157 He Is a Fox

Heavy snow fell in a blinding flurry, massive snowflakes tumbling down to blanket every trace of vitality. The world instantly transformed into a stark silver expanse. The city wall, resembling a giant serpent with a snow-white spine, stretched far away into the misty, gray morning haze.

The army marched out of the city, led at the front by Duan Nanyu.

As Yun Xueyan did not know how to ride a horse and the heavy snow was still falling, she switched to a carriage. Sitting inside, watching the carriage curtain flutter in the wind, a sudden wave of melancholy washed over her.

Feng Xilou had thoughtfully prepared a fox-fur cloak for her. Wearing it warded off the biting cold. It was impossible not to be moved by his attentiveness—indeed, she was moved to the point of a lingering ache in her heart—yet this could not change the harsh reality of many things.

Leaning her body back against the soft cushions, she closed her eyes in a feigned slumber. No sooner had she shut them than she felt a gust of wind sweep inward, vanishing just as quickly. Someone sat down beside her, a faint, clean fragrance carrying the chill of winter drifting into her nostrils. Without opening her eyes, she merely offered a faint smile.

"Prime Minister Feng holds such a high official rank, yet he actually sneaks into a sedan chair to slack off," she teased. Feeling that presence draw closer and closer to her, she suddenly snapped her eyes open. Feng Xilou had already swiftly planted a kiss upon her hair and pulled back.

"Xilou, you..." Her fair face instantly blushed scarlet; she had not expected Feng Xilou to make such a move.

"Yan'er, I missed you so much." Feng Xilou chuckled softly, reaching out to stroke a strand of Yun Xueyan's hair, bringing it close to his high, delicate nose. "In the past, you were Duan Nanyu's imperial consort, and I could harbor no improper thoughts toward you. But things are different now. I have the opportunity at any moment, don't I?"

His tone carried the spoiled petulance of a child, bringing a helpless smile to Yun Xueyan's lips.

"Isn't there a saying: strike first to gain the upper hand? Duan Nanyu is currently leading the troops at the front, but I am the Prime Minister, and those matters do not fall under my jurisdiction. I am allowed to be lazy, especially when it is so cold outside." His phoenix eyes curved slightly as he let out a low laugh.

"Fox. Xilou, you truly are a fox." Yun Xueyan did not know whether to laugh or cry. How was it that she had never known before that Feng Xilou could act so shamelessly?

"Then do you like foxes?" Leaning closer to Yun Xueyan, Feng Xilou flashed a mesmerizing smile.

Yun Xueyan froze. Did she like them? She... did not know. But at the very least, she did not dislike him; she had never once grown weary of him. She was even grateful to the heavens for keeping Feng Xilou by her side, allowing her to survive her hardships time and time again.

She confessed that she was somewhat selfish. At times, she even feared what would become of her if she lost Feng Xilou—how would she endure those past pains?

To her, the significance of Feng Xilou in her heart was extraordinarily different. Precisely because of this, she... could delay him no longer. He was... simply too good, making her feel as though she could never truly hold onto him.

As if sensing Yun Xueyan's inner thoughts, Feng Xilou laughed out loud, breaking the awkwardness. "Yan'er, don't even think about pushing me onto someone else. Aside from you... I want no one else. So you had better obediently put away those crooked little thoughts of yours. You must know that when a seemingly gentle person flies into a rage, the consequences are unimaginable."

He sounded somewhat aggrieved. How could he fail to sense her reservations? She was always trying to push him away, afraid of delaying his future.

Pulling her tightly into his embrace, he rested his head in the crook of her neck, rubbing against it gently a few times. "Yan'er, a career in officialdom is certainly important, but... without you, all of that loses its meaning."

Yun Xueyan's face flushed crimson, her breathing turning hurried. The sudden, intense proximity of Feng Xilou left her unprepared to adjust; she was simply not yet mentally ready to face him.

Not yet ready...

Yet at this moment, she lacked even the courage to gently refuse him. He was too good—so good that she dared not easily ruin him or profane him.