“This humble general begs to see the Dragon Consort! There's urgent news!”

Outside the private chambers at the top of the jade mountain, a shrill cry suddenly rang out.

“Shouting like that—what a disgrace.”

The two dragon grandsons shot it a cold look. “Whatever it is, just say it. We'll pass it on to the Dragon Consort.”

“This—”

The black-backed flood-dragon general gritted its teeth, stared hard at the door, and fell silent.

“Tsk.”

At that, the two dragon grandsons exchanged a look, their faces turning cold. “Strange. Is there anything in the waters and lands of Xihong that we dragon sons and dragon grandsons aren't allowed to hear? Have you forgotten whose command you're under?”

Whatever else you said about her, that woman certainly knew how to win people over.

One of the dragon grandsons stepped forward and backhanded the black-backed flood-dragon general across the face, knocking its whole body to the ground. “Talk!”

The black-backed flood-dragon general spat out a mouthful of blood and looked up warily.

Just as it meant to hold out, a bone-deep chill suddenly settled over the whole top of the jade mountain.

The two dragon grandsons had only just managed to steady their hidden injuries. Under that pressure their faces flushed red again, and as their throats worked, a sweet, coppery taste rose onto their tongues.

“This Palace does nothing it would be ashamed to have seen. There's nothing to hide. Speak freely.”

The woman's cold voice drifted out from the private chambers. The two dragon grandsons' faces darkened and wavered, but they bore their injuries and cupped their hands toward the room. “Thank you for your understanding, Dragon Consort.”

On the bed in the private chambers—

Ji Jingxi laid her palm over the back of Zixian's hand, signaling her to keep calm.

“……” Zixian nodded slightly. It wasn't only the East Dragon Palace's backing that had spread the name of the Dragon Consort of the jade mountain across Xihong. Her own temperament was excellent too.

But the next moment, when she made out the words at the door, the calm she had…