The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 153 Are you disgusted by my sweat? (Second update)

Chapter 153: 153 Are you disgusted by my sweat? (Second update)

Murong Ce was famously paranoid and brutal, and Li Xianyun was very grateful that Yelu Yan managed to keep her in Khitan.

"Thank you, Khan."

"I am your husband, and as spouses, we are united; this is as it should be."

Yelu Yan paused for a moment, looking down into her clear, watery eyes and asked, "So, will you now consider it seriously?"

"Consider what?"

Li Xianyun hadn’t immediately realized what he was referring to.

"Would you consider accepting me, to grow old with me and spend a lifetime together?" Yelu Yan said very directly and openly.

Seeing Li Xianyun hesitate, Yelu Yan asked, "Do you dislike me for being old?"

He was twelve years older than she, indeed somewhat older.

It would be understandable if she minded.

"No," Li Xianyun blurted out almost instantly.

Yelu Yan couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle and asked, "Then what is it?"

"Because your concubine is afraid."

If the two of them were together, they would face countless difficulties, partly from Murong Ce and partly from within Khitan itself, where many Khitan despised her.

Yelu Yan said, "Xianxian, don’t be afraid. All I want from you is to take a good look at me, to see if I am a man worthy of your trust. Don’t worry about anything else; leave it all to me, alright?"

He coaxed her with an extremely gentle voice.

Li Xianyun still had younger brothers and sisters, and as the eldest sister, she was very independent.

She had always been the one to look after others and protect them; she had never thought about depending on anyone.

Yet now, this tall and powerful man was telling her that she could rely on him, trust him, and it made her feel very unaccustomed.

Nevertheless, Li Xianyun still accepted Yelu Yan’s kindness on the surface and obediently nodded her head, saying, "Alright."

How could Yelu Yan not see the distance in her? But there was time ahead, and one day, he would make her open her heart to him.

As Li Xianyun lowered her head, she found herself still nestled in Yelu Yan’s arms and so she raised her hand to gently push against his firm chest.

Yelu Yan, too, realized his inappropriate behavior and took a step back, looking down at her palm-sized face.

His burning gaze landed on her face, scalding her uncomfortably.

Li Xianyun pursed her slightly swollen lips, and, pretending to be composed, looked up to meet Yelu Yan’s eyes, "Khan, your concubine would like to leave the palace today."

"I know," Yelu Yan said, "Let’s eat before you go."

Seeing Li Xianyun about to refuse, Yelu Yan smiled and said, "Be obedient, alright?"

Clearly Yelu Yan had figured out how to make her comply.

Li Xianyun had no choice but to murmur an affirmative.

Yelu Yan saw her standing still and said softly, "Let’s go."

Li Xianyun, therefore, had to take the lead and walk towards the dining hall.

Yelu Yan lifted his foot and followed.

Noticing his leisurely demeanor, Li Xianyun couldn’t help turning back to look at him and asked, "Khan, aren’t you attending the morning court?"

Yelu Yan, walking beside her, laughed and said, "Do you dislike seeing me that much?"

Li Xianyun replied with a forced smile, "How could that be? Your concubine does not dislike seeing you."

"So you do wish to see me?" Yelu Yan laughed.

Li Xianyun glanced at him quickly, this man starting to tease her again.

Yelu Yan looked at Li Xianyun and said, "I am on rest today."

He had specifically given the officials a day off today for the purpose of having this clear talk with her.

Last night, he suffered from insomnia, lying awake thinking of her.

Li Xianyun let out a soft "Oh."

The emperor and officials each had set times for rest during the year, so Li Xianyun did not question it.

The two of them arrived at the main hall for dining, where Yelu Yan pulled out a chair and lightly supported Li Xianyun’s slender arm, saying, "Please sit."

"Hmm."

After Li Xianyun sat down, Yelu Yan pulled his own chair closer to her side before sitting down as well.

The two were very close to each other.

Li Xianyun thought of moving away slightly but felt it might hurt his feelings, so she stayed still.

Yelu Yan glanced at the serving maid and said indifferently, "Serve the meal."

"Yes," the maids replied and withdrew.

Yelu Yan picked up the teapot from the table and poured a cup of water, handing it to Li Xianyun and saying, "Have some water."

"Hmm."

Li Xianyun took it with both hands and drank a sip with her head lowered, as adorable and well-behaved as a bunny.

Yelu Yan poured himself a cup of water as well and took a sip, though his eyes seemed to be fixed on Li Xianyun.

Li Xianyun caught Yelu Yan’s gaze as she looked up.

She shifted her gaze away, looking to the side.

Yelu Yan cleared his throat and asked the little woman beside him, "Do you have any plans for today after leaving the palace?"

Li Xianyun set her teacup on the tabletop, deliberately avoiding those captivating eyes and instead watched the gently swaying water.

"This servant wishes to check on the grape acquisition situation in Shitoutun and then visit the West Market to see if I can rent a shop to sell shaved ice, pastries, and preserves."

Li Xianyun gave just a rough idea and didn’t elaborate much.

Yelu Yan didn’t probe further; having her own life was important, as he was too busy to accompany her often. Wouldn’t it be dull for her to lack her own activities?

With a smile, Yelu Yan looked at Li Xianyun and said, "Will you be returning late today? If you come back late, I can come to pick you up."

Thinking of the breach of decorum from the night before, Li Xianyun’s cheeks warmed as she replied, "This servant will return earlier today, you need not come for me."

Remembering the kiss from last night, Yelu Yan touched his nose and said, "That’s not what I meant."

"This servant understands," Li Xianyun replied softly.

"Come back to the palace early," Yelu Yan said with a smile.

"Hmm."

Yelu Yan hesitated for a moment, then added, "I will be visiting the barracks later. If you need anything, you can have them come find me there."

"Hmm."

The meal was swiftly served, consisting mostly of dishes that Li Xianyun enjoyed.

After the meal, Li Xianyun noticed Yelu Yan looking at her hair.

"What is it?" she asked.

"There’s a strand of hair that you haven’t tied up," he said.

Yelu Yan lifted a hand to point at a lock of hair behind her ear and said, "Here."

"Uh."

Li Xianyun reached up to touch it and indeed found a strand that hadn’t been pinned up. She had been in such a rush thinking about leaving the palace that her actions were a bit hasty.

"I’ll fix it later," she said.

"Let me help you with it," Yelu Yan offered.

Li Xianyun replied with a smile, "There’s no need."

Yelu Yan’s smile widened as he teased, "Don’t you trust me? Afraid I’ll mess up your hair?"

Li Xianyun pursed her lips and smiled in tacit agreement.

"You’ve styled your hair in a man’s topknot; I’m more skilled at this than you are," Yelu Yan said with a laugh.

Li Xianyun hesitated for a moment, then laughed, "Alright then."

Yelu Yan stood up and moved behind Li Xianyun, untied her hair, letting the waterfall-like tresses fall down.

Yelu Yan gently gathered Li Xianyun’s hair bit by bit, his fingers lightly passing over the strands by her forehead and ears.

Finally, he secured her hair back up.