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Hearing the news, Duanmu Yi nodded vigorously, quickly took the token from Ying Zhao, and left the room to relay the message.

However, when he returned, he found Ying Zhao still undressed. Sitting beside the bed, Duanmu Yi wondered if Ying Zhao was hungry and if he should arrange some food.

After all, they had been busy all day and it was already the afternoon. Duanmu Yi pointed to his mouth and then gently patted Ying Zhao's stomach.

Seeing this, Ying Zhao immediately understood Duanmu Yi's intentions, gave a slight smile, and beckoned him closer with a finger.

Approaching, Duanmu Yi leaned in to hear Ying Zhao whisper:

"It's still early for dinner. As the 'male wife' of the Ying family, shouldn't you serve your lord a bit more?"

Finishing his words, Ying Zhao teasingly licked his lips and lifted a corner of the blanket, invitingly. Duanmu Yi shivered at his words and actions, feeling electrified, and quickly shed his outer robe to join him under the covers.

He thought to himself: Of course, I should serve my lord! Being the "male wife" of this young master, he wished he could pamper him every moment.

Since Duanmu Yi's subordinates had left a message for the Ying residence, Ying Zhao wasn't in a hurry to return. They continued their escapades until nightfall.

They called for their meal to be prepared, took a relaxing bath, and then decided to rest. Although Ying Zhao felt sore and exhausted, his heart was filled with joy.

After all, being with a loved one always brought happiness. Moreover, with time and effort, the political situation became clearer.

The crown prince's popularity was soaring, beyond the emperor's control. Furthermore, having revealed his true identity in front of his lover, Ying Zhao thought, since he belongs to me, why not take full advantage?

At that thought, Ying Zhao broke into a faint smile, snuggling into Duanmu Yi's embrace. She playfully nipped at his chin, tilting her head up at him, feigning dominance as she spoke.

"Tell me, am I not your lord and husband?"

Duanmu Yi nodded affirmatively. Pleased with his response, Ying Zhao pressed further:

"Then, doesn't that mean what's yours is also mine?"

Duanmu Yi nodded once more, causing Ying Zhao to beam, rewarding him with a peck on the cheek, laughing as she spoke,

"That was for you! Since what's yours is mine, it shouldn't be an issue if I ask the Hidden Chamber to do some tasks for me, right?"

Duanmu Yi lowered his gaze to meet the mischievously grinning figure in his arms. Pinching her chin gently, he planted a kiss on her lips, nodding with amusement.

While he was unaware of the tasks the young general had in mind for his Hidden Chamber, if he could assist his beloved in any way, it would bring Duanmu Yi immense joy.

Thus, come morning, after their breakfast, Ying Zhao, having dressed, accompanied Duanmu Yi to the main hall of the Hidden Chamber.

There, Ying Zhao met the ten shadow guards who always accompanied Duanmu Yi. Recognizing their years of devotion to her beloved, she treated them with utmost courtesy.

And while these guards might have been surprised by Ying Zhao's appearance despite her esteemed title, their respect for her was evident, their feelings concealed.

After all, they knew her to be a warrior who had fought fiercely for their nation, deserving of their admiration no matter her appearance.

More so now, as she held the title of the Lady of the Young Chamber Master, they acknowledged her as their true leader and would heed her commands.

Ying Zhao knew her man's nature: while he was skilled in martial arts, he lacked cunning and was indifferent to materialistic desires. Having stayed away from the Hidden Chamber for years, he wasn't well-acquainted with its affairs.

Fortunately, the ten shadow guards were present. Though their primary duty was to ensure the safety of the chamber master, they held unique positions compared to other guards.

The trust bestowed upon them by the former chamber master enabled each of them to oversee a branch of the Hidden Chamber, ensuring its seamless operation.

Aware of the prowess of the Hidden Chamber, Ying Zhao didn't hesitate to directly inquire about any recent disturbances in the Canglan Kingdom.

The Chamber's informants did not disappoint. They not only revealed that Bai Wenxuan was a spy from the Red Moon Kingdom but also exposed the cherished concubine's deep ties with Red Moon.

However, it was rumored that the said concubine had now severed ties with the Red Moon, focusing solely on her cherished position in the palace. Yet, she wasn't inconspicuous.

Mie Er informed Ying Zhao of a revelation: the beloved concubine had been secretly administering infertile concoctions to Emperor Duanmu Yanlang. No wonder no new princes had been born since the birth of her son.

Duanmu Yanlang's vigor had long been compromised, and upon her entry to the palace, his infatuation had led him to lavish her with luxuries.

Mountains of treasures and decadent feasts, all to keep this beauty appeased, causing the populace to view the emperor as inept and hedonistic.

Being a cherished concubine surely seemed more comfortable than being a spy for Red Moon. And now with an heir of her own, why would she willingly serve the Red Moon, especially when she could reap the rewards herself? Hence her detachment from the Red Moon Kingdom.

Without Bai Wenxuan's intervention, enabling Red Moon to breach Canglan's gates, the cherished concubine would have surely plotted to have her son declared as the crown prince.

Once Duanmu Yanlang passed, she'd be poised to reap the rewards. Indeed, a woman's heart can be the most venomous!

Ying Zhao pondered for a moment, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. Given the emperor's frail health, it might indeed be time for him to abdicate in favor of someone more capable.

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