Chapter 72: A Night of Chaos

Modern books couldn’t just be taken out directly; each word had to be painstakingly transcribed by Tian Mi. What a colossal task this was!

“Toiling under the scorching sun, chasing after handsome guys is truly exhausting!”

The most frustrating part was ancient writing—it was incredibly difficult! She didn’t even know how to write many of the characters. Every time, she had to jot them down and ask her younger uncle for help later. But with so many books in her collection, which one should she choose?

China’s rich cultural heritage, with its vast troves of classical works, was brimming with treasures. Every single piece, whether long, short, or somewhere in between, could strike a chord in the hearts of scholars. “Ah, they’re all so captivating!”

Suddenly, her gaze landed on a magazine. That’s it! Serialized magazines were the perfect choice! Long series, short stories—it had it all. Perfectly structured in parts: top, middle, bottom.

Tian Mi and Xu Feiyan had to break into the literary world and stir up some waves.

“Why literature, you ask?” Because Xu Feiyan had the skills to back them up. And when words couldn’t win an argument, well…a little knowledge of martial arts didn’t hurt!

And so, the decision was made.

The magazine would be called “Strange Tales”. Tian Mi and Xu Feiyan would also need pen names.

Since they were aiming for the image of lovable, adorable little bunnies, their names had to be just as endearing. What should they be called?

Moonlight and Stardust.

“When the night falls and loneliness sets in, just look up. There you’ll find the moonlight and the stars.”

Tian Mi couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m a genius!”

As she gleefully plotted out their plan to woo handsome men, the day flew by. Before she knew it, night had fallen. Her little darlings came back, and Chun San brought over dinner.

After dinner, Chun Yi and Chun Er coaxed the tired little ones to sleep.

The babies’ cribs were placed right next to Tian Mi’s bed. At night, she was always the one to stay by their side. The first person her little treasures saw upon waking was always their mother.

Chun Yi, Chun Er, and Chun San stayed in the outer rooms of the suite. If Tian Mi needed anything, they could hear her right away.

Looking at the sleeping little ones, so angelic and adorable, Tian Mi couldn’t resist wanting to kiss them. But she held back—waking them up by accident would mean spending the rest of the night soothing them.

Tian Mi slipped into the bathroom and then entered her space for a refreshing wash. She was always cautious when using her space, never leaving even the slightest clue, no matter if anyone was around or not.

Soaking in a spiritual spring bath, sipping on a glass of lemon honey spring water—this was the epitome of a wealthy woman’s life.

Finally, she changed into a luxurious silk camisole nightdress, her long hair loosely pinned atop her head with a hairpin. Her fair, delicate skin and naturally relaxed demeanor exuded a lazy elegance. Exiting her space, she returned to her suite—only to find Bai Mucheng standing there, gazing at her sleeping babies.

The moment she entered, his eyes locked onto her.

Tian Mi frowned. “Hey, mister! Do you know you’re trespassing?”

Bai Mucheng’s mind instantly went blank. His face turned crimson. He hadn’t expected her to be dressed so…scantily. Who knew clothing could even be this minimal? Her fair skin and sparkling eyes—she looked like a fairy who had accidentally descended into the mortal world.

Having not seen her all afternoon, he couldn’t help but wonder what she had been doing in her room. Curiosity had led him here, but he never expected to see this.

His heart raced wildly.

Tian Mi quickly realized her state of dress and retreated back to the bathroom, re-emerging moments later dressed in the era’s attire. She was furious and ready to give him a proper scolding.

But before she could say a word, she was met with a sudden kiss.

Bai Mucheng had embraced her before she could react, their lips pressing tightly together. His breath mingled with hers, passionately capturing the essence of her lips. His hands wrapped firmly around her delicate figure, instinctively sliding to her waist and starting to roam.

Finally snapping out of her daze, Tian Mi grabbed his wandering hands, tilting her head to break the kiss. Now she, too, was panting heavily, unable to speak, her body weak and trembling.

She glared at him, her gaze fierce yet tinged with helplessness, like a fluffy little rabbit trying to appear intimidating.

Bai Mucheng held her tightly, his forehead resting against hers as he panted softly. His deep, dark eyes were so intense that Tian Mi didn’t dare to meet them directly.

In a low and husky voice, he said, “Little fairy, didn’t you say the next time we met, we would spend a blissful night together?”

Before Tian Mi could respond, his lips descended on hers again, sealing them in a passionate kiss. His hand slipped beneath her dress, tracing her delicate curves.

Facing such a handsome man, Tian Mi found herself powerless to resist. She panted softly, her remaining shred of rationality clinging on. While she was greedy for wealth, she would never touch what belonged to the common folk. And though she appreciated beauty, she knew better than to mess with royalty.

Just as the situation spiraled out of control, Tian Mi discreetly pressed a small tomato against Tian Lin’s little foot. Instantly, the child burst into tears, his wails waking up the peacefully sleeping Tian Mei.

And so, a duet of cries began:
“Waah! Waah! Waah!”

Bai Mucheng was startled and immediately regained his senses. Still holding Tian Mi close, he looked at the two crying little ones with exasperation. These two little rascals were too mischievous!

From outside the room came Chun Yi’s voice: “County Princess, shall I soothe the young master and the little lady for you?”

Clearing her throat, Tian Mi replied, “Wait a moment. I’ll come open the door.”

Pushing Bai Mucheng away, she gestured for him to leave quickly.

Bai Mucheng didn’t want to go, but he knew he had to. This wasn’t the right time or place—after all, the ship’s walls were anything but soundproof.

Before leaving, he pulled her close for one last kiss, a light peck on her lips, and then slipped out through the window.

Tian Mi hurriedly locked the window and opened the door to let Chun Yi, Chun Er, and Chun San in. The three maids took the children in their arms and began soothing them.

What a chaotic night!

This damned man had to stay far, far away from her!

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Back in his suite, Bai Mucheng could still hear the wails of the two little rascals. Licking his lips, he recalled the moment earlier.

He prided himself on his self-control, but tonight, he had lost it entirely.

His thoughts drifted to the prophecy he’d heard when he visited the Kongming Temple after learning his brothers had all married. He had asked the monk how he would recognize his destined match.

The monk had smiled and said, “She’ll be a woman you cannot refuse. When you meet her, you’ll know.”

Bai Mucheng had laughed it off at the time. But now, thinking back, it seemed to ring true. Whether it was the plump, angry girl from before or the stunning little fairy now, the allure was undeniable.

A sweetness he had never experienced before spread through his heart, lingering on his tongue and filling his thoughts.

His eyes shone with a starlit intensity.

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In the days that followed, Tian Mi busied herself with caring for the children and copying texts. For characters she didn’t know, she asked Huang Yuanying for help. She even had Xu Feiyan stay in her suite overnight, treating Bai Mucheng with polite but distant courtesy.

She acted as if nothing had happened that night.

The flame that had ignited in Bai Mucheng’s heart was doused with a bucket of cold water. He quickly realized that she was avoiding him.

But why? This was a woman who had once drugged him after meeting him just once, determined to claim him. Now that she had grown beautiful, had she lost interest in him?

Ha! Did she think there was someone more attractive than him out there? Was that why she dared to look down on him, a prince?

Well, he wasn’t one to lack patience. He was curious to see what other tricks she could play.

After all, she was already his woman. Did she think she could escape the palm of his hand? How naive!