Ye Feng returned to the grand hall inside the house.

    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian followed closely behind, not particularly concerned about the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, but rather, the presence of Hong Qingyan piqued their curiosity.

    After all, over this period, they had realized that the woman who always followed by his side seemed to have a relationship with their master that was anything but ordinary.

    Xiao Chuanqi cleared his throat twice before asking, "My Lord, there''s a question I''m not sure whether it''s appropriate to ask?"

    Ye Feng turned to look at him and said, "Ask!"

    Xiao Chuanqi bowed slightly and asked, "May I know what the relationship is between Miss Hong and our Lord?"

    Ye Feng smiled wryly and said, "It seems I have forgotten to formally introduce her to you two. Her name is Hong Qingyan, and she is my... fiance?e."

    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian''s expressions stiffened, and without another word, they walked over to Hong Qingyan, bowed, and paid their respects, "We pay our respects to the Princess Consort!"

    Hong Qingyan was completely stunned, standing there unsure how to react.

    Ye Feng said with a smile, "They are paying their respects to you. As the Princess Consort, you mustn''t be discourteous."

    Finally catching on, Hong Qingyan hesitantly said, "There''s no need for such formalities."

    Only then did Xiao Chuanqi straighten his posture, laughing as he said, "Who would have thought, our Lord has indeed faced great misfortune, but it seems he has been blessed with good fortune after all, even finding a wife. If this news were to spread back to the Northern Border, the soldiers would be extremely joyful."

    "Yes, congratulations to our Lord, this is truly a joyous occasion!" Sima Zhantian also said with a laugh.

    They didn''t inquire much about Hong Qingyan''s background, knowing it wasn''t their place to do so.

    All they knew was that she was chosen by their Lord, and that meant there could be no mistake; her background was of no consequence to them!

    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Once we return to the Northern Border, I will bring the Princess Consort with me to announce to the thousands of soldiers!"

    This statement undoubtedly confirmed Hong Qingyan''s identity as his wife, and for the Northern Border King, his word was as good as gold!

    At that moment, Hong Qingyan''s head buzzed, and her thoughts were in complete disarray. She wanted to say something, but found herself at a loss for words.

    Initially, when her grandfather wanted her to marry the other party, Hong Qingyan hadn''t thought too much about it—even when she first saw him lying on the sickbed, barely clinging to life, her feelings were mostly of sympathy and pity, not to mention gratitude towards her grandfather.

    Hong Qingyan had not truly considered marrying him at that time, nor had she imagined his identity would be so terrifying—he was the Northern Border King!

    Ye Feng made no comment on this, asking, "When Zhu Guangbo from the imperial Zhu Family came to take over the Northern Border, did Mu Tian make any appearance?"

    Xiao Chuanqi shook his head, saying, "He did not. Lord Mu Tian seems to have vanished during this period, and according to casual remarks from his personal guard, Lord Mu Tian seems to have been personally training his Demon Guard lately."

    Ye Feng nodded slightly but did not inquire further. Experience tales at empire

    Sima Zhantian said, "If Your Majesty has something to ask Lord Mu Tian, why not directly send him a secret message...?"

    He had barely spoken when Xiao Chuanqi, who clearly had a much subtler mind than the straightforward Sima Zhantian, interrupted him with a meaningful glance, seemingly having discerned something.

    In any case, the recent behaviors and actions of Mu Tian appeared somewhat abnormal.

    "Your Majesty, as long as you do not return, the Northern Border is like a dragon without a head. It seems you must return sooner rather than later to take charge," Xiao Chuanqi said, bowing.

    "Yes, Your Majesty, once we deal with the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan tomorrow, we should return directly to the Northern Border, otherwise the military morale will remain unstable over time!" Sima Zhantian also spoke.

    Ye Feng waved his hand, "Let''s discuss this matter later, I have my plans, and now is not the best time to return!"

    Xiao Chuanqi and the other did not say much more, and then the three of them sat at the stone table in the courtyard, chatting over light drinks until late into the night.

    Ye Feng returned to his room, only to find the light still on in the adjacent bedroom; Hong Qingyan had not yet gone to sleep. Moreover, upon hearing the noise, she immediately came out.

    "Big Brother Ye, have you finished talking?" Hong Qingyan asked.

    Ye Feng asked, "Why haven''t you slept yet? Have you been waiting for me to come back this whole time?"

    Hong Qingyan could only laugh and say, "I couldn''t sleep, and besides, I''m used to it; I normally attend to Big Brother Ye before I go to sleep."

    Ye Feng, feeling a surge of self-reproach, purposely put on a stern face, "Big Brother Ye''s legs and feet may be inconvenient, but it''s not to the point where I''m a helpless invalid unable to take care of myself."

    Hong Qingyan lowered her head and fell silent, looking pitiful.

    Ye Feng, unable to help feeling compassion, patted the bed beside him, "Come over here and sit down."

    As told, Hong Qingyan walked over and sat down beside him.

    Ye Feng stretched out his hand, gently pulling her into his embrace.

    Hong Qingyan trembled slightly, then rested her head on Ye Feng''s shoulder, and her pretty face involuntarily filled with tender sweetness.