The next morning, in front of the Mittel Auction House, a carriage exuding an aristocratic aura pulled to a stop, guarded by numerous black-armored soldiers.
The carriage was drawn by four pure-white, magnificent steeds with not a single hair on them. On the golden silk curtains surrounding the carriage, a strange beast with rising blue flames all over its body was depicted.
This strange beast was not small in size, and its overall appearance was quite ferocious, seemingly possessing a subtly awe-inspiring presence. This seemingly ferocious beast emblem was, however, extremely famous in the Jia Ma Empire, as it was a symbol of the imperial family; only important imperial figures were permitted to display it.
A black-armored soldier with a cold, stern face stepped forward and respectfully lifted the curtain. The other black-armored guards spontaneously gathered, quickly forming a subtle small circle with their subtle movements, shielding the carriage in the center.
The black-armored guards vigilantly observed their surroundings, their sharp, eagle-like gazes sweeping back and forth across the flowing crowd.
From within the curtain, a slender hand, white as jade, extended gracefully, grasping the handle of the carriage door. Then, a graceful figure slowly emerged, appearing within everyone's sight.
This beautiful woman who appeared was clad in a noble gown adorned with dark purple. Her exquisite features, tall stature, subtly exuded an innate noble and cold beauty. A purple sash was tied around her slender waist, perfectly accentuating her tall and shapely figure.
Her age was probably similar to Ya Fei's, around twenty, which was the most charming period of her life. Her somewhat aloof gaze swept over the crowd, seemingly able to see through people's hearts, causing all eyes directed at her to retreat.
However, whenever her gaze swept across her surroundings, Yan Qingshan noticed that this seemingly demure young woman would flash a hint of mischievous and peculiar humor in her watery, shimmering eyes. Clearly, she was not a quiet person as her appearance suggested.
"Tsk tsk, this Imperial Princess is truly charming!"
"Princess Yao Ye personally visiting the Mittel Merchant House, I wonder what for!"
"It's said that this Princess Yao Ye has taken control of a portion of the Imperial Forbidden Army; she's an extraordinary figure. Do you think our Jia Ma Empire will have an Empress in the future?"
…
The surrounding crowd buzzed with discussion. Evidently, Princess Yao Ye's reputation was considerable. The combination of coldness and nobility also gave her a unique charm. She was one of the more active imperial family members, naturally becoming a subject of much discussion.
"Sister Yao Ye has arrived quite early, but I apologize for the delay; my master isn't awake yet!"
A palace-dressed woman, draped in a red cloak and wearing a long crimson dress, appeared. Despite being completely covered, she always exuded an extreme allure, making her a captivating and enchanting beauty. This was none other than Miss Ya Fei, who had become very famous in the Mittel family recently. She met Princess Yao Ye, and the two women, walking side by side, each possessed their own unique appeal.
"Sister Ya Fei personally coming to greet me, this is no slight at all. Rather, it is I, Yao Ye, who arrived early."
Princess Yao Ye and Ya Fei walked side by side, entering the inner courtyard of the Mittel family under the escort of Mittel family guards and black-armored soldiers. Yao Ye's gaze constantly swept her surroundings as she said faintly, "Why haven't I seen those three Dou King adults today?"
Ya Fei chuckled clearly, leading Yao Ye to her own pavilion in the backyard. After pushing open the courtyard door, she smiled and said, "The three Dou Kings serve my master, so naturally, he sent them out. Princess Yao Ye, please come in!"
Princess Yao Ye instructed her many guards to remain outside and entered the pavilion with only Ya Fei. The pavilion had three floors, and Ya Fei and Yan Qingshan had been intimate in the topmost room the previous day.
Yan Qingshan was usually quite casual, especially after having a woman; his habit of sleeping in became even worse. Ya Fei was already up, but he was still sound asleep in bed.
"Wake up, my dear master."
Ya Fei led Yao Ye up to the third floor, then went alone to the embroidered bed behind the screen to wake Yan Qingshan. Through the glazed screen, Princess Yao Ye's gaze locked onto the somewhat blurry figure on the bed, seemingly a sleepy man.
This man, seen through the screen, didn't appear to have anything special about him. Yao Ye only noticed that he was a lecherous fellow; after being woken by Ya Fei, he was quite restless, moving his hands and feet. However, this did not cause her to feel any contempt.
Yao Ye knew Ya Fei. Back then, they were the two most brilliant flowers of their generation in the imperial capital. Compared to her own rather cold and beautiful demeanor, the eloquent Ya Fei was very popular among the younger generation in the imperial capital, even to the point where people fought violently and caused trouble.
Precisely because she knew her, she was very clear about what kind of woman Ya Fei was. This woman was by no means simple; ordinary lecherous men would not catch her eye, let alone be able to completely consume Ya Fei.
Before long, a somewhat languid young man was pulled out from behind the screen by Ya Fei. Princess Yao Ye frowned as she observed this young man whose steps seemed a bit unsteady. She secretly wondered if she had come to the wrong place; was this the person who stirred the undercurrents of the empire?
Ya Fei led Yan Qingshan in front of Princess Yao Ye, smiling as she introduced them: "Princess Yao Ye, this is my master, Yan Qingshan."
"Young Master Yan, good morning!"
Princess Yao Ye showed no negative emotions, performing a perfectly proper imperial etiquette, displaying an exquisite of grace and nobility.
"Princess Yao Ye! Alluring, enchanting, quite good indeed!"
Yan Qingshan examined Princess Yao Ye before him with a strange smile, his unrestrained gaze lingering on her most prominent features, seemingly wanting to see through the thin veil of her dress to her captivating beauty within.
This unrestrained and undisguised gaze was truly a bit excessive. Even Princess Yao Ye, despite her excellent upbringing, couldn't help but frown.
"Qingshan, rein it in!"
Ya Fei couldn't bear to watch anymore. Even though she knew Yan Qingshan was pretending, she couldn't be sure if he was just taking advantage of the situation. But seeing him offend Princess Yao Ye like this was not right, so she could only nudge him and whisper a reminder.
"Alright, alright, Princess Yao Ye, we'll be listening to your arrangements from now on!"
Yan Qingshan reluctantly withdrew his gaze. Although he didn't make a fool of himself like a lecherous pig, he was still a bit too much, leaving Princess Yao Ye with no desire to even humor him.
Yan Qingshan, Ya Fei, and Princess Yao Ye exited the pavilion together, then entered the imperial carriage under the protection of black-armored guards and Mittel escorts. The carriage set off again, this time heading directly into the Imperial City.
The imperial carriage was not only exquisitely crafted but also completely stable. Inside the carriage, Yan Qingshan leaned half-heartedly against Ya Fei, his hands quite restless, but his gaze lingered mostly on Princess Yao Ye.
Princess Yao Ye sat quietly on the other side by the window, exuding a cold and mature charm. Her beautiful eyes, as they looked around, were naturally seductive.
"Princess Yao Ye, we haven't formally introduced ourselves yet!"
Yan Qingshan suddenly extended his right hand to Princess Yao Ye. Princess Yao Ye's gaze shifted, her cold and beautiful eyes fixed on Yan Qingshan. After a strained smile, she extended her jade-like hand towards him.
"I've heard Ya Fei mention that despite your young age, Princess, you command the Forbidden Army with great skill. You are truly valiant and accomplished in both civil and military arts!"
Yan Qingshan chuckled, saying some unoriginal pleasantries, lightly holding the soft, boneless jade hand, and not letting go as he spoke.
"Young Master Yan, please show some self-respect!"
Princess Yao Ye replied cursorily a few times before realizing something was wrong. She responded faintly, then decisively withdrew her hand.
Yan Qingshan wasn't embarrassed. Instead, he smiled mischievously and brought his fingertips to his nose in front of Yao Ye, sniffing them. He then said with a laugh, "The fragrance on the Princess's body is so captivating. I wonder which brand of perfume you use; I'll have my Ya Fei use it next time..."
"I never use perfume."
Yao Ye's gaze grew colder, even tinged with impatience. This man in front of her seemed decent on the outside, but she hadn't expected him to be such a character underneath. She felt that she had wasted her time coming here so early this morning.
Yan Qingshan smiled even more brilliantly, "If you don't use perfume, then it must be your natural body fragrance. I never imagined Princess Yao Ye' body fragrance could be so captivating. At first whiff, it's like the rich, fragrant aroma of golden autumn osmanthus, subtly intoxicating, creating an urge to trace its source.
But when closer, it's a different sensation altogether. Not a strong fragrance, but faint without being crude, dazzling without being vulgar. Instead, it's exceptionally pure, gentle, fresh, and sweet, just like a jasmine in June..."
"Young Master Yan, you flatter me. Such praise, Yao Ye cannot bear."
A hint of disgust flashed in Princess Yao Ye's eyes. She didn't even want to look at him anymore. After a faint acknowledgment, she turned her head and pulled back the window curtain, her gaze wandering over the scenery outside the window.
Even so, the disgust in her eyes intensified because she could feel that his unrestrained gaze became even more direct when she turned her head.
For a man to make a woman fall in love with him is a skill. To make a clever woman with ulterior motives disgusted by him is an even greater skill. Princess Yao Ye herself didn't realize that she had harbored some intentions at first, but now she had no desire to carry them out whatsoever.
At the center of Jia Ma Sacred City was the Imperial Palace. The Sacred City was divided into three layers: the outer city, the inner city, and the Imperial City where the palace was located.
The Imperial City was heavily guarded. Countless soldiers patrolled back and forth, maintaining strict security. Each armored soldier held sharp weapons, wore dark armor, yet moved without any delay, capable of forming battle formations in the quickest time possible.
Princess Yao Ye's carriage did not stop at the city gate. After entering the Imperial City and passing administrative offices like the Political Affairs Hall, it proceeded directly into the depths of the Imperial Palace, towards the Inner Palace where the direct imperial lineage resided.
The Emperor of the Jia Ma Empire was in his prime. Yao Ye's father, a robust and majestic middle-aged man, had a hint of question in his eyes when he saw Yan Qingshan.
"Yan Qingshan, from Qing Shan Town in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, greets His Imperial Majesty."
Yan Qingshan somewhat casually stepped forward and bowed slightly. Then, under the scrutinizing gaze of the palace attendants, he leisurely took a seat opposite the Emperor, unceremoniously picking up a teacup from the coffee table and pouring himself a drink.