The soft pain from her forehead caused her mind to go blank for an instant, followed by her heart suddenly pounding violently beyond control.

Xiao Rongyan’s well-defined large hand was covering the back of her hand without releasing it—whether he was pressing down on the map or her hand was unclear.

Xiao Rongyan’s thin lips left her forehead as one hand naturally supported her slender shoulder, looking down at her quietly.

Somewhat slow to react, Bai Qingyan raised her eyes to see Xiao Rongyan’s deep, restrained black pupils gazing at her. When she tried to withdraw her hand that was pressed against the map by Xiao Rongyan, he boldly threaded his five fingers between hers, tightly clasping the back of her hand, while his large hand gripping her shoulder slid to her waist, giving her no opportunity to retreat.

His breathing became slightly heavy and difficult to control as he lowered his head, slowly drawing closer to her, his gaze deep and burning.

She seemed frozen by a binding spell, unable to move an inch, her eyelashes trembling lightly.

The two drew closer and closer, until Xiao Rongyan’s high-bridged nose gently touched the tip of hers.

Bai Qingyan’s rigid spine trembled, her palm tightening as she gripped Xiao Rongyan’s well-defined, slender fingers.

The instant his burning lips touched her lips, the cheerful voices of Bai Jinzhi and Shen Qingzhu could be heard approaching.

“I had the kitchen prepare some wine and dishes for Elder Sister and Master Xiao. Elder Sister was so busy at the ancestral hall today that she didn’t eat anything…”

Bai Qingyan suddenly came to her senses, turning around and feigning composure as she withdrew her hand, absentmindedly smoothing her clothing and folding the sheepskin map, her ears burning hot.

Xiao Rongyan cleared his throat, also adjusting his robes and jade ornaments. After slightly regulating his breathing, he returned to normal, once again appearing as that gentle, refined gentleman standing with hands clasped behind his back, looking toward Bai Jinzhi, who was approaching the lakeside pavilion from the wooden bridge with servants holding umbrellas, along with Yue Shiyi and Shen Qingzhu.

“Elder Sister, Master Xiao!” Bai Jinzhi smiled after performing a courtesy, “Xiao Si has prepared some wine and dishes for Elder Sister and Master Xiao…”

Bai Jinzhi had calculated the timing, thinking the two should be nearly finished talking. Bringing wine and dishes now would allow Elder Sister and Xiao Rongyan to spend more time together, enabling Xiao Rongyan to marry into the family sooner and become her brother-in-law.

The servant women carried black lacquered, gold-painted food boxes, slightly bowing as they entered in single file with small steps, quietly opening the boxes and arranging cold dishes.

Before Xiao Rongyan could speak, Bai Qingyan said first: “Master Xiao and I have finished our business. Master Xiao has pressing matters afterward and cannot stay long at the Bai residence.”

Speaking seriously, Bai Qingyan looked toward Xiao Rongyan: “Qingzhu… see Master Xiao out.”

Seeing that Bai Qingyan’s ears had turned completely red while her face remained composed, still maintaining that steady, calm demeanor, Xiao Rongyan smiled as he looked at Bai Jinzhi: “I’m afraid I must disappoint Fourth Miss’s kind intentions. I truly have urgent matters. Another day, I’ll host… and apologize to Fourth Miss.”

Bai Jinzhi inevitably felt somewhat disappointed but nodded: “Then Master Xiao must remember—don’t forget!”

“Certainly!” Xiao Rongyan nodded.

Shen Qingzhu gestured politely to Xiao Rongyan: “Master Xiao, please…”

Xiao Rongyan turned back to bow deeply to Bai Qingyan: “I would trouble Miss to see me a few steps. Time is pressing, and I still wish to discuss the mute girl’s matter with Miss.”

Bai Qingyan imperceptibly tightened her grip and nodded.

The Bai family ancestral home featured scenery every ten steps with an extremely particular layout. The bronze decorative pieces in the courtyards were all artifacts over a hundred years old, showing the profound depth of the family’s heritage.

The sound of rain on leaves was extremely light and gentle as the two walked unhurriedly along the winding covered corridor toward the Bai residence exit.

“The mute girl has acknowledged an adoptive father, so there’s no need to insist on bringing her to the Bai residence for care—let it be according to her wishes.” Bai Qingyan remembered the mute woman obtained from the brothel madam today, “If the mute girl lacks a companion, I’ll have someone send over that mute woman the brothel madam brought today.”

“Then please send her over!” Xiao Rongyan smiled, “The mute girl indeed lacks a playmate. Since both cannot speak, they should get along well.”

Bai Qingyan’s decision to keep that mute woman had this intention as well.

“Since the mute girl’s matter is settled, I… won’t see Master Xiao out further. Master Xiao, take care!” Bai Qingyan called to Shen Qingzhu, who was leading the way ahead, “Qingzhu, see Master Xiao out!”

“Yes!” Shen Qingzhu nodded.

“I take my leave.” Xiao Rongyan bowed to Bai Qingyan.

Shen Qingzhu walked ahead holding an umbrella and lantern, respectfully escorting the master and servant pair of Xiao Rongyan and Yue Shiyi out the door, then ordered the Bai residence gates closed.

Yue Shiyi couldn’t help muttering to Xiao Rongyan: “When did Miss gain a female demon by her side? I’ve never seen her before…”

“Miss has many capable people around her.” Xiao Rongyan seemed in good spirits as he leaped onto his horse, grasped his black gold riding whip, and rode away with a flourish.

“Master!” Yue Shiyi called out, quickly furling his umbrella and spurring his horse to follow.

When Xiao Rongyan returned to the residence he’d recently purchased in Shouyang, seeing his clothes were slightly damp, the steward quickly had people prepare ginger soup and hot water for Xiao Rongyan’s bath.

After bathing and changing clothes, he sat under a lamplight examining a rare bamboo scroll, yet his mind was filled with scenes from today’s lakeside pavilion.

Though today’s events were accidental, given Bai Qingyan’s personality, if he hadn’t pressured her, she would probably never have given herself and him a chance.

Though they were interrupted by Bai Jinzhi midway, the two had still made progress.

At least, with such presumptuous behavior, Bai Qingyan hadn’t pushed him away—meaning her heart held feelings for him too, only that, as she’d said, with both their paths currently difficult, she dared not harbor improper thoughts about romantic love.

Xiao Rongyan bore the heavy burden of Yan Kingdom and had never allowed himself to be distracted by romantic affairs. He hadn’t expected that meeting Bai Qingyan… once his heart was moved, it became a catastrophe, even giving him thoughts of seeking quick success to swiftly pacify the wars, letting her see the peaceful, prosperous times she hoped for.

Outside the study, Yue Shiyi knocked on the door: “Master, news from Great Wei!”

Xiao Rongyan’s eyes narrowed: “Enter!”

Yue Shiyi pushed open the door, bringing in a man wrapped in a black cloak. The man was completely soaked, wrapped in cold air. After bowing to Xiao Rongyan, he held up a bamboo tube with both hands: “Master, Great Wei wishes to mobilize troops against our Great Yan.”

The man’s palms holding the bamboo tube showed bloody marks from reins, his eyes were bloodshot, dark circles under his eyes, lips cracked and dry, face dirty—having traveled day and night without rest.

“Bring Zhang Yan some water and refreshments.” Xiao Rongyan said while opening the bamboo tube.

Zhang Yan took the water Yue Shiyi handed him and gulped it down bowl after bowl, disregarding etiquette as he grabbed refreshments and stuffed them in his mouth, choking several times in his desperate hunger.

Inside the bamboo tube was a thin sheet of paper. Xiao Rongyan read through it rapidly.

The Rong tribes had now split into Nanrong and Northern Rong. After learning that Great Yan had sent troops to aid the Northern Di, Nanrong dispatched envoys to seek aid from Great Wei. Having discovered that Great Yan had deployed all its forces to the borderlands, Great Wei accepted Nanrong’s generous gifts and mobilized troops to press the border, intending to swallow the fertile lands of Nanyan that Great Yan had just recently recovered while Great Yan’s main forces were all engaged in the borderlands…