Chapter 503: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 596: The Warmth of Home

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Qianqian savored the delicious pastries with great satisfaction while leisurely perusing the picture book in her hand, looking utterly content and at ease.

Meanwhile, Hongdou stood obediently to the side, not daring to make a single sound, afraid of disturbing Qianqian's elegant mood.

Time passed quietly; about an hour later, Hongdou suddenly caught sight of a manservant lingering hesitantly at the doorway, as if he had something difficult to say.

Seeing this, Hongdou hurried over to the door with quick steps and asked softly, "What is the matter?"

Upon seeing Hongdou come out, the manservant spoke with a tone of great relief: "Miss's things have all been placed in the bedroom."

Hongdou immediately understood, replying with a smile, "Very well, thank you for your trouble." The manservant waved his hands repeatedly, then turned and left.

Hongdou returned to the study, walked to Qianqian's side, and said gently, "Miss, your things have all been brought back. Would you like this servant to tidy them up for you, or would you prefer to watch while this servant tidies them?"

At this moment, Qianqian was immersed in the world of the picture book, too lazy to even lift her eyelids, and replied offhandedly, "You watch and tidy them."

Hongdou answered softly, "Yes," then slowly withdrew, turning to go tidy things in Qianqian's bedroom.

Before leaving, she thoughtfully closed the study door for Qianqian, to prevent anyone from disturbing her.

However, not long after Hongdou left, a low shout suddenly rang out from inside the study: "Master!"

The voice seemed to come from the roof beams, giving one a start.

Qianqian slowly raised her head, her gaze fixed on him, and asked softly, "What is it?"

Seeing this, Shi Er immediately leaped down from the roof beams, bowed with hands clasped, and replied, "Reporting to Master, recently Beilin Kingdom has begun frequently harassing Xishang Kingdom's borders. Zhenxi General has received a secret report from Ouyang Chengqi these past few days.

In this subordinate's view, I fear it will not be long before he returns to Chunding City to receive the imperial edict, and then leads troops on campaign."

Qianqian nodded slightly, acknowledging this, then asked further, "As for those black-clothed people who attempted to assassinate Ouyang Chengren last time, have there been any clues to ascertain their identities?"

Shi Er shook his head and answered helplessly, "This subordinate carefully examined those black-clothed people; they carried no tokens on their persons that could indicate their identities. It is truly difficult to know who ultimately ordered them.

However, that night this subordinate happened to overhear a conversation between Zhenxi General and one of his subordinates. Based on this, I surmise these black-clothed people were most likely dispatched by Ouyang Chengqi."

Upon hearing this, Qianqian's brows furrowed slightly, a puzzled expression appearing on her face. She couldn't help muttering to herself, "That is strange. With war clearly imminent, why would Ouyang Chengqi make a move against Ouyang Chengren at this time?"

Seeing Qianqian harboring doubts, Shi Er offered reassurance: "Master, do not worry. Perhaps Ouyang Chengqi is secretly building his own power base, intending to replace Ouyang Chengren's position."

Qianqian pondered for a moment, feeling Shi Er's words were not without reason.

After all, power struggles in officialdom are commonplace, and Ouyang Chengren's prestige in Xishang Kingdom is not low. Ouyang Chengqi likely fears he will overshadow the ruler with his merit, so wanting his own people to replace him is also normal.

Thinking of this, the doubts in Qianqian's heart lessened slightly. Qianqian then instructed Shi Er: "There is not much danger here; there is no need for you to specially protect me.

You should quickly go to Chunding City to investigate the specific time war will break out, and who Ouyang Chengqi plans to use to replace Ouyang Chengren. Additionally, continue to inquire about Wangchen's news; I always feel Wangchen's identity is not simple."

Shi Er replied respectfully, "As you command, Master."

Qianqian waved her hand, signaling he could leave, then continued, "Alright, if there is no other important matter, you may go attend to your duties."

Shi Er acknowledged and turned to leave, leaving Qianqian alone.

She held a picture book in her hand, yet at this moment she could not concentrate at all on reading its contents; all manner of thoughts kept swirling in her mind.

Simultaneously, Ouyang Chengren had also returned to the military camp. He looked at the secret report in his hand with a grave expression; this secret report was sent by Ouyang Chengqi's people, urging him to return to Chunding City as soon as possible.

And placed beside his hand was another secret letter, sent by Ouyang Qianqiu's people.

He slowly opened the envelope, took out the note inside, and saw written on it in brief words: "Beilin is about to go to war; Father Emperor intends to let this Palace take command of the Qi Family Army."

After reading this line, Ouyang Chengren couldn't help but laugh self-mockingly. He had never coveted that position, yet was guarded against so strictly; a chill instantly surged in his heart.

Having secretly made up his mind, Ouyang Chengren unhesitatingly set fire to the note in his hand, watching it gradually turn to ash in the flames.

Over the next two days, Ouyang Chengren completely immersed himself in the time spent with Qianqian.

He seemed to have forgotten all affairs of the military camp, devoting all his energy to accompanying Qianqian.

Whether day or night, he always stayed by Qianqian's side, without the slightest impatience or weariness.

When Qianqian was intently reading the picture book, Ouyang Chengren did not choose to leave, but sat quietly to the side, likewise picking up a picture book to read.

Although he did not have much interest in these picture books themselves, he was more willing to silently guard Qianqian in this way.

He liked watching Qianqian's serious expression as she read; that focused look made her appear exceptionally beautiful and moving.

These two days, whether at noon or in the evening, Ouyang Chengren would dine together with Qianqian.

However, because he knew well that Qianqian usually woke up late in the morning, he did not come to disturb her in the morning, but waited until the sun was high, confirming Qianqian had already woken, before coming to visit.

After dinner each night, Ouyang Chengren would politely bid farewell to Qianqian, then leave the residence.

He never stayed overnight, because he felt he must respect her before they were married, and also did not want any unfavorable rumors about her to spread outside.

Through these few days of interaction, Ouyang Chengren truly felt a kind of warmth of home. The time with Qianqian made him forget the busyness and pressure of the military camp, enjoying rare peace and leisure.

The two could be like an ordinary little married couple, talking and laughing, eating and reading together, enjoying peaceful and beautiful times. Yet this ordinary happiness made Ouyang Chengren feel panic and confusion.

He discovered he increasingly yearned to marry, to spend a lifetime with Qianqian, to live ordinary little days with her, but Qianqian's attitude toward this matter seemed somewhat indifferent, which made him uneasy, fearing gain and loss.