The capital was currently bustling with discussion about the fire at the Mu Marquis residence the night before last.

The Luo residence incident had just passed and now it was the Mu Marquis residence’s turn, giving the capital’s gossipmongers something to chat about.

In the capital’s taverns, everyone was excitedly gossiping about these events unrelated to them. These kinds of upper-class tragedies were especially to the taste of those who loved to wag their tongues.

“Tsk tsk tsk, what sins have the Luo and Mu households committed to have such misfortunes befall them one after another? First the Luo family was massacred, then the Marquis residence was burned,” a person said while sipping fine tea, looking regretful.

“Wasn’t the Luo family massacred by the Marquis residence’s daughter?” The speaker rubbed his smooth chin. “Speaking of which, the Mu Marquis residence is still the Luo family’s enemy?”

“Hey, you can’t say that. Could it be the Luo family taking revenge? I remember only Young Master Luo is left of the Luo family, just a man. You’re thinking too much.”

That person shot her a disdainful look: “I never said such a thing. Don’t slander me. I was just clarifying the relationship between the two families.”

Besides, it wouldn’t be strange. Although only Young Master Luo remained of the Luo family, what did he have? Plenty of silver. With silver, he wouldn’t lack for people to do things for him. But the woman didn’t dare say it out loud, lest she bring fatal disaster upon herself.

“Hmph, if you’re so timid, don’t stay here. We’re discussing this matter. But…with so many major events happening recently, I’m sure the Emperor won’t ignore it.”

“That’s right. The city gates are now guarded by imperial soldiers, only allowing entry but not exit.”

“Sigh, that’s what I’m worried about. How can I, a businessperson, conduct trade if I can’t leave the city? I still need to procure goods from other places.”

A woman holding a teacup glanced at that person: “Save it. In the coming days, I’m afraid even a fly would have difficulty flying out of the capital. Perhaps…the Emperor won’t rest until the culprit is apprehended.”

“The Emperor knows what the murderer looks like?”

“Tsk, how foolish. If that was the case, why go to all this trouble?”

“Then what’s the point of guarding the city gates like this? You think not letting people leave will reveal the true culprit?”

The person had barely finished speaking when the woman beside her fiercely elbowed her and whispered in her ear: “Do you want to lose your head? Daring to question the Emperor’s decision so loudly!” She glanced around. “If the wrong person overhears, it could cost you your life!”

This tavern was quite crowded, with all sorts of people on both floors. There was no telling if some high-ranking figures might also be here drinking tea.

“Yes, yes…” Only then did the person react to the words they had blurted out. Wiping cold sweat, they repeatedly expressed thanks.

……

Although Si Qingyu had not stepped out the door these past two days at the Luo residence, this matter was naturally something she had been worrying over. If the Emperor learned of such a major incident…

She looked at Luo Shaoxuan, who had long since woken up and was peeling grapes for her while sitting on the edge of the bed. Her brows furrowed slightly with worry: “Shaoxuan, the Emperor likely won’t let the Marquis residence matter rest. You…”

Before she could finish, Luo Shaoxuan stuffed the peeled grape into her mouth. His face showed no concern as he continued peeling the next one: “You overestimate her too much. She’s just an old woman. You really think she cares that much about this? She only cares about the stability of her position.”

After chewing and swallowing the grape, Si Qingyu’s brows knitted even tighter: “You saying that, I’m afraid…”

Luo Shaoxuan’s hands paused slightly in peeling the grape. His beautiful eyes looked at the worried Si Qingyu and he suddenly smiled contentedly, like a blooming lotus flower catching the eye: “Ziliang, you’re worried about me?”

Her lips pursed slightly: “Of course I’m worried.”

If this was discovered, he would be punished. How could she not worry?

His gaze looked at Si Qingyu’s cool lips softly voicing concern for him in a daze. Her being like this filled his heart with honeyed satisfaction. Those knitted brows of worry for him made him obsessed.

Luo Shaoxuan put the half-peeled grape back on the plate. Wiping his hands clean with a silk handkerchief, he sat on the bed. His jade-like hands grasped hers resting on her knees. Eyes hazy, he gazed at her lips and gently asked: “Ziliang…can I kiss you?”

With that, he had already started leaning in.

Si Qingyu swallowed. Her phoenix eyes slightly widened as she watched his face draw nearer and nearer, feeling that warm softness press against her slightly cool lips.

Luo Shaoxuan gently nibbled with his lips for a moment. His misty, enchanting eyes opened slightly. The tip of his tongue darted out to tentatively lick her lips twice. Seeing no resistance from her, he completely closed his eyes and slid his tongue in to passionately entangle with hers.

Si Qingyu’s eyes grew hazier and hazier. She began responding to him, hands slowly withdrawing from his grasp to circle behind him and press against the back of his head, clumsily reciprocating.

Luo Shaoxuan only felt his heart brim with delight about to overflow. The corners of his eyes reddened slightly, making him appear even more seductive. He obediently nestled in her arms to make it easier for her to kiss him.

The room continuously echoed with the sounds of their tangling tongues, along with the man’s coquettish moans. Only after kissing for a long while did Si Qingyu release him, panting for breath. He could be seen with flushed cheeks, hazy eyes, and slightly parted lips exhaling fragrant breath, like a delicate flower waiting to be plucked.

If it was in her previous life, Si Qingyu would never have believed a man’s face could show such a delicate, pitiable appearance.

Seeing his eyes that seemed a bit unsatisfied…

A flush also rose on her face. Gaze flitting about, she sat him upright and lightly coughed to ease the atmosphere: “I…I’m thirsty.”

Luo Shaoxuan’s beautiful eyes brimmed with autumn waters. He leaned in and lightly licked away the traces of moisture from the corner of her mouth, smiling like a cat that had stolen a treat: “Then I’ll pour you some tea.”

“…Mm.” Watching Luo Shaoxuan leave the bed, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

This person was simply a seductive spirit. She was already losing resistance against him.

Fortunately, Luo Shaoxuan knew to quit while ahead. After pouring her a cup of tea, he sat on the edge of the bed and continued peeling grapes for her. He unhurriedly picked up the earlier topic: “Our Luo family presents some treasures or silver to the palace every so often. So even if she finds out anything, nothing will happen to the Luo family. After all…” Luo Shaoxuan laughed coldly. “The Luo family is also of great use to her.”

So that’s how it was…

Si Qingyu watched Luo Shaoxuan, his expression returned to calm as he earnestly peeled grapes. Him being so serious actually made her heart start racing.

So a person focused on doing something could be this captivating. Even when he had seduced her in all sorts of ways before, she had never felt like she did now. Indeed, it was because her state of mind had changed.

Si Qingyu’s lashes lowered slightly, lips parting softly: “Shaoxuan…”

“Hm?” He didn’t raise his head, continuing to peel the grape in his hand.

“Are you…willing to marry me?”