AUBTN -Chapter 259 For Now, Staying

On the stone table sat a heavy purple-bronze small box.

Inside the box were the account books they had risked their lives to bring out of Shennong Valley, along with ironclad evidence of the Southern Suppressing Prince Zhao Xie’s intent to rebel!

“With these, the young emperor’s throne will be completely secured.”

Lu Yan’s broad palm brushed over the bronze box, his gaze deep and unreadable.

“The Empress Dowager will also have no more excuse to interfere in court affairs.”

A faint, dark glint flashed through Shen Jue’s eyes.

“This can be considered the final loyalty we, as ministers, offer to the Great Wei Dynasty.”

“When this is delivered to the Forbidden City, and the young emperor sees our death report…”

“I wonder—will he cry, or will he laugh?”

“Who cares? We won’t be around to know anyway!”

The two exchanged a glance, and unexpectedly both let out a light, relieved laugh.

Soon after, Qin Feng arrived in the courtyard with several of the most capable members of the Dragon-Seeking Guards.

“Your Excellencies, everything has been arranged.”

Excitement he could barely suppress flickered in Qin Feng’s eyes.

“At the old Shennong Valley site, we’ve already staged a tragic battlefield ruin.”

“Several executed prisoners whose builds match yours have been burned beyond recognition, and your personal belongings have been placed with them.”

“I guarantee that even if the Empress Dowager sends people to dig three feet into the ground, they won’t find a single flaw!”

Shen Jue gave a slight nod and pushed the secret letter and bronze box toward Qin Feng.

“Use the most secret channels of the Dragon-Seeking Guards. Send it to the palace at eight hundred li express speed.”

“Understood!”

In the afternoon.

Su Hewan and Yu Qing finally learned of their reckless, almost insane plan.

Yu Qing’s eyes widened so much it looked like she could swallow an egg whole.

She looked at Lu Yan, then at Shen Jue, who wore a faint smile.

“You really are giving up all that wealth and glory?”

“That’s power that stands above the court! Second only to the emperor!”

Lu Yan stepped forward, lightly tapping her nose.

“Without you, even being second to the emperor would just be an empty shell.”

Yu Qing’s eyes immediately turned red.

Large teardrops began falling uncontrollably.

“Was I the one who saved the galaxy in my past life? Why would a Jinyiwei commander give up his golden career for me!”

Hearing her exaggerated yet sincere outburst, Lu Yan’s heart softened completely.

He pulled her into his arms, letting her smear tears and snot all over his expensive robes.

“I’ve decided—I’m going to give you ten sons!” Yu Qing suddenly shouted as if making a world-shaking declaration.

Lu Yan froze for a moment, then laughed helplessly, “No, no need! A pair of children is enough!”

Yu Qing couldn’t help but burst into silly laughter.

Su Hewan and Shen Jue also laughed along with them.

Afterward, Su Hewan looked at Shen Jue’s profile.

No one understood better than her how much blood, pain, and sacrifice Shen Jue had endured to reach this point.

Those years of endurance, obsession, and walking on the edge of a blade…

And now, for her sake, he had casually let it all go.

“Shen Jue…”

Su Hewan’s voice trembled slightly.

“Was it worth it?”

Shen Jue walked slowly to her and stared at her face intensely.

Then he pulled her into his arms and lowered his head to whisper in her ear.

“As long as you are by my side, this world is worth nothing at all.”

Qin Feng stood at the corner of the corridor, watching the two pairs of lovers embracing in the courtyard.

He couldn’t help but wipe at the corner of his eye.

“This is great…”

“Everyone can stay in Nanjiang…”

Night fell.

With all burdens and defenses laid down, tonight’s Nanjiang felt especially gentle and tender.

Inside the bedroom.

Red candles flickered, filling the room with a faint, calming fragrance.

Su Hewan had just finished bathing, her body wrapped in a thin, plain gauze robe.

Her damp long hair was casually scattered over her rounded shoulders, exuding a deadly allure.

Shen Jue sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze deep and burning.

He wore a moon-white inner robe.

The collar was slightly open, revealing his exquisite collarbones and a pale, firm chest.

Where was the ruthless aura of the Eastern Depot’s supervisor now?

He was clearly a soul-stealing demon in human skin!

Su Hewan felt her entire body heat up under his gaze, awkwardly twisting her fingers.

“You… you really won’t regret this?”

“That was a scheme you planned for half your life.”

Shen Jue let out a soft laugh, his voice low and hoarse, carrying threads of seductive charm.

He suddenly reached out and grabbed her slender wrist, pulling slightly.

Su Hewan gasped, and in an instant, she fell into his burning embrace.

“Wanwan, how did your brain start acting foolish at a time like this?”

His lips brushed against her ear, his warm breath spilling onto her neck, causing a shiver through her entire body.

“From now on, I, Shen Jue, will live only for you.”

Su Hewan raised her head and met his eyes—eyes filled with desire and possessiveness.

A blaze instantly ignited in Shen Jue’s gaze.

He flipped her beneath him, undoing his own sash with one hand.

“Wanwan, if you’re afraid I’ll regret it, then you’d better properly make it up to me tonight!”

As soon as he finished speaking, he lowered his head and fiercely kissed her soft red lips.

A kiss filled with long-suppressed desire and madness.

Their breaths tangled instantly.

The candlelight was extinguished by a sweep of his sleeve.

The bed curtains fell, concealing the spring-like scene within.

Only suppressed breaths and blush-inducing soft moans remained.

Meanwhile—

Lu Yan directly tore open her complicated skirt.

“Ah! My clothes!”

Yu Qing cried out in shock.

“This is a new dress I just bought in Southern Border! You spendthrift!”

Lu Yan laughed in exasperation, biting her collarbone, drawing a tremble from her.

“Focus!”

“I’ll buy you a new one tomorrow!”

He looked up at her with a bewitching, teasing gaze.

“Qingqing, haven’t you been thinking about seeing abs every day in your heart?”

“Tonight, I’ll let you see enough of them. How about it?”

Yu Qing’s face turned bright red all the way to her neck.

【Help! How does this man know everything!】

Lu Yan smiled, swallowing all her exclamations and complaints into a deep kiss.

Outside the window, the moonlight gradually faded into the clouds.

Several peaceful days passed.

With no more court intrigue, there was only the sound of morning bells and evening drums, curling smoke from cooking fires, and peaceful days with their beloved by their side.

That morning—

Qin Feng took advantage of Su Hewan and Yu Qing going to the back mountain to gather herbs, and quietly knocked on Shen Jue and Lu Yan’s door.

“Brother Shen! Brother Lu!”

They had now abandoned their identities and addressed each other as brothers!

“I have something I wish to propose.”

Qin Feng lowered his voice, though excitement was clearly visible in his expression.

Lu Yan leaned against the doorframe with crossed arms, raising his sharp brows.

“What is it, so mysterious?”

Qin Feng’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

“Since everyone has decided to hide their identities in Southern Border and live out the rest of their lives in peace, shouldn’t the lifelong matters of you two gentlemen and the two young ladies also be settled? Especially my princess!”

At these words, Shen Jue and Lu Yan both paused slightly.

Yes… it seemed they had overlooked something.

They hadn’t given them a proper title yet.