Chapter 566: An Incident (3)

Although Liu Tinglan wanted to finish the whole fish, she generously gave the remaining half to Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua, however, refused to eat food from anyone other than Mo Yan, especially food that had been touched by others. The fish was no exception. Ignoring Liu Tinglan’s calls, Xiao Hua sulked by the water’s edge, staring despondently at the fish swimming in the stream.

Liu Tinglan felt a pang of sympathy and was about to suggest that Mo Yan's punishment might have been too harsh when suddenly, they heard Liu’s anxious voice from the opposite mountain: “Lan’er, Yan girl, where are you?”

Mo Yan and Liu Tinglan quickly stood up and called back in unison, “Uncle (Dad), we’re over here!”

In the next moment, Master Liu and a few others appeared on the opposite side of the ravine. Normally calm and composed, Master Liu’s face was now filled with panic. “Yan girl, come quickly, your father... your father is in trouble!”

Seeing Master Liu's disheveled appearance, Mo Yan instinctively felt something serious was wrong. Upon hearing Master Liu’s words, her vision went dark, and her legs went weak. Liu Tinglan, quick to react, caught her.

“Yan Yan, listen to my father first. Don’t scare yourself!” Liu Tinglan said anxiously, fearing for Mo Yan’s wellbeing.

“Lan’er, don’t worry, I’m fine!” Mo Yan leaned on Liu Tinglan, gradually regaining her strength.

Mo Yan had experienced many things in her past and present lives. Although the sudden bad news initially shocked her, she quickly regained her composure. As she walked towards the opposite side of the ravine, she asked Mr. Liu about her father’s condition in detail.

“Yan girl, don’t worry too much. Your father was bitten by a wild beast on his back and has lost a lot of blood. His life isn’t in danger for now. It’s just that the beast was too strong. Despite our numbers, we couldn’t harm it and got scratched by it instead!”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Master Liu spoke with lingering fear. In all his years, he had never seen a beast with a golden coat, about the size of an adult ox, and as tall as a seventeen-year-old youth on all fours. It was truly terrifying.

Hearing this, Mo Yan breathed a sigh of relief. Not pausing to ask what kind of beast it was, she quickly determined her father’s exact location. She mounted Xiao Hua and told the stunned Liu family members, “Uncle, Lan’er, and all the uncles, I’ll go ahead. You come slowly and be careful not to get hurt.”

Master Liu and the others snapped back to their senses and urged, “Go quickly and find your father. Take him down the mountain to find a doctor. We’ll be careful!”

Mo Yan nodded, patting Xiao Hua lightly. “Let’s go!”

As soon as the words were out, everyone saw a flash of silver, and by the time they focused again, Mo Yan and Xiao Hua had vanished, leaving only the swirling leaves stirred up by the gust of wind.

Understanding the urgency, Xiao Hua ran swiftly, even over rough mountain paths. After crossing three peaks, they heard a thunderous roar of the beast from the nearby forest.

Mo Yan listened intently but couldn’t identify the beast’s roar. However, the fact that the beast could fight off over a hundred laborers meant it was formidable. She suspected it might be the same golden beast that, like the large black cat that guarded the herb field, had developed spiritual intelligence.

But why would such a ferocious beast appear on the outskirts of Yuhua Mountain, where even wild boars were rare?

Unable to figure out the reason, Mo Yan released Da Bai and Mao Tuan from her space.

The moment Da Bai and Mao Tuan appeared, they darted towards the distant mountain top, quickly disappearing from view.

Seeing this, Xiao Hua howled and increased its speed. By the time they arrived, Da Bai and Mao Tuan were already engaged in battle with the golden beast, roaring fiercely and causing the surrounding vegetation to be tossed about.

Han Zhiyun and Master Lu, unaware that Da Bai and Mao Tuan were Mo Yan’s pets, thought it was just a fight between wild animals and didn’t intervene. They were about to take Mo Qingze and the other injured people down the mountain to find a doctor when Mo Yan arrived with Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua set Mo Yan down and immediately joined the fray. With Xiao Hua’s assistance, Da Bai and Mao Tuan, who had been at a disadvantage, gradually turned the tide and fought the golden beast to a standstill.

At this moment, Mo Qingze, having lost too much blood, had fallen into a coma. His blood-stained clothes looked extremely alarming. Mo Yan’s face turned pale, her hands trembling as she took out a water pouch from her waist. With Han Zhiyun’s help, she poured the spiritual spring water into her father’s mouth.

After administering the spiritual spring water, Mo Yan carefully cut away her father’s blood-soaked clothing, revealing eight gaping, bloody wounds. Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw the severity of the injuries.

Seeing the wounds on her friend’s back, Han Zhiyun was shocked and distressed. Concerned that Mo Yan might be overwhelmed, he quickly reassured her, “Yan girl, don’t worry! Your father’s wounds look terrible, but they didn’t damage his internal organs. With some rest at home, he will recover!”

Mo Yan nodded silently and quickly poured the remaining spiritual spring water over her father’s wounds, carefully cleaning them. The spiritual water had a certain hemostatic effect and helped to thoroughly cleanse the wounds, preventing infection.

Once the eight bloody holes were cleaned, Mo Yan saw that even the shallowest wounds were deep. She wished she could immediately kill the golden beast to avenge her father. She applied a thick layer of special powdered medicine to the wounds, and within moments, the bleeding stopped.

 Chapter 565: An Incident (2)

The two lay silently on the grass, watching the white clouds drift by and listening to the cascading waterfall and the melodious chirping of the birds. Time passed quickly in their peaceful reverie.

Nearby, Xiao Hua was bouncing around energetically, chasing wild chickens and rabbits, and leaping through the grass to catch butterflies and insects. Soon, its plump belly from breakfast had shrunk down. It dashed to the stream, splashed around for a while, and then proudly brought two plump fish to Mo Yan, dropping them on the ground and pawing at her shoes with wet paws, making a pleading noise.

“Haha, this guy really is a glutton, but he’s so cute. It makes me want to get a little dog to keep!” Liu Tinglan, noticing the commotion, sat up and patted Xiao Hua’s head with affection.

Mo Yan also sat up and gave Xiao Hua’s neck a gentle rub, then said with distaste, “Why don’t you take this guy back with you? I’ve had enough of him.”

Before Liu Tinglan could respond, Xiao Hua let out a “woof” and lunged at Mo Yan, its large head nuzzling against her chest with enthusiastic affection, its pleading noises turning into low whines of desperation.

“Ugh—damn it, that hurts!” Mo Yan winced and muttered a curse, pushing the furry head away with some force. “Go away, you little rascal, get off me!”

The scolded Xiao Hua stopped nuzzling, looking at Mo Yan with confusion and distress. Its wolf-like eyes were filled with an expression of hurt and bewilderment: Was Mo Yan really disgusted with it?

Liu Tinglan, startled, saw the sweat beads forming on Mo Yan’s forehead and worriedly asked, “Mo Yan, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Mo Yan looked up, her face a bit pale but not showing signs of illness. She awkwardly smiled and explained, “It’s nothing, just that this guy is rubbing too hard, and it’s a bit painful.”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Since last year, Mo Yan’s previously flat body had begun to develop, but despite drinking spiritual spring water daily and eating fruit and vegetables rich in spiritual energy, she couldn’t alleviate the awkward physical discomfort. In fact, because her body had been thoroughly enhanced by the spiritual spring water, her senses were more acute than usual, making the pain feel several times more intense.

Liu Tinglan initially didn’t understand, but then she seemed to recall something, her face showing realization as she glanced at Mo Yan’s chest and stifled a laugh.

Seeing Liu Tinglan’s reaction, Mo Yan suddenly felt embarrassed. She glared at the “culprit,” and, in a huff, grabbed a knife, stood up, and went to clean the fish by the water.

Xiao Hua, understanding its owner’s words but not knowing what it had done wrong, had its face covered in fur but its helpless eyes clearly visible, causing Liu Tinglan to laugh uncontrollably, unable to stop.

As punishment, Mo Yan kept the deliciously crispy fish for herself, giving one to Liu Tinglan and leaving none for Xiao Hua, not even the tail.

Xiao Hua gulped and, seeing that it couldn’t get any scraps from Mo Yan, turned its longing gaze to the remaining half fish with Liu Tinglan. Its pitiful look made it impossible for those enjoying the meal to continue eating. 

 Chapter 564: An Incident (1)

Mo Yan had no prejudice against “phoenix men,” nor did she think they were inherently bad. On the contrary, many “phoenix men” are quite ambitious and strive for what they want, often achieving a certain level of success. 

However, a poor family, stretching their belts to support just one scholar, would not likely make their most promising child become a son-in-law. After all, the title of a xiucai (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations) comes with annual subsidies from the government. With this title, one could easily find a job to earn a living and continue studying, even if it took a few years. This is certainly better than becoming a son-in-law.

Mo Yan voiced her concerns, and Liu Tinglan explained, “The Du family has three generations living together, including the elderly Du grandparents who have been bedridden for years. They’ve spent a lot on medical expenses. The Du family was already short of money, and supporting Young Master Du’s studies meant they had to borrow from a money shop. Over the past decade, the interest has accumulated to over a hundred taels. The money shop, fearing they wouldn’t get their money back, frequently visited to demand repayment. When the Du family couldn’t pay, they set a deadline. If the debt wasn’t settled within the year, they would report the Du family to the authorities. With no other options and having heard about our search for a son-in-law, the Du family sent a matchmaker to propose. They agreed to the marriage on the condition that our family pays off over a hundred taels of their debt and supports Young Master Du’s studies until he passes the exams!”

Upon hearing this, Mo Yan’s expression darkened. If Young Master Du never succeeded, would Liu family be expected to support him indefinitely? Moreover, the marriage was initially entangled with too many financial conditions. The Du family, with no land and depending on their women to earn money through laundry, had no practical skills or willingness to work hard. They were in a constant state of financial deficit, making the family a bottomless pit.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Even though Young Master Du would become a member of the Liu family, could he really enjoy a good life while watching his family suffer? Liu family’s resources were good, but they could not support the entire Du family.

Even if Young Master Du could tolerate the situation for a while, over time, he would inevitably develop grievances. This would lead to conflicts with the Liu family. Liu Tinglan, kind and broad-minded, would be caught in the middle, facing countless troubles. Happiness would be hard to find.

Mo Yan wasn’t optimistic about the marriage but didn’t want to directly tell Liu Tinglan. After all, this was just her personal opinion, and the Liu family might not recognize the seriousness of the issue.

After some thought, she subtly advised, “When two people marry, it’s really two families coming together. While the character of the man is important, the family background is equally crucial. If the conditions, environment, and values of the two families differ too greatly, conflicts are likely to arise.”

Liu Tinglan, not thinking too deeply about it, assumed Mo Yan was merely concerned about her future happiness. She helplessly replied, “Everyone understands this, but who would want to be a son-in-law in a family of mismatched backgrounds? The Du family’s conditions are poor, but Young Master Du is ambitious and good at studying. If he succeeds, revitalizing the Du family isn’t impossible! Even if we marry, I’ll stay with my own family. It won’t make things too hard for me, and if it pleases my parents, that’s good enough!”

Mo Yan sighed internally, swallowing back the question, “What about you?” She could see that her good friend viewed the marriage with indifference, reluctantly agreeing for her parents’ sake. Asking such questions would only add to her worries, so it was better left unspoken.

  Chapter 563: Hunting in the Mountains (2)

Da Bai and Mao Tuan, who were temporarily hidden in Mo Yan’s space, looked at Xiao Hua's pathetic reaction with disapproval, feeling embarrassed for having such a foolish companion.

Mo Yan also felt a bit embarrassed. Xiao Hua, having gained intelligence from the spiritual spring water, could be considered enchanted, but his IQ was clearly lacking.

Facing Liu Tinglan’s doubtful gaze, Mo Yan calmly explained, “The books say that dogs are descendants of wolves. Xiao Hua looking like a wolf is nothing special. Although it seems clever, it’s only a bit smarter than an ordinary dog. If it were truly enchanted, it wouldn’t be begging for meat.”

Liu Tinglan, after observing Xiao Hua for a while, agreed, “Hmm, this one is much larger than ordinary dogs. If it weren’t for its silly appearance, one might indeed mistake it for a wolf at first glance.”

Mo Yan, with a hint of a smile, looked at Xiao Hua’s disgruntled face and said mischievously, “It’s just a glutton. It grew so fat because it eats too much. I’ll have to feed it less in the future, or it might turn into a big, fat dog that can’t even walk.”

Xiao Hua, scolded as a silly "dog" and a glutton, and threatened with reduced food, felt a thousand points of damage.

Once the food and water were prepared, and the time was getting late, everyone eagerly picked up their hunting tools and followed Mo Yan's lead towards the southern part of Yuhua Mountain.

The southern part of Yuhua Mountain has gentle terrain with small hills where many small animals are active, making it a perfect spot for hunting.

Mo Yan, accompanied by Xiao Hua and Liu Tinglan, led the way to a mountain stream they were familiar with. Behind them followed seven young children.

Normally, children weren’t allowed in the mountains for hunting. However, Han family's six-year-old son cried so much that he refused to stay behind. Madam Han couldn’t persuade him, and seeing him cry to the point of exhaustion, Han Zhiyun gave in but stipulated that the child could only wait at the base of the mountain.

Seeing this, Yun Sheng, Shi Tou, and Han family’s four-year-old daughter looked longingly at the adults. Their adorable expressions made it hard for anyone to refuse them, so they ended up bringing all the children along.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Since Mo Yan and Liu Tinglan were going into the mountains and couldn’t stay behind to look after the children, and the Han family didn’t bring any attendants, Liu Mother and Madam Han, who also wanted to stroll around the base of the mountain, decided to look after the kids together with Xin'er and Li Xiu.

Out of the more than a hundred people, only a few were skilled at archery. Han Zhiyun, who had practiced martial arts since childhood, was the best. He accurately shot wild chickens and rabbits, catching two wild chickens and one rabbit within half an hour.

Among Master Lu's group, four were former hunters. Though their accuracy didn’t match Han Zhiyun’s, they soon made some catches thanks to their experience and teamwork.

The worst performers were Mo Qingze and Master Liu. Although they could draw their bows, their shots lacked precision. They were often slow to react, missing their targets before the arrows even flew. After wandering around the mountain for a while, they hadn’t seen a single rabbit.

Though they enjoyed the process of hunting, they were bothered by their lack of results. Seeing Han Zhiyun flaunting his third rabbit in front of them made them feel a bit disgruntled. They decided to try their luck on another mountain peak, determined not to return empty-handed.

Mo Yan was most familiar with the Yuhua Mountain area. She let Xiao Hua roam freely and led Liu Tinglan to a familiar mountain stream with a small waterfall. The stream had small fish and shrimp, and the surrounding trees bore edible wild fruits, providing plenty of fun and food.

After eating some delicious and exotic wild fruits, Liu Tinglan lay on the grass, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds through the sparse leaves, and said with a sigh, “This place is wonderful. I don’t want to leave.”

Mo Yan, having finished eating a hawthorn fruit and washing her hands, lay down next to Liu Tinglan and said lazily, “You can come often in the future. I’ll show you all the beautiful sights in the mountains.”

“Alas,” Liu Tinglan sighed, adding a note of sadness to her voice as she thought about her impending engagement. “I would love to come often, but you know how my mother is. She rarely lets me out. After the last incident, she’s even stricter, afraid of any more trouble or gossip.”

Previously, Liu Tinglan had been considered for a match with a family that seemed satisfactory. However, Liu’s parents, concerned because they only had one daughter, discreetly investigated and found numerous issues with the prospective groom’s family, making them unsuitable for marriage.

Even though the groom would have been joining the Liu family, any problems with his family could impact the Liu family. After careful consideration, Liu’s parents rejected the match.

The rejected family, however, caused a scandal, accusing the Liu family of breaking the engagement and demanding compensation of 500 taels of silver. Liu’s parents, understanding that paying would validate the accusation and tarnish their reputation, refused to comply. The scandalous family continued to cause trouble, and only with Mo Yan's intervention was the Liu family's reputation restored.

Mo Yan nodded in understanding, then remembered something and asked with concern, “It was too crowded to ask earlier. How is the current match? Have your parents looked into the family thoroughly?”

Liu Tinglan nodded, her face showing little joy. “My parents have sent someone to investigate Master Du’s family… They have many siblings and live modestly, but their character seems fine…”

Mo Yan listened and felt increasingly uneasy. The description seemed to fit the “phoenix man” stereotype from her past life. 

 Chapter 562: Hunting in the Mountains (1)

Yesterday was the Ghost Festival, so Mo Yan gave Master Lu and the others a day off to spend with their families. Early this morning, they came back one after another, each bringing hunting tools—bows and arrows, snares, and even machetes.

Besides Master Lu and his team, the Liu family of three and the Han family of six also came. Taking advantage of the rare three-day break at the academy for the Ghost Festival, they accepted Mo Qingze's invitation to relax in the picturesque Liuyang Village and try their hand at hunting in the mountains.

Over the past year, the Mo family had grown close to the Liu and Han families. During holidays and festivals, the Mo family always received gifts from the other two families, and Mo Yan carefully prepared return gifts, mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, precious herbs, and delicious, health-boosting fruit wines from her space.

These gifts were practical and considerate, suitable for all ages. Whenever they were sent over, the picky eaters in the Han family, who usually disliked vegetables, would have their appetites stimulated, eating an extra bowl of rice each meal, much to the delight of Han Zhiyun and his wife.

Han Zhiyun's wife even wrote a letter to thank Mo Yan. Upon hearing this, Mo Yan regularly sent fruits and vegetables over, and over time, the children grew healthier and no longer fell sick as often.

Today, the Mo household was bustling with activity, with people everywhere in the house and yard. The most lively were the children. The Mo family already had four children, and with the addition of the Han family's three kids under ten, the entire yard was filled with their laughter, causing the adults sipping tea and chatting to have a bit of a headache but finding it hard to scold them.

"Yanyan, have you decided which mountain we're going to? I'm looking forward to a feast of wild game!" Liu Tinglan, helping prepare food for the hunting trip in the kitchen, asked Mo Yan eagerly.

Liu Tinglan, now sixteen, had recently been considered for a marriage proposal and was almost set to be engaged, just waiting for an auspicious date to be chosen. Usually closely watched by her mother and seldom allowed out, she was eagerly anticipating this rare opportunity to go hunting with the adults.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Mo Yan, quickly rolling out dough, smiled at her question. "There are plenty of wild chickens and rabbits on the outskirts of Yuhua Mountain. If we're lucky, we might even encounter a wild boar. As long as we don't venture deep into the mountains, any mountain will do."

Liu Tinglan was a bit disappointed. "I wanted to explore the deeper parts of the mountain, see if there are any enchanted trees like in the books!"

Everyone laughed at her dejected look and her comment. Xin'er, with a mischievous glint in her eye, slowly analyzed, "Sister Liu, the books mostly talk about fox spirits, but there are plenty of foxes in the mountains, and we haven't seen any enchanted ones, let alone enchanted trees!"

Liu Tinglan pouted in disagreement. "Just because we haven't seen an enchanted fox doesn't mean they don't exist. They might be hiding in the deep forests, waiting for us to find them!"

At that moment, Xiao Hua trotted in, stood upright, and fixed her wolf-like eyes on the chopped chicken pieces on the cutting board, making a low whining sound and pawing at Mo Yan's pants, clearly craving the meat.

Seeing this, Liu Tinglan's eyes lit up. Pointing at Xiao Hua with flour-covered fingers, she said, "This guy is so smart it doesn't seem like a dog. It looks like the wolves in picture books. Maybe it's enchanted but just can't transform into a human like in the stories."

Xiao Hua, who had been intently focused on the chicken pieces, heard the word "wolf" and, thinking his wolf identity was exposed, darted to Mo Yan's side, staring nervously at Liu Tinglan, his body tense. 

 Chapter 561: Autumn Hunt (2)

Chu Heng looked at the displeased Prince Qi with a gentle smile, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Did you both come here with the other princes for a reason?"

Prince Heng, hearing this, gathered the other princes and said with a smile, "Second brother, this is your first time joining us for the autumn hunt, and we're all so happy about it. We were just worried that the journey might be too rough for you, so we came to check on you."

Chu Heng seemed pleased by this, extending his thin, almost skeletal hand through the window to the nearest prince, the thirteen-year-old. His expression was filled with emotion. "Thank you all for your concern. This bumpiness is nothing! I'm also glad to be with you all for the hunt. I hope to see your impressive skills during the competition!"

The young thirteenth prince, just five or six years old, was already a bit frightened by Chu Heng's ghastly appearance. The cold touch on his forehead felt like the icy hand of a ghost from a scary story, making him recoil and turn his head away, though he managed not to cry.

Seeing his hand left hanging, a flicker of pain crossed Chu Heng's face. He stared at his pale, bloodless hand, his voice filled with deep sorrow. "This is my first time hunting with you all, and it will likely be the last."

Prince Heng's eyes momentarily flashed with a dark light before he quickly adopted a sorrowful expression, his eyes moistening. "Second brother, don't be so pessimistic. Who knows, a miraculous healer might appear one day and cure your poison!"

"A miraculous healer? There's no such thing. Living another day is just another day of suffering. It would be better to be free from pain sooner..." Chu Heng seemed dazed, mumbling as if he had lost all hope, his whole being enveloped in a pall of death from which he could not escape.

"No, second brother, you can't give up so easily. Father and the Empress Dowager are old and cherish you the most. Can you bear to let them outlive you? All of us siblings wish for your safety and well-being. You must stay strong..."

Prince Heng appeared increasingly sorrowful, constantly urging Chu Heng to stay strong. His display of deep brotherly affection moved the younger princes, who began to shed tears.

Xiao Ruiyuan coldly watched Prince Heng's performance, suddenly finding Prince Qi's impatient face more palatable.

Chu Heng also didn't want to see Prince Heng's face anymore. He lowered his eyes and said, "Thank you, third brother, for your words. Please take good care of our father and the Empress Dowager, including my share. If I have a spirit in the afterlife, I will surely thank you, third brother."

"Second brother..."

Prince Heng looked deeply pained, and seeing Chu Heng's increasingly ashen face, he tearfully continued to offer words of comfort. After successfully winning over a few of the younger princes, he and Prince Qi finally left with them.

Once they were gone, Chu Heng seemed to lose all strength, sweating coldly as he leaned against the carriage wall, barely able to lift his hand.

Xiao Ruiyuan, familiar with this routine, quickly poured a cup of spring water from the flask at his waist and carefully fed it to Chu Heng. He then took out the ginseng given by Mo Yan, swiftly sliced a small piece, and let Chu Heng hold it in his mouth to replenish his energy.

Chu Heng's complexion soon improved, and he seemed much more spirited. He stared blankly at the branches swaying in the wind outside and suddenly spoke to Xiao Ruiyuan. "Hanzhang, when I die, cremate me like the Yi people, and scatter my ashes in the wind. What do you think?"

Xiao Ruiyuan's eyebrows twitched, wanting to loudly say "no," but when he met Chu Heng's hopeful gaze, he found himself unable to utter the words.

Chu Heng didn't mind the lack of response from Xiao Ruiyuan. The sparkle in his eyes only grew brighter.

...

After a brief rest, the convoy continued its journey toward Phoenix Mountain.

Prince Qi abandoned his own carriage and joined Prince Heng at the front. As soon as he boarded, he couldn't help but ask, "Third brother, it's better if that sickly one dies sooner. Why are you encouraging him? If he really pulls through, who knows how long he'll hang on, keeping you from..."

Prince Heng's face changed, and he quickly covered Prince Qi's mouth, casting a sharp glance around. Seeing that no one outside had noticed, he closed the windows tightly and released his hand, sternly warning Prince Qi, "Don't say such things carelessly. If Father hears about this, even Mother won't be able to protect you!"

Prince Qi's face turned pale at this, and he lowered his voice, speaking angrily. "We're all Father's sons. If it weren't for that sickly one, Father wouldn't be able to see any other son! I don't mind being seen as mediocre, but you're so much better than that sickly one. It's just because he was born to the late Empress, as a legitimate son, that Father favors him! If it weren't for Mother not wanting to compete, she might have become Empress when Father ascended, and you would be Crown Prince. That sickly one wouldn't have mattered at all!"

By the end, Prince Qi's voice had risen again, but with the windows closed, the people outside could only hear a few indistinct words, unable to make out what was being said inside the carriage.

Seeing Prince Qi's incessant ranting, every word rebellious and improper, Prince Heng's temple throbbed, and he almost wished he could kick the idiot out of the carriage.

Thinking back to how this fool had previously aroused Father's suspicions toward him, Prince Heng knew that if he hadn't quickly canceled the follow-up plans, he might have ended up like Prince Kang, stripped of his title and confined, forever barred from power!

If not for this fool's loyalty and the fact that he was Mother's adopted son, someone to be temporarily allied with rather than alienated, Prince Heng wouldn't want anything to do with such an idiot.

Suppressing his urge to kick Prince Qi out, Prince Heng adopted a gentle expression and explained, "Throughout history, both in the imperial family and among commoners, legitimate sons have always been esteemed. Second brother is a legitimate son, so his status is naturally higher than ours. Even if he's weak, it's natural for Father to favor him. Seventh brother, you mustn't resent this. As his brothers, we should care for second brother. If Father knows, he will also be pleased to see us doing this, making second brother happy."

These words sounded grand and flawless, but only Prince Heng knew the real intention behind this visit...

 Chapter 560: Autumn Hunt (1)

The weather had cooled considerably since the onset of autumn, with the oppressive summer heat long gone. Only at noon did the sun still blaze intensely. The group had temporarily stopped in a small grove, conveniently near a small river where the noblewomen could wash their faces and stretch their legs, easing the weariness of their journey.

The Crown Prince's yellow palanquin was parked under a large tree. A gentle breeze lifted the gauzy curtain, revealing a faint silhouette resting against the side of the carriage.

Despite the spacious and comfortably arranged carriage, the rough, uneven roads had made the journey quite difficult, especially for the frail Chu Heng. His face looked even paler, with dark circles deepening under his eyes. Without the spiritual spring water and ginseng slices, he might have already collapsed inside the carriage.

Xiao Ruiyuan sat under the tree, eating dry rations and keeping an eye on Chu Heng, his eyes filled with deep concern.

A group of people approached from a short distance away. The two leading figures were distinguished in appearance and demeanor. One was the third-ranked prince, Prince Heng, favored by the emperor, and the other was the recently married Prince Qi, the seventh prince. They were followed by several younger princes who were still minors and lived in the palace.

Xiao Ruiyuan narrowed his sharp eyes, swallowing the last bite of his dry food before standing up. As Prince Heng, Prince Qi, and the others drew closer, he slightly bowed and clasped his hands in salute. "Greetings to Your Highnesses, Prince Heng and Prince Qi."

Prince Heng, unfazed by the cold formality in Xiao Ruiyuan's greeting, responded politely, "This journey has been peaceful thanks to your efforts, General Xiao. You've worked hard."

Prince Heng was known for his gentle demeanor, humility, and love for his siblings, earning him the title of "Virtuous King" in the court. Compared to the refined yet reclusive Crown Prince, he had a more favorable reputation, making him a strong contender for the position of Crown Prince among the various princes.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Despite the praise, Xiao Ruiyuan remained expressionless, his voice cold and precise as he replied, "Protecting His Majesty and the Crown Prince is my duty, Your Highness. You flatter me."

Prince Qi, who was not fond of Xiao Ruiyuan's aloof attitude, stepped forward before Prince Heng could speak, his face showing disdain. "What a 'duty.' I thought you were just a dog at the Crown Prince's side, protecting only him and ignoring everyone else!"

Xiao Ruiyuan lowered his eyes and said nothing, not even glancing at Prince Qi, as if the man before him didn't exist.

Seeing himself being ignored, Prince Qi's handsome face twisted with anger. Just as he was about to accuse Xiao Ruiyuan of disrespect, a cold voice interrupted, "Seventh brother, did you come here just to trouble General Xiao?"

Prince Heng and Prince Qi froze, turning to look at Chu Heng, who had opened his eyes at some point.

Prince Heng quickly moved to the carriage window, bowing deeply and smiling warmly. "Second brother, you've misunderstood. Seventh brother admires General Xiao and has no ill intentions."

According to protocol, Prince Heng should have addressed Chu Heng as "Crown Prince" or "Crown Prince Brother," but he never did. He always called him "second brother" when greeting him, which others saw as a sign of brotherly affection. However, those who knew his true nature understood the ambition hidden behind this seemingly affectionate address.

  Chapter 559: Autumn Hunt (2)

The two hadn't been chatting for long when there was a knock on the door. Before they could call out, Yan Junyu barged in with a whirlwind of energy, throwing a bundle into Xiao Ruiyuan's arms. He spoke with a tone full of envy and jealousy, "Someone sent this for you, and they made me bring it to you. Hmph, there won't be a next time!"

Xiao Ruiyuan had received news of Yan Junyu's arrival in Liuyang Village shortly after he got there. Hearing his sour tone now, he knew where the bundle had come from, and a rare smile appeared on his usually stern face.

"Look at you, looking like a lovestruck fool. It's blinding!" Yan Junyu leaned lazily against the back of a chair, fanning himself with a jade-bone fan, his expression full of disdain. However, the frustration in his brows betrayed his true feelings.

Xiao Ruiyuan glanced at Yan Junyu briefly before focusing all his attention on the bundle. When he opened it and saw a ginseng root as thick as a child's arm, the smile on his face froze slightly. He glanced at Chu Heng, who was watching him with an encouraging smile. Pushing down the heavy feeling in his chest, Xiao Ruiyuan picked up a bottle of special-grade Sanqi powder.

Opening the bottle, he sniffed the familiar scent and raised an eyebrow, his instincts telling him this wasn't ordinary Sanqi powder. However, with no one injured or bleeding around, he couldn't exactly cut himself to test it. He put the bottle away, then turned his gaze to the bulging water pouch.

He could guess what was in the water pouch and was deeply touched by Mo Yan's thoughtfulness. The long-suppressed longing in his heart grew stronger, making him wish he could immediately rush to Liuyang Village to see her, to hold her.

To avoid arousing suspicion, Xiao Ruiyuan and Mo Yan hadn't seen each other for over three months. Even though they occasionally exchanged messages through secret guards, it couldn't compare to seeing each other in person.

Despite the intense longing, for the sake of his beloved's safety, Xiao Ruiyuan had to suppress the urge and continue to endure. Whenever the longing became too overwhelming, he would climb onto the roof and gaze in the direction of Liuyang Village, wondering what she was doing and if she was thinking of him. Several times, he spent the whole night on the roof, lost in thought.

Seeing Xiao Ruiyuan staring blankly at the water pouch, lost in thought, Yan Junyu's dissatisfaction grew. He rushed over, tied up the bundle tightly, and provocatively said, "In every hunting competition before, I always lost to you. This time, if I win, you have to promise me one thing. How about it?"

Xiao Ruiyuan looked at Yan Junyu, who was grinning mischievously, and coldly replied, "No way!" Worried that someone might pester him further, he added a rare explanation, "This time, my cousin will also be going. I need to stay by his side to protect him and won't be participating in the hunt."

"What? What did you say? The Crown Prince is also going?" Yan Junyu was shocked, immediately turning to glare at Chu Heng.

Yan Junyu rarely attended morning court and hadn't visited Jing Shan Villa in some time. Chu Heng's decision to go to the hunting ground had been sudden, so Yan Junyu hadn't had time to hear about it.

"Huaixi, there's no need to be surprised. I'm just going to watch; nothing will happen," Chu Heng said with a gentle smile. He didn't want this cousin he cherished, even though they were a generation apart, to worry or get involved, so he kept his plans hidden. "My days are numbered. In the time I have left, I want to experience things I haven't before, to make my time in this world worthwhile."

Yan Junyu felt a wave of sadness wash over him. "Cousin..."

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

He, being naturally carefree and fond of freedom, could understand the pain of being confined. Even though Chu Heng could walk in his early years, his weak body always posed a threat to his life, keeping him confined within the cold palace. When he got married and moved into the Crown Prince's residence, he couldn't even stand and had to rely on a wheelchair, waiting day by day for a hope that never came. Until today, when all hope was lost.

Even though Yan Junyu had anticipated this day might come, knowing it was really happening was still hard to accept. The feeling of helplessness nearly overwhelmed him as he clenched his fists tightly.

The three of them fell into silence, the atmosphere in the study becoming heavy. After a while, Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu left the study together, each secretly giving orders to their respective people...

On the sixteenth of August, the weather was clear with a refreshing breeze, the sky cloudless—a perfect day for traveling.

Since the founding emperor of Da Chu, the autumn hunt had become a tradition. Initially, it was held annually but eventually became a triennial event. At first, only the emperor led the entire royal family, noble families, and a few trusted ministers to the royal hunting grounds for the hunt.

This tradition quickly spread among the people. At first, wealthy families would imitate the royal family, inviting friends and relatives to go hunting in the mountains near the Mid-Autumn Festival, both for fun and to show off their skills.

Later, even common folk began to follow this custom. If there were no mountains or wild animals nearby, they would take fishing rods to ponds or lakes to fish. Autumn was the season when fish and shrimp were at their best, and even catching a single big fish after a day of waiting was considered a great pleasure.

Thus, the triennial autumn hunt became a major event throughout Da Chu.

The grandeur of the royal entourage was beyond words, with countless decorated carriages stretching for miles. Following them were the carriages of noble families and high-ranking officials from the capital. These people not only accompanied the emperor on the hunt but also brought their families along, making the hunting party even more grand and forming a long procession.

The clatter of hooves echoed in the wind, breaking the tranquility of the autumn fields. Alongside the road, the imperial guards, armed with long spears and looking imposing, kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings, ready to protect the emperor from any malicious intent.

The royal hunting grounds were located a hundred miles from the capital at Mount Fenghuang, a journey of four to five hours. Each carriage was stocked with ample water and food, so there was no need to stop for breaks, except for necessary rest stops every hour.

This time, the addition of a frail Crown Prince prompted Emperor Huian to personally extend the rest periods. He even sent trusted eunuchs to check on the Crown Prince's well-being, a gesture that made the other princes and royal family members envious. 

  Chapter 558: Autumn Hunt (1)

Looking at the resolute expression on Chu Heng's face, Xiao Ruiyuan understood that no matter how he tried to dissuade him, he couldn't stop his cousin's determination for revenge. He knew that over the years, Chu Heng hadn't been idle; he had personally cultivated a secret group whose power had now grown to a terrifying extent. Even if he took strong measures, he couldn't stop his cousin's revenge against Consort Lin, Prince Heng, and the Lin family.

The only thing he could do was cooperate with Chu Heng's actions during the autumn hunt. Regardless of whether their revenge succeeded or not, he had to ensure his cousin's safety and help him retreat unscathed.

Seeing through Xiao Ruiyuan's thoughts, Chu Heng wheeled himself over to his cousin, exuding an aura of authority. With a commanding tone, he said, "This time, I will personally avenge our enemies. Hanzhang, you are not to interfere!"

Xiao Ruiyuan's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as he looked at Chu Heng with a stoic expression, unmoved.

Chu Heng, determined not to let the cousin who had protected him and risked his life for him get involved, softened his expression, as if recalling something. "Regardless of success or failure, someone will have to bear the consequences! I am the Crown Prince of Da Chu; even if Father hates me, the worst punishment would be to strip me of my title and place me under house arrest. But it's different for you. If you get involved, Father will surely force you to take all the blame!"

Pausing for a moment, Chu Heng continued before Xiao Ruiyuan could speak. "I know you don't care, but can you bear to see the century-old foundation of the Wei Yuan Marquis household destroyed by your actions? Even if you truly don't care, could you stand to see Miss Mo heartbroken over you, or completely forget you and marry another man, having children with him?"

Xiao Ruiyuan's previously stoic expression showed a flicker of hesitation at the last sentence. No man wants to see the woman he loves heartbroken because of him, nor does he want to see her completely forget him, marrying another and having children. Just thinking about these possibilities pained his heart and filled him with jealousy towards that hypothetical man, a jealousy so intense it made him want to destroy everything. However, he couldn't bear to watch his cousin take such risks, potentially losing his life.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Seeing Xiao Ruiyuan's indecision, Chu Heng felt a deep sense of loss mixed with relief. He felt saddened that the cousin he had watched grow up had finally found someone he cared for, making Chu Heng less important in his life. At the same time, he felt relieved that this woman could make Xiao Ruiyuan cautious and considerate of his own safety, bringing him closer to normal human concerns.

This complicated mix of emotions, difficult for others to understand without experiencing it, left Chu Heng feeling oddly satisfied. Although he had long been married, with even a concubine and side consorts, his frail body meant that he could not have children, nor even enjoy the pleasures of intimacy. He was destined to miss out on these fundamental joys of life. However, his cousin, whom he regarded as a brother, could fulfill this part of life, marry, have children, and enjoy familial happiness.

Even though he believed that the woman wasn't a suitable match for his cousin, she had saved his cousin's life and helped him as well. With his limited time left, he couldn't find a more suitable wife for his cousin, but he hoped his cousin's choice was the right one.

Xiao Ruiyuan didn't know Chu Heng's thoughts at that moment, but he could see the genuine concern and longing in his cousin's affectionate gaze. He didn't know what Chu Heng was hoping for, but that look prevented him from voicing any opposition.

Chu Heng, taking this as a sign of agreement, decided not to involve Xiao Ruiyuan in the revenge plot. He then shifted the conversation to other topics, his demeanor noticeably more relaxed.

 Chapter 557: Autumn Hunt (2)

Seeing his master's curious expression, Guan Yu couldn't help but facepalm, feeling a bit embarrassed. He remained silent, though.

Mo Yan, however, didn't hold back, giving Junyu a disdainful look and saying flatly, "That's not grass; that's the high-yield rice you asked about earlier, Young Lord!"

Yan Junyu: ...

He's not a farmer and didn't know that rice grains grow on stalks resembling grass. He was innocent, okay?

Though he felt a bit disheartened by being looked down upon, it was nothing compared to the excitement over the high-yield rice that could produce a thousand catties per mu. Yan Junyu eagerly examined the rice stalks and questioned the villagers harvesting them. When he learned that these stalks were three times the length of ordinary ones and that the estimated yield per mu wouldn't be less than a thousand catties, he felt as if he was walking on air, his mind filled with the words "a thousand catties per mu."

"Haha, a thousand catties per mu! There really is rice that yields a thousand catties per mu!" Yan Junyu couldn't help but laugh out loud, his exuberance infectious. Mo Yan and Guan Yu, well aware of what such high-yield rice meant, were also affected by his excitement.

After the initial excitement, Yan Junyu quickly calmed down and looked at Mo Yan with unprecedented seriousness. "Are you really going to let me take credit for this incredible achievement? If you report this in your own name, the Emperor will surely reward you handsomely, possibly even granting titles to your father and brothers. You need to think this through!" For the first time, he didn't refer to himself as "I" in the grand manner he usually did.

Mo Yan smiled calmly, "Without you, this high-yield rice might never have seen the light of day! So, the credit rightfully belongs to you, Young Lord."

Without meeting this person or if he had been self-serving, she wouldn't have dared to reveal the space rice. She couldn't explain the origin of the seeds. With him taking the lead, even if attention turned towards her family, it would be because of Yan Junyu, sparing her from potential trouble she couldn't handle.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Hearing this, Yan Junyu didn't know whether to feel relieved or regretful. He knew he wasn't a paragon of virtue, and the allure of such a significant accomplishment, destined to be recorded in history, was undeniable. However, he wasn't so despicable as to steal someone else's credit. His question was more to ensure that this seemingly indifferent woman wouldn't regret her decision.

But he wouldn't take advantage without giving something in return! Taking a deep breath, Yan Junyu's eyes flashed with determination. "Since that's the case, I won't be polite! If you ever regret it, just let me know. I can't bring myself to compete with a woman for something like this; it would tarnish my heroic image!"

By the end, he was back to his familiar carefree self, as if the serious person from earlier wasn't him at all.

Mo Yan rolled her eyes at him, though her eyes were filled with a deep smile...

Even with dozens of workers, it would take one or two days to bring in all the rice from over a hundred mu. Once transported, it needed to be spread out to dry on the ground, then threshed under a stone roller pulled by oxen, which would take another five or six days. After threshing, it needed to be dried again, taking at least ten more days. In total, it would be about half a month before the rice could be bagged and sealed.

Five days later, after the Ghost Festival, Yan Junyu would join the imperial entourage for the autumn hunt, returning in half a month. He agreed with Mo Yan to transport the rice to the city on the first of September, twenty days later. Mo Yan wouldn't need to worry about anything after that.

Before Yan Junyu left for the city, Mo Yan excused herself to give him a jar of grape wine. She went into her space, dug up one of the oldest ginseng plants, excluding the two nearly thousand-year-old ones, and a large bottle of special Sanqi powder. She also filled a large water pouch with spiritual spring water, wrapped everything in a big bundle, and gave it to Yan Junyu along with the wine. "This is for your autumn hunt. If anything happens, these items might come in handy."

As for the truly life-saving black lingzhi, she planned to have Xiao Hua deliver some after they reached the hunting ground, as fresh black lingzhi had the best medicinal effects.

Yan Junyu gave Mo Yan a deep look but said nothing, carefully placing the bundle in his carriage before leaving the Mo residence without looking back.

...

That night, in the study at the Jingshan villa.

A pale moon hung in the sky, and the faint moonlight filtering through the window fell on Chu Heng's face, giving his already gentle features a more ethereal, cold quality. His gaunt cheeks appeared even more sunken, and his face had a faint bluish tint, indicating that his illness had worsened.

Xiao Ruiyuan, with a solemn expression, looked at Chu Heng's back, his eyes filled with helplessness and worry. "Your Highness, the autumn hunt isn't worth the risk!"

He had never expected his cousin to request to participate in this autumn hunt. Given his cousin's health, even a short journey of a day from the capital to the hunting ground was too much.

Chu Heng didn't turn around. In the shadow, he raised his hand, letting the pale moonlight illuminate it. His already bloodless hand looked even more ghastly and frightening.

He clenched his fist, a resolute expression flashing across his face. "Hanzhang, I've made up my mind. There's no need to persuade me further!"

There wasn't much time left for him. If he didn't go now, he might never have the chance again! Missing this opportunity meant never being able to personally avenge his mother. The only thing keeping him going now was the desire for revenge!

Chu Heng rarely referred to himself as "I" in front of Xiao Ruiyuan, and the subtle difference in his tone made Xiao Ruiyuan frown. He walked over to Chu Heng, not missing the barely concealed killing intent in his cousin's eyes. A chill ran through him, but he felt more helpless than anything else. "Your Highness, it's not worth it. You still have Hanzhang!"

Those people weren't worth sacrificing your last hope, risking your life, or dirtying your hands for! Even if you can't personally avenge yourself and your mother in the end, I will do it for you!

Chu Heng smiled slightly, but his smile carried a trace of sorrow. "Hanzhang, I've let those people live in arrogance for too long. I can't bear it anymore! The only thing I want to do before I die is to personally avenge my mother and myself. Otherwise, I won't die in peace!"

If possible, he would rather sit in that position and play with his enemies at his mercy. But he was running out of time!

  Chapter 556: Autumn Hunt (1)

After lunch, Master Lu and the others took a short rest before heading back to the construction site to continue digging the foundation. With nothing to do, Yan Junyu wandered up the back mountain of the Mo family estate. As he looked at the towering mountains in the distance, he felt an itch to hunt and urged Mo Yan to join him with the three beasts.

Mo Yan, not wanting to indulge his whims, decisively refused: "There are many wild animals in the mountains. Even with the three beasts clearing the way, safety isn't guaranteed. Considering your noble status, it would be better not to take risks."

Yan Junyu gave her a resentful look and said sorrowfully, "Don't think I don't know that you often go into the mountains. If a frail woman like you can go without issue, why can't I? You don't want to accompany me, do you? If it were Han Zhang, would you refuse him?"

Mo Yan was puzzled and didn't understand why he was acting this way. Not wanting to argue with him, she came up with a reasonable excuse: "When I usually go into the mountains, I only wander around the outskirts, where there are only small animals like pheasants and rabbits. How could those show off your hunting skills? Large prey can only be found deep in the mountains, where the terrain is complex. Even though the three beasts can keep us from getting lost, wolves occasionally roam the area. Once entangled with them, it's hard to escape. I'm saying this entirely for your safety."

Yan Junyu looked at Mo Yan's sincere face and seemed to think she was genuinely concerned for him, which made him happy. He huffed and said proudly, "Since you're so concerned about me, I won't make it difficult for you. Anyway, the triennial autumn hunt is coming up in a few days, and I'll have plenty of chances to show my skills then."

Mo Yan's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but ask, "Will Brother Xiao be there? Will there be any danger?" She hadn't forgotten that the assassin who tried to kill him months ago was still at large. Who knew if someone might use the autumn hunt as an opportunity to try again!

Yan Junyu rolled his eyes and gritted his teeth, saying, "You really are biased. I'm standing right here, and you don't show any concern for me, but you can't stop worrying about someone who's not even here. You really are something!"

Mo Yan was speechless and thought to herself, "Can you compare to Brother Xiao? With your lazy and careless attitude, and the two big shots in the palace backing you up, who would bother to harm you?"

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

She kept her thoughts to herself and didn't dare say them out loud to Yan Junyu, choosing to remain silent instead, effectively conceding.

Seeing her reaction, Yan Junyu felt even more uncomfortable. He waved his jade fan, as if trying to fan away his growing irritation.

Observing the situation, Guan Yu, who knew his master's mind well, silently shook his head. Some things were better left unsaid; maybe his master was just acting on a whim and would soon lose interest. It wasn't his place to comment or inquire. Taking good care of his master was his duty as a servant.

With no hunting allowed and nothing else to do, Yan Junyu's good mood was ruined, so he decided to head back home and prepare for the autumn hunt. The event always promised some good entertainment, though what exactly would happen this time remained to be seen.

Mo Yan was eager for him to leave and quickly led the way.

Her light steps were too obvious, making Yan Junyu grind his teeth in anger. He tapped Mo Yan on the head several times with his jade fan, feeling somewhat satisfied at her indignant but silent reaction.

As they reached the gate of the Mo family's courtyard, Yan Junyu noticed bundles of something resembling long grass on the open ground in front. He also saw some villagers carrying more of it towards them and couldn't help but ask, "Why are these people cutting so much grass? Are they storing it for firewood in winter?" 

  Chapter 555: The Sour Request for Confirmation (3)

Given this, there was no need for her to hide the truth. However, she was curious about why Xiao Ruiyuan, with his usually cold demeanor, would voluntarily bring up such private matters. And the person before her was even stranger; aside from their professional relationship, they were at most just ordinary friends. Asking such a personal question was clearly overstepping!

Seemingly caught off guard by Mo Yan’s frankness and direct admission, Yan Junyu stared at her in disbelief. He tightened his grip on the jade fan and, feigning shock, said, “I didn’t expect you to be so blind as to fall for such an ice-cold person! Tsk tsk, if you didn’t have the courage to deal with him, I would really worry about that guy ending up alone, spending his life with someone like Shiyi!”

Hearing this, a gentle expression involuntarily spread across Mo Yan’s face as she recalled Xiao Ruiyuan’s cold, impassive face. “He’s a good person!”

Yan Junyu felt a pang of sourness rise in his chest. His tone became tinged with bitterness as he said, “Hmph, that guy just uses his good looks to put on that cold demeanor. Some young girls like this kind of act, but I didn’t expect you to be such a superficial woman.”

Mo Yan rolled her eyes inwardly, suspecting that having someone like Xiao Ruiyuan interact with such a person was a mistake—a bad friend and a troublemaker!

Seeing that she neither admitted nor argued, Yan Junyu felt a sense of being ignored and grew increasingly uncomfortable. He glared at Mo Yan and said, exasperated, “Aren’t you going to say something about my comments on that ice-cold guy?”

Mo Yan gave him a big eye-roll and, with no sincerity, replied, “Young Master Yan is right; I have nothing to say!”

Yan Junyu: …

At this moment, Da Ni walked over, her face flushed with a charming hue. Upon entering the room, she sensed the awkward atmosphere. Twisting her fingers nervously, she glanced at Yan Junyu and asked softly, “Sister Yan, the food is ready, and Master Lu and the others have returned. Would you and Young Master Yan like to join them, or should I prepare a separate meal for you?”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Before Mo Yan could respond, Yan Junyu stood up and, maintaining a normal expression, said to Da Ni, “There’s no need for extra trouble. Let’s eat together! I’ve heard of Master Lu’s great reputation for a long time but never had the chance to meet him. This is a good opportunity to get acquainted.”

Seeing that he didn’t mind, Mo Yan agreed and led him to the large dining hall with a gesture.

In the dining hall, the large round table was filled with dishes. Under the eaves and in the courtyard, many people were already eating, their bowls steaming. Due to the large number of people, the food was served in big earthenware pots, and the rice was in a wooden steamer on a nearby bench. Anyone who wanted more rice could help themselves.

Master Lu and his team, who had lived on the construction site for a long time, usually held their bowls and found a spot to stand or sit while eating. A few of them gathered together, chatting and eating, which made the meal especially satisfying.

When Yan Junyu saw this style of dining for the first time, he was momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, he declined the attendants’ help, and with a calm demeanor, walked to the wooden steamer. He served himself a bowl of rice and selected some of his favorite dishes from the round table before joining Master Lu.

Master Lu had heard of Young Master Yan of the Wu’an Mansion but had never met him in person. When he saw the young man who actively greeted him, with outstanding appearance and demeanor, he guessed that his status was not ordinary. He responded with a bit of caution but was polite.

Yan Junyu was adept at winning people over. When he took a liking to someone, he quickly gained their favor.

Sure enough, before the meal was over, Master Lu, with his straightforward nature, began to regard Yan Junyu as a friend. When he learned that Yan Junyu was the infamous “young rake” from the capital, he laughed heartily, patted Yan Junyu on the shoulder, and his impression of him improved even more.

Before long, the two became close friends despite their age difference. When the winery was completely finished, Master Lu, along with his growing construction team, built exquisite mansions for Yan Junyu at the foot of Yuhua Mountain, making him a fortune. Mo Yan, with her foresight, invested a substantial amount of money and reaped significant profits.

As a result, Master Lu’s reputation soared. Not only was he well-known in the capital, but even dignitaries from Jiangnan traveled long distances and paid large sums to hire him for building their residences, earning him both fame and fortune.

  Chapter 554: The Sour Request for Confirmation (2)

Mo Yan nodded casually and said, “Your wife is dearly loved by your in-laws. If she returns in this state, they might have issues with you. However, as a wife, it’s only natural for you to discipline her when she dares to disrespect you and insult you. I believe, as long as you explain things clearly, your in-laws should be understanding and won’t blame you.”

Young Master Fang, not being foolish, quickly understood Mo Yan’s implication. He nodded repeatedly in agreement. Finally, under Mo Yan's impatient gaze, he had his servant grab Mo Yongxi and leave.

Having finally vented her long-standing frustration, Mo Yan felt as if she had drunk spirit spring water and was completely refreshed. She was about to head home with a light step when several figures emerged from the dense grass ahead.

Seeing who the visitors were, Mo Yan’s eyes twitched violently. When she saw someone’s half-smiling expression, she felt her mood plummet: “Young Master Yan, when did you arrive? Why didn’t you send someone to call for me?”

Yan Junyu, holding a jade fan, observed the woman’s insincere smile with great interest. He raised an eyebrow and teased, “If I hadn’t come in person, I would have missed such a good show.”

Mo Yan, being teased, felt her previous discomfort fade away. She responded blandly, “It’s no great performance. If it brings a smile to Young Master Yan’s face, that’s my honor.”

Seeing her once again become unperturbed, Yan Junyu shook his head with disinterest, “You’re quite something. You usually seem so demure, but you’re actually so fierce… ah, impressive. You’re quite the ‘heroine’!”

Under Mo Yan’s stern gaze, Yan Junyu quickly corrected himself. The term ‘heroine’ was clearly tinged with mockery.

Mo Yan pretended not to understand and, with a serious expression, performed a respectful bow, saying, “Thank you, Young Master Yan, for the compliment. I will continue to strive and not disappoint your expectations!”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Yan Junyu was momentarily stunned. What was he expecting? He hadn’t said anything!

...

After being delayed by Mo Yongxi and chatting with Yan Junyu for a while, Mo Yan returned home to find the dishes already prepared and the rice almost steamed. She then proceeded to entertain Yan Junyu, discussing the winery and the rice harvest.

Yan Junyu lounged lazily in his chair, occasionally responding with a few words and seeming quite attentive. However, Mo Yan, sensitive to his demeanor, noticed that his focus seemed elsewhere. His occasional, almost indecipherable glances at her made her feel uneasy.

Noticing his odd behavior, Mo Yan decided it was best to address the issue directly rather than suffer in silence.

So, when Yan Junyu’s gaze drifted back to her, she confronted him straightforwardly, “Young Master Yan, if you have any issues with me, you can say them directly. Keeping it in only makes us both uncomfortable.”

Caught off guard by her directness, Yan Junyu’s face displayed a rare hint of awkwardness. After a moment of contemplation, he could no longer hold back and dismissed the onlookers before asking the question that had long troubled him, “You… you and Hanzhang, um, that is, Xiao Ruiyuan, what exactly is your relationship?”

Perhaps feeling that it was inappropriate to ask such a personal question to a young woman, Yan Junyu hesitated and omitted the final four words.

Mo Yan was taken aback by Yan Junyu’s inquiry. Her expression froze for a moment before returning to normal. Seeing Yan Junyu’s earnest expectation for an answer, she suppressed her feelings of oddness and replied calmly, “It’s the kind of relationship you know about.”

The details of her relationship with Xiao Ruiyuan were known only to the two of them and their shadow guards. Those guards would never betray Xiao Ruiyuan and reveal such matters to Yan Junyu. Since Yan Junyu was asking such a question, it was clear that Xiao Ruiyuan had shared this with him, given their good rapport.

  Chapter 553: The Sour Request for Confirmation (1)

Mo Yan's body had been tempered by the spirit spring water for years, and her nightly labor in the space had greatly increased her strength and agility, surpassing that of an average man. Even without martial skills, dealing with one or two strong men was not a problem.

At the moment, Young Master Fang was pinned under Mo Yan’s foot. No matter how he struggled, it was as though a giant rock was pressing him down, and he couldn’t break free. His eyes burned with hatred as he glared at Mo Yan, shouting at his dumbfounded servant, “You useless thing, why haven’t you moved yet? Beat this filthy girl to death—oh ah—”

Before he could finish the word "beat," his voice turned into a scream as Mo Yan applied more pressure, causing him intense pain.

“Master... Master...” Seeing his master’s continuous screams, the servant, who had initially intended to help, hesitated and dared not intervene.

As for Mo Yongxi, after receiving a few severe slaps, she was terrified out of her wits. Besides hurling venomous insults and curses at Mo Yan, she dared not approach and try to fight.

“Hmph, so unruly, it seems you really want to be beaten!” Mo Yan sneered and increased the pressure of her foot, though she made sure not to inflict any serious harm.

She had no personal grudge against Young Master Fang. She merely wanted to teach him a lesson for meddling and trying to intimidate her. Since he was already begging for mercy, she had no intention of really hurting him further.

She lifted her foot and looked down at Young Master Fang, saying, “Young Master Fang, you said it yourself. If you fail to do as promised, you won’t be leaving Liuyang Village on your own two feet today.”

Young Master Fang, feeling as if he had received a reprieve, quickly groveled, “Yes, yes, yes, I will follow your words. I will teach Mo Yongxi a lesson when I return, and make sure she never dares to disrespect you again!”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Just as he finished speaking, Mo Yongxi’s incredulous scream cut in: “What? Husband, how can you be like this? It’s this tramp who hit you. You should have hit her back fiercely. If you can’t, you could at least pay your friends to deal with her and get revenge. How can you just beg for mercy? Are you even a man?”

Young Master Fang was enraged by this and leaped up from the ground, delivering a resounding slap to Mo Yongxi’s already battered face: “Whether I’m a man or not is none of your business, you wretched woman! Just remember, I am your husband, your lord. If you dare disrespect me, I’ll beat you to death and no one will dare say a word!”

Unlike Mo Yan’s measured strikes, Young Master Fang’s slap was fueled by all his pent-up frustration. He used brute force, knocking out two of Mo Yongxi’s teeth and making her already swollen face look even more grotesque, with red, bloodied skin.

Mo Yongxi spat out a few mouthfuls of blood, her eyes reflecting both anger and fear. She couldn’t even cover her numbed, aching face, and she harbored intense hatred for Mo Yan in her heart.

Seeing that Mo Yongxi seemed to have calmed down, Young Master Fang, feeling pleased, turned back to Mo Yan and said obsequiously, “Lady, I have dealt with her. When I return, I’ll make sure to inform my parents-in-law and have them discipline her further. Will that be acceptable to you?”