The Princess of Xiliang also sensed Ling Mohan's strong resistance, a slight blush on her lips as she shyly averted her gaze.
Ling Mohan withdrew silently. He was far too familiar with the Princess of Xiliang's profound affection, akin to a hunter's eyes gleaming at prey, which made him extremely uncomfortable.
"Why did you come here? You've left me to deal with the Xiliang envoys alone."
Chu Chenyi finally managed to extricate himself after a long stalemate. Baili Xi of Xiliang was a truly troublesome opponent, seizing upon the slightest imperfection and refusing to let go.
In contrast, the Fifth Princess of Xiliang was gentle-hearted and caused little trouble, even mediating between Baili Xi and the others.
"Damn it, who is that Baili Xi? You seemed to know him just now."
"Baili Xi is a general of Xiliang. His grandfather was once the Marshal of Xiliang. Three years ago, during a battle with Dong Chu, I crossed swords with his grandfather and gained a slight advantage. Marshal Baili could not accept the defeat and died of internal distress."
"Heh, no wonder Baili Xi spoke so ill of you today. So, you were the one who angered his grandfather to death."
He had been injured at the time and was unaware of these events. Only upon hearing Ling Mohan recount them today did he realize the underlying history.
Ling Mohan shot him a glare: "Past events are not worth mentioning. Besides, we fight for our respective sides on the battlefield. By that logic, my enemies are already everywhere."
If Baili Xi truly harbored resentment for this reason, he could do nothing to stop it.
As for the Princess of Xiliang, was she truly so gentle and compliant, or was it mere pretense? If her disposition was truly so mild, sending such a daughter for a political marriage was like a lamb walking into a tiger's den.
"You should be careful of that Princess of Xiliang," Ling Mohan advised kindly.
"I actually think the Princess of Xiliang is quite amiable, much better than that Baili Xi."
Chu Chenyi spoke his mind. During this time, Baili Xi had been constantly provoking and making demands, while the Princess of Xiliang maintained a consistently friendly demeanor.
Ling Mohan looked at Chu Chenyi as if he were an idiot: "Do you know what a 'little white lotus' is?"
This term was taught to him by Feng Jin, and he felt it was quite fitting for the Princess of Xiliang.
"Little white lotus." Chu Chenyi repeated the phrase in confusion, shaking his head blankly. "Is it a type of flower?"
"It refers to women who appear outwardly weak and innocent, but are inwardly deep, calculating, and malicious."
Ling Mohan reiterated the definition Feng Jin had taught him, believing the term "little white lotus" perfectly described the Princess of Xiliang.
"Is that so?" Chu Chenyi asked doubtfully. It seemed different from his own observations. However, having grown up in the treacherous imperial harem, Chu Chenyi had experienced more schemes than meals. He couldn't help but become vigilant, replacing all the personnel at the inn with trusted confidantes.
Ling Mohan also left all his Black Armored Army reconnaissance soldiers behind as a precaution.
After all, the Xiliang envoys were crucial to the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Any disruption would first lead to him and Chu Chenyi being held accountable. Every situation warranted an extra layer of defense.
"Is Lin Yuwei still at your residence?" Chu Chenyi asked, his expression subtly unnatural.
"Feng Jin is currently making arrangements for her to find a husband."
Ling Mohan's nonchalant words exploded in Chu Chenyi's heart.
"What!" Chu Chenyi roared in disbelief. They had not yet divorced, and she was already arranging for a new match so quickly. Lin Yuwei was truly something.
"You are to divorce soon, so naturally, she needs to find a new partner early," Ling Mohan said deliberately, fanning the flames.
Chu Chenyi felt as if a fire were burning in his chest, making him uncomfortable all over, wishing he could drag Lin Yuwei out immediately.
"You're angry?" Ling Mohan asked knowingly.
Chu Chenyi glared at him fiercely, stubbornly refusing to admit it. "How could this king care about a woman?"
As a dignified prince, he could have any woman he desired. With a mere wave of his hand, countless women would flock to him. Why would he care about Lin Yuwei?
It was simply that she had initiated the divorce, which would make him lose face.
Yes, it was precisely because of this that he was so enraged and cared so much. His dignity was at stake and could not be compromised.
Even if a divorce were to happen, it should have been he who proposed it, not Lin Yuwei.
"Tell Lin Yuwei that she has no right to propose a divorce to this king. If there is a divorce, it will be initiated by this king."
With that, Chu Chenyi left, strutting like a peacock displaying its feathers.
Ling Mohan couldn't help but shake his head and sigh. Based on his own experiences, he was certain that Chu Chenyi would one day regret his words until his intestines turned green.
Upon returning to his manor, Ling Mohan immediately went to Feng Jin's location, embracing her and kissing her twice to assuage his longing.
"You're getting saliva all over my face," Feng Jin grumbled in displeasure, wiping the spot where he had kissed her.
"You dare to dislike me?" Ling Mohan muttered indignantly, then bit down firmly on Feng Jin's lips.
Feng Jin yelped in pain. "What are you doing? So many people are watching."
They were in a pavilion, with people coming and going. If they were seen, it would be a great embarrassment.
"What are you afraid of? Even if they see, they wouldn't dare to say a word."
As his words fell, Ling Mohan continued to hold the woman's delicate red lips, savoring the taste. Only when satisfied did he reluctantly pull away.
"So sweet." Ling Mohan licked his lips, as if still relishing something.
The seemingly greasy gesture was, in Ling Mohan's execution, rather alluring and sensual.
Feng Jin stared at him, mesmerized, and didn't snap out of it for a long time.
"Your husband knows he's handsome, but you can't always stare at him, my dear wife."
Ling Mohan detested it most when people commented on his appearance. Yet, now, to please Feng Jin, he didn't mind being seductive.
"Pah, shameless!" Feng Jin suddenly pushed him away, a blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Didn't you go to pick up the Princess of Xiliang? Why are you back so soon?"
"I've received the person, so naturally, I've returned to see my wife." Ling Mohan embraced Feng Jin's slender waist and buried his head in her fair neck, murmuring.
His warm breath on her neck sent a shiver down Feng Jin's spine. She uncomfortably turned her head. "I heard the Princess of Xiliang is a beauty. Did you get a clear look at her?"
Ling Mohan furrowed his brow and pondered for a moment. His mind was filled with a blur. "I didn't see her clearly."