At the main hall, Yuan Sao was sitting alone, his expression was stoic and stern as always but there's an inexplicable flicker in his eyes. He doesn't touch the winecup since the same, his finger tapped the table in a monotone sound.

When he heard the sounds of the footstep closer he lifts his head abruptly but the expectation in his eyes disappeared instantly when he only saw Su Jin enter the main hall.

​​

She cupped her fist courteously and say: " I'm sorry General Shao, her majesty is not available today, I hope you understand"

His heart sunk to the bottomless pit "When her majesty have time?" Yuan Shao cannot leave without talking to Ming Yue Yin first, he afraid the more he delayed the harder it to explain.

Su Jin smile politely, she knew how Ming Yue Yin temperament, when she make a decision it was hard to change, she is the ruler of a great nation so of course, her temperament is not something that could easily handle, Su Jin didn't know how Yuan Shao anger her empress, but one thing is certain, coaxing her empress will be a painstaking job.

"I do not know General Yuan, we will tell you when the opportunity comes" she tactfully replies.

Yuan Shao sighs heavily, seems like Ming Yue Yin is more upset than he thought, at one side he feel happy because she cares a lot about him but on the other side he worries she would despise him, what if she thinks he is an untrustworthy man and womanizer, what would happen then, is she going to leave him?

"General Yuan, you here"

A chuckle came from the door, Yuan Shao then saw Li Mo Zhen walk towards him with gentle smiles. Li Mo Zhen enters the room, his demeanor was mild and gentle like a breeze, he dresses modestly but elegant at the same time.

"Master Li" Yuan Shao nods as a polite greeting.

"Do you have time, would you mind accompany me with a little game of chess?" he rested one of his hands behind his back with a smile that still lingers on his handsome face.

Yuan Shao also didn't want to leave yet so he readily agrees "Of course"

Li Mo Zhen smiles and make a polite gesture to follow him. they walk to the main garden, Tien shan main garden is very beautiful it could compare to the garden inside any imperial palace. In the middle of a giant man-made pond inside the floating pavilion, two men play chess, the sound of rustling leaves and fish splash the water make the scene tranquil and peaceful.

They had been played chess for a half-hour but Yuan Shao still unable to calm himself, he make a lot of wrong moves on the chess and he glances at the path that leads to the moon gate repeatedly as if he is waiting for someone to come, the corner of Li Mo Zhen lips lift slightly. Even a great general like Yuan Shao also helpless in the face of 'love'

"She would not come…" Li Mo Zhen abruptly said.

Yuan Shao startled, he looks at Li Mo Zhen pretend he doesn't understand.

Li Mo Zhen placing his black stone on the chessboard as he chuckles lightly "My wife told me to entertained you while they try to persuade her majesty"

Knowing is useless to feign stupid Yuan Shao decide to be honest "If only she would hear my explanation"

"Your explanation is more like an acted cower from responsibility, I don't think you can't reassure her"

"Then what should I do?" he scrunched up his face while folding his hands on his chest.

See the anxiety on Yuan Shao face, Li Mo Zhen feel bad for him so he did not tease him anymore "Well, the action would be louder than words"

"What do you mean?"

The smart and cunning general is only the beginner in a matter of heart, li Mo Zhen didn't know should he laugh at him or worry for him. Li mo Zhen gracefully pours wine on the small porcelain cup for both of them then hands the cup to Yuan Shao.

"I know you still hide your relationship with empress Ming because of a lot of reasons but you can announce to everyone that you have reserved your heart to someone and no other woman could replace her position whether in your heart or in your home," said Li Mo Zhen.

Fell like he got struck by epiphany his face lit up like a light bulb, Li Mo Zhen still continues "Then keep your distance with that woman, yes, I know about Sanguan Li Ye, my wife has told me" he nods proudly.

'So, you are a gossip couple?'

"Just follow Lord Long Ming's step, don't talk with women, keep your distance, and pretend you are blind. With your reputation, there would be a lot of women who is eager to be your wife, if you give them a little chance your life will never peaceful again although I think you have learned your lesson"

Yuan Shao sips his wine then sigh "I just don't have the heart to kick a woman from my front gate, obviously that is a mistake"

"Indeed, you better than anyone else should know how vicious women could be, compare to men women are a lot scarier since they look fragile and weak, maybe that's why lord Long Ming was merciless towards women"

Yuan Shao remembers the tragic life of his late mother and his younger harsh upbringing, it's all because one woman obsession brings tragedy to his family. He realizes he cannot lose his guard down even towards women, maybe he can mimic Zhao Li Xin's behavior.

"I understand, but….how do I persuade my empress?"Yuan Shao was perplexed, he must do first thing first which is to coax his beloved woman.

Li Mo Zhen tilted his head and rubbing his chin while contemplating then he looks Yuan Shao "Just let her beat you a few times to vent her anger"

Yuan Shao frowned with doubt "Will that work?"

Li Mo Zhen shrug "You don't know if you don't try?"

________________________

At the other place another man also annoyed by a woman, unexpectedly that man is Zhao Li Xin. Even though he didn't let Bai Xue came to his place however his dearest stepbrother walks her inside Zhao Li Xin courtyard. He was sit in his room when Mong Liu announce to him that sanguan Wu Ci and Bai Xue is waiting for him outside his room.

Zhao Li Xin obviously annoyed but because he still has unfinished business with the sanguan family he had to tamped his irritation. He sauntered to the small garden in front of his room. Bai Xue was having a nice conversation with Sanguan wu ci but then her eyes caught Zhao Li Xin walk toward her and her heart thumping wildly.

Before she met Zhao Li Xin Sanguan Jin Sheng ask her help to keep in eyes on Zhao Li Xin and control him, she didn't mind to help because Sanguan Jin Sheng wife is her master younger sister, this is only a small matter but who knew that Zhao Li Xin appearance is heaven-defying beautiful, her heart stopped when she saw him that day ever since then she couldn't get rid of Zhao Li Xin face out of her mind.

Her master once warned her before that love is more poisonous than a snake, her master told her over and over again that she could give her body, her wealth, and her strength but never gives her heart because that would be the day for a woman to lose control of her own life.

But unfortunately, who can control the matter of heart, Bai Xue also has her reluctance towards Zhao Li Xin because of his messy background and his ordinary talent besides being extremely handsome Zhao Li Xin is just an ordinary man he can't hold a candle to Sanguan Wu Ci. Bai Xue was in dilemma, she doesn't know what to do but one thing is certain that her eyes can't stop staring at Zhao Li Xin.

Sanguan Wu Ci clearly saw the yearning in Bai Xue's eyes even though she tries so hard to hide it. Sanguan Wu Ci sneers inwardly, in the end, no matter how smart the woman is they still helpless against a beautiful man.

"Good morning elder brother" Sanguan Wu Ci greet politely.

"Uhm, morning" he replies briefly.

Sanguan Wu Ci only knows Zhao Li Xin for sometimes and he already used to his crude manner, he always cursed Zhao Li Xin's bad manner inside his head and blame his maternal family's bad lineage who never teach him to be a gentleman. On the other hand, Bai Xue heart race just hearing Zhao Li Xin's voice. Her face turns bright red she quickly looks down on her teacup to hide her face.

Her bashful face and her shy reaction are endearing even for Sanguan Wu Ci, he has to admit that Bai Xue's behavior is cute, sadly Zhao Li Xin didn't pay attention to Bai Xue even if he does he might not get it either.

"Elder brother let me introduce you, this is miss Bai Xue she is the core disciple of Celestial Immortal sect." Sanguan Wu Ci introduces her.

'Celestial immortal? What an imposing name'

Zhao Li Xin laughs inwardly. Some people are very conceited, do they think they are above another human? Just by the sect names, Zhao Li Xin could guest what kinda people inside the Celestial immortal was.

The one who poisoned him and killed his mother during their escape probably someone from the celestial immortal sect, he can't wait to unravel the identity of the man or woman who forces her mother run to the Xin Fang continent, he can't wait to show his outmost 'gratitude"

Zhao Li Zin shifts his gaze at Bai Xue, no one could read the depth in his gaze. On the surface, Sanguan Wu Ci thought Zhao Li Xin probably interested in Bai Xue and his cold behavior is only a mask to hide his real feeling, on the other hand, Bai Xue face is burning hot from Zhao Li Xin gaze, she also thought the man probably like her and he only pretends to be cold, she didn't think that weirds since most men have their ego.

Bai Xue lowers her head shyly but she can't help smile faintly s her imagination runs wild.