Chapter 110: "I Want to Charge Into Battle for the Princess"
The palace corridors stretched endlessly, leading Xiao Yan and Yao Ye to a serene and elegant palace.
"Xingye Palace?" Xiao Yan glanced at the ornate plaque above the doorway.
"Nice name."
Yao Ye's crimson lips curved slightly, and she led Xiao Yan inside with a composed smile.
"Your Highness," two maids at the entrance greeted Yao Ye with slight bows, their gazes filled with surprise as they noticed Xiao Yan behind her.
The princess had never brought a man back to her quarters before.
"You may leave us. I have some important matters to discuss with Mr. Xiao Yan."
With a dismissive wave, Yao Ye sent the maids away. They exchanged curious glances but obeyed without question.
"Please, come in, Mr. Xiao Yan," Yao Ye said, her tone steady, though her sparkling eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness.
"Didn't you want to discuss Dou Techniques?" Xiao Yan asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
Yao Ye's face flushed slightly before she responded in a tone that was part annoyed, part teasing.
"Do I look like I'm dressed for practicing Dou Techniques?"
"Oh." Xiao Yan nodded thoughtfully.
"That's true, you have a point."
Without further question, he followed Yao Ye into the palace. As expected of a royal princess, her chambers were even more exquisite than Ya Fei's, filled with a subtle, refined fragrance that heightened its elegance.
"Take a seat and have some tea to sober up. I'll change into something more suitable," Yao Ye said, pouring him a cup of steaming tea before gracefully retreating into an adjoining room.
An Unexpected Development
Moments later, the sound of splashing water echoed from the side room, and Xiao Yan's heart involuntarily skipped a beat.
"The royal family really knows how to play," he mused inwardly.
The water's melody lingered for a while, long enough for the tea in Xiao Yan's hand to cool. At last, the sounds ceased, and under the flickering candlelight, a figure emerged.
Yao Ye stepped into view, draped in a bathrobe that barely clung to her graceful curves. The dim light highlighted her snow white skin, which seemed to glow with an ethereal allure.
"Princess Yao Ye, why haven't you changed into training clothes? How can we practice Dou Techniques like this?" Xiao Yan asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"What Dou Techniques?!" Yao Ye blushed furiously, yet she continued walking toward him with unwavering resolve.
Her graceful figure moved with an air of determination, the robe slipping slightly to reveal even more of her porcelain skin.
"Oh, if we're not practicing Dou Techniques, should I take my leave?" Xiao Yan asked innocently.
With a soft thud, the bathrobe slid from her shoulders to the floor.
"What are you doing?" Xiao Yan instinctively raised his hands to shield his eyes, though the gaps between his fingers betrayed his feigned modesty.
"Stop pretending, Mr. Xiao Yan," Yao Ye's voice trembled slightly with embarrassment, anger, and a tinge of sadness.
"If you didn't have those intentions, why would you agree to come here? I'm just a humble princess. What else could possibly interest you?"
"I came here as a friend, Your Highness. How could you think otherwise? Xiao Yan is a man of integrity," he replied with mock sincerity.
"Stop insulting me!" Yao Ye's voice cracked, carrying both shame and sorrow.
Hearing the fragility in her tone, Xiao Yan's heart softened. He lowered his hands and stood up with a gentle smile.
"Princess Yao Ye, you've read me perfectly."
Yao Ye said nothing, closing her eyes as a faint blush spread across her cheeks.
In the dim light, she felt herself being lifted by a pair of strong arms.
That night, the starlit Xingye Palace shone with a spring like radiance.
Morning Reflections
By the time the sun was high in the sky, the room was filled with the faint aroma of incense. Dressed in a fresh court gown, Yao Ye rested her chin on her hand, gazing blankly at Xiao Yan.
"Am I cheap?" she asked suddenly.
"You're starting to sound like Ya Fei," Xiao Yan replied, unsure of her sudden introspection.
Women were an enigma even to Xiao Yan, despite his experience.
"I practically threw myself at you. Don't men look down on women who make the first move?" Yao Ye's expression was complicated.
"No, not me." Xiao Yan shook his head solemnly.
"In fact, I like bold women," he added silently, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Don't you think I'm only doing this to gain something from you?" she asked hesitantly.
"I know. You're drawn to the power behind me. You want to solidify our connection," Xiao Yan said, taking a sip of tea. "But if I didn't find you attractive, your plans would have failed."
Yao Ye froze. His response was unexpected, yet oddly reassuring.
"Don't overthink it. Be like Ya Fei just focus on being my woman. That's all you need to worry about," Xiao Yan added casually, his tone light but firm.
"By the way, I think your court attire is too plain. Next time, wear an empress's robes. I'd like you even more in that."
His words made Yao Ye's heart skip a beat. Her conflicted gaze lit up with newfound determination.
"She likes the idea of holding power, doesn't she?" Xiao Yan noted with a sly smile.
"Well, grooming a future empress sounds even more satisfying. Heh."
Standing up, Xiao Yan playfully patted her on the behind.
"Next time, put on your battle armor. I want to charge into battle for the princess."
Yao Ye's cheeks flushed crimson.
"I didn't realize you were such a rogue."
"Just a rogue who loves the battlefield," Xiao Yan quipped with a cheeky grin, unfurling his Dou Qi wings and soaring into the sky.
Yao Ye watched his figure disappear over the horizon before retreating to her chambers.
"So tired…" she murmured, collapsing onto her plush bed. For once, the poised and regal princess allowed herself to relax completely.
"Hmm? My cultivation advanced by an entire star overnight?"
Her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Back at the Mittel Family
Returning to the Mittel estate, Xiao Yan found Ya Fei in a gazebo, entertaining Hun Xin.
"What's this character?" Ya Fei asked, pointing at a page.
"Sugar!" Hun Xin chirped proudly.
"And this one?"
"Vinegar!"
"And these last two?"
"Sweet and sour ribs!"
"Good! Four new characters today," Ya Fei praised with a smile.
Hun Xin puffed out her chest in pride.
"Of course! Four characters in one day is nothing for me!"
Xiao Yan chuckled. "You can read four characters now? I'm impressed."
"Pfft, just four characters. Easy!" Hun Xin declared with a dismissive wave.
"Look at you, little show off," Xiao Yan teased, flicking her forehead gently.
"Hmph!" Hun Xin crossed her arms, sulking, but quickly turned to Ya Fei with a pleading smile.
"Big Sister Ya Fei, can we have sweet and sour ribs again tonight?"
"Of course," Ya Fei replied, her laughter soft and indulgent. "Xiao Cui, take Hun Xin inside and prepare her a feast."
"Thank you, Sister!" Hun Xin beamed, practically bouncing away.
Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Yan sighed. "All she ever thinks about is food."
"Well, look who finally came home," Ya Fei teased as Xiao Yan sat beside her.
"You're not moving? Guess I'll have to sit closer," Xiao Yan replied, catching her hand as she tried to shift away.
"How was the princess?" Ya Fei asked, her tone both casual and pointed.
"What princess? We were discussing matters of state," Xiao Yan replied, feigning innocence.
"Oh, discussing national policy in bed, were you?" Ya Fei quipped with a raised brow.
Xiao Yan grinned shamelessly.
"It was… enlightening."
(End of Chapter)
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