In the arena competition, Dacheng competed with Loulan. Dacheng won with a score of 2 - 1. Qin Huaiqiu's victory in the last two rounds as a "woman" against the tall and big Yazebu completely boosted the confidence of Dacheng's soldiers. After that, Yazebu stood on the arena, wiped the blood - still - flowing nose, and stared at Qin Huaiqiu being carried away by Sikong Ting with a dark look in his eyes. Then he sneered, took another Loulan man, and without looking back, returned to the Jingshan residence arranged by Sikong Ting for him.
As the night deepened, since Qin Feng conquered Loulan ten years ago, the first confrontation between Dacheng and Loulan came to a temporary end.
————————————
"Can Your Majesty put this concubine down?" Qin Huaiqiu now regretted why he had impulsively jumped into Sikong Ting's arms. This allowed the man to carry him all the way.
Sikong Ting looked down at him, kissed the top of his head, and said, "My love is tired today. Let me take care of you, shall I?"
Qin Huaiqiu swallowed hard and pushed Sikong Ting's chest, saying, "N - no..." There were a group of maids and eunuchs behind Sikong Ting. He was afraid of losing years of his life.
"Be good." Sikong Ting was reluctant to put him down. He rubbed Qin Huaiqiu's face and said, "We'll be at the Kunning Palace soon. What do you want for supper? I'll ask the imperial kitchen to prepare it."
Seeing that he couldn't push Sikong Ting away, Qin Huaiqiu gave up and leaned against Sikong Ting's chest obediently. Pouting, he said, "Stewed duck with glutinous rice."
Sikong Ting said, "Eating glutinous rice at night will make you feel bloated."
"Then braised pork."
"Too greasy."
Qin Huaiqiu got angry and slapped Sikong Ting, scolding, "You asked what I wanted to eat, but now you won't let me have it?"
"Hahaha..." Sikong Ting laughed heartily. He leaned over and whispered in Qin Huaiqiu's ear, "Let me order for you. I'm sure you'll like them all."
Qin Huaiqiu ignored him and sulked in silence.
"Is my love angry with me?" Sikong Ting asked with a smile.
Qin Huaiqiu said sourly, "How dare this concubine?"
Sikong Ting said, "Then I'll have a plate of braised pork fried for you, but don't eat too much. Got it?"
Qin Huaiqiu was happy and nodded.
Sikong Ting carried him into the Kunning Palace. Only Yalan, a maid, was inside. She thought it was just Qin Huaiqiu coming back, but she didn't expect him to bring a big shot. Because she was caught peeping at Qin Huaiqiu practicing martial arts last time, she was now afraid of Sikong Ting. So when Sikong Ting carried Qin Huaiqiu into the Kunning Palace, she froze on the spot and didn't know what to say.
It was Ziyun who quickly ran up from behind and dragged Yalan away to prepare tea.
Sikong Ting carried Qin Huaiqiu straight into the room, put him on the bed, and then bent down to take off his boots.
Qin Huaiqiu was used to being served recently, so he didn't think it was inappropriate for Sikong Ting, as an emperor, to do this.
Sikong Ting pulled the quilt over him and said, "Are you sleepy? Take a nap. Supper will be ready soon."
"I'm sleepy..." Qin Huaiqiu shook his head. He felt sleepy the moment he leaned on the bed. He had been idle in the palace recently, only practicing martial arts and sleeping. He usually went to bed before it got dark. If it weren't for the competition, he might have been dreaming by this time.
"Then don't eat." Sikong Ting looked around and asked, "Where's your maid, Qin Lan?"
Qin Lan was sent out of the palace by Qin Huaiqiu to investigate with other secret guards of the Qin family after finding out the relationship between Chang Lin and the Concubine Shu. She was not in the palace at this time.
Qin Huaiqiu replied, "This concubine sent her out of the palace to buy something. She'll be back tomorrow."
Qin Huaiqiu started to feel drowsy. Seeing this, Sikong Ting sat on the edge of the bed. His fingers gently stroked the wound on Qin Huaiqiu's face. He said lovingly, "I've summoned the imperial doctor. He'll come to treat your wound soon."
"It's just a minor injury. It doesn't matter." Qin Huaiqiu murmured.
"What if you get disfigured?" Sikong Ting's voice was very soft, like a feather gently caressing the skin, making Qin Huaiqiu feel very comfortable.
"It's not that easy to get disfigured." Qin Huaiqiu had never worried about it, so he never thought in that direction.
Sikong Ting leaned down, with their noses touching. His voice was still soft: "What if? I feel so bad for you."
Qin Huaiqiu looked at him drowsily. Somehow, he thought Sikong Ting's expression was like that of a wounded little pet. He involuntarily reached out his hand and stroked Sikong Ting's cheek, saying, "It won't happen."
Sikong Ting grabbed his hand and kissed his palm on his cheek. Suddenly he smiled. Happiness was evident on his face. He said, "My love, this is the first time you've taken the initiative to get close to me."
Qin Huaiqiu was stunned. His mind was a bit muddled, and he couldn't understand what Sikong Ting meant for a moment.
"I'm so happy." Sikong Ting was like a man who had found a treasure. He kissed Qin Huaiqiu's palm carefully, again and again.
Qin Huaiqiu didn't struggle at all. He was completely relaxed. For a moment, he even felt that it was very comfortable for Sikong Ting to kiss him like this.
Sikong Ting's kisses gradually became passionate. He secretly stuck out his tongue and licked Qin Huaiqiu's palm.
Qin Huaiqiu half - opened his eyes and looked at him, without any sign of rejection.
Sikong Ting felt a warm current in his heart. He leaned forward again, with their noses touching. He asked softly, "Am I a little different in your heart?"
Qin Huaiqiu looked at him. Memories of what he had experienced since entering the palace flashed through his mind. Somehow, he nodded.
"Then, can I kiss you?" Sikong Ting's voice was soft, with a hint of hesitation and caution that a king had never shown before.
Qin Huaiqiu's mind was in a complete mess. He didn't know whether he should refuse or agree. He couldn't think that much. Instead, he just felt that he didn't reject the way Sikong Ting half - hugged him, and the feeling of Sikong Ting kissing his palm made him feel at ease.
So, once again, he nodded gently.
The next second, Sikong Ting's eyes were like stars rising quietly in the night sky. He was surprised and happy, and for a moment, he even seemed at a loss.
He laughed softly. The laugh was deep and refreshing, making Qin Huaiqiu's heart flutter.
He slowly lowered his head and gently touched Qin Huaiqiu's lips. After a brief kiss, he covered his lips like a pious believer.
He kissed him passionately, hugging him tightly, as if he had the whole world in his arms.
Qin Huaiqiu squinted his eyes. His mind was between clarity and confusion. He only knew that he didn't reject this kiss. It made him sink and also made him reluctant to part.
"Hold me." During a break in the kiss, Sikong Ting bit Qin Huaiqiu's lower lip and whispered.
Qin Huaiqiu let out a soft moan. His hands uncontrollably rested on Sikong Ting's shoulders. Immediately, Sikong Ting seemed greatly encouraged. He held the back of Qin Huaiqiu's head and deepened the kiss.
"I like you, Concubine De." Sikong Ting intertwined his lips with Qin Huaiqiu's, breathing heavily. He said tremulously, "Remember, no matter what, I like you. This will never change because of who you are."
Qin Huaiqiu held Sikong Ting's shoulders. With each kiss from Sikong Ting, physiological tears welled up in his eyes. For the first time in his life, he felt that a kiss could be so intoxicating. He was like a man drunk by Sikong Ting, gradually falling into darkness in the rubbing of their lips.