Seeing Chen Xiaobei's slightly flustered appearance, Liu Rumei chuckled, "Look at you, I'm not scared that easily."
Chen Xiaobei finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, he kissed her without hesitation.
Chen Xiaobei's kiss carried a mix of complex emotions. Thinking back on their journey, from marrying Liu Rumei in Wannian City to Hetou Village, and now, at least a month had passed before he could finally have his wedding night with Liu Rumei. How much hardship and helplessness there had been, and how many bizarre twists and turns!
Liu Rumei felt Chen Xiaobei's passion, but her mind flashed back to the forbidden books she had secretly borrowed from her good sisters when she was a maiden, the scenes that made one's ears burn. It turned out to be a truly beautiful thing.
After an unknown amount of time kissing, Chen Xiaobei could feel Liu Rumei's body growing warm. He raised his hands and gently unfastened her robes. When his movements ceased, she was like a lotus emerging from the mud, pure and unstained, radiant yet not ostentatious.
Liu Rumei was like a piece of raw jade, emanating a captivating glow, waiting for Chen Xiaobei's carving and exploration.
Chen Xiaobei's eyes were a little hazy, a little drunk. He looked dazed and stammered, "Rumei, you are so beautiful."
Liu Rumei said nothing more. She even leaned closer, whispering into Chen Xiaobei's ear in a very low, somewhat shy voice, "No matter how beautiful I am, only my husband can savor me."
How could Chen Xiaobei resist such ultimate temptation?
If he didn't display his masculine prowess now, he would be letting down the atmosphere of the night.
Without even taking the time to extinguish the oil lamp, Chen Xiaobei impatiently began.
The stars in the sky blinked, shy to witness this human spectacle. Inside the room, it was as if a raging fire was burning, threatening to engulf the entire dark night.
The little dog in the yard retreated into its kennel, blinking its eyes, unaware of what was happening inside the house.
Joyful songs echoed to the heavens. Joy was wild, and it was also brief.
Chen Xiaobei collapsed onto the bed, panting heavily.
Liu Rumei curved her body, leaning her head on Chen Xiaobei's chest.
Playfully, she tilted her ear to listen to his heartbeat.
Then, she smiled sweetly, "Husband, do you like me?"
Chen Xiaobei raised his hand and pinched Liu Rumei's ear, "Of course I do. Otherwise, why would I have married you?"
Liu Rumei shrank back, sliding down by more than a foot.
"Then I want to see how much you like me."
Chen Xiaobei instantly felt Liu Rumei's intense ardor.
"Alright, then my liking is like plum blossoms blooming twice..."
"No, I also know a phrase called 'Plum Blossoms Three Times'..."
There's a good saying: "Straight into the Yellow Dragon, invincible; good scenery in the Immortal's Cave. The humble gate opens for you today, no regrets for mandarin ducks, no envy for immortals."
...
...
The next morning.
Liu Rumei got up early and looked at Chen Xiaobei, who was still sleeping soundly beside her.
A blush of shyness appeared on Liu Rumei's face. After all, this man had been too tired last night.
Dressing herself, Liu Rumei quietly left the room. The little dog in the yard seemed to understand, wagging its tail affectionately at her.
Gently closing the courtyard gate, Liu Rumei walked a short distance and saw that the village guards were already patrolling the village. They greeted her enthusiastically upon seeing her.
Liu Rumei responded while returning to her own residence.
Hearing the courtyard gate open, Xiao Qing rushed out eagerly.
Seeing Liu Rumei's tired face, Xiao Qing burst into a chuckle.
"Miss, you didn't sleep well last night, did you?"
Liu Rumei glared, "You dare to tease me? You're asking for a beating!" Su Dan Novel Network
Xiao Qing turned to leave, and Liu Rumei chased after her. As they were playfully scuffling, a cooing sound was heard, and a pigeon descended in circles.
They stopped their playful fight almost simultaneously. Xiao Qing stepped forward, removed a small bamboo tube from the pigeon's leg, and handed it to Liu Rumei.
Liu Rumei opened the letter and her expression turned grim.
Seeing this, Xiao Qing leaned over and read it, exclaiming, "Miss, the Emperor has brought Master back to Wannian City. This is good news!"
Liu Rumei shook her head slightly and pointed downwards, "The Crown Prince has already retreated to Wannian City."
"Success or failure hinges on this."
"Miss, I think your worries are unnecessary. It will take about a month to mobilize troops from all over the country. As long as the Crown Prince can hold..."
Liu Rumei sighed softly.
"Yes, as long as he can hold it, everything is negotiable. It's the dead of winter now, I just fear..."
She shook her head, "Alright, I need to prepare to teach the villagers."
"Oh, and later, go tell Ziming and Ziliang to prepare some necessities for food and clothing. We'll send them to Uncle Qin Gang in Hulugu."
...
A thousand miles away in Wannian City.
Xiao Jingyun got up as soon as it was dawn. As agreed, today was the day Prince Liu would lead his troops back.
Of course, Prince Liu was bringing supplies and traveling slowly. He had rushed overnight, returning at dawn. Prince Liu would probably not arrive until almost noon, but how could Xiao Jingyun wait?
Zhou Quan stood beside him, looking at the empty official road in the distance, and said with concern, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, let's go back first. Old Prince probably won't be back until noon."
Xiao Jingyun shook his head and pointed into the distance.
"There has been no news for three days, and I feel uneasy."
"But the absence of news might be good news. Perhaps the Great Tǔ Kingdom hasn't dared to challenge us for three days," Zhou Quan said, rather pleased.
"No, although Du Bai has killed two of their generals, the Crown Prince Qiao Na of the Great Tǔ Kingdom has dozens of generals under his command. It's impossible that no one would dare to challenge us."
Hearing his words, Zhou Quan's heart tightened. "Your Highness, you mean they might have taken a detour?"
Xiao Jingyun nodded. "Yes, that's the only explanation."
"They left people to confuse us, while the main force quietly took a detour. That's why it's been quiet for these three days."
Upon hearing Xiao Jingyun's words, Zhou Quan immediately clasped his hands in salute. "Your Highness, I understand. I will send people to scout immediately."
Just then, the sound of horseshoes approached. Du Bai was seen riding up to the city wall and bowing to Xiao Jingyun. "Your Highness, the formation drills are showing some progress. Would you like to see them?"
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand. "I won't watch. As long as the soldiers are proficient in their drills and can fight bravely when encountering the enemy, that's enough."
"By the way, dispatch some men to escort Old Prince. He should be returning today too."
Everything happened as Xiao Jingyun had predicted. At noon, Old Prince Liu returned with his troops. Seeing Xiao Jingyun, he bowed and clasped his hands.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have returned. The enemy's camp has been quiet for three days."
Xiao Jingyun nodded at this. If that were the case, it further confirmed his judgment that Zhu Meng must have taken a detour.