Upon hearing this, Qing Yun snorted. He picked up a piece of pastry from the table, chewing as he replied, “Yes! He’s overly concerned with everything, a sore loser by nature! Back then, I was still young and almost got into a fight with him!”
“Heh!” Huang Bei Shuang let out a soft laugh. Her star-like eyes and icy complexion made her even more captivating. Ever since they had shared physical intimacy, she had become like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, often captivating his soul with just a glance. Qing Yun pursed his lips, walked behind her, and wrapped his large arms around her. His cool lips brushed against her ear as he rasped, “Why don’t you just admit defeat already...?”
Huang Bei Shuang threw her head back and laughed, “Your Majesty, with all the state affairs you manage, it wouldn’t do to overexert yourself in matters of the bedchamber!”
Qing Yun's arms tightened as he pulled off her outer robe, turning her around. Seeing her obedient demeanor, he was in no mood for idle chatter and swiftly carried her to the bed, where they resumed their intimate encounter.
“Qing Yun, do you know that I’m quite skilled at training paradise birds?” Huang Bei Shuang whispered teasingly in his ear. “Moreover, the paradise bird I’ve trained is very special—it can fly far and wide. There’s not another like it in this desert.”
Qing Yun caught the hidden meaning in her words and halted his movements, leaning down to gaze at her.
By now, Huang Bei Shuang’s clothes were in disarray, and she responded to his stare from mere inches away: “It’s only thirteen people—what kind of tricks could they play in front of you? Let me see them.”
Qing Yun seemed displeased upon hearing this. With a swift tug, he rendered her completely bare, curled up in his arms like a newborn. His kiss, rare in its roughness, conveyed his anger and suppressed frustration, only stopping when her pained whimper escaped her lips, prompting him to release her suddenly.
“Perhaps...” he muttered into the air, “I should lock you up!”
Huang Bei Shuang smiled, her snow-white skin pressing against his, seeking warmth, and she softly asked, “Would that be alright?”
After a moment of silence, Qing Yun clasped her hands and pinned them above the pillow. Seeing that she remained quiet, merely waiting for his answer, his mood lightened considerably. He replied, “Only for tomorrow. I’ll have Soza follow you.”
Huang Bei Shuang finally exhaled in relief, flashing a bright and playful smile.
Behind the emerald curtains by the bedside, the gentle swaying ceased, and beyond the fabric, only the glow of springtime remained...
Paradise Bird, Family of Swallows (explanation of the bird species)
The paradise bird is known for its vibrant colors, graceful appearance, and long tail feathers. Its song is melodious, making it a rare and precious wild desert bird. What’s most remarkable about the king's paradise bird is its solitary nature—it dislikes being in flocks. However, during migration, it surprisingly takes the lead.
This bird mates for life, and if its partner dies, it will stop eating and follow shortly after, with no attachment to the world.
From a young age, Huang Bei Shuang had a deep fondness for training this type of bird. Typically, birds of this delicate size rarely fly long distances, but Huang Bei Shuang’s king's paradise bird, named “Hong,” was exceptional. Not only could it fly for three days without landing, but when it saw its owner, it would cry out in a sound reminiscent of a baby’s wail. There wasn’t another like it in the vast desert.
So, when she saw Hong flying above the Ice Thorn Palace, she knew Ye Pei had come for her.
Since they had come, she had to meet them.
The Next Day
The thirteen members of Lian Huan and Ye Pei's group, who had been waiting outside the Ice Thorn Palace, reentered the palace under the watchful eyes of a hundred guards. After traversing the long corridors and intricate halls, they finally reached the deepest chamber, where they encountered the mistress of the twenty-one Zelkova trees.
She sat in a wooden chair inside a pavilion, dressed in a silk robe of soft peach color, draped in a snow fox fur cloak. She remained as radiant as ever, with an air of intoxication lingering in the atmosphere. At the sound of her light laughter, the gentle chime of copper bells filled the air, adding a touch of pleasant tranquility.
They stared at her in a daze, suddenly afraid to speak, as if this were just a fleeting dream.
Huang Bei Shuang nodded toward them and said, “I knew you would come for me. Come, sit with me.”
“Na Xiu!” The three women, led by Ye Pei, could no longer hold back their emotions. Their hearts ached, and in just a few steps, they ran toward her. Initially, they had wanted to embrace her, but upon remembering they were merely servants, and that before them was their mistress, who would always remain their superior no matter where they were, they hesitated. With this realization, the three girls, along with the ten guards behind them, knelt together on the ground.
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