Xiao Shan returned to the palace. After attending to the funeral matters, he went back to Feng Que Lou as the sun began to set.
Ling Yao was listless and seemed unwell. It was understandable, given the grand funeral today; she hadn't been able to attend due to her pregnancy, and she must have felt saddened.
Xiao Shan recalled their time in the village. Although he hunted, he controlled his own schedule. He could go home when he pleased or stay in if he wished. Now, with her belly swollen, he could have stayed by her side every day.
But upon returning to the capital, he was met with such a mess. He was constantly busy, with no time to accompany her.
Alas, who would want to be this great general?
However, there were benefits. She could enjoy fine clothes and delicious food, with servants attending to her every need, never having to lift a finger herself.
He thought she should be living such a life.
Yet, she didn't seem particularly happy.
Xiao Shan had already removed his mourning attire and was dressed in his usual black.
"Did everything go smoothly today?"
"Did those two little ones bother you today?"
They spoke at the same time, then both chuckled.
Xiao Shan habitually touched her swollen belly. "With this general guarding, ghosts and spirits retreat. Who would dare to show their face?"
Ling Yao shot him a playful glare, but the corners of her mouth turned up. She loved his arrogant, boastful demeanor.
He was like a majestic, peerless great tiger.
"A Shan, what do you think of Qing He?" Ling Yao asked casually.
She was truly a troublesome person.
Arrogant and petty, and so venomous. Whenever she showed up, it was never good news, and Ling Yao truly didn't want to see her.
Yet, she guarded the doorway all day, her eyes fixated. If he carried even a blade of grass, he'd be driven away and had to be thoroughly cleaned before entering the room.
If it weren't for fear of upsetting Xue Niang, she would have thrown her out of the palace long ago.
Xiao Shan thought for a moment before choosing his words. "She's quite attentive in taking care of you."
What kind of answer was that?
"I want my second brother to bestow the title of County Princess upon her and make her my sworn sister. I mentioned it to her before, but she refused."
If she became a County Princess, would she no longer have to wait by her side every day?
Xiao Shan nodded. "Making her a County Princess is elevating her. Does she have the right to refuse? Once the Second Prince ascends the throne, he can simply issue a decree."
Although his words were blunt, Ling Yao felt reassured. She wanted to compensate Qing He, and since she couldn't offer much else, it had to be status and position.
She would do as Xiao Shan suggested.
"Are you tired? Shall I rub your shoulders for my husband?" Ling Yao's spirits seemed to have lifted slightly. She knelt by the bed and moved behind Xiao Shan.
Xiao Shan felt a little flattered, wondering what gift he should give her, only to find himself receiving such a great benefit.
Her fair, small hands kneaded his shoulders, lacking any real strength, making him feel ticklish.
Xiao Shan grabbed her hand and turned around. "Call me 'husband' a few more times."
"Husband, husband, husband, husband..."
Oh dear! What was he to do? Looking at his beautiful wife, Xiao Shan's eyes turned red, like a fierce wolf. Yet, he restrained his claws, daring not to act, gripping the quilt so tightly it almost tore.
Ling Yao could tell this man was aroused again.
But it wouldn't do. During the period of mourning, this was absolutely forbidden.
"Control yourself. No conjugal relations this month."
Xiao Shan let out a mournful cry and buried his head in the quilt. Not just this month, but for several months to come, he would be like a monk.
He had initially thought his self-control was sufficient for such matters, but seeing his fair and tender wife shattered it all. This was too difficult to endure.
"Alright, let's chat."
"No chatting, I want to sleep," Xiao Shan refused sullenly.
"Then let's sleep."
He must be tired after running around all day.
Xiao Shan grunted a couple more times, then suddenly flipped over and pressed down, kissing her lips.
He couldn't touch her, but perhaps he could gain some other favor?
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Just as they were locked in an embrace, the door was knocked upon, and Qing He's urgent voice called from outside.
"General, General Hao from the East Suburb Barracks requests your presence."
"Scram, scram, scram! I'm not a general, I'm a hunter!"
He was furious. Were these troublesome matters never going to end?
"Good hunter, important matters first." Ling Yao's eyes were like clear springs. She took his clothes and put them on him, then kissed his large face with her alluring red lips. "You've worked hard."
"You, like this," Xiao Shan licked his lips, still wet from the kiss, "are like the soul-snatching enchantress described in books, luring me to sell my life for you, and then devouring me when I'm no longer useful."
"Get lost! Hurry up and go!" Ling Yao stomped on his foot. "You have thick skin, who would want to devour you? If you're afraid of being devoured, then quit. I'll find someone else!" httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"How dare you!" Xiao Shan lunged forward, intending to bite her irritating little mouth. "Besides this general, who else can? Do it!"
The last word was spoken fiercely, its meaning changed. He also thrust his hips heavily, bumping against her buttocks.
Xiao Shan finally left after a long while, met with Qing He's angry glare.
"Has the General forgotten what this servant said?"
Did this fellow, overcome by desire, disregard the Princess's condition so much? She had warned him about the dangers, yet he couldn't control himself. She used to think he was reliable, but it turns out all men are the same.
Xiao Shan ignored her and adjusted his robes before walking away.
Qing He was so angry she almost threw a dose of poison powder.
"Princess." She entered the room and immediately saw the Princess's swollen lips, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes filled with a tender haze.
She felt a bit of disappointment.
"Princess, didn't this servant tell you not to indulge the General's temper? Military men are military men, after all, lacking discretion. Now that your belly is big, you can't let him act recklessly."
"Ah! He didn't do anything," Ling Yao lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper.
Does she look like she hasn't done anything? She had experienced it before. Seeing the Princess's soft, yielding state, she knew what had just happened!
Such a delicate and soft Princess, who wouldn't want to bully her? Let alone the great General Xiao, who was in the prime of his life.
"If he can't control himself, this servant will give him medicine!" Qing He said resentfully.
"Medicine?" Ling Yao blinked her watery eyes. "What kind of medicine?"
"Naturally, medicine to make him impotent."
"Qing He, am I really not allowed to have intercourse now?"
"It's best not to. Carrying twins is not good for your body. Any slight carelessness could lead to premature labor, which is detrimental to both you and the children. Of course, if you wish... you can let the General serve you in other ways, occasionally."
Ling Yao blinked. "What other ways?"
Qing He's expression was blank. "You don't need to worry about that. Men understand. You just need to command him."
"Okay!" Ling Yao nodded emphatically.
"Okay what?"
"Give him medicine!"
She wanted to make him behave himself during this time, lest he couldn't bear it and went out to cheat.
Riding his horse along the East Suburb road, Xiao Shan shivered unexpectedly.
Damn! What was happening?
Could this slight chill affect him?
Had that little enchantress at home drained all his warmth?