Ruan Ning breathed heavily, feeling tense and suffocating. Just then, Yan Xuan moved closer, gently comforting her: “Sleep.”
Ruan Ning clung to his neck, voice hoarse: “A Mo…”
Yan Xuan closed his eyes, sighing as he kissed her, lingering and entangled. Ruan Ning held him tightly, greedily enjoying his warmth, until she fell asleep, exhausted and disappointed, tears in her eyes.
Yan Xuan never slept, gently wiping the tears from the corner of her eye until her breathing became steady. He carefully moved her arm and quietly got out of bed. Putting on his robe, he went outside where Gao Song waited in the darkness.
“Your Majesty,” Gao Song softly called.
“Is it clear?” Yan Xuan asked.
“Two were dug out from Qi Xia Palace and have been detained. Tonight’s guard duty was arranged by Sui Huan, and the people around the Imperial Consort were also dispersed by him. I’ve ordered a complete change of guards,” Gao Song replied.
Yan Xuan coldly smiled. “Isn’t Sui Jin fighting with him to the death? Have him fully manage the palace defense this time, with Sui Huan as his deputy. After obtaining their testimony, hand the two from Qi Xia Palace over to Sui Jin. He knows how to speak to the Sui family.”
The Sui family, a centuries-old clan with hidden power, had internal factions, and Sui Huan was just one of the candidates. Yan Xuan reflected on how interests could turn everyone into madmen, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
“Yes,” Gao Song agreed, looking at Yan Xuan expectantly. “Did Your Majesty favor the Imperial Consort?”
Yan Xuan shook his head.
Gao Song hesitated before saying, “Your Majesty is in your prime and should leave an heir to secure the kingdom…”
Yan Xuan replied lightly, “It’s better to break the bloodline of madmen.”
Ning Ye’s tears dampened a small spot on Ruan Ning’s shoulder. She remained silent but found a piece of paper slipped into her palm. Looking up in surprise, she saw Ning Ye, tearful, blink at her and call out, “Sister, you must help us!”
After Ning Ye left, Ruan Ning hadn’t found a chance to read the note. Yan Xuan stayed by her side, engaging her in idle conversation. After dinner, he suddenly pulled her up and said, “My beloved, come soak in the hot spring with me.”
