Suzhen was blocked by him from speaking. She wanted to push away, but he wouldn’t allow it, his hands moving down to her waist and hips, pressing her tighter in his arms. He seemed to want to tear her apart and swallow her whole. Whether it was because she was injured and lacked strength, or for some other reason, under his forceful dominance, Suzhen’s hands and feet gradually became weak, collapsing limply in his embrace…

“Everything inside has been taken care of—”

Footsteps and voices came from behind, then immediately stopped. Suzhen was startled and forcefully pushed Lian Yu away. Lian Yu, injured as he was, staggered from her push. Seeing her about to leave, he scooped her back into his arms like catching a small chick, holding her tightly.

His face darkened as he glared back. Lian Jie and the group stood somewhat dumbfounded. Lian Qin’s face reddened slightly as she pointed at Qinglong: “Sixth Brother, he was the one who spoke just now.”

Qinglong was framed: “…”

Still, Lian Jie cleared his throat, displaying elder brother demeanor: “Sixth Brother, regarding the black-clothed men, apart from the leader who escaped, we’ve kept three alive for interrogation. Troops have been dispatched to pursue the fled criminals. As for the Princess of Zhennan’s side, all assassins have been eliminated.”

Lian Yu nodded. That black-clothed man was extremely cunning—hearing the thunder of hoofbeats outside and knowing reinforcements had arrived, he had quietly slipped away. At the time, he was fighting multiple opponents and couldn’t spare attention.

At this moment, Zhuque waved her hand toward the back: “Bring the prisoner up!”

“Yes.” Behind them were large numbers of inner guards. Two of them brought up the disheveled Princess of Zhennan, kicked her to her knees on the ground. The rest all knelt down: “Master, we subordinates were late in rescue. We beg Master’s forgiveness.”

Lian Yu’s expression cleared somewhat: “Very good.”

Only then did he release Suzhen, striding quickly over: “Princess, I ask you—what exactly is your relationship with those black-clothed men? Who told you Li Huaisu was here?”

The Princess of Zhennan’s face was deathly pale, yet she still sneered coldly: “Winners and losers—I lost and have nothing to say, but I simply won’t tell you.”

“You think when I said I’d kill your parents, it was just a joke?” Lian Yu also smiled coldly, raising an eyebrow in confrontation.

The Princess of Zhennan trembled all over. Finally, she lowered her eyes to the ground and said in a low voice: “I truly don’t know the origins of those black-clothed men. I don’t even know why they appeared here. It’s just that we had a common enemy, so we cooperated afterward.”

Lian Qin snorted with laughter: “As if we’d believe you. Confess honestly, or don’t blame us for using the palace’s cruel punishments. Don’t think being some worthless princess protects you—dare to move against my Sixth Brother, and you’re making an enemy of all of Great Zhou!”

The Princess of Zhennan cried out fiercely: “I am a dignified princess of Wei Kingdom. You cannot treat me thus. If my husband and His Majesty learn of this, you can expect a war!”

“Before I left, I left a letter at the residence stating the purpose of this trip. Once something happens to me…” She laughed maniacally, then looked with hatred toward Suzhen behind Lian Yu.

Lian Qin was furious but momentarily couldn’t act. At this time, Lian Yu spoke indifferently: “Princess, you really overestimate yourself. Not to mention that I can make your disappearance look like an accident—moreover, you were the first to provoke Zhou. Your Wei Kingdom’s ruler cannot pursue the matter. Even if he truly knows you’re imprisoned by Zhou today, what would he do?”

“He won’t—believe me, he won’t. He never liked your Pei Fengji anyway. That little beast was simply a disgrace to Great Wei.”

“I also said before—your husband has other concubines and children. What reason would he have to do something that would trouble his elder brother for an ungrateful wife like you? You know, he said his brother should do something to save face, but that doesn’t mean he wants to deliberately burden his brother.”

The Princess of Zhennan’s face grew paler as she trembled out: “Your Majesty, I truly don’t know the identity of the black-clothed men. As for who informed me that Li Huaisu was here, I’m also unclear. It was an anonymous secret letter delivered urgently by fast horse to my residence.”

“I don’t want to be imprisoned. Please show mercy and let me return.”

“Sixth Brother,” Lian Jie approached Lian Yu, lowering his voice: “She doesn’t seem to be lying. How should we deal with her?”

“Kill her.”

At these words, everyone was somewhat shocked, because none had expected him to give this order.

Imprisonment and torture were different from killing. To them, no one cared about this woman’s life—they all wanted her dead.

But after all, no matter how little Great Wei valued her, she was ultimately their princess. Once that black-clothed man leaked word that this woman died at their hands, Great Wei couldn’t save face. Though there might be no immediate trouble, resentment would inevitably remain in their hearts.

In these troubled times, it was better to have fewer problems than more.

“You want to kill me?” The Princess of Zhennan swayed unsteadily, looking at him in disbelief.

“I never said I would spare your life.” Lian Yu smiled with his lips but no warmth in his eyes—only cold killing intent.

Lian Jie and Zhuque had wanted to advise against it, but following him for years, seeing the ruthlessness in his eyes, they knew there was no room for negotiation. No one spoke again.

“Why? I had no intention of killing you—I only wanted to finish off Li Huaisu.” The Princess of Zhennan murmured, her eyes showing both fear and resentment.

“It’s precisely because you wanted to kill not me, but her.” Lian Yu parted his lips slightly, said no more, and drew his sword from its sheath.

Then everyone understood—he would never allow anyone who threatened Suzhen to survive.

Over there, Suzhen was also nearly exhausted, and embarrassed by what had happened earlier, she had walked aside, half-listening with wandering attention. Hearing this, she started in alarm. She asked herself—she wasn’t a petty person, but to be kind enough to forgive someone who wanted her dead was something she absolutely couldn’t do. But what Lian Jie and the others had considered, she naturally thought of too.

She stepped forward and pressed down on Lian Yu’s hand: “Lian Yu, you can’t kill this person.”

“Otherwise, I won’t take you touring Huai County.” She had also been drained tonight and spoke concisely.

Lian Yu’s brows knitted tightly. He stared at Suzhen for a long time. Finally, he waved at two inner guards, who released their hold. The Princess of Zhennan looked at him with suspicion and uncertainty, hearing him say coldly: “I’ll let you keep your life, but I’ll send people to your parents’ residences for lifelong surveillance. From now on, if you dare step one foot outside Wei Kingdom, regardless of what you’re doing, your parents will die before your departure.”

“Get lost!”

The Princess of Zhennan’s lips trembled slightly as she looked at him and Suzhen with hatred before stumbling away.

Lian Yu gave further orders for Xuanwu to arrange for the inner guards to implement this immediately.

With everything settled, Suzhen could no longer hold up, her legs giving way. Lian Yu was alarmed, but fortunately, during this recent period, he had been like performing in martial arts films, licking blood on blade edges. Lian Jie and Zhuque all carried medical supplies, first treating the wounds of both people and the skinny horse.

Suzhen’s injuries were to her limbs—not too severe, but she hadn’t fully recovered from her previous beating, and tonight’s battle was quite draining for her. However, compared to Lian Yu, it was nothing. His previous injuries hadn’t healed either, and today he had added new wounds to shoulder, chest, arm, and abdomen—one arm wound even showed bone. But his body was much stronger than Suzhen’s, and having been recovering in the palace with the best medicines and supplements, most importantly, his mood was different from before. He actually looked much better than Suzhen.

Having treated their wounds, the group immediately set out to return to the inn.

The skinny horse had shown its warrior spirit in the crisis, but now it had reverted to its true nature. Because walking aggravated its wounds, it refused to move. Suzhen coaxed and dragged it—it rolled around and wailed piteously but simply wouldn’t cooperate. Lian Jie and the others finally found their confidence restored. Unexpectedly, when Lian Yu stepped forward and smoothed its fur, it miraculously stood up and followed behind.

Suzhen stamped her feet in frustration. Everyone was speechless in turn, deliberately checking and discovering this creature’s gender… was no different from theirs.

Lian Yu lifted Suzhen onto another horse to ride together with her. Suzhen, relaxed in body and mind, leaned against his chest and dozed drowsily. Lian Yu was completely the opposite—his heart still surging indescribably. He wanted to talk with Suzhen, but just as he opened his mouth, he heard only her gentle breathing. Her head rested against his chest, so well-behaved. His heart ached with love and emotion he could barely suppress. Riding to shadowy areas ahead, he kept lowering his head to kiss the top of her hair.

Though the others couldn’t see clearly, they could guess with their knees what was happening. They dared not stay too close but also dared not stray too far from the imperial presence, silently suffering.

Returning to the inn, Lian Xin and Baihu, who had stayed behind, came to greet them. Ming Yanchu was still inside calculating compensation with the innkeeper for things damaged by the skinny horse. Suzhen was carried down from the horse by Lian Yu and swayed awake. Still somewhat drowsy, worried about Lian Yu’s injuries, she mumbled: “Have Baihu carry me.”

She remembered Baihu had come this time too.

Lian Yu had eyes only for her, kissing her forehead: “You don’t like her, and besides, I can still carry you.”

Lian Xin had been ready to cheerfully greet Suzhen but upon hearing this, instinctively glanced at Baihu beside her, whose face had gone white. She pulled her aside: “Don’t be like this. Sixth Brother’s heart belongs only to Huaisu.”

Baihu lowered her head without speaking. Over there, Lian Yu gave some low instructions to Lian Jie and Xuanwu, then carried Suzhen straight upstairs to his own room.

Indeed, apart from the person in his arms, there was no one else in his eyes.

Suzhen was placed by Lian Yu on his bed. Though awake, she didn’t immediately fall asleep—earlier it was from exhaustion, now it was from pain in her wounds. She half-closed her eyes watching him bustle about.

Lian Yu by nature loved cleanliness. What he considered clean and comfortable, he extended to others, feeling Suzhen should be the same. Just then Ming Yanchu finished settling accounts with the innkeeper. Knowing Lian Yu was injured, he rushed upstairs urgently to check and serve. Unlike Lian Jie and others who had already developed awareness, Lian Yu had him prepare hot water, soap pods, and other items, also ordering several more warming braziers.

Ming Yanchu quickly arranged everything. When finished, Lian Yu sent him away and personally cleaned Suzhen himself. Suzhen had been wild since childhood and didn’t have his many particular requirements. Seeing him come to undress her, she shook her head: “I don’t need it. You’re injured—rest.”

But Lian Yu insisted, unbuttoning her shirt. Suzhen let him have his way—after all, with someone serving her, she needn’t do it herself. Lian Yu originally had no improper thoughts, but when she lay before him wearing only undergarments, his breathing involuntarily quickened. He was young and had been abstinent for some time, and before him was the person he thought of day and night… he felt something rushing to his head. But at this time, given both their conditions, naturally nothing could… He lowered his eyes, slowly walked to the table, drank several cups of cold tea, then returned to quickly wipe her body clean, took new inner garments from his bundle for her to wear, and wrapped her up tightly.

“After returning to recuperate for half a month, you should be able to recover.” While washing her feet, he suddenly spoke indifferently.

Suzhen listened in confusion, giving a vague “Oh.” Seeing his inexplicable smile, she felt warm and sweet inside—after all, how many people in this world could enjoy such service from an emperor?

What Lian Yu was thinking was on a completely different level from her thoughts. Seeing her smile at him, something in his heart felt so full it was about to overflow.

Suzhen had comfortably closed her eyes, but after her feet were washed, he held them tightly in his palms without moving for a long while. Though the brazier was lit, having her legs and feet exposed for so long made them somewhat cold. She opened her eyes to find him staring fixedly at her, his gaze filled with burning intensity—was this the usual gentle yet aloof Lian Yu, the sharp and witty emperor?

Her face quickly flushed hot. Somewhat embarrassed and annoyed, she pulled her feet from his hands and mischievously splashed some water on his face: “I’m cold.”

Water dripped slightly from his hair. Lian Yu wasn’t angry—he lowered his head and lightly kissed her instep, then picked up a nearby towel to dry her feet.

Suzhen’s mind went “boom,” as if struck by heat. She trembled as she retracted her feet under the covers, pulling the blanket over her head. Then remembering something, she turned over and sat up. Lian Yu saw her monkey-like behavior: “What are you doing? Lie back down quickly.”

“It’s my turn to wash you.” Suzhen was a person who sought fairness. Moreover, he was injured more severely than her—though she didn’t say much aloud, her heart truly ached for him.

The corners of Lian Yu’s eyes instantly curved up.

“I’ll remember this—consider it owed for now.” His voice was slightly hoarse.

No matter how slow Suzhen was, she could sense the atmosphere. She glared at him fiercely and shrank back again.

Lian Yu was also exhausted. He removed his outer garments and called Ming Yanchu in to attend to his washing. Suzhen curiously watched, seeing him instantly become that ruler from the Golden Luan Hall again. When Ming Yanchu was heavy-handed, he would frown and lightly scold.

Seeing her look over, he would gaze deeply at her. Suzhen’s face burned as she quickly turned over.

He soon finished washing. Ming Yanchu cleaned up and left, and he came over carrying scents of cleanliness and faint medicinal blood, drawing her into his arms.

“Lian Yu, does your body hurt badly?” Suzhen thought of what she had glimpsed earlier—the thick bandages on his body and the spots of blood seeping through. Her heart ached as she asked softly, but seeing no response, she was somewhat confused and turned around, only to find he had already fallen deeply asleep.

She was tired, but he was only more tired than her. Her eyes felt slightly sour.

As if sensing her movement, he instinctively tightened his hold on her waist. She quietly reached into his embrace, wanting to touch those wounds, but in his sleep he thought she was cold and pressed both her hands against his chest, extending his leg to warm her.

From hands and feet to heart, Suzhen was warm, and soon fell asleep.

Sleeping until midnight, she felt a light itch and heat on her face. Somewhat irritated from being woken, she opened her eyes to find he had awakened at some unknown time. His hair was unbound, scattered over shoulders and bed. One hand supported his chin while he gazed at her quietly, his other hand resting on her cheek. His rough fingertips, carrying deep warmth, possessively caressed her skin stroke by stroke.

That scene actually had something enchanting about it.

She was made nervous by his deep gaze, her heart pounding—just like when he had kissed her wildly outside earlier, as if he would swallow her completely.

“Why did you wake up?” she asked in a low voice. Her toes moved restlessly between his legs, but were immediately clamped tight by him.

“I suddenly woke up,” he answered her softly. His gemlike black and sharp eyes surveyed her face inch by inch, but with a trace of bitterness in his gaze: “Li Huaisu, I’m afraid. I’m afraid this is just my golden millet dream, and when I wake up, you’ll be gone.”

“I struck you—I know you hate me. I once gave up on you—I know you hate me. In your parents’ matter, I also bear responsibility—I’m truly afraid.” He suddenly smiled slightly with great self-mockery: “I’m afraid that even if this isn’t a dream, someday you’ll suddenly regret it in your heart.”

Suzhen’s heart clenched sharply. She actively nestled into his embrace: “Lian Yu, I’m a simple person. Having made a decision, I won’t regret it.”

“Really?” He sat up, pressing her head against his chest, biting her earlobe and asking persistently.

“Mm.”

“Then when we return, we’ll establish our status.”

“Status?” Suzhen didn’t understand for a moment, looking up questioningly.

“Yes, I’ll marry you, and you’ll marry me.” His tone was certain as he held her face and spoke slowly.

But Suzhen lowered her eyes—she seemed never to have considered this question.

His grip on her hands tightened slightly: “Promise me.”

“Lian Yu, I’ve never thought about becoming your concubine.” After a long while, Suzhen spoke.

“What did you say?”

Yesterday and today, there are still a thousand words left for tomorrow…