Chapter 14: Filling the Harem

“Report, my lord, there are no unusual movements. However, the Fire Cloud Kingdom has provoked you. Shall we take action?” Ye Ming was naturally aware of this matter. He also knew that someone had attempted to assassinate Xuanyuan Yu on the way back. But before they could get close, the assassins were already dealt with by the covert guards—something Nuoxue was unaware of.

“No need. Just teach them a lesson. The Snow Court of the Snow Country will convene in three days; it’s not the time to make a move,” Xuanyuan Yu replied calmly. He never intended to annihilate an entire kingdom outright, but those who needed to be taught a lesson would be taught one.

Xuanyuan Yu scanned through some memorials; several requested that he expand his harem. He glanced over the names—Prime Minister Liu, Vice Minister Li, and a few from the Prince’s residence. These petitions stirred no strong emotions in him; as for increasing the harem, he remained entirely indifferent.

“My lord, these people have overstepped. Should we warn them?” Ye Ming frowned and spoke softly. He had also read the memorials and was rather annoyed by ministers who pressured the ruler for their own gains.

Xuanyuan Yu waved his hand dismissively. “No need. They merely want to place their daughters in the harem. If they obey, I don’t mind letting them live there. But if they harbor any ill intentions—hmph—they can prepare to collect their daughters’ bodies.”

Upon hearing this, Ye Ming said no more. Xuanyuan Yu had returned; now he could retire successfully and focus on his duty as a covert guard.

“Lieyan, could you hold this little fox for me?” Han Bing clung persistently to Lieyan. He was curious to see what made the master care so much about this little fox.

Lieyan walked straight ahead, not sparing Han Bing a glance. He feared that if the little fox ended up in his hands, he might vent his frustrations on her—and that would land both of them in the punishment hall. He had no intention of inviting trouble.

Han Bing stepped in front of Lieyan, blocking his path, and pointed angrily. “Lieyan, are you my brother or not?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me play with the little fox.” As he spoke, Han Bing reached out to grab the little fox. Lieyan flickered and was already several meters away. “Do you understand the consequences? The master’s possessions are not things you can toy with.” At this moment, Lieyan showed Han Bing no mercy—though he never had before.

“...” Han Bing opened his mouth to argue but shuddered at the thought of Xuanyuan Yu’s methods of punishment. His will weakened, and his annoyance toward the little fox grew.

Nuoxue lay quietly in Lieyan’s arms, appearing asleep, but in truth, she was absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to cultivate. Gentle strands of aura drifted around her body, and her fur had gained a subtle sheen compared to before.

“Squeak, squeak, squeak! I can finally cultivate again; I’m so happy!” Nuoxue circulated the spiritual energy through her body several cycles before storing it in her dantian. She could feel the changes in her body and suddenly wanted to say one thing: happiness had come too suddenly!

Lieyan watched as the little fox chirped excitedly in his arms, her high-pitched joy and lively movements unmistakably conveying her excitement to both Han Bing and himself.

“Little fox, what are you so happy about?” Han Bing leaned close, nudging Nuoxue’s nose.

“Squeak, squeak, squeak! None of your business!” she snapped, quickly scratching at him with her tiny paws. Damn it! You bullied me, scared me, and then got this close!