Jian Qinyan's heart was in turmoil. She pursed her red lips, fiddling with her fingers, not daring to look up at Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao, however, was almost captivated.
Her shy demeanor was like that of a bride adorned in fiery wedding robes, bashful and radiant.
A beauty that surpassed the mortal realm!
Liang Xiao gently closed the door and walked up to Jian Qinyan, whispering, "Wife?"
"Here I am..." Jian Qinyan's voice was as faint as a mosquito's, still avoiding his gaze.
Liang Xiao smiled tenderly and took Jian Qinyan's delicate, jade-like hands.
Jian Qinyan trembled violently but allowed Liang Xiao to hold her, not daring to breathe.
"The reason I hid my identity is complex, not something I can explain in a few words," Liang Xiao sighed.
Having dealt with drug traffickers and cartels, he was accustomed to being alone and had cultivated a habit of caution.
He couldn't reveal too much to his loved ones simply because they were family, lest it create complications or cause them worry.
After all, his family was always there. When the time was right, they would naturally know.
"I've thought about it, and I don't blame you at all..." Jian Qinyan responded weakly.
Relieved, Liang Xiao gently lifted Jian Qinyan's chin.
Gazing at the girl's blushing face, Liang Xiao couldn't resist kissing her.
Jian Qinyan merely allowed Liang Xiao's kiss, offering no resistance.
After the kiss, Liang Xiao looked at Jian Qinyan's flushed face and said softly, "I will never force you, because you are my woman, and you now..."
Tears welled up in Jian Qinyan's eyes again. She whispered, "I was already prepared to give myself to you... However, I still feel that you should become the驸马 first... Princess Ningshuang, she is the one you should never fail in this life, and she is rightfully your first woman."
Liang Xiao was stunned, then nodded solemnly, "I promise you. But remember, there is no 'first' or 'most.' You are all equally important, and none should be let down."
Jian Qinyan lowered her head again, stammering, "If you truly want to, you can... after all, you've kept your promise..."
Liang Xiao gazed at Jian Qinyan with deep affection and whispered comfort, "In the most sacred of moments, I want you to be completely at ease, and then become my woman, leaving no regrets or guilt, nor any lingering reservations."
Jian Qinyan finally mustered her courage, raised her head, and looked deeply into Liang Xiao's eyes, initiating a tender kiss.
After a long while, Jian Qinyan reluctantly pulled away from Liang Xiao's lips, murmuring, "How many lifetimes of good fortune have I accumulated to meet a man like you..."
The one who had gained an advantage, savoring the sweetness on his lips, smiled, "Don't just be moved. I will still take the benefits I deserve. When the night of our wedding comes, and you are completely at ease, your husband will truly deal with you, you little enchantress!"
This little enchantress had stirred his blood multiple times, yet she always liked to tease him. How could he let her off easily!
That day was fast approaching!
"Oh, okay..." Jian Qinyan glanced at Liang Xiao, a mix of shame and annoyance, then bravely responded before lowering her head again, "In short, don't hold back..."
Liang Xiao was taken aback, looking at Jian Qinyan, finding her more endearing the more he looked. He couldn't resist kissing her again.
Jian Qinyan murmured, "Ah~ I'm finished..."
"What's wrong?" Liang Xiao asked curiously.
"Facing you, I feel like I'm turning into a lovesick fool. What should I do?" Jian Qinyan asked shyly.
Liang Xiao was speechless, then chuckled.
Although she no longer cared whether he was the Carefree Young General, upon discovering the truth, she still couldn't help but lose her composure...
Even her loss of composure was exquisitely beautiful!
Liang Xiao, with a playful spirit, smiled and retorted, "What do you think should be done?"
Jian Qinyan, blushing, stole a glance at Liang Xiao and tentatively asked, "Can I admire you like Yue Lian does?"
Liang Xiao was startled, "Ah!"
"Ah..." Jian Qinyan still kept her head down, shyly echoing.
Liang Xiao embraced Jian Qinyan and whispered,
"How can I be so fortunate to have the esteemed Qin Xian of this era so infatuated with me."
"How can I be so fortunate to earn your lifelong affection..." Jian Qinyan mumbled.
"More than just this lifetime. Shall we vow to be together for all eternity?" Liang Xiao asked.
Jian Qinyan was deeply moved and obediently agreed, "Mmm~ Forever and ever!"
Liang Xiao then said, "Then just be yourself. I adore you in every way. Your flower-picking rogue is on the verge of being completely smitten by you. Be careful not to be devoured."
Jian Qinyan was both shy and delighted, tentatively asking, "Then, can I continue to tease you?"
Liang Xiao's breath hitched. He smiled and nodded, "Your teasing is equally exquisite. I like it very much!"
"Aow~ Then I'm relieved~" Jian Qinyan became happy.
Liang Xiao was even happier: let her continue to be mischievous. When the time came for their wedding night, with a "righteous cause," he would settle scores with her properly!
At this moment, the innocent girl had no idea that when she was "devoured" by Liang Xiao as a maiden, no amount of begging would help!
Their tender affection lasted for a long time, until Jian Qinyan weakly said, "I need to change my clothes. You..."
The person in question finally revealed his brazen face, "Can't your husband even take this small advantage?"
Jian Qinyan blushed again, giving Liang Xiao a resentful look, "Hmph, then I'll tease you tomorrow~"
Liang Xiao: ...
This "debt" was definitely noted down.
Under the covers, Jian Qinyan, with a red face, listened to Liang Xiao tell her about the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, her eyes filled with a lingering gaze.
"Is Liang Xiao at home?"
Li Xiuyun and his group, returning from the battlefield, visited with Zhuo Zifang. Upon learning that Liang Xiao was sleeping, they were also taken aback.
Hadn't they just won a battle, tallied the casualties, and were about to award merits?
This fellow was actually sleeping, actually sleeping, sleeping, sleeping...
Zhuo Zifang recovered and said with a wry smile, "Perhaps he's tired. Let him rest!"
Ding Wuyi beside him had a strange look in his eyes but ultimately held back his words.
Tired?
Shi Liuyun smiled, "Marquis Anguo truly acts in unexpected ways. Let's have the celebration tomorrow. The soldiers are indeed weary. The Jiangnan Cavalry will be responsible for tonight's guard duty!"
After deliberation, everyone dispersed.
In the quiet of the night, to avoid disturbing the populace, Li Xiuyun did not immediately send word of their victory to the people.
However, some villagers who couldn't sleep and went out to inquire received satisfactory answers and returned home with joy.
The battle for Lu Zhou city had resulted in the killing and capture of over a hundred thousand enemies, including some cooks, and the seizure of countless supplies and weapons!
The next morning, Jian Qinyan, with her arm linked through Liang Xiao's, tried hard to remain composed, but the blush on her face refused to fade.
She had only intended to feign stubbornness and utter a casual "threat," but the flower-picking rogue's hands had become increasingly audacious, utterly wicked!
Qin Xin secretly glanced at Jian Qinyan, her heart filled with joy: Finally, the mistress's expectations were not disappointed!
Qin Xin had been ordered to find Liang Xiao to deliver the Sunset Bow and intelligence on the Jinling Painting Immortal, and also to monitor whether Liang Xiao and Jian Qinyan had consummated their marriage.
From Qin Xin's perspective: This was now stable! No need to worry about Miss Qinyan losing favor in the future!
Jian Qinyan now dared not even speak. How could she explain? She simply sat obediently beside Liang Xiao, holding his arm as if afraid he might be taken away.
Yue Lian also obediently held Liang Xiao's other arm.
Zhuo Xun watched this, her envious eyes practically bloodshot.
What about me? Where can I hold?
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, things seem to be progressing smoothly..." Chen Shaoling, looking at Jian Qinyan's shy demeanor, finally revealed a smile of maternal relief, even forgetting to ask about Liang Xiao's role as the Carefree Young General last night.
Zhuo Xiong, seeing his younger sister's pouting face, couldn't help but "tsk tsk."
How long had they known each other, and she was already turning into a girl who cared not for her family!
Only Zhuo Zifang couldn't sit still and said, "Liang Xiao, Eunuch Ding will come to see you shortly. I have a few words I'd like to discuss with you..."