Fourth Master Xiao held her close and replied, "Even if reported, it’s no problem. It’s worth it for a smile from my lady." Xiqiu snuggled against his chest and, upon hearing those words, couldn’t help but laugh, "When did Fourth Master start mimicking King Zhouyou?"
Fourth Master Xiao carried her, taking a few steps to the other side of the bedroom, when suddenly the painting of a beauty holding a mirror on the wall began to move on its own. Xiqiu was startled and only then discovered a secret door behind the painting. She exclaid in surprise, "There’s a hidden chanism here?"
Fourth Master Xiao, holding her, walked inside, passing through a corridor about two zhangs long, and said, "This place was originally Prince Duan’s villa. Later, Prince Duan sched rebelliously, and Emperor Jianwen confiscated the place and gave it to Empress Xiao. She then transferred it to my father in the third year of Chengzong. Prince Duan was naturally indulgent, so his villa is different from others."
Xiqiu nodded thoughtfully as Fourth Master Xiao exited the corridor, where she imdiately saw a steaming pool surrounded by marble. Hollow bamboo extended downward into the pool, and it was evident that this hot spring was not naturally ford but artificially diverted here.
She got off Fourth Master Xiao and marveled, "Such a project, perhaps only Prince Duan would have the ans for it."
Fourth Master Xiao laughed and shook his head, replying, "This is not his masterpiece." Laughing, he continued, "He rely dug a pool initially, but before the water channels were completed, he was confined by Emperor Jianwen. The channels were built later."
Xiqiu was taken aback and looked at him to inquire, "Was it built by Empress Xiao?"
Fourth Master Xiao looked at Xiqiu, shook his head, placed his hands behind his back, and gazed at the trickling water channels, his voice calm as he replied, "It was crafted by Third Master."
This was the first ti Xiqiu directly encountered matters regarding the Third Master of Xiao Mansion. She wished to inquire further but saw Fourth Master Xiao squatting to test the water temperature, and then he looked up, saying, "The temperature is excellent, would my lady like to try?"
Xiqiu’s thoughts were interrupted by him, and with flushed cheeks, she glanced around. After all, being in the open air, Fourth Master Xiao walked over and took her hand, saying, "No one cos here."
One arm encircled the waist, and a hand traced down from her abundant bosom...
"From now on, every year... every year... your birthday... belongs to alone."
Though spoken softly, it was still assertive and hard to refuse.
Birds returning to their nests flitted past in the sky, their crisp calls echoing in the valley.
The sky darkened gradually, leaving only the pale glow of distant lantern light. Gentle ripples floated, rging reflections of the people in water into one.
Xiqiu leaned against Fourth Master Xiao’s chest, as he took a cloth to dry her body, affectionately kissing her cheek, saying, "We’ll co again when winter falls, when snow blankets all but this lush greenery. If you like callias, I’ll plant so, and whenever we visit, you’ll see them bloom."
Xiqiu closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat, and jested, "Does Fourth Master intend to transplant them from the mountain slope?"
Fourth Master Xiao chuckled, gently biting the tip of her nose, and replied, "With my lady bringing als, I wouldn’t mind living even in the Capital City Governnt." Xiqiu was amused by his impishness and giggled, mimicking him by biting his shoulder, "Fourth Master, you mustn’t miss the blooming of the callias."
After she bit him, she suddenly realized sothing still lingered within her body, and it was stirring awake once more.
Xiqiu looked at him in astonishnt, and Fourth Master Xiao smiled, pressing his lips together.
He whispered in her ear, "If you want children, my lady must put in the effort."
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