Dai Chengfeng kissed her lips again.
Liu Erlong let out a faint whimper, like a final resistance or perhaps a declaration of surrender.
She closed her eyes, and her arms around his neck unconsciously tightened. She began to respond awkwardly yet with more boldness than the night before.
Her response was undoubtedly the best encouragement.
Dai Chengfeng let out a satisfied sigh from deep within his throat, kissing her more deeply and forcefully. His hand encircling her waist began to slide mischievously along her back.
Even through her undershirt, she could feel the beautiful curves of her body and the warmth of her skin.
In her daze, Liu Erlong was gently laid down on the soft bed.
Clothes were gradually removed, the cool air touching her skin causing a shiver, but it was quickly covered by his scorching body heat.
Liu Erlong felt like a small boat caught in a storm, completely under Dai Chengfeng's control...
Liu Erlong opened her eyes hazily, seeing the fine beads of sweat on Dai Chengfeng's forehead.
Suddenly, she reached out with both hands, cupping his face, and actively pressed her lips against his.
…
Afternoon.
When Liu Erlong woke up from her stupor, the sunlight outside the window had taken on a warm orange hue, lazily filtering through the window lattice and casting long, slanted patches of light on the smooth floor.
The spot beside her was already empty, the touch slightly cool, but the distinct warmth of Dai Chengfeng's presence told her he hadn't been gone for long.
Liu Erlong took a gentle breath and tried to move her body.
Compared to the morning when she could barely move, she now felt much better.
She propped herself up on her arms, slowly sitting up as the silk blanket slid down, revealing her skin marked with suggestive red marks.
Within her sight was the rumpled bedsheet...
Her cheeks uncontrollably flushed again.
But strangely this time, amidst the embarrassment, there was less of the initial panic and confusion, and more of a resigned calm that came after everything had settled.
It had happened, and so thoroughly at that. Recalling those details, aside from the burning sensation on her face, a hidden satisfaction, which she herself was unwilling to delve into, stirred deep within her heart.
She lifted the blanket, placing her bare feet on the slightly cool floor, slowly picking up the scattered clothes and carefully putting them on one by one.
Walking to the dressing table, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but freeze.
The woman in the mirror had slightly messy hair, her eyes shimmering with water, and her originally somewhat stern eyebrows and eyes now appeared incredibly gentle. Her cheeks glowed with a natural blush, truly resembling peach blossoms.
It was a charm exuding from deep within, a well-nourished allure vastly different from her usual image.
Is this... what I look like?
Liu Erlong extended her finger, lightly touching her reflection in the mirror. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions—shyness, confusion, and a hint of uncertain anticipation for the future.
…
Tian Dou Empire, the power center of Tian Dou City.
In the study of the Crown Prince's Palace, the lamps had long been lit, illuminating the room as bright as day.
"Xue Qinghe" had just finished reviewing the last document of the day, gently placing the vermilion pen symbolizing supreme authority on the pen stand.
He—or rather, she, Qian Renxue—raised her hand, using her fingertips to rub her slightly swollen temples.
Maintaining such high concentration for an extended period, even with her cultivation level, brought a sense of fatigue.
However, this fatigue was worth it.
The last significant potential threat had been skillfully eliminated by her, and now her position as Crown Prince was as solid as a rock.
That coveted throne seemed almost within reach.
Over a decade of hiding, scheming, and meticulous planning—even going so far as to stain her hands with blood—she was finally nearing this point.
"Your Highness, all obstacles have been cleared according to plan."
A low voice emerged from the shadowy corner of the study, like a ghost. Porcupinefish Douluo's figure quietly appeared, respectfully bowing to the figure behind the desk.
"We only need to wait for the right moment, and everything will fall into place."
Qian Renxue, or rather, the perfect "Xue Qinghe" she portrayed at this moment, revealed a faint smile of victory.
But beneath that smile lingered an indescribable weariness.
She had succeeded, but the joy of success didn't seem as strong as she had imagined.
"You've worked hard, Elder Porcupinefish."
Her voice remained calm, showing little of the anticipated joy of reaching the pinnacle of power, instead carrying a sense of complacency after everything had settled.
She rose from the large chair, slowly walking to the window and pushing open the intricately carved wooden window.
The night breeze was slightly cool, brushing against her face.
She looked up, her gaze seemingly piercing through the layers of palaces, looking towards the distant south—the place of her true belonging: Spirit City.
That place held her most complex memories, including her nominally estranged mother Bibi Dong, who made her feelings complicated, and her most beloved and respected grandfather, Qian Daoliu.
And...
Dai Chengfeng!
"This little tiger, I wonder what he has done?"
Thinking about it,
"Elder Porcupinefish," Qian Renxue suddenly spoke, "Here in Tian Dou, the situation is stable, and in the short term, there shouldn't be any changes capable of shaking the foundation."
Porcupinefish Douluo bowed slightly, cautiously responding, "Your Highness speaks wisely."
"After this battle, no one in the court can shake Your Highness's position. May I ask what your next steps are?"
Porcupinefish keenly sensed that the Crown Prince's current mood was somewhat unusual.
Qian Renxue turned around, the bright candlelight in the study illuminating her delicate yet slightly weary profile. The veneer of "Xue Qinghe's" gentle and refined demeanor seemed to fade slightly at this moment, revealing some genuine emotions of Qian Renxue herself.
"I miss... Grandfather a bit."
Porcupinefish Douluo's eyes flashed with an uncontainable surprise.
"Your Highness, leaving now, what if..."
Qian Renxue raised her hand, interrupting him. Her tone remained calm but conveyed an overwhelming confidence in controlling everything: "It's fine."
"I will publicly announce a recurrence of an old ailment, needing to leave Tian Dou City to find a quiet place for recuperation for a while."
"The daily affairs of the court will temporarily be handed over to those trusted ministers we support to handle together. Any urgent matters can be reported to me through secret channels for decision-making."
"There won't be any problems."
She paused, her gaze once again directed at the boundless night outside the window. Her voice softened but became firmer: "I really should... go back and take a look."
Porcupinefish Douluo, having followed Qian Renxue for many years, knew her character well. Once she made a decision, it rarely changed.
Seeing that Qian Renxue's mind was set and her plans, though seemingly risky, were actually meticulously thought out, he said no more, bowing deeply:
"I understand. When does Your Highness plan to depart? I will make the arrangements to ensure everything goes smoothly."
"As soon as possible."
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)