"I originally thought that in your male-dominated world, I would never find someone I truly cared for. Even if my heart stirred, I wouldn't easily make any promises.
But when I proposed a lifelong monogamous union, you agreed without a second thought. I suddenly felt that I could give it a try, a chance for myself, and a chance for you.
So, when Ye Moyuan said in front of me that he wouldn't let you go, I became enraged! I told him, you are mine in life and my ghost in death. I absolutely will not allow anyone to touch you. If gods touch you, I will kill gods; if demons touch you, I will kill demons; if he touches you, I will kill him.
Imperial power is merely a legend to me. Everyone being equal is my life's creed. A monogamous marriage and unwavering devotion is the love I desire.
Therefore, if one day, your heart embraces another woman, then I'm sorry, I don't have the habit of sharing one man. Either I kill her, or I turn and leave.
Of course, if I turn and leave, then our fate together will end there. Do you understand?"
Zi Lingling finished speaking in one breath, her serious expression showing no trace of playfulness.
These words served as both reassurance and a precautionary warning to Ye Lingyuan.
Ye Lingyuan took her hand and placed it on his heart, saying even more earnestly, "Ling'er, rest assured, this place within me is too small, so small that it can only accommodate you."
As he spoke, he raised his right hand above his head, joined his index and middle fingers, and curled the other three into his palm. He declared loudly, "I, Ye Lingyuan, swear that in this life, I will only marry Zi Lingling, to the end of my days, never to separate or abandon!"
Zi Lingling chided playfully, "Who gave you permission to make such an oath?"
However, the joy in her eyes and the smile on her lips clearly told everyone that she was in an excellent mood.
Ye Lingyuan teased, "Oh, so the Princess Consort does not permit it? Then, perhaps..."
Zi Lingling threatened with a smile, "Perhaps... what?"
Ye Lingyuan earnestly replied, "Perhaps the Princess Consort can tell this King what you meant by 'the education and concepts I received are incompatible with your world'?"
He emphasized the words "your world" heavily.
Zi Lingling was taken aback.
She had been too agitated earlier and had accidentally let it slip.
What to do? What to do?
How could she gloss over this?
Usually unflustered, she suddenly became flustered, and even her usually quick tongue faltered and stammered.
"This... that... this... that..."
Ye Lingyuan looked at her expectantly, but did not rush her.
Zi Lingling took a deep breath, calmed her emotions, and said apologetically, "Ye Lingyuan, I know you are very curious about me, but my matters cannot be explained in a few words.
I don't want to lie to you, but I'm also not ready to tell you how, so, please give me some time, okay?"
A hint of disappointment flashed in Ye Lingyuan's eyes.
He had thought he could finally unveil Zi Lingling's mystery, but unexpectedly, Zi Lingling had refused.
However, seeing Zi Lingling's eyes filled with guilt, the hint of disappointment in his heart vanished immediately.
With this thought, Ye Lingyuan hugged Zi Lingling tightly and comforted her, "Ling'er, don't feel so pressured. If you don't want to say it now, I won't force you. When the day comes that you wish to speak, I will still be your most devoted listener."
"Mmm-hmm!"
Zi Lingling nuzzled his chest with her head, saying gratefully, "Ye Lingyuan, I will always be your Ling'er. If you don't leave, I won't abandon!"
"Boom!" Ye Lingyuan's heart suddenly cleared.
Right! He loved Zi Lingling as a person. It had nothing to do with who she was or where she came from. Why should he be fixated on her past?
With this realization, he held Zi Lingling even tighter.
He rubbed his chin against her forehead and said affectionately, "Ling'er, I will never let go of your hand, never! Even if one day you grow tired of me, I will still pester you!"
Zi Lingling nestled in Ye Lingyuan's arms, listening quietly to his strong heartbeat.
A feeling called sweetness, tinged with happiness, spread throughout the room.
Outside the room, the six rats were almost hopping with impatience.
A day and a night! A whole day and a night!
Their eyes were sore, their divine senses almost depleted, yet the door to that room had still not opened.
Worse still, there was a barrier outside the door that prevented even a single sound from escaping.
Damn it all!
Even if the two were having a romantic tête-à-tête, they should at least come out for some fresh air!
The two spies from the Zi family of the Empire looked utterly dejected.
They hadn't sent any messages back to the Zi family for a day and a night. If this continued, a conflict would erupt over there.
This was because both the war faction and the peace faction intended to meet with Zi Lingling and Ye Lingyuan before making any decisions.
However, Zi Lingling and Ye Lingyuan's continued absence had fueled the anger of both factions.
The war faction felt that the couple was disrespecting the Zi family of the Empire, refusing to cooperate, and there was no need to give them any further opportunities.
While the peace faction was also displeased with the couple, they believed that proud geniuses were truly worth recruiting.
Thus, the two factions were at odds, neither willing to back down.
The two spies from the Dongfang family of the Royal family were not faring any better. Their Emperor, Dongfang Xiongqi, had contacted them no less than ten times.
This was because Dongfang Xiongqi wished to leverage the royal family's advantage to have a lengthy discussion with the couple.
As for what the discussion would entail, it was self-evident.
The spies from the Shen and Qin families were in a similar predicament to those from the Zi and Dongfang families.
Because the Shen family, instigated by Shen Liuxing, was desperately trying to win over Zi Lingling. However, being unable to meet the principal party, it wasn't just awkward, it was as if awkward's mother had asked awkward's father to open the door – it was utterly mortifying.
The Qin family held similar intentions.
After the Qin family had profited greatly from Zi Lingling through Qin Mingyue, they had already conceived the idea of recruiting her.
Furthermore, the news brought back by Qin Mingfei – that Zi Lingling was a powerful alchemist – further solidified the Qin family's high-ranking officials' decision. Even if they couldn't recruit her, they would extend their utmost courtesy and absolutely avoid offending her.
Just as the six rats were nearing madness, the door finally opened.
Zi Lingling and Ye Lingyuan emerged, engrossed in each other.
"Ling'er, did you find any interesting places when you went out for a stroll the day before yesterday?"
"Yes! Not only did I, but it was also quite extraordinary! How about I take you to see it?"
"Alright! If it's not fun, Ling'er will be punished, you know!"