Bairen had never soaked in a hot spring before, only hearing people say that generally, the spring water is channeled into a well-built pool. For those who are particular, the pool even has a mechanism to drain the water out and circulate it, so that there is always fresh water in the pool.

Bairen had always thought this was the best way to construct a hot spring pool, but after seeing the hot springs here, Bairen realized that he was truly ignorant and inexperienced.

There were a total of seven spring eyes on this property, with the most nourishing one located in the southwest corner of the courtyard where they were staying. The spring water was brought in from outside, passing through several twists and turns before finally converging in the innermost courtyard.

Passing through the moon gate and the corridor, Bairen saw misty vapors rising from the southwest courtyard just a stone's throw away. Qi Xiao smiled faintly, "The water here is too hot and can't be used directly, so the spring water is channeled into bamboo pipes and circled around the courtyard twice, creating a scenic view while also cooling the water down a bit. We've come at the wrong time. In winter, there is snow outside, but the flowers and plants in the courtyard bloom as if it were spring, making it even more interesting. It's my fault... I didn't remember to bring you here in the winter."

Bairen quickly shook his head. He wasn't as difficult to please as Qi Xiao, who needed the best of everything to be barely satisfied. Bairen was already very content with just this. He slightly rolled up his sleeves and used his hand to catch the hot spring water, softly exclaiming in surprise, "It's so hot..."

Seeing Bairen in good spirits, Qi Xiao turned his head and quietly instructed the maid following them, "Tell the kitchen staff to set up lunch here... Also, bring the tea set over and keep the tea ready at all times."

The maid nodded and left. Qi Xiao turned back with a smile, "The water here is too hot, let's go inside and take a look."

Ordinary rooms couldn't withstand such humidity, but this small courtyard was entirely constructed with stone bricks, with the gaps filled with bone glue and spices, allowing the heat to permeate the room with a warm fragrance.

Bairen entered the room and couldn't help but marvel. The room had several pools carved out of whole original stones. The stones were cut squarely, with the edges polished to a smooth finish. Underneath were carvings of auspicious cloud patterns, both exquisite and grand. Large and small jade stones were laid under the pools, with a few even glowing with a warm light.

Qi Xiao embraced Bairen from behind, undressing him while softly saying, "Since this place was built, I've only been here once, bringing someone... This is the first time."

Qi Xiao casually draped Bairen's robes on the screen, lowered his head to kiss Bairen's lips, and whispered, "The things prepared for the crown prince's consort, I'm giving them all to you, all to you."

With just this one sentence, the little grievances and moodiness Bairen felt earlier were all smoothed over.

Qi Xiao was indeed true to his word. Having promised Bairen not to mess around anymore, he really didn't bully him again. After getting in the water, he only held Bairen in his arms, gently and affectionately.

Bairen leaned on Qi Xiao's shoulder contentedly, holding the herbal pack soaking in the spring water and slowly asked, "What's inside this?"

"Goji berries, ginger, and... safflower?" Qi Xiao took the herbal pack and looked at it, then casually tossed it aside. "It's all medicine, don't hold it."

Soaking in the hot spring water relieved all the fatigue in Bairen's body, and he couldn't help but want to cuddle with Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao was still wearing his inner robes, the snow satin almost transparent after being soaked in the water, floating lightly and revealing Qi Xiao's tight and firm physique, both intimidating and alluring.

Seeing this, Bairen couldn't help but snuggle closer to Qi Xiao, unconsciously acting coquettishly. Qi Xiao smiled faintly, "I said I wouldn't touch you, but you're the one trying to seduce me..."

Bairen's face turned slightly red, feeling very embarrassed, but he still couldn't bear to let go. He hugged Qi Xiao's waist and gently rubbed against him. Qi Xiao smiled faintly, pulled Bairen over, and indulgently allowed him to take little advantages in his arms...

By the time the two left the courtyard, it was already late afternoon. Bairen, steamed drowsy by the hot water, dove into the bed and fell asleep as soon as they returned to the main courtyard. Bairen had always had the habit of taking afternoon naps, but Qi Xiao couldn't lie down. After changing his clothes, he went out to review documents.

Jiang Deqing received a secret report outside and walked in quietly. Glancing at the inner chamber, he lowered his voice and said, "Your Highness... Princess Kangtai and the second young prince bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress this morning and left the capital."

Qi Xiao smiled faintly, "They sure move fast... It seems the King of Lingnan is really anxious."

"The King of Lingnan is also a man who values face, how could he tolerate such a thing. There's one more matter..." Jiang Deqing held back a smile and subconsciously glanced at the inner room.

He said in a low voice, "Before the people sent by the King of Lingnan left, they returned all the gifts our people sent to the Feng Manor. It just so happened that there were no men in the Feng Manor this morning, only the lady of the house received them.

"The lady of the house was very puzzled, but the people from the King of Lingnan's nabir held back their anger and refused to say a word more than necessary. They just stiffly said they couldn't accept the gifts and left. The lady of the house, being a woman, couldn't have someone chase after them. Both sides dispersed without clarifying anything. Now it's still up in the air. The people from Lingnan have all left the capital, so this matter... I'm afraid it will become an unsolved case."

Qi Xiao scoffed and said nothing for a while, then said, "Tell the people at the Confucius Temple to keep their eyes peeled and act according to the situation. I don't need to say more about not exposing their identities. The most important thing is... they must reach Southern Xinjiang before taking action."

Jiang Deqing paused for a moment, then realized, "Your Highness is right. If we take action here, it will implicate us to some degree. If something happens in the south... the King of Lingnan can't blame us either."

Qi Xiao shook his head, "It's not just for this reason. Roujia is about to get married. If this happens, will the wedding still take place or not? Wouldn't it just be adding unpleasantness for Bairen? Let's wait a few days until after the wedding before taking action."

Jiang Deqing quickly nodded. Just as he was about to say something, he heard Bairen cough a couple of times in the inner chamber. Jiang Deqing immediately fell silent.

Qi Xiao waved his hand to dismiss him and turned around the screen himself to enter the inner room. Lifting the layers of bed curtains, he saw Bairen turn over and groggily scoot outward. Qi Xiao chuckled softly. Bairen was looking for him.

Qi Xiao also lay down. Sure enough, Bairen slowly scooted over, finally nuzzling into the crook of his shoulder before falling back into a deep sleep.

In the mountains, time passes unnoticed. The two of them stayed for nearly ten days without realizing it. During these few days, the two of them played all over the villa.

During the day, Qi Xiao no longer reviewed documents and accompanied Bairen to cut willow branches to weave baskets, pick various spring flowers to dry for the maids to make into pillows and sachets, and go to the rapeseed flower fields to pick rapeseed flowers to feed the little rabbits. They played with everything they could. When they were tired from playing, they would go soak in the hot springs to relieve their fatigue.

Of course, when night fell, what they played had to be up to Qi Xiao.

Qi Xiao felt distressed that Bairen was young and slender, afraid he couldn't handle it, so he never went all the way. But since he owed him here, Qi Xiao naturally had to make it up elsewhere. For the past ten days, Qi Xiao kept Bairen up almost every night until midnight.

Bairen was very obedient. Even when he felt embarrassed or uncomfortable, he still let Qi Xiao do as he pleased. If it really became too much, he would also shyly act spoiled and beg for mercy, making Qi Xiao's heart burn with passion. No matter how much he doted on him, it never felt like enough.

On the day they returned to the capital, Bairen lay on the small couch in the carriage and said weakly, "After returning to the city, I'll go straight back to my manor... I won't go to yours."

Qi Xiao raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong? Did I mistreat you?"

Bairen shrank back a little and said softly, "Roujia is getting married soon, and there are many things I need to handle. You are so fierce... It's left me with no energy to do proper things."

Qi Xiao wanted to tease him a bit more, but felt a little guilty upon hearing this. He coaxed gently, "I wasn't good yesterday. Let me see... Are there still any marks?" Qi Xiao took Bairen's hand and rolled up his sleeve a little. He saw a faint red mark across the delicate skin of Bairen's wrist.

Last night, considering they had to travel today, Qi Xiao originally didn't want to make a fuss so Bairen could sleep well. But who knew a plate of dessert before bed would ruin things.

Last night, the desserts sent by the kitchen were a bit less, but happened to include Bairen's favorite date pastry. Usually Bairen could finish those few pieces himself. But unexpectedly, seeing there were fewer desserts sent, Bairen only ate one piece and said he didn't want anymore, leaving the rest for Qi Xiao.

This immediately ignited the passion in Qi Xiao's heart that he could no longer contain. In the heat of passion, he couldn't help but tie Bairen up. Bairen was very obedient and let himself be bound. But afterwards, it left two marks on his wrists.

Bairen had fair and delicate skin that bruised easily. Qi Xiao knew it wasn't actually injured, but still couldn't help feeling distressed. He gently caressed the marks and asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

Seeing Qi Xiao's concern, Bairen felt warm inside. He pursed his lips and said, "Blow on it for me."

Qi Xiao smiled and really lowered his head to gently blow on it. He coaxed softly, "Come to my place tonight. I promise I won't bother you. Okay?"

Being able to make the crown prince coax him so carefully, Bairen naturally couldn't keep up his cold front anymore. He turned over, smiled and nodded.