Chapter 563

"Great King, Great King! Who is the human beside you?"

"A bold little monster, fearless of heaven and earth, would run straight to the front footstool to ask any question, its doubtful gaze constantly sizing up Chenshu."

"This human is really good-looking!"

"The little monster hehehed twice; Chenshu found it adorable and couldn't help reaching out to pat its fluffy head."

"Jin Chen lowered his eyes, pondering for a moment; perhaps introducing Shu'er's identity now would ward off a few clueless ones."

"He glanced at the outspoken San Shi who had followed him, and said, 'Tidy up my Qin Gong nicely; when the king consort moves in later, it must meet his standards.'"

"King consort?"

"San Shi glanced at the somewhat shy human youth, lowered his head and replied, 'I will do my best.'"

"Their conversation wasn't hidden from any monsters, so it clearly reached many monsters' ears; immediately a chorus of gasps rose, and Chenshu could clearly feel the gazes upon him increasing."

"He lowered his eyes, fell silent, and leaned tighter into Jin Chen's embrace."

"He didn't even say a word."

"Jin Chen sensed the discomfort of the person in his arms and gave a faint glance backward."

"The monster crowd that had been chattering just moments ago fell silent at once; ahead lay the Yao King's palace, which ordinary monsters couldn't enter, yet someone curious still asked."

"\"Great King, you let a human be your king consort—what about Lord Langnian? He's been waiting for you in the Yaogong for so long; are you really going to let a human outrank him? \""

"His steps halted at those words; Chenshu turned his head in surprise, his voice trembling slightly."

"\"What did you say? \""

"Jin Chen's brows knit tightly, his voice slightly cold: \"Nonsense, I have nothing to do with Langnian. \""

"As he spoke, he gently stroked the shoulders of the person in his arms to soothe them: \"Don't listen to their nonsense; from beginning to end, I have only you. \""

"The monsters frightened by him dared not say more; this clarification that he had nothing to do with Langnian only surprised them further."

"Could it be that during the Great King's absence, Langnian has been staging everything himself?"

"A narrow stream separates the Yaogong from the city; without the king's summons, no one may cross it privately. Even with many curiosities, the monsters can only keep their doubts to themselves, planning to send relatives working inside the Yaogong to inquire when they return home."

"\"San Shi, what's going on? \""

"Jin Chen glanced at Silence Erlang, who did not speak, and directly asked the San Shi beside him, his voice icy enough to make ice chips fall."

"\"While you were away from the Yaogong, Langnian suddenly claimed you were engaged to him, comforted the city's monsters on your behalf, and, as your future king consort, used the Great Sacrificial Array to set up an altar and pray to the Yao God for you. \""

"San Shi recounted Langnian's deeds in detail, and the more Da Hu listened, the wider his mouth gaped."

"Good grief! Is that little wolf pup crazy?"

"He silently turned his head to glance at the black-faced Erlang and hissed."

"Could this brat's earlier attitude toward the elder sister-in-law be because he already knew about this?"

"Jin Chen hastily held the person in his arms tighter, his voice colder: \"Are you just going to believe whatever he says? \""

"\"He has a contract bearing your Yao King seal imprint. \""

"As the San Shi said this, he furtively glanced at Erlang, unnoticed by other monsters."

"\"Yao... Yao King seal imprint? \" Da Hu drew a deep breath."

"Chenshu clenched the corner of his clothes, lifted his head stubbornly, wanting an answer."

"\"What is a Yao King seal imprint, and are you already engaged to him? \""

"His delicate cheeks were taut; clearly he was putting on a cold face, yet so fragile he seemed about to burst into tears any second."

"\"No. \" Jin Chen rubbed his brow, somewhat irritated."

"He too was surprised; the Yao King seal imprint hadn't been used by him in hundreds of years—how could it appear in a little wolf pup's hands?"

"\"Shu'er, are you willing to believe me? \""

"\"I believe you, but I want to know the truth; Ah Chen, if you find out, will you tell me? \""

"Chenshu sighed, reached out to smooth the furrow between Jin Chen's brows, and said, \"I won't make a fuss; don't worry. \""

"\"Good, as long as you're willing to believe, I'll uncover the truth. \""

"The gloom welling up in Jin Chen's heart eased considerably thanks to the youth's gesture; he took the youth's wrist by the cheek and lifted the corner of his mouth."

"Their interaction fell into the San Shi's sight; he seemingly offhandedly added a sentence."

Langnian doesn't know how he came to know, but you will return to Yaogong in these two days, and he has been preparing a banquet for you.

Upon hearing this, Jin Chen seemed to think of something and glanced at Erlang.

"Very well." His tone revealed no warmth.

Erlang remained silent the whole time, as if he had no idea about these matters.

"From now on, Erlang will take over management of the Three Lions, and the Three Lions and Big Tiger will accompany me out."

After Jin Chen finished speaking, without waiting for their response, he took Chenshu and walked inside.

Big Tiger hissed, tongue pressed against his back molar, "Erlang, you idiot!"

The Three Lions raised his brows slightly, his golden pupils fixed on Erlang, "Any objections?"

"... Ahahaha, no, no, I'm very happy to continue being your partner!"

Big Tiger avoided his gaze, looking at the ground and silently closing his eyes.

Good heavens…

Who would have thought the Three Lions didn't know that touching that angry spot would provoke him; he instantly snorted coldly, "If you're unwilling, I can go alone."

Having said that, he turned and left, his back ramrod straight.

"Eh… I really didn't mean it that way!"

Big Tiger felt his reply was a bit off, hurriedly scratched his head and caught up.

Just like many times before.

The deliberately isolated Erlang clenched his fists tightly, beginning to regret his decision.

The palace interior was magnificent and splendid, luxurious wealth evident everywhere, all of it the accumulation of thousands of years.

Chenshu secretly sighed; if he hadn't personally seen that Jin Chen's original form was a wicked fox spirit, he would have thought this was the demon dragon's bedchamber.

"Ah Chen, this place is so beautiful, I think we don't need to change anything."

He happily embraced Jin Chen's arm, looking forward to their future home.

"Since it's a home, it should bear your mark; even without major changes, adding something of yours is good."

For the first time in thousands of years, Jin Chen brought his partner to wander inside the bedchamber, inexplicably feeling a surge of nervousness, afraid that Chenshu would be dissatisfied.

"How about we add a desk and table here? We could also add an ornament."

The two were leaning against each other, imagining their future days, when they heard a servant come to report news.

"Your Majesty, Lord Langnian heard you have returned and wishes to come see you."

"Let him wait in the side hall."