The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 326: More Than Just a Kiss and a Hug

Chapter 326: More Than Just a Kiss and a Hug

His implication was clear: "Your Highness, it’s been several nights since you’ve returned to the main residence to sleep. The Prince is full of pent-up resentment, and the brothers at the Censorate’s Black Armor Guard are being driven to the brink, crying out in agony. So, you should spend more time with the Prince and give the brothers some respite."

"Indeed, the karmic balance of the world is set, and I cannot alter it," Nanli sighed.

Then, she stood up, "I have many pills to refine and can’t afford further delay."

"Your Highness, don’t overwork yourself. Will you be returning to the main residence to sleep tonight?" Qing Feng asked expectantly.

"I still have a batch of talismans to draw. I haven’t made any in a while, and our stock is depleted." Nanli counted on her fingers, already planning which types and how many talismans to create.

Qing Feng wiped the sweat from his brow, silently mourning for his brothers.

But later that night, Qingyang, usually operating in the shadows, appeared at the Prince’s residence.

Delivering the message himself suggested something significant had happened. Since Nanli wasn’t in the room, Ye Siheng, still unwashed and undressed, summoned Qingyang in. "What’s the matter?"

"There’s news from Qi Nation," Qingyang presented a secret letter. "Emperor Qi has died suddenly, and Royal Heir Qi is about to ascend the throne."

Ye Siheng wasn’t surprised.

Emperor Qi had been a figurehead for some time, with Royal Heir Qi controlling the court’s power.

After reading the letter, Ye Siheng’s gaze grew colder. "He’s choosing this moment to become king, which suggests his dark arts have reached a certain level, and he’s preparing to challenge our Mu Nation."

Royal Heir Qi was known for retaliating against every slight, and having suffered several defeats, he wouldn’t let things go easily.

Qingyang frowned deeply, "Your Highness, he has been out of seclusion for a while. Our spies report that his dark arts can drain people’s essence, though they’re unsure of other powers."

Ye Siheng, playing with the prayer beads on his wrist, seemed lost in thought.

After a while, he made a decision, "I need to visit Qi Nation and meet someone."

Qingyang was taken aback, "Your Highness, infiltrating Qi Nation now would be extremely dangerous."

"The greater the danger, the easier it is to achieve our goal." Ye Siheng paused. "Emperor Qi’s sudden death presents a rare opportunity. That person will likely want to take a gamble. But to convince them, I need to show some sincerity."

Rather than wait for a war between the two nations, it would be better for him to muddy the waters in Qi Nation. Whichever side succeeded would benefit Mu Nation.

Royal Heir Qi often used this tactic, and Ye Siheng intended to turn it back on him.

"Make the arrangements. We leave at dawn," Ye Siheng instructed.

Qingyang nodded, pursing his lips, and left.

Outside, the night was deep.

Ye Siheng headed to the side courtyard, where the alchemy room and pharmacy were located, along with a study filled with books on talismans and formations.

Inside, numerous candles lit the room as brightly as day.

Nanli, pen in hand, drew talismans with effortless grace, pausing only after completing one to look up. "Why are you still up so late?"

He had morning court duties the next day, didn’t he?

"Emperor Qi is dead, and Royal Heir Qi is set to take the throne. I need to visit Qi Nation," Ye Siheng stated bluntly, his expression serious.

Nanli hadn’t expected the change in Qi Nation to happen so swiftly. Since he had to go, she wouldn’t stop him.

She blinked, "Then I’ll prepare some talismans for you, just in case."

Ye Siheng chuckled, "I’m not here to ask for talismans. I need a favor, to ensure Qi Nation’s spies don’t realize I’ve gone there."

Nanli spread her hands, resigned. "Is there a need to say ’favor’ between us?"

Ye Siheng’s smile softened, his eyes growing more tender.

He nodded, "You’re right. It’s my fault for being too formal."

Nanli pouted, guessing Ye Siheng’s intention. "Have you found a body double?"

"Yes," Ye Siheng nodded. "He’s similar in build. You just need to use a disguise talisman to alter his appearance, and he can pass for me."

"That’s easy. Come, let me take some of your blood first," Nanli said.

To transform into Ye Siheng’s likeness, the talisman naturally needed his blood.

She mixed his blood with cinnabar, chanting a spell before asking, "One talisman lasts ten days. How many do you need?"

"Five should do, just to be safe," Ye Siheng replied. "The double will inspect the military defenses outside the capital, not stay in the city. Qing Feng will keep the talismans."

Nanli understood his meaning. The body double couldn’t be fully trusted, so Qing Feng would supervise to prevent any misuse of Ye Siheng’s identity.

After making the talismans, Nanli took out a brocade pouch with a storage talisman inside. She headed to her small storeroom to gather items:

"This Bagua mirror I recently made wards off evil and reveals malevolent spirits. Keep it for protection."

"Although you can exorcise spirits and demons, take this peach wood sword as a precaution."

"I’ve prepared immobilizing talismans, exorcism talismans, antidote talismans, thunder talismans... Just in case. Let me think if there’s anything else..."

Ye Siheng watched her busy figure, his gaze growing darker and deeper.

He approached, gently grasped her wrist, and pulled her into his arms.

Though he yearned to merge her into his very bones, he couldn’t bear to exert any force.

"A’Li, when I previously traveled afar, Qing Feng handled most preparations. Having you arrange things now... It fills my heart with joy."

The scent of cedar from him lingered around her.

Nanli looked up, "Perhaps if you take me along, we might accomplish more."

"Indeed, I’d love to take you. But if you also leave the capital, Royal Heir Qi will surely suspect something. If this succeeds, Qi Nation and Mu Nation won’t go to war for at least ten years."

Nanli’s expression grew serious. Avoiding war had always been her hope.

She earnestly said, "Don’t worry. I’ll fully support you."

Ye Siheng gazed at her, her eyes clear and bright, devoid of any impurities.

His heart stirred, and he bent down slightly.

But Nanli had already risen on tiptoe, planting a quick kiss on his lips before stepping back. "That’s it. I need to draw more talismans for you to take."

Ye Siheng felt the talismans were unnecessary.

What he wanted more was her kiss and embrace.

Nanli gave him no chance to indulge, immediately picking up the brush to draw more talismans. She only stopped once the brocade pouch was stuffed to the brim.

The storage talisman Nanli had improved was not only excellent at storing items but also reduced weight. Thus, Ye Siheng held the pouch as if it contained just a few silver ingots, very light.

The eastern sky was already a crab blue, heralding the approaching dawn.

Nanli saw him off, her parting words succinct yet heartfelt: "Be careful on your journey."