After returning to the court for three days, Puyang Zheng redeemed a small servant from Hehuan Tower at a hefty price. This incident became widely known in the capital city and caused a great sensation.

And the chief culprit of the incident, Qi Yan, officially moved into the General's residence.

Leisurely sipping hot tea, Qi Yan lightly perused his books. For his part, Puyang Zheng had prepared a small room closest to his study for Qi Yan, showcasing his level of favor.

Outsiders are unaware of Qiyuan's true identity and only insult him by calling him a servant who fawns over the Madam of Hehuan Tower, which deeply angers the upright and unyielding General Meng.

Qi Yan ignored those rumors. The one who should be extremely anxious right now isn't the emperor, the prime minister, or the common people, but Pu Yangzheng pacing back and forth in his own room.

"What do you mean?"

Continuing to read, Qi Yan said silently, "Accuse the general of incompetence."

"What?" Puyang Zheng furiously retorted, "You dare question me! How could I allow the prosperous legacy of the Puyang family to be destroyed in an instant?"

"[Male lead's favorability towards Qi Yan: -10, current favorability: -5]"

Qi Yan was not in a hurry, but instead he retorted mockingly, "If you really cause the death of another Madam, then it would truly tarnish the reputation of the Puyang family."

Upon hearing this, Puyang Zheng was left speechless.

"Tomorrow, when you go to the palace, General, you must speak exactly as I have instructed. Only then will the Emperor possibly relent and withdraw the proposal for the arranged marriage."

"No matter how the Emperor asks tomorrow, you must say that we are old acquaintances, and that we have long had feelings for each other. It is only because of worldly matters and official business that we cannot admit it."

"The Emperor, by asking more questions, you can easily put the blame on me for trivial matters, saying that I heard you are remarrying and feel unwilling and resentful..."

"Also, General, later you have to accompany me to perform a play..."

A real drama unfolds.

Pu Yangzheng hadn't realized it yet, thinking to himself: "What's going on?"

Putting down the book in his hands, Qi Yan stood up and walked towards Pu Yangzheng with light and graceful steps. As he moved, his robe slipped off, revealing his slender and well-proportioned figure, truly dressed in nothing.

"What are you doing!" Pu Yangzheng's face stiffened, with a hint of blush.

Qi Yan smiled silently and approached quietly. Before Puyang Zheng could react, he reached out and placed both hands on his broad shoulders.

"You--!" Puyang Zheng wanted to wave his hand to push him away, but he unexpectedly touched a slippery and greasy skin, which made him feel somewhat restless.

Without giving Pu Yangzheng any chance, Qi Yan leaned in and forcefully imprinted his lips on his.

Although it wasn't the first time they kissed, Puyang Zheng seemed even more bewildered. He stared at Qi Yan, crashing into the eyes full of amusement.

"Umm..."

Qiyin let out a muffled groan.

Qiyuan felt a sharp pain as his tongue forcefully collided with her white teeth. He took a deep breath, trying to alleviate the discomfort.

"Really clueless about charm..."

"Not understanding the situation?" Pulling away from his cold body, Puyang Zheng repeated: "What exactly do you want to do?"

The general, without a wife and leading a morally upright life, is it really possible that he has no desires...?" With an alluring expression on Qi Yan's face accompanied by a hoarse voice, it truly makes one forcefully swallow back their overflowing saliva.

Qi Yan's blunt words made a faint blush rise on Pu Yangzheng's resolute face. He took two steps back, trying to create distance between himself and Qi Yan, but Qi Yan stubbornly took two steps forward. Helpless, Pu Yangzheng retreated again, only for Qi Yan to follow suit...

Qi Yan couldn't help but find it amusing. How could Pu Yangzheng, who was supposed to be a mighty general on the battlefield, now look like a shy and inexperienced scholar? Looking at his embarrassed expression, Qi Yan began to wonder if he had been too eager in his pursuit...

Pu Yangzheng stumbled back, eventually falling onto the hard couch. Seeing Qi Yan not slowing down but actually speeding up, he couldn't help but shout loudly, "Stop right there! Don't come any closer!"

"The performance cannot stop if the audience hasn't arrived yet."