Seventy three

Zhan scanned the entire mansion with his eyes the moment they arrived. Yibo had brought him to his historical estate. From the moment they entered the courtyard, a sense of peace settled over Zhan. Everything was designed to reflect a traditional countryside aesthetic. The earthy scent lingering in the air was unique... possibly enhanced by the early rains of the season. The plants throughout the compound had begun to flourish, each displaying its natural color vividly, thanks to the devoted caretakers who tended to them year-round.

Yibo pulled him into a warm embrace and whispered softly, "I love this kind of nature. That's why I treasure this place. Whenever I need to clear my head and I'm around Tianjin, this is my retreat."

Zhan gave a small nod. He felt exactly the same. The house called to him in a way he hadn't expected.

Inside, Yibo led the way and handled everything, leaving Zhan to simply observe. They started with a bath. Afterwards, Yibo turned toward him, sitting comfortably on a flushed rug with a cheerful smile as he leaned closer.

"Even though we didn't get a chance to talk properly back then... now we do, don't we, my Prince?"

Zhan only smiled, his thoughts drifting to that first night....a chaotic, unforgettable night that defied any story he had ever heard. Then Yibo gently kissed his forehead.

Zhan's stomach grumbled; he hadn't eaten anything substantial all day. Noticing this, Yibo looked at him and said, "Let's go get something to eat, hmm? It's getting late." Zhan nodded without hesitation and followed him.

The dining area was beautifully modest, crafted with modern wood carved in traditional style. When Zhan saw the spread of dishes laid across the table, his eyes lit up. Yibo pulled out a chair for him and began to serve light meals himself while standing.

"I'm starving," Zhan said with a playful whine, rubbing his stomach. Yibo immediately caught on.

"You're craving something heavy, aren't you?" Yibo chuckled and shook his head. "No, my dear… that might ruin tonight's plans, right?" He ended the sentence with a wink.

Zhan turned his face away, shy but amused...Yibo had definitely figured him out.

They didn't take long to finish eating. Afterwards, Yibo personally led Zhan to a bedroom, and even he was amazed at its refined setup.

"Welcome to my world, dear," Yibo said as he pulled him into his arms, his hands resting on Zhan's waist.

"This is where I hope we can begin a new chapter… one that will lead us to build a whole new life, in a whole new world." Then Yibo quickly let go, smiling.

"I'll be back. Get ready before I return, my Prince," he said, motioning toward him before stepping out. Zhan didn't respond. His legs were trembling slightly from emotion, and he sank onto the edge of the bed, trying to steady himself.

"You're not the Zhan from nine years ago anymore," he reminded himself. "You're Dr. Xiao Zhan now, father of twins, and someone's lawful husband." The words helped ground him, and he stood up to prepare himself in a way he knew would please Yibo.

He dressed in soft sleepwear with shorts that reached just above the knees. He carefully applied scented oils and colognes from the vanity, making sure every inch of his body was clean and fragrant. As he neared completion, he remembered the package the Queen had given him. He pulled it out and opened it.

Inside were luxury designer perfumes....just the bottles alone were exquisite. At first, Zhan stood frozen in wonder, then pulled up a chair to examine them more closely. Even though he was alone, he felt a little shy about what he found.

There were different perfumes for underarms, behind the knees, the elbows, behind the ears, the navel, thighs, hair, even fingertips....and one for the entire body. Alongside them was a small note:

Use them all, son....exactly as they are. Wishing you a blessed union.

Zhan carefully applied each fragrance to its designated spot, layering them delicately on his skin. A calming, luxurious aroma enveloped him entirely. He closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply as the scent swept over his senses and body like a warm blanket. Afterward, he returned the items neatly into their case.

"So this is the Queen's secret...the one she used to wins His Majesty's heart?"

Just as Zhan finished getting ready, Yibo pushed the door open and entered. Zhan froze in place....he didn't want Yibo to see him in this state. Even his hair, which had grown longer, hadn't been styled yet. After spraying it with some scented mist, he had let it fall freely over his shoulders.

"Wow… wow," Yibo whispered, eyes wide, almost falling out of their sockets as he stared at Zhan. He couldn't bring himself to walk slowly over, so he fast stepped closer, cautiously approaching Zhan. And once he got close enough, he suddenly leaned in, breathing him in deeply and feverishly like someone intoxicated. In a hushed, reverent voice, he said:

"Where did you get the scent of the only perfume I've ever truly loved, Prince? This just proves it again… You are special. You're the bond that ties my entire life together."

From that moment, Zhan realized that the Prince had started to unravel emotionally. Within five minutes, their legs could no longer support their weight. As their bodies weakened, Yibo reached for the light switch and turned it off. Then, he moved to the side of the bed and switched on a dim, papaya-shaped lamp with a soft glow...just enough light to see each other clearly, but not blindingly.

He climbed into bed beside Zhan, their lips intertwined, and followed him under the covers.

Yibo began sending Zhan waves of intense, heart-melting affection...messages that no amount of resistance could overcome. What frightened Zhan most was that Yibo couldn't keep his mouth shut. Wherever his hands or lips landed on Zhan's body, he would praise him before moving to the next spot. It was overwhelming...not just because of the things he said, but how deeply they cut, how tenderly they were delivered.

Eventually, trembling, Zhan pressed a finger to Yibo's lips, which were shivering like someone chilled to the bone. Softly, he whispered:

"Shhh... I'm not going anywhere. Tonight, I'm all yours. Yours, and yours alone."

Yibo raised his face fully so Zhan could see him clearly. He threaded his fingers through Zhan's soft hair, staring with such intensity that Zhan couldn't hold his gaze for more than a second. Shaking his head, Yibo said in a trembling voice:

"I can't… I can't stay silent, my Prince. If I do, the pleasure might drive me mad. My mind alone can't handle it. You're one of a kind. You're so damn sweet. I told you before...I buried a certain three-letter word back when we first started: shy. Because this right here, this world belongs to just us two. You and me. Please… take me somewhere else tonight."

Zhan remained silent, listening, his body trembling slightly as warm tears of joy trickled down his cheeks. He never imagined...not even in dreams...that life would twist like this, bringing him and Yibo back together under the same roof, in the same moment of closeness. Gently, he nodded with his eyes shut.

Yibo began to whisper thanks between feather-light kisses, using his tongue to wipe away Zhan's tears. A moment later, Yibo reached for one of the bedside lamps and turned it on again. The brightness increased, though not fully. Zhan quickly shut his eyes, then squeezed them shut in embarrassment....he couldn't bear looking at Yibo, feeling exposed. Gesturing with his head, he signaled for Yibo to turn it off again. But Yibo shook his head.

"I'm sorry, my Prince. Back then, in those nine years, you never saw me… Tonight, please look at me. See me as I am. See me as your Yibo. Let us rediscover each other. Let me prove that in your arms, I'm not a prince, not a businessman....not anyone, really. Just a man who belongs entirely to you."

Zhan shook his head slowly, still trembling. "Please… just turn it off. I believe you...I believe everything you say."

Yibo lowered the light as requested. And in that moment, Zhan surrendered his whole self to him. Yibo led him into a world he'd almost forgotten...one he believed he would never return to. But tonight, everything was new again, as if no time had passed.

Yibo knew Zhan had shown incredible strength. Even he hadn't realized how deeply he was in debt to him emotionally....until they were here. The panic, the fear of losing Zhan, had buried all of his feelings. But now that calm had returned, everything resurfaced. On the other hand, Zhan, too, was shaken by it all. It hit him that perhaps, back then, Yibo's actions were mercy and sympathy. But now...now Zhan could feel it. He was sure.

This wasn't mercy.

It was love.

----

The next day, all the patience and care Yibo hadn't shown during the passed period shown them now. Just like their first night together, he neglected Zhan. But now he pampere him, in return, Zhan melting in his spoiled nature. Yibo only give Zhan a day to rest. The next day, he couldn't hold back and said he wanted to do it... to have him again. Zhan had no choice but to agree and let him do it.

Zhan assumed they were going home the next day, but Yibo settled back in like he had no plans to leave. When Zhan complained, Yibo just gave him a long look, gently pulled him into his lap, and said:

"I can't live among people without you, my dear. I'd be the center of gossip. Every day without you feels like eternity to me. I love you so much that I can't even function. Even if we do decide to go back out there, you'll have to adjust before that...become strong and confident like me.... To me it's everyday. And when we leave, I want us to take twins gifts for Mom. I think she's hoping for more grandchildren since all our sisters are busy wasting time with fashion and nonsense. None of them seem ready to have more kids anytime soon."

Embarrassed, Zhan laid his head on Yibo's shoulder while he smiled and added:

"But our twins?"

Yibo playfully tapped his head. "You silly Prince. Who told you they're ours now? Nalan told me they don't even ask about us...they've become part of the family. Do you think Dad would hand them over? It's better we work hard and make our own."

Yibo slid his hand into Zhan's shirt. Zhan quickly grabbed his wrist, flustered. "Come on, my Prince...it's only been once today!" Yibo pouted, and Zhan ended up giving in completely, even though he hadn't planned to.

That same day, Yibo annulled his marriage with Qiantang and sent her the paperwork, closing that chapter of his life for good. He simply wanted peace again. He still held resentment over how she and her family harshly treated his mother over the money she sent to her in his name after their departure. That moment made him realize....no matter how close she once was, he was done with her.

In the days that followed, all they did was eat, drink, sleep, and talk. They spent time sharing stories about their lives....from childhood to adulthood.

Zhan's life story broke Yibo's heart. He couldn't tell if what he felt was pain or numbness...just that nothing would ever separate him from Zhan again. He felt deeply that Zhan was his. Their meeting had been written in the stars.

In their time together, they focused more on understanding each other than constantly exchanging sweet words. They knew love wasn't all sunshine. Some days would be sweet, others bitter. Living together meant there would be disagreements and misunderstandings, but both were committed to learning about each other's personality, preferences, and values to make their marriage work.

Zhan's thoughts often wandered back home. He wanted to fulfill his promise to support his brothers now that he had returned. He also longed to see Aunt Anu. Though they spoke on the phone daily, he missed her dearly.

Finally, on the tenth day, Zhan persuaded Yibo to let him go out, and Yibo agreed...on the condition that he'd come too.

They took one of Yibo's brand-new cars that hadn't even been driven yet, the latest model. Only Zhan, Yibo, and the driver were in the car...no entourage.

On the way, Yibo said if Baba (Xiao Yun) was around, he'd like to greet him. If not, he'd simply send his respects to the rest of the household. Zhan found Xiao Yun and exchanged pleasantries. Fenghua sent someone to ask if Yibo wanted to come inside for a drink, but he politely declined.

During his talk with his brothers, Zhan told them of his plan to open large shop for each of them....bigger than what their father had owned. The new shops would operate under Xiao Yun's name to maintain tradition but would be managed directly by the brothers. Profits would be split into three: one part for Xiao Yun, two for them. The capital would then be reinvested into the business.

His brothers were overwhelmed with joy. They never imagined Zhan would return to lift them up like this. The amounts he mentioned weren't small. One shop would focus on electronics, the other on provisions. They asked for his support and promised to be honest and trustworthy.

Next, Yibo took Zhan to Aunt Anu's house. She burst into laughter, holding her mouth in surprise.

"Zhan, are you sure this return of yours isn't destiny calling to have another set of twins? Just look at how polished you've become! Be careful, this love from the Prince might spoil you too much," she teased, making Zhan blush.

They spent a while chatting and exchanging heartfelt advice. Before they left, they were sent in with bags of gifts Prince Yibo had secretly arranged...gifts Zhan didn't even know about.

~**~

They didn't leave for the palace until they had spent a whole month in the house. Even though Yibo had gone earlier to answer His Majesty's summons, the conversation wasn't pleasant...His Majesty practically scolded him as if he'd committed a national offense for divorcing Qiantang.

"Your Majesty, I had no other choice. She made it clear she no longer wanted to be with me. I couldn't force her, and her family didn't support the marriage either. We had no power to make them give their daughter to us," Yibo explained calmly.

Those words seemed to cool King Mo Yi's temper, and he didn't say much after that.

"Marriage is a matter of fate. Keep hoping....if it's meant to be, things might work out again someday."

Yibo just gave a small nod, though deep down he muttered silently, "I hope she never crosses my path again."

The Queen, for her part, only sighed and said,

"Let's hope this turns out for the best."

Prince Yibo almost chuckled. He never imagined there'd be a day when the Queen would take things so lightly.

The day they were finally to visit the palace, Zhan was full of excitement, almost as if he were the one returning home. Yibo, on the other hand, was grumpy...until Zhan teased him with a playful jab: "Aren't you happy to go and see our kids"?

"When you get there, you'll be welcomed like a celebrity from the gate. Everywhere you go, servants will be trailing behind you. And anything you do for your spouse becomes the talk of the palace, as if you're some mythical creature."Yibo replied pouting

Zhan's joke made Yibo laugh despite himself.

Zhan said, "That's your fault. You royals always walk into a room like you're kings of the world, cold, dominant, chilly aura. You overawe people, so naturally, anything you do becomes headline news."

Yibo reached out and playfully slapped Zhan on the arm.

"If you keep talking like that, I might cancel the visit. Clearly, you're taking their side."

Zhan clutched his ears with both hands in mock surrender.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. Forgive me. I just want to see my mother, the Queen."

When they finally entered the Queen's quarters, Zhan froze. He felt like the air was heavier than before...the shyness he feels towards the Queen, seeing her now again was even stronger now. She looked at him with a hint of happiness and said:

"Unexpected guests running away have returned...no announcement, no word. Just appearing from nowhere like a magician's trick."

Zhan wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole. Nalan tried to ease the tension by joining in the teasing, but Zhan threw her a sharp glare and whispered,

"Keep going and I might expose your little secret with Doctor Adrian to your older brother."

Nalan instantly grabbed his hand, holding it tightly and whispering, "I'm sorry, my dear Prince Gege. Please have mercy. Don't spill the tea just yet...let everything settle first."

Nalan wasn't far from the truth. The twins were unbothered, playing and running around the palace the royalty they are, spoiled and carefree. Whether it was the Queen, His Majesty, or the palace staff, they all doted on them endlessly.

The absence of Xueyin and the illness of Qinnu had opened many people's eyes. They had come to value the Queen more than ever. In the past, they didn't rally around her, but now many had come to see how much they had taken her for granted.

That day, Zhan and Bai Wuxia shared a long, heartfelt conversation...something they hadn't done in a long while. Zhan hadn't realized how much he missed her until then. A part of him wanted to bring Bai Wuxia to live with them permanently. She was a woman of deep wisdom and kindness, but... he wasn't sure how the palace would respond to such a request. He didn't want to act too impulsively.

NB

Seriously, I don't know what I'm writing anymore, 😂 ask me to wrap it up so we can move on...

Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛