Outside, the wind howled fiercely, and the roars of wild beasts echoed as drums were repeatedly toppled by the gusts. In contrast, the peace within the tent felt almost surreal to Xu Zhen.
She had longed to see the little beggar, and now that she finally had, it felt like a dream. Reaching out to touch Xun Qianchun's firm skin, she reassured herself that this moment was indeed real.
Xu Zhen wanted to talk to Xun Qianchun, but it seemed she had fallen asleep, with a hint of moisture still at the corners of her eyes. Filled with happiness, Xu Zhen closed her eyes, trying to drift into sleep herself.
Just as drowsiness began to take over, images of swords and battles invaded her mind. She felt as if she were still in Jiangnan, reliving those unstable times. Over the past year, her low profile had led to her being appointed as the chief strategist by the beggar, making her a target for many rivals who wanted her dead.
Xu Zhen had been constantly on guard, unable to sleep soundly. Recently, she had finally escaped, only to endure more suffering. Her body ached with wounds, making her feel restless and delirious, like a small boat in a turbulent river, on the verge of being swallowed at any moment, struggling to breathe.
At some point, Xu Zhen felt her limbs being gently restrained, enveloped in a warm embrace, as a comforting surge of heat spread through her.
Keeping her eyes closed, Xu Zhen felt a restless hand roaming over her, eventually reaching her chest. Startled, she awoke and tried to jump out of bed but found herself unable to move. Struggling, she hoarsely asked, "Who?"
Xun Qianchun held Xu Zhen securely, preventing her from moving too much, but remained silent.
In the darkness of the tent, Xu Zhen, tightly held, felt on the verge of tears. Then she remembered she was in the little beggar's tent. She had found the little beggar; no one else could hold her so closely and securely.
Her tense nerves slowly began to relax, and she finally sighed in relief, realizing her fear was only momentary.
Xun Qianchun still hadn't spoken.
Xu Zhen laughed softly and explained, "I forgot."
Xun Qianchun sensed a shift in Xu Zhen's body and instinctively held her closer, finding it hard to fathom the challenges Xu Zhen had faced over the past two years. Leaning in, she affectionately nuzzled Xu Zhen's forehead.
Xu Zhen felt the nuzzle and was delighted.
Outside, soldiers patrolled with lanterns and swords. Since Xu Zhen was awake, she began whispering to Xun Qianchun, sharing the story of her past two years and how she became a local power in Jiangnan.
Hearing that Xu Zhen had been imprisoned, Xun Qianchun was upset, suppressing her anger to listen further.
Reflecting on the chaos around them, Xu Zhen mused, "The world is in turmoil; what is divided will unite, and what is united will divide. Eventually, someone will rule, and others will not survive long."
Xun Qianchun responded with a nod.
Xu Zhen continued, "I've always wanted to support you in becoming king, but there were many challenges, and you lacked the necessary foundation. Fortunately, these chaotic times present opportunities."
Xun Qianchun felt a momentary weight, an invisible burden placed upon her by Xu Zhen's words, only to be lifted just as quickly.
Understanding Xun Qianchun's unspoken thoughts, Xu Zhen reassured her, "It doesn't matter if you don't become king. Over the past two years, I've realized the world is vast, and being an emperor is exhausting. Once things settle, we can find a peaceful place to live quietly."
Chapter 72: Seventy-Two Treasures ?
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