The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 455 - 454 Husband, Listen to Me (1st Update)

Chapter 455: 454 Husband, Listen to Me (1st Update)

Yelu Yan listened to Li Xianyun’s words and confirmed his own suspicions.

Not long ago, Khitan’s spies in Houliang reported that several of Houliang’s weapon depots had been destroyed and many officials closely associated with Murong Ce had been killed.

At that time, Yelu Yan suspected it was Li Xianyun who ordered it done.

It was only a suspicion before, but now that he heard her say so, he was certain of it.

While Li Xianyun spoke, Yelu Yan listened quietly, gently holding her small hand in his.

He dared not disturb Li Xianyun, fearing that any shift in her attention would make her stop sharing these heartfelt words with him.

His rough, calloused hands, due to a lack of movement, had grown a thin layer of sweat.

Li Xianyun had always been very quiet. When she first came to Khitan, she seldom spoke when they were together. It was only when Yelu Yan initiated conversation that she would add a few words.

After they shared their hearts with each other, Li Xianyun gradually began to talk more, but she was still not talkative.

In the silent darkness of the night, to hear her speak so much for the first time stirred something in Yelu Yan’s heart.

Li Xianyun truly was someone to be pitied.

In those days as bitter as coptis, how did she manage to get by?

Even a man would be beaten down by such circumstances, yet Li Xianyun had bravely carved out a world for herself.

No wonder more and more people admired and respected her; she deserved it.

After finishing her talk, Li Xianyun looked at Yelu Yan’s collar and fell silent.

Yelu Yan kissed her forehead twice, his face close to hers, tender and enchanting.

"Xian’er, you’re different from before; you don’t have to face everything alone anymore. You have me now, and we’ll share any burden together."

Seeing Li Xianyun didn’t speak, Yelu Yan turned his head to look at her, his face full of earnest.

"I know you always think of others and don’t want to trouble anyone, but I am not just anyone. I am your man. If I can’t even protect my own woman or fulfill her wishes, what good am I?"

"Xian’er, do you know? Although I’m holding you, I’ve never felt as close to you as I do today. I want to share all things with you, to make you happy." Yelu Yan pinched Li Xianyun’s small hand and kissed her cheek, "So from now on, will you tell me everything?"

Li Xianyun’s eyelashes trembled as she looked up at him.

Under the lamplight, her fair cheeks were bathed in a warm glow, her features delicately beautiful, and her eyes, like little paws, beckoned and itched at one’s heart irresistibly.

Yelu Yan couldn’t help but lower his head to kiss her eyelids.

Li Xianyun gently closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his lips, her eyelashes fluttering intensely.

After the soft kiss, Yelu Yan slightly lifted his head, gazing fondly at her, gently stroking her temple’s hair, so light and delicate, treating her as one would a fragile porcelain doll.

"Are you thirsty? Shall I get you a glass of water?"

She must be thirsty after speaking for so long.

"Mhm."

Yelu Yan kissed her face again.

This kiss was pure, untainted by desire, filled with deep affection and emotion.

After the kiss, Yelu Yan lifted his head, gazing fondly at Li Xianyun, his hand lightly touching the hair by her temple, so gentle and soft, as if dealing with a brittle porcelain doll.

"Thirsty, aren’t you? Shall I pour you a glass of water?"

"Mhm."

Yelu Yan kissed her face once more.

Kissing her seemed like he could never get enough.

Yelu Yan got up, walked to the desk, and poured a cup of warm water for Li Xianyun.

After Li Xianyun finished drinking, Yelu Yan drank two sips from the same cup she had used before getting into bed and holding Li Xianyun in his arms.

The night was deep and silent all around, the only sounds were the occasional crackling of the burning candles.

Yelu Yan said softly, "Sleep."

"Mm."

Li Xianyun obediently closed her eyes.

Yelu Yan held his beloved woman in his arms, patting and coaxing her, sharing the burdensome night together.

The next morning, Li Xianyun got up early.

Having finished his sword practice at the training ground next to the main building, Yelu Yan ran into Li Xianyun.

Her hair was swept up high and secured with a wooden hairpin, she was dressed in a moon-white men’s outfit with a cloak draped over her shoulders, her entire presence sharp and capable, stirring hearts like a bright breeze and a clear moon.

Yelu Yan held her delicate body in his embrace, looked down into her eyes, and asked, "Where are you going?"

Li Xianyun’s hands naturally rested on his solid chest, her long, fair fingers splayed out, as she leaned into his strong frame and looked up at him.

"I need to go outside the palace to gather some information."

"Eat before you go, or your body won’t hold up."

"I can skip a meal or two, it’s fine."

Li Xianyun said this and tried to step out of Yelu Yan’s embrace, but was pulled back by someone, her petite body bumping against his, involuntarily letting out a muffled groan.

"I asked someone to prepare some pastries for you, eat them in the carriage."

"There are pastries in the carriage, don’t worry."

Li Xianyun said, steadying herself on Yelu Yan’s shoulder, tiptoed, and planted a kiss on his lips, "Husband, be good."

Saying that, not giving Yelu Yan a chance to detain her, she slipped under his arm and walked briskly toward the entrance of the Khan Palace.

Her cloak billowed out behind her as she walked swiftly, caught by the autumn breeze.

Youlan and Bater followed closely behind her.

Yelu Yan watched Li Xianyun depart, his eyes deep with thought.

"Is there still no news from Houliang?"

Jinwu hurried forward and gave a bow, "Reporting to Khan, Murong Ce has sealed off any information; we don’t know the situation for the moment."

"Send more people to investigate. The moment there’s any movement from Murong Ce, report to me immediately," Yelu Yan said, frowning.

"Yes."

The Khan always wore a smile in front of the Wangfei, and seeing him with a somber expression after so long felt quite unusual.

-

Li Xianyun arrived at the Ji Shi Tang, the liaison point set up by Khitan in Benchu Pharmacy.

The shopkeeper, recognizing Li Xianyun, hurriedly welcomed her to the back room.

Youlan and Bater, as usual, kept watch outside.

The back room was spacious, with small cabinets on three walls filled with medicinal herbs, their distinct scents wafting through the large space.

"What’s the situation?" Li Xianyun asked immediately.

The shopkeeper’s face was full of worry, "I’m afraid the outlook isn’t good. We’ve just received word that the Deputy Hall Master and his group didn’t return last night; it’s likely more bad than good. Hall Master, what should we do now?"

Li Xianyun pondered for a moment, then said, "Murong Ce will surely send a message to me. I will see what he has to say before deciding our next move."