Chapter 291

The door clicked shut softly. Ling Mo's voice broke the silence. "Jichuan City has formidable military strength. If Minister Sikong is determined to support Ye Muchan, this voluntary surrender presents a golden opportunity."

Ye Hongling strode into the inner chamber and retrieved a travel bag from the sandalwood cabinet. Her fingers brushed against a brocade box.

Ling Mo's pupils constricted. His lips pressed into a thin line.

"You begged me twice to implant this in your mind," Ye Hongling turned, her gaze fathomless. "Care to try again?"

Memories of his amnesiac terror surfaced. Ling Mo's Adam's apple bobbed as a low chuckle escaped him. "My lady wouldn't dare."

She'd hesitated even when ignorant of his identity. Now with the truth revealed, she'd never harm him.

Warmth flooded Ling Mo's chest. Beneath her steely exterior, this woman harbored the softest trust. She guarded her heart fiercely, but once given, no force in heaven or earth could make her rescind it.

How fortunate he'd chosen the path to Divine Shadow Hall. Any deliberate approach would have shattered against her icy defenses.

"My lady." His voice roughened.

Ye Hongling lifted her eyes to his jade-smooth features. His gaze held drowning depths of devotion.

"I wouldn't," she admitted coolly.

Ling Mo stilled. Joy radiated from his eyes, gilding his entire being.

"But displease me—" Her tone shifted. "—and the disciplinary whip awaits. You seem to relish punishment."

"Only from my lady's hand." He acquiesced smoothly.

With a faint hum, she turned. "Come. Let's greet this Minis—"

Strong arms yanked her against a solid chest. Ling Mo's lips grazed her crown. "Let him wait."

Ye Hongling stiffened. "Insolence?"

"Utter insolence," he confessed freely. "Flog me or forgive me, my lady. Your silence grants permission."

Ye Hongling: "..."

His embrace tightened. He rested his chin atop her hair. "Grant me one privilege."

"Speak."

"The right to lose control." His voice strained. "Sometimes... I can't stop needing to hold you. Only this proves you're real..."

Not like his previous life, where she'd vanished without warning.

Ye Hongling's breath hitched.

A needle-prick of pain pierced her heart, spreading tiny tremors of ache.