Chapter 739: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 739: A Perfect Counterattack at the Trial (4)
“Mm.” Mo Yan furrowed her brows, biting her lip as she responded softly.
Her concern had been mounting ever since Mo Qingze proposed the public contest. It wasn’t that she doubted her father’s abilities, but the gravity of the situation made it impossible not to worry. She wanted to ask Xiao Ruiyuan about the other ways to prove her father’s innocence but hesitated.
Seeing her desire to know but her careful restraint, Xiao Ruiyuan’s heart softened. “No matter what happens, I won’t let anything happen to Uncle Mo. Once the contest is over and he proves his innocence, you’ll be reunited with your family. Trust me, okay?”
His already deep and melodious voice, now tinged with a hint of pleading, gradually soothed Mo Yan’s restless heart. She nodded, her eyes filled with trust as she looked at Xiao Ruiyuan.
The intensity in Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyes warmed his heart, but his gaze unconsciously fell on Mo Yan’s lips, which had been touched by her own teeth. A sudden dryness overcame him, and an inexplicable urge surged through him, making him feel a strong impulse to embrace her and kiss her deeply. It seemed that only by doing so could he quell this sudden yearning.
As a man in his twenties, he was well aware of where this desire came from. This knowledge made him feel extremely ashamed, as though he had desecrated her, especially in such an inappropriate situation and when she was at her most vulnerable.
However, some things are beyond one’s control, even for someone like him, who had been a battle-hardened general.
Mo Yan was startled by the intensity in Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyes and instinctively took a couple of steps back. They were at the palace gate, where people frequently passed by. If they were seen engaging in inappropriate behavior, it would quickly spread throughout the city.
Her retreat caused Xiao Ruiyuan to snap back to reality, and he felt a wave of embarrassment, wishing he could escape far away. His usual expression made it hard for anyone unfamiliar with him to notice his discomfort.
Mo Yan, having her head lowered, missed this rare display of vulnerability from Xiao Ruiyuan. Even if she had seen it, she would not have understood why he felt embarrassed due to her inexperience.
Chu Heng, upon seeing Emperor Huian leave, noticed the odd atmosphere between the man and woman at the gate. He approached curiously and saw the remaining redness on Xiao Ruiyuan’s face.
“Han Zhang, why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?”
Chu Heng reached out to check Xiao Ruiyuan’s forehead.
Xiao Ruiyuan’s face darkened, and he quickly stepped back. “No!”
“Your complexion is unusual. Even if it’s not a fever, there must be another issue. Let the old doctor take a look,” Chu Heng said with concern, insisting that the ghost physician check his cousin.
The ghost physician, who had previously avoided the conversation to give them privacy, came over upon hearing Chu Heng’s request and took Xiao Ruiyuan’s wrist to check his pulse.
Chu Heng and the ghost physician’s concern was understandable. Xiao Ruiyuan had been at the border since he was thirteen, enduring numerous battles and injuries over the years. Some of his wounds, while appearing healed, might have left hidden ailments that could manifest in various problems later in life.
Xiao Ruiyuan did not refuse the ghost physician’s good intentions, but the ghost physician’s next words almost made him bite his tongue in embarrassment.
“Hmm, Xiao is fine physically, but he’s just a young man with a lot of internal heat. He should take more cold baths,” the ghost physician said, casting a meaningful glance at Mo Yan and stressing the words “internal heat.”
Though usually serious, the ghost physician couldn’t resist poking fun at Xiao Ruiyuan. If the situation were different, he would have thoroughly teased him.
Mo Yan didn’t catch the hidden meaning in the ghost physician’s words and wondered how cold baths could help with internal heat, especially as it was already winter. She suggested, “Cold baths might cause illness in winter. Wouldn’t it be better to drink more mung bean soup?”
“Cough, cough!”
As a fellow man, Chu Heng understood the old doctor’s hint and, upon hearing Mo Yan’s serious suggestion about mung bean soup, choked on his breath and began coughing violently, his face turning red.
Previously, Xiao Ruiyuan would have been concerned about Chu Heng’s reactions. This time, however, he watched with amusement as Chu Heng and the ghost physician exchanged banter, eventually pulling Mo Yan away to prevent further inappropriate talk.
Fortunately, there were no other witnesses at the palace gate, so no one saw the couple holding hands as they left.
Watching their harmonious figures disappear into the distance, Chu Heng finally stopped coughing and wore a mixed expression of satisfaction and disappointment.
The ghost physician pretended not to notice, stroking his beard and saying, “I’ve watched Xiao grow up and never expected to see him so popular. Haha, it’s truly a joyful occasion. Your Highness, be sure to have the kitchen prepare extra dishes tonight for a proper celebration.”
Chu Heng: “…”
So now, in the ghost physician’s eyes, his cousin was considered a nobody until now?
(End of Chapter)
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