Chapter 110: Beg Me, and I Will Spare You (6000 Words)

Page (1/3)

Seeing his complete lack of response, Jin’er was deeply frustrated. A subordinate should act like a subordinate; she really had no idea how Mo Yan usually managed his men. After rolling her eyes inwardly, she tilted her head slightly, extended her finger toward him, and curled it, beckoning him with a twist of her wrist.

Shi Yuan’s brow twitched lightly as he silently fixed his gaze on her slender index finger, pondering the meaning of her gesture.

“Shi! Come here!” Jin’er, annoyed by his prolonged silence, snapped, “Come help me!” She refused to believe she couldn’t command him.

Strangely, Shi Yuan found himself taking a step forward involuntarily. By the time he realized it, it was too late. Resigned, he walked toward her at a leisurely pace.

Beneath her veil, Jin’er’s lips curved into a proud smile. Hmph, that’s better. Such obedience suits you.

From then on, Shi Yuan was put to work by Jin’er, doing this and that. Since all the tasks were near her, he had no reason to refuse and diligently assisted her.

Though Jin’er always felt as if there was a block of ice beside her, she didn’t find it unpleasant. It was certainly better than watching him stand idly by, enduring his cold gaze that seemed to pierce her soul.

Time flew by swiftly. Everyone worked together, and it took only half a day to roughly restore peace to Taiping Town. After settling the sick in one place and leaving some to care for them, Jin’er led the others toward another village.

After two busy days and nights, the situation was under control. Yet no one dared relax even slightly, biting their teeth and pushing themselves to the limit. Occasionally, someone would collapse from exhaustion.

At dawn, the beautiful morning glow on the horizon starkly contrasted with the devastated, deathly silence before them.

Entering another small town, the scene was as if death itself had swept through it; life’s breath was almost entirely absent. Corpses on the ground had begun rotting and stinking, the nauseating odor piercing through their veils directly into their nostrils.

“Oh my…” Xiao Die pressed a hand to her chest, struggling to suppress the rising nausea at the horrific sight.

Jin’er frowned and turned to the soldiers behind her, “Find any survivors immediately and bring them to the front.” Everyone responded in unison before dispersing to carry the bodies away.

Leading the medical team forward, she soon encountered Mo Yan’s group, who had just arrived.

Her eyes lit up as she hurried toward him. At that moment, Mo Yan noticed her, and the fatigue vanished from his expression as he approached with a smile.

“Jin’er,” he said, grasping her shoulders and scrutinizing her face, “Are you alright?”

Smiling, she shook her head, “I’m fine. And you?” Though she said she was fine, her voice was hoarse.

Mo Yan frowned, suspecting she hadn’t rested either, and felt a surge of tenderness. He regretted bringing her here.

“Jin’er, this is a disaster zone. Few have survived. You should rest while I handle things here.” Mo Yan gently brushed her cheek through the veil, speaking softly.

“It’s alright, I can manage. But you—your eyes are bloodshot. You need to rest. This fatigue doesn’t matter to me.” Jin’er looked at Mo Yan’s once charming peach blossom eyes, now bloodshot and dim, and felt a pang of concern.

“Listen to me! Go rest.” Mo Yan said sternly, pulling her toward a nearby carriage.

“I’m not tired…” Jin’er stubbornly refused, trying to persist, but a sharp pain suddenly stabbed her, and she closed her eyes and collapsed.

Seizing the moment, Mo Yan caught her around the waist and carried her to the carriage.

“Stay with her. Call me if anything happens,” Mo Yan ordered Shi Yuan after stepping down and drawing the carriage curtain.

Shi Yuan responded calmly. Once Mo Yan left, he boarded the carriage, sat by the door, tied the curtain up in a knot, and silently watched the sleeping Jin’er.

She still wore the veil stained mud-brown from the medicine, exposing only half her nose, her eyes, and her smooth, fair forehead.

Her long, dense eyelashes curled slightly like tiny fans resting on her lower eyelids. Her delicate brows furrowed lightly, as if she were not sleeping peacefully.

Thinking of how she had worked tirelessly day and night saving lives with steady hands and calm composure, despite her fragile frame radiating resilience beyond her years, Shi Yuan wondered what kind of environment had shaped such a personality.

He found himself staring in a daze, feeling an inexplicable emotion stirring within—a feeling he had never experienced before.

Unconsciously reaching out to smooth the crease between her brows, his hand froze just before touching her, hesitated, then withdrew.

Turning his face away, he rested the back of his head against the doorframe, gazing distantly at the colorful dawn sky, his heart oddly unsettled.

————————————————————

Jin’er slept until dusk. Half-awake, she heard the constant jolting and rumbling of the wheels.

Slowly opening her eyes, she saw Mo Yan sitting opposite. His eyes were closed; the veil was removed, and he breathed evenly, apparently asleep.

That guy had pressed her acupuncture points just to make her rest—how ruthless. But since it was for her own good, she wouldn’t hold it against him.

Carefully sitting up so as not to wake him, she lifted the curtain and looked outside. Only desolate fields stretched on both sides, indicating they were heading toward a more distant place.

Lowering the curtain, she curled her knees slightly, rested her chin on her hand, and quietly watched him.

She suddenly realized how captivating he looked when asleep—she barely dared to look away. His slightly haggard complexion made her want to reach out and gently stroke his pale cheek.

Lost in thought, she was startled when he suddenly opened his eyes and met her gaze.

Jin’er blinked, stunned by his sudden awakening.

“Not sleeping well, sneaking a peek at me?” Mo Yan smiled slyly.

Page (2/3)

Jin’er blushed, quickly averting her eyes, feeling guilty. “Who’s sneaking a peek? You woke up just as I looked.”

Before she finished, she felt his arm tighten around her. Before she could react, he pulled her into his embrace, seating her on his lap.

Losing her balance, Jin’er instinctively grabbed his chest collar. She lifted her head, glaring at him in annoyance, about to speak, but he abruptly pulled off her veil, and his commanding presence swiftly descended upon her.

Jin’er froze, wanting to escape but too late.

Mo Yan cradled the back of her head with one hand, the other around her waist, kissing her chapped lips tenderly and lingeringly, occasionally licking them as if to restore their moisture.

He missed her, desperately. Though separated only two days, it felt like an eternity. He thought of her constantly, worried about her, fearing something might happen.

Jin’er initially resisted, but her refusal felt weak and uncertain even to herself. Ultimately, she gave in.

Having witnessed so much death and the heart-wrenching pain of survivors who lost loved ones, she suddenly felt life’s fragility and brevity more keenly. No one knew what disaster might strike next, whether for themselves or those they loved.

Now, sensing his love for her, she felt happy and fortunate, and deep within, she longed for him—so deeply and intensely.

Her cherry lips parted slightly. She raised a hand to encircle his neck, returning his affection.

Sensing her change, Mo Yan’s heart warmed. He kissed her more passionately, his hands caressing her waist and back, moving slowly upward along her side.

Though separated by clothing, Jin’er clearly felt the warmth of his hands traveling over her, bringing waves of heat and comfort. When he attempted to touch her chest, she tensed and hastily grabbed his hand.

Mo Yan stopped, eyes filled with yearning as he looked at her flushed face so close to his, his voice hoarse: “I want to.”

Panting lightly, Jin’er’s cheeks burned, but her grip did not loosen. “No.”

“I want to…” Mo Yan buried his head in her neck, whispering coquettishly at her ear like a child.

Jin’er’s mouth twitched; her resisting heart softened involuntarily. As her grip weakened, Mo Yan took the chance to break free, his warm hand suddenly covering hers.

“Ah!” Jin’er cried out, struggling and scolding urgently, “Let go of me!”

Mo Yan paid no heed, restraining her hands with one hand while gently kneading them with the other. His lips lightly bit her earlobe, hot breath teasing her ear, causing her to shiver and breathe rapidly.

“Y-you stop…” Jin’er gasped weakly.

A mischievous laugh sounded beside her ear. “I told you I’d get my revenge,” Mo Yan teased flirtatiously. His lips soon covered hers, teasing her tongue with his.

Jin’er felt both shame and embarrassment, trying to pretend she felt nothing. Yet her body was unrelentingly sensitive, the unprecedented tingling and electric sensations nearly overwhelming her.

Deep inside, something seemed to awaken, all her pleasure converging into a sharp longing that made her ache unbearably.

Muffled sounds escaped her sealed lips. Mo Yan licked her lips before raising his head again.

“Say it…” Jin’er looked at him with hazy eyes, a hint of pleading in her voice, utterly seductive.

“Beg me,” Mo Yan grinned wickedly, unwilling to relent.

Jin’er bit her lip, heart and body aching terribly. Trembling, she whispered in a barely audible voice: “Please…”

Hearing this, Mo Yan smiled approvingly and stopped, releasing her hands.

Jin’er’s body went limp, as if utterly drained. She slumped into his strong arms, resting her head on his chest, eyes closed, breathing softly as she tried to calm the strange sensations in her body.

She knew what she had longed for, and understood the unfamiliar sensations now coursing through her, filling her with shame.

Meanwhile, Mo Yan felt even worse.

Only heaven knew how much pain he was in. But who was to blame? Only himself for playing with fire.

“Ah!” A sudden sharp pain shot through his arm. Suppressing a cry, he looked down to see Jin’er biting his arm fiercely, her eyes filled with hatred as if she wanted to tear him apart.

After venting, Jin’er released him, struggling out of his embrace and sitting across from him, ignoring him.

Mo Yan grimaced, clutching his aching arm, annoyed. “You bit so hard, don’t you care?”

Jin’er glared fiercely. Care? She’d rather pounce and bite him some more. “If you don’t want to die, you’d better not provoke me!”

Seeing her murderous glare, Mo Yan raised an eyebrow and smiled, wisely keeping quiet.

Putting himself in her shoes, he guessed she must feel awful after what he put her through. Still, his actions stemmed partly from impulse and partly from wanting to draw them closer.

Soon, the carriage stopped. Fully recovered, they dismounted and rejoined the others in their work.

Because of their encounter in the carriage, Jin’er was very resistant to his intimate touch afterward. She feared losing control if those feelings returned.

Mo Yan tried to kiss her several times but failed, feeling frustrated. However, the pressing matters and harsh environment left no room for flirtation, so he had no choice but to endure.

——————————————————————————————————————

Page (2/3)

Despite everyone making full use of their time, it took over two weeks to completely clear and disinfect all plague-infected towns, with all patients either cured or steadily recovering.

Mo Yan handed over the remaining medicines and food to officials appointed by the governor and left several imperial physicians to assist in treating the remaining sick. The main group then marched back to the capital.

News quickly spread that the Second Prince had personally led disaster relief into the plague zone, treated the sick himself, and saved countless lives, returning victorious. He was widely praised for his benevolence, love for the people, and bravery.

Meanwhile, someone leaked the Crown Prince’s earlier speech at court, casting doubt on how people would fare once he ascended the throne. Privately, many lamented that the Second Prince was not the eldest son.

“Slap!” The Empress Chen slammed her palm hard on the low table, her face twisted with fury. “Did you hear that?! Everyone is calling you cruel and unvirtuous while praising Mo Yan for his kindness! Yet you do nothing but waste your time chasing pleasures! In my opinion, your position as Crown Prince won’t last long!”

Mo Fan’s face paled. He stepped forward anxiously, “Mother, don’t frighten me. I’m the eldest son; it can’t be the Second Prince.”

The Right Chancellor sneered, taking a deep breath. “Eldest son or not, among the five kingdoms, only our Fire Kingdom has never seen the eldest son deposed for a younger brother. The other four have such precedents. Moreover…”

“The old minister received news last night that Mo Yan recently held secret talks with the Left Chancellor and other ministers. Coupled with the emperor’s grief-stricken words in the hall that handing the country to the Crown Prince would result in ruin—either at the hands of enemy states or the prince himself—everything suggests they have prepared for this and are just waiting for a chance.”

“The disaster relief efforts have played into their hands. The Second Prince has achieved great merits, won the people’s hearts, and with the emperor’s support, the situation looks grim for the Crown Prince...” The Right Chancellor stopped speaking, furrowing his brow and stroking his graying beard, clearly pessimistic.

Hearing this, Mo Fan’s face drained of color, nearly losing his footing. He rushed to the Empress and clung to her arm, whining, “Mother, please help me! Don’t let me be deposed! No…”

Empress Chen shot him a sharp look, annoyed, “Now you come begging! Why didn’t you listen when I taught you? Only when the roof is on fire do you panic—what good is that?”

Mo Fan sat on the ground, crying, “I don’t care! If I lose the Crown Prince title, I’d rather die!”

At this, the Empress’s expression softened a bit, sighing helplessly, “You must have owed me in a past life... Get up. I’m not just an empress for show.”

Mo Fan’s eyes lit with hope. Seeing the Right Chancellor nod thoughtfully, he stood obediently by, listening as they devised a plan.

Since the imperial guards left in the three commanderies had completed their tasks and returned to the capital as instructed by Mo Yan, only two hundred guards and the medical team accompanied Mo Yan’s group now. Though lighter than before, the sizable group still slowed their return.

After several days traveling, camping outdoors each night, dusk approached. Jin’er poked her head out and asked a soldier beside her, “Will we reach the next town tonight?”

The soldier blushed, lowering his head respectfully. “Miss, there’s a town ahead, but it’s still quite far. We probably won’t make it tonight.”

Jin’er withdrew disappointedly, closing the curtain and leaning against the carriage wall, looking conflicted.

Having dealt daily with plague victims, she was constantly breathless and hadn’t bathed, having touched so many patients and sweated profusely.

Though busy racing death before, now at rest she felt unwell. Plus, it was late autumn; even if she wanted to find a pond or stream outside to wash, she couldn’t bear the biting cold.

The more she thought, the itchier she felt, as if countless fleas were crawling and biting her.

“Jin’er, what’s wrong?” Mo Yan noticed her odd expression and asked.

Looking at him, she spoke frankly, “How about we leave the group? Ride ahead to the town before nightfall and find an inn. I haven’t bathed in ages and feel miserable.”

Mo Yan smiled faintly and nodded without hesitation.

“Great, let’s go.” Jin’er happily jumped up and pulled him toward the carriage door.

Mo Yan called the coachman to stop and dismounted with Jin’er. He then took the cavalry commander’s horse, gave a few orders, and mounted.

Jin’er fetched fresh clothes from Xiao Die, packed them, and took her Feihua Sword before returning to Mo Yan.

Holding his palm, she was lifted onto his horse, seated before him.

Mo Yan’s left arm circled her waist. He pressed his legs against the horse’s sides, and the horse galloped forward.

Watching their departing figures, Shi Yuan hesitated whether to follow but ultimately gave up. Silently gazing in their direction, his eyes darkened, and a strange sour feeling stirred in his heart.

Mo Yan and Jin’er galloped until night fell, finally reaching the small town ahead and securing rooms at the only inn. There was no choice, but thankfully it was decent.

The innkeeper and waiter, seeing their noble bearing and fine clothes, smiled warmly, welcoming them.

Mo Yan produced silver to book two adjacent rooms and then led Jin’er to a good table. They ordered many dishes and asked the waiter to prepare two buckets of bathwater to be sent upstairs later.

Few guests were in the inn; the food arrived quickly. Mo Yan ordered a pot of wine, and they began to eat.

“Eat more; you’ve worn yourself out these days,” Mo Yan said, serving Jin’er generous helpings.

Jin’er smiled, “I’m alright. You look more exhausted. You should eat more too.” She returned the favor, serving him dishes.

Mo Yan chuckled, not arguing over who was more tired, happily eating the food she served.

Seeing him lift a cup to sip wine, Jin’er smiled and flipped an empty cup toward him. “I want some too.”

Page (3/3)