As soon as the men’s horseball match ended, it was time for the women’s horseball event, which was entirely a birthday celebration performance for the Empress Dowager. Taking advantage of the excuse to change clothes, Wufu slipped out of the Beast-fighting Palace arena.

Ah Jiu was already waiting at the Cleansing Room entrance, still in a tight-sleeve riding outfit, his face appearing spirited and glowing with excitement and joy, smiling as he watched her.

Wufu darted over like a little bird, wrapped her arms around Ah Jiu, and publicly cupped his face and planted a hard kiss.

Ah Jiu frowned slightly, then released it, holding her hand, he said, "Why are your hands so cold? You’re dressed too thinly."

He looked at Xiao Li, who quickly handed over a silver-white cloak. Ah Jiu took it and draped it over Wufu’s shoulders.

"What’s this?" He tied the cloak’s strap, then lifted her hand to see the middle finger wrapped up.

Wufu stuck out her tongue: "I was carving last night and accidentally cut myself with the carving knife."

"Late at night with bad lighting, don’t do any carving," Ah Jiu admonished, then looked at her face, asking, "Did you especially dress up today?"

Wufu’s eyes seemed evasive, she covered her face with both hands, smiling, "After all, it’s to witness such a grand occasion, of course I had to dress beautifully. Luckily I did dress up, or today would’ve been a big embarrassment. Even you would’ve lost face."

Ah Jiu pulled her hand and walked inside, asking, "How would I lose face?"

"If I dressed as usual, not looking pretty at all, and you came here today, everyone would’ve seen it, looked at my face, wouldn’t they say you have no taste?" 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Ah Jiu gazed deeply at her, saying, "My taste is naturally unique, and your beauty doesn’t need elaborate dress to be highlighted. Even without cosmetics, in my eyes, you’re incomparably beautiful."

"Sweet talker." Wufu teased, saying, "You didn’t tell me, why suddenly do this event? It caught people off guard."

"Were you surprised? Unexpected?"

Wufu nodded vigorously.

"So that means you’re happy then." Ah Jiu said with a smile.

Wufu leaned in, softly saying, "I’m very happy, absolutely happy."

Ah Jiu’s lips met hers, gently sucking, hand clasped around her waist pulling her into his embrace.

Wufu wrapped her arms around his neck, responding passionately, wishing she could meld into him.

"Ah Jiu, I’m really joyful." After a kiss, Wufu whispered in his ear.

"So am I." Ah Jiu held her hand, caressing her slightly cool face, saying, "The Emperor of Nanyue’s marriage decree is of no harm to you, and you should accept it. With this decree, others can’t interfere in your marriage. You and I walking on the streets no longer need to care about anyone’s judgment; we can be deemed as rightful and legitimate."

Wufu nodded.

"Are you mad I acted on my own?" Ah Jiu asked, "Without telling you, did this, would you be mad at me? Wufu, I mean nothing else, just want to declare to the world my love for you, and that you are precious, worthy of my utmost sincerity in seeking marriage."

"You’re silly, this counts as a public proposal to me, I only have joy, how would I blame you? Where I come from, this is called a sense of ceremony, do you know what a sense of ceremony is, it’s..." Wufu spoke of the marriage customs from future generations, every woman hopes for an unforgettable proposal that moves her, satisfies her, and willingly agrees to take him as her husband, her lifelong partner."