The two exchanged barbs, and everyone could see the hostility between them.
After the fall of the Southern Dynasties, the Jin Dynasty divided the political power, the imperial power was weak, and the powerful families controlled the court. The two dynasties were in chaos, and the northern lands were frequently plagued by war. The Marquis of Yan disregarded the reputation of the powerful families and fought against the eight princes of the north to attack the Northern You.
Taking advantage of the fall of Dingyuan City, the people of the Western Regions pressed their advantage and pursued the enemy, frightening Emperor You into abandoning the city and fleeing, plunging Northern You into chaos.
Which of the kings present didn't want to conquer Beiyou, expand their territory, sweep across the other kingdoms, end the chaotic era of division and war that had lasted for hundreds of years, unify the world, and achieve lasting fame?
However, the Central Plains were in turmoil. The eight princes outwardly obeyed the emperor, but in reality, each harbored their own ambitions and wanted to seize the throne. However, the powerful families kept the princes in the north in check and dared not make any rash moves. They all had their own agendas in mind when it came to this banquet.
Bright lights shone high, as bright as day. Inside the hall, incense burner burned with ambergris, and people sang and danced. The joyful laughter of the crowd filled the entire hall.
Helian Ye swirled the wine cup in his hand, listened to the music playing in the hall, and spoke lazily.
"The wine in the Central Plains isn't strong enough."
"We have a few jars of fine wine in Mo Nan, and we hope that Marquis Yan and the young master can grace us with their presence."
From afar, Ashleyan walked towards the two of them with a wine glass in hand, her smile bright and alluring.
"Lord Yan, it's been a long time."
It's been a long time! You were a fierce ghost on the battlefield back then, but here at the imperial banquet, you're the dignified and polite young master of a noble family.
Dressed in a snow-white robe, with clear eyes and red lips, she stood there quietly, elegant and noble, like a piece of warm jade.
Yan Beimo glanced at her, slowly sat down, and smiled gently.
"It's been a long time since we've seen the Little Khan. Why didn't you come in person this time?"
As the group was talking, a eunuch quietly entered through a side door, walked to the emperor's side, and whispered something to him.
"Your Majesty, we've found them. They're all lying in ambush eight hundred li outside the capital."
Without an imperial edict, the princes dared to lead their troops back to the capital.
Shen Yan's face was gloomy. He glanced at the crowd below who were drinking and chatting happily, but said nothing.
The banquet in the front hall seemed endless, and Chu Changning was utterly exhausted.
She watched Chu Chang Le fall asleep, then turned and left.
Shuangyue waited outside the door. When she saw her come out, she led her to Huayang Palace, which was not far away.
Aren't you going back to the inn?
Shuangyue replied respectfully, "The palace banquets have been going on for several days. Tomorrow we are going to the royal hunting grounds, so I will stay in the palace."
Upon hearing this, Chu Changning's eyes darkened, and she went to the washroom to wash up.
She changed into a light gauze dress and leaned against a small couch, with a maid behind her wringing her wet hair.
The windows were open on all four sides, and on the table were golden cups and plates containing Qiang peaches, Anshi (a type of stone), as well as crystal grapes and pomegranates, which were tributes from the Rouran.
Chu Changning's stomach was empty, but when she thought of Chu Changle crying herself to sleep, she lost her appetite and felt a little dazed.
"Madam, it's done."
The palace doors were closed, and the maids inside withdrew.
Chu Changning went to bed, covered himself with the quilt, and tried to sleep, but he tossed and turned and couldn't fall asleep no matter what.
She didn't know how much time had passed when she heard the sound of the palace door being pushed open, and a smell of wine mixed with the cold wind and frost spread into the palace.
The hazy moonlight made out the outline of the person who had come into view.
"husband--"
Before the words were even out of his mouth, he abruptly lifted the red silk curtain, pressed his cool body against hers, held her limbs tightly, and bit her lips.
Chu Changning had no idea what was wrong with him. The moonlight reflected in the room, and he could vaguely see that his eyes were bloodshot.
She softened and hooked her arms around his neck in response.
Outside the window, crows cried, while inside the dimly lit tent, a scene of erotic beauty unfolded.
Yan Beimo lowered her legs and whispered softly in her ear.
"The young masters of noble families in the Central Plains are cunning and ruthless, hmm?"
Chu Changning's heart skipped a beat. She looked up and met his eyes.
"Skilled at healing wounds, and attentively serving Helian Ye every night?"
Chu Changning instantly realized what was happening and cursed inwardly.
Helian Ye is so cunning; he actually tricked her!
"What is my husband saying?"
She pretended not to understand and stepped back.
Yan Beimo wouldn't let her escape; he grabbed her and pinned her down beneath him.
He hadn't taken off his shirt, and his black hair was half-hanging down. He looked so refined and noble, yet the words he uttered were vile and despicable.
Chu Changning was furious upon hearing his foul language.
"Besides, do you think he can satisfy you like this? I'm here—"
Before he could finish speaking, a crisp snapping sound rang out in the hall.
Chu Changning pushed him away.
"Yan Beimo, what nonsense are you talking about? Don't insult people without knowing the facts."
Yan Beimo turned his head to the side after being hit. He licked the blood from the corner of his lips and glanced at her.
The two locked eyes, the atmosphere tense and fraught with tension.
Chu Changning's chest heaved violently from his words.
He chuckled coldly, then his long, slender, cold hand suddenly gripped her neck and lifted her up.
"Since you can't even protect yourself, I might as well kill you."
Chu Changning winced in pain and tried to pry his hand off, tears welling in her eyes from the pain.
Yan Beimo looked down at her, his fair knuckles protruding, his deep features seemingly shrouded in gloom.
You lied to me last time.
Why the hell don't you say Helian Ye lied to you? Have you lost your mind?!
Chu Changning's eyes reddened with anger, but she couldn't utter a word.
A cool night breeze blew in through the red-lacquered window.
A gust of wind brought Yan Beimo back to his senses. He glanced at Chu Changning, who was struggling to breathe, and then let go of her.
Chu Changning slumped onto the couch and began coughing violently.
The palace doors were wide open, and a cool breeze blew in.
The palace maids waiting outside watched the man stride away, then knelt on the ground in panic. Hearing the curses coming from inside, they trembled even more.
After venting his anger, Chu Changning applied an ice pack to his eyes and lay on the bed like a corpse.
After being tossed around like that, I felt a vague discomfort in my stomach.
She lay on her side, clutching her abdomen, and endured the pain without calling the imperial physician.
"Madam, what's wrong?"
The palace maid who closed the door noticed her unusual behavior and asked her a question.
Chu Changning's forehead was covered in a fine layer of cold sweat. She hugged the blanket and spoke softly.
"It's nothing, go out."
The palace maid didn't dare to say anything more and left with the door closed.
Yan Beimo did not return all night, and Chu Changning was so exhausted from the baby in her belly that she did not sleep well all night. She looked tired when she woke up the next day.
As the setting sun shone through the window, palace maids filed in, carrying washing utensils.
After she finished getting ready, a eunuch came in and said that Marquis Yan was waiting for her at Guangqinghan.
Chu Changning knew they were going to the royal hunting grounds, but she declined, citing feeling unwell.
But less than half an incense stick's time later, Yan Beimo arrived in person.
"Where do you feel unwell? I'll have the imperial physician examine you properly."
His face was gentle, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
Chu Changning paused in her soup-drinking motion, ignoring him.
The atmosphere between the two was eerily silent.
The palace maids around felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, wishing they could disappear into the ground.
"All of you, get out."
The crowd hurriedly retreated.
Chu Changning took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to scratch him to death, and spoke calmly.
"I fell yesterday and it's inconvenient for me to change into my riding clothes. Husband, you can go by yourself."
Yan Beimo walked to her side and leaned in.
"I'm giving you the chance to meet with Helian Ye in secret, don't you like it?"
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