The night arrived quickly, and before anyone realized it, darkness had already enveloped the entire land. Although it wasn’t like a bustling city here, it still seemed lively at night!
There were bonfires here, with people singing and dancing, and there were also streetlights illuminating the place, making the entire island more beautiful.
Qiu Ruoxi wandered the island for most of the day, unable to help but admire how well Ye Xunhuan was doing as this local emperor. Everyone here was filled with gratitude, admiration, and reverence for him.
As she walked, Qiu Ruoxi met many people, and upon learning that she was Ye Xunhuan’s wife, their respectful demeanor was just like servants in ancient times seeing their masters, as deferential as could be.
But Qiu Ruoxi also realized that none of the people living here were good sorts—in other words, none were good people.
There were even some among them who were wanted criminals featured on television.
This left Qiu Ruoxi at a loss for words. How could her husband dare take in such people and keep them at his base?
No matter who these people were, they treated Ye Xunhuan as if he were a god, and upon learning that Qiu Ruoxi was his wife, they became even more respectful!
For a moment, Qiu Ruoxi felt tempted to live here permanently.
Because here, there was no commerce, no deceit or betrayal, nor any scheming, everything was so peaceful and harmonious.
That night, Zuo En prepared dinner and gathered some people, and everyone ate together.
Possibly due to how everyone revered Ye Xunhuan like a deity, they seemed a bit restrained in his presence, not able to fully relax, but this was normal for Ye Xunhuan, who wasn’t bothered by it.
After the meal, Qiu Ruoxi met more people but still found none who seemed truly good.
After dinner, everyone dispersed, leaving only Ye Xunhuan and Qiu Ruoxi.
"I finally understand why they call you king!" Qiu Ruoxi said, staring at Ye Xunhuan.
"Why?"
"You’re practically an emperor here!" Qiu Ruoxi said casually. "If you were to set up three palaces and six courtyards and establish a monarchy, you’d definitely be the emperor here!"
Ye Xunhuan grinned at this and dared not respond.
He could tell that there was a deeper meaning in Qiu Ruoxi’s words; a wrong response might lead to disaster.
Ye Xunhuan had no intention of provoking disaster at that moment, so silence was the wisest choice.
Seeing Ye Xunhuan silent, Qiu Ruoxi didn’t say much else.
......
Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Qiu Ruoxi awoke.
When she awoke, she found Ye Xunhuan had already gotten up and was nowhere by her side, having gone somewhere.
She didn’t think much of it.
On Ye Xunhuan’s turf, could he possibly encounter trouble?
Then, Qiu Ruoxi got up and began her morning preparations.
As she finished and came downstairs, Zuo En had already prepared a hearty and delicious breakfast and was waiting for her.
"The Queen, you’re up!" Zuo En said warmly with a kindly smile, "Come have breakfast!"
"Zuo En, where’s Xunhuan?" Qiu Ruoxi asked, looking around and not finding Ye Xunhuan.
"The King went to the back mountain to pay respects to his master and brothers," Zuo En replied honestly, not hiding anything from her.
"Can I go over?"
"Sure!" Zuo En promptly replied, "If Your Majesty wants to go, I’ll take you there after breakfast!"
Qiu Ruoxi nodded and sat down at the table.
"You sit and have some too!"
"No need, I’ve already eaten!" Zuo En said softly, "Enjoy your meal, Your Majesty!"
Zuo En didn’t leave; he stayed by Qiu Ruoxi’s side just like a servant attending to his master.
Qiu Ruoxi was aware that Zuo En was somewhat apprehensive of her because of Ye Xunhuan, so she didn’t insist on anything.
After breakfast, Zuo En took Qiu Ruoxi to find Ye Xunhuan.
When they reached the foot of the back mountain, Zuo En stopped, "Your Majesty, the King is just up there; you can go up yourself, I won’t accompany you!"
"Alright!"
Then, Qiu Ruoxi proceeded up the mountain.
As she went up, Zuo En left, going to prepare for Ye Xunhuan and Qiu Ruoxi’s wedding.
Because the wedding was tomorrow, and all guests would arrive today, he had to arrange everything properly and, per Ye Xunhuan’s instructions, provide Qiu Ruoxi with a grand proposal today.
Qiu Ruoxi was unaware of this, continuing her way up the mountain.
The mountain wasn’t very tall, making it easy for her to climb up.
Once on top, rows of solitary graves came into view, making Qiu Ruoxi’s heart tremble involuntarily.
She never expected there to be so many graves here, resembling a cemetery.
How could so many people be buried here?
Could these graves belong to Ye Xunhuan’s brothers?
A string of questions arose in Qiu Ruoxi’s mind.
She then looked around, seeking out Ye Xunhuan.
Very soon, she spotted him sitting in front of a grave, holding a bottle of wine.
Upon spotting Ye Xunhuan, she immediately moved towards him.
As she was about to reach him, Ye Xunhuan suddenly sensed something, abruptly turning his head, showing bloodthirsty eyes like a maddened beast!
"Who?"
Instantly, a fierce killing intent surged towards Qiu Ruoxi like a tidal wave, causing her to shiver uncontrollably!
"Xunhuan, you... you..."
At that moment, Qiu Ruoxi’s voice quivered slightly, her eyes fearful as she looked at Ye Xunhuan.
Ye Xunhuan’s eyes were slightly reddened, clearly having just cried, yet within them laid a bloodthirsty aura like a brutal predator, inciting anxiety.
Upon seeing Qiu Ruoxi, Ye Xunhuan’s gaze gradually softened, "Why have you come?"
Ye Xunhuan’s voice was somewhat hoarse and low.
"I came to see you!" Qiu Ruoxi said gently, "Are you alright?"
Qiu Ruoxi could tell that Ye Xunhuan was presently in terrible spirits, teetering on the verge of a breakdown!