Day and night without rest, I read books on reforms from various countries, constantly exploring new laws that benefit both the nation and the people, and are suitable for the Zhou dynasty.
Therefore, Bai Qingyan dared to say to Xiao Rongyan, whichever country can truly achieve the four words of enriching the people and strengthening the nation, that country would genuinely unite the world, Xiao Rongyan... did not dare.
Xiao Rongyan questioned himself, realizing he did not have the Bai familyâs broad-mindedness, thus... his admiration for the Bai family was profound, and he truly revered the character of the late King of Zhen, Bai Weiting, from the bottom of his heart. A true gentleman would be none other than King of Zhen, Bai Weiting.
But Xiao Rongyan also understood that King of Zhen, Bai Weiting, died due to his noble character far surpassing many Monarchs, because of his straightforward and loyal nature.
"Not yet reached that step, I dare not think so. Although Xiliangâs power is not as it once was, especially after Yan destroyed Wei and Zhou extinguished Liang, the Empress of Zhou can be considered a wise and virtuous ruler, with great encouragement for the Han Shu to counter the aristocratic families controlling the court. Nowadays, the Zhou dynasty is endeavoring to revitalize its military. This world changes extremely quickly, if neglected... Xiliang might seize the opportunity to rise!"
Bai Qingyan mentioned Xiliang with caution: "Historically, there are examples where weak nations rise to destroy strong ones. In the past, during the contest among nations, Qin was despised by many and faced extinction several times, yet ultimately unified the world. Yan, too... occupying a corner, constantly threatened with extinction, yet now stands as a dominating power. The lessons of the past are a constant warning for me, I dare not underestimate them."
Xiao Rongyanâs spine straightened slightly, and he deeply respected Bai Qingyan for maintaining humility at such a time. He had seen many ascend the throne, who, though yet to establish their nation, upon first taking the Emperorâs seat, even if they did not consider themselves invincible, were nonetheless arrogant. It was rare to see someone like Bai Qingyan who maintained their original intention, cautiously treating each successful enemy.
"Kidâs words... make me ashamed." Xiao Rongyanâs brows carried a smile, looking at Bai Qingyan filled with tenderness.
Seeing Bai Qingyan slightly surprised, Xiao Rongyan asked: "Kid is so surprised, you said you already view me as your husband earlier, surely youâre not teasing me?"
Bai Qingyanâs eyes betrayed a hidden smile. He touched the hairpin hidden in his sleeve, supported the desk and stood up, walked over to Bai Qingyanâs side, knelt on one knee, placed one hand on the hidden support behind Bai Qingyan, the other on the table before her, gazing down at Bai Qingyanâs delicate and radiant features: "Yet to present the congratulatory gift for Kid ascending as the Empress of Zhou to Kid..."
Saying this, Xiao Rongyan took out the jade hairpin and placed it in Bai Qingyanâs hair, scrutinized for a moment, then smiled: "Looks beautiful..."
Bai Qingyan raised her hand and touched it, it was indeed a hairpin...
I guessed this must be personally carved by Xiao Rongyan himself, last time it was a swan hairpin, this time... a twin lotus.
Things given to Bai Qingyan were either meticulously sought by Xiao Rongyan... or of great meaning to him, or... personally made by him.
For Bai Qingyan, rare treasures are easily attainable, the hardest to acquire is Xiao Rongyanâs thoughtfulness.
Looking at herself, from the moment they pledged their feelings to the present, she had not spared even a little leisure to prepare something for Xiao Rongyan, feeling guilty towards him.
"More refined than the swan hairpin," Bai Qingyan touched the jade hairpin, looking up at Xiao Rongyan, her clear eyes reflecting his determined features up close, mirroring his quiet gaze, capturing the gentle gaze upon her lips and the scorching passion in his eyes.
The manâs breath brushed against her forehead. Her hand resting on the table slightly lifted her body, and she lightly touched Xiao Rongyanâs lips, whispering: "I really like it! Someday..."
Before finishing her words, her lips were sealed by the manâs irresistible passion. Her mouth abruptly opened, Bai Qingyan glanced outside the door, worried about being seen, and pushed against Xiao Rongyanâs chest, only for him to clasp her slender wrist.
The kiss did not stop, Xiao Rongyan took Bai Qingyanâs hand, as delicate as if boneless, to wrap around his narrow waist, deepening the kiss further. Bai Qingyan took advantage of a breath to softly exclaim: "A Yan..."
Yet, all her words were drowned by Xiao Rongyan, his familiar presence invading her heart and mind, causing Bai Qingyan to involuntarily close her eyes, blanking her mind, all the hairs on her body shivered.
In the entire great hall, only the sound of fine sand falling within the hourglass could be heard.
No one knew how long the kiss lasted, as Xiao Rongyan, breathing heavily, loosened Bai Qingyanâs lips.
She struggled to control her erratic breathing, opened her eyes to see Xiao Rongyanâs ink-black eyes gazing her, lovingly depths enough to drown her, causing her to involuntarily tighten her grip on Xiao Rongyanâs waist garment.
Xiao Rongyan gazed at Bai Qingyanâs jade-like fair and pure skin, dyed in a deep blush, and couldnât help but move closer to Bai Qingyan, once again kissing her lips, gazing at her with profound affection, love burning vividly.
He held Bai Qingyanâs flawless features with one hand, brushed her lip corner with his thumb, and moved closer to her lips once more...
As their noses brushed, she instinctively held her breath, heart... pounding fiercely.
They were so close Bai Qingyan could feel the every measured control in Xiao Rongyanâs heavy breathing.
Xiao Rongyan, who across Bai Qingyanâs two lifetimes, was the only man she had been this close with; this unfamiliar yet exhilarating heartbeat was all from Xiao Rongyan.
Perhaps, this is what intimacy feels like with a loved one, making one feel as if floating among clouds, head spinning.
At the instant their lips touched again, her mind was in chaos, whole body relaxed as Xiao Rongyan knocked her into the seat, eyes tightly shut.
Xiao Rongyan tightly grasped the cushion beneath Bai Qingyan, veins on his hand prominently pulsed, barely restraining the beast about to escape the confines of reason, his breathing trembled, before his... was his Kid, his cherished one, the one he pitied, and also his respect... the girl at the tip of his heart.
He had yet to gain Bai Qingyanâs elderâs approval, they had not yet performed the wedding rites, he... could not just take her like this, what of respect... what of cherishing?
Xiao Rongyan, seeing Bai Qingyanâs closed eyes and held breath, closed his own eyes, using all his lifeâs self-control, he softly said: "Kid, donât be afraid, before we marry, I wonât do anything overstepping, donât be afraid..."
Bai Qingyan clutched Xiao Rongyanâs wrist, palms sweating profusely, eyes opened looking at Xiao Rongyan restraining himself greatly, lips quivered, summoning unknown courage, hooked Xiao Rongyanâs neck and kissed him.
Her face blushed, lashes fluttered, eyes evaded, and admitted to Xiao Rongyan in a soft voice: "Iâm not scared... just never experienced this before. A Yan... In my heart, Iâve already seen you as husband, these words arenât deceiving you, Iâm just... very nervous."