Bai Suzhen, I really need to punish you properly.

Name: Bai Qiulian

Age: 435

[Realm Level: Early Stage of Refining Spirit and Returning to Emptiness]

[Note: Bai Qiulian is a white carp spirit from Dongting Lake. Years ago, she heard you reciting poetry on the bow of a boat in the lake and fell in love with you, always hoping you would reappear. Hearing of the Qiantang River floods, she endured her weakness from being away from the lake and took the initiative to seek you out.]

Wang Xuan was somewhat incredulous, never expecting that his casual recitation of a poem would lead to such an unexpected surprise.

But how exactly did Bai Qiulian find him?

Wang Xuan remained expressionless and spoke gently, "Have we met this young lady before?"

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Bai Qiulian gracefully bowed, a smile blooming on her lips, her eyes gradually regaining their luster—it was the voice she had been longing for day and night.

"Young master, my name is Bai Qiulian. I once heard you recite your poems at Dongting Lake," Bai Qiulian said shyly. "I am a carp spirit."

Wang Xuan stared at her intently, his eyes wide. This was the first time he had ever seen someone introduce themselves and even reveal their identity as a demon.

He asked with a hint of doubt, "When you introduce yourself to others, do you also reveal your demon race identity?"

"Sister Bai recognized me at a glance. Then Miss Rouge told me not to worry, saying that the young master was even more... more..."

Bai Qiulian paused here, not continuing her sentence.

"Even more?"

Rouge smiled and added, "I like it even more."

Wang Xuan retorted, "Rouge, I'm treating everyone equally, okay?"

Rouge, even if you're trying to play matchmaker for my husband, don't slander me maliciously.

Upon hearing this, all the women couldn't help but chuckle.

Bai Suzhen smiled gently and said softly, "My lord, you two continue your reminiscing. We sisters will take our leave now."

After saying this, the women all left quietly.

Only Wang Xuan and Bai Qiulian remained in the hall.

Wang Xuan looked at her and asked gently, "You've come here this time...?"

Bai Qiulian's eyes softened, and she whispered expectantly, "I only ask that I may hear you recite poetry every day from now on, young master. Is that alright?"

"If I were at your residence, I could certainly answer you," Wang Xuan said, his curiosity piqued. "But I'm very curious, how did you know me, and how did you find me?"

Bai Qiulian explained softly, "I set up a wooden sign at the market in Qiantang County with the first half of your poem written on it. I would give ten taels of silver to anyone who could provide the second half. The other day, Miss Rouge came over and asked me where I had heard the first half of the poem. I said it was from Dongting Lake, and she then provided the second half. I asked her if she knew you, and she kindly brought me back."

Wang Xuan couldn't help but sigh, "Rouge is such a great wife, she's worth a lot of points!"

Looks like I'll have to reward Rouge nicely tonight.

He calmed himself and asked softly, "What do you want to hear?"

"Whatever you say, young master, I'll listen."

"The earth reaches its end, the sky and water merge, and the morning sun reaches Dongting Lake..."

Bai Qiulian stood quietly to the side, listening with rapt attention, her heart filled with joy, wishing the poetry could never stop.

The two chatted and recited poetry in the hall for a long time before Wang Xuan stopped talking and told Bai Qiulian to go back to her room to rest.

He then went to Mingzhu's room.

"Young master."

Mingzhu was overjoyed at Wang Xuan's arrival.

The two walked to the bedside and sat down together, with Wang Xuan lazily resting his head on Mingzhu's lap.

Mingzhu gently stroked Wang Xuan's cheek with her fingertips.

After Wang Xuan closed his eyes and quietly enjoyed the moment, he sat up, took out the jade bottle containing the Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenation Pill, handed it to her, and said with a light smile, "I've just experienced your technique, now it's your turn to lie down, and I'll let you experience mine too."

Mingzhu's beautiful eyes sparkled as she smiled and accepted the gift, then lay down gently, asking softly, "Young master, what is this?"

"This is called the Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenation Pill. Keep it safe; it's a life-saving treasure."

Mingzhu pouted, her nose tingled, and tears welled up in her eyes instantly: "Young Master, you went to the Underworld for my sake."

"There was no danger, just a small price to pay." Wang Xuan patted her chest reassuringly, his tone exceptionally firm. "But this time I promise, I will never ask you for it back, no matter what."

It's really beneath Wang Xuan to return something he's already given away; he's determined not to repeat the same mistake this time.

"If you need it, young master, you can take it anytime."

Mingzhu was deeply moved, her gentle expression touching. She reached out and embraced Wang Xuan, leaning closer to him and gently pressing her lips to his. Her fingers lightly untied his outer robe.

……

In the afternoon, Wang Xuan left, supporting her back.

He thought to himself, "Mingzhu wasn't this powerful before."

It might be because he was too excited after receiving the Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenation Pill.

As for whether it's possible that he was deliberately restraining himself to save face?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

The thought had barely crossed Wang Xuan's mind when he immediately shook his head in rejection.

He calmed himself down, went into the Retreat Hall, and began processing the latest official documents.

Then he called Li Gongfu and Lao Liu over to inquire about the recent progress of disaster relief efforts.

Now that he has returned, even if it is only for a short stay, he cannot continue to push the affairs of state onto Bai Suzhen.

His decision to fire four balls was definitely not due to physical exhaustion or inability to continue fighting.

It wasn't until late at night that he came to Rouge's room, embraced her, and the two whispered sweet nothings to each other before falling into a deep sleep.

The following day, Wang Xuan visited Fan Shiyi Niang and Zhong Li separately, and chatted with them tenderly.

Nighttime, in Nie Xiaoqian's room.

The air is warm with the scent of incense, and the curtains are draped in hibiscus.

Xiaoqian had silver bells tied around her ankles, and with the slightest movement, they produced a clear and melodious tinkling sound.

Wang Xuan brought up the important matter of his return: "Xiaoqian, I've found you a powerful master."

Xiaoqian gasped in surprise, repeating, "Young master, you've found me a master?"

"Yes, she is the Primordial Sovereign of the Underworld, she is very powerful." Wang Xuan said softly, "If you are willing, you can follow her to cultivate in the Underworld. Anyway, I can visit you anytime. If you are not willing, you can simply have the title of master and disciple and continue to live in the mansion."

"I will obey your orders, young master."

Wang Xuan gently stroked her hair: "It's the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl; it will be away from you for a while."

Nie Xiaoqian smiled and said, "This precious pearl was originally lent to me by the young master."

Wang Xuan smiled slightly, and suddenly an idea came to him.

He leaned close to Nie Xiaoqian's ear and whispered something.

Nie Xiaoqian listened in bewilderment: "Me? Impersonating someone else?"

Wang Xuan slapped her hard on the back of her shapely figure and said in a deep voice, "If you don't treat Xiaoqian well in the future, this will be your fate."

Nie Xiaoqian: "..."

Afterwards, Wang Xuan began to shift the blame and make excuses, trying to maintain his upright and gentlemanly image: "It's all Eleventh Sister's fault. She insisted that I treat her as Third Sister. I was so innocent back then, how could I have known these things?"

Nie Xiaoqian's pretty face flushed red, and she softly scolded, "Young master, do you really not know?"