Chapter 100: Damn it! Has he got her completely under his thumb?? (5,000 words)

“Second Prince is truly kind-hearted. He treats the servants gently and rarely loses his temper, so everyone genuinely likes him. In these past two years, His Highness has completely changed. Everyone has noticed and worried, yet felt powerless. It seems now that His Highness must have done it all for the young lady, right?”

“Yes, it seems so,” Jin’er replied shyly.

“It’s all in the past now. Seeing His Highness so vigorous and spirited again brings us indescribable joy. Miss, please don’t let His Highness be saddened again.”

Jin’er chuckled awkwardly twice, feeling incredibly guilty inside. It seemed that Mo Yan’s backing was formidable; she already felt the pressure without even realizing it.

Then, Xiao Die shared some other stories about Mo Yan. One spoke, the other asked, and occasionally they laughed together, clearly enjoying the conversation.

After this exchange, Jin’er understood more about Mo Yan and felt a growing familiarity with the young girl, while Xiao Die was no longer as reserved as before.

Unconsciously, lunchtime arrived. After waiting for quite some time without seeing Mo Yan return, Jin’er decided to eat first.

Relying on their newfound rapport, Jin’er insisted that Xiao Die sit down and eat with her. Xiao Die was still overwhelmed and nervous, eating cautiously.

After lunch, Jin’er felt quite bored and took Xiao Die to Mo Yan’s study.

Mo Yan’s study was spacious; a pot of clivia sat on the desk, and beside the window stood a pot of green bamboo, making the room fresh and elegant.

Two large bookshelves stood against the wall, filled with books, including many medical texts, which made Jin’er’s eyes light up. She approached, ran her slender finger along a row of books, and finally pulled out one titled “Treatise on Miscellaneous Diseases,” sitting down at the desk to start reading.

Unexpectedly, Jin’er also enjoyed medical books, which piqued Xiao Die’s curiosity further. A woman so naturally beautiful, adept in formidable martial arts, and seemingly knowledgeable in medicine, yet humble despite the Second Prince’s favor—no wonder he cherished her so.

After standing and watching Jin’er engrossed in her reading for a long time, Xiao Die quietly left the study to fetch some snacks. Just as she turned the corner, she nearly collided with someone.

Placing a hand on her chest and looking up, she was surprised to see the Second Prince had returned.

Before she could speak, he placed a finger to his lips, signaling her to remain silent. She quickly nodded and followed him to the side…

“Jin’er, have you eaten lunch?” Mo Yan whispered.

Xiao Die nodded, “Miss is reading in the study; I was about to bring some snacks.”

“Go ahead. I have some matters to attend to. I just came to check on her; don’t disturb her.”

Hearing this, Xiao Die nodded and slipped away.

Mo Yan silently walked to the study’s door and looked inside. She was indeed deeply absorbed in her book, her brows slightly furrowed. Mo Yan’s thin lips curled into a faint smile.

He hadn’t made it back for lunch, but thinking of her, he couldn’t help but return early to see her. Just this glance made him feel at ease. It turned out that even such a quiet, simple look could bring such contentment.

After standing there quietly for a while, he reluctantly turned and left, walking straight from Haoyue Palace to the Imperial Study.

Fire Emperor saw Mo Yan arrive and already guessed most of the situation. He dismissed the nearby palace attendants and sat with Mo Yan on a nearby grand tutor’s chair.

“Well? Have you made up your mind?” Fire Emperor stroked his beard, looking at his extraordinarily talented son with genuine affection. It was a pity he wasn’t the firstborn; otherwise, things wouldn’t be so complicated.

“Father, I have thought it through and have already begun taking action,” Mo Yan replied, pursing his lips.

“Good. Rest assured; I will support you wholeheartedly. Tomorrow, go see the Left Prime Minister and have him advise you more.”

“Yes, son understands.”

“Mo Yan, do you resent your father?” Fire Emperor knew how much his son disliked being emperor, but he had no choice.

“How could I? I understand your intentions, Father. It is I who have been unfilial, always thinking only of myself,” Mo Yan said, lowering his eyes.

Though he said this, if given a choice, he would rather not be emperor. But the ancestral rules were set, and no amount of protest would help.

“If you truly think so, I am relieved. Actually, if you truly love that young lady, you must occupy the highest position. Only then will no one dare to covet her, and only then can you protect her better. Do you understand?”

Hearing this, Mo Yan nodded thoughtfully, realizing the truth in his words.

“By the way, bring that young lady to see me one day. I’m very curious who could enchant both of my sons like this,” Fire Emperor said with a reluctant smile.

Mo Yan smiled back, warmth spreading in his eyes.

His Jin’er—anyone would love her.

——————————————————

“Your Majesty, I just saw the Second Prince heading to the Emperor’s side again,” the senior eunuch whispered into Empress Chen’s ear.

“What?” Empress Chen frowned, a trace of unease creeping in. “Mo Yan has been acting strangely lately. Have someone watch him closely.”

As the eunuch was about to leave, the Empress called him back. “Wait. Go to the Crown Prince’s palace and remind him.”

She gave no further instructions, and the eunuch bowed and departed.

Watching him go, Empress Chen’s brows tightened as worry shadowed her face.

Though there should be no real problem, one must always be cautious. The Emperor has always been partial, and her own Fan’er was utterly useless. Until Fan’er sat on the throne, her heart could not find peace.

Sigh! She wished for these days of worry to end soon so she could live a peaceful life.

That entire afternoon, Jin’er read through eight or nine medical books. She had already mastered true medical skills from Xue Gu, undoubtedly top-notch, but seeing Mo Yan’s collection, she hoped to learn something new.

However, after all afternoon, the only gain was reinforcing her foundation.

Closing the book, she stretched her sore neck just as Mo Yan entered.

“Back already,” Jin’er smiled and stood to greet him. She wanted to call Xiao Die to prepare tea, but the study was empty, so Xiao Die must have gone to do so on her own.

“Tiring day?” Jin’er asked, noticing him going to the desk to flip through the medical books she had left there.

“You couldn’t have read all this in one afternoon?” Mo Yan looked at her in surprise.

“Yes.” Seeing his disbelief, Jin’er smiled. “Do you see me in a new light now?”

Mo Yan knew she wasn’t one to boast, and his heart was once again shaken.

After gazing at her for a long moment, a smile curled at his lips as he circled her waist with his hand, laughing helplessly, “How much potential do you have in you? It’s truly fascinating.”

Jin’er smiled softly and spun out of his embrace. “I’m curious too. I wish I could unlock all my latent potential immediately!” Her hands gestured excitedly, eyes full of longing.

Mo Yan laughed, shaking his head. “Still digging? You’re already amazing. If you get any stronger, you’ll take away my chance to be the hero who saves the beauty.”

“Ha! That’s fine. Then I’ll be the brave heroine saving the handsome hero,” Jin’er said, fantasizing about holding the usually delicate-looking Mo Yan in her arms, spinning and floating down gracefully, giggling with delight.

Mo Yan didn’t need to guess what she was imagining. In a flash, he appeared before her, reaching out to embrace her slender waist and pulled her into his arms.

Startled, Jin’er saw his face suddenly close and shrank her neck back.

He lifted her chin with a finger, tilting his head slightly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “But I still prefer the hero saving the beauty. What shall we do?”

Jin’er looked into his enchanting eyes, a sly smile flickering in hers. “If you want to be the hero, there are plenty of beauties outside.”

Suddenly, she struck playfully, and Mo Yan, caught off guard, released his hold and stepped back. Before he could react, Jin’er smiled softly and dashed out of the study.

Outside, Xiao Die was just about to enter with tea when the faint green figure nearly brushed her nose as she darted past, startling her into nearly dropping the tray.

Just as she recovered, a white figure rushed out, raising her heart again.

What was going on? Looking at the two figures darting ahead, she understood and peeked inside to find neither Miss nor His Highness remained. She sighed helplessly and carried the tea in.

Jin’er and Mo Yan raced through Haoyue Palace’s spacious courtyard, darting among trees, rocks, pavilions, and towers, covering nearly every corner.

Finally, on a grassy field, Mo Yan caught the nimble Jin’er like a rabbit.

Unwilling, Jin’er twisted to break free but accidentally tripped on his foot, falling backward uncontrollably.

Just as she fretted her wounded shoulder might be hurt again, Mo Yan caught her in his arms, pushing off with his foot, and they tumbled onto the ground.

By momentum, Jin’er ended up lying atop Mo Yan, her soft lips pressing exactly onto his sensual ones. Eyes wide, they stared at each other.

After a long pause, Jin’er panicked and tried to pull away, but Mo Yan refused to let go, cupping the back of her head and closing his eyes to savor this unexpected gift.

Jin’er raised a small fist, pounding on his chest, struggling to escape, but he seemed intent only on teasing her, ignoring everything else.

Jin’er glanced sideways and saw two servants passing by, whispering and sneaking away quickly. Embarrassed and angry, she redoubled her efforts.

Yet, within moments, she froze, her body stiff as stone.

He—he actually... This was too much!

Her cheeks burned, and she dared not breathe, glaring at his half-closed eyes before her.

Damn it! She wanted to ignore the hard, burning thing between her legs, but how could she possibly?

Just then, Mo Yan left her lips and opened those enticing peach blossom eyes. Their gazes locked so closely they saw themselves reflected in each other.

“Put me down! You pervert! Shameless!” Jin’er hissed, lowering her voice. His eyes shimmered with unmasked desire, making his already bewitching eyes even more mesmerizing. Watching, she found herself helplessly drawn in.

“I’m the victim here. If you weren’t twisting and writhing on me, would I react like this?” Mo Yan said innocently. He had only intended a kiss, but she kept struggling atop him, rubbing against his body...

“You!” Jin’er blushed, biting her lip as her heart pounded wildly, blood rushing to her face.

“But you’re smart not to keep moving,” Mo Yan teased with a mischievous smile. He realized he loved watching her flustered, shy, or frustrated expressions.

“Rogue! Let go of me!” Jin’er’s face became even redder as she struggled again.

“If you keep moving, I can’t guarantee I won’t lose control,” Mo Yan’s breath grew heavier and hotter, brushing her face like fire.

Jin’er instantly became uneasy and stopped, glaring at him, “Do you expect me to stay like this forever? You’ve ruined my image!”

Damn it! It wasn’t him on top, but her—others would think she was doing something to him!

Mo Yan chuckled softly, pouting, “I’m the Second Prince. If anyone saw... well, never mind. You have to wait until I’m back to normal before you can leave.”

Jin’er’s mouth twitched at the thought of grabbing a knife to restore him.

“Hmph, you really lived up to my first impression of you. I wonder how many women you’ve bullied with such lewd tricks,” she huffed, turning away in anger.

“Jealous?” Mo Yan grinned.

“Who’s jealous? Dream on!”

“What if I told you I only act like this with you?” Mo Yan smiled at her pouty cheeks.

“Fat chance!” Jin’er grew angrier, her earlier warm feelings fading.

Mo Yan smiled and said no more.

Jin’er sighed in frustration and closed her eyes, silently counting: one, twenty-six, fifty-seven... ninety-nine, one hundred.

“Damn it! Why are you still so excited?” she thought, nearly losing her mind. After counting to one hundred, he still showed little change.

Mo Yan pouted, “Don’t blame me. I want to get back to normal too. How about you distract me with some conversation?”

Jin’er rolled her eyes, wanting to smack him but decided it was better to cooperate to end this awkwardness quickly.

“What?” she raised an eyebrow, thinking for a while before asking, “Have you been busy all day because of that matter concerning me?”

“Mm.”

“Isn’t the Fire Eye Stone inside the palace? If so, it shouldn’t take so much time and effort.”

Mo Yan’s answer was sparse.

“Is it complicated? Do you want me to help?”

“No need. I can handle it. Don’t worry too much; just give me some time.”

“Alright.” Jin’er forced a smile, “Now you can let me go.”

He paused, then smiled and released his tight grip on her arm.

Jin’er jumped up and immediately looked around to see if anyone was watching. Fortunately, no one was nearby, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t realize several servants had passed by earlier.

Mo Yan stood, brushed off the grass from his clothes, and took her hand, heading toward the dining hall.

“Let go!” Jin’er growled, glaring at him.

“No,” Mo Yan said lightly without looking back, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Jin’er swung her hand again, but he made no move to evade, holding her hand firmly. Surprised, she withdrew her hand in time, feeling neither anger nor annoyance.

“I knew you couldn’t bear to let go,” Mo Yan teased boldly.

“You!” Jin’er panted in frustration.

Damn! Had he really got her figured out?

Finally, Jin’er glared fiercely but clenched her teeth and let him lead her forward, unease stirring in her heart. This guy was growing bolder, and she was losing control over him. What would she do if it continued?

She just hoped the Fire Eye Stone affair would be resolved soon.

For the next ten days or so, Mo Yan was busy almost every day. Sometimes he went out; other times, he secluded himself in the study. Jin’er sensed the matter was complicated but knew he didn’t want her worried, so she left him be and tended to her own affairs.

During the first few days, her injuries hadn’t healed, so she practiced her mental cultivation indoors. Once healed, she resumed sword training.

One day, she sent Xiao Die to the Imperial Medical Bureau to fetch some herbs and bottles and began making Snow Skin Ointment.