Yun Shu remained silent, embracing him tightly, and asked no more questions.
They held each other in a wordless embrace for a long time.
But Zhan Tianye held her with such force, as if someone were about to snatch her away.
"I just had a dream. In it, someone took you away. No matter how I tried to fight, you were like a wisp of wind, beyond my grasp," Zhan Tianye's voice was hoarse, revealing a rare hint of vulnerability.
Yun Shu smiled, gently patting his back, coaxing him like a child, though the firm lines beneath her touch were exquisitely defined. "The decisive and ruthless Night King is afraid of a nightmare? I am right here. As long as I don't want to leave, no one can take me away."
Zhan Tianye's spine stiffened. "Do you see me as a child?"
"No, you are the child's father," Yun Shu suppressed a laugh.
Zhan Tianye kissed her lips forcefully. This kiss was truly passionate, carrying a hint of punishment.
"No, I am a man." Zhan Tianye's voice was even hoarser and deeper than before.
Simply holding her like this, pressed against her soft, graceful curves, he was already exerting his most resilient willpower to restrain himself. He wanted to wait for their wedding night.
That past incident was an accident.
Yun Shu became quiet then, not daring to move. She truly felt his change, her hand on his back felt as if it were being burned by a flame.
The night was cool, yet the two of them were so heated that they broke into a light sweat.
Zhan Tianye kissed her lips fiercely again, then got out of bed. He stood with his back to Yun Shu, his demeanor serious.
"Ning Wang has revealed his hand. The Emperor will agree to your father's resignation. Once your father takes Xiao Li and the others away from the capital, we will also leave soon."
"Yes, after leaving the capital, we will go to Western Xia to avenge Old Master Qin." Yun Shu also composed herself.
However, when Zhan Tianye turned to look at her, his eyes still seemed to hold a lingering tenderness. It was the uncontrollable emotions of a man for a woman who had captured his heart.
Yun Shu's heart fluttered. She had to admit, Zhan Tianye's charisma was not to be underestimated. His gaze could easily make one lose their mind.
Zhan Tianye nodded solemnly. "Yes, to avenge my maternal grandfather."
...
A few days later.
Rumors about the Empress Dowager and the Regent had almost vanished. People's memories were indeed short. In the blink of an eye, they had forgotten the two figures who had stirred up so much bloodshed in the capital.
Even if mentioned, people would only spit in disgust at the affair between the two. More people were discussing General Yun's resignation.
Initially, everyone assumed that since the Emperor had consistently refused General Yun's resignation, he would abandon the idea. However, a rumor that had spread in the last two days suggested that the Emperor would bestow honors upon General Yun to persuade him to stay in the capital.
Once this news spread, many in the capital suddenly realized, General Yun was not satisfied with his current title of Great General and desired an even higher position!
Opinions varied, and the rumors became increasingly outlandish. Voices from within the palace also rose in a cacophony.
Naturally, all these rumors reached Zhan Tianhong. He listened to them for a long time without speaking, making it impossible to discern his emotions.
Just as everyone was anticipating the Emperor bestowing honors upon General Yun, the Emperor actually agreed to his resignation!
The news from the palace was astonishing. The Emperor had been so adamant about keeping him, how could he suddenly agree? Wouldn't that mean General Yun had labored in vain, failing to receive honors and losing his position?
Amidst the chatter, everyone expected Yun Changfeng to find a way to keep his military seal, forcing the Emperor to return his title. But Yun Changfeng, without any hesitation, submitted the military seal!
Zhan Tianhong, looking at the military seal handed to him by a palace servant, suddenly felt a heavy blockage in his chest. That night, in his dream, he saw Yun Changfeng defending him in the imperial court. Because of Yun Changfeng's loyalty, officials with various intentions in the court dared not act rashly. They feared not him, the Emperor, but Yun Changfeng, the Great General.
With this heavy feeling in his heart, Zhan Tianhong opened his eyes and couldn't sleep. He got out of bed. His chest still ached. He seemed to see Yun Shu's wary gaze towards him again. It seemed that during this time, she no longer worried about his health as much as before.
Eunuch Chen, who was guarding the door, saw the figure by the window and immediately stepped forward to ask in a low voice, "Your Majesty, is there anything you need?"
In the darkness of the night, Eunuch Chen's voice suddenly sobered Zhan Tianhong, and his emotions immediately calmed.
"No need." After a cold reply, Zhan Tianhong's expression became resolute. Some things could not be stagnant; one had to move forward. Otherwise, if everything remained in place, would he have to rely on them for his entire life? Becoming a puppet emperor whispered about by officials and commoners alike?
With this thought, Zhan Tianhong returned to his bed, and the blockage in his chest instantly subsided. Later, when things settled, Yun Shu would understand. His fifth brother and General Yun would understand. Being in this position meant not being controlled by others, but rising above them.
"Go and summon the favored beauty," Zhan Tianhong clenched his fist and commanded in a deep voice. Eunuch Chen immediately responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
In the Imperial Garden.
Jiang Luoxi, unable to sleep due to worries, was strolling in the Imperial Garden, accompanied by a palace maid. The maid was an informant arranged by Zhan Tianhong, constantly monitoring her every move. She scoffed inwardly; avoiding them would be effortless.
She was restless because of Ning Wang's previous arrangements for her. If she had succeeded in her scheme against the Night King, carrying his child and causing animosity between the Night King and the Emperor, incurring the populace's disdain, she would not escape unscathed. She might even be silenced by the Night King. Now, seeing clearly, in the Night King's eyes, Yun Shu's son was his son. If she became pregnant, her child would not be a bargaining chip, but would hasten her demise. Coupled with the Emperor...
Had Ning Wang grown indifferent to her? Or did Ning Wang believe she knew too much and intended to silence her? For a moment, Jiang Luoxi's mind was filled with countless speculations.
Suddenly.
Someone approached from ahead. They met head-on.
She ran into the favored beauty. The favored beauty seemed surprised to see Jiang Luoxi. She raised her head slightly with a hint of smugness. "Sister Luo Fei, why are you in the Imperial Garden at this hour?"
Jiang Luoxi looked at the favored beauty with a blank expression and said in a deep voice, "Strolling."
"Sister Luo Fei is truly in high spirits. Younger sister lacks such enthusiasm and time. Younger sister is going to attend to His Majesty now. Sister will pay her respects to Sister Luo Fei another day." The favored beauty walked past with an arrogant and triumphant air.
Jiang Luoxi watched the favored beauty's retreating back and gave a cold, sarcastic smile. A mere clown. Damn it, she had been thinking all night and couldn't figure out Ning Wang's plan.
Soon, the day arrived.