The next morning!
Seemingly aware of the commotion the night before, no one came to disturb the Huan Emperor, and Jian Shang woke naturally.
"Whew..."
Letting out a long breath, Jian Shang felt refreshed from the inside out. Having a ravishing beauty nestled in his arms had swept away his recent gloom; finally settling his relationship with Zhi Ji, ending their tangled complications, had brought him relief; and conquering one of history's greatest beauties, an unparalleled enchantress, had given him a heady sense of achievement.
Yet amid that pleasure, Jian Shang also found it rather strange. Even looking back now, he still felt lost in the clouds, as though it had all been a dream.
There had been no insincere refusals, no questions posed in a show of righteousness, and no unnecessary doubts. Everything had happened naturally!
From the beginning to the end, and finally to falling asleep in each other's arms, everything had unfolded in silence apart from Zhi Ji's initial, explanation-like murmurs. There had been no sweet words, no vows sworn to mountains and seas, no agreements or bargains. It had been like the intimacy of an old married couple.
"Heh..."
Shaking his head, Jian Shang rose with a smile. Zhi Ji had already left, taking even the white cloth bearing that crimson blossom with her.
Still, the sun was already high. A woman was a woman, after all, and they were on a battlefield where the situation remained uncertain. Jian Shang thought little of it, assuming Zhi Ji had left early out of shyness.
"Attend me!"
After dressing, Jian Shang called out. Once an imperial guard entered, he immediately said, "Summon Miss... Lü!"
Since it had already happened, Jian Shang would not-and could not bear to-pretend otherwise. It was time to have a proper talk with Zhi