The villainous female supporting character becomes a heartthrob, and the powerful man successfully r

The lantern festival during the Qixi Festival is a grand affair, with crisscrossing streets filled with twinkling lights, and the sounds of acrobatics, cheers, and vendors' cries creating a vibrant and prosperous scene.

Ao Congxun shielded Xia Ying on the inside, his tall and upright figure creating a space of freedom for her.

"Young Master Ao, you don't need to be so polite. I'm not that precious. It's more fun to be with everyone at this time."

Xia Ying raised her voice slightly, but the surrounding noise was too loud, and Ao Congxun seemed not to hear her, continuing to maintain his posture. She had no choice but to pat his shoulder, stand on tiptoe, and whisper in his ear, repeating herself.

But Ao Congxun still didn't react; to be precise, he froze in place.

Just now, Xia Ying's warm breath sprayed against his ear, making his ear tips tingle and his heart itch unbearably.

Xia Ying slapped his hand again, gently shaking it: "Young Master Ao, what are you thinking about?"

"It's nothing, Princess, let's go."

Ao Congxun could hardly describe the excitement he felt at that moment, as well as the overwhelming urge to plunder that he couldn't suppress.

What should I do? I really want to have Yingying, and I really want to stand by her side as her legal wife.

A painful struggle flashed in his dark eyes. He knew that the most important thing was to leave as soon as possible and get out unscathed.

Otherwise, you'll only get deeper and deeper into trouble!

Just as Ao Congxun was about to say goodbye, a young vendor stopped them, carrying two lotus lanterns and two purses.

"Young master, young lady. This is the 'May Love Be Blessed' lantern. If you release the lantern together and write your blessings for each other in your purses, your wishes will surely come true. Special offer for the Qixi Festival: two lanterns for only one tael of silver."

Xia Ying stopped and said with a smile, "We're not..."

"I'll take it." Ao Congxun said directly, taking out his silver to buy it. The thought of leaving had only crossed his mind for a moment before it was quickly extinguished.

These street vendors are so sweet-talking these days! "True love will eventually lead to marriage" lantern—if he and the princess release lanterns together, wouldn't that be...?

Ao Congxun grew increasingly delighted, but fearing Xia Ying might refuse, he quickly explained, "Princess, today is the Qixi Festival, which only comes once a year. Chi An is unable to accompany you in praying for blessings. Naturally, I must take on this responsibility. I wonder if I would have the honor of praying for good fortune with the Princess?"

He made no mention of the vendor mistaking the two for a couple, instead describing the "happy ending" lantern as a lucky charm.

Xia Ying no longer refused and said, "Alright. Young Master Ao is a guest from the grasslands, so please experience our Central Plains festival customs."

She took the paper and pen offered by the vendor, carefully wrote a line of words, and didn't let Ao Congxun see a single word.

The area for releasing river lanterns was already crowded with men and women. Taking advantage of his stature and height, Ao Congxun helped Xia Ying secure a good spot.

"Princess, let's release the lanterns together."

"it is good."

Two lotus lanterns drifted slowly away with the current. Ao Congxun watched them go for a long time before turning his gaze to Xia Ying beside him.

At this moment, she clasped her hands together and closed her eyes to pray.

He pursed his lips tightly, all the joy he had felt moments before vanishing.

Yingying is definitely praying for her and Xie Chi'an, so what's the point of my sneaky behavior?

After experiencing the highs and lows of emotions that day, Ao Congxun began to doubt himself, wondering if he was suffering from acclimatization issues in the Central Plains.

On the grasslands, he was decisive and ruthless, the bravest warrior, and the king of the entire grasslands!

But now, he is struggling with his decision, hesitating and even setting his sights on his friend's fiancée. This is simply not his style!

After seeing Xia Ying off, Ao Congxun returned to his residence.

Warrior Tantu stepped forward excitedly and said, "Great Chanyu, we can set off tomorrow."

Ao Congxun asked in a daze, "Depart? Where to?"

"Of course we'll return to the grasslands, Great Chanyu! Have you forgotten?"

Ao Congxun then calmed himself down and waved his hand, saying, "I know, you should go back and rest."

After chasing everyone away, he sat at the table, looking at the flickering candlelight, in which Xia Ying's fairy-like face appeared, along with the lively smile she gave him.

Going back to the grasslands, is he willing to go back to the grasslands?

But what would be the result of staying?

Ao Congxun closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were hideous and terrifying, unlike those of an ordinary person, as if they were filled with an endless storm.

At daybreak, Tantu knocked on Ao Congxun's door. When the door opened, he saw a haggard-looking Great Chanyu.

They checked their belongings together, mounted their horses, and set off towards the outskirts of the city.

Ao Congxun was filled with pain, regretting that he had arrived too late. If he had come earlier, would he have been able to meet and fall in love with Yingying before Xie Chi'an?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing.

He came out this time because the grasslands have been stable for the past few years. In the next few years, he may never have the chance to leave the grasslands and come to the Central Plains again.

"Tantu, you lead the team back first, I have other things to do."

Tantu asked in surprise, "Great Chanyu, has something been forgotten?"

"We were born on the vast grasslands. Should we do everything we can to get what we want?"

Hearing Ao Congxun's words, Tantu was completely confused: "That's right, Chanyu, when I was pursuing Alina, didn't you say that if you like someone, you should show it and fight for it? Otherwise, how will Alina know that I like her!"

Ao Congxun laughed, a wild and unrestrained laugh. How could he have become so foolish? Taking things by force is his style!

"Tantu, keep them in check. This time, I'm taking the Queen back!"

"The Queen Mother? Chanyu, you have a girl you like? Who is she?!"

Ao Congxun: "You'll find out later. Let's get going."

After saying that, he rode his horse back to the inn and booked a superior room.

However, he did not rush to see Xia Ying, but went to the Xie residence first.

"Brother Chi'an, you look radiant. It seems you're having a wonderful time with your beloved." Although Ao Congxun's lips curled up, there was no joy in his eyes.

How dare Xie Chi'an betray such a wonderful girl like Yingying?!

Although I don't want to have another rival in love, how could anyone not like Yingying!

Ao Congxun concealed himself well, and Xie Chi'an noticed nothing amiss. He first thanked Xie Chi'an, then inquired about Ao Congxun's situation the previous day: "Brother Congxun, I wonder how the Princess reacted?"

"Although the eldest princess hasn't expressed her opinion, I believe that if I persuade her repeatedly, I can definitely help the little princess avoid this marriage alliance," Ao Congxun said seriously, inwardly filled with disdain for the so-called little princess. Perfect timing, he also wanted to avoid this predicament and bring Yingying back!

"Really? Brother Congxun, aren't you in a hurry to return to the grasslands? If you can help me with this, I will definitely give you a thousand pieces of gold as a token of my gratitude!"

"Alright, it's settled then. I will definitely get along well with the Princess."

Ao Congxun revealed a seemingly gentle smile, but as he turned around, his demeanor suddenly changed.

"Xie Chi'an, this is your own request, I hope you won't regret it."

"No, you can't regret it now, Yingying is destined to be mine!"