Chapter 104: Damn It, Why Is It Another Handsome Guy Again! (5000 Words)

Mo Fan was walking beside Empress Chen, but gradually slowed his pace until, in the end, he was walking alongside Jin’er at the rear.

“Long time no see.” Mo Fan chuckled softly.

Jin’er frowned without even sparing him a glance.

When she ignored him, Mo Fan suddenly reached out and gave her arm a light pinch.

Jin’er started and instinctively dodged to the side, then turned and glared furiously at him. Beneath her sleeve, her hand had already clenched into a fist as she fought the urge to punch him hard.

Mo Fan was utterly unfazed by her murderous glare. Pretending that nothing had happened, he wore an unbearably smug smile, as though he had gotten the better of her in some tremendous bargain.

Two palace maids nearby noticed what was going on between them, but merely covered their mouths and snickered. How could they not know what the crown prince was like? Even if Her Majesty the Empress saw it, she would only turn a blind eye.

With nothing to fear, Mo Fan continued on with a shameless grin. Several times he tried to take liberties with Jin’er, but never succeeded again. Even so, he was not annoyed in the slightest. He simply adored the adorable way she became tense and wary, her almond-shaped eyes opening wide.

Jin’er, meanwhile, kept her teeth clenched and her expression cold. She followed unhurriedly behind Empress Chen while remaining constantly alert against the scoundrel beside her, lest he take advantage of her again. Yet she could not make her movements too obvious, nor could she openly curse him. She was so furious that her face had turned pale and her eyes red.

At last, they reached the empress’s palace, and only then did the tension in Jin’er’s nerves finally ease.

Empress Chen climbed the steps and sat down on the cushioned couch above. She gestured for Jin’er to come and take her pulse. Jin’er hesitated for a long while before finally walking forward and sitting down opposite her. She took out a pulse pillow and placed it on the low table.

Empress Chen raised her left hand and rested it on the pulse pillow, pulling back her sleeve slightly to reveal her smooth, fair wrist.

With a tranquil expression, Jin’er raised her slender fingers and placed them upon the empress’s wrist, concentrating as she examined her pulse. Beside them, Mo Fan stared unblinkingly at her pale, orchid-like fingers, wishing he could seize her hand, bring it to his lips, and kiss it several times.

Empress Chen had been staring intently at the elegant, immaculate beauty before her, secretly lamenting that she truly was growing old. When she inadvertently lifted her eyes, however, she saw Mo Fan looking at Jin’er as though he were about to drool. A nameless fury and resentment rose within her heart.

What an utterly hopeless son!

A gentleman’s admiration for a beautiful woman was perfectly natural, yet he was nothing but a vulgar scoundrel.

After examining her complexion, listening to her breathing, asking her questions, and taking her pulse, Jin’er had someone bring her brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. She prescribed two formulas, then used silver needles to stimulate several of the empress’s acupuncture points before finally concluding the treatment.

Empress Chen rubbed her chest and took several deep breaths. She indeed felt considerably more comfortable, and could not help but be delighted.

“If Her Majesty has no further matters for me, this common woman will take her leave,” Jin’er said as she rose.

Empress Chen smiled. “Your medical skills are truly remarkable. If I feel unwell again in the future, may I ask you to come and treat me?”

“You flatter me, Your Majesty. Whenever you have need of me, simply send someone to notify me.”

“Very well. You may go.”

The empress gave a sign to a maid nearby, who escorted Jin’er out. Before they parted, the maid did not forget to press a pouch of silver into Jin’er’s hand.

Jin’er tried to refuse it, but the maid said that declining would amount to looking down on the empress’s reward. With no other choice, Jin’er accepted it.

When Mo Fan saw Jin’er leave, he turned and was about to chase after her, but Empress Chen called him back.

“Fan’er, beginning tomorrow, you will attend the morning court as well,” Empress Chen said solemnly.

“Why? Do I really have to get up that early? It’s exhausting!” Mo Fan replied with a pout.

“You are the crown prince, and you are no longer young. It is time you learned to handle state affairs! Ever since Mo Yan recovered from his downfall, he has become rather unusual.

“He has been going out frequently these days. Most of the time, my people lose track of him, but on two occasions they discovered that he had gone to the residences of the general and the Left Chancellor. Now he has even begun participating in court affairs. I cannot shake the feeling that there is a problem somewhere.” Empress Chen drew a deep breath, her eyes narrowing slightly.

At that moment, Mo Fan was thinking only of catching up with Jin’er outside. He barely listened and answered impatiently, “Mother, you’re worrying too much. I heard today that Father ordered Mo Yan to attend the morning court. He has always liked wandering about everywhere; there’s no way he would take the initiative to do these things. Don’t worry, Mother. Stop thinking so much and focus on recovering. Your son will come visit you another day.”

With that, he spun around and dashed outside.

“Fan’er! Fan’er! Come back here!”

Empress Chen could not help rising to her feet to call him back, but Mo Fan paid her no attention. In the blink of an eye, he had vanished. Furious, Empress Chen slapped the low table with a sharp crack and began breathing heavily.

“Please calm down, Your Majesty… Please calm down…”

The maids and eunuchs nearby hurriedly tried to soothe her.

Empress Chen angrily sank back onto the couch and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. A trace of sorrow welled up within her.

She truly had no idea what sin she must have committed in a former life to give birth to such a useless son.

———

After leaving the empress’s palace, Jin’er hurried along, afraid that the disgusting crown prince might catch up with her. Unfortunately, the imperial palace was simply too vast. After wandering around for some time, she became somewhat lost.

Eventually, she found a familiar path. She was just beginning to feel relieved when a sharp sound split the air behind her. The next instant, something flew over her head.

Jin’er sensed that something was wrong. A moment later, a man was already standing in the road ahead, blocking her way.

“Jin’er, why are you walking so quickly? We haven’t had a proper chance to reminisce.” Mo Fan folded his arms and tilted his head, throwing her a flirtatious wink as he spoke.

Jin’er fought down the urge to vomit, rolled her eyes, and ignored him as she continued straight ahead. When she was almost upon him, she tried to walk around him, only to see his wolfish hand dart toward her.

Jin’er’s eyes turned cold. She swung her arm and knocked his hand away. Seeing her resist, Mo Fan gave an evil grin and began fighting her as well.

He had never personally exchanged blows with Jin’er before. Only after this encounter did he discover that her skill was actually on par with his own. Of course, that was assuming he did not use his fire spirit. He had never truly intended to hurt her.

At the same time, Jin’er merely wanted to shake off his harassment. After all, this was the imperial palace of the Fire Kingdom, and he was the crown prince, so she had not used her full strength either.

Thus, the two of them became locked in a stalemate.

They exchanged more than a hundred blows, yet neither could gain the upper hand. Jin’er was already growing impatient.

Just then, a white figure suddenly shot toward them from the side. With a single palm strike, he sent Mo Fan, who was exchanging blows with Jin’er in midair, flying backward. At the same time, he extended one large hand around Jin’er’s slender waist and carried her in a graceful turn to the ground.

Jin’er knew who it was without looking. Delight bloomed in her heart, and her tightly knit brows unconsciously relaxed.

“If Imperial Brother wishes to test his martial arts, your hidden guards are more than enough for the task. Why are you sparring with a young woman here? Aren’t you afraid the servants will see and laugh?” Mo Yan sneered as he glanced at Mo Fan, who had just steadied himself. Without waiting for a reply, he put an arm around Jin’er and turned to leave.

Mo Fan’s eyes widened in fury. His fists clenched, and he lifted a foot as though to charge after them, but after taking a single step, he forcibly stopped himself.

The anger and resentment in his heart had nowhere to go. After holding it in for a long while, he suddenly spun around and whipped his sleeve through the air. A flash of flame followed, and in the blink of an eye, several leafy shrubs nearby had turned yellow and withered, stripped of all life.

“Are you all right?” After they had walked some distance, Mo Yan turned his head and asked with concern.

“I’m fine. I’m not the same Jin’er you knew two years ago.” She smiled lightly, as though it were nothing.

“I’m sorry. I was careless.” Mo Yan still looked somewhat remorseful.

“Don’t blame yourself. I’m perfectly fine, aren’t I? Oh, by the way, I ran into Her Majesty the Empress earlier. She even asked me to examine her illness.”

Mo Yan frowned at once. “Did she give you any trouble?”

Seeing how anxious he was, Jin’er quickly shook her head with a smile. “She was quite polite to me. Look—she even rewarded me.” As she spoke, she took out the heavy pouch of silver fragments and waved it in front of him twice.

Mo Yan laughed softly and affectionately tapped the tip of her nose. “A little silver like that makes you this happy? I have plenty more in my palace. They are all yours.”

At that, Jin’er pulled a face at him before pouting. “I haven’t even managed to spend this pouch yet. What use would it be if you gave me more? I’m cooped up in the Bright Moon Palace every day. I really want to go outside and get some fresh air.”

“Do you want to leave the palace and have some fun? Wait another two days. I’ll definitely take you out, all right?” Seeing her dejected expression, Mo Yan’s heart ached.

“All right, but you’re not allowed to go back on your word.” Jin’er raised her hand and hooked out her little finger, asking him to seal the promise.

Seeing her reveal such a childish side, Mo Yan’s eyes filled with tenderness. He smiled and hooked his little finger around hers.

He wished he could see her smile so happily every day. Whenever she smiled, all his weariness, troubles, and frustrations vanished in an instant.

Not long after dinner, Mo Yan returned after leaving alone earlier, accompanied by a man dressed entirely in black.

One was dressed in white and the other in black, making for a striking contrast. Jin’er smiled and tilted her head curiously toward the unfamiliar man behind him.

The man was powerfully built, his skin somewhat darker than Mo Yan’s fair complexion—perhaps a warm flaxen brown. He looked exceptionally healthy.

His black hair was tied at the back with a black silk ribbon, and together with his black fitted attire, it gave him a clean, decisive air. At a glance, he was clearly someone who had undergone rigorous training.

His features were equally striking: thick brows, a high nose, deep and lively eyes, lips of moderate fullness, and a sharply carved face with a hard, masculine outline.

Jin’er frowned and withdrew her gaze, secretly rolling her eyes.

Damn it. Why did another handsome man have to appear?

Seeing her strange expression, Mo Yan stepped forward in confusion. “What is it?”

Jin’er hurriedly shook her head and forced a smile. “Nothing. Hehe… who is he?” Mo Yan usually preferred to come and go alone. On the rare occasions someone accompanied him, it was generally Eunuch Liu or Fu Sheng. This man was the first she had ever seen.

“His name is Shi Yuan. From now on, he will stay by your side and protect you.” Mo Yan turned to the man behind him and introduced him with a faint smile.

Jin’er glanced at the sturdy, cold-looking man, who was even slightly taller than Mo Yan, then looked back at Mo Yan. She guessed that, because of what had happened that afternoon, he had deliberately found her a bodyguard.

“I don’t think that’s necessary. I’m not some helpless young woman who can’t even truss a chicken.”

“No. No matter how capable you are, one person is still ultimately outnumbered. If someone had been with you this afternoon, he would not have dared to behave so brazenly.”

Seeing Mo Yan’s resolute expression—and admitting that his words made sense—Jin’er had no choice but to accept his arrangement.

And so she acquired a large, hulking attendant. He certainly made her feel safe, though he was not the least bit adorable.

Every day, Shi Yuan guarded her nearby. Sometimes he stayed close, sometimes farther away, but no matter what, he never allowed her to leave the range of his protection.

When Jin’er cultivated her inner techniques in her room, he stood guard outside the door. When she practiced swordplay in the courtyard, he leaned against the trunk of some tree or sat upon the grass. Sometimes he silently watched her sword dance; sometimes he simply stared blankly at a corner by himself.

After several days, Jin’er had not heard him say a single word. She even specifically asked Mo Yan whether he was mute, but Mo Yan merely laughed and pinched her cheek, saying that he was not.

That could only mean he disliked speaking—and disliked it to an extreme degree. Jin’er genuinely worried that one day he might forget how to talk.

Nor was that all. His face was always devoid of emotion, as though nothing in this world could ever influence his mood. She seriously suspected that there was something wrong with his name. He should not have been called Shi Yuan; he should have been called Stone.

Stone? Yes, that was it. She would call him Stone from now on. It was a good name.

One morning, Jin’er grew bored while practicing her sword. By chance, she glanced toward Shi Yuan, who was leaning against a plum tree with his arms folded. His unfocused gaze rested upon a cluster of leafy shrubs in the distance. He was clearly lost in thought.

Jin’er raised a brow, and a sly smile curved her lips.

She tightened her grip on the sword and let her gaze fall upon a small pebble lying on the ground nearby. She glanced once more at Shi Yuan and, seeing no change in his expression, suddenly swung her long sword.

A faint, crisp sound rang out, and the pebble shot toward Shi Yuan like an arrow loosed from a bow.

Jin’er watched without blinking. When his expression remained unchanged and he did not even turn his head, she was just beginning to feel disappointed when he suddenly raised a hand and placed it on the hilt of his sword. With the slightest exertion, he shifted the scabbard, effortlessly deflecting the pebble.

The entire process appeared casual and absentminded, but in truth he had reacted without using his eyes, his ears, or even conscious thought. He had moved purely by reflex.

Jin’er’s eyes lit up, and she could not help feeling shocked.

He was far more formidable than she had imagined.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of her lips lifted. She sprang into the air, stepped across a branch, and landed two paces before him. Without saying a word, she swung her long sword down at him.

Shi Yuan did not even furrow his brow. He merely blinked, and with a flash of his figure, easily evaded the attack. Jin’er, however, had no intention of letting him escape. She moved her feet and pressed forward relentlessly.

The razor-sharp blade swept past Shi Yuan’s ears and shoulders again and again. It seemed to tear the air apart, producing a mournful whistling sound. Yet he remained as cold and fearless as ever, his body moving with agile precision as he avoided every one of Jin’er’s attacks.

Seeing him do nothing but evade, refusing even to draw his sword, Jin’er grew annoyed.

So he refused to draw his sword, did he? Then today she would force him to draw it.

With that thought, Jin’er gritted her teeth and increased her speed. Her movements became even more nimble as she bore down on Shi Yuan step by step, refusing to yield.

At last, after a strand of his black hair was sliced away by her Falling Blossom Sword, his brows drew together slightly, and he pulled out his sword.

The next moment, the ringing of metal filled the courtyard, crisp and resonant. Their contest grew increasingly dazzling, while Little Die, watching from the side, could only clap her hands in delight as the flashing blades blurred before her eyes.

An hour later, Jin’er finally stopped.

When she looked carefully, Shi Yuan still appeared exactly as he had before, without the slightest change. She, on the other hand, was drenched in sweat and breathing faintly hard.

“You truly have excellent skills. From now on, you will accept my challenges whenever I feel like it.” Laughing, Jin’er sheathed her sword and turned toward the stone table across the courtyard.

Shi Yuan watched her in silence. His face remained expressionless, but his gaze followed her figure without wavering. Only after a long while did he withdraw his eyes and walk to the side, leaning against a tree trunk as he resumed his former posture.

Jin’er took the silk handkerchief Little Die handed her and wiped away her sweat. She then sat down on the stone bench, lifted her teacup, and glanced at him while sipping her tea.

He made quite a good sparring partner.

The days passed quickly in their fullness and bustle. Before she knew it, another two days had gone by.

That afternoon, Jin’er had just finished her nap and was preparing to practice her sword when Mo Yan came running over with a bright smile. He took her hand and pulled her outside.

“Where are we going?”

“I’m taking you out to have some fun. It wasn’t easy for me to free up some time today, so we’ll stay out until evening before returning.” As he spoke, he continued pulling her outside without giving her any opportunity to refuse. Shi Yuan followed close behind.

“It’s the perfect season to admire the red leaves. There’s a grove of red maples outside the city, and I’m taking you there.”

“But it’s already nearly halfway through the afternoon. Will we make it in time?” Jin’er asked, somewhat worried.

“We’ll ride there. We can reach it in less than half an hour. Besides, the red maple grove beneath the setting sun has a beauty all its own. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

At his words, Jin’er could not help imagining the beautiful scene. Her heart filled with anticipation, and she said no more as she followed him toward the stables.

When they arrived, the stable boy had already brought out Mo Yan’s horse, Blackwind.

The black horse was well-fed and powerfully built, tall and imposing, with a sleek, glossy coat. At a glance, it was clearly a rare and exceptional mount.

Just then, Jin’er noticed another stable boy leading out a horse that was pure white from head to hoof. It was slightly smaller than the black horse, but extraordinarily beautiful. With a single glance, Jin’er fell in love with it.

She hurried over and gently stroked its face. Its long white lashes fluttered softly, making it look every inch the image of an elegant and noble princess.

“You like it?” Mo Yan came over and asked with a smile.

“Mhm! It’s so beautiful!” Jin’er murmured involuntarily, gently caressing the horse.