The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 212 Not in a hurry for this moment (one watch)

Chapter 212: 212 Not in a hurry for this moment (one watch)

Li Xianyun could only say, "Then you may wait here."

The Chief of the Hall of Diligent Governance sighed with relief, bowed with a bent arm, "Thank you, Princess Consort."

An attendant had just reported the Princess Consort’s arrival, and Khan’s joy was visibly evident. Had it not been for urgent affairs that needed his attention, he would certainly have hurried to the study.

Though Khan could not come himself, he had summoned the Chief to his presence and instructed him to attend to the Princess Consort with great care.

It was clear how much the Princess Consort meant to him.

Moreover, the study was a place of great importance, containing many confidential letters not meant for just anyone’s eyes, yet Khan allowed the Princess Consort to enter, which showed the trust and affection he held for her.

After reading for a while, Li Xianyun began to feel sleepy, as she had been kept up late by Yelu Yan the night before and had not slept well, so she leaned on the desk for a short nap.

She did not know how much time had passed when, in a groggy state, she felt someone lifting her horizontally into their arms.

Li Xianyun opened her bleary eyes to the handsome face so close at hand; his lips curved upwards, his eyes brimming with laughter.

Yelu Yan looked down at her with a smile, "Did I wake you?"

"My lord, have you finished your official duties?"

"Mhm."

Yelu Yan continued walking, carrying the delicate beauty in his arms toward the inner chamber without stopping.

Zhuo Ma and Youlan closed the door from the outside, standing far away for fear of overhearing any sounds from within.

Yelu Yan carried Li Xianyun straight to the bedside.

Li Xianyun looked around; this must be where Yelu Yan took breaks from his official duties. Aside from the large bed that could fit three or four people and the soft couch by the window, everything else was related to weaponry.

On the wall hung a target with several red-feathered arrows stuck in the bullseye, and a bow was slanted across the wooden crosspiece above the target, clearly used by Yelu Yan whenever he had free moments to practice shooting.

Reaching the bed, Yelu Yan sat against the headboard with Li Xianyun sitting on his lap, enveloped in his arms.

Li Xianyun turned to look at Yelu Yan, "My lord, I went to the Music Bureau today and found many suspicious people there. Their calluses at the base of the thumb indicate they practice martial arts. I suspect they may cause trouble during the Mid-August Festival tomorrow."

Yelu Yan pressed several deep kisses on her cheek and took her small hand into his, a smile playing on his lips, "I didn’t expect my Xianxian to be so clever."

Seeing that he was about to kiss her again, Li Xianyun covered his attractive lips with her fair hand in surprise, "You already know?"

Yelu Yan nodded slightly, "I intentionally neglected the Music Bureau, leading to lax management. Those with ulterior motives would naturally not miss this golden opportunity and would try to insert their own people."

Li Xianyun said softly, "It’s good that you have made preparations."

As she spoke, she struggled to slide off Yelu Yan’s lap.

Yelu Yan tightened his arms around her, holding her close, and looked down at her, "Where are you going?"

"The Mid-August Festival is tomorrow, and I have many things to prepare."

Yelu Yan watched her with a mischievous smile, "It’s not urgent at this moment."

With that, he laid Li Xianyun down on the bed, half his body pressing down on her, his lips descending upon hers.

Li Xianyun pushed at his cheek, her eyes creased with laughter, "There are people outside."

Yelu Yan kissed her hand, his dark eyes fixating on her enticingly, as if he intended to devour her. Apparently, men could be seductive too.

"They wouldn’t dare to come in."

Yelu Yan pinned Li Xianyun’s hand on the bed and fervently captured her lips, rolling over them.

Li Xianyun thought he would stop at a peck, but to her surprise, he gently pinched her chin, and she reluctantly opened her mouth...

"Mmm..."

As she followed his lead in their deep, conquering kiss, Li Xianyun couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, her dense eyelashes fluttering lightly, her soft hands wrapping around his neck, letting him do as he wished.

...

The next day at 11 AM, the dignitaries entered the racecourse.

Two officials walked side by side, talking, while their women followed closely behind.

One official, looking at the graceful figure ahead, whispered to his companion, "That’s the Ninth Prince, isn’t it? I didn’t expect him to actually come."

"Yes, he’s raised private troops, scheming for rebellion, and yet the Khan only gave him a few reprimands, without severe punishment."

"The Khan is just too sentimental and loyal. This Ninth Prince is truly unreasonable; he was given the best and most abundant fiefdom, but still, he is not satisfied."

"It’s true that greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. Have you heard? The Grand Imperial Consort has been sent to the Cold Palace, supposedly for doing something against the Princess Consort."

"What did she do?"

The official shook his head, "I don’t know, but what’s certain is that the Khan truly favors the Princess Consort immensely. Even someone as high-ranking as the Grand Imperial Consort, once she did something against the Princess Consort, was sent to the Cold Palace."

"That’s why we must caution our families to mind their words and actions when it comes to matters involving the Princess Consort."

"Indeed, you speak the truth."

After 11 AM, the sun was no longer scorching, and the stands were arranged according to rank for the dignitaries and their female relatives.

Yelu Yan, Li Xianyun, and Yaduo were the last to arrive.

At the sharp call of the Chief Palace Servant, everyone quickly stood up and bowed their arms in salute, "Greetings to the Khan, the Imperial Noble Consort, and the Princess Consort."

Their voices were like thunder, exuding an indescribably solemn majesty.

Yelu Yan waited for Yaduo and Li Xianyun to be seated before he sat down next to Li Xianyun.

Li Xianyun was seated between Yelu Yan and Yaduo.

Yelu Yan glanced at the Chief Palace Servant.

The Chief Palace Servant got the hint, "Rise. Be seated."

Only then did everyone take their seats again.

Most of them were seeing Li Xianyun for the first time.

Rumors had it that Li Xianyun possessed a bewitching face that utterly captivated the Khan.

But now, seeing her clear bright eyes, white teeth, red lips, and a gentle demeanor like a warm spring breeze, it was hard to associate her with such a seductive figure.

Rumors are after all just rumors, not to be taken as truth.

The men finally understood why their wise and valiant Khan had fallen deeply and hopelessly in love.

Ji Chuchu followed her mother to the event; from afar, she observed every move of Yelu Yan and Li Xianyun, which could always stir up stormy waves in her heart.

The somber sound of the bugle sounded, and a group of horses dashed out, with one rider far ahead of the rest.

Everyone looked closely; it was Yuchi Hong, who had just returned from the frontier with accolades.

His posture was agile, his riding skills superior, leaving the rest of the riders far behind.

Seeing Yuchi Hong taking the lead, Yelu Yan subconsciously looked at Li Xianyun, only to find Li Xianyun engrossed in the race.

A cloud seemed to gather in his heart; he picked up the teacup and handed it to Li Xianyun, "Have some tea."

Li Xianyun took it, her eyes still fixed on the racetrack, and said distantly, "General Yuchi’s riding skills are truly excellent, surpassing the others by a great distance."

She had a passion for horseback riding and loved watching equestrian competitions.

Yaduo also noticed the activity here and glanced over at the two, seeing Yelu Yan’s subdued expression, she immediately understood what was going on—this young rascal was jealous.