Led into a room filled with fragrance, Puyang Zheng awkwardly sat on a ornate wooden round stool after the young servant closed the door and left.

These past few days, he had been preoccupied with official affairs and had no time to spare for anything else. However, yesterday, an imperial edict from the palace completely threw him into disarray.

The paragraph translates to English as:

"The Empress hosted a chrysanthemum viewing banquet in the imperial garden, inviting unmarried young ladies from various families to come and admire the flowers. Meanwhile, the Emperor summoned young gentlemen from these families to the palace for a swordsmanship competition. The clash of these two events clearly conveyed a hidden message."

It is likely that once he meets the young lady from the Prime Minister's family, this marriage matter will definitely not change.

Amidst the anxiety and confusion, the butler suddenly mentioned Qi Yan. Puyang Zheng was taken aback and, after careful consideration, thought that maybe meeting Qi Yan could shed some light on the situation.

Last time by the pond, his words were full of doubt. When he spoke, he brought up his previous few deceased wives. Perhaps he really knows something.

This visit is for two reasons. First, to inquire about this matter. Second, to decide to monopolize the information of Qiyin's Hehuan Building!

He does not concern himself with state affairs, but he cannot afford to not ask about military matters. It is always better to know more about current events than to remain ignorant.

Carefully assessing this ancient-looking room, the bed, tables, chairs, and cabinets were all made of cedar wood, intricately carved with elaborate patterns and textures, exuding delicate craftsmanship. Although the furnishings in the house did not appear to be antiques, they were small and unique, something Puyang Zheng had never seen before. Perhaps even the royal treasury of the palace did not possess such trinkets.

As I was enjoying the view, the door suddenly pushed open from the outside. Puyang Zheng raised his eyes and was momentarily stunned.

Today's Qi Yan is completely different from that day. He is dressed in a bewitching red robe, with disheveled black hair that exudes a deadly charm. His fair and jade-like face is radiant, with gleaming eyes that reflect flowing light. There is a touch of red dye at the corner of his eyes, like a devil from hell, yet stunning to the point of suffocation.

The image of the man in the white gown from that day remained in Pu Yangzheng's mind, and the combination of the two left him speechless.

Is this...is this really Qi Yan?!

Qi Yan didn't care about Pu Yangzheng's reaction. A faint smile curled up at the corner of his mouth as he closed the door behind him and made his way to his own bed.

The general has arrived, and we have failed to greet him from afar.

"Ah... no..." Puyang Zheng snapped out of it and arched his hand in apology, saying, "I apologize for intruding without permission."

"Heh..." A melodious laughter escaped from her thin lips as Qi Yan lazily leaned against the bed, looking at Puyang Zheng with half-closed eyes. She smiled and said, "General, you really have no airs."

Puyang Zheng furrowed his brow upon hearing the words.

He didn't like the way Qi Yan spoke. He couldn't understand it, and he didn't want to understand it either. In fact, he even felt a trace of annoyance.

Without waiting for him to speak again, Qi Yan spoke up once more.

"General, Qi Yan already knows the purpose of your visit this time. There's no need for veiled words between us. I understand that you are accustomed to being straightforward and dislike unnecessary politeness with me, a humble person."

"Having understood the situation, I have only one question…"

Her enchanting eyes opened, staring straight at Puyang Zheng, and she slowly pronounced,

"What benefits will I gain if I help the general?"

"What do you want?" Pu Yangzheng looked straight at Qi Yan with a serious and righteous air.

Qi Yan suddenly stood up and walked towards Pu Yangzheng, who was sitting not far away. As he moved, his fair chest under the red robe appeared faintly.

"I don't want anything else..." He reached out and placed his hand on Puyang Zheng's broad shoulder, sensually leaning against him with gracefulness. Her red lips approached his ear, spewing hot breath: "After the matter is done, General, promise me three requests... just three."

"Is it done?" Pu Yangzheng wanted to evade him, but caught a whiff of the unique fragrance exuding from his body, inexplicably immobilizing himself.

"Yes, it's settled." She caressed the man's back through their clothes, saying, "I have a way to make the Emperor retract the imperial decree for the arranged marriage..."

"What?"

Pu Yangzheng exclaimed in shock, then furrowed his brows and said to Qi Yan in a low voice, "We can't speak recklessly, be careful that the walls have ears."

"I never speak empty words."

Never say anything if you're not certain!