn't personally participate, he would inevitably be criticized. Although these people had rendered meritorious service to the country, the annual event, with hundreds of people each time, meant the rewards couldn't be completed in just a few days.

Fortunately, the officials nearby knew the king's intentions and quickly sped up, finishing the announcement soon. Just as Shui Qing and her entourage were about to leave, Sima Yuan thoughtfully watched Shui Qing's retreating figure, then gave a few instructions to his trusted eunuch. The eunuch showed a hint of surprise, but quickly regained his composure, quietly retreating and disappearing from the court.

"Please wait, everyone!" a young eunuch called after Shui Qing and her group.

The palace was heavily guarded, with strict checks on those entering and leaving. To prevent any suspicion of conspiracy, each group was typically escorted out of the palace separately. Therefore, only one group would be present on each road leading out of the palace. The leading guards stopped, and Shui Qing and her entourage stood waiting for the young eunuch to arrive.

"Your Majesty's Guard," the young eunuch bowed to the leader, then turned to Shui Qing and said, "Lady Luo, His Majesty is very interested in your business ideas. However, it was inconvenient to have a private conversation with you in court earlier, so His Majesty has summoned me to request that you and your husband stay in the palace for a few days. Please follow me to the temporary residence prepared for you."

Shui Qing stared blankly at Luo Shaoyi. They could already see the palace gate in the distance. They had originally thought they could leave the palace and return to Anyuan Village to continue their lives or find another place to live. Unexpectedly, they were just one step away. The two of them sighed silently. Then she heard the little eunuch's words. His tone left her no room for negotiation. Their faces and demeanor were very different from before. Why was Sima Yuan so interested in them? This really needed to be investigated.

Shui Qing hesitated for only a few seconds, then curtsied to the little eunuch and said softly, "This humble woman and my husband thank Your Majesty for your kindness. Please wait a moment, sir, so that I may escort the villagers a little further?"

"Madam Luo, please." The little eunuch stepped aside and waited for Shui Qing.

"Thank you, Eunuch." Shui Qing thanked him, then turned to Awei and his group, saying, "Brother Awei, please leave the palace and return to Anyuan Village first. Also, please send all these rewards back to the village. We've already discussed how to use them with Young Master Pei of Liefeng Fortress. The village chief will then make the final decision with Liefeng Fortress."

"Okay." Awei looked at Shui Qing somewhat uneasily. In the palace, not only people, but also all sorts of etiquette had to be observed, making him extremely uncomfortable. Although he wanted to return to the village immediately, he was worried about Shui Qing staying in the palace, and asked anxiously, "But, won't you have any problems?"

"Brother Awei, don't worry. His Majesty is a wise ruler, and besides, I have my husband with me. You can go back with the others without worry." Shui Qing said with a smile, giving a few more instructions before urging them to leave quickly.

Watching their departing figures, Shui Qing and Luo Shaoyi went with the young eunuch to their temporary lodgings.

When they arrived, Shui Qing couldn't help but gasp in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. However, Luo Shaoyi noticed her unusual behavior and looked at her thoughtfully.

The young eunuch led them to their temporary lodgings, first instructing the maids to prepare their daily necessities, then explaining, "This is your temporary residence. I must remind you both that the inner palace is not a place for ordinary people to roam freely. Please do not leave this place without permission."

Shui Qing took a piece of fine jade from her person and discreetly handed it to the young eunuch, smiling and thanking him, "I understand, thank you for the reminder, sir."

"You're too kind, madam." The young eunuch touched the jade in his hand, reiterated the precautions, and instructed the maids to serve them well before leaving.

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