He didn't speak, but slowly raised his hand.

Behind him, the flag representing the Phoenix Kingdom fluttered in the wind above the capital of the Liuyan Kingdom.

With this, the major overseas threat has been eliminated, and the internal rebellion has been quelled.

A disaster that swept through the Phoenix Kingdom was finally quelled by the combined efforts of the couple Zi Xi and Ling Siran.

Ling Siran led his victorious army, marching with majestic strides through the cheering crowds of the capital.

A grand palace banquet was held in the extremely luxurious Taiji Hall of the Imperial Palace. Civil and military officials, nobles and relatives, all were waiting for the most dazzling hero of the night.

However, even halfway through the banquet, the figure who should have been in the position of greatest merit never appeared.

"Where is General Ling?" The Empress looked around the palace, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Your Majesty, General Ling said he has important matters to attend to first, and will arrive shortly."

The eunuch bowed and reported back.

Everyone was surprised, but the Empress held the rim of her glass wine cup with a slight smile on her lips.

Listening Snow Pavilion, the private room reserved for Young Master Xiao.

The space has been carefully arranged, with the extra tables and chairs removed, leaving only a soft couch and a small table.

The delicate fragrance of pear blossoms burned on the table, creating a world apart from the faint noise coming from outside the window.

Ling Siran had already taken off his battle-worn military uniform and put on a brand-new, dark brocade robe embroidered with dark gold cloud patterns.

His tall figure stood by the window, gazing at the lights of thousands of homes below, his back view appearing somewhat tense.

Those hands, capable of commanding thousands of troops, were now unconsciously clenching their sleeves, their palms slightly damp with sweat.

Footsteps sounded from outside the door, light and familiar.

Ling Siran suddenly turned around.

Zi Xi walked in alone. She was wearing a simple moon-white gauze dress with a scarlet gauze overlay. Her dark hair was loosely tied up and adorned with a plain jade hairpin, which made her look even more naturally beautiful.

"My great general, why do you forgo the flattery and fine wine to hide in my private room, dressed so provocatively?

Seeing his obvious nervousness, she smiled more and teased him.

Ling Siran took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

He strode up to her and, under Zi Xi's slightly surprised gaze, slowly knelt down.

This gesture was not a courteous act between a subject and a princess, but rather carried a sense of loyalty and supplication.

He raised his head, his gaze intense.

He held in his hands a meticulously drawn map of overseas locations and a list filled with treasures presented as tribute by the Kingdom of Liuyan.

"Your Highness, I have successfully completed my mission... driving out the enemy and pacifying the coastal areas."

"Your Highness, would you be willing to spend the rest of your life with me in this peaceful and prosperous era?"

Ling Siran's voice was slightly hoarse from nervousness, but it was exceptionally clear.

Zi Xi looked at him kneeling in front of her in surprise.

Weren't they already married?

And isn't that a bit disrespectful? Her mother can still live for decades.

However, looking into his clear eyes reminded Zi Xi of the first time she met him, of his embarrassment in the selection hall and those clear eyes.

This unpolished gem, which she discovered with her own hands, has finally shed all its dust and inferiority, and is now shining with a dazzling light that can illuminate mountains and rivers.

Zi Xi slowly reached out and gently placed her hand on the back of his hand that was holding the betrothal gifts.

Then, she gently lifted him up from the ground.

Ling Siran stood up with her help, his gaze still following her intently.

"Fool, I don't need that. You're all I need."

Zi Xi looked up at him, a bright smile blooming on her face.

She gripped his hand tightly and wrapped her arms around his waist.