The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

In the following days, Shen Wangxi set aside his official duties and spent all his time with Shen Qingruo.

He took her to the most open pasture outside the royal court and helped her onto a gentle chestnut horse.

Then, Shen Wangxi mounted his horse, wrapped his arms around her from behind, placed his large hand on the back of her hand, and told her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

Shen Qingruo leaned against him and nodded gently.

As the horse began to move, her body tensed slightly, and she felt a pang of melancholy.

She remembered that Shen Jingyan was already able to ride a horse at a very young age, her laughter like silver bells scattering across the grassland.

She could only watch secretly from behind the tent.

Shen Wangxi guided her softly, his arm firmly protecting her, "Look ahead, relax."

She looked ahead as instructed, the wind blowing through her hair, and the grass rippling in waves.

She had imagined this scene many times, but now that she was actually on horseback, being protected by him like this, she felt empty inside.

Some things, once you miss the right age, will taste different even if you get them again.

He also took her to the winding river.

The river water is crystal clear, and you can see the smooth pebbles and swimming fish.

He rolled up his trousers and led her into the water.

"When Ah-Yan was little, she loved to catch fish here." He said casually, looking at the water, then paused, realizing he shouldn't have said that.

He changed the subject, looking down at her, "Is the water cold?"

Shen Qingruo shook her head and didn't say anything. She squatted down and ran her fingertips across the cool river water.

Many years ago, she also came here secretly, watching Shen Jingyan play around and watching her father stand on the shore with his eyes full of indulgence.

At that time, she longed to go down and play in the water herself.

Now, he brought her here personally.

But that childhood expectation has long been worn away by the years.

-

At night, he lit a bonfire outside the royal tent and held her close as they watched the stars together.

In the desert night sky, the stars are large and bright, seemingly within reach.

"Are you cold?" He would occasionally lower his head, his chin brushing against the top of her head.

She shook her head, leaned back, and pressed her soft back against his warm chest: "I'm not cold."

The firelight reflected on her face, flickering intermittently.

When Shen Wangxi pointed to the stars in the sky and told her those ancient legends from the grasslands, trying to make her laugh, the corners of her mouth would curve slightly as she listened.

The smile was faint, yet genuine.

She could sense that he was trying very hard to make amends.

He now offers all the companionship and attention that he once gave only to Shen Jingyan, and even double the amount, to her.

But this favoritism came too late, so late that it made her heart ache.

Little Aruo, who was hiding in the corner, gazing longingly at the father and daughter, seemed to still be hidden somewhere in her heart.

But whenever he looked at her alone, gazing at her with tenderness in his cool eyes, the joy of being cherished still warmed her heart.

Shen Wangxi looked at her nestled in his arms, so obedient and gentle, and hugged her even tighter. He lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her hair.

The wind blew across the wilderness, and the campfire crackled.

He held her in his arms, hoping that this trip back to the desert could be longer, so that he could make up for some of the loss to her.

-

Late at night, in the inner chamber of the royal tent, candlelight flickered.

This place was once the residence of Shen Wangxi, the king of the desert, and every corner bears traces of the life that Ulan Yun once lived here.

On the dressing table were several pieces of jewelry she hadn't taken with her, and in the corner was even a small flower wreath that Shen Jingyan had played with when she was little. Although it had long since dried up and faded, it was still carefully placed there.

The most eye-catching thing is a painting hanging on the wall opposite the bed, which depicts the young Shen Wangxi and Wulanyun, as well as the young Shen Jingyan and Shen Yinian.

Wu Lanyun smiled brightly and proudly, nestled beside Shen Wangxi, looking every bit like a happy family of four.

Shen Qingruo had finished washing up and stood alone in the room, her gaze quietly sweeping over the traces.

Once upon a time, only Wulan Yun could rightfully step into this place and enjoy the master's favor.

Today, things are different.

I heard steady footsteps behind me, carrying the steam from my shower.

Shen Wangxi walked over and gently hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her neck and inhaling the sweet fragrance emanating from her body.

"What are you looking at?" His voice carried the relaxed feeling of someone who had just showered.

Shen Qingruo did not answer, but slowly turned around in his arms.

She raised her arms and softly wrapped them around his strong waist, pressing her face against his chest, no longer as cold as before.

Shen Wangxi felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he sensed her compliance. He lowered his head, found her delicate lips, and gently took them into his mouth, savoring them slowly.

The candlelight cast their shadows on the tent wall, making them inseparable.

He embraced her and walked step by step toward the large bed.

Once, this was Wulan Yun's exclusive territory, but tonight, it has a new mistress.

Shen Qingruo was laid down on the bed, and the man skillfully untied the plain white ribbon on her clothes.

His kiss landed on her fair neck, its heat spreading downwards, and she tilted her head back in unbearable ecstasy.

……

!

!!!

The pretty girl frowned, shook her head, and sobbed. Her gaze met the painting on the wall.

In the painting, Wulan Yun's smile remains radiant, carrying the certainty and happiness befitting a legal wife.

Shen Qingruo looked at the woman in the painting who once had the place all to herself, a smug look flashing in her eyes.

It's as if it's saying: Look, I am the one who now occupies him and enjoys his favor.

Shen Wangxi immediately noticed this slight distraction.

He grabbed her chin with some displeasure, turned her face back, and forced her to look at him, adding the punishment to the action.

Shen Qingruo's little bit of provocation was instantly shattered into a sob, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She called to him softly, her voice sweet and alluring, "Your Majesty..."

"Aruo, my beloved little princess, my Consort Zhao," he called out to her hoarsely, filled with endless infatuation.

The candlelight flickered inside the tent, illuminating the figure on the bed.

The scent that once belonged to another woman is being gradually replaced by a sweet and delicate fragrance.