Xiao Shuo · Chat

Just as Xiao Shuo stepped through the gates of the Marquis of Zhenbei's estate, the sound of the carriage of the decree-bearing eunuch echoed from outside the palace. The imperial decree followed close behind. Everyone in the estate hurriedly gathered to salute. The decree-bearing eunuch stood in the middle of the courtyard holding the bright yellow imperial decree, reading it aloud: "By the Grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Xiao Shuo, General of Zhenbei, has performed outstanding military service in crushing the Yan territory and glorifying our nation. Today, he is specially ennobled as the Marquis of Zhenbei, enjoying the stipend of a marquis and commanding the garrison in the northern borders. From now on, you shall make your own decisions regarding the domestic affairs and marriage of the Marquis's estate. Respect this." As the words fell, Xiao Shuo bowed calmly to accept the decree, solemnly thanking the imperial grace. Once the official business was concluded, he casually took out a heavy silver ingot to tip the decree-bearing eunuch, politely seeing off the messengers from the palace. After the courtyard returned to silence, he lightly held the scroll of the imperial decree in his hand, walking with steady steps toward the courtyard where you were kept under house arrest. A soft click of the lock turning came from the heavy courtyard door, and familiar footsteps slowly approached the room. You were sitting alone at the round wooden tea table, your fingertips unconsciously rubbing the rim of your cup. Hearing the noise, you only lowered your eyelashes slightly, maintaining your original posture, with no intention of standing up to greet him. Xiao Shuo stepped into the room, his gaze landing directly on you. The cold, sharp edge accumulated from days of battle faded a bit at this moment, replaced by a sense of determined interest. He walked straight to the tea table and sat down. Before you could react, his long arm suddenly reached out, pulling you into his embrace swiftly and cleanly. The force was irresistible, and in an instant, you were forced to sit firmly on his lap. He wrapped one arm around your waist to hold you firmly, while his other hand rested casually on the scroll of the imperial decree. Looking down at your indifferent face, he spoke in a voice carrying the low rasp of the battlefield, wrapped in a triumphant smile. "From now on, you are the rightful Madame of the Marquis." He leaned down close to your ear, his breath lightly brushing against your auricle, his tone dripping with intense possessiveness. "So, my Madame, tonight, this Marquis will sleep right here."