Liu Qinghuan’s movement stop abruptly as she slowly lift her head up, looking puppy-eyed at Xue Mu.
Xue Mu’s face turns dark. The Emperor just recently beheaded Duke Lan Ning and is currently in the midst of clearing out all who are connected to him. It must be about this matter that the Emperor is summoning him at this hour.
Being a matter of importance, he do not dare to treat it lightly. Sighing, he sit up and kiss her forehead to console her.
” Be good, and wait for me. “
His voice sounds like it has been dipped in a lake. Clear, deep and with it a bit of endurance. Liu Qinghuan sigh and could only agree.
As Xue Mu’s clothes has been torn apart by her, he could only get a new set to change into. After getting dressed, he turn and see the lonely little lady lying on the bed. His gaze turns soft as he hug and kiss her downturn lips.
” I’ll be back very soon. “
Watching him leave, Liu Qinghuan fell onto the bed. She now believes that a captured prey could escape her clutches.
Once out of the mansion, Xue Mu hop onto a horse and galloped all the way to the palace. The night curfew has already started in Chang-An City and apart from the patrolling guards, not a soul can be seen.
Using his access pass, the entire journey was without hiccups. Once he reaches the palace study room and see that both the Emperor and Li Mo are inside, he steady himself and enter the room.
” Did anything happened that the Emperor has to summon me at this hour? ”
” No, I simply want to check the details for the hunt. ”
Xue Mu lift his head to look at him, as if nothing goes into his ears. The Emperor takes care to repeat it to him once again.
” About the hunt, are all the safety precautions set up and ready to go? “
All that colluded with Duke Lan Ning are not cleared out completely and the annual hunting festival is coming soon. With such a huge event, one can’t help but worry.
He is not worried about assassins but that his great mood during the hunt might get broken.
This time, Xue Mu hear him clearly, his mouth set in a grim line. Li Mo, standing by the side, is trying his best to not laugh. He could totally understand what the great General Xue is feeling right now. His feeling, when dragged from his mansion to the palace about this measly matter, is the same, as if he had swallow a fly.
Xue Mu look at the Emperor sitting on his throne.
” Can’t we discuss about this matter tomorrow morning? ”
” We can, but if we clear this tonight, it keeps bothering me. So much so that I can’t sleep. “
…… So you went and bother other’s sleep because you can’t sleep?
Xue Mu takes a deep breath and tries to calm himself.
” Please be at ease, Emperor, there will be absolutely no one to bother you tomorrow. “
The Emperor loves hunting so they, as his subordinates, must understand that a huge event like the annual hunt tomorrow could cause him so much worries that it’s hindering his sleep.
After hearing Xue Mu’s certain statement, the Emperor heaves a sigh of relief, as if a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders. But come to think of it, Xue Mu’s expression seems to be… complicated. After thinking about for a second, he comes to a realization.
” Did I… bothered you having a good night? “
Li Mo, who is standing at the side, couldn’t hold in his laughter anymore.
Xue Mu purse his lips, staying silent. The Emperor knew he guessed right and thoughtfully said.
” General Xue has a family now so I will try not to summon you here at night when possible. Cough. “
Li Mo laughs again and Xue Mu shoot him a look before cupping his fist at the Emperor.
” Emperor, since I’m here, I have a wish to ask of you. “
” Speak. “
” Minister Liu have the intention to betrothing his second daughter to General Bravo. But sadly, despite being one of the bravest man on the battlefield, he cowers around matters of marriage and has been dragging his feet in this. “
” ………… ”
Wait a minute, there is no need to speak of this to the Emperor, is there? And when did he cower? He simply don’t want to get married!
But the Emperor shows great interest in this topic.
” Oh, is there such a thing? “
He glance at Li Mo, smiling slightly.
” Minister Liu has 3 beautiful daughters and if General Li could get married to one of them, it would be his fortune. “
” I think so too. “
” ……….. ”
But among his 3 daughters, the most sensible one is married to the Official Secretary’s son, the most beautiful one is married to Xue Mu so what do they mean by leaving the most troublesome Liu Qingli to him?!?
The Emperor smiles.
” I heard that among Minister Liu’s 3 daughters, his 2nd daughter has one of the stronger personality and I think she’s perfect for General Li. She might be able to control your alcoholism. Then I don’t have to worry about this again. ”
” The Emperor is wise. “
Just when Li Mo is about to speak up for himself, the Emperor seals the deal.
” If General Li is too shy to speak out, then I’ll be the matchmaker and bestow this marriage to you. “
” ………. “
Why did he had to laugh! Can’t he just be a statue by the side?! Why did he had to go and get on Xue Mu’s bad side when he knew Xue Mu is petty!
Li Mo is currently deeply regretting his actions.
Once they are out of the study, Li Mo goes up to Xue Mu, smiling.
” Brother Xue, it’s my fault just now. About the marriage, is there any way you can get the Emperor to reconsider? “
Xue Mu shot him a look.
” When can we change anything the Emperor decided? “
Li Mo laughs coldly inside. Are you kidding me, great General Xue? Who in the entire palace don’t know that you have the biggest say in front of the Emperor?
” Great General Xue, you can’t force marriage like this. “
Xue Mu look at him, smiling.
” Are you saying there’s anything wrong with my sister-in-law? “
” Not that… I just prefer the more obedient kind… “
” Obedient girls can’t control you. Trust the Emperor’s judgement. “
” ………. “
Once out of the palace, Xue Mu races all the way back to his mansion. His bedroom is silent as he gently push open the doors. Stopping Ci Tao and Qing Zhi who got up to greet him, he walks into the bedroom.
Liu Qinghuan lies on the bed, her chest raising up and down in a stable rhythm. Sitting by her side, he slowly whispers.
” Qing Qing. “
Her breathing remains stable, looking very soundly asleep. Not giving up, he tries again.
” Qing Qing? “
As if being bothered, she frown. Seeing that she is really asleep, Xue Mu doesn’t try again. He stares at her sleeping face for a while before kissing her, and lies down by her side.
The next morning, when Liu Qinghuan wakes up, she subconsciously reaches out to touch the area next to her.
Empty.
Rubbing her eyes, she sits up and calls for Ci Tao and Qing Zhi.
” Did Ah Mu come back yesterday? “
” Marquise came back yesterday but as Madam has fallen asleep, we didn’t dare bother you. ” (Qing Zhi)
” ………. “
She wanted to wait till Xue Mu comes back but why did she fall asleep! Thinking how suppressed Xue Mu must be, she laughs.
No matter, there’s always tonight!
Xue Mu is preparing for the hunt the entire day and only manages to get home only after the sun goes down. Liu Qinghuan had her dinner and also gave herself a good wash. But today, right after her bath, Xue Mu push open the doors and walk in.
TN : Well…. pinkness starts from here. So stop reading if you’re sensitive to this kind of stuff. Though it might help that I’m not particularly good at translating this part….
With her half-dried hair, she turns around to look at him. Her slender body is half hidden in the thin clothing and as her slight panicky eyes turn to him, Xue Mu could feel his heart racing.
Seeing their master’s hungry gaze, Ci Tao and Qing Zhi hurriedly flies out of the room, leaving the stunned Liu Qinghuan, who is then carried by Xue Mu without even realizing what all happened.
She cries out in surprise and quickly hug Xue Mu’s neck to stable herself, her long hair cascading down.
A slight flower fragrance fill the air, the same scent as the one lingering on her. Xue Mu takes it in and gently place her down on the bed.
” Ah Mu… “
She calls out softly but Xue Mu has already press her down. He kiss her for a good while before releasing her soft lips.
” You fell asleep yesterday. How cruel of you. “
Panting slightly from the kiss, her face flushed red, looking more enticing than the blush she has always smeared on her face. Xue Mu’s heart races again as he lean forward to kiss her, his hands reaching the inside of her clothing.
She groans softly and he releases her lips. He is breathing heavily, but still, he patiently coax the one beneath him.
” Be good, Qing Qing, it’ll only take a while… “
Tears hang on the corners of her eyes as her body suddenly feels a draft of cold air before a flaming hot body press itself on her.
” Ah Mu…. “
She subconsciously calls his name, a little at loss. Xue Mu kiss her earlobes gently, softly speaking.
” I’m here, don’t be afraid…. “
This time, no matter what happen, he will never let her go again.
But when he sees the little face turning pale due to the pain, he can’t help but heartache. Kissing her tearful eyes, he ask softly.
” Is it unbearable, Qing Qing? “
She bits her lips but reaches out to circle his neck.
” It’s fine, I can handle it…. “
Her voice is hoarse and Xue Mu steadies himself before pushing down hard, kissing her to divert her attention.
After the battle, Xue Mu gently hugs Liu Qinghuan, his gaze as soft as water. He has never once feel as blessed as he is feeling right now. Now, his little dumpling is truly his.
Liu Qinghuan tasted better than he thought and if not for the fact that she has just recovered, he wants to have another go. As through truly tired, Liu Qinghuan slumps in his arms, not even bothering to even move.
Kissing the corners of her lips, his voice is as soft as a feather.
” Qing Qing, are you still in pain? “
” Un. My waist hurts. My legs too. “
Xue Mu massages her waist for a while.
“Is it better now? “
” Un…….. “
As if really feeling better, she finally open her eyes and stare at him. He kiss her forehead, laughing.
” What is it? “
” Ah Mu, I treated you so badly those last few years, why did you still go ahead and married me? “
” I simply made a bet with myself. “
” A bet? “
“Un. “
” And now it looks like I won. “
Liu Qinghuan’s movement stop abruptly as she slowly lift her head up, looking puppy-eyed at Xue Mu.
Xue Mu’s face turns dark. The Emperor just recently beheaded Duke Lan Ning and is currently in the midst of clearing out all who are connected to him. It must be about this matter that the Emperor is summoning him at this hour.
Being a matter of importance, he do not dare to treat it lightly. Sighing, he sit up and kiss her forehead to console her.
” Be good, and wait for me. “
His voice sounds like it has been dipped in a lake. Clear, deep and with it a bit of endurance. Liu Qinghuan sigh and could only agree.
As Xue Mu’s clothes has been torn apart by her, he could only get a new set to change into. After getting dressed, he turn and see the lonely little lady lying on the bed. His gaze turns soft as he hug and kiss her downturn lips.
” I’ll be back very soon. “
Watching him leave, Liu Qinghuan fell onto the bed. She now believes that a captured prey could escape her clutches.
Once out of the mansion, Xue Mu hop onto a horse and galloped all the way to the palace. The night curfew has already started in Chang-An City and apart from the patrolling guards, not a soul can be seen.
Using his access pass, the entire journey was without hiccups. Once he reaches the palace study room and see that both the Emperor and Li Mo are inside, he steady himself and enter the room.
” Did anything happened that the Emperor has to summon me at this hour? ”
” No, I simply want to check the details for the hunt. ”
Xue Mu lift his head to look at him, as if nothing goes into his ears. The Emperor takes care to repeat it to him once again.
” About the hunt, are all the safety precautions set up and ready to go? “
All that colluded with Duke Lan Ning are not cleared out completely and the annual hunting festival is coming soon. With such a huge event, one can’t help but worry.
He is not worried about assassins but that his great mood during the hunt might get broken.
This time, Xue Mu hear him clearly, his mouth set in a grim line. Li Mo, standing by the side, is trying his best to not laugh. He could totally understand what the great General Xue is feeling right now. His feeling, when dragged from his mansion to the palace about this measly matter, is the same, as if he had swallow a fly.
Xue Mu look at the Emperor sitting on his throne.
” Can’t we discuss about this matter tomorrow morning? ”
” We can, but if we clear this tonight, it keeps bothering me. So much so that I can’t sleep. “
…… So you went and bother other’s sleep because you can’t sleep?
Xue Mu takes a deep breath and tries to calm himself.
” Please be at ease, Emperor, there will be absolutely no one to bother you tomorrow. “
The Emperor loves hunting so they, as his subordinates, must understand that a huge event like the annual hunt tomorrow could cause him so much worries that it’s hindering his sleep.
After hearing Xue Mu’s certain statement, the Emperor heaves a sigh of relief, as if a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders. But come to think of it, Xue Mu’s expression seems to be… complicated. After thinking about for a second, he comes to a realization.
” Did I… bothered you having a good night? “
Li Mo, who is standing at the side, couldn’t hold in his laughter anymore.
Xue Mu purse his lips, staying silent. The Emperor knew he guessed right and thoughtfully said.
” General Xue has a family now so I will try not to summon you here at night when possible. Cough. “
Li Mo laughs again and Xue Mu shoot him a look before cupping his fist at the Emperor.
” Emperor, since I’m here, I have a wish to ask of you. “
” Speak. “
” Minister Liu have the intention to betrothing his second daughter to General Bravo. But sadly, despite being one of the bravest man on the battlefield, he cowers around matters of marriage and has been dragging his feet in this. “
” ………… ”
Wait a minute, there is no need to speak of this to the Emperor, is there? And when did he cower? He simply don’t want to get married!
But the Emperor shows great interest in this topic.
” Oh, is there such a thing? “
He glance at Li Mo, smiling slightly.
” Minister Liu has 3 beautiful daughters and if General Li could get married to one of them, it would be his fortune. “
” I think so too. “
” ……….. ”
But among his 3 daughters, the most sensible one is married to the Official Secretary’s son, the most beautiful one is married to Xue Mu so what do they mean by leaving the most troublesome Liu Qingli to him?!?
The Emperor smiles.
” I heard that among Minister Liu’s 3 daughters, his 2nd daughter has one of the stronger personality and I think she’s perfect for General Li. She might be able to control your alcoholism. Then I don’t have to worry about this again. ”
” The Emperor is wise. “
Just when Li Mo is about to speak up for himself, the Emperor seals the deal.
” If General Li is too shy to speak out, then I’ll be the matchmaker and bestow this marriage to you. “
” ………. “
Why did he had to laugh! Can’t he just be a statue by the side?! Why did he had to go and get on Xue Mu’s bad side when he knew Xue Mu is petty!
Li Mo is currently deeply regretting his actions.
Once they are out of the study, Li Mo goes up to Xue Mu, smiling.
” Brother Xue, it’s my fault just now. About the marriage, is there any way you can get the Emperor to reconsider? “
Xue Mu shot him a look.
” When can we change anything the Emperor decided? “
Li Mo laughs coldly inside. Are you kidding me, great General Xue? Who in the entire palace don’t know that you have the biggest say in front of the Emperor?
” Great General Xue, you can’t force marriage like this. “
Xue Mu look at him, smiling.
” Are you saying there’s anything wrong with my sister-in-law? “
” Not that… I just prefer the more obedient kind… “
” Obedient girls can’t control you. Trust the Emperor’s judgement. “
” ………. “
Once out of the palace, Xue Mu races all the way back to his mansion. His bedroom is silent as he gently push open the doors. Stopping Ci Tao and Qing Zhi who got up to greet him, he walks into the bedroom.
Liu Qinghuan lies on the bed, her chest raising up and down in a stable rhythm. Sitting by her side, he slowly whispers.
” Qing Qing. “
Her breathing remains stable, looking very soundly asleep. Not giving up, he tries again.
” Qing Qing? “
As if being bothered, she frown. Seeing that she is really asleep, Xue Mu doesn’t try again. He stares at her sleeping face for a while before kissing her, and lies down by her side.
The next morning, when Liu Qinghuan wakes up, she subconsciously reaches out to touch the area next to her.
Empty.
Rubbing her eyes, she sits up and calls for Ci Tao and Qing Zhi.
” Did Ah Mu come back yesterday? “
” Marquise came back yesterday but as Madam has fallen asleep, we didn’t dare bother you. ” (Qing Zhi)
” ………. “
She wanted to wait till Xue Mu comes back but why did she fall asleep! Thinking how suppressed Xue Mu must be, she laughs.
No matter, there’s always tonight!
Xue Mu is preparing for the hunt the entire day and only manages to get home only after the sun goes down. Liu Qinghuan had her dinner and also gave herself a good wash. But today, right after her bath, Xue Mu push open the doors and walk in.
TN : Well…. pinkness starts from here. So stop reading if you’re sensitive to this kind of stuff. Though it might help that I’m not particularly good at translating this part….
With her half-dried hair, she turns around to look at him. Her slender body is half hidden in the thin clothing and as her slight panicky eyes turn to him, Xue Mu could feel his heart racing.
Seeing their master’s hungry gaze, Ci Tao and Qing Zhi hurriedly flies out of the room, leaving the stunned Liu Qinghuan, who is then carried by Xue Mu without even realizing what all happened.
She cries out in surprise and quickly hug Xue Mu’s neck to stable herself, her long hair cascading down.
A slight flower fragrance fill the air, the same scent as the one lingering on her. Xue Mu takes it in and gently place her down on the bed.
” Ah Mu… “
She calls out softly but Xue Mu has already press her down. He kiss her for a good while before releasing her soft lips.
” You fell asleep yesterday. How cruel of you. “
Panting slightly from the kiss, her face flushed red, looking more enticing than the blush she has always smeared on her face. Xue Mu’s heart races again as he lean forward to kiss her, his hands reaching the inside of her clothing.
She groans softly and he releases her lips. He is breathing heavily, but still, he patiently coax the one beneath him.
” Be good, Qing Qing, it’ll only take a while… “
Tears hang on the corners of her eyes as her body suddenly feels a draft of cold air before a flaming hot body press itself on her.
” Ah Mu…. “
She subconsciously calls his name, a little at loss. Xue Mu kiss her earlobes gently, softly speaking.
” I’m here, don’t be afraid…. “
This time, no matter what happen, he will never let her go again.
But when he sees the little face turning pale due to the pain, he can’t help but heartache. Kissing her tearful eyes, he ask softly.
” Is it unbearable, Qing Qing? “
She bits her lips but reaches out to circle his neck.
” It’s fine, I can handle it…. “
Her voice is hoarse and Xue Mu steadies himself before pushing down hard, kissing her to divert her attention.
After the battle, Xue Mu gently hugs Liu Qinghuan, his gaze as soft as water. He has never once feel as blessed as he is feeling right now. Now, his little dumpling is truly his.
Liu Qinghuan tasted better than he thought and if not for the fact that she has just recovered, he wants to have another go. As through truly tired, Liu Qinghuan slumps in his arms, not even bothering to even move.
Kissing the corners of her lips, his voice is as soft as a feather.
” Qing Qing, are you still in pain? “
” Un. My waist hurts. My legs too. “
Xue Mu massages her waist for a while.
“Is it better now? “
” Un…….. “
As if really feeling better, she finally open her eyes and stare at him. He kiss her forehead, laughing.
” What is it? “
” Ah Mu, I treated you so badly those last few years, why did you still go ahead and married me? “
” I simply made a bet with myself. “
” A bet? “
“Un. “
” And now it looks like I won. “
