"Sir, I’ve sorted through the more important memorials for you over these days. You should take a look."

Di’an, Inner Courtyard of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Bai Muxi walked in from outside the study, her gaze wandering deliberately around the room, but she only saw Xu Yuan gazing out from beside the window lattice.

Placing the documents on the desk, Bai Muxi looked curiously at the man by the window and asked in a low voice:

"Sir, is Su Jinxuan out for something? She’s not in the mansion."

The young master’s party returned to the capital from Jiangnan; she originally had official business to discuss with that Fox Su, but she searched the entire Prime Minister’s Mansion and found no trace of her, thinking she must be mingling with the young master, but she did not expect to not find her even in the inner courtyard.

Xu Yuan turned his gaze and explained helplessly:

"She’s throwing a tantrum."

"Ah?"

"Said she’s planning to stay in Jiangnan for a while."

"Uh...."

Bai Muxi was somewhat taken aback, but then quickly thought of something.

Is that Fox Su trying to avoid the upcoming grand wedding?

This thought had just flashed through her mind, and the corners of Xiao Bai’s eyes unconsciously curled with amusement.

Since very early on, she had understood the intentions of that fox spirit, always trying to elevate her position in the young master’s heart. Perhaps she wanted to vie for the position of the main wife?

Influenced by this, Bai Muxi indeed had similar thoughts but eventually gave up thinking it through.

No need, it’s thankless.

Even if she managed to vie for it, would it grant her greater power, or would the young master love her alone?

Undoubtedly, neither was possible.

In terms of status, Dayan’s etiquette did not govern the young master’s household, and the inner courtyard never adhered to propriety; whether wife or concubine, there was no strict hierarchy.

Regarding favoritism, the young master always upheld the principle of impartiality.

Bai Muxi knew she could not compare to Tianyan in the young master’s heart, but whenever she spoke sharply, that Pavilion Master trembled with anger, yet she could only endure it?

As for power, it was even more unrealistic.

The young master was a person who distinguished public from private matters, and all external authority was allocated based on individual capability.

Even with the Big Ice Lump’s special position, now it’s just a title as Sword Sect Leader, lacking real power.

Apart from reputation, there is no difference.

So why bother vying for such a title?

However.....

Compared to other confidantes of the young master, Bai Muxi’s relationship with that fox spirit was the best, so she somewhat understood her.

Bai Muxi’s ample chest slightly rose and fell, finally sighing and speaking softly:

"Sir.... Su simply feels uncomfortable; don’t take it to heart."

Though speaking kind words, her tone was still thick with insinuation.

The radiant sunlight spilled through the openwork roof, Xu Yuan approached the desk and sat down, opened a document, glanced indifferently at this green tea:

"I know, I’m not blaming her."

Standing by the desk, Bai Muxi didn’t leave immediately, contemplating whether she should say a few more good words for that Fox Su, unsure of her stance to speak on this matter.

She was different from other women close to the young master.

Initially, her approach and seduction of the young master had no genuine feelings, only a link named interest bondage.

Even now, perhaps there was still flattery in her feelings for the young master for the sake of her clan’s development.

That’s her sin in their relationship,

so Bai Muxi knew she couldn’t compare to others and didn’t have the right to ask the young master for more.

But Su Jinxuan is different.

"What’s wrong?"

A gentle and calm inquiry came, and Xu Yuan lifted his gaze from the document, his black eyes like a tranquil pool smiling: "Are you trying to speak for her? Or do you have something to discuss with me?"

Bai Muxi bowed and knelt, performing a salute and said:

"Muxi dares not, but there is one matter I wish to request the young master to hear."

Looking down at the kneeling woman, Xu Yuan sighed helplessly, saying:

"It’s not like we’re estranged to never contact each other again; she’ll return to the capital after a season. What’s all this fuss?"

While speaking, Xu Yuan gently put down the memorial in his hand, patiently explaining:

"Although the war has ended, public sentiment remains unstable; many are secretly hoping if Han King Mansion will take action to perform the duty of the heavens. The Imperial Family and Xu Residence are both waiting, and now I need to thoroughly assure these people.

"So Muxi, this wedding is far from the joyous union of an ordinary family; it’s essentially a ceremony deepening interest bonds."

"But sir, is that truly how you see it?"

"...."

Xu Yuan’s cheek twitched.

Got it, both of you are stubborn, are you?

Ultimately, he sighed:

"I don’t see it that way, fine, speak, I’m listening."

Bai Muxi slightly deliberated her words, whispering:

"Sir... I have the Underground Palace migrants, Qingmo has the Sword Sect, Tianyan has Jiatiange, and the Empress has the Li Family, but Su is different from us; she has no interest group behind her. From very early on, she’s been all alone...."

"You mean Xu Yuan is her entire world?"

"...."

Bai Muxi’s pupils slightly contracted.

Because the one who answered was not Xu Yuan but a slightly hoarse female voice.

A woman in a scarlet robe had unknowingly entered the study, sitting atop a bookshelf, her lotus shoes lightly swaying, her scarlet pupils leisurely sweeping over the two in the room.

After a while,

The red-clad woman curled her lips and asked with a slight smile:

"Lord Han King, what are you up to again?"

Xu Yuan did not answer, but instead asked back:

"Why did you suddenly come here?"

"I came because I heard you returned to the capital."

Li Qingyan jumped down from the bookshelf, stretched her tall figure, dissipating her cultivation technique, and her crimson eyes gradually returned to black. Looking lazily at Xiao Bai, who was kneeling on the ground, she walked past her, brushing her hand over her peach-colored skirt and sitting on the desk in front of him, asking with a half-smile:

"So, Han King, what are you up to?"

"..."

Bai Muxi knelt with her head to the ground, motionless, like an adulteress caught in the act.

If even Tian Ye, among all the young master’s favorites, seemed easy to get along with, the only one she feared was this reigning Empress.

Like a mouse meeting a cat.

"It’s nothing."

"Still so proud, don’t tell me you didn’t notice I arrived."

Li Qingyan took off her long boots, placing the tip of her foot on his thigh, leaning forward, she lifted his chin with her slender index finger, her eyes forming two crescent moons, exuding an alluring danger: "You let me hear so much, isn’t it just to get me involved in this matter?"

Xu Yuan stared into the Empress’s eyes, sighed, and admitted truthfully:

"Su Jinxuan is throwing a tantrum, she wants recognition."

"Ha...."

Li Qingyan found this amusing, withdrew her hand, leaned back, propping herself up on the desk, crossing her legs, and said with a drawn-out voice: "I knew her intention eight hundred years ago, but she really dares to come asking now."

Xu Yuan glanced at the woman’s bare feet, thought for a moment, and said:

"She probably...."

"No need to explain to me."

With a slight curve of her crimson lips, Li Qingyan dismissed him with a wave of her hand:

"If she wants it, just give it to her. Hold the wedding she wants at the residence later. I don’t care. As for more, it depends on whether she has the ability to take more from me."

".... " Bai Muxi.

Xu Yuan glanced at Xiao Bai kneeling on the ground.

Bai Muxi felt that gaze, feeling embarrassed.

She felt her actions were quite unnecessary.

You better die, Fox Su...

Making her look ridiculous in front of the young master.

Cursing her friend silently, Bai Muxi couldn’t help but steal a glance at Li Qingyan’s expression.

There was no falsehood or probing,

only a deep-seated pride and confidence.

She didn’t believe anyone could be more charming than her, even if the other was the renowned Enchantress Divine Physique.

Perhaps this was the reason why the Empress was irreplaceable in the young master’s heart?

Li Qingyan stood up from the desk and headed straight for the door. Bai Muxi quickly buried her head again, continuing to play dead like an ostrich.

Xu Yuan was somewhat surprised:

"You’re leaving just like that?"

Li Qingyan half-turned, her narrow phoenix eyes filled with teasing:

"I said I just came to see you. What else should I wait for after seeing you? Or, Lord Han King, do you have matters to discuss with me?"

"..."

Seeing that provocative look, Xu Yuan’s eyes twitched.

Do they really want him to say it himself?

After a moment of silence, Xu Yuan spoke:

"Ahem, I do have important matters...."

"No matter how important, nothing is as important as that wedding, so don’t think about anything else now, Lord Han King."

Li Qingyan’s eyes revealed a hint of mischief, she turned completely around, waving her hand behind her:

"After all, the Sword Sect Leader and Jiantian Pavilion Master both must be present to observe and pay tribute."

After speaking,

the Empress left without looking back.

Xu Yuan wanted to chase after her but held back due to his position, only to look at Xiao Bai, who was kneeling with her peach-like rear, then he heard the already departing Empress’s voice transmission:

"Bai Muxi, immediately follow me into the palace, dare to delay, hehe."

"..."

Xiao Bai quickly got up, bewildered, looking towards Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan’s mouth twitched, he closed his eyes, and waved her off:

"Go ahead."

No matter, he still had the Big Ice Lump.

If not, there was always Tian Ye.

After the war, Ran Qingmo, the Sword Sect Leader, became the State Preceptor stationed permanently in Di’an.

As these thoughts drifted, Xu Yuan stood up and walked towards the Inner Courtyard.

After a dozen or so breaths,

seeing the only living person in the Inner Courtyard, Xu Yuan fell into silence.

The young girl tending to the Spirit Plant suddenly looked up, her heart rippling with surprise as she saw the man standing at the courtyard gate, her beautiful eyes filled with joy:

"Brother, when did you return?"

".... " Xu Yuan.