The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan-Chapter 666 - 664 This Big Swindler (Second Update)

In Jinluan Hall above, the ministers watched Murong Ce, beaming with vigor, and felt an unease within their hearts.

"Isn’t Murong Ce on his last legs?"

"How has he suddenly changed into a completely different person?"

"Now we’re in for it, who knows how many will die."

As expected, during the reporting, the mere movement of Murong Ce’s lips led many ministers to be taken away and executed by hanging.

The remaining ministers with disloyal thoughts dared not make any rash moves.

...

Today was Yaduo’s birthday, and Li Xianyun had returned early from Xuanyi Pavilion.

Ever since she learned of Yaduo’s birthday, Li Xianyun had ordered the Palace Attendants to start preparing.

Li Xianyun, accompanied by her retinue, walked on the road to Haoyang Palace.

To ensure nothing went wrong, Li Xianyun wanted to review all matters once more.

Youlan followed behind Li Xianyun, laughing softly, "My lady, do you believe that as soon as you set foot in Haoyang Palace, Khan will follow right after?"

Li Xianyun thought little of it, "Khan has numerous official duties, he can’t simply come back whenever he wishes."

Furthermore, she had deliberately not informed Yelu Yan of her return, as to not distract him from his official duties.

Her whereabouts were always well known to Yelu Yan.

Yet, even as well known as they were, it was impossible for him to be aware of her movements at every moment.

Upon reaching Haoyang Palace, the Manager of Haoyang Palace accompanied Li Xianyun to view the banquet seating arrangements.

The two stood in the vast hall, as the Manager pointed and explained everything to Li Xianyun in detail.

It was a royal banquet, capable of accommodating several hundred guests.

The two were engrossed in their conversation, unaware of the changes happening behind them.

Not long after Li Xianyun had entered Haoyang Palace, a tall figure entered the hall.

Youlan and a group of Palace Attendants silently offered their respects to Yelu Yan.

Youlan’s lips curled into a smile, she was right, Khan was incredibly clingy to his master, following every step, almost wishing to stick by his side every day.

Yelu Yan sat near the entrance at a desk, resting his cheek on his hand, smiling as he watched Li Xianyun.

Aside from listening to the Manager of Haoyang Palace’s report, she offered pointers and immediately had the Palace Attendants correct things.

It was fortunate that she had come back earlier, or there would have been many issues that couldn’t be fixed.

Li Xianyun looked around to see if there was anything else that needed improvement, and as she turned, she caught sight of Yelu Yan sitting at the desk.

Her eyes lit up in an instant, and a smile floated to her face.

"Husband, what brings you here?"

Only then did everyone dare to pay respects to Yelu Yan, "Greetings, Khan."

Earlier, everyone was terrified, afraid to disturb Khan’s mood.

Yelu Yan stood and walked towards Li Xianyun, laughing, "The Hidden Guard told me you were back, I didn’t believe it, but here you are."

During this time, she had been so busy she barely touched the ground, hardly ever home, and always returning only when it was dark.

Yelu Yan was aware of his own busy schedule and felt guilty for not spending much time with Li Xianyun.

He hadn’t expected that all his thoughts were unnecessary, for Li Xianyun was even busier than he was.

He ended up being the husband yearning for his wife’s return.

Yelu Yan walked with a brisk, commanding presence, vigorous and dignified.

He quickly reached Li Xianyun’s side, took her small hand, and pulled her into his embrace.

The Manager of Haoyang Palace had already stood aside with a smile.

The Palace Attendants also looked down with smiles.

Li Xianyun glanced to the side and, seeing that no one was looking, pinched Yelu Yan’s arm and whispered, "Be mindful of the impression we’re making."

Though she pinched his arm, it was only through the fabric, not actually reaching his flesh.

Yet, such an affectionate gesture was more than enough to make Yelu Yan’s heart blossom with joy.

Yelu Yan winked at her twice to show he got the message, but his arm remained wrapped around her tender waist, with no intention of letting go.

This big liar.

"So, you came back early for your grandmother’s birthday?" Yelu Yan asked knowingly.

"What else?" Li Xianyun smiled. "Surely you’re not jealous of grandmother too?"

Yelu Yan smiled without a word.

Li Xianyun laughed, "Alright, I’ll tell grandmother that you’re jealous of her."

Yelu Yan took her little hand and started walking away, chuckling, "Alright then, let’s go and tattle now."

Li Xianyun certainly didn’t want to be alone with him.

Hands touching.

Eyes burning.

If looks could undress someone, Li Xianyun would have been stripped countless times by him already.

Li Xianyun stepped back and laughed, "Fine, fine, I won’t tattle. Happy now?"

It was then that Yelu Yan finally let go of her hand.

Li Xianyun, her face a bit flushed from the laughing, asked, "Aren’t you busy with official duties?"

"Busy, but nothing is more important than you."

He made no effort to consider the occasion or to hide the favor he had for her.

Li Xianyun took Yelu Yan’s hand and walked aside, "I need to talk to you."

Yelu Yan let her lead, watching her indulgently and smiling, "Coincidentally, I also have something I need to discuss with you."

Once they were in a secluded spot.

Li Xianyun looked at Yelu Yan, "What did you want to talk about?"

"Perhaps we’re going to discuss the same thing." Yelu Yan leaned in closer to her.

Yelu Yan’s imposing stature complemented Li Xianyun’s delicate and exquisite frame, despite the noticeable difference in their heights. The disparity didn’t look out of place but rather seemed quite fitting for them.

Li Xianyun got straight to the point, "Today, Ji Shi Tang sent me news that Murong Ce got a kind of medicine from Western Yunnan that can alleviate headaches, called Wushi Powder."

Yelu Yan laughed, "That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about today. What is Wushi Powder?"

"It’s a kind of substance that drives people insane, makes them dissolute and helpless, unable to control themselves. Once addicted, it’s impossible to give up for life. It’s also a kind of..." Li Xianyun’s voice trailed off, becoming nothing more than a whisper.

From her lip movements, Yelu Yan understood what she meant but pretended not to get it, "A kind of what medicine?"

Li Xianyun had to speak up, just a bit, "A kind of aphrodisiac."

She paused, "After taking it, one’s body heats up, desire surges, and only sexual relations can quell the overwhelming lust."

Li Xianyun spoke seriously, but when she looked up, she saw the playful smile on Yelu Yan’s face.

Li Xianyun immediately realized, and slapped Yelu Yan’s arm, "You understood very well, yet you made me spell it out."

Yelu Yan gently caressed Li Xianyun’s head, speaking indulgently, "You’re not so dim-witted, after all."

Li Xianyun pouted her soft red lips, "You’re the dim-witted one."

Yelu Yan laughed, "Alright, alright, whatever you say."

This phrase had become almost a constant refrain for Yelu Yan.

Yelu Yan continued, "So, did you have Ji Shi Tang modify the medicine?"

Li Xianyun nodded, "Relying on Wushi Powder alone would take three to five years for madness to set in—too long. So, I had Ji Shi Tang add another ingredient. In as little as a month, or at most two, Murong Ce will bleed from every orifice and die."

To let Murong Ce off so easily would be too kind. Li Xianyun wanted to ruin him, for him to watch helplessly as the empire he worked so hard to build fell into someone else’s hands.