The two haven't seen each other since that absurd passionate kiss that night.

Shang Changge is a woman who forgets her love immediately after kissing someone; she's definitely a scumbag.

Xiao Ji was busy with official duties and it was difficult to see the princess, as the princess's residence was heavily guarded.

She was always accompanied by maids, making it difficult to get close to her without being noticed by others.

Outside the carriage, rain poured down.

Shang Changge tried to get out of Xiao Ji's arms, but as soon as she made a move, her waist tightened and she fell back into the man's broad and warm embrace.

Shang Changge raised an eyebrow, then gave up.

She slumped back into the man's arms like she had no bones, comfortably enjoying the human-shaped cushion that had been offered to her, and joked:

"With all the kisses, hugs, and saying you miss me, it's hard for me not to suspect that you, Aji, have feelings for me."

Xiao Ji downplayed the issue, saying, "The princess said she misses me; it would be impolite for me not to respond."

Shang Changge: ...Why does this sound so familiar?

He gave Xiao Ji a strange look, determined not to let anyone get away with it.

"What about kissing and hugging? Is that considered politeness? I don't recall ever throwing myself at Aji in the past two days."

Xiao Ji's eyes were deep and affectionate as he looked at people. The iron arm around the woman's slender waist tightened imperceptibly by a third.

The other large, free hand took Shang Changge's hand, bowing its head like a courtier before her.

He kissed each fingertip of his beloved queen with tenderness and reverence, his mature man's sensual voice asking a question instead of answering:

"Does the princess like it?"

Shang Changge certainly liked it; she was a normal woman.

"Xiao Ji, I will not take responsibility."

It would be fun to hang out with a handsome man who fits her aesthetic preferences and is excellent and charming in every way.

But this happiness wasn't enough to make her break her principles. There are countless ways to be happy in life.

For example, the desires of the powerful and wealthy to travel, enjoy themselves, eat, drink, and have fun, and act recklessly, are not limited to the most primal human desires.

As for love,

That further hindered her speed in drawing her gun—no, now, her knife.

To put it bluntly,

She never thought about getting married or having children; she just wanted to enjoy power, wealth, freedom, and happiness on her own.

As long as the beautiful younger brother successfully ascends the throne, she will get what she wants.

If I fail to ascend the throne, I can take a step back and relinquish power to live freely.

Where does wealth and status come from?

She had already planned it out. She was good at sending people down to the underworld, and she could easily make a fortune by taking on jobs as a hitman.

Xiao Ji: "I do not need the princess to take responsibility."

Shang Changge: ...

Shang Changge stared at Xiao Ji, trying to see if he was lying.

After confirming that he wasn't lying, he coughed lightly and straightened his expression, trying hard to suppress the corners of his mouth that were gradually and frantically trying to turn up.

Are you sure?

Xiao Ji: "Yes."

Xiao Ji answered without the slightest hesitation, and then remained silent.

She watched Shang Changge quietly, who was suppressing his pleasure, as if he were waiting for something.

Upon receiving a positive reply, Shang Changge couldn't suppress his smile. Their eyes met, and his lips curled up high, almost touching the sun.

"If that's how General Xiao sees it, then I'll have to be quite blunt from now on."

She wrapped her arms around the man's broad shoulders and, with the absolute dominance of an empress, pressed her lips to Xiao Ji's and kissed him deeply.

The rainy night was slightly cool.

A kiss is different; it is passionate and lingering.

The torrential rain was still falling. When it stopped, an incense stick's time had passed, and Qingyao successfully took Manniang away from Zuihualou.

They were properly settled in the best inn on South Street, and Shang Changge arrived late.

Qingyao served the ginger tea that the waiter had just brought over to ward off the cold, showing concern:

"Did you encounter any trouble on the way, Miss?"

Qingyao was still dressed as a wealthy foreign merchant, and her hands, adorned with a dozen or so sparkling gemstone rings, looked out of place as she served tea and water.

Shang Changge suppressed a laugh, glanced at Manniang who was casting an eager and curious look at her, and then took a sip of the ginger tea before replying:

"I encountered a hungry wolf on the road; it wasn't exactly troublesome, but it was incredibly persistent."

Who would have thought that the aloof and seemingly indifferent general would be so persistent in private?

A kiss that ends at the lips can last so long, and they can hold each other and kiss for so long without ever being satisfied.