The morning sun crept through the curtains in soft golden bands, warming the two figures tangled together on the bed. Qin Su and Yuan Ai lay close, their limbs entwined, the faint scent of the night's passion still lingering in the air. After the wildfire they had ignited until dawn, both had collapsed into a rare, blissful sleep.
It was the sunlight brushing across his face that finally drew Qin Su back to consciousness. He blinked lazily—and the first thing he saw was Yuan Ai resting against him, her hair spilled across the sheets like silk, her body pressed warmly against his. His hand, without realizing it, still cupped the generous softness of her chest.
"It… wasn't a dream?" he whispered to himself, eyes widening in disbelief. Then a grin spread slowly across his face. "It was real. Hah! I actually—!"
His excitement got the better of him. He shifted closer, mouth trailing toward her chest with boyish enthusiasm.
Soft, breathy sounds escaped Yuan Ai as she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open to find Qin Su already busy, far too eager for someone who had exhausted her only a few hours earlier.
"Oh my… aren't you a bit too eager this morning?" she murmured, half amused, half flustered.
He lifted his head just long enough to flash her a wicked grin before capturing her lips in a slow, heated kiss. "For you?" he murmured against her mouth. "Always."
Her fingers slid through his hair, and the warmth between them kindled effortlessly again. The night's fire had not been extinguished—it merely waited for the slightest spark.
The rest of the morning vanished behind closed doors.
Soft laughter, stifled gasps, and the unmistakable rhythm of bodies moving together echoed faintly from the bathroom not long after.
Hours slipped by before Qin Su finally stepped out of Yuan Ai's residence, hair disheveled, clothes barely presentable, a triumphant spark in his eyes.
"Haha! I can't wait to see her again," he said to himself, stretching with satisfaction. If Yuan Ai hadn't been called away to important meetings and duties, he would've gladly stayed—devoting the entire day to showing her just how deeply he could make her feel.
But such things would have to wait.
For now.
A quiet week drifted by within the Qin Clan, though the air still carried the heaviness of mourning. The loss of several elders, disciples, and Yuan Ai's husband had left a somber shadow over the clan. Funerary incense had only recently faded from the central courtyard.
But life, inevitably, continued.
On this morning, a finely crafted carriage bearing the sigil of the Lute Royal Clan rolled through the Qin Clan gates. The arrival drew immediate attention; Lute Clan envoys rarely visited except for matters of grave importance.
Word quickly reached the newly appointed clan leader, Qin Cai, as well as Yuan Ai.
They both stepped forward as the carriage halted.
The door opened, revealing Yuan Dai—an elegant, middle-aged ambassador in silver-threaded robes. Though poised and authoritative, his expression softened respectfully as he bowed.
"Qin Clan Leader Qin Cai. Lady Yuan Ai. The Lute Royal Clan greets you."
Qin Cai returned the bow with proper form.
"Ambassador Yuan Dai, we welcome you. Please, enter."
They walked together toward the audience hall, servants offering tea as everyone took their seats.
Yuan Dai spoke first, his tone gentle.
"First, allow me to extend condolences from the Lute Royal Family for the losses your clan has suffered. We grieve your fallen members and honor their memory."
Qin Cai nodded, his voice steady but heavy.
"The Qin Clan thanks the Lute Royals for their kindness. We are rebuilding slowly."
Yuan Ai bowed in acknowledgment as well, her gaze calm despite the faint exhaustion beneath it.
Yuan Dai continued, folding his hands thoughtfully.
"There is another reason for my visit—one of significant importance."
Both Qin Cai and Yuan Ai looked to him.
Yuan Dai inhaled.
"His Majesty, the King of the Lute Royal Clan, wishes to propose an alliance… through marriage."
Qin Cai's brows lifted slightly, but he kept composed.
"To whom, may I ask?"
Yuan Dai turned respectfully toward Yuan Ai.
"The proposal is for Lady Yuan Ai to be wed to the Second Prince of the Lute Royal Clan. The prince admires Lady Yuan Ai's strength and grace, and His Majesty believes a union between our clans would be mutually beneficial—especially in the wake of your recent losses."
Qin Cai did not react immediately, choosing to sip his tea with deliberate calm.
He then asked, "And if Lady Yuan Ai declines?"
"Then His Majesty will accept her decision," Yuan Dai answered. "But the offer shall remain open."
He glanced back to Yuan Ai.
"There is also one more matter. The Lute Royals have heard rumors of a powerful, mysterious individual who assisted your clan during the tragedy. If such a person exists within the Qin Clan… His Majesty wishes to express gratitude and perhaps learn more."
Yuan Ai paused for only a second before answering with perfect poise.
"I am honored by His Majesty's proposal, and I deeply respect the Second Prince. But it is not the right time. My clan needs stability. I need clarity. Marriage cannot be rushed."
Qin Cai nodded firmly in support.
"Her words are the Qin Clan's stance as well."
Yuan Dai bowed his head in acceptance.
"Very well. We respect your decision."
"As for the mysterious individual," Yuan Ai continued calmly, "I have no information. Whoever assisted us did so of their own will. We cannot claim to know their identity."
Qin Cai folded his arms.
"And the Qin Clan will not pursue the matter further."
Yuan Dai exhaled, disappointment flickering, but he rose with a courteous smile.
"Thank you for your honesty. I shall report your answer to His Majesty."
The meeting concluded smoothly. Qin Cai escorted the ambassador back to his carriage, while Yuan Ai remained in the hall, hands clasped behind her back, her expression thoughtful.
Little did she know someone else had been listening.
High above the courtyard, perched comfortably atop the tiled roof like an oversized cat, was Qin Su—peach in hand, grin already forming.
He had arrived early, planning to surprise Yuan Ai with a visit…
and instead overheard an ENTIRE royal marriage offer.
When Yuan Dai finished and stepped back into his carriage, Qin Su nearly choked on his peach.
"A marriage proposal?" he whispered, eyes widening.
Then he snorted.
Then he burst into laughter so hard he slapped the roof tiles.
"Hahaha! The Lute Second Prince wants my Yuan Ai? What a brave, clueless fool!"
He pointed dramatically in the direction the carriage left.
"Go home, royal boy! Your luck ran out the moment I walked into her life!"
Still laughing, he jumped down from the roof, landing with swagger that would have embarrassed the heavens.
He wiped juice from his chin, muttering proudly:
"Trying to snatch my woman… Tch! You must be stupid."
Straightening his clothes (and failing), Qin Su walked with confident strides toward Yuan Ai's hall.
"Don't worry, beautiful ," he said, smirking.
"Your man is here to claim you."
He pushed open the doors—
ready for whatever expression would greet him.