It was noticeably colder after leaving the pass.
They traveled for several days and finally arrived at the capital.
The Crown Prince of Zhongzhou, accompanied by officials, personally came to receive them and escort them to the guesthouse.
"You must be tired from your journey. My father has prepared a banquet. Please grace us with your presence after a moment of rest."
The Crown Prince of Zhongzhou, Qi Linzhou, was clad in a yellow-trimmed long robe, exuding an air of elegance and refinement.
After settling the envoys from various countries, he quietly went to meet Xiao Chizhan.
In the Hall of State.
Xiao Chizhan idly toyed with the saber in his hand, his deep red pupils filled with a cold indifference.
As soon as Qi Linzhou entered, he noticed a woman present and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, smiling, "May I have an introduction, Your Highness?"
"My betrothed princess."
Ye Luan mentally grumbled but smiled and greeted Qi Linzhou.
She was exhausted. Xiao Chizhan was both cautious and possessive, never letting her out of his sight. She had no interest in sitting here and listening to their conversation.
"So it's sister-in-law. Truly a beauty beyond compare."
What was the relationship between Xiao Chizhan and the Crown Prince of Zhongzhou? They seemed very familiar with each other.
"The Crown Prince is too kind," Ye Luan replied humbly, then subtly tugged at Xiao Chizhan's robe and whispered, "I'll wait for you in the inner chamber."
Xiao Chizhan frowned and directly took her hand, "No need. Just sit here."
Seeing this, the smile in Qi Linzhou's eyes deepened.
He casually found a stool and sat down, nodding to Tantai Ye opposite him before speaking.
"Those who arrived yesterday have already met with my father. As for what was discussed, I imagine Your Highness and General can guess."
"Heh," Tantai Ye sneered, swirling the wine cup in his hand. "I'm curious, what did he promise?"
Qi Linzhou smiled and sipped his tea. "I heard from someone yesterday that he met with third brother and they have been associating closely in private."
Ye Luan sat primly in her chair, pretending to drink tea, but her eyes were half-closed, drowsy. Listening to them talk was like listening to a scripture, and she couldn't be bothered.
After a day in the carriage, she was tired and weary.
Now, she envied Lan Murou, who had already gone to rest. It was much better than listening to scriptures here.
As she thought, her mind began to wander.
Zhongzhou was located in the northern region, bordering the northern desert. For Xiao Chizhan to conquer Zhongzhou, he would inevitably be busy, and there would be a day when he couldn't watch her.
Coming to Zhongzhou this time, in another's territory, was the best opportunity for her to leave Xiao Chizhan.
She truly couldn't endure another day of being imprisoned and humiliated like an animal.
"These are local specialties. Guifei Red, Jinru Su. Please try them, sister-in-law."
A light laugh startled Ye Luan from her drowsiness. She quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief and looked up, her eyes now clear.
Two plates of pastries were placed on the table.
Ye Luan smiled faintly, "Thank you, Crown Prince."
Xiao Chizhan glanced at her smile, his alluring red eyes darkening slightly.
"Take it to your room and eat it."
What was he acting up about now?
He wouldn't let her leave, and now that she wasn't leaving, he wanted to drive her away.
Ye Luan grumbled inwardly but smiled outwardly, rose, nodded slightly, and left.
Stepping out of the Hall of State and into the cold wind, she couldn't help but exhale a long breath.
Indeed, after leaving the cage of Youzhou, she felt much freer, and the surveillance was not as strict.
She walked along the corridor around the garden. As she passed a osmanthus garden, a chill ran down her spine, and a wicked voice sounded in her ear.
"Little girl, we meet again."
Ye Luan heard the familiar voice, turned around, and saw Xie Beihan leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed, tilting his chin at her provocatively, smiling seductively.
She quickly backed away. Xiao Chizhan's hidden guards were all around.
"What are you afraid of? They've all been stopped. No one will bother us."
Ye Luan didn't want to deal with him and turned to leave.
Seeing her unable to evade him, Xie Beihan directly grabbed her hand, his voice turning cold.
"You smile so enchantingly at Xiao Chizhan, but you're as cold as ice towards me. The difference is too great."
His cold, snake-like hand held her tightly.
Ye Luan felt sick to her stomach, but she couldn't shake him off.
"Let go."
Xie Beihan narrowed his phoenix-like eyes, curled his lips, and said, 'I won't.'
"Is the Crown Prince of Bei Qi so shameless as to pester a woman?"
"Shameless?" Xie Beihan chuckled softly. "This is the first time I've been so insulted by a woman."
Saying that, he suddenly leaned closer, gave a gentle pull, and drew her into his arms, pressing her against the red pillar behind her.
The man's breath rushed over her, enveloping her.
Ye Luan was furious and directly bent her knees, kicking him hard in his most sensitive spot.
Xie Beihan's eyebrows shot up, and he immediately clamped her legs shut, his handsome, wicked face smiling without warmth. "So vicious. You want me to be unable to have descendants."
"Let go!"
The resistance and disgust in her eyes were not concealed at all.
A cold sneer flashed in his beautiful phoenix eyes. He leaned down and gently sniffed the faint fragrance emanating from her.
"Tsk, you smell so good."
You perverted lunatic.
Ye Luan looked at him coldly. "If Xiao Chizhan comes out and sees this, do you believe he'll kill you?"
Hearing this, the smile on Xie Beihan's lips deepened, sending a chill down one's spine.
"To die beneath the peony, one dies a romantic ghost."
Damn it, you crazy lunatic.
"Doesn't the Crown Prince have pity for a damsel in distress? You're hurting my hand."
Her hands were restrained by him, and they hurt terribly.
Xie Beihan saw that her hands had indeed turned pale and slightly loosened his grip. As he looked down at her, he let out a wicked smile.
"Isn't it good to follow me? I cherish beautiful women far more than that lunatic Xiao Chizhan."
They were all lunatics of the same ilk.
She looked at him coldly and sneered, "Does the Crown Prince like to use what others have used? Isn't it dirty?"
The moment she spoke, his cold index finger rested on her red lips.
"Shh, don't say that. I only like you. I only want you."
Ye Luan directly opened her mouth and bit him hard.
He seemed immune to pain, lowering his eyes to look at her with a smile.
"Bite harder."
Seeing her recoil in disgust, Xie Beihan raised an eyebrow. "Do I really make you this disgusted?"
"Since the Crown Prince knows, why do you still pester me? It's beneath you."
"Tsk, your words really hurt." He paused, then blinked at her innocently. "But the more you dislike me, the more I like you. What can I do?"
"You're purely asking for it."
Ye Luan's words made Xie Beihan laugh even more heartily.
"Yes, I think you're quite right."
Saying that, he was about to lean in when, from the garden not far away, a voice, gentle yet laced with coldness, rang out.
"Beihan, let her go."
Ye Luan turned her head and saw Lu Feibai sitting in a wheelchair, looking at them indifferently.
A flash of surprise crossed her eyes. "Jingzhi."
Xie Beihan turned his head and saw the newcomer. Disappointment flashed in his beautiful phoenix eyes, and he released her.
He took out a handkerchief from his embrace, lightly wiped his hand, and smiled, "You're quite quick to arrive."