Outside, snow swept down in great flurries. Inside, the charcoal fire glowed warmly. King Xiao pushed open the window, raised his cup, and praised the view. "What a splendid sight, the snow-covered Western Regions. I haven't made this trip in vain."
Luo Ningcha reclined on the couch, clutching her collar and pretending to shiver. Her brow furrowed slightly. "What's so wonderful about snow? It's cold enough to freeze you to death."
King Xiao was not yet forty. He was handsome and dignified, with a prominent hooked nose that lent him an air of authority and softened the naturally easygoing expression he'd been born with. Hearing Luo Ningcha's complaint, he laughed, closed the window, and turned to gaze at the beauty. A sudden thought struck him. "Nothing in creation is perfect. You're so beautiful, so you'll have to be careful."
Luo Ningcha's brow furrowed even more. She hated it when people spoke in riddles, but this man was an imperial uncle, so she had to make an exception. She put on a sweet smile instead. "What do I have to be careful about? Surely you'll protect me?"
"Haha! I'll protect you. Wherever the Central Plains army can reach, I'll protect you."
Luo Ningcha pouted. "You're bringing up the Central Plains army again. Those twenty thousand men caused us so much trouble last time."
"That was different. Most of those twenty thousand were Western Regions natives who had spent generations farming here. They'd long forgotten what it meant to be soldiers. They couldn't even tell a sword from a saber. They can't be compared with real Central Plains troops."
"Hmph, that was all Wei Song's doing. He deliberately sent you a pack of useless nobodies, hoping the Northern Court would kill you. If the Dragon King hadn't come to your rescue..."
"Don't