Having just broken off her engagement, Yu Lingxi naturally could not return home in a bridal sedan.

Everyone understood what it meant when Ning Yin extended his hand to Yu Lingxi who had just broken her engagement.

Those who had been sighing and gossiping moments before instantly fell silent.

In the vast snowfall, Yu Lingxi removed the phoenix crown from her head and held it in her hand, allowing her raven hair to cascade like a waterfall.

She looked at the incomparably handsome Ning Yin on his fine horse, unconsciously raising her fingertips.

“Suisui.”

Yu Huanchen cleared his throat and said calmly, “You should return home in Lady Qingping’s carriage.”

Yu Lingxi understood her brother was protecting her.

She was still at the peak of controversy from breaking her engagement. If she were to publicly take Ning Yin’s hand and share his horse, such ostentation would not be beneficial.

“This prince never does anything without profit.”

Ning Yin showed rare patience, his extended fingers almost merging with the frost and snow. “Offering generous gifts is to openly and properly request a person from the General’s Manor.”

Too flamboyant.

Yu Huanchen glanced at his sister and frowned, saying, “If Your Highness Prince Jing seeks my younger sister, this subject cannot comply with your command.”

Ning Yin raised an eyebrow.

Before Yu Huanchen could speak, Yu Xinyi beside him could not contain herself and said, “Suisui is the pearl in the palm of the Yu family, a priceless treasure that cannot be measured by profit. No amount of silver can be exchanged for her.”

Yu Lingxi was suspicious; Ning Yin was never this easy to reason with.

Sure enough, Ning Yin’s expression remained unchanged as he said leisurely, “It’s just that if I were to forcibly take her, I’m afraid it would look rather unseemly.”

He lowered his gaze to look at Yu Lingxi and said, “Will the second Miss Yu come up by herself, or shall this prince carry you up?”

Though it was phrased as a question, Yu Lingxi had no choice.

Before she could persuade her brother and sister, Ning Yin had already raised his hand with the riding crop and struck the horse’s rump.

The black steed neighed loudly, exhaling a breath of white mist as it galloped toward her side.

The next moment, Yu Lingxi felt a tightness around her waist, and her entire body lifted into the air, landing on Ning Yin’s horse and constrained in his cool embrace.

Ning Yin called out a sharp “Hya!” and carried her, breaking through the crowd, galloping wildly toward Prince Jing’s Manor!

“Suisui!”

After a brief moment of shock, Yu Huanchen mounted his horse, the first to give chase.

“Ning… Ning Yin!”

The wind howled in her ears, and with the violent jolting, Yu Lingxi nearly bit her tongue.

The wind blew her crimson sleeves, making her look like a butterfly breaking free from constraints.

Ning Yin’s lips moved slightly, his arm gripping her slender waist even tighter. His black fox fur coat and her crimson clothes intermingled in the wind. Wherever they passed, people bowed their heads in respect, not daring to utter a word.

All around was deadly silence, and the expressions of the Xue family suddenly became quite extraordinary.

First, they had been demoted and dismissed from office, then the engagement was broken off, and now Prince Jing had openly and brazenly snatched the bride who had not yet entered their household…

The face of the Xue family was practically being rubbed in the dirt.

“There’s an urgent matter at home. I won’t see you all off.”

Yu Xinyi bowed to the Xue family and Tang Buli, then mounted her horse, leading her family members home to deal with another problem.

Xue Chen kept watching Yu Lingxi’s figure depart until the shoulders of his wedding attire accumulated a thick layer of white snow.

The guests rose in trepidation, not daring to linger, and gradually bid farewell and departed.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the Xue residence, which had been bustling with visitors, became cold and desolate, with only the scattered remains of firecrackers and paper scraps in the melting snow, like a beautiful dream shattered, leaving a mess everywhere.

“Humiliation!”

Father Xue’s beard trembled with anger as he said heavily, “What a great humiliation!”

Xue Chen gazed dazedly at the snowflakes drifting down from the ink-colored sky, murmuring, “Snow covers her black hair, yet in the end… we cannot grow old together.”

“The dream should end, Second Brother,”

Xue Song said beside him. “If you still have any spirit left, you should think about how to avenge this stealing of your wife, making them pay blood for blood!”

“Say no more, Elder Brother… say no more.”

Xue Chen closed his eyes and raised his hand to remove the groom’s hat, and a tear seeped from the corner of his eye.

…

Horse hooves crushed the frost and snow on the ground. Ning Yin reined in his horse to stop. The royal guards of Prince Jing’s Manor were already waiting with a carriage at the street corner.

Ning Yin dismounted first, then effortlessly gripped Yu Lingxi’s waist, lifting her down and placing her into the carriage adorned with brocade-like spring.

“Return to the manor.”

Ning Yin adjusted his sleeves and sat down, then casually leaned against the carriage wall and patted the space beside him.

Yu Lingxi walked over with a lowered head and sat beside him.

The beast-shaped incense burner on the small table was burning, spreading warmth throughout, dispelling the winter cold from their snow-covered bodies.

Yu Lingxi sat beside Ning Yin, glanced at his cold profile, and then glanced again, her lips curving into a faint smile.

Ning Yin glanced over at her, and after a moment, raised his hand to pinch the nape of her neck. “Being kidnapped and still so happy, quite bold of you.”

“You feared I would be criticized, so you created this pretext of kidnapping, taking the infamy upon yourself.”

Yu Lingxi moved closer, her eyes curved as she speculated, “And by doing this publicly, you not only discourage those who might want to approach me for marriage but also silence the endless gossip of the world. Your Highness has indeed gone to great lengths for me.”

Ning Yin looked at her for a long time, then smiled disdainfully. “Not only bold but thick-skinned as well.”

Though his words were disapproving, he still slightly raised his arm, allowing Yu Lingxi to nestle into his embrace.

Yu Lingxi pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to that steady, powerful heartbeat, and sighed softly, “I know everything, Ning Yin.”

Outside, the snow was so heavy, but at this moment between them, there was only endless tranquility.

The carriage jolted, and Ning Yin’s hand loosely encircling Yu Lingxi’s slender waist moved downward with the motion, falling on her crimson skirt.

The man’s fingers were distinct, quite weighty as they rested on her leg.

Yu Lingxi’s eyelashes trembled. Just as she was hesitating whether to intertwine her fingers with his, that cold, pale, slender hand moved downward, inch by inch rolling up her fiery red skirt.

Her delicate ankles appeared, then her jade-like calves. Yu Lingxi came to her senses and quickly sat up straight, pressing down her skirt. “What are you doing?”

Ning Yin caught her wrist and blinked very slowly. “Checking the seal.”

In… in the carriage?

Yu Lingxi could hear the rustling sound of the guards behind the carriage treading through the accumulated snow. Her face heated, and she instinctively backed away.

But the carriage was only so big. She had nowhere to retreat and was quickly pressed against the seat cushioned with soft padding.

“Shh, don’t move.”

Ning Yin pressed his hand against her lips, his eyes black as ink, his straight nose just in front of her.

Feeling a coolness below, Yu Lingxi bit her lip and held her breath, instantly not daring to move.

Ning Yin’s gaze moved downward. His cool fingers traced over the remnants of the red seal mark, examining it carefully for a long time before finally sighing with regret, “It’s faded.”

The seal ink was not dyed. After half a day on her skin, along with sitting in a sedan and riding a horse, how could it not fade?

“I’ll stamp another seal for Lingxi, all right?”

Again?

Yu Lingxi hurriedly shook her head, wanting to refuse, but her lips were pressed by his finger, allowing only muffled “mmm mmm” sounds.

Ning Yin pretended not to hear and leaned down.

A warm breath brushed past. Yu Lingxi tensed her body, then felt a feather-light touch where the seal had been placed, gently touching, like kissing a fragile treasure.

The Yu Residence.

Yu Yuan had just returned from the palace when he heard about what had happened before the dismounting ceremony.

General Yu had guessed that Prince Jing must have been behind the Xue family’s downfall, but he never expected that Prince Jing would openly bring servants and lavish gifts to “snatch” a person from in front of the Xue residence.

Though he had secretly supported Wei Qi, it did not mean he approved of Prince Jing’s methods, much less that he was comfortable entrusting his daughter, who had just broken off her engagement, into his hands.

The imperial royal family had few members who were kind and pure.

General Yu was heavy-hearted, looking at the pile of generous gifts in the courtyard, his face showing even more concern.

…

The carriage continued moving at a steady pace. The embroidered curtain swayed slightly, letting in the cold of a few snowflakes.

Yu Lingxi’s snowy cheeks were flushed red as she silently arranged her skirt and stockings, her moist eyes glaring at Ning Yin.

Who uses their mouth to stamp a seal?

Meanwhile, the instigator sat properly dressed in splendid attire, his expression calm, leisurely sipping a cup of cold tea.

He glanced over, and upon seeing the moisture on his lips, Yu Lingxi’s heart heated with alarm. She hastily averted her gaze.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Yu Lingxi felt that Ning Yin was laughing at her.

This wouldn’t do!

Having lived one lifetime more than the little madman, how could she be defeated here?

Yu Lingxi, unwilling to accept defeat, rose and moved closer to Ning Yin.

The carriage turned a corner, and Yu Lingxi swayed with it, falling onto Ning Yin’s lap.

Ning Yin was startled, and the steady teacup in his hand shook, splashing a few drops.

Yu Lingxi instinctively grabbed Ning Yin’s fox fur coat. Almost simultaneously, the scorching heat of the man’s body transmitted through the thick clothing, spreading from where the seal had been placed, warming her heart.

Indeed…

When she looked up again, there was a hint of a triumphant smile in her eyes.

That smile was bright and relaxed, scattering with fine light.

She changed her position, taking away the troublesome teacup from Ning Yin’s hand, and supported herself on his shoulders, facing him.

The red makeup on Yu Lingxi’s lips remained, and she blinked her eyelashes, moving closer.

“Courtesy demands reciprocity. May I give Your Highness a return gift?”

She asked with a light breath.

Dark colors flowed in Ning Yin’s eyes as he saw Yu Lingxi surrounded by feminine fragrance. She tilted her head, pressing her lips against his thin ones.

First, she touched them lightly, then pressed more firmly.

Ning Yin’s steady breathing momentarily halted.

The young woman’s soft breath trembled against him. He pleasantly half-closed his eyes, raising his hand to gently stroke the back of Yu Lingxi’s head until her cheeks flushed crimson from holding her breath. Only then did he lower his head to part his lips, turning from guest to host.

Yu Lingxi began to push him, but he didn’t move an inch.

Until the carriage suddenly stopped, their lips and teeth collided, and they tasted a faint bloody flavor on their tongues.

The little madman always became particularly happy when he smelled blood.

Yu Lingxi had barely regained her composure, but Ning Yin smiled tenderly, leaning forward to ask hoarsely, “Why not continue, hmm?”

“Prince Jing.”

From outside the carriage came Yu Huanchen’s clear voice as he rode up and called loudly, “Where are you taking my sister?”

It’s her brother!

Yu Lingxi hurriedly sat up but was held down by Ning Yin’s hand.

“Once or twice is fine, but does Lingxi want to run away a third time?”

Ning Yin punishingly pinched the tender flesh at her waist. “This prince is not a patient person.”

“I wasn’t trying to run…”

Yu Lingxi was about to argue, but then realized that the “running” Ning Yin referred to wasn’t the literal kind.

The first time was when her brother broke into the manor, the second time was this morning when her sister came to get her, and the third time…

It was indeed somewhat unfair.

“You took me away in public, so my brother is naturally worried and would find it difficult to explain to our parents. Moreover, this is not suitable to continue…”

The last sentence was bitten between her lips, almost inaudible as she coaxed, “I’ll go speak to my brother for a moment to set his mind at ease, all right?”

Ning Yin’s gaze was extremely cold and dangerous.

Outside the carriage came a commotion as the manor guards said, “Young General, you cannot trespass!”

Yu Lingxi had no time for more thought. She cupped Ning Yin’s face and kissed him, then hastily arranged her clothes and lifted the curtain to slip out.

As the curtain opened and closed, Ning Yin’s eyes brightened and darkened accordingly.

He slowly straightened up and leaned against the carriage wall. After a while, he raised his hand to touch where she had kissed him.

“Brother.”

Yu Lingxi’s black hair was scattered with bits of snow as she apologetically said, “I’m sorry for worrying you.”

Yu Huanchen immediately noticed the broken skin on his sister’s lower lip. His gaze darkened, and he even felt the urge to charge in and slaughter Ning Yin.

“Suisui, come with your brother.”

Yu Huanchen said solemnly, “As long as you’re unwilling, no one in this world can snatch you from your brother’s hands.”

Yu Lingxi smiled and replied softly, “No one is snatching me. I am willing.”

“Suisui, the matter with the Xue family has been resolved. There is no one left in the world who can coerce you. Why must you leave the wolf’s den only to enter a tiger’s lair?”

Yu Huanchen laid out the risks before her, making each word clear: “You are pure-hearted by nature. If you stay with someone who goes against the righteous path, perhaps the world’s criticism cannot harm him in the slightest, but it is enough to exhaust you mentally and physically… How will you cope then?”

“I understand, Brother.”

Yu Lingxi’s gaze was clear as she articulated each word distinctly, “But as you just said, I left him before because I had no choice. Now that I am free, why should I continue to compromise myself?”

“You…”

Yu Huanchen glanced at the motionless carriage, then looked back at his sister.

He wondered what kind of bewitching potion Wei Qi had given his sister, for she became so stubborn whenever she encountered matters related to him.

Today, Prince Jing snatched a person in public, essentially declaring his possession to the world. After this, who would dare propose marriage to his sister?

Wei Qi was deeply scheming and ruthless in his methods, beyond ordinary people.

Which brother wouldn’t worry about his sister getting hurt?

With complicated feelings, Yu Huanchen stepped forward and asked, “Have you made up your mind, Suisui?”

Yu Lingxi nodded.

“I’ve only just regained my freedom. Let me spend time with the person I care for, like an ordinary girl, all right?”

She softened her voice and said quietly, “Before dark, I will return home to ask for forgiveness from our parents.”

“Silly Suisui, what fault is yours?”

Yu Huanchen sighed lightly, his tense voice relaxing slightly, “I’ll come to pick you up before dinner. If anyone dares to offend or bully you, your brother will not let them off lightly!”

The last sentence was directed at Ning Yin in the carriage.

“Thank you, Brother!”

Yu Lingxi curtseyed, with a light smile, “Travel safely, Brother.”

Yu Huanchen stepped forward, gently brushing away the snow from his sister’s hair before turning to mount his horse and return to report.

Yu Lingxi immediately lifted the carriage curtain and slipped inside.

Ning Yin was reclining against the carriage wall. Seeing her enter, he raised his eyes slightly.

Sometimes Yu Lingxi felt that Ning Yin was truly a miraculous person.

Or rather, he was formidably unlike a normal person.

For instance, just now he had been passionately kissing her, yet now he could calmly sit in the carriage, showing not the slightest sign of lingering desire. In her previous life, it was the same—he enjoyed Yu Lingxi’s service, sometimes becoming intensely mad, yet rarely actively lost himself in it.

Sometimes Yu Lingxi felt he was a very cold person.

Yes, cold.

Despite having so many thrilling experiences, Yu Lingxi still couldn’t sense his enthusiasm for intimate matters. It seemed more like he was following his body’s instincts.

This was probably why, in her previous life, he had no other women.

This strange thought flashed by, and Yu Lingxi gathered her scattered thoughts, sitting beside Ning Yin.

She gently blew on her hands, rubbing her slightly cold fingertips as she asked, “Did you hear what I said to my brother just now?”

Ning Yin looked at her, ink-black colors flowing in his eyes, and said casually, “Which words? That you’ll return before dark, or that you’ll go home before dinner?”

Yu Lingxi choked, furrowing her brow.

She had said so many heartfelt words, yet Ning Yin had only heard the most insignificant one.

“That was a promise to ease my brother’s mind. Think about it—if I can’t get my family’s blessing and approval, even if I’m with you, I won’t be at ease.”

Yu Lingxi explained, “Besides, even properly courting couples who are destined for each other can’t stick together day and night before marriage, let alone we who haven’t yet…”

“Aren’t you calling me your lover? Why care about these things?”

Ning Yin grabbed her fingertips with one hand, pulling them into his fox fur coat to warm them. Suddenly he said, “The mansion bestowed by the Emperor has been furnished. I’ve had a very large secret chamber built in the study.”

The topic changed so abruptly that Yu Lingxi, her fingertips pressed against his strong, hot chest, blinked her eyes in confusion.

“How about I hide Lingxi in there?”

Ning Yin’s fingertips caressed her delicate palm as he planned, “This way, no one will disturb us, and we can be together day and night.”

Not good at all.

Yu Lingxi snorted, “The secret chamber is too dark. I don’t like it. I prefer to be outside with you, enjoying the beauty of nature.”

Ning Yin laughed and reached out to pinch her cheek.

Yu Lingxi knew then that he was half-jokingly scaring her again.

For this person of wicked temperament, Yu Lingxi had no way to handle him.

She leaned comfortably into Ning Yin’s embrace, remembering something very important.

“By the way, although the Xue family has temporarily lost power, you should not let your guard down.”

Yu Lingxi recalled the lessons from her previous life and said seriously, “I fear someone might secretly act against you. Are you listening?”

Ning Yin lowered his gaze to look at her, remembering the enigmatic sky lantern he had received earlier.

“Once firmly determined to marry into the Xue family, and now coming to show concern for this prince.”

He stroked her hair and said languidly, “Isn’t this hindsight a bit too late?”

This person!

How could he still bring up old accounts?

“If I hadn’t said that back then, would you have let me go? Let me become your burden, hiding in a secret chamber watching you accumulate wounds but powerless to help?”

Yu Lingxi still felt a dull pain in her heart when she thought of everything Ning Yin had endured then.

She withdrew her hand from his embrace and turned away, saying, “Caring for the one you love is never too late, no matter when.”

After blurting all this out, Yu Lingxi finally felt relieved, as if a burden had been lifted.

Words, she could finally say them aloud.

With no imperial marriage decree, no need to restrain herself, she could openly and righteously tell Ning Yin: you are the one I love.

There was no movement behind her for a long time, so long that Yu Lingxi thought Ning Yin hadn’t heard. Then she felt a powerful force embracing her, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly.

Yu Lingxi’s back struck his solid chest, the impact numbing her heart.

“It’s all right to be bad to me.”

Ning Yin’s warm breath brushed against her ear, his nose rubbing against her cheek as he said in a hoarse voice, “But don’t deceive me.”