Xiao King Nalan Yi

She doesn't know how distant forever is, but will their meeting in this lifetime truly be without regrets and become a comforting reliance for each other?

"Su Zimo, I won't force you. I understand that matters of the heart can't be rushed. I just want you to trust me once."

As Su Zimo maintained her stoic expression, Mu Yunxuan felt a tinge of helplessness, his eyes filled with desolation.

"I'm tired." Three words were all that she uttered amidst a thousand thoughts.

Mu Yunxuan's grip on her shoulders tightened slightly, pain crossing his handsome face.

Su Zimo's heart sank; she realized she had hurt him.

"I'm sorry. Please give me some time." Su Zimo instinctively apologized, even though she couldn't see his face, she could hear his heart, she could feel his pain from moments ago.

"I'll take you back to rest!" Mu Yunxuan said softly. He was willing to wait, as long as she could give him a chance.

Leading Su Zimo to a room, Mu Yunxuan observed her as she oscillated between being cold, lazy, mischievous, and angry—every aspect ingrained in his memory.

She was the first woman he didn't detest being close to, the one he wanted to approach willingly and obsessively. If this feeling was akin to love, then he truly loved her! The realization made his deep and radiant eyes fluctuate, his inner turmoil refusing to settle for a long time.

The courtyard they entered was grander and more luxurious than an average wealthy family's. Adjacent to Bishui Lake was a separate small courtyard teeming with peach blossoms and various exotic flowers and plants.

Mu Yunxuan guided Su Zimo into the room, which was spotless. One glance was enough to tell that someone cleaned it diligently every day.

"You rest for a while!"

Mu Yunxuan reached out to help her remove her coat and lifted the quilt for her to lie down. Su Zimo's heart instantly became anxious, but it quickly eased. She was nervous, but Mu Yunxuan wouldn't mistreat her.

"Is there anyone else here?" Su Zimo suddenly raised the question.

"No, there isn't anyone else here. It's just the two of us. The others are in the backyard, and there aren't many of them. They have all been instructed to stay behind and guard, but without my permission, they wouldn't dare to come to the front yard."

"Why?"

"No specific reason. I prefer places where only the cleaning staff is allowed to enter."

Mu Yunxuan responded with a smile. Was she worried? Yes, he did have the intention of making her his.

"Weirdo." Su Zimo closed her eyes, the corners of her lips involuntarily curving upwards. Mu Yunxuan's words echoed in her mind, and unconsciously, she fell into a sweet slumber—perhaps too exhausted, she slept deeply.

Mu Yunxuan gazed at her quietly. She appeared harmless in her sleep, her beautiful face radiating a gentle glow. Her eyelashes were thin and delicate like wings, her lips untouched and vermilion, exuding a captivating allure that made one desire a kiss. The curve of her slightly parted lips was particularly eye-catching. Mu Yunxuan's gaze lingered on her delicate lips, and the memory of that morning flooded his mind. Although it had been a fleeting moment, the delightful taste remained etched in his memory, fresh and vivid.

Mu Yunxuan's throat bobbed as he leaned down unconsciously. His sexy lips met her crimson ones, still soft and vivid in his memory. He couldn't help but graze his lower lip against hers, experiencing the sweet and soft sensation. A subtle current accompanied the touch, coursing through his body, causing his long eyelashes to tremble and his heart to stir. Her beautiful face stiffened slightly, her peach blossom eyes, usually cold, now shimmered with ripples akin to disturbed springwater.

"Knock knock...!" A gentle knock interrupted them, and beneath her long lashes, a flicker of anger surged—her interrupted beauty! Roused from her sleep, reluctantly detached. Mu Yunxuan turned around and opened the door, his expression a cold and angry glare directed at the pink-clad woman before him.

In a low, icy voice, he demanded, "Feng Yin, who allowed you to enter without this lord's permission?"

"Holy Lord, Feng Yin heard from her father that the Holy Lord was here and wanted to come and see what the Holy Lord required."

Feng Yin resembled a blooming hibiscus, her pink attire accentuating her elegance.

"Bring the ingredients for the day and help prepare a few sets of fine dresses for the lady to send over. At other times, without the honza's permission, you are not to step foot in the water garden."

Mu Yunxuan's words left no room for ambiguity—unless necessary, no one was allowed to enter.

"Yes, Holy Lord. Feng Yin understands."

Feng Yin lowered her head and retreated, but her mind raced, contemplating the identity of the lady Mu Yunxuan spoke of. There had been no news of the Holy Lord's marriage on the mountain. Could her father be hiding something from her?

"It's the Holy Lord. Feng Yin takes her leave."

Before Feng Yin could turn around, Mu Yunxuan swiftly closed the door.

Feng Yin stared at the door for a moment, wondering who this woman would be that would become the Holy Lord's wife. She yearned to meet her.

Su Zimo woke up from her deep slumber to find it was already dark. Although she couldn't see, she could sense the darkness. Had she been sleeping deeply? Yet, she felt refreshed.

Stretching lazily, Su Zimo turned over and asked, "Are you awake?" A joyous and melodious voice gently entered her consciousness.

Su Zimo turned her head, realizing that Mu Yunxuan didn't address her as "lady" anymore. It was a bit unfamiliar to her.

"Mmm! Is it nighttime?" Su Zimo fumbled.

"Mmm!" Mu Yunxuan replied, crouching down to help her put on her shoes.

Uncle Ran entered with a few maids carrying a meal and coincidentally witnessed the scene. Among the maids was Feng Yin.

Observing Mu Yunxuan's actions, Feng Yin nearly dropped the things in her hands but managed to steady herself swiftly. She discreetly shot Su Zimo a glance, her eyes flickering with different emotions.

Even Uncle Ran was astonished. He was momentarily dumbfounded but quickly regained his composure and instructed the maid to place the dishes on the table.

"Bring me a glass of water. My mouth feels a bit dry."

Su Zimo moistened her parched lips and blushed faintly. She had just woken up from a dream—a dream involving Mu Yunxuan. The image swiftly crossed her mind. Unconsciously, she felt a sweet and warm sensation, and under the candlelight, her beauty intensified.

"Fetch a glass of water for Madame," Dye Bo instructed the maid behind him.

"No need, I'll go. Leave the two here to serve, and the rest can leave!" Ran Bo waved his hand, dismissing the other maids and leaving only Feng Yin and himself.

Mu Yunxuan helped Su Zimo sit down and quickly poured a glass of water, which he then fed to her personally. He also handed her a bowl and chopsticks for her to use, confirming that she truly couldn't see.

"Thank you!" Su Zimo expressed her gratitude after taking a sip of water, feeling more comfortable.

Attempting to handle the bowl and chopsticks herself, Su Zimo realized the inconvenience of not being able to see. It was troublesome, and she hoped her vision would return within three days. She cursed Jun Landian in her heart for daring to block her, vowing to make him suffer by having Qi Er poison him.

"Don't move, I'll feed you," Mu Yunxuan insisted, grabbing the bowl and chopsticks from her hands.

"Mu Yunxuan, you're crazy! I'm not a three-year-old child, just give it back to me!" Su Zimo protested, refusing to be treated like a helpless child.

"You! Why are you so stubborn?" Mu Yunxuan didn't back down, taking the bowl and chopsticks firmly from her. Leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, "If you insist on refusing, I'll feed you with my mouth right here in front of Ran Bo."

Su Zimo's lips twitched, realizing that Mu Yunxuan was capable of such a bold move.

"Mu Yunxuan, you're disgusting! You..." Her voice carried a strange mixture of anger and coquettishness, sounding playful to outsiders.

Feng Yin's expression darkened, and Ran Bo pushed her to start arranging the dishes.

Worried that Mu Yunxuan might actually follow through with his threat, Su Zimo reluctantly allowed him to take control. She observed how gentle and caring he was in that moment, making her aware that Mu Yunxuan was capable of being tender and loving towards women, but only to the ones he cared about.

Night fell, and intrigue filled the air.

King Yu resided in his private courtyard within the Haoyue Kingdom.

The room was permeated with a faint scent reminiscent of dragons.

After taking a bath, King Yu lounged lazily on the bed while two maids massaged him.

In front of him, Yi Yunyu reported on the day's events.

Listening attentively, King Yu leisurely sipped his tea.

"I never expected Su Qi to be so formidable. Did you manage to see how he used his methods to manipulate the minds of those two men?" King Yu inquired.

"Your Highness, it was too far away. Yi Yunyu didn't witness it," Yi Yunyu replied.

"Go investigate. The Eight Great Mysterious Tools have been missing for over a decade. Su Zimo and her family founded the Mingyue Villa, and they have encountered smooth sailing throughout. Although Murong Shaofeng secretly aided them, there seems to be some mysterious Xuanqi assisting them as well."

"Yes, Your Highness. I will personally look into it," Yi Yunyu affirmed before taking his leave.

Murong Zeyu raised his hand, signaling the two maids behind him to stop.

"Do you want to stay and rest, Your Highness?" He Yunting asked.

"Hmm, fetch me a robe," Murong Zeyu responded, feeling a bit tired.

He chuckled inwardly, mocking Murong Shaofeng for unintentionally working for someone else's benefit.

At the Bright Moon Villa, Murong Shaofeng and He Yunting sat under the octagonal pavilion, surrounded by enchanting camellia flowers in the garden.

"Shao Feng, are you still blaming yourself? You have done enough for Momo. It's understandable to make mistakes occasionally. Momo is resilient, and with Qi Er's elixir, she will be fine," He Yunting comforted.

"It's not just about self-blame. It's also that I failed to prevent Momo from returning to the capital of the Haoyue Kingdom. Since she came back, she has been constantly getting injured. Unlike when we were at the border, I could be by their side to protect them," Murong Shaofeng expressed his regrets, gazing at the blooming camellia flowers that reminded him of Momo's radiant smile.

"Shao Feng, you've done more than enough for Momo, and she appreciates it. Many things she understands in her heart," He Yunting reassured him, his eyes filled with sympathy.

Even He Yunting, as a man, couldn't openly express his love for Momo due to the constraints of his identity.

"I feel like I haven't done enough because I love her so much," Murong Shaofeng confessed. "But what I truly admire is her determination, self-confidence, and her unwavering dedication, which have led to the establishment of the Bright Moon Villa. Some things are not achieved by mere success but through continuous effort to fulfill each other's desires..."

A loud bang interrupted their conversation, alerting them that someone had intruded upon the Bright Moon Villa.

He Yunting's eyes filled with killing intent, ready to confront the intruders.

"This is not good. Someone has broken into the Bright Moon Villa," he exclaimed.

"Let's go!" Murong Shaofeng and He Yunting hurriedly rushed towards the villa's gate.

At the entrance, Su Qi and Su Li stood on one side, while Liu Yue led a group of black-clad masked individuals facing them.

"Qi'er, Quercus, what's happening here?" He Yunting anxiously inquired upon arrival.

"Uncle He, they came to hunt down and kill that prince. The prince ended up trespassing into the Mingyue Villa, and the pursuers followed him inside," Su Qi explained, pointing to a handsome teenager dressed in a similar ethnic costume, who appeared to be around twelve years old.

Judging by their attire, Murong Shaofeng and He Yunting deduced that the intruder was likely a member of the royal family of Lixia Kingdom.

"Indeed, he seems to be from the royal family of Lixia Kingdom. I heard that the new emperor who ascended the throne six months ago has only one twelve-year-old son, who was immediately appointed as King Xiao and was granted his own mansion," Murong Shaofeng calmly stated.

"So, he's that Xiao King? The identity of his mother, the queen, is also quite mysterious. With only one son, it's strange that he wasn't named the crown prince. How did he manage to become a king?" He Yunting examined the young man carefully, feeling puzzled.

"The attire he's wearing is the distinctive clothing of the prince and Wang Ye of the Lixia Kingdom's royal family. The most notable feature is the yellow dragon-shaped crystal stone on his belt, which symbolizes the royal status of the Lixia Kingdom. As for their affairs within the Lixia Kingdom, I am not very well-informed."

Murong Shaofeng had limited knowledge about the royal family of the Lixia Kingdom, but as a prince, he would send envoys to various countries each year for study purposes.

"Hmph! How could these rare individuals infiltrate the Bright Moon Villa so skillfully? This villa has become a sanctuary," He Yunting commented, expressing his displeasure.

He Yunting placed his hand on Murong Shaofeng's shoulder, indicating that Liu Yue had already taken care of the black-clothed masked individuals.

After the last one fell, Liu Yue nodded at them and departed with her fellow sisters.

At that moment, the young boy approached, accompanied by a white-clothed boy who had blood stains on his garments, indicating that he was injured.

"I appreciate the rescue, Guizhuang. One of my subordinates is injured. Could we rest here for another night?" the young man requested.

The young man had clear eyebrows and a natural air of arrogance, exuding an aura of nobility in every movement.

"Are you the prince of the Lixia Kingdom?" Murong Shaofeng inquired.

The teenager didn't expect to be recognized by anyone.

The white-clothed boy behind him warily looked at Murong Shaofeng. "Who are you?" he asked with caution.

"I am Murong Shaofeng, the prince of the Xingyue Kingdom's main palace," Murong Shaofeng revealed without concealing his identity.

"It's you! King Ben has heard about you! I am Xiao Wang Nalanyi," the boy introduced himself.

"Li'er, Qi'er, let King Xiao stay here for the night," Murong Shaofeng instructed, looking at Su Li.

Su Li's expression remained impassive as he replied, "As long as his identity is verified, I have no objections. Uncle He, please make the arrangements."

"Don't worry, Quercus. You all can return and rest," He Yunting assured them.

Su Li glanced at Nalan Yi and then turned to Su Qi. "Qi'er, go back to Mingyuexuan."

"Okay! So it's King Xiao, huh? Rest well tonight. No one will harm you within the Bright Moon Villa," Su Qi said, expressing her gratitude.

"Thank you!" Nalan Yi sincerely thanked Su Qi and looked at her, surprised to see their striking resemblance.

"Wait! Brother," Su Zimo suddenly called out.

"What's wrong?" Su Li turned around.

Murong Shaofeng and He Yunting also turned their attention to her.

"Brother, I'm about to have a breakthrough," Su Zimo quickly sat down cross-legged on the ground.

Mu Yunfan and Murong Xingchen, who had just arrived at the Mingyue Villa, listened intently.

Both of their lips twitched simultaneously, realizing that Su Qi was an extremely determined and formidable individual.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you while you cultivate," Su Li reassured her.

Su Zimo felt overjoyed upon hearing this, as Su Qi's cultivation would improve with higher Xuan Qi levels, enabling her to refine superior elixirs.

A golden light enveloped Su Qi as she swiftly advanced to the eighth stage of the Golden Xuan Period.

Nalan Yi and Mu Jin, his guard, looked astonished. An eight-stage Golden Xuan expert at such a young age was remarkable.

Su Qi stood up, patting her little buttocks triumphantly. "I'm done, brother. Let's go."

Su Li was always fond of his younger siblings and would usually agree unless it was an unreasonable request.

"The bond between the two brothers is so strong!" Nalan Yi said enviously as he observed their interactions.

"Naturally," He Yunting replied. "Qinglian, escort King Xiao and this prince to their accommodations."

"Of course," Qinglian stepped forward. "King Xiao, Gongzi, please follow me."

"Thank you!" Nalan Yi expressed his gratitude to Su Qi before leaving with Mu Jin, following Qinglian.

"Why are you here?" Murong Shaofeng asked Murong Xingchen and Mu Yunfan.

"Brother Huang, am I not allowed to come here? You moved to the Mingyue Villa, and I just moved to another courtyard. Are you hiding from me?" Murong Xingchen complained, looking at Murong Shaofeng.

"Why would I hide from you? I just didn't expect you to come," Murong Shaofeng responded, puzzled.

"What about you? Why are you hiding from Hongu?" Murong Xingchen turned to He Yunting.

"I'm not hiding from you!" He Yunting said with a smile. "Butler He, please arrange two rooms for us as well."

"Sure, please follow me to the guest rooms," Butler He responded.

Murong Xingchen smiled at Mu Yunfan, as the two of them had spent the entire afternoon struggling with such a simple matter.

"Feeling cold?" Mu Yunfan adjusted Su Zimo's clothing.

"It's not cold during the summer," Su Zimo replied.

After dinner, Mu Yunfan took Su Zimo to the octagonal pavilion by the blue water lake.

"The mountains may be cooler than the capital, especially at night," Mu Yunfan remarked.

"I didn't expect you to appear cold, yet take such good care of others," Su Zimo commented, unable to see the starry sky or the beautiful flowers.

"That's because you're the one I care about. Between people, understanding is essential, while misunderstandings should be minimized. With a personality as valuable as gold, I, Mu Yunfan, want to be a good husband and father once I recognized you," Mu Yunfan expressed sincerely.

"Where did you learn all this?" Su Zimo suddenly felt that, as a person from the twenty-first century, she wasn't as open-minded as those from ancient times.

"It seems to be from books," Mu Yunfan replied with a smile, his deep eyes fixed on her.

"Alright! I'll stay here for a few days. The opening of my thirteen shops is approaching, and I can't stay here indefinitely," Su Zimo agreed without much thought.

Little did she know that by agreeing, she had already harbored feelings for him for a long time.

"It's getting late. Let's head back," Su Zimo suggested. Despite the magnificent starry sky, she could only perceive its beauty through the scents of the enchanting flowers.

"Alright!" Mu Yunfan stood up. No matter how splendid the starry sky was, it meant nothing to him if Su Zimo couldn't see it.

After returning to their room, Mu Yunfan began unfastening his wide robes, causing Su Zimo to furrow her brows in disapproval.

"Mu Yunfan, there can't be just one bed here!"

"You're right, there's only one bed," Mu Yunfan responded mischievously, his gaze playful as he observed her growing nervous.

"No, you..." Su Zimo protested.

"Do you still think it's necessary to object? We've shared a bed more than once or twice," Mu Yunfan stated matter-of-factly.

"This is different from the previous times when you snuck in!" Su Zimo retorted, her face flushed with anger.

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