Hearing Xiao Heye's provocation of him and his country, Yelü Shulie naturally had no intention of backing down. He snorted coldly and mocked, "What do you think you are? Even the emperor of your Northern Liang wouldn't dare to disrespect this prince. Don't forget, a few days ago when we Rouran besieged Nanshaping, it was you who first proposed to negotiate."

Xiao Heye replied, "Negotiation? Ha... In my opinion, whether it's negotiation or marriage, it's for peace. But the most basic bottom line for peace is mutual respect. Prince, am I right?"

"...You!" Yelü Shulie wanted to have the upper hand in everything, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't win an argument with Xiao Heye.

His face turned green with anger.

Seeing that the two were not willing to give in, Zhou Lin quickly stepped forward to act as a peacemaker, and said with a smile, "Hey... everyone, don't forget that we are here today to congratulate Lord Jiang. This is Prince Yelü's first time attending a wedding banquet in Yong'an City. Let me take you to experience the local customs and traditions."

"Chief Minister Xiao, why don't we all get together? If we have anything to say, we can have a few drinks and clear things up. Why make things so unpleasant?"

Xiao Heye showed no appreciation whatsoever, and said indifferently, "No need, I have other things to do at home."

"Moon, let's go." With that, he turned around, took Su Tiyue's hand, and walked straight through the group.

After they had gone some distance, the Prince of Huainan led Yelü Shulie and the Rouran envoy into the side room: "Judging from Prince Yelü's tone, you seem to know that girl from earlier?" Zhou Lin couldn't help but ask the question that had been bothering him.

"Yes, I saw her once before coming here. She left a deep impression on me..." Yelü Shulie continued, "Your Highness is from Yong'an, you should know that young lady, right?"

Zhou Lin smiled and said, "Yes, if Your Highness is interested, I have a lot to say about her background and experiences, which I can tell you slowly..."

"..."

After leaving the backyard, Su Tiyue breathed a slight sigh of relief as they approached the front gate.

The hand that Xiao Heye was holding had a thin layer of sweat on its palm.

Xiao Heye sensed something, squeezed her soft, slightly cool fingertips, and said gently, "Don't be afraid, with me here, no one can bully you."

Su Tiyue stopped in her tracks and looked up at him: "Master, it seems I've caused you trouble again?"

"Hmm—" Xiao Heye thought for a moment, a faint smile appearing on his face: "Indeed, your face is too dangerous, too tempting."

Xiao Heye released her hand, walked up to her, bent down slightly, and covered most of her face with his palm: "How about you cover your face when you go out in the future?"

Although Su Tiyue knew he was teasing her, she was still a little angry and said, "Why don't you just tell me not to go out anymore and stay at home so you can watch it all by yourself?"

"That's excellent."

“You…” Su Tiyue glared at him and said softly, “Palm seal, I’m serious.”

Xiao Heye said, "It's no trouble at all. No matter how troublesome Yue'er's matter is, I can handle it. Don't worry."

"real?"

"Of course." Xiao Heye put his arm around her shoulder and led her outside. "Let's go back. Your second brother and the others must be getting impatient waiting for you..."

Su Tiyue nodded, said "Mmm", took a few steps forward, and then suddenly turned back and threw herself into his arms.

He hugged Xiao Heye tightly: "I'll find a chance to sneak out the day after tomorrow, and then wait for you at Qiushui Residence. Don't forget the palm seal."

"Yeah, I'm used to it anyway." He lowered his head and nuzzled Su Tiyue's head.

"What have you gotten used to?"

"In the palace, we could sneak around like thieves, and now that we're outside... we still have to act like thieves. Yue'er, are you really that afraid your father and elder brother will find out about us? Maybe..."

Xiao Heye paused, then continued, "Perhaps they already knew? I think..."

What are you thinking?

"I want... Yue'er to give me a proper status, so we can be together openly and legitimately."

Su Tiyue paused for a moment, then gently patted Xiao Heye's back, coaxing him like a child: "Master, my father and elder brother might not be able to accept this fact for a while, but... don't worry, I'll find an opportunity to talk to them properly. I won't keep you waiting too long. Okay?"

Xiao Heye smiled: "Okay, I'll wait for you."

"Then I'm leaving..." She released her grip on Xiao Heye's waist.

She took a few small steps back, smiled, and waved at him: "You're really leaving..."

Xiao Heye smiled and waved at her.

For some reason, ever since Su Tiyue left the palace, they have been reluctant to part every time they separate.

They're like an old married couple, and also like newlyweds.

There are always so many things to say, so many feelings to express...