Chapter 960: The School Opens and Another Freeloader Arrives (1)

Setting aside whatever storm the Zhao family might stir up after Zhao Fengnian “successfully” rescued Fan Meijiao, Mo Yan temporarily let go of the matter after assigning her two birds to keep an eye on the Zhao household. She turned her focus to other affairs.

On the morning of the sixth day of the seventh lunar month, a string of loud firecrackers echoed through the skies above Liuyang Village—the newly built school had officially opened its doors for student registration. This was not only a joyous occasion for Liuyang Village but also for several surrounding villages. All the villagers willing to let their children study set aside their farm work and brought their kids to the school bright and early to sign up.

At that moment, a long queue had already formed at the registration booth.

The two newly hired instructors were overwhelmed with the crowd, so they invited Mo Yan, who was literate and well-versed in writing, to help out.

“Junzhu, this should’ve been the task of Old Master Zeng and me, but we’ve troubled you instead. I, Surnamed Shan, sincerely thank you,” the instructor surnamed Shan said gratefully during a short break while drinking water.

Mo Yan, busy recording the names of children and collecting tuition fees, took a moment to stretch her sore wrists and smiled. “I’m happy to contribute to the school, Master Shan. No need to be so formal! The villagers just call me ‘Yan girl,’ so please call me that too. Calling me ‘Junzhu’ feels a bit awkward.”

“Haha, alright then. I’ll just call you ‘Yan girl’ from now on.” Master Shan, not a stuffy man by nature, saw she wasn’t being polite for the sake of it and readily agreed.

After exchanging a few more light words, Master Shan noticed the other instructor was struggling and quickly excused himself to help.

Watching both instructors patiently speaking to each child despite the intense summer heat without the slightest trace of impatience, Mo Yan nodded to herself, thinking that these two teachers were indeed the right choice.

Just a few days prior, the two instructors had moved into the small courtyards built behind the school specifically for them. One was surnamed Zeng, the other Shan.

Master Zeng was over sixty, with decades of experience in teaching and a particularly effective method of introducing children to their studies. Master Shan, just past his thirties, had failed the imperial exam last fall and remained in the capital city studying while also teaching nearby children. He was open-minded, humorous, and had a unique teaching style that made him well-liked by students.

Both were recruited through Mo Qingze’s effort. After touring Liuyang Village and finding themselves pleased with the environment, they agreed to stay. Learning that the school would provide free housing, they even brought their families with them.

Master Zeng had both a son and a daughter, who had already married and started families of their own. This time, he brought only his wife and a young grandson. Since classes hadn’t officially started, he’d been taking strolls around the village with them, and over a few days, he had grown even more fond of the lush scenery and the village’s honest folk.

Master Shan, not originally from the capital, had lost his wife to childbirth when she delivered their daughter. Over the years, for various reasons, he had never remarried and raised his daughter on his own. They had previously rented a place in the city, but everything there came with a price. Most of his annual stipend went into rent, and what little was left often went to buying books. Life was financially tight. Now that his daughter was twelve and only a few years away from marriage, he still hadn’t managed to prepare a proper dowry.

Though the salary the school offered wasn’t higher than what he earned in the city, the free housing and food were a great benefit. This meant he could finally start saving. Very satisfied with the arrangement, he decisively brought his daughter, Shan Zhen, along.

With villagers still lining up at the table, Mo Yan glanced up, then refocused on her task, accepting the registration fees and recording children’s names in the register.

To leave a good impression on the teachers, the villagers wore the best clothes they usually only brought out during the New Year. They had also dressed their children in new outfits. Many carried baskets of eggs, live chickens, or even heavy strips of pork—gifts intended for the two instructors.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 959: A Clean Sweep (4)

Hearing the two thugs’ voices fade into the distance, Fan Meijiao struggled to sit up. Her bound hands and feet kept writhing as she desperately tried to break free from the ropes.

She refused to be violated, refused to suffer in her uncle Zhao Fengnian’s stead. She had to save herself—she had to escape. She wanted to marry into the Mu family, to become their esteemed second wife who could command maids and servants, not be sold off to some impoverished, remote mountain village to be the wife of multiple men.

But the ropes were as thick as her thumb and tied so tightly that there was no way she could break them. The cellar was completely empty—there was nothing sharp she could use to cut herself free.

After nearly half an hour of struggling, her wrists and ankles were rubbed raw by the ropes, but they didn’t loosen in the slightest. Gasping for breath, her eyes beneath the blindfold were filled with despair and hatred...

News of the trouble in the Zhao family and Fan Meijiao’s situation quickly reached Mo Yan’s ears. She rewarded Lian’er, who brought her the news, with millet and wore a cold smile on her face.

Had she directly ordered those dozen bandits to sneak into the Zhao residence and ruin Fan Meijiao’s reputation, there was no guarantee they’d succeed. And even if they did, she risked exposure. With Fan Meijiao’s personality, things could easily spiral into mutual destruction—absolutely not worth the risk.

Fortunately, Mo Yan had learned of Zhao Fengnian’s past misdeeds and his suspicious nature. So, she took advantage of Fan Meijiao’s trip to the temple for prayer and gave the bandits a powder that could startle horses into madness. After causing a distraction and shaking off the Zhao family guards, the men kidnapped Fan Meijiao and were ordered to keep everything strictly confidential.

As expected, Zhao Fengnian and his mother panicked and imagined the worst on their own. This way, even if Fan Meijiao were eventually released, they wouldn’t suspect Mo Yan. With things progressing smoothly, her next plans could continue as scheduled.

Moreover, just as she anticipated, the Zhao family did everything they could to protect Fan Meijiao’s reputation—at least the Mu family believed them. As long as they kept up the act until Fan Meijiao was married into the Mu family, everything would be fine.

Given Fan Meijiao’s selfish nature, once she realized she’d suffered all this because of her beloved uncle, she would likely grow distant from the Zhao family. And without their backing, her days in the Mu family would certainly be miserable.

In short, everything Fan Meijiao had done to her, Mo Yan would return—bit by bit, double in full. Fan Meijiao would never have a peaceful day for the rest of her life.

“Yanyan, when do you plan to let that woman go?” Xue Tuanzi fluttered in front of Mo Yan, asking curiously.

After feeding the bird the last grain of millet, Mo Yan patted her hands as if dusting them off. “Not until I’ve tormented that hateful woman enough to vent the resentment in my heart.”

Xue Tuanzi rolled its eyes. That answer… was basically no answer at all.

“There’s definitely a difference!” Mo Yan pinched Xue Tuanzi’s snail-eye stalks, tying them into a knot and untying them again. “She dared to treat me like that—she should’ve been prepared for the consequences. As for the Zhao mother and son, they’re no good either. Let them stay in fear. Once Fan Meijiao marries that Second Master Mu, the real show is just beginning.”

“Tsk tsk, Yanyan, you’re really ruthless—but I like it, haha!” Xue Tuanzi shook its body, its snail eyes wobbling with glee, clearly in a good mood.

Ruthless? Mo Yan scoffed. What was her ruthlessness compared to that of the Zhao mother and son? They may not have killed anyone outright, but they enabled their relatives to harm the villagers, causing countless families to fall apart and lives to be destroyed. If she hadn’t known, that’d be one thing—but knowing now, how could she let them continue living in luxury, trampling on the tears and blood of the innocent?

Sensing Mo Yan’s thoughts, Xue Tuanzi’s eyes sparkled as it said, “Eradicating evil for the people builds up merit. There are a lot of bad folks in this world. Yanyan, go for it—I believe in you!”

Mo Yan shot it a glance, too lazy to argue with this bird who was always full of ideas. Eliminating evil still had to be within her means. If she provoked someone she couldn’t handle and they retaliated, she might be fine with her secret space—but what about her family?

Under Mo Yan’s subtle guidance, Fan Meijiao suffered greatly in the cellar. Although the men didn’t violate her physically, her body had been seen completely, even down to a small red mole in her most private place.

All this physical information would become key evidence later—used to ruin Fan Meijiao’s reputation in the Mu family and brand her as a promiscuous woman from which she’d never recover. Of course, to ensure she wasn’t cast out and still made it into the Mu family, Mo Yan would reveal at the right time that the Second Master of the Mu family was impotent.

That way, the couple would each hold something over the other—let them live their “loving” life together!

Three days passed in a flash. On Mo Yan’s orders, the people who kidnapped Fan Meijiao finally sent a message to the Zhao family, demanding Zhao Fengnian personally come to rescue his niece.

Zhao Fengnian was sure the culprits were targeting him—there was no way he’d risk his own life. But Fan Meijiao still needed to be saved. If word got out that he had abandoned her, the Zhao family’s reputation would take a hit.

So he had his guards disguise themselves and follow him in secret, while he took two attendants and went to the meeting point arranged by the “kidnappers,” preparing to catch them all in one go.

However, the “kidnappers” caught wind of his plan. In a panic, they fled—leaving Fan Meijiao behind. Thus, Fan Meijiao was successfully rescued. As for the kidnappers? Not a single one was caught!

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 958: A Clean Sweep (3)

“Good, good, this is a fine idea. Let’s do as you say.”

Old Madam Zhao’s eyes lit up, and she quickly agreed. Taking residence in the ancestral temple and performing purification rituals not only concealed the truth of her granddaughter being abducted by criminals—thus protecting her reputation—but also painted a favorable image of her in the eyes of the Mu family. That way, once she married into them, she’d face fewer difficulties. There was truly no better plan.

But the moment she thought about her granddaughter’s life hanging by a thread—unsure whether she’d ever return alive—Old Madam Zhao felt as though her heart was being sliced to ribbons. Still, she couldn’t think of a better solution. The most important thing was to find her and bring her back.

After the mother and son discussed the details, that very night, they gave the servants in the household a fierce warning. Then, they spread the news that Fan Meijiao had gone to the ancestral temple for purification rituals and prayer.

The ignorant maids and old women in the estate actually believed it, and the rumor spread rapidly.

Those who knew the truth secretly gloated over her misfortune, cursing Fan Meijiao to never return. Those unaware of the inside story were amazed at her supposed transformation, hoping that she’d stop bullying and abusing them when she came back. It showed just how much Fan Meijiao, with her arrogance and temper, was disliked in the Zhao household.

…

In a run-down, desolate courtyard in the northern district, decay and dilapidation clung to every corner. Those living there were either homeless beggars or impoverished families too poor to change their circumstances. It was so destitute that even thieves didn’t bother coming.

At that moment, in a low and damp cellar of one such house, a woman dressed in fine clothes lay bound hand and foot. Her mouth was gagged with a filthy, stinking sock. Her hair was disheveled and scattered across the dusty ground, tangled with weeds and grime. Her clothes were in utter disarray, her front partially open and exposing white skin. Anyone unaware of the situation might assume she had already been violated.

“Big Brother, the Zhao clan and their relatives are utterly vile. They get away with everything because he shields them. We kidnapped his niece this time to teach him a lesson. Why didn’t you let me touch that woman?”

An angry voice echoed in the cellar. The words landed clearly in Fan Meijiao’s ears, jolting her awake. Hearing that her uncle’s enemies had come for revenge, her terror deepened. Her eyes, covered by a black cloth, widened in fear, and her whole body trembled.

“You idiot!” another harsh, gravelly voice replied. The man addressed as “Big Brother” scolded him bitterly. “We’re using this wretched woman to get back at Zhao. If you force yourself on her, he’ll just be glad to get rid of the shameful, disgraceful woman who’s been ruining his family’s name. Then what leverage do we have to lure him out and take proper revenge?”

“But… but that’s letting this rotten woman off too easily! Look at the clothes and jewelry she’s wearing—every bit of it came from squeezing us dry. She’s lived in luxury for years. Don’t we brothers deserve a little fun?” the first man said resentfully.

“Hmph. Our target is Zhao. Once we deal with him, don’t worry—not just this woman, we’ll grab her mother too. After we’ve had our fun, we’ll sell them off to some remote village to be wives for men who can’t get one. And those families often have more than one man. Sharing a woman is common there. We’ll see if these shameless bitches can still show their faces then.”

His words were laced with cruelty, showing deep hatred not just for Zhao Fengnian but for anyone connected to the Zhao family.

Hearing all this, Fan Meijiao nearly broke down. At this moment, she too began to hate Zhao Fengnian with all her heart—the uncle she’d once affectionately called by name for over twenty years. She had completely forgotten how she’d eaten, worn, and lived better than the Zhao family’s legitimate daughters all these years—entirely thanks to that same uncle.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 957: A Clean Sweep (2)

Zhao Shi, upon hearing this, felt a trace of doubt in her heart. However, being much wiser than her daughter Fan Meijiao, she didn’t show it immediately. With a quavering voice, she said, “Big Brother, let little sister go down first. You must find a way to rescue Jiaoniang—she’s the very lifeline of our sister!”

Zhao Fengnian rubbed his throbbing forehead and, somewhat irritably, waved his hand as he replied, “Big Sister, don’t worry. Jiaoniang is also Mother’s lifeline. As your legitimate niece, Big Brother will surely come up with a plan to rescue her from those villains. Now, please go on downstairs!”

Hearing this, Zhao Shi’s heart still ached for her daughter, yet she had to rely on her big brother to handle the situation. Seeing the uneasy expression on Zhao Fengnian’s face, she didn’t dare linger any longer. After a brief word with Old Madam Zhao, she left in a daze.

At that moment, Old Madam Zhao herself recovered and, with a tremor of anxiety, asked Zhao Fengnian, “My son, is there something wrong with the kidnappers? What could they possibly want?”

Beads of sweat dotted Zhao Fengnian’s forehead as he looked nervously and answered, “Mother, if those villains had taken Jiaoniang for money, they would have come to demand a ransom by now. But after an entire day, no one has delivered any message to the house. I suspect that these kidnappers might be our family’s enemies—perhaps even targeting me personally.”

It was no wonder he thought so; there had indeed been people who had tried to do him harm before. Although he had managed to suppress them then, even recalling those events now sent a shiver down his spine.

Old Madam Zhao, who was clearly in the know, was instantly terrified. In a panic, she cried out, “Who was it? Who could it have been? If they have taken Jiaoniang this time, won’t someone else from our family be next?”

Zhao Fengnian’s face went pale as he shook his head in confusion, “I truly don’t know…”

In truth, Zhao Fengnian had no idea who might wish him ill. It wasn’t that he had no misdeeds to account for or no suspects at all—the list was just so long he couldn’t pinpoint anyone.

Having served as an official for nearly twenty years, Zhao Fengnian had never shed a drop of blood himself. Yet many of his kinsmen, emboldened by his influence, had committed countless heinous acts in his name. They had secretly showered him with innumerable bribes—land, silver, antiques, calligraphy, paintings… so many things that the Zhao family’s storerooms were packed to the brim.

Most of these favors were ill-gotten gains, plundered from others by his own kin. Otherwise, with his meager official salary, how could he possibly support over a hundred people in the household?

Old Madam Zhao was fully aware of these matters. Among those who bullied others, many were even relatives from her own maiden family. She herself had received numerous benefits from her kin; otherwise, how could she have amassed such a substantial dowry over the years to present Fan Meijiao as a prize?

Now, with Fan Meijiao’s abduction shrouded in suspicion, both mother and son couldn’t help but suspect something was amiss in this whole affair. The more they thought about it, the more they feared that if Jiaoniang’s fate was sealed, the next tragedy might befall someone else in the family.

“Son, what are we to do now? What should we do?” Old Madam Zhao asked frantically, clutching Zhao Fengnian’s hand. Whether she was worrying about what fate awaited them or how they might rescue the niece safely, her anxiety was palpable.

Zhao Fengnian’s heart pounded in alarm. After so many years of climbing the bureaucratic ladder, he wasn’t completely without a plan. Forcing himself to regain composure, he said to Old Madam Zhao, “Mother, we must not let the abduction of Jiaoniang become public. For now, we must wait and observe while secretly searching for any trace of her. If the Mu family ever inquires, we’ll say that Jiaoniang, grateful for the fated match bestowed by Heaven, has taken it upon herself to perform a purification ritual at the family ancestral hall. Once her marriage is complete and her merit fulfilled, she will reappear.”

(End of Chapter)

 Fan Meijiao had been kidnapped!

By the time news reached Old Madam Zhao at Baohua Temple and the Zhao Residence in the capital, it was already noon.

Old Madam Zhao had no heart to continue offering her prayers. She cried bitterly, then hurriedly packed her belongings and rushed back to the Zhao Residence with her maids and old servants, urging her son to find a way to rescue her granddaughter.

Zhao Fengnian, in his panic, wanted to go straight to the Jingzhao Office to seek their help in searching for his niece. However, he was stopped by Madam Zhao.

If it were a man who had been kidnapped, reporting to the authorities for help would be a good option. However, the one abducted was a young lady staying at the Zhao family’s residence. Whether it was for money or other motives, once word got out, her reputation would be ruined.

Even worse, it could tarnish the reputation of the Zhao family's own daughters, making it difficult for them to secure good marriages. Although Madam Zhao disliked Fan Meijiao and wished she would lose her good name and be unable to stay in the Zhao Residence, she still wouldn’t risk her own daughters’ reputations for it. She certainly wouldn’t allow Fan Meijiao to marry into the Mu family and show off in front of her.

Zhao Fengnian had acted impulsively out of urgency. When he realized that not only could they not report the matter to the authorities, but they also had to keep it tightly under wraps—especially from the Mu family—he became even more distressed, feeling as if his hair had turned several shades whiter. He racked his brain but could not come up with a good solution. In the end, he could only gather all the guards in the residence and send them to the forest where his niece had been abducted, hoping to find some clues to bring her back.

Unlike the powerful and wealthy aristocratic families, the Zhao family had only about thirty guards in total. These thirty-odd guards took some silver, rented fast horses from a stable, and galloped out of the capital, stirring up quite a commotion on the streets. Passersby whispered among themselves, speculating about what was happening.

Little did they know that an inconspicuous carriage had just entered the city gates, passing right by the Zhao family’s guards.

The guards searched the forest but found nothing useful. Left with no other choice, they split into groups and searched in different directions. Since there were no mountains nearby to hide people, the villages in the vicinity became their main targets for investigation.

However, after combing through almost every village near the forest, they still found no trace of Fan Meijiao. By the time they had finished searching the last village, night had already fallen. With no other options, they returned to the Zhao Residence to report their findings to Zhao Fengnian.

Upon hearing that they hadn’t found her, not even a clue about where she might have been taken, Zhao Fengnian’s expression turned grim. He was well aware that the longer this dragged on, the greater the danger his niece faced. Who knew what she was going through at this very moment?

At first, he had assumed the kidnappers were after money. But after an entire day had passed with no ransom demands arriving at the gates, he began to suspect that the motive was personal revenge. The question was, had they targeted his niece, or had they been aiming for him?

Thinking of some of the things he had done in the past that were best left unspoken, Zhao Fengnian abruptly shook his head, pushing down the unease in his heart. He hurried to Old Madam Zhao’s courtyard.

Inside, Old Madam Zhao was weeping uncontrollably alongside Zhao Shi, who had just lost her daughter. Her tears had not stopped all day. If Mo Yan were here, she would have likely just scoffed, “Serves them right!”

Seeing her son enter, Old Madam Zhao momentarily stopped crying and asked urgently, “Did you find Jiaoniang?”

Zhao Fengnian couldn’t bear to disappoint his mother, but he couldn’t conjure his niece out of thin air. With no other choice, he shook his head. “Mother, the guards have searched all the villages nearby, but they still haven’t found Jiaoniang. I suspect the kidnappers didn’t take her for money.”

“My poor Jiaoniang—” Old Madam Zhao seemed to have thought of something and let out a shrill scream. Her entire body swayed, and if Zhao Shi hadn’t caught her in time, she would have collapsed to the ground.

Zhao Fengnian was startled and quickly helped his mother, who was silently shedding tears, onto a seat. Turning to Zhao Shi, who was still sobbing, he said, “Elder Sister, I have something to discuss with Mother. Please step out for now and come back later to accompany her.”

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 955: A Match Made in Heaven, Abducted (4)

Going to a temple to repay a vow should have been a solemn and humble affair, but Fan Meijiao was desperate to show off. She wanted everyone to know that she was about to marry into the Mu family and wished she could bring along every single servant from the Zhao estate.

The temple they were visiting was Baohua Temple, located fifty miles east of the city. It was the largest temple within the capital’s vicinity and a favorite place for noble ladies and young misses to offer prayers and fulfill vows. Naturally, when they met there, they would secretly compare themselves to one another.

Fearful of being looked down upon, Fan Meijiao had been up before dawn to prepare herself. Now, she was seated in the lavishly decorated carriage at the back, dressed in fine silks and adorned with glittering jewelry. She repeatedly instructed the coachman to slow down, worried that the bumps along the way would ruin her elaborate hairstyle and disturb her many ornaments.

Little did she realize that temples were places of peace and purity, where virtue and character were valued more than material extravagance. Her excessive display was bound to bring her nothing but disappointment. And as fate would have it, she wouldn’t even reach Baohua Temple that day.

The carriages soon left the city. The road outside was far rougher than those within the capital, and despite moving slowly, the carriage still jostled heavily. Delicate and pampered as she was, Fan Meijiao could not tolerate the bumpy ride and kept ordering the coachman to slow down even further.

With no other choice, the coachman complied, reducing the speed until they were barely moving faster than a walking pace.

Meanwhile, Madam Zhao, worried about missing the auspicious hour for their prayers, decided not to wait for her dawdling granddaughter. She had one of the servant women relay a message to Fan Meijiao and then urged her own carriage forward.

As a result, the distance between the two carriages steadily increased until, before long, Madam Zhao’s carriage was completely out of sight.

That day, many noble families were also heading to Baohua Temple for prayers. Like Madam Zhao, they wanted to arrive early to show their sincerity. At first, there were several other carriages traveling alongside Fan Meijiao’s, but as time passed, her slow-moving carriage was left behind. Eventually, hers was the only one remaining on the desolate road.

Fan Meijiao remained oblivious to this, resting against her maid with her eyes closed.

Suddenly, the carriage lurched violently. The three people inside were thrown hard against the walls, causing instant chaos.

“Ah—!”

Fan Meijiao, completely unprepared and without anything to brace herself, suffered the worst of it. Her forehead slammed into the carriage wall, swelling up almost immediately.

Outside, the once-docile horse had gone wild, galloping frantically. The coachman clung desperately to the reins, but the animal’s strength was too much for him. The leather straps cut into his flesh, causing blood to drip from his hands, yet he was powerless to rein the horse in.

The guards had already been left far behind, disappearing from view.

Inside the violently rocking carriage, Fan Meijiao and her maids were being tossed about. Even the coachman nearly got thrown off his seat.

“What’s going on? What the hell is happening?!” Fan Meijiao, flung back and forth, clutched her throbbing forehead in agony. Screaming in pain and fury, she shoved one of the maids toward the front. “Go find out what’s happening with the coachman!”

As if in response, the coachman’s trembling voice rang out from outside. “M-Miss! The horse—it's spooked! I-I can’t stop it! We have to wait until it tires itself out before it’ll stop!”

Hearing this, Fan Meijiao exploded in rage. “Useless dog! You can’t even control a damn horse! What’s the point of keeping you around? When I get back in three days, I’ll have you beaten to death for this!”

The coachman knew his mistress’s temper well. If she said she’d punish him, she wasn’t joking. After serving the Zhao family for decades, he had worked tirelessly, even if he had never received much recognition. But now, being blamed for something beyond his control and facing such cruel threats, his heart turned cold. He no longer cared to try stopping the crazed horse.

And so, the horse continued its mad sprint. Inside the carriage, the screams of Fan Meijiao and her maids echoed through the countryside. Passersby witnessed the terrifying scene, but none dared to intervene. Instead, they quickly stepped aside, unwilling to risk their own safety.

Ahead, a dense forest loomed. The panicked horse, seemingly oblivious to the carriage behind it, charged straight into the trees. The carriage became wedged between two trunks, finally jerking to a stop.

However, the horse’s sheer strength snapped the two thick ropes attaching it to the carriage. Freed at last, it neighed wildly before galloping deeper into the forest, disappearing from sight.

The four passengers were lucky to be alive.

The carriage, now hopelessly deformed, was barely recognizable. With the help of her two maids, Fan Meijiao struggled out of the wreckage.

Her once-elegant attire was now tattered, ripped in several places. Her hair was a complete mess, the intricate ornaments long gone. Her face was bruised and swollen, making her look more like a crazed beggar than the noblewoman she had been just hours ago.

She didn’t even need a mirror to know how wretched she looked. Furious beyond words, she directed all her anger at the coachman. Limping toward him, she raised her hand and slapped him across the face.

“You useless dog! You can’t even handle a carriage properly! What are you standing around for? Go find my horse! If you dare delay my prayers, don’t bother coming back!”

“Yes, yes! Right away!” The coachman’s face burned from the slap, but he swallowed his resentment. Bowing hastily, he turned and ran in the direction the horse had fled.

Fan Meijiao felt slightly appeased, though she was still in a foul mood. She touched her disheveled hair, then snapped at her two maids. “Are you both brain-dead? Get inside and find my grooming box! Now!”

The two maids scrambled into the wrecked carriage, frantically searching through the mess. After much effort, they finally found the box.

But before they could climb out, a sudden, terrified scream pierced the air outside.

Their heads snapped up, eyes wide with alarm. Hastily, they crawled out of the carriage—only to find that Fan Meijiao was nowhere to be seen.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 954: A Match Made in Heaven, Abducted (3)

Seeing that the maid ignored her, the old woman pouted angrily but, fearing the maid’s status as a trusted servant of her mistress, dared not press further.

Knock, knock, knock—

Not long after, a series of knocks sounded at the door. The maid immediately straightened up and hurriedly stepped forward to open it. By the glow of the lantern hanging above the door, she could clearly see the middle-aged man standing outside—the very person she had been waiting for.

"How did it go? Is the job done?" She quickly ushered him inside and closed the door behind him, then eagerly asked.

The middle-aged man had shifty eyes and a sly expression, looking like anything but a decent person. His gaze swept lasciviously over the maid’s chest before he smugly patted his own. "With me, Master Huang, handling things, what job wouldn't get done?"

The maid didn’t know whether to feel relieved or worried. Uneasy, she asked, "You… you made sure they didn’t see your real face, right?"

Master Huang reached out, attempting to stroke her delicate face. When she quickly dodged, his expression darkened with displeasure. "I went in disguise, so they don’t know who I am. But those guys think the risk is too high and the payment too low. They’re refusing to hand over the goods unless they get another five hundred taels of silver."

As he spoke, his gaze flickered evasively, clearly feeling guilty.

Fan Meijiao had spent a fortune on this job, giving the maid five hundred taels of silver to find reliable people to carry it out. But Master Huang had pocketed three hundred taels for himself, leaving only two hundred taels for the thieves hired to raid the Mo family.

He hadn’t expected them to suddenly raise the price, but as a middleman, this was an opportunity for him to make even more. So he decided to inflate their demand, turning two hundred into five hundred, hoping to skim off another three hundred taels.

Hearing the new demand, the maid’s face darkened with anger. "They agreed on five hundred taels, and now they suddenly want more? They’re clearly not taking the Zhao family seriously!"

If her mistress found out that the job still wasn’t done after spending five hundred taels, she would surely blame the maid for incompetence. Who knew what kind of punishment she would face then? From start to finish, she had gained nothing from this scheme—only risk. Worse, if this matter got out, she might even be implicated in a legal case. Asking her mistress for more silver now would only make her suspicious, thinking she had stolen from the original sum. There was no way she would agree.

Master Huang shrugged helplessly. "Those guys aren’t afraid of anything. And now that they have the goods, they know they hold the advantage. If they don’t get the money, they won’t hand them over. I can’t be expected to pay out of my own pocket, can I?"

The maid looked troubled. After gritting her teeth for a moment, she said, "What about three days? Come back in three days, and I’ll have the silver for you."

Once her mistress returned from the temple in a good mood, maybe she would be more willing to hand over the five hundred taels.

Master Huang’s eyes gleamed as he leered at the maid. "If you’re really out of silver, I suppose I could cover it for now… but of course, you’d have to give me something in return."

The maid knew exactly what he was implying. Disgusted, she frowned and snapped, "Hmph! Don’t worry, in three days, you’ll get your five hundred taels—every last coin. Just keep your hands to yourself!"

Master Huang was about to push his luck when the maid suddenly shoved him out the door and slammed it shut behind him with a loud bang.

Furious, he kicked the door hard and spat on the ground before leaving reluctantly. He still had to pacify the thieves, lest they, in their greed, expose everything and ruin him as well.

…

Early the next morning, two carriages departed from the Zhao estate—one plain, the other lavishly adorned. Several maids and old servant women followed on foot, while over twenty strong guards rode behind them in an impressive display of grandeur.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 953: A Match Made in Heaven, Abducted (2)

Hearing this, the maid was so frightened that she immediately knelt down and pleaded, "Miss, it was my fault! I won’t dare again. Please, Miss, don’t sell my family!"

Having served her mistress for years, no one knew better than her just how ruthless Fan Meijiao could be. When she was only eight years old, she had pushed a maid into the lotus pond and drowned her simply for displeasing her. After marrying her former husband, she had mercilessly kicked a concubine maid who was six months pregnant, causing her to miscarry, without even batting an eye. If she said she would sell her family to the mines, she absolutely meant it.

"Remember what you just said. If there’s a next time, I will have your entire family sold far, far away! Also, if those people are caught by the authorities and they drag you into it, you’d better not say anything that will bring trouble to me. Otherwise, no one will be able to save your family, not even your newborn nephew. Do you hear me?"

Seeing the maid trembling uncontrollably, Fan Meijiao's face flashed with satisfaction, her words laced with a heavy threat.

"Yes, yes, I will obey, Miss. If things go wrong, I will take full responsibility and never implicate you." The maid’s body trembled even more violently as she lowered her head to hide the resentment in her eyes, swearing an oath.

She didn’t care about her own life, but her parents, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew were all slaves of the Zhao family. No matter what, she couldn't let her family suffer because of her.

Fan Meijiao was finally pleased. She glanced disdainfully at the maid kneeling before her and said, "Hmph, at least you know your place! Now go wait at the side gate. If there’s any definite news, come and report immediately."

"Yes, Miss, I’ll go right away!" The maid hurriedly responded, scrambling to her feet and bowing before quickly leaving.

Watching the maid's retreating figure, Fan Meijiao yawned, feeling sleepy. She decided to lie down and rest. She had to wake up early the next morning—she couldn’t afford to delay her trip to the temple, lest she anger the Buddha and risk losing her marriage proposal to the Mu family.

Thinking about the engagement ceremony, where she had caught a glimpse of that tall, handsome man through the screen, she blushed slightly, her eyes flashing with satisfaction.

Hmph, so what if she couldn’t become the wife of a top scholar? Marrying the second young master of the Mu family and becoming his second wife would only elevate her status. Let’s see who would dare look down on her then, calling her a lowly merchant’s daughter!

Meanwhile, Fan Meijiao’s personal maid quietly arrived at the side gate, where an old servant woman was dozing against the doorframe.

The maid walked up and shook the woman awake, snapping impatiently, "Miss gave you an order, and you’re here sleeping? If you mess things up, how will you explain yourself to Miss?"

The old woman was about to retort but immediately swallowed her anger when she saw that it was the head maid of her mistress. Smiling apologetically, she said, "This time of year makes people drowsy. I dozed off without realizing it. Please don’t be mad, miss!"

The maid didn’t actually have any issues with the old servant—her earlier words were just a passing remark. She had no intention of reporting her to Fan Meijiao for some petty gain, so she simply responded absentmindedly, "Just be careful. If the mistress sees you like this, no one will be able to save you."

"Yes, yes, you’re right, miss. Thank you for the advice!" The old woman was deeply grateful, secretly sighing in relief.

The maid gave a perfunctory nod, then cracked the side gate open slightly. Peering outside, she found the alley shrouded in darkness, completely devoid of people. Satisfied, she left the door slightly ajar and sat down on the nearby steps.

The old woman was talkative and, noticing the maid’s troubled expression, couldn’t resist asking with curiosity, "Miss, if you have something on your mind, you can tell me. Maybe I can give you some advice. After all, I’ve eaten a few decades more meals than you."

Hearing this, the maid forced a bitter smile but dared not say anything. She simply lowered her head and stared at the ground, lost in thought.

 Chapter 952: A Match Made in Heaven, Abducted (1)

The atmosphere inside the room was silent for a moment. Just as Mo Yan thought the man before her might mind what she had done, she suddenly felt a pair of warm, gentle hands embrace her shoulders. The next moment, she found herself resting against a broad chest, and above her head came the man’s sigh, filled with appreciation, "I'm glad you can protect yourself."

Mo Yan raised her head in disbelief, staring at Xiao Ruiyuan’s smiling face, unable to say a word.

Xiao Ruiyuan found her stunned expression particularly endearing, touching the softest part of his heart. Unable to resist, he gently stroked the back of her head and spoke in a low voice, "You used to be too kind—so kind that you wouldn’t even take revenge on those who hurt you. I was always worried that you’d be harmed. But seeing you like this now, I feel relieved."

Mo Yan looked at him, unable to say anything.

She had lived two lifetimes, and this was the first time she had schemed against another woman, even if that woman had plotted against her first. Even so, it was her first time doing something like this, and she couldn't help but feel a storm of emotions in her heart—wondering if she had become cruel, if she had turned into someone just as malicious as those who had wronged her. She even feared that one day, she might become the very kind of person she had once despised.

Yet, his words made her realize the truth—she wasn’t becoming cruel or malicious. She was merely protecting herself. Only by ensuring her own safety could those who truly cared about her be at ease.

As he saw her gradually coming to terms with it, Xiao Ruiyuan continued, "I started fighting on the battlefield at thirteen. There, blades and spears show no mercy—either you die, or I live. Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many enemies have fallen by my sword. If that makes me ruthless, then I’ve been ruthless to the bone for a long time. A ruthless husband and a ruthless wife—aren't we a perfect match?"

When he said the words "perfect match," his face carried absolute certainty. Seeing the smile finally return to the woman's face, he couldn't help but lower his head and press a soft kiss to her forehead.

Meanwhile, the Zhao residence was deep in slumber. The lanterns under the eaves swayed gently in the night breeze, casting shifting shadows of the trees on the ground, giving the night a somewhat desolate air.

Inside a dimly lit room, Fan Meijiao paced back and forth anxiously. Seeing no movement outside, she glared at the shivering maid beside her and snapped, "Why is there still no news? If this plan fails, I’ll hold you responsible!"

"M-Miss, it won’t fail, it won’t!" The maid trembled, stammering in response. She was half afraid of the punishment if things went wrong and half terrified that if the plan succeeded, they might get caught, and she would end up as the scapegoat.

Perhaps the maid's words reassured her, or perhaps she was simply convinced the plan would work, but Fan Meijiao finally calmed down. She sat on the bed, eyes darting around, clearly plotting something new.

The maid huddled in the corner, not daring to speak, only praying that her mistress wouldn’t come up with more schemes. One terrifying plan was already more than she could handle.

Half an hour passed. As midnight came and went, Fan Meijiao could wait no longer. She turned to the maid and ordered, "Tomorrow morning, I’ll be leaving with my grandmother to the temple to fulfill a vow. We won’t return for three days. You’re staying here this time. If tonight’s plan succeeds, we’ll just wait for that little wretch to suffer. But if anything goes wrong, come to the temple immediately and report to me. Understood?"

The maid’s face paled slightly, her fear barely concealed as she forced a smile and suggested, "Miss, I have served you since childhood, and you’re used to having me by your side. Three days without me, I fear you won’t be comfortable. Why don’t I accompany you, and we can leave someone else here to watch the Mo family’s movements?"

"What? You dare disobey me?" Fan Meijiao shot her maid a vicious glare, snapping, "I told you to stay, so you stay! One more word, and I’ll have your entire family sold off to the mines tomorrow!"

 Chapter 951: Worse Than Death (4)

As the thieves’ faces gradually twisted with the effort of enduring the pain, Mo Yan watched them coldly without a word, offering no explanation about the pill they had swallowed.

Before long, their expressions grew increasingly contorted with agony. They writhed and struggled on the ground, desperately trying to scratch their abdomens as an unbearable itch took hold. But with their hands bound behind their backs, they could do nothing.

Their cries of suffering were even more wretched than when the centipedes had bitten them. It finally dawned on them—the pill they had swallowed was not medicine but poison meant to claim their lives.

They had taken the job for money, not expecting to risk their lives. Some managed to roll onto their knees and, despite their bound hands, kowtowed repeatedly, mumbling broken pleas for mercy.

Others, unable to bear the torment, began rubbing their stomachs against the dirt, hoping to alleviate the itch. However, this only made it worse. The sensation intensified until they wished they had a blade to carve open their bellies and scratch their insides.

Mo Yan felt no pity for these accomplices in evil who had sought to harm her. The fact that she hadn’t broken their limbs or inflicted permanent injuries was already an act of mercy.

When she deemed it enough, she gestured for the red python to step forward and remove the cloth gags from the thieves’ mouths. Yet, they had been tormented so severely that they could barely close their mouths, let alone speak.

Mo Yan took out a packet of powder and poured a dose into each thief’s mouth. By the time she reached the last one, the others had begun to calm, their pain subsiding as a semblance of clarity returned to their eyes—though now, their gazes toward Mo Yan were filled with fear.

Mo Yan smirked coldly. “I know exactly what you intended to do tonight and who sent you. Since you dared to commit such crimes, you should have been prepared to face my retaliation. What you just experienced was only an appetizer. If anyone still thinks they’re tough, we can continue.”

She weighed another bottle in her hand, her expression indifferent as she looked down at the trembling, kneeling thieves.

“Your Grace, please… have mercy! We won’t dare again, never again…”

“Your Grace, if you spare me, I will serve you faithfully. Whatever you ask, I will do. I beg you!”

“Your Grace, me too! If you let me live, I will give my life for you without hesitation!”

“……”

The torment of the previous poison had shattered their resolve. Now that they had finally escaped that unbearable pain, they no longer had the courage to face another round of even worse suffering.

Mo Yan ignored their pleas and shook the bottle in her hand. “The poison you swallowed earlier is called ‘Hundred Claws Tearing Heart.’ The antidote I just gave you only provides temporary relief. Without the true antidote, you will relive this agony every day at the same time. Of course, you do have another option—death. That way, you won’t have to endure it anymore.”

“No! No! Your Grace, I beg you! I don’t want to die! Please, have mercy and grant us the true antidote! We will serve you with all our hearts in gratitude!”

“Your Grace, I have a family! I can’t die! Please, please give me the antidote…”

“……”

They were all still young, far from ready to die. Seeing that Mo Yan held an even deadlier poison in her hands, they were too terrified to do anything but beg for their lives. If not for the red python standing guard, they would have crawled to her feet in desperation.

Once she was certain they were sufficiently frightened, Mo Yan finally revealed her true intention. “I’m not unreasonable. If you want to redeem yourselves, there is one thing you must do for me. Complete it, and I will give you the true antidote.”

The thieves exchanged hesitant glances, afraid to agree too quickly. What if she asked them to commit murder or something equally impossible? Wouldn’t they just be signing up for more suffering?

A few of them, believing themselves clever, had already begun plotting—pretend to comply, escape the Mo estate, and seek help from a doctor to remove the poison.

But Mo Yan saw through them instantly. She sneered, her tone icy. “Don’t bother trying to find a doctor to cure you. Do you really think I would use a poison that could be treated by ordinary physicians?”

At those words, despair finally set in. One of the thieves, more perceptive than the rest, immediately dropped to his knees and swore, “Your Grace, I swear! Whatever you ask of me, I will do, even if it costs me my life!”

“Me too! Me too!” The others, not wanting to fall behind, scrambled to pledge their loyalty.

Satisfied that they were thoroughly cowed, Mo Yan nodded and revealed their task.

Once the thieves had received three days’ worth of temporary antidote and were tossed out of the Mo estate by the red python, Mo Yan turned to Xiao Ruiyuan, who had remained silent throughout.

She hesitated for a moment before asking, “Now that you’ve seen what I’ve done, do you think I’m cruel? That I’m not the person you imagined me to be?”

She had deliberately kept this side of her hidden from him out of fear. Every girl hopes to be seen as kind and gentle by the man she loves, even if that image is a façade. She was no different.

If Fan Meijiao hadn’t pushed her too far, she wouldn’t have resorted to such vicious methods. But Fan Meijiao was ruthless, and if Mo Yan didn’t strike back, she would only suffer further schemes in the future.

Still, she didn’t want the man she loved to see this side of her…

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 950: Worse Than Death (3)

These dozen or so people were none other than the scoundrels sent by Fan Meijiao in the dead of night to the Mo family’s residence, intending to ruin Mo Yan’s reputation.

Xiao Ruiyuan stood with a sharp sword in hand, his cold gaze fixed on the thieves who writhed and wailed on the ground. If not for Mo Yan’s plan, he would have sent these men to their graves long ago.

Mo Yan returned to her room and changed into a neat outfit before stepping into the courtyard. Though she had expected these thieves to suffer at Xiao Ruiyuan’s hands, witnessing their actual condition still sent chills down her spine.

Not only were their bodies oozing fresh blood, but several centipedes were crawling across them, biting from time to time. Even without experiencing it herself, she could imagine the unbearable agony.

“You’re awake?” Xiao Ruiyuan’s face showed a trace of surprise upon seeing Mo Yan. Clearly, he hadn’t expected her to wake up so soon.

Mo Yan, unaware that he had tapped her sleeping acupoint, was too focused on the miserable thieves to notice anything unusual. She nodded and asked, “What did you do to them? Why are there so many centipedes?”

The Mo family estate was close to the mountains, where snakes, insects, rats, and ants were common. Centipedes were a rare and valuable medicinal ingredient, and Mo Yan had even caught some herself before, so she wasn’t afraid of them. However, she was concerned that these creatures might enter the house and harm someone. That was why she regularly sprinkled insect-repelling powder around the walls. By all accounts, centipedes shouldn’t have appeared here.

Hearing her question, Xiao Ruiyuan pulled out a small medicine bottle from his robes and sprinkled more powder onto each thief’s wounds.

Seeing this, Mo Yan immediately suspected that the powder had some peculiar effect. Sure enough, the centipedes reacted as if provoked, becoming even more excited as they scurried over the thieves’ bodies, biting down harder and more frequently.

The young thieves whimpered pitifully from the relentless centipede bites. If not for their youth and resilience, they might have already fainted from the pain. In fact, passing out would have been a relief at this point.

Mo Yan took the medicine bottle Xiao Ruiyuan handed her and sniffed it, identifying several of its ingredients. However, replicating the formula would require considerable effort—or the assistance of Doctor Du.

Without hesitation, she pocketed the medicine bottle that didn’t belong to her, then took out another vial from her waist pouch and said to Xiao Ruiyuan, “If this goes on, these men won’t be able to deal with Fan Meijiao. Let’s stop here for today.”

Xiao Ruiyuan gave a slight nod and sheathed his sword. If these men weren’t still useful, he would have killed them all without hesitation. As it was, their current state was barely better than death.

There was no rush—he would settle the score with them properly in due time!

Mo Yan approached the thieves and sprinkled a specially prepared Tianqi powder onto their ghastly wounds to stop the bleeding. Then, she forced their mouths open and shoved a brown pill into each of them.

Noticing that their wounds had stopped bleeding and the pain had lessened, the thieves foolishly assumed Mo Yan was some kind of benevolent savior and eagerly swallowed the pills.

Mo Yan had never seen anyone consume poison so willingly. As the effects of the drug began to kick in, a wicked smile curved her lips.

“Do you feel a burning sensation in your stomach now? As if fine threads are weaving through your organs, searing them from the inside out?”

The thieves focused on their bodies and realized that their abdominal cavities were indeed heating up. However, mistaking it for the medicine’s intended effect, they remained unconcerned.

Seeing this, Mo Yan’s smile deepened. It seemed the pills worked on every single one of them. Spending three years in her space developing this poison had not been in vain—it was made just for scum like them.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 949: Worse Than Death (2)

Immediately, a warmth spread across her lips as something soft pressed against them, rubbing gently yet firmly, stirring an undeniable intimacy.

Mo Yan was kissed into a daze, and just as she was about to instinctively respond, the softness on her lips suddenly disappeared. From above her head came a deep, pleasant chuckle:

"Yan'er, stop pretending."

Mo Yan's eyes snapped open, and she glared fiercely at the man who was laughing even more delightfully. Without a second thought, she lifted her foot and kicked towards his waist.

Xiao Ruiyuan neither dodged nor avoided it, taking the not-so-light kick without resistance. However, just as Mo Yan withdrew her foot, he suddenly reached out and grabbed her ankle.

Mo Yan immediately followed up with another heavy kick and spat out, "From now on, without my permission, you're not allowed to touch me!"

Xiao Ruiyuan raised an eyebrow, his expression meaningful as he replied, "So Yan'er is saying I can only use my mouth?"

Mo Yan covered her face, utterly defeated by this shameless man. It was only now that she realized—so the term "prim and proper" could actually be applied to this man! How had she been so blind before, never noticing the filthy mind hidden beneath that serious facade?

Mo Yan's thoughts were written all over her face, and Xiao Ruiyuan could easily see through her. But he didn’t explain himself. Instead, he grabbed her chin and turned her to face him again before asking, "Are you hiding something from me?"

Mo Yan instinctively nodded, then quickly shook her head. "No."

Seeing that he wouldn't get an answer, Xiao Ruiyuan didn’t press further. He merely held Mo Yan’s face gently in his hands and kissed her delicate, flushed lips once more.

"Still not telling the truth?"

Mo Yan's body involuntarily shivered. Fearing his habit of using kisses as a form of coercion, she finally revealed what was going to happen tonight.

As soon as she finished speaking, the temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly. When she met Xiao Ruiyuan’s fierce gaze, she hurriedly added, "I can handle that woman. You mustn't—"

Xiao Ruiyuan held the woman in his arms tightly, a dark storm brewing in his deep eyes. After a long silence, he raised his hand and lightly tapped a pressure point on her neck, causing her to fall into a deep sleep. Carefully, he laid her down, covered her abdomen with a thin summer blanket, and then turned to leave the room.

It was unclear how much time had passed before Mo Yan slowly woke up. She found herself alone in the room. In a panic, she sat up, not even bothering to put on her shoes, and rushed to the door. As soon as she reached the small hall, she heard agonized groans coming from the courtyard beyond the wall.

In the courtyard, over a dozen people lay scattered in various positions. Their hands and feet were tightly bound, and even their mouths were gagged. Their clothes had been slashed by sharp weapons, reduced to tattered strips hanging loosely from their bodies. Bloodstains were faintly visible on the torn fabric, and through the gashes, glimpses of wounded flesh could be seen—an utterly miserable sight.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 948: Worse Than Death (1)  

The two men were so engrossed in their chess battle that they played deep into the night. Mo Yan yawned, her eyelids heavy with sleep, and finally couldn’t help but remind them, “Father, Brother Xiao, it’s already very late. You both should wash up and go to bed.”  

Mo Qingze glanced at Xiao Ruiyuan, who looked a bit tired, then at the water clock in the corner. Seeing that it was already well past the second half of the Hai hour (9–11 PM), he hesitated briefly before saying, “It’s late. You should stay the night.”  

Xiao Ruiyuan concealed the slight upward curve of his lips, stood up, and said with a face full of gratitude, “Many thanks, Father-in-law.”  

Too sleepy to notice his reaction, Mo Yan simply muttered, “There’s hot water in the pot,” and rubbed her eyes as she left the study, heading back to her courtyard.  

While soaking in her spatial hot spring, Xue Tuanzi leisurely floated over. Its two little stalk eyes peered into the bath for a moment before shifting away nonchalantly. “Yan Yan, you knew that foolish woman was going to act tonight. Why did you stay so late?”  

Feeling refreshed after her bath, Mo Yan poked Xue Tuanzi’s soft belly and said, “They didn’t get to do anything yet. They’re not going anywhere. What’s there to worry about?”  

Xue Tuanzi blinked and had nothing to say to that.  

After drying off, Mo Yan changed into a short-sleeved undergarment and shorts, left the space, and lay down on her bed. Just as she settled in, there was a knock on the sitting room door. Before the knocking could continue, the door creaked open by itself.  

She had deliberately left it unlocked this time—to let a few sneaky little thieves walk right into her trap.  

However, Xiao Ruiyuan misunderstood. He thought Mo Yan had been waiting for him. His lips curled into a pleased smile, but the moment he saw her fair arms and legs exposed under the lamplight, he nearly believed his beloved was deliberately trying to seduce him.  

Mo Yan, unaware of his thoughts, just wanted to get rid of him before the thieves arrived. She faked a yawn and said, “Brother Xiao, whatever you need, let’s talk tomorrow. I’m exhausted.”  

For a split second, the curve of Xiao Ruiyuan’s lips froze, but he quickly recovered and sat down at the edge of her bed. His voice was gentle as he said, “Go to sleep. I’ll leave once you’re asleep.”  

Mo Yan silently rolled her eyes and frowned. “But I can’t sleep with you here.”  

The smile disappeared from Xiao Ruiyuan’s face. His gaze sharpened slightly as he asked in a deep voice, “Are you hiding something from me?”  

She never rushed him out like this, no matter how late it was.  

Damn. Why is he so sharp?  

Mo Yan’s lips twitched. Maybe having a smart fiancé wasn’t such a good thing after all.  

Seeing his face darken, she caved and quickly explained, “N-no! It’s just… I can’t sleep with someone sitting next to me. If it were you, could you?”  

Xiao Ruiyuan’s furrowed brows relaxed slightly, as if he accepted her explanation. He stood up and moved to a chair opposite the bed, staring at her without blinking.  

Though he said nothing, his meaning was clear: I’m not at your bedside anymore. Now you can sleep.  

Mo Yan was speechless. Left with no choice, she lay down, shut her eyes, and forced herself into deep sleep mode, thinking that maybe once she dozed off, he would leave.  

It wasn’t a bad idea, but unfortunately, Xiao Ruiyuan didn’t play by the rules.  

When Mo Yan’s breathing evened out as if she had fallen asleep, he got up, walked back to the bed, and sat beside her. His rough fingertips gently traced the contours of her delicate face, as if he could never get enough of looking at her.  

This was utter torture for Mo Yan.  

Since she had her eyes closed, her other senses became much more sensitive. The warmth of his hand on her skin sent tingles through her entire body. Just as she was about to lose her patience and open her eyes to shoo him away, she suddenly felt something pressing down toward her—  

(End of chapter)