Crown Prince's Mansion, Study.
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting mottled patterns of light across the floor.
Ning Fengzhi sat upright in the guest seat, Bai Mu beside him. Opposite them was the elegant and refined Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.
"Qinghe, Bai Mu has already secured the Order Academy. With your support, we can completely replace the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and establish it as the empire's true premier institution."
Ning Fengzhi set down his teacup, his voice gentle and measured.
"Teacher is right. This benefits both the nation and ourselves. As Crown Prince, I will naturally give my full support."
Qian Renxue nodded slightly, a composed smile on her face.
The conversation flowed harmoniously, painting a picture of perfect accord between ruler and ministers.
Half an hour later, official matters were concluded and preliminary plans for joint investment were settled.
Ning Fengzhi stood to take his leave, but Bai Mu suddenly spoke:
"Uncle Ning, I still have some private matters to discuss with His Highness. Please head back first."
"Very well!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded without suspicion. He had only taken a few steps when he paused and turned back with a reminder:
"Ah, that's right. I received news that Rongrong will arrive in Heaven Dou City soon. Don't forget to bring her home when the time comes."
"No problem, Uncle."
Bai Mu agreed readily and added with a smile, "When that time comes, we may need to change how we address each other."
Ning Fengzhi was momentarily stunned, then clapped his hands and laughed heartily:
"That would be even better!"
Only after Ning Fengzhi had walked far into the distance did Bai Mu withdraw his gaze. He turned leisurely toward the gentle, jade-like Crown Prince beside him.
"Brother Mu… what private matter do you wish to discuss with me?"
Qian Renxue maintained a calm expression and mild tone, yet the faint avoidance in her eyes revealed a trace of unease.
Bai Mu did not reply. He walked straight over, sat down beside her, and naturally took her hand. His fingertips gently kneaded the delicate skin as a teasing smile curved his lips.
"Brother Xue, it's been many days since we last met. I've missed you terribly~"
Qian Renxue's brows furrowed slightly. She tried to withdraw her hand, but his grip was firm and unyielding.
Lowering her voice, she put on an air of authority:
"Release me at once! This is disrespectful!"
"Disrespectful?"
Bai Mu raised an eyebrow and leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I'm showing you far too much respect, Brother Xue. It seems there's still some distance between us brothers…"
"How about this? Tonight, we share a bed and sleep side by side. We can have a long, thorough 'exchange' of brotherly feelings."
How could Qian Renxue miss the implication? The tips of her ears grew hot, yet she maintained the Crown Prince's dignified bearing.
"Utterly improper! Don't even think about it!"
"Where is the impropriety?"
Still holding her hand, Bai Mu spoke persuasively:
"Officially, His Highness the Crown Prince is showing courtesy to a worthy talent by personally receiving a future pillar of the academy — a display of benevolence and magnanimity. Privately, however…"
He paused, his gaze settling meaningfully on her handsome face.
"…you would be sacrificing yourself for your own future, for our shared cause, and for this impure love of ours."
Qian Renxue's heart fluttered with unease, but her expression remained stern.
"Impossible. Don't even think about it!"
Bai Mu said nothing. He simply gazed at her quietly, inching closer. His stare was scorching. Unable to bear it, Qian Renxue forced out:
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Bai Mu suddenly reached out and pinched her cheek, clicking his tongue in admiration.
"Your Highness, this disguise of yours is truly lifelike!"
"You—!"
Qian Renxue's pupils contracted. She slapped his hand away.
"This is disrespectful! Be careful, or I'll have you executed!"
"Really? Then I'd better hurry up and enjoy Your Highness's favor while I still can."
Bai Mu chuckled. Before she could react, he scooped her up and firmly settled her onto his lap.
In the shadows, Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo silently turned their faces away, their expressions twitching.
In broad daylight… this was truly outrageous!
"You… release me at once! Let me down!"
Shocked and furious, Qian Renxue struggled fiercely, but those powerful arms held her like iron bands. No matter how hard she tried, it was futile — like an ant trying to shake a tree.
"This… how is this possible?"
"It hasn't been that long. How has your strength grown so much?"
Qian Renxue looked up in disbelief, her eyes filled with astonishment.
Bai Mu was clearly only a Spirit Master who had recently exited his body. How could his strength already surpass hers?!
The only explanation was that he had undergone yet another terrifying breakthrough.
"If you want to know… I can tell you slowly…"
Bai Mu lowered his head to the side of her neck, took a gentle sniff, and chuckled softly.
"Your Highness, you smell so good."
"If you don't let me go…"
Before she could finish, her words were swallowed whole.
Qian Renxue's eyes widened.
That familiar sensation blanked her mind.
*No! This is wrong!*
*I can't sink into this again!*
*Bastard! I'll kill you! Let me go!!!*
Her mind roared in resistance, but her body betrayed her, softening uncontrollably.
After what felt like an eternity, Bai Mu finally released her.
"Huff… Huff…"
Qian Renxue's breathing was ragged, her face flushed like rosy morning clouds. Her lips glistened with moisture as she glared at him with dazed eyes.
"You… you… you…"
Bai Mu smiled playfully. "Indeed, no matter how harsh Your Highness's words are, your lips remain incredibly soft."
Furious, Qian Renxue spat out, "You… shameless!"
"Now, now."
Bai Mu wrapped an arm around her slender waist, his thumb gently stroking.
"Your Highness, in a relationship like ours, we should talk less and do more. That's how it becomes truly solid."
"Do… I could never do that!"
"That's not necessarily true~"
Bai Mu chuckled, then his expression turned serious.
"Later, I may have a major plan."
Qian Renxue's heart skipped a beat. She asked instinctively, "What plan?"
Bai Mu looked straight into her eyes and spoke clearly:
"Your Highness… do you want to ascend the throne early?"
"!!!"
Qian Renxue's pupils contracted sharply.
"You have a plan?"
"Naturally."
Bai Mu smiled mysteriously. "If I can help you ascend the throne within three years, what will you give me?"
He understood this woman too well — boundless ambition, a flawed character, and a mind full of contradictions. She could be meticulous yet loved overcomplicating simple matters.
If he truly wanted to force it, he was confident he could place her on the throne within a month.
But… there was no need.
"Then I…" Qian Renxue's eyes flickered as she tried to calm herself, "…would agree to one of your requests."
"Oh? Truly?"
"Naturally, it's true."
Qian Renxue replied haughtily.
"What if I want you — the future Empress — as that request?"
Bai Mu lifted her chin.
"That… can be considered."
Qian Renxue fell silent for a moment, a complicated emotion flashing in her eyes.
"Still need to consider?"
Bai Mu raised an eyebrow. "Then allow me to help you consider it properly!"
Before the words faded, he lowered his head again.
"Mmph! Don't! Your hand! Ah!"
Qian Renxue trembled violently, her voice breaking. "You dare bully me… I'll kill…"
"Huff~"
Bai Mu blew gently into her ear, sending shivers across her skin.
"Your Highness truly excels in both civil and military affairs! You look scholarly and delicate, yet these pectoral muscles are so full and magnificent."
"!!!"
Qian Renxue burned with shame, yet she could not break free.
Finally, under his increasingly bold advances, she surrendered. Her voice became as soft as a mosquito's buzz:
"I… agree."
"Then swear it to the Angel God."
"Mmm… I swear."
But Bai Mu pressed on relentlessly. "Your heart isn't sincere. It seems we need a deeper 'exchange.'"
"Don't!"
Qian Renxue instinctively licked her slightly swollen lips.
Her mouth said no, but her body was exceptionally honest.
Soon, this Crown Prince who was never skilled with words was gradually and thoroughly persuaded by Bai Mu.
She tilted her head back, her gaze growing hazy and unfocused.