The So-Called Royal Plan

Inside the room.

The two of them began to dress after the deed was done.

Qian Renxue said while fastening her buttons, "Don't go around flirting with everyone, you hear me?"

Lin Yan: "I'm the purest person there is! You know that better than anyone."

At the mention of the word "pure," Qian Renxue couldn't help but roll her beautiful eyes.

"Heh~ that line might work on other girls."

"Don't think I don't know about those tricks you use to sweet-talk women."

In truth, Qian Renxue had seen through Lin Yan's facade six years ago.

But seeing through it was one thing; it was also true that Lin Yan treated her well.

Moreover, Lin Yan's methods for coaxing women were truly masterful, always managing to pull her back from the brink of anger.

And so, over these many years, Qian Renxue had simply grown accustomed to it.

Before long, their clothes were on, and Lin Yan hugged the young girl from behind. "Rest assured, I'll come back to see you often."

Qian Renxue: "You must come back at least once a month."

"Deal."

Lin Yan agreed quite readily, then planted a light peck on the girl's cheek. "I'm heading out now; Sister Yanzi and Sister Lingling are still waiting for me."

As soon as those words left his lips, the corners of Qian Renxue's mouth, which had looked quite sweet just a moment ago, instantly stiffened, and a trace of irritation colored her exquisite face.

Did this guy really have to bring up those two women right now?

Recalling how she had personally asked Lin Yan to build a good relationship with them, only for it to result in her boyfriend confirming a relationship with other women, Qian Renxue felt a surge of frustration.

Fortunately, just a second before she was about to explode, Lin Yan kissed her on the other cheek. "Hehe~ Sister Xue'er looks so cute when she's angry."

With that, Lin Yan turned and bolted toward the door as if fleeing.

"Keep your lower half under control!"

"I know, I know."

The main hall of the Crown Prince's Mansion.

At this moment, Dugu Yan was fiddling with a small teacup in boredom, her face full of impatience.

Beside her sat the poised and elegant Ye Lingling.

Following Lin Yan's instructions, the two women had come to the Crown Prince's Mansion at noon to wait for him so they could go shopping together.

However, it was already past lunchtime, and Lin Yan still hadn't emerged.

"Lingling, do you think there could be any issues with Lin Yan being in a room with the Crown Prince for so long?"

"..."

"I told you to stop reading those smutty novels."

Ye Lingling shot Dugu Yan a glare and continued, "Stop letting your imagination run wild. Lin Yan is the Crown Prince's Guard; they're likely discussing imperial matters. You think everyone is as improper as you?"

Scolded, Dugu Yan gave a sheepish grin and pursed her lips, left speechless.

Over these past six years, as Lin Yan's official girlfriends, the two women had been practically inseparable from him.

From the cute, innocent boy of the past to the dashing young gentleman he was today, the two women were the best witnesses to it all, having played out the "raising a partner" trope to its fullest extent.

It had to be said that for Lin Yan to endure six years of high-intensity cultivation while bearing the Evil Fire Phoenix martial soul, the two of them certainly deserved a great deal of credit.

The midday sun beat down on the earth, sending waves of heat across the ground.

Before long, Lin Yan finally walked in through the doorway.

"Lin Yan, why did you take so long?"

Seeing him, Dugu Yan immediately stood up to greet him and embraced him.

To this, Lin Yan smiled and explained, "The Crown Prince entrusted me with a task, and it took up quite a bit of time."

Dugu Yan asked curiously.

"Hmm? What kind of mission?"

"It's a secret, obviously! Hehe~"

"It's just that I have to leave Heaven Dou City for a while."

Lin Yan's frank answer took even the usually poised Ye Lingling by surprise.

"What?"

The two women gathered around Lin Yan, and Dugu Yan continued to ask.

"Why so suddenly?"

"Lingling and I were just planning to ask you to go on a trip."

Ye Lingling also chimed in.

"That's right, what exactly happened?"

"Did the Crown Prince send you on some dangerous mission? Can you not go?"

Seeing the two women so concerned for him, Lin Yan explained nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, it's not dangerous."

"It's just... it might take a while."

"A few months at the shortest, or a year or two at the longest."

Upon hearing that it could take up to two years, Dugu Yan immediately became unhappy.

"No way!"

"I won't allow you to go."

She was kidding; over the past six years, Dugu Yan would feel restless if she didn't see Lin Yan for even a single day.

How could she possibly let him go off on a mission for a year?

Ye Lingling felt the same; their long time together had made her dependent on Lin Yan.

Now that he suddenly told them he had to go on a mission for so long, no one would be able to take that well.

Lin Yan explained.

"That is the Crown Prince's order, or even the royal family's order. As the current Crown Prince's personal guard, how could I refuse?"

"Then I'll have my grandfather decline this decree for you."

Dugu Yan lifted her small face, looking defiant.

At this, Lin Yan gently pulled her into his arms.

"Alright, Sister Yanzi!"

"Since I have enjoyed the royal family's resources to grow to my current cultivation level, I should stand up when the royal family needs me."

"Don't worry, I can return to Heaven Dou City once a month."

At this moment, Ye Lingling also leaned in.

"Is it really not dangerous?"

Lin Yan raised a finger.

"Absolutely not dangerous. I swear on my martial soul..."

"Shh!"

Ye Lingling extended a slender, delicate finger to press against Lin Yan's lips, not wanting him to continue.

"Don't say things like that, it's bad luck."

"When do you plan to leave? Is it urgent?"

"Tomorrow."

As soon as this answer came out, a trace of sadness clearly appeared in the eyes of the two women.

It was too rushed! Although leaving a few days later wouldn't change anything, the two of them just weren't happy about it.

At this, Ye Lingling said.

"Then let's go shopping together later. We'll buy you some daily necessities, a change of clothes, and things like that."

"Then we'll go back to the Ye Mansion tonight, and I'll have my mother make some of your favorite dishes."

"Alright."

It had to be said that Ye Lingling's style of action and speech was truly filled with maternal radiance.

Paired with her gentle temperament, she looked just like a kind, older sister from next door.

As for Dugu Yan...

Ever since she and Ye Lingling cleared up their misunderstandings, she had returned to her usual flirtatious and lively self.

The two young women each possessed their own unique temperament, and over these past six years, they had truly added no small amount of joy to Lin Yan's life...

Evening.

A cool breeze brushed past the windowsill, drifting into the room.

Inside Lin Yan's bedchamber at the Ye Mansion.

Lin Yan was currently leaning against the headboard, one arm wrapped around Ye Lingling while he scanned the news from across the continent written on the paper in his hand.

The two of them snuggled together, a picture of tranquility and romance.

Before long, during a pause between turning pages, Lin Yan spoke to Ye Lingling.

"Sister Lingling, aren't you going to go take off your makeup?"

Ye Lingling smiled gently.

"I'll go after you've fallen asleep; I want to stay with you a little longer for now."

Lin Yan was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, but he quickly realized that she was simply reluctant to part with him.

He didn't feel the need to be coy, so he leaned in and pressed a light kiss to the young woman's thin lips.

"Mmm~"