Zhining looked down and indeed saw a wet patch upon her chest.
After giving birth, she had insisted upon feeding the baby herself every day, so her milk supply was abundant.
Throughout this journey, she had become so swollen she could scarcely bear it. After stopping at inns, she had secretly expressed milk countless times. Just one hour ago, she had bathed and changed at a top-tier inn within Donghai City, then expressed once more, confirming there would be no problem before coming to see Soren.
She had not imagined she would still leak, and without even feeling particularly full. She truly did not know the reason.
But with this, all the cold, imposing air she had prepared vanished completely. Her face flushed red, her gaze both angry and shy.
Glaring fiercely at Soren, she turned her delicate body to face away from him, pulling out a silk handkerchief she had long since prepared and reaching into her bodice to wipe.
But after slight hesitation, she bit her jade teeth firmly, then turned back to face Soren. She undid her bodice and openly, generously used the silk handkerchief to wipe.
Instantly, Soren saw two magnificent snowy peaks, spectacular and pert, their dimensions incomparable to before, alluring beyond compare.
Instantly, Soren’s breathing grew rapid.
And though Zhining’s movements were bold, her gaze was incomparably shy, yet carried provocation.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the room became magnificently ambiguous, as though a single spark could rekindle their old passion.
Soren drew a deep breath, calming his racing heart.
Because Soren knew this was Zhining’s honey trap. She was waiting for him to pounce and rekindle their old flame.
Thus, the matters to follow would be easier to discuss.
And if Soren truly slept with her once more, many things would become passive.
Moreover, he felt somewhat pained in his heart. Zhining clearly hated him.
Because at that time, to save Tianshui City, he had taken Zhining again and again, completely exploiting her.
Given Zhining’s temperament, she would certainly have been disappointed and hateful afterwards, utterly incapable of forgiving Soren.
Now, she was willing to stoop to using her charms to seduce Soren. This was completely sacrificing her own dignity for her brother Zhili.
It was evident that in her heart, Zhili’s weight exceeded Soren’s.
…
Soren made himself calm.
Seeing this, Zhining’s eyes showed a trace of vexation, then she dressed herself once more.
“Was it a boy or a girl?” Soren asked.
Zhining said, “Do you hope for a boy or a girl?”
Soren said, “I already have a daughter, so I wanted a son. But considering the child’s special identity, I also hoped for a girl.”
“A boy.” Zhining said, “Quiet, strong, so lovely and beautiful one cannot take one’s eyes away.”
Instantly, Soren’s gaze stirred, filled with tenderness and affection.
Then, the two fell into silence.
Soren suddenly said, “Zhining, you should not have returned.”
Zhining said, “When you say these words, why do you not think of how you should not have ravished me that day.”
Instantly, Soren was speechless.
Zhining said, “I originally had no intention of returning. After giving birth to the baby, the ill-fated bond between us was completely concluded, with no further connection in this life. But I had not imagined you would be so formidable, beating my brother so badly that he is thoroughly disgraced. So I had no choice but to return.”
Soren said, “Your return changes nothing.”
Zhining said, “When my brother attempted to molest Gui Qinshao, she castrated him with one stroke. Though it was reattached, that thing is useless now, and he has only two daughters. He is destined to be without descendants.”
Soren’s brow furrowed deeply, “So?”
Zhining said, “So, my brother wishes to reconcile with you. Everything Zhiyan can give you, he can give you as well. After he ascends the throne, he shall enfeoff you as Prince Regent. Moreover, our son shall be adopted by him and established as crown prince. Our son shall be the next King of Nu Lang.”
Soren’s eyes narrowed, his heart leaping violently.
Zhining said, “In the future, you shall oversee all internal affairs and military, equivalent to the combined present roles of Tulintuo and Yan Wuji. And the southern expansion into barbarian territory shall also be entrusted entirely to you.”
These conditions could not be described as anything but excellent, even extremely excellent.
Drawing a deep breath, Zhining first lowered her head, then raised it again, saying, “Moreover, my marrying you as wife is also among the conditions of reconciliation.”
Seeing Soren’s expression remain completely unchanged, Zhining’s heart trembled.
Soren said word by word, “Zhining, after the academy examinations in the royal city, I created a miracle, becoming first in the noble academy and successfully obtaining the noble warrior medal. At that time, your brother Zhili invited me to a banquet. That bold and unconstrained manner, that free and easy bearing, I still remember vividly. At that time, he warmly recruited me, offering to marry you to me as wife and make me the future Prime Minister. And all I needed to give in return was my loyalty and leasing Tianshui City to him for twenty years.”
At these words, Zhining’s face instantly turned ugly.
Soren said, “Yet at that time, he was wholeheartedly determined to marry you to Prince Jimin, and the engagement was already in place.”
His meaning was abundantly clear. Everything about Zhili was feigned.
Therefore, this so-called sue for peace was also false.
Zhining said, “But he has been castrated. He is destined to be without descendants. Our son is already the only suitable heir. Reconciling with you is his only path.”
Soren said, “When did he tell you about his castration by Gui Qinshao?”
Zhining said, “Thirteen days ago.”
Soren said, “But he was castrated several months ago. Why did he only tell you thirteen days ago? He would not tell anyone such an absolute secret. The reason he told you can only be one: that his manhood has already recovered. That is why he would tell others. Otherwise, given his suspicious and ruthless character, he would not tell anyone such a fatal secret.”
“But, I am his sister.” Zhining said, “And his castration, you, Gui Xingfu, and Gui Qinshao already know of it. It is no longer an absolute secret.”
“I will not trust him.” Soren said, “Between him and me, it is already a fight to the death.”
At these words, Zhining’s incomparably beautiful face instantly lost all colour. Gazing at Soren’s incomparably handsome face, she said hoarsely, “Then what about me? What am I in your heart?”
Soren did not speak.
Zhining said, “I know, I am worth nothing in your heart. You ravished me solely to exploit me, to save Tianshui City.”
Soren turned away and poured a cup of water.
Zhining instantly grew more agitated, her beautiful eyes red as she said, “I am worth nothing, but what about our son? He is your flesh and blood after all. Can you not consider him?”
Soren handed the warm water to her, saying, “Zhining, drink some water. After you calm down, I shall speak with you.”
Zhining took the water and drank in great gulps.
Soren gazed into her eyes, saying, “Zhining, previously in the Kingdom of Nu Lang your health was poor, you often spat blood, thinner than withered flowers. But after going to Yanjing, you needed think of nothing, pouring all your love and emotion into your son. And to protect him, you forced yourself to become strong. So your health improved, you grew robust, your heart became broad, and you became beautiful and bold.”
Soren’s words struck directly at Zhining’s heart.
“But upon returning to the Kingdom of Nu Lang, you have once again fallen into sorrow, anger, and grief, even exhausting your heart and blood once more over matters between myself and Zhili.” Soren said, “If this continues, you will become as before, haggard, narrow-minded, pained, and weak.”
Zhining’s beautiful eyes gazed at Soren, saying, “You could clearly save all of this. You could clearly let me become a happy little woman.”
Soren shook his head, “Zhining, I have seen through your brother. I understand him too well. His主动 revealing his castration can only prove his manhood has recovered. His tearful, mournful letter to you, asking you to return, was never about reconciling with me. He always knew in his heart that I would certainly not agree. His sole purpose was merely to hold you and our son in his grasp as hostages!”
At these words, Zhining’s delicate body trembled, her voice cracking, “You petty, despicable, shameless…”
Zhining quickly became hysterical, desperately refuting Soren.
“He is my brother, the brother I depend upon for survival. We are the closest of kin. It is you who harbours wolfish ambition. Over a year ago, to save your Tianshui City, you exploited my masochistic love for you to ravish me. You repeatedly call my brother shameless, yet you are the truly shameless one.”
Seeing Zhining become so agitated, Soren stepped forward and gently held her fragrant shoulders.
“Do not touch me, you shameless wretch.” Zhining struggled desperately, shouting excitedly.
Then, she splashed the unfinished water directly onto Soren’s face.
She did not know why she was so agitated, so furious.
Whether because her brother Zhili was the closest and most important person in her heart, not to be sullied by Soren, or because of Soren’s cold heartlessness.
Soren wiped the water from his face, gazing into her eyes, saying, “Zhining, I know that in your heart, my weight far falls short of Zhili’s. And my exploiting you to allow Tianshui City to escape catastrophic destruction is unforgivable in your heart. But to protect our child, this is what you must do next.”
Zhining’s beautiful eyes were red, gazing at Soren with undisguised hatred.
Soren said, “First, I absolutely cannot agree to the conditions you proposed. There is no room for reconciliation between myself and Zhili.”
Zhining said, “Very well, then I shall help my brother and continue fighting you to the death. Previously I was foolish, allowing you to escape alive. This time I shall not be so foolish.”
Soren ignored Zhining’s irrational response and continued, “Second, after returning to Zhidu, tell Zhili that our negotiations have failed. Do not conceal your anger and hatred towards me, and do not reveal any intention of leaving with the child. Continue maintaining this hatred, agreeing to remain by his side to deal with me. Only thus will you and the child be safe.”
“Third, I have heard that your sister-in-law Fang Qingzhuo is exceedingly gentle and kind. Regarding whether Zhili was truly completely castrated, truly destined to be without descendants, perhaps from her you can obtain the true answer.”
“Finally, regardless of whether we are enemy or friend, regardless of what the final outcome may be, I shall do everything in my power to protect you and the child, safe and unharmed.” Soren concluded, “Now return to Zhidu. Remember what I have just said.”
Zhining’s tears had already soaked her entire face.
Her gaze towards Soren was filled with undisguised hatred.
“Soren, I ask you one final time. Are you willing, for my sake, for our child’s sake, to reconcile with my brother Zhili?” Zhining said, “This is my final chance for you.”
Soren shook his head.
Instantly, Zhining said word by word, “Soren, I will never forgive you.”
Then, she turned and left directly.
…
Luan Yang City!
Tulingduo received a secret letter, a secret letter from the royal city of Zhidu. The cipher upon it could be understood only by herself and Zhili.
The letter stated that Zhili’s manhood had recovered its vigour, and he could sow his seed in Tulingduo at any time. And in the letter, Zhili invited Tulintuo and Tu Liyang to enter the royal city to attend his wedding with Tulingmo.
Reading this letter, Tulingduo’s heart was incomparably conflicted.
This meant that moment had finally arrived. The moment she and Zhili would lie together, and the moment she would murder her husband.
She and Tu Liyang had been married for over half a year. In this half year, Tu Liyang had completely played the role of the most perfect husband.
Exhaustively attentive care, absolutely devoted love.
Tulingduo completely could not imagine that one person could treat another so well.
So tender to the bone, so considerate to the finest detail.
And throughout this half year, she had continuously played the role of a paralysed woman, having no intimate contact whatsoever with Tu Liyang.
This was completely a sexless marriage, yet Tu Liyang showed not the slightest trace of disdain, fearing only that his care for her was insufficient.
People are not plants. Who could be without feeling?
Though she and Zhili had long since made an agreement, to commit adultery, become pregnant, then murder her husband Tu Liyang, finally allowing her and Zhili’s child to become Lord of Luan Yang City.
Now Tulingduo had truly softened, finding it somewhat difficult to strike.
But was she to live out her life so wretchedly?
Closing her eyes, she thought for a full quarter of an hour. Tulingduo found her answer.
…
Donghai City Governor’s Residence!
Suddenly, Narnier rushed in urgently, saying, “Husband, one of our maritime merchant fleets was robbed near Pirate Harbour. One hundred fifty thousand gold coins aboard were seized, two thousand people of the fleet were captured, and over three hundred were killed. Not only that, our auction house at Pirate Harbour was also completely occupied and sealed off!”
Instantly, Soren started, scarcely able to believe his ears.
At this moment, the Soren clan was at the zenith of its power, with all forces under heaven avoiding their sharp edge. How could anyone actively step forward to slap their face?
“Who did this?” Soren asked.
“The new King of the Rock Pirates, your half-brother, Yanmo.” Narnier said.
Yanmo? The last time he had dispatched rock pirates to join Gui Xingfu’s navy to take advantage of the chaos and attack the rocky island salt fields. Soren had not yet had time to settle accounts with him, and now he had come knocking again. What did this mean?
Narnier said, “He also sent a letter.”
Soren took it and opened it. Yanmo’s handwriting sprawled wildly across the page, striking the eye with ferocity.
“Soren, come to Pirate Harbour for a discussion. Otherwise, all your Soren clan’s maritime trade routes shall be completely sealed off. Every Soren merchant vessel I see, I shall strike. Not one magic mirror, not one jin of salt shall you sell by sea.”
Instantly, Soren’s fury soared to the heavens. This was truly intolerable bullying!
Yanmo, had he gone mad?