Chia Hao's gaze swept across his unfamiliar surroundings, taking in the intricate designs and ancient-like messages scripted on the walls. Startled, he sat up abruptly, wincing in discomfort.
"You are awake," a voice declared. The voice, cold and masculine, lacked any overt hostility or intent to harm. This mysterious figure exuded an aura of quiet strength and a sense of detachment, leaving Chia Hao to ponder the enigmatic presence before him.
"Chia-hao" As his name reverberated through the air, the latter blinked in disbelief at the unexpected mention.
"What do you want?" he retorted, his voice laced with a palpable edge of suspicion. From the shadows emerged Lan Ren, a figure whose presence hinted at hidden depths and concealed intentions.
"You will very soon," Lan Ren's cryptic words lingered in the air.
Within Tranquility Residence, Bingwen finished feeding Xiaofen the final morsel, her desire to shift from his lap met with a gentle yet unyielding hold that restrained her movements. Observing Xiaofen's evident discomfort, a sly notion insidiously crept into Bingwen's mind as he remarked,
"You stinky, let's go take a bath." Startled by the unexpected comment, Xiaofen sniffed herself and furrowed her brow, detecting no trace of any offensive odor emanating from her. A quizzical expression crossed Xiaofen's face as she gazed at him. He met her with an innocent look, his question hanging in the air.
"Do you want me to bathe you?" His words caught Xiaofen off guard, prompting her eyes to widen in surprise as she vehemently shook her head, declining the offer. He chuckled softly at her abrupt reaction, his laughter sounding natural and carefree. In that moment of lightheartedness, he appeared not as the distinguished heir he was known to be, but rather a man content with the simple joys of life. Xiaofen found herself once more in astonishment as he effortlessly scooped her up, carrying her towards the bathroom. Before she could voice her protests, he gently placed her back on her feet and turned to the maid present, issuing clear instructions.
"Help her clean up, The maid nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded to assist Xiaofen in. After some time, Xiaofen reappeared, her gaze finding Bingwen focused on his work at the table, now adorned in fresh attire. Sensing her arrival, he looked up briefly, acknowledging her presence. She appeared clean and exquisitely beautiful in her simple attire, her silvery white hair cascading in gentle waves that gleamed softly in the light.
As she approached him slowly, he observed her with a quiet gaze.
"Come," he beckoned, guiding her towards the dressing table with care. Retrieving dye ink and various hair equipment, he set to work as she watched her reflection in the mirror.
With delicate precision, he combed through her hair slowly and gently, each motion marked by a tender attentiveness. Lost in contemplation, she pondered the notion of having an older brother, someone to shield and provide for her. The warmth of that imagined bond enveloped her thoughts, evoking a smile of contentment. Bingwen observed her with a gentle gaze, noting her tranquil expression as he applied the black dye and tenderly massaged her scalp.
As she closed her eyes, surrendering to the intimate moment, Bingwen's heart swelled with emotion. An exhilarating stir of excitement and affection ignited within him, sending sparks of connection and affection coursing through his being. Like a gentle breeze on a scorching summer day, her presence offered a semblance of relief. He couldn't help but swallow hard at the sight of her velvet-soft, parted lips.
Amidst the whispers of Three Drunken villages, the crown prince contemplated deeply while perusing the investigative report on Marquis Bingwen. Chang-Yuchun and Li Wei stood by, keenly observing his every reaction.
" Marquis Bingwen appears to have ascended to another level; that energy surge was formidable," remarked Chang-Yuchun with a tone of recognition.
"Let's not complicate matters," countered Li Wei sharply. "Raid his territories and eliminate him."
"Consider, Li Wei," Chang-Yuchun interjected thoughtfully. "His family enjoys the protection of his Majesty. Recall, we are here incognito to forge an alliance."
"If his Majesty catches wind of our schemes, it will indeed pose challenges," cautioned Chang-Yuchun with a note of concern.
"An alliance, you call it? Why tread the traditional path when power can be seized by sheer force?" retorted Li Wei, his tone laced with impatience and aggression, just then a sudden chill gripped Li Wei as he slowly turned, only to be met with the chilling glare of the crown prince. In that intense moment. Suddenly Li Wei found himself sinking to his knees, his voice quivering as he uttered,
"Forgive me, your highness. I was rash in my speech."
"Rash?" The word seemed to trigger an unseen force that bore down on him with a palpable weight, leaving him gasping for breath, his expression twisted in fear, and his body drenched in a sheen of sweat. With a stern tone, he remarked,
"I didn't appoint you to act recklessly." His gaze averted, a subtle indication of disappointment. Li Wei, released from the oppressive weight, collapsed onto the ground. "It appears Marquis Bingwen intends to be a challenge." he declared with a smirk, a glint of menace in his eyes.
As Bingwen completed his task and carefully stowed away the equipment, Xiaofen had drifted into slumber. With tenderness, he drew her close, enveloping her in his embrace. In that intimate moment, he inhaled her scent, finding himself intoxicated by her presence, the tranquility radiating from her serene, undisturbed expression. A surge of emotions welled within Bingwen, a mix of warmth and contentment that seemed to envelop him whenever he was near Xiaofen. Despite struggling to understand the depths of his feelings, he found solace and joy in her company, a sense of peace washing over him in her tranquil presence.
With a delicate touch, he traced his fingers along her face, the softness of her skin inviting a gentle caress that elicited a subtle stir from her, accompanied by a soft, barely audible moan. The unexpected sound sent a rush of warmth to his cheeks as he envisioned a realm of possibilities. The vivid images that played in his mind caused a flutter of anticipation and turmoil within him. As he shook his head to dispel the jumble of thoughts crowding his mind, he gently lifted her and settled her on the bed. Tucking her in with care, his gaze lingered on her form before he quietly left the room.
In the headquarters, Chia-hao sat, his outward appearance betraying a sense of fragility, yet beneath that veneer, a facade of bravery stood firm. At that moment, the eerie whirr of mechanisms reverberated through the space as the stone entrance slid open. Bingwen emerged from the staircase, his presence commanding attention as he strode into the room.
"Ah, Marquis Bingwen, what a delightful surprise," he greeted with a smile that failed to reach his eyes. Bingwen's gaze fell upon Chia-hao, who presented a starkly altered visage. The delicate feature he possessed held a certain refined fragility. His countenance bore a hint of femininity, resembling that of a young girl, a captivating and almost doll-like charm.
"Are you done?" he scowled, a hint of displeasure evident in his expression. He harbored a deep disdain for the stares his appearance often garnered, which had compelled him to adopt the veil as a shield against prying eyes. A heavy silence lingered between them, punctuated only by their mutual gaze. Chia-hao's initial composure wavered slightly, though he endeavored to maintain his stance, a resolve that slowly eroded under the weight of the tension.
"What do you want?" he inquired, his gaze flickering away.
"Work for me," Bingwen proposed.
"And if I decline?" Chia-hao's voice carried a defiant edge.
"Don't you seek retribution?" Bingwen's tone remained steady, unwavering. A frostiness crept into Chia-hao's gaze, a chilling intensity that spoke of unresolved vendettas. As Bingwen strode towards his zither, the instrument stood as a testament to artistry and tradition. Crafted from rare woods, the qin boasted seven strings delicately taut over its rectangular frame. With skilled fingers, Bingwen caressed the strings, coaxing forth a haunting melody that filled the air with a captivating allure.
As the tranquil melody filled the air, its soothing notes seemed to unsettle Chia-hao, stirring a sense of unease and restlessness within him.
"I accept," Chia-hao's voice wavered slightly under the influence of Bingwen's melody, a momentary lapse in his resolve.
His fingers continued the melodic dance on the strings of the qin. The harmonious music served as a backdrop to their agreement, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and submission.
Meanwhile, in the floral residence, Mingzhu and Biyu found themselves engrossed in a game of chess amidst the serene garden setting. With a calculated move, Mingzhu slid her piece into position, a smile gracing her lips as she announced confidently, "Checkmate."
With a warm smile, Biyu commended,
"Mingzhu's skills are truly remarkable."
Mingzhu, in response, modestly lowered her head, a shy smile gracing her features.
"Mother," she began tentatively, her hesitance palpable in her voice,
"There is something I wish to discuss with you."
Biyu's gaze softened with understanding as she encouraged, "What is it, my dear? How may I assist you?"
"I would like to stay here for a few days," Mingzhu revealed, her nerves betraying her through subtle fidgeting. The weight of her words hung in the air, mingled with a sense of apprehension at her response.
"Absolutely, my dear. Your presence is always a joy," Biyu's smile radiates warmth and acceptance towards Mingzhu's request. Mingzhu's expression lit up with a bright beam, concealing the shadow of her hidden intentions. As thoughts of unsettling Xiaofen swirled in her mind, a devious glint danced in her eyes.