His Highness the Madman gave in again today.

After Feng Xingyu shouted alertly, he realized that no one could break in from the barrier he had set up.

He was absolutely certain that he hadn't misheard the noise.

Mo Sangyu's soul consciousness spread out, dispersing in all directions.

There was indeed a small creature that ran away as if startled.

It was moving very fast, but it was still captured by Mo Sangyu's soul sense. It was a small, white creature, round and chubby, running through the forest. For a moment, it was difficult to tell what it was.

"Ayu, what did you see?"

Feng Xingyu could sense something, but couldn't see what it was.

All I knew was that the aura was somewhat unusual.

"It must be a small animal. It's quite a coincidence that it managed to break into the barrier you set up."

Mo Sangyu really liked the little thing and immediately went to catch it, but Feng Xingyu saw her intention and came out of the spirit spring pool first: "Don't move, I'll go catch it."

He casually grabbed his coat and put it on, not even bothering to tie the belt properly, before chasing after the dense forest.

It moved so fast that the naked eye could only see a blur.

Mo Sangyu leaned against the bluestone, listening to the sounds from the forest.

The small white animal appears round and plump, yet its agility is beyond imagination. It darts swiftly among the branches and twigs of the forest, leaping and bounding left and right.

Feng Xingyu reached out several times, but missed each time.

It is not only fast, but also smart.

Just as he was about to be caught, he swayed and split into three or four afterimages, which scattered in different directions.

Feng Xingyu paused for a moment, then immediately raised his hand, and a beam of blood-red light shot out, passing through the afterimage and striking the tree trunk.

The bark cracked, and sawdust flew everywhere.

In the blink of an eye, the real body, under the cover of the illusion, plunged into the thicket deep in the forest and disappeared completely.

Feng Xingyu stood there, stunned for a moment.

I really didn't expect it to be able to create phantom clones!

Careless.

They returned defeated.

He walked back to the spring, a few fallen leaves clinging to his clothes, and water droplets still hanging from his hair.

"Tsk."

Mo Sangyu leaned against the bluestone, watching him return empty-handed, and mocked him without any politeness: "You didn't even catch a small beast."

Feng Xingyu's face darkened.

"You have no idea how fast and cunning it is."

"Oh, how cunning?" Mo Sangyu's brows and eyes were full of laughter.

"He's even more cunning than you, and he can even create illusions."

Feng Xingyu re-entered the spirit spring pool, splashing tiny droplets of water around him. He leaned down to look at her, his dark red eyes deepening: "Don't worry, as long as you like it, I'll catch it for you sooner or later."

"Okay." Mo Sangyu chuckled.

His gaze fell on her lips again, and he pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her.

Mo Sangyu's laughter was muffled between his lips and teeth, turning into a muffled groan.

The spring water was stirred, and ripples spread out in circles, crashing against the bluestone beside the spring before bobbing back.

Silver hair was scattered on the water's surface, gently swaying with the ripples.

Feng Xingyu placed his palm on her back, pulling her into his arms and kissing her deeply and intensely.

Mo Sangyu subconsciously raised her hand and wrapped it around his neck.

At the very moment their lips met, the last bit of spiritual energy in her soul finally flowed unimpeded into her limbs and bones.

The silver hair hanging down by her temples shimmered with a faint, ethereal blue light, and then her body was enveloped in strands of ethereal blue spiritual energy.

Like a light veil, like fireflies, it spreads out gently yet powerfully.

Even Feng Xingyu, who was standing in front of her, was completely enveloped by this gentle yet powerful spiritual energy. A deep blue light surrounded the two of them, intertwining with the moisture from the spiritual spring.

Like moonlight, like a thin mist.

Like two fish in the deep sea, entangled in seaweed, unable to distinguish one from the other.

The light flickered, reflecting off the water's surface with iridescent colors.

Feng Xingyu lifted her up and leaned her against the blue stone by the spring.

Rippling water, light and shadow breaking and then coming together again.

"Ayu."

He called her softly, their breaths mingling, hot and moist, carrying a hint of restraint and control: "Ayu..."

Mo Sangyu gently pressed her fingers against his chest: "Call me sister."

Upon hearing this, Feng Xingyu chuckled softly.

He looked at her, his dark red eyes churning with emotion, a deep blue light swirling around them, his silver hair falling onto the water's surface, intertwining with the spiritual energy, like moonlight shattering in a pool.

"elder sister."

His voice was low and hoarse, as if it were squeezed out from deep in his throat.

She called out, then leaned closer, forehead to forehead, nose to nose: "Sister."

She called out again, her voice growing softer and hoarser, as if coaxing her, or pleading: "Sister Ayu..."

Mo Sangyu smiled shyly, but still reached out and hooked her arm around his neck, pulling him closer.

Feng Xingyu lowered his head and kissed her lips.

The kisses were slow and restrained, slowly devouring her, lingering passionately.

The spring water was warm, and spiritual energy wrapped around the two of them like threads.

Mo Sangyu's fingers ran through his hair, feeling his slightly warm skin.

Feng Xingyu gripped her slender waist with both hands, his strength gradually slipping out of control.

The water ripples outwards, then crash back in, one after another, like a heartbeat.

The pale blue light gradually faded.

Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the water's surface.

The wind blew, the treetops rustled, and a few leaves fell onto the water, swirling gently.

Afterwards, Mo Sangyu leaned softly against him, listening to his steady heartbeat, and closed her eyes.

Feng Xingyu lowered his head and placed a kiss on the top of her head: "Your spiritual power has been restored?"

His voice still carried a hoarseness from passion.

Mo Sangyu gave a soft "hmm".

Feng Xingyu tightened his arms, holding her even closer.

Neither of them spoke again.

The spring water was warm and cozy, the sunlight was gentle and warm, and the breeze was mild and pleasant—everything was just right.

"Are you sure you can catch that little beast?"

It's a real shame that such a clever little creature got away.

But Mo Sangyu doubted that if they missed such a good opportunity just now, it would have disappeared long ago. How could they possibly catch it again?

Feng Xingyu smiled mysteriously: "Just wait and see."

……

On the continent of Kyushu, in the Imperial Study of the Great Emperor.

Wen Zhixia arrived carrying a food box. Lian Chen, who was guarding the door, saw her and hurriedly went to greet her: "Oh, Lady Wen, you've finally arrived! Lord Gu has been inside for several hours and hasn't had lunch yet. This old servant didn't dare to disturb him and was worried about him."

"It's alright."

Wen Zhixia nodded slightly, her tone gentle and polite, without a trace of official airs: "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

After saying that, she quietly pushed open the door to the imperial study.

Gu Jinzhi was sitting on a pearwood chair beside the imperial desk. His hand holding the pen paused slightly as he finished annotating the last memorial and casually tossed it onto a side table.

He let out a long sigh, pressing his fingertips against his throbbing temples, a hint of weariness barely concealed between his brows.

The next moment, a pair of soft, slightly cool hands gently covered his temples, the pressure gentle and just right to relieve the soreness.

"Lord Gu, you've worked hard."

Wen Zhixia's voice was gentle and soothing: "Eat something first, to fill your stomach."

Gu Jinzhi looked up and met her clear eyes. His tense expression softened instantly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Why are you here? Our wedding is the day after tomorrow. Didn't we agree that, according to custom, it's best not to see each other these two days?"

Wen Zhixia smiled faintly, gently tracing the lines between his brows with her finger, smoothing out the frown lines: "Rules are rules, but people are flexible. I don't care about these things; I just came to see if there's anything I can do to help."

Gu Jinzhi sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness: "There's nothing urgent for now, but I don't know when His Majesty and the Empress will be able to return. I hope they won't miss our big day."

He reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her to sit down beside him.

Wen Zhixia struggled slightly, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she didn't break free and let him hold her hand.

Gu Jinzhi opened the food box and laid out the exquisite side dishes one by one. The two sat facing each other, eating a simple meal while chatting quietly about trivial matters.

"We have already received envoys from three countries to offer our congratulations on our wedding."

Gu Jinzhi placed a piece of food into her bowl with his chopsticks, his tone becoming more serious: "We received news two days ago that the envoys will likely arrive in Wudu City tonight and tomorrow. We need to make proper arrangements for their reception."

"Leave it to me." Wen Zhixia swallowed the food in her mouth, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes: "I will arrange it properly."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinzhi tightened his grip on her hand, gazing intently at her. His tone was solemn yet tinged with emotion: "Zhixia, it is my blessing, Gu Jinzhi, to marry you in this life. However... I'm afraid it might be a bit of a hardship for you to marry me."

"No, how could that be?"

Wen Zhixia quickly shook her head: "On the contrary, if I hadn't met you, if I hadn't met His Majesty and Empress, I wouldn't be where I am today. You gave me everything I have now and helped me realize my ideals and ambitions. I am very satisfied and content with my life now. Being able to marry Brother Gu, I... I feel very happy."

The two looked into each other's eyes, and the air was filled with warmth and sweetness.

Gu Jinzhi felt that all her fatigue had disappeared at this moment.

Wen Zhixia's face flushed.

She never imagined she would say such cheesy things.

However, she had already said it, and it was what she truly felt, so there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Just as the atmosphere was getting intense, the air in the Imperial Study rippled slightly. The tightly closed doors and windows remained silent, but two figures appeared out of nowhere.

Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu appeared in front of the imperial desk. Gu Jinzhi was still holding Wen Zhixia's hand. When they suddenly saw them, they both froze for a moment.

The next moment, they hurriedly let go of each other's hands and quickly stood up.

Gu Jinzhi coughed lightly: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you...you're back, that's wonderful...it's good that you're back."

Feng Xingyu glanced at him, then at the unfinished food on the table, and said expressionlessly, "You can continue."

"It seems we've come back at the wrong time."

Mo Sangyu leaned back on the dragon throne, smiling as she looked at Wen Zhixia's flushed cheeks, and added casually, "Don't worry, we didn't see anything."

Wen Zhixia: "..."

Her face flushed red, and she quickly lowered her head: "Um, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have other matters to attend to. I must go now."

Without waiting for their reply, he quickly walked out.

"Your Majesty!"

Seeing Wen Zhixia run away in embarrassment, Gu Jinzhi said with a displeased expression, "Zhixia is shy, you're not allowed to tease her again next time."

Why are you being so aggressive?

Feng Xingyu glanced at him indifferently: "We didn't say anything else."

"minister……"

Gu Jinzhi retorted softly, "How could I be fierce?"

"Alright, Lord Gu, you've worked hard. Go back and get some rest tonight, and prepare to be your groom. Leave the rest to us," Mo Sangyu said.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Gu Jinzhi bowed and straightened up, a rare smile appearing on his face.

He glanced at Feng Xingyu, then at Mo Sangyu, opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

"Say what you want to say." Feng Xingyu leaned back in his chair, his tone indifferent.

Gu Jinzhi hesitated for a moment: "I wanted to ask, how are things going for Your Majesty and the Empress?"

Feng Xingyu said, "It went quite smoothly."

"I hope everything goes smoothly."

Gu Jinzhi nodded and then brought up the matter of the envoys: "By the way, the three countries in the northern frontier, after we rejected their offer of marriage last time, have sent envoys to congratulate us on our wedding. They should be arriving tonight."

"The north?"

Information about the Northern Frontier flashed through Feng Xingyu's mind.

The countries over there, though not very large, are quite mysterious, which is why they didn't initially consider attacking them.

Now, the Great Chen Dynasty has occupied half of the Nine Provinces Continent. The world is at peace and the country is prosperous. As long as those countries behave themselves, they will not easily provoke war again.

"Since you're here, let's treat you well."

"That's what I think too."

Gu Jinzhi said, "However, we still need to take precautions. I have already arranged for secret guards to be deployed. Yueying returned from the capital a couple of days ago, so this matter can be handed over to her."

"Moon Shadow is back?"

Upon hearing this, Mo Sangyu asked a question.

She left Yueying in the capital, ostensibly to help Feng Tingye stabilize the capital, but in reality, it was also to monitor him and see if he would develop any disloyalty.

Now, more than half a year has passed, and according to Yueying's observation, Feng Tingye has remained law-abiding, dutiful, and focused on stabilizing the situation in the capital, without making any unusual moves.

"It's good that she's back. If she doesn't want to go to the capital, then she won't."

"I will inquire about her wishes."

After Gu Jinzhi finished speaking, he took his leave: "If there's nothing else, I'll head back now."

"Let's go back."

After he left, Mo Sangyu sat up from the dragon throne and looked at Feng Xingyu with a more serious expression: "The three countries in the Northern Frontier, are they the ones that wanted to arrange marriages before?"

"They're not the only three countries that want to form marriage alliances. However, these three countries are among the most mysterious in the Nine Provinces, especially the Qingyue Kingdom."

"Hidden deep in the northern border of Kyushu, amidst towering mountains and ravines, the border is sealed off by natural barriers and a martial arts maze."

"There have always been rumors that the Qingyue royal family is cursed by fate, and all the emperors in the past did not live past the age of thirty. It was only thanks to the presence of a mysterious and powerful national advisor that the country's fortunes were stabilized and the nation was able to survive to this day."

After listening to Feng Xingyu's explanation, Mo Sangyu's eyes revealed a long-lost interest.

"So there are such figures in the Nine Provinces Continent? That's interesting."

"What wicked scheme are you plotting now?"

"No, I was just asking."

"I'm not surprised that the other two countries will come. Qingyue rarely takes the initiative to interact with other countries, so their participation this time might be for ulterior motives."

"It doesn't matter."

Mo Sangyu smiled faintly: "If they can get what they want, then that's their skill."

Feng Xingyu leaned over and kissed the corner of her lips.

He absolutely adored Ayu's nonchalant, carefree, and unhurried demeanor.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

Eunuch Lian Chen had been guarding the door. Knowing that Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu had returned, he respectfully announced, "Lord Ya Zi requests an audience."