When Qin Yining returned to her tent, she collapsed exhausted onto the bed like one completely drained of strength. She closed her eyes and rested for quite a while before getting up to take a hair ribbon and loosely tie her long hair into a bundle, then lay down to rest.

The maidservant assigned to her saw that she had gone to sleep and didn’t disturb her, quietly withdrawing from the tent.

But just as she lifted the tent flap, she unexpectedly came face to face with Si Qin, who was standing at the entrance with his hands behind his back – she had no idea when he had arrived.

Upon seeing that the visitor was the Prince Consort, the maidservant first froze, then bowed respectfully. Just as she was about to open her mouth in greeting, Si Qin made a gesture for silence and waved his hand to indicate she should withdraw.

Seeing this, the maidservant’s heart skipped a beat. Remembering how the Khan had made things difficult for the woman inside today, and observing the Prince Consort’s expression, she truly felt she had learned of something momentous!

This woman was so beautiful that even she couldn’t help but steal several glances and wanted to carefully protect her – how much more so in men’s eyes?

If the Prince Consort truly had developed feelings, should things go badly, her little life might be the first to be lost!

The maidservant withdrew with her head lowered and shoulders hunched.

As she walked, she wondered whether she should go tell the Khan about this matter.

In the blink of an eye, she rejected her own idea.

Who didn’t know of the Khan’s devoted love for the Prince Consort? The Khan was also strong-willed. If the Prince Consort had taken a fancy to another woman, and it was discovered by a mere maidservant, she might immediately have her silenced.

Even if the Khan didn’t kill her, once the Prince Consort learned of her betrayal, he probably wouldn’t spare her either.

Now she could only pray that the Khan wouldn’t learn of this matter, thinking that if this affair were exposed and the Khan questioned her, she’d better find a good excuse.

Thinking of this, the maidservant nearly burst into tears.

Si Qin in the tent slowed his steps and walked to Qin Yining’s bedside, lowering his head to gaze at her sleeping face for a long time without moving.

Being so uncontrollably attracted wasn’t the first time.

Si Qin had always been an extremely self-controlled person, and he had always been clear about what he wanted and how to obtain what he desired.

But now, seeing Qin Yining, he suddenly developed an intense desire – he wanted to possess this woman.

It wasn’t that he had never seen beautiful women, but this was the first time he had encountered a woman with such appearance. Different from all Tatar women, she was like a spring – soft yet resilient, elegant in every gesture, full of charm in every smile and frown.

Such a woman, even just keeping her by one’s side without doing anything, merely looking at her could make one’s mood pleasant.

Why had this person appeared so late?

It seemed Tianji Zi had been right when he spoke to him back then. His entire life was destined for struggle from birth. Nothing he wanted to possess would be placed directly before him – everything required his own effort to obtain.

Si Qin pressed his lips together and gently sat on the edge of the bed.

He knew Qin Yining was very perceptive, so he chose to come when she was exhausted, concealing his presence and weakening his sense of existence, not staring at her continuously.

Si Qin looked at her delicate face, his heart strongly desiring to touch her.

He extended his hand, using his right index and middle fingers to gently reach toward her face.

Qin Yining seemed to sense something and suddenly opened her eyes. Seeing a hand approaching, she quickly slapped it away.

A crisp “smack” rang out as Si Qin frowned and withdrew his hand.

Qin Yining leaped up. Though her sudden rising caused her vision to darken, she showed nothing on her face, her sharp gaze fiercely fixed on Si Qin. She hadn’t been sleeping peacefully to begin with. Being in the enemy camp, no matter how exhausted she was, she had to force herself to maintain some alertness. This time, if not for expending too much energy taming the horse, she would never have waited until Si Qin extended his hand before becoming aware.

Si Qin slowly stood up, looking directly into her guarded eyes, rubbing his fingers as he slowly stepped forward. “I suddenly have a very good proposal.”

“All your proposals are not good proposals for me.” Qin Yining looked at him coldly. “I advise the Prince Consort to treasure your current life. Though your Khan may not be the cleverest woman, she is one who treats you with genuine sincerity. If you disappoint her, aren’t you afraid of retribution?”

“Retribution?” Si Qin seemed to have heard the greatest joke. “Yes, you’re right. Look at your man – he’s killed countless people, and now his retribution is that his woman has fallen into my hands!”

Si Qin’s voice suddenly rose, his low and indignant tone making people’s hearts tremble.

Qin Yining’s heart couldn’t help but skip a beat, but she showed no fear, coldly staring back at him.

In the dimly lit tent, her entire figure was half-hidden in shadow. Light surrounded her, casting her disheveled hair strands with a faint golden halo. Her eyes were particularly bright, reminding Si Qin of the wolves that roamed the grasslands in packs.

He couldn’t help but stare in fascination, extending his hand and murmuring, “You woman, with such appearance, why must you have such eyes? You…”

“What are you two doing!”

An angry roar from the entrance interrupted Si Qin’s murmuring.

A’na Ri strode forward in fury, grabbing Si Qin’s clothing and pulling him back two steps, then violently releasing him. “Didn’t you say you had important matters to attend to! Your important matter was coming to this seductress’s tent?”

Si Qin looked at A’na Ri’s flushed face, then at her eyes ignited with rage. The disappointment in his heart took great effort to barely suppress.

“Khan, you’ve misunderstood.”

“Misunderstood? A man and woman alone together in a room, not even willing to keep someone nearby, and this seductress with such appearance – if you say you haven’t been moved at all, who would believe it!” A’na Ri roared in anger.

Si Qin said helplessly, “Khan, you really are overthinking. I came to inquire about some matters regarding Prince Zhongshun. Although she refuses to speak truthfully, she might still provide us with some clues, no? The Khan doesn’t trust her – surely you still trust me? What kind of person do you take me for?”

Hearing this, A’na Ri turned back to look at Qin Yining with some doubt.

She indeed trusted Si Qin very much. She had known Si Qin for so many years and had never seen him become interested in other women. He had always been completely obedient to her.

A’na Ri had always been very confident in herself. She was of noble status, her archery and riding skills were no worse than anyone’s, and she was the female Khan trusted by the Tatars. Anyone who knew her could only worship and revere her. Si Qin should naturally treat her as his only master, and he had always done so, making A’na Ri increasingly fond of relying on him.

But now he would actually take the initiative to approach a beautiful woman!

This made A’na Ri wish she could dismember Qin Yining!

A’na Ri had always deeply loved Si Qin. Though in her rage she could yell at Si Qin, she couldn’t possibly move against her own husband. Not only was she reluctant to, but she had worked hard to establish Si Qin’s prestige. If they weren’t united, it would also give outsiders an opening to exploit.

Thinking of this, A’na Ri could no longer care about anything else. Learning from the last lesson about not being able to act directly, she said in a low voice, “Prince Consort, come with me. If there’s anything to ask, have the servants inquire. We’ll set out for the capital tomorrow. If you’re still so concerned about her once we reach the palace, I’ll kill her!”