Ye Luan quickly turned to support him, saying urgently, "I bumped into you."
It shouldn't be like this; his injuries had almost healed.
Was she really that strong?
"Come here quickly, let me see the wound."
Just then, Xiao Chi Zhan suddenly grinned maliciously, grabbed her hand, and swiftly pulled her into his embrace.
His movements were too fast; Ye Luan hadn't even reacted before she was completely held by him.
"Are you playing with me?!"
She came to her senses, furious, and stomped on him hard.
She had been worried about bumping into his wound, only to find out he was faking it again.
That crazy lunatic, always pretending.
Xiao Chi Zhan tightened his grip around her waist, leaned down to press against her, and whispered into her ear, "I love you."
She was like a soul-capturing enchantress, making him unable to stop.
"Didn't you just say I wasn't good-looking?" Ye Luan snorted coldly, picking a fight. "What do you love about me?"
"Desirable enough, wild enough." He smiled hoarsely. "Does that count?"
Vulgar!
Ye Luan was very resentful. She struggled, "I'm not good-looking. Your Highness should find someone who is. Let go."
"I just want to find someone like you."
He held her even tighter.
Ye Luan couldn't break free at all, and in her anger, she bit him hard on the shoulder.
He grunted but didn't let go, asking, "Are you really angry?"
"No, how could I be."
Xiao Chi Zhan found her sarcastic tone even more amusing.
He said, "I was just teasing you."
"My Luan Luan is the most beautiful girl in the world."
Ye Luan's back prickled. She mumbled softly, "Aren't you being cheesy?"
Although she said that, her body had clearly softened.
Xiao Chi Zhan could clearly sense the change in her, and the corners of his lips curved upward.
She still had such a childish side.
He couldn't help but hold her even tighter.
Whether it was her enchanting allure in bed or her petulant demeanor now, only he could see it!
Only he could see it!
She was his alone!
The alchemy room was located behind Lu Tai.
Ye Luan busied herself inside for a long time. Refining medicinal ingredients was tedious; she guarded the cauldron for a long time and finally sat tiredly on a chair behind it.
She looked around, her gaze landing on the medical books on the shelf behind her, and suddenly thought of Lu Fei Bai.
She pursed her lips slightly, her expression becoming more somber.
It had been a long time since they last parted, and she hadn't heard from him.
She wondered how long the Han Dan Pearl could sustain him, and if he...
Thinking of this, Ye Luan suddenly stood up and paced.
Yes, why would he suddenly leave her a sum of money? It was strange.
Where was he?
A wild thought flashed through her mind, and her hand gripping the shelf turned slightly pale.
After thinking for a while, she took out the refined medicinal ingredients, went to the small kitchen, personally made some tea and pastries, and then headed to the study.
It was already very late.
The moonlight shone on the palace, casting faint shadows.
Ye Luan walked along the corridor, her expression somewhat distant.
She wanted to ask Xiao Chi Zhan to investigate Lu Fei Bai's whereabouts. With his power, he would surely find out quickly.
But knowing that madman's temper, he would undoubtedly make wild guesses and might go on a rampage and kill someone.
She didn't know how to placate him.
Ye Luan's mind raced, but when she arrived at the Hall of Political Affairs, she heard an enraged roar coming from within.
It was so late, and they were still discussing matters?
She thought the ministers had already left.
"Your Highness, Da Liang and Bei Qi just fought a battle. At this time, we should be recuperating."
"A small Nan Jiang, taking advantage of our dynasty's war with Bei Qi, has repeatedly violated Da Liang's border, seeking Ling Nan. Lou Qing, do you think peace talks are useful? If we don't make them submit and become vassals, where is Da Liang's heavenly might!"
Seeing his anger, the ministers shrunk their necks like quail, not daring to speak further.
"Issue my decree: mobilize border troops, march on Nan Jiang. I want to make Nan Jiang pay tribute to Da Liang every year and serve our dynasty as lord."
"Yes."
"Who is outside?"
Ye Luan, about to leave, heard the voice from inside and her steps faltered.
"Your Highness, it is Miss Ye."
Inside the hall.
Hearing the guard's words, Xiao Chi Zhan's originally grim expression instantly softened. "Let her in."
"Yes."
The ministers on both sides of the seat were surprised to see the demon's expression suddenly turn gentle.
Miss Ye?!
It was that daughter of the Ye family.
Hadn't there been rampant rumors in the capital that the Prince had played with her enough and was going to cast her aside? Why was she still here?
Many ministers began to whisper and gossip amongst themselves.
Someone working in the military supply department had heard that the Prince of Ding Bei had ordered the imperial study to announce that he was taking a concubine.
Perhaps the mysterious woman the high officials were talking about was this Miss Ye.
"Your Highness, Miss Ye said she won't come in to disturb you and that you should finish your business first."
The ministers: "----"
Trembling.
This was the first time they had seen someone dare to defy this demon.
Xiao Chi Zhan raised an eyebrow and said nothing.
After leaving the Hall of Political Affairs, Ye Luan returned to the study in Yun Shang Que.
She placed the tea and pastries down and lay on the soft couch for a while.
A moment later, she suddenly remembered something, got up, walked to the desk, and opened the drawer below.
Inside lay several bottles of medicine.
Ye Luan frowned. She had noticed this medicine in the bedroom last time; was he always taking it?
Why was he taking medicine?
What kind of medicine was it?
A series of questions swirled in her mind.
Ye Luan was silent for a moment, took out a bottle of medicine, opened the cap, poured out some of the medicine, and observed it carefully. The smell seemed a bit off.
This looked like Qian Ji medicine.
Why was he taking such medicine?
"Luan Luan."
Suddenly, a voice came from outside.
Ye Luan quickly put the medicine back and stood up.
Xiao Chi Zhan pushed the door open and saw a figure suddenly pounce towards him. He immediately curved his lips and reached out to pull her into his embrace.
"Why are you in the study?"
Ye Luan hugged him, burying her head in his chest.
"Waiting for you."
She knew he had to come here to review memorials, so she came directly to the study to wait for him.
Xiao Chi Zhan bent down, picked her up, and walked to the edge of the soft couch, sitting down.
Ye Luan nestled in his arms, her gaze lowered.
She wanted to ask him why he was taking that kind of medicine, but she didn't know how to say it.
Wasn't that a drug to suppress vomiting? Could he not be stimulated?
"What are you thinking about?"
His voice brought Ye Luan's thoughts back.
She looked up, leaned forward, and her slender, clean hand slowly stroked his back, her beautiful fox-like eyes fixed on him.
The ancient bronze lamps illuminated the surroundings, making her features as exquisite as a painting.
Xiao Chi Zhan felt parched as he watched and couldn't help but ask, "A kiss?!"
"All day you only know how to kiss, kiss, kiss."
Ye Luan playfully chided him.
"If you don't kiss, I will."
He said, then lowered his head and kissed her.
Ye Luan's back trembled, her body becoming incredibly soft. She unconsciously stroked the Qiong Qi on his back and slowly responded.
He took the opportunity to lay her down on the couch, held her hands, and pressed down on her.
She did not resist, entwined her legs around his waist, hooked her arms around his neck, and kissed him proactively.
The two became entangled, their clothes scattering and falling onto the floor.
"Xiao Chi Zhan, I have something to ask you."
"What is it?"
He panted, his lips lingering on her neck.
"Can you help me find out about Lu Fei Bai?"