Xu Jiujie, who was so difficult for outsiders to meet even once, was now within Qian Ran's reach.
"Let me have a taste of Princess Jiujie's charm," Qian Ran murmured, his hands caressing her soft, supple body as his breath grew heavier.
Xu Jiujie's face was flushed red as she nervously tugged at her red gauzy gown. Though shy and uneasy, she couldn't help but feel a faint anticipation.
Seeing the princess, who could remain calm even when facing thousands at the auction house, now trembling nervously, her beautiful eyes closed in anxious expectation, Qian Ran couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Leaning forward, he captured her soft lips with his own.
She tasted exquisite.
It was like opening an aged bottle of wine—the moment the seal was broken, the intoxicating fragrance was enough to captivate the senses.
Lightly nibbling on Xu Jiujie's lips, Qian Ran didn't hesitate as he deepened the kiss, breaking past her barriers. Xu Jiujie, who had preserved her purity for years, surrendered herself to him. Qian Ran hungrily savored her sweetness, like a bee drawn to nectar.
His body pressed closer to Xu Jiujie's delicate figure, his hands roaming over her slender frame through the thin fabric of her gown.
"Jiujie, you're stunning," he whispered.
Looking at her blushing, porcelain cheeks and those watery, dreamlike eyes, Qian Ran found her more enchanting than ever. He couldn't help but utter his admiration.
Though her gaze was filled with emotion, Xu Jiujie's innate elegance and noble demeanor persisted. The ingrained discipline of a royal upbringing made her maintain her composure, even in such an intimate moment.
Yet, it was precisely this blend of restraint and allure that made Qian Ran feel a mischievous urge to break her defenses completely.
He was curious to see how long she could hold on.
Hearing his praise, Xu Jiujie's blush deepened. Unsure of what to do, she shyly wrapped her arms around Qian Ran's waist.
Qian Ran, however, was already undoing the ribbon at the front of her dress. The delicate fabric fell away, revealing her smooth, snow-white skin. Her flawless collarbone, glistening under the light, exuded an irresistible allure that drew Qian Ran closer. He lowered his head to kiss her exposed skin.
"No!" Xu Jiujie protested instinctively, her voice tinged with both shame and frustration. But as Qian Ran's lips moved to her neck and collarbone, her resistance softened, her eyes growing hazier by the moment.
"Jiujie, I like you," Qian Ran whispered, his voice low and tender. "Be my woman. I promise I'll never let you down."
He gently lowered her onto the sofa, her crimson gown slipping off her shoulders. Beneath the dress, she wore an intricately embroidered pink corset adorned with golden phoenix patterns. The royal lady, so composed and graceful in public, now radiated a soft, seductive charm, her every move filled with an enticing mix of shyness and allure.
"Mm…"
Xu Jiujie nodded faintly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
She had already been promised to Qian Ran by the royal family. In essence, she was a gift to him. Even if Qian Ran had approached her with less tenderness, she wouldn't have dared to resist.
To the royal family, Qian Ran was far too important—critical, even—to the survival of the Star Luo Empire.
No matter how far Qian Ran might push the boundaries, the royal family would turn a blind eye, especially in the increasingly turbulent times the continent was facing.
When it came to the empire's interests, personal sacrifices seemed trivial.
Pressing against her delicate frame, Qian Ran lifted one of Xu Jiujie's long, slender legs, which were encased in shimmering silver stockings. The gown that had hidden her exquisite legs now revealed their full splendor. Both legs were sheathed in stockings that stopped at mid-thigh, with fine golden patterns woven into the fabric, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.
It seemed that all of Xu Jiujie's clothing bore such golden accents.
Unlike the cloud-patterned stockings Cai Mei'er wore, which leaned toward seductive charm, Xu Jiujie's stockings conveyed a noble refinement. Anyone who looked at her could tell at a glance that she was no ordinary woman.
"Jiujie, will you help me?" Qian Ran asked softly, holding her dainty foot in his hand, his voice tinged with a longing he could no longer suppress.
"Mm…" Xu Jiujie's face turned scarlet.
As a princess, she had been taught by experienced palace maids how to serve her husband in such matters. Thus, her first reaction to Qian Ran's request wasn't confusion, but a mixture of shyness and resolve.
Though embarrassed enough to wish she could disappear into the ground, she nodded in agreement.
She didn't want to refuse, nor did she want to disappoint Qian Ran.
The palace matrons had once advised her: in such matters, it was best not to reject one's husband, lest it strain the marital relationship or push him to seek solace elsewhere.
With so many exceptional women surrounding Qian Ran, Xu Jiujie knew she couldn't afford to be complacent. While she might command respect as a princess in front of ordinary people, she was well aware that her status meant little in Qian Ran's eyes.
Meanwhile, in the Star Luo Imperial Palace…
The empress relayed every detail of her earlier conversation with Qian Ran to Emperor Xu Jiawei.
Even as a ruler accustomed to handling the greatest of challenges, the emperor was taken aback. He hadn't expected Qian Ran to be connected to such a formidable force.
"It's unbelievable… If not for our foresight in aligning with the Martial Spirit Sect early on, such power in the hands of another empire could have shattered the delicate balance between the major nations."
"Excellent. With the Martial Spirit Sect's support combined with the strength of our military, we might even stand a chance against the Sun-Moon Empire," Xu Jiawei said, his spirits high.
"And Jiujie? Do the two of them get along?"
"I think Jiujie is quite satisfied, and Qian Ran seems to like her as well," the empress replied.
"Whether she likes him or not, she has no choice but to comply. I've heard that Qian Ran has a fondness for beauty. When Jiujie marries him, prepare a few additional maids to accompany her—young and beautiful ones. If need be, even some suitable young noblewomen could be considered," Xu Jiawei said.
As an emperor, he wouldn't directly offer beauties to Qian Ran, but he could disguise the gesture by sending maids to attend to Jiujie's needs. If Qian Ran showed interest, so be it. If not, having a few pleasant faces around wouldn't hurt.
"Your Majesty, is it worth going to such lengths?" the empress asked, surprised by Xu Jiawei's efforts to win over a single young man.
"It is. The Martial Spirit Sect may or may not agree to the alliance we desire, but Qian Ran is almost certain to become their next sect master. When that day comes, our empire will reap even greater benefits."
"Qian Ran is someone we cannot afford to alienate. Remember, a Level 98 Super Douluo from the Martial Spirit Sect is his personal protector. That alone proves his exceptional status—perhaps even beyond that of a mere young sect master."
"Beautiful women are rare, but in the face of the empire's interests, they're inconsequential," Xu Jiawei said flatly.
Recent intelligence had revealed increasing cooperation between the Mingde Hall and the Sun-Moon Empire's military. Already unmatched in strength, the Sun-Moon Empire continued to arm itself with powerful military-grade soul tools, clearly harboring ambitions.
Xu Jiawei had a sense that another great war might erupt across the continent in the coming decades.
In such turbulent times, every alliance mattered—especially with a behemoth like the Martial Spirit Sect.
"Beyond women, wealth, titles, or resources—whatever the Martial Spirit Sect desires, we must provide," Xu Jiawei declared.
"As for the Zhu family, I'll pay them a visit myself. We can't risk them offending Qian Ran and jeopardizing the Martial Spirit Sect's goodwill toward our empire. Also, didn't Qian Ran mention an Ultimate Douluo from the Martial Spirit Sect would be arriving soon? When the time comes, I will ensure they receive a grand welcome."
Without meeting this Ultimate Douluo in person, Xu Jiawei still felt uneasy. Only by seeing them with his own eyes could he confirm the Martial Spirit Sect's true strength.
(Chapter End)
Notes-i completed translating all the chapters in patreon