After greeting the maidservants, he stepped forward and asked, “Young Master, only the Zhaiyue Terrace remains. Should we begin construction as soon as possible?”
Not far away, a pile of massive stones was stacked high like a small mountain, seemingly prepared for construction once the flowers were cleared to make way for the Zhaiyue Terrace.
Hong Ning lowered her gaze to the camellia bushes. Though she felt reluctant, she did not try to stop them. One could protect something for a moment, but not for a lifetime. No matter how much effort was made, in the end, it was impossible to escape one’s predetermined fate.
Duan Fei glanced at her. “These camellias are blooming beautifully. Let’s keep them for the beauty to admire for a few more days. We can start construction once they’ve finished blooming.”
Steward Han acknowledged the command and withdrew.
Hong Ning remarked, “There’s no need to delay the construction.”
“If you like them, what harm is there in waiting a few more days?” Duan Fei pulled her into his arms and lowered his face close to hers. “If you’re truly grateful, why not give me a kiss?”
Soft chuckles rose around them.
His words were half-serious, half-playful, and he did as he pleased, as if the concept of “status” meant nothing to him. He never acted with propriety. Hong Ning felt both exasperated and helpless, pushing him away before walking off.
* * *
The room was filled with an overwhelming floral fragrance. Peach blossoms, chrysanthemums, orchids, apricots, and countless other flowers were piled high, creating a dazzling display of colors. Amid the sea of blossoms, Lu Jiu reclined lazily on the bed, dressed in flowing white robes, a flirtatious smile on his lips as he ordered a flower spirit to transform into a peony.
After he had regained consciousness, Lu Yao had suggested moving him out of the Flower Dynasty Palace to recover in a separate residence within Flower Dynasty City. Given his status as the young master of the Northern Realm, many flower spirits and flower demons flattered him out of respect, while others dared not offend him for fear of repercussions. Now that he was out of Jin Xiu’s sight, his behavior had become even more reckless.
Just then, Lu Yao lifted the curtain and entered. The sight before her made her expression darken, and she immediately dismissed the flower spirits. “Have you already forgotten the pain now that your wounds have healed? I moved you here precisely to keep you away from those who might disrespect you, yet you’re still making trouble?”
Lu Jiu remained utterly unconcerned. “Congratulations on getting what you wanted.”
Lu Yao sat down beside him. “That’s an odd thing to say. What do you mean?”
Lu Jiu’s smile did not waver. “Your future brother-in-law has been hell-bent on turning that girl into an immortal. Now, thanks to your ‘carelessness’ in letting me escape, she fell into my hands—only for your future brother-in-law to swoop in and rescue her. Tell me, what do you think that girl will do now?”
Feigning ignorance, Lu Yao replied, “How should I know?”
Lu Jiu smirked. “That girl has a stubborn temper. Don’t you think she’ll resent her ‘future brother-in-law’ because of this?”
Lu Yao shot him a sidelong glance. “What does her resentment have to do with me?”
Lu Jiu chuckled. “How could it not? If she becomes an immortal, she’ll be around him all the time. He might not be able to resist his old affections and could very well keep her by his side. But now, thanks to her hatred, she refuses to cultivate immortality. She will remain a mortal forever, and you—well, you’ll never have to worry again.”
Lu Yao replied coolly, “You’re overthinking it. Are you accusing your own sister with no evidence?”
Lu Jiu sneered. “You’ve always been meticulous in everything you do. Of course, you wouldn’t leave behind any proof. You’ve already secured the title of Crown Princess of the Middle Sky. Isn’t that enough? Must you still take more?”
Lu Yao responded matter-of-factly, “If there’s more to take, why not?”
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