The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.
Moon Pavilion.
Ye Luan reclined on the soft couch by the window, holding Xueqiu. Her dark eyes were fixed on the brocade box on the low table, her gaze slightly dazed.
"Miss."
A series of knocks sounded on the door.
Ye Luan immediately turned her head, "Come in."
Fu Dai pushed the door open and entered, followed by several maids holding chilled fruit platters.
The weather was hot in the summer.
Xiao Chi Zhan had specifically sent people to bring Ye Luan green plums, pomegranates, Hami melons, bird's nest fruits, and her favorite tribute oranges.
These were tribute fruits brought from the Western Regions by express horse, unavailable for purchase in Shangjing.
"The Prince really has a lot of thought for you, Miss."
Ye Luan nodded, then signaled for them to leave.
After everyone had departed, she offered a tribute orange to Fu Dai and inquired, "Any news?"
Fu Dai, being fond of food, smiled as she accepted and replied, "I've gone to check several times. Ting Yu Pavilion has not sent any news, saying they cannot find him."
Upon hearing this, Ye Luan leaned back onto the jade pillow with disappointment, her hand unconsciously stroking Xueqiu, her mind wandering.
"Miss, the young lord Lu has the fortune of the phoenix, he will surely be alright."
Ye Luan didn't speak. She glanced back at the brocade box on the table and sighed.
Although the Han Dan Zhu was rare, it was too late to administer it, and she didn't know how long he could last.
He had no relatives, and Xie Bei Han, high in the imperial court, could not attend to him. Alone and seriously ill, where could he go?
"Meow~"
Suddenly, Xueqiu leaped from her arms onto the window and barked excitedly towards the outside.
Ye Luan started, quickly hid the brocade box, and told Fu Dai to leave.
"Luan Luan."
A moment later, Xiao Chi Zhan flipped in through the window, holding Xueqiu as he entered the room.
He was clad in black robes, his presence stirring the wind.
Ye Luan glanced at him, "The dignified Prince of Ding Bei constantly climbs through windows. If this gets out, will you still be considered human?"
Xiao Chi Zhan raised an eyebrow and sat down by the couch.
He put Xueqiu down, then swept her into his arms, his slightly cool hand cupping her chin.
"Dislike me now?"
Ye Luan pouted, brushed his hand away, and asked, "How is Mu Rou?"
Xiao Chi Zhan held her waist, gently caressing it.
"Not awake."
"Oh, right. I heard people in the mansion say that Tan Tai Ye broke off his engagement with the Duan Qin Wang Mansion and wants to marry Mu Rou."
"Mhm."
Ye Luan scoffed, disdainfully saying, "Mu Rou is unconscious, and he knows how to take advantage of the situation."
Seeing her expression, Xiao Chi Zhan chuckled, "You're quite displeased with him?"
"---"
"He deserves it."
Xiao Chi Zhan, hearing her fiery tone, dared not provoke her further. He sheepishly rubbed his nose, about to change the subject, when he saw her gaze turn suddenly cold.
He paused, hesitantly asking, "What's wrong?"
Ye Luan did not speak. She pushed him away, preparing to get up.
How could Xiao Chi Zhan let her go? He grabbed her waist, lifted her, and pushed his knee between her legs, making her straddle him.
His movements were fluid, seamless.
Ye Luan was caught off guard by his actions and gritted her teeth in annoyance.
"You attacked me again?!"
Xiao Chi Zhan hooked his arms around her waist and pulled her close, a slight smile on his lips, "Who told you your skills were lacking."
"---"
Ye Luan twisted her waist and bumped him with her knees.
Xiao Chi Zhan grunted from her movement and abruptly thrust upwards.
Her body stiffened, and she dared not move.
"You—you're shameless."
Xiao Chi Zhan did not speak, pressing her body down.
Ye Luan sensed something amiss, tilted her head into his neck, and threatened him in a hushed voice.
"You'd better not sleep tonight. I've made a special potion, and I'm going to draw turtles on your face. You won't be able to wash it off."
Xiao Chi Zhan chuckled and lifted his chin, allowing her to nuzzle him.
"It matters not."
Ye Luan, "----"
Inside the room, a faint scent of sandalwood wafted from the large incense burner.
After they spoke for a while, he leaned down, his warm lips falling upon her shoulder and neck.
Ye Luan leaned back slightly, panting, and asked, "Didn't you say before that you'd let the Blood Corpse people teach me martial arts? Are you still teaching me?"
"Yes."
"When?"
Xiao Chi Zhan paused his movements, looked up at her, "Go back to the Northern Palace with me, and I'll take you to the Blood Realm."
"----"
"The Blood Realm is built underground and connected to the Northern Palace. It's convenient for you to stay in the Northern Palace."
Hearing this, Ye Luan said, "Then I won't learn now."
Xiao Chi Zhan offered no objection. He slipped his hand under her clothes, caressing her.
Ye Luan twisted her waist, "Xueqiu is still here."
"It's asleep."
As he spoke, he covered her lips and grasped her.
Ye Luan's back trembled. She casually hooked her arms around his head, responding.
He kissed her fiercely, grinding his lips against hers, repeatedly pressing down. If she moved even slightly, he would hold her tighter.
She tried her best to suppress her ragged breathing, holding his back, steadying her softening body.
"Luan Luan, I want you."
His deep, hoarse voice lingered by her ear, with a hint of seduction.
Ye Luan was dazed, unable to clearly hear. Her ears were filled with their unsteady, mingled breaths, entwined.
She didn't know how long he kissed her. When he finally pulled away, she gasped for air, her body going limp in his arms.
Her full red lips were exquisitely alluring, her eyes brimming with a captivating charm.
Just as she was about to say something, he lifted her chin again, kissed her lips, pried open her teeth, and kissed her deeply and tightly.
Ye Luan pressed against him with her knees, her hands clutching and tugging at his robes.
"Mmm? What's wrong?"
His voice was slightly husky. He kissed his way down her neck.
"My knees hurt."
Her legs had been kneeling on the soft couch for a long time, and they had turned red.
Xiao Chi Zhan immediately lifted her waist, raised her leg, and pressed it against his waist.
Ye Luan instinctively wound her legs around his waist, her hands tightly embracing his neck.
Their previous entanglement had already loosened her clothes, which scattered like flowers to her sides, falling onto him inch by inch.
He lowered his head, kissed her.
"Let's go to the couch."
"Right here."
Ye Luan's eyes were tinged with crimson. She bit her lip, kicking him with her leg.
"No."
Xiao Chi Zhan paused his movements and looked up at her.
He was already a creature of exquisite beauty, and after their entanglement, his lips were flushed, his mesmerizing red eyes filled with desire, and his entire being exuded a decadent allure.
She couldn't help but reach out and touch his eyes, her slightly cool fingertips lingering around them.
"Luan Luan, you don't just like this appearance, do you?"
"---"
Ye Luan glared at him, "Do I look like such a superficial person?"
He remained silent.
"---"
They were at a stalemate for a moment, then he lowered his head and kissed her again.
Ye Luan quickly said, "Not here."
Seeing that she truly disliked it, Xiao Chi Zhan hugged her, stood up, strode to the bed, and pressed her down to kiss her.
"Wait, close the window first."
Xiao Chi Zhan casually waved his hand, and the window was closed. Before Ye Luan could marvel at his internal energy, the room was plunged into darkness.
The bed curtains gradually descended, and a scene of passion unfolded.