Chapter 39: Prince Li versus Qin Ruoyang (Please add to your favorites)

Jun Moli did not ask the guards at the Qin residence gate to announce his arrival; instead, he simply entered with Liehuo and Jiaoyang. Though this breached etiquette, his private friendship with Qin Ruoyang made such things trivial, hardly worth mention.

He wore a dark indigo brocade robe adorned with the patterns of blooming flowers, cinched at the waist with a wide azure belt woven with spider motifs. His hair was perfectly neat, and his eyes swept over Anran with inscrutable composure before he smiled at Qin Ruoyang.

Apart from being the brother of Consort Zhen, Qin Ruoyang, though young, already held the distinguished office of Minister at the Court of Judicial Review. His high position was not gained through his sister’s influence—he was talented both in civil and martial arts, upright and impartial in his judgments, and had earned Emperor Xian’s deep respect.

Privately, he and Prince Li, Jun Moli, were close friends.

Before outsiders, especially now during the fierce struggle for succession among the nine princes, Qin Ruoyang kept his distance from Jun Moli, as well as from the other princes. The Minister of Judicial Review was a crucial post; having won the emperor’s trust, he must remain loyal to the throne, maintain his integrity, and stay uninvolved in the matter of who would inherit it.

“Your servant greets Prince Li.”

“No need for formalities,” Jun Moli replied. His sharp eyes had already noticed Imperial Physician Shen, who stood off to the side, timid and cautious. Jun Moli disliked the old man’s fearful, slippery demeanor.

“Your Highness, may I ask what brings you to my residence?” Qin Ruoyang’s tone was gentle as he bowed to Jun Moli, speaking with a calm that seemed unlike Jun Moli’s usual style.

“I had some leisure, and upon hearing that Madam Qin’s old illness had relapsed, I happened to be nearby and thought I’d pay my respects,” Jun Moli replied, his deep, alluring voice like a pebble dropped in a mountain stream—cutting through the silence without causing the slightest ripple.

Had he not kept people following Anran, he would not have learned of what happened earlier, nor felt the need to reassess the refined yet fiercely upright Minister Qin Ruoyang.

Liehuo had not wanted the task of shadowing someone, but Jun Moli insisted. Facing more than a dozen poisoned arrows, Liehuo had felt anxious for Anran’s safety, but her remarkable skill in catching all the arrows impressed him deeply. The resentment he felt for her disrespect the previous day had vanished entirely.

“Your servant thanks Your Highness on behalf of my mother. I have just invited Imperial Physician Shen to tend to her, and Miss An is here as well. If Your Highness would care to join me, please, let us go together. Today Consort Zhen has left the palace and is currently with my mother.”

Qin Ruoyang nodded with a faint smile, his demeanor entirely natural, composed and respectful, his words expressing sincere gratitude to Jun Moli.

Anran, meanwhile, gazed at Jun Moli with indifferent eyes, her face still pale, a sickly shadow between her brows. She neither stepped forward to greet him nor offered any eager flattery.

Jun Moli inwardly shook his head. This girl was like a hedgehog, spines bristling, always standing apart as her own solitary scene, never blending into their world—and theirs could never intrude upon hers. He did not realize that a hedgehog’s true nature is soft; only when threatened does it raise its spines in self-defense. She was simply lacking in a sense of security.

“Please, Your Highness,” Qin Ruoyang said, his gaze flowing as he took in Jun Moli’s expression, a warm smile curling at his lips, his voice gentle as sunlight.

“After you, Brother Ruoyang,” Jun Moli responded, regaining his composure. His face remained calm, showing no awkwardness. He followed Qin Ruoyang for a few steps, then paused, turning to Anran. “Miss An, won’t you join us?”

Anran did not answer; her cool, distant gaze flashed with a hint of scorn. Compared to Qin Ruoyang, this Prince Li was at least open and straightforward.

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