Chu Changning had his back to the window, and the gaze fixed on his back immediately gave him goosebumps.
She couldn't be bothered to listen to the madman in front of her, so she pushed him away and closed the half-window behind her.
Yan Beimo looked at the tightly closed window and narrowed his eyes slightly.
After a moment, he looked away and waved to the people behind him.
The King of Huainan sat opposite him, holding and playing with a beautiful maid in his arms.
He glanced up and saw him whispering to the general behind him as they raised their glasses.
"I will get you the batch of military equipment from Xuzhou that Marquis Yan requested within half a month."
After giving his instructions to the general behind him, Yan Beimo turned to the side and looked directly at him.
He picked up his wine glass and smiled warmly.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Your Highness."
"I wouldn't dare," the King of Huainan smiled. "Pingyang, hurry up and pour wine for the Marquis of Yan."
Princess Pingyang, sitting next to Yan Beimo, immediately picked up the wine pot and poured wine in a coquettish manner, her body seemingly leaning close to him.
Yan Beimo remained calm, his face, as clear as a gentle breeze and a bright moon, showing no change whatsoever.
"I met with Elder Yan in Beidu a few days ago. After all these years, Elder Yan is still as vigorous as ever."
"My uncle has always been in good health."
After saying that, Yan Beimo stood up, glanced at the beautiful maid who was being played with and panting, and chuckled.
"I won't disturb Your Highness's enjoyment any longer. Have fun."
Seeing that he was about to leave, the Prince of Huainan pushed away the beautiful maid on his body, stood up, pushed Pingyang to his side, and laughed.
"I am grateful for your small token of appreciation, Lord Yan. Once my great cause is accomplished and I have unified the north, I will surely gather pearls and jade to present to you."
Princess Pingyang felt no emotion whatsoever at being given away in public like a plaything.
The Prince of Huainan had many children, and she was not the most favored one. Her father sent her to the Marquis of Yan in order to consolidate his power.
She was more than happy to do so. Marquis Yan held great power and was the ruler of Yandu. If she could get close to him, she would definitely be second only to the emperor in the future.
The Marquis of Yan is currently in need of manpower, so he certainly won't refuse. Besides, men usually have three wives and four concubines, so there's no reason not to take advantage of someone who offers themselves up.
Yan Beimo glanced at the shy Pingyang beside him and smiled faintly.
"The princess is exceptionally beautiful; it would be impolite to refuse her."
Seeing that he accepted, the King of Huainan, who had been holding his breath, instantly relaxed and burst into laughter.
Men all love beautiful women, and this Marquis of Yan is no exception. He looks very serious, but he probably has his share of women in private. He's not as difficult to deal with as the King of Qi said.
Men, once they're smitten with beautiful women, their minds go clouded.
There were many pleasure boats on the Mo Ruo River. Chu Changning was afraid that Yan Beimo had just recognized her and was about to make a runaway, but before the boat even reached the dock, an assassin suddenly appeared.
The entire river was in chaos. Several government-owned pleasure boats in the distance were overturned by assassins, and it was unclear what they were searching for.
Chu Changning peeked out and wondered which assassins were so stupid as to come out and rob in broad daylight.
She urged the boat to dock quickly, but there were too many pleasure boats watching the spectacle, blocking the entire river. Soon, soldiers surrounded the area and began searching for the assassin.
The docks were filled with soldiers searching for people who came ashore.
Helian Ye stood by the window, followed her gaze, and asked with a smile, "That's a general under Yan Beimo, what a coincidence."
Chu Changning listened to his pointed words and her face turned slightly cold.
"Do you think he's making such a fuss because he wants to catch you red-handed?"
"Young Master, aren't you afraid you won't be able to escape?"
Helian Ye raised an eyebrow, smiled, and remained silent.
Chu Changning ignored him and frowned as she looked at the commotion on the dock.
But as soon as she glanced at the window, she saw the scoundrel leading a woman out of the pleasure boat. She slammed the window shut and turned back.
"You've caused this mess, you must have a backup plan. Tell me, how are you going to get out?"
Helian Ye slowly walked to the table and took a sip of tea.
Seeing his reaction, Chu Changning rolled her eyes at him.
"What are the conditions?"
Seeing how cooperative she was, Helian Ye gave a bewitching smile.
"Beg me."
"----"
Chu Changning didn't want to pay attention to him anymore. She walked to the inner window, opened it, and looked around. There were only inconspicuous small boats, crowded together, so they wouldn't attract attention.
She rolled up her sleeves, ready to jump.
Helian Ye immediately grabbed her from behind. Just as he pulled her down, the pleasure boat was suddenly rammed, and the sound of swords clashing came from outside. Someone had broken in.
Her expression changed slightly, and before she could react, she was swept up in a hug and leaped away.
When Yan Beimo led his men in, they found the boat empty. There was a cup of hot tea on the mahogany round table, indicating that the people inside had just left.
His expression was calm as he strolled around the pleasure boat and stopped by the window.
The soldiers searched the surrounding area thoroughly with their swords. Night Hawk stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"My lord, the person has escaped."
Yan Beimo didn't speak. He looked around along the southwest waterline and his gaze settled on a giant ship.
"Give the order to let them pass."
"yes."
After the two jumped off the small boat, they boarded Helian Ye's giant ship.
Chu Changning didn't dare to stay with him any longer. While he was changing his clothes, she stood on the bow of the boat, glanced around a few times, and then jumped onto a boat belonging to a young lady of an official's family not far away, intending to sneak out.
She randomly picked a room and ran inside.
But as soon as she looked up, she saw the man sitting at the table.
His body stiffened abruptly, and his heart skipped a beat.
"Your Excellency -- Lord Marquis".
Yan Beimo raised his eyelids and looked at her indifferently. His gaze was gentle, yet it sent chills down her spine and made her feel a bone-deep coldness.
"What a coincidence."
Chu Changning's fingertips, hidden beneath his sleeves, turned white as he explained.
"I had nothing to do today, so I came here to enjoy the lake. Just now, there was an assassin, and the boat capsized, so I just randomly found a boat to cross the river."
"Yeah?"
He slowly got up and walked towards her.
Chu Changning was forced to retreat, her back suddenly pressed against the cold ship door. He leaned down and pressed down, the icy breath hitting her face making her back tremble.
She couldn't help but reach out and touch his chest, turning her head away slightly.
Yan Beimo looked at her coldly, his tone, which was trying his best to suppress his anger, sounded frighteningly cold.
"You dare to have a secret rendezvous with Helian Ye behind my back? Are you courting death?"
Chu Changning's heart tightened, and she glanced at him sideways.
Their eyes met in mid-air. He suddenly lowered his head and bit her neck viciously, causing her to gasp in pain.
A faint trace of blood appeared. Before she could say anything, he lifted her up and pushed her to the window.
It seemed like everyone had been cleared out; the entire pleasure boat was quiet, with hardly anyone moving around.
Chu Changning was pressed against the window by him. He glanced around and saw a very slow-moving boat not far away.
At the bow of the ship, Helian Ye, having changed his clothes, stood on the tower watching the commotion on their side.
She blushed instantly with embarrassment and twisted her waist to push him away.
“Someone’s watching.”
Yan Beimo didn't move, but held her waist and looked directly at her.
The two exchanged a glance from a distance.
He raised an eyebrow slightly, deliberately closed half of the window, and leaned down to kiss the back of her neck.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com