Chapter 98: Promises and Schemes (Subscription Requested)

Chapter 98: Promises and Schemes

An Ran never imagined she would be forcibly kissed, let alone by the inscrutable Jun Moli. It was truly difficult for her to process.

She glared at him with a hint of indignation, but Jun Moli only looked at her with tenderness, his eyes filled with a faint smile. He had finally kissed her; the taste was so beautiful, so sweet, that it left him yearning for more.

"Ah!"

Unable to break free, An Ran bit down on Jun Moli's lip. He released her, wincing in pain, looking aggrieved and unsatisfied. This hard-won kiss had been cut short. He felt frustrated; he had only just tasted her, and now he wanted more. What was he to do?

"Ran'er..."

Jun Moli called out to her softly, his voice low and sexy enough to bewitch anyone, leaving them lost in its depths.

An Ran stared at him coldly. Seeing his lip had been bitten until it bled, she felt a flicker of sympathy. Just as she reached out to wipe it away, Jun Moli took advantage of the moment to press his head down again, covering her lips once more. His long arms wrapped around her, binding her tightly in his embrace.

This time, the kiss was light and faint. The blood tasted slightly cool and metallic. After a brief moment, Jun Moli pulled away, holding An Ran tightly as he rested his head on her shoulder. His warm breath, fragrant as orchids, brushed against her ear, making her feel ticklish. His seductive voice whispered in her ear: "Ran'er, give me a chance to bring you happiness, won't you? I want to treat you well, I want to give you happiness. I cannot rest easy leaving you to others; your happiness must come from me alone!"

Jun Moli’s words, both gentle and overbearing, made An Ran stiffen. Her great vengeance remained unavenged—could she still trust a man? Lu Anrong had once been just as passionate and gentle as Jun Moli, yet in the end, her child, her family, and her clan had all perished due to his ambition and schemes.

Did she still dare to trust?

"Ran'er, you are the one who made me understand the feeling of missing someone, of liking someone, of loving someone. These are feelings I have never experienced in over twenty years. I love only you, from the past to the present, and into the future. I wish only to stay by your side for a lifetime, never to part! Will you promise me?"

As Jun Moli continued his impassioned declarations, An Ran’s heart was a turmoil of conflicting emotions. She, who was usually decisive and free-spirited, had suddenly become hesitant. She did not know how to choose.

"Jun Moli, your second imperial brother is still waiting in the main hall! He is probably flipping the lid off your teacup by now. You are acting too reckless!" An Ran used this as an excuse to change the subject, avoiding the question of love.

Jun Moli felt a tinge of disappointment, yet he held her without any intention of letting go. Her faint scent was delightful; he was willing to hold her like this until the mountains crumbled and the seas dried up, never to be separated. He gently reached out to toy with a strand of her ink-black hair, saying with a hint of lingering anger: "Let him wait! Anyone who dares to covet Jun Moli's woman deserves a small punishment by waiting. There will be a time later when he regrets his actions!"

An Ran was stunned once more. Jun Moli had actually noticed Jun Ruohan’s ill intentions toward her, and he was being so protective. But since when had she become *his* woman?

She clearly felt a shift in Jun Moli’s body. A chilling aura rose from the depths of his heart, wild and arrogant. His voice, too, carried a hint of coldness and fury. An Ran knew that Jun Moli was truly enraged. When Yu Jinglan had come, he hadn't been this angry; he had merely sparred with him. But now, for the "flower-thief" Jun Ruohan, he was genuinely furious.

"Let me go. I will change my clothes and go into the palace with you. If we let your old Emperor father wait too long, and he becomes displeased, I fear I might be detained in the palace or thrown into the dungeon!" An Ran’s voice softened, and she added with a playful nudge.

"He wouldn't dare! If he dares to touch you, I will make him fall from the dragon throne! From this moment on, regardless of whether you agree or not, you are my life—if you die, I shall not live!"

His arrogant tone and overbearing vow made An Ran’s heart feel as though it had been fiercely gripped. A tear rolled down from the corner of her eye. In fifteen years, this was the only time she had shed tears of being moved. He had integrated her into his life, while only a moment ago, she was still doubting him!

"If I live to see the end, I will accompany you to the ends of the earth!" After a long silence, An Ran parted her lips, her voice choked with emotion. Had he not been paying close attention, he would never have heard her. This was all she could say, all she could do, and all she could promise. If she were to abandon her deep-seated hatred for Jun Moli’s sake, she—could not do it.

Lu Anrong and Leng Yiyun, those two scoundrels, and everyone in the Lu family, must die!

She would not abandon her revenge just because a monk said, "The sea of bitterness is boundless, turn back and you shall reach the shore." Even if the Buddha himself told her that her future was a sea of bitterness and that she would be cast into the eighteenth level of hell after death, she would drag those wretches into hell with her while she was still alive!

Jun Moli froze slightly, then tightened his arms around her, as if he wanted to melt her into his very bones. Ran'er had finally agreed!

Jun Moli had long heard of what had been done to An Ran and knew she harbored a massive secret, but he did not want to ask. When she trusted him enough, she would tell him. If she only wanted to see those people suffer and meet a wretched end, he would assist her, helping her complete her mission as soon as possible so she could return to his side and stand with him.

Jun Moli gently released her, and seeing the tear in the corner of her eye, he tenderly kissed it away, whispering softly: "Believe me, in the future, your tears will taste of happiness, and never of such bitterness!"

As he spoke, An Ran’s tears flowed even more profusely.

A moment later, Jun Moli said, "I will return to the hall to wait for you. Come when you have changed."

"Mhm!"

Jun Moli was extremely reluctant to let her go. Seeing her alluring red lips, he couldn't resist kissing her once more before practically fleeing. He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would lose control and have to take a cold shower... which wouldn't be good for his health!

Watching him flee, An Ran couldn't help but laugh through her tears. Since when had he become so humorous? She had never noticed his potential for comedy before.

Jun Moli gently touched his bitten lip and returned to the hall with a fluttering heart. Jun Ruohan was suppressing his anger, forcing a smile, though his voice still held a hint of displeasure: "Seventh Brother, you were gone for quite a while. Surely you didn't get lost, did you?"

Jun Moli curled his lips and fabricated a story: "When I passed the kitchen, I stole two delicious snacks and even bit my lip, so I couldn't bring one for you, Second Brother!"

Jun Ruohan’s expression darkened, and he said sarcastically: "I don't just eat anything. You should watch your mouth, Seventh Brother, or one day you might eat something you shouldn't, and it will be too late for regrets!"

Jun Moli snorted coldly: "Thank you for the advice, Second Brother. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have such good fortune!"

Having said this, he rudely picked up his teacup, looked at Jun Ruohan provokingly, smiled triumphantly, and set it back down!

"You..."

Jun Ruohan was momentarily speechless. Thinking of the cheap, coarse tea he was drinking, the anger he had just suppressed began to boil over again.

"Prince Kun, sorry to have kept you waiting. We can go now!" Before Jun Ruohan could erupt, An Ran entered from outside, dressed in simple white robes. Her cold, aloof appearance, paired with the white attire, made her look like a celestial being who had descended to the mortal realm. Her mere presence drew the gazes of both Jun Moli and Jun Ruohan.

"Ran'er..." You are so beautiful!

Jun Moli stood up involuntarily. Whether intentional or not, he stood with his back to Jun Ruohan, effectively blocking his lustful gaze.

Jun Ruohan stared at Jun Moli’s back with displeasure, his narrow eyes half-closed. It seemed his plan would have to change because of Jun Moli. Jun Moli’s existence was a potential threat to him. Not only that, but perhaps Jun Moli’s existence was also a threat to the Father on the dragon throne!

If not, why had he been left to his own devices after falling ill? The world thought Jun Moli enjoyed imperial favor, but they didn't understand their father’s heart. In his heart, besides the throne, there was no room for anyone else, not even his own biological son!

While Jun Ruohan was deep in thought, Jun Moli had already led An Ran out. He wouldn't let Jun Ruohan take advantage of her, even with just his eyes. Sooner or later, he would dig those eyeballs out!

When Jun Ruohan walked angrily to the entrance of An Ran's residence, the carriage that had been parked around the corner was already gone, leaving only a group of guards standing foolishly at the door.

"Where is the carriage?" Jun Ruohan demanded furiously, causing the guards to tremble.

"Reporting to the Prince, Prince Li took An Ran and left in the carriage, leaving a horse for you!" the head guard replied, trembling, not daring to hide anything.

"Damn you, Jun Moli!" Jun Ruohan roared, his hands balled into fists, his knuckles cracking. *Jun Moli, I am sworn enemies with you!*

Jun Ruohan grabbed the reins from the head guard, mounted the horse, and rode off!

"Whoa... we have arrived, Your Highness!" The coachman steadied the carriage and announced.

Jun Moli leaned inside the carriage, cast a bewitching glance at An Ran, smiled faintly, reached out, and pulled her toward him. With a flash, they landed steadily on the ground.

By now, Jun Ruohan had been waiting at the palace gate for a while.

It wasn't that he didn't want to enter the palace early to report Jun Moli, but Jun Dingyue had given strict instructions that he must personally bring An Ran into the palace. If he disobeyed, he couldn't imagine how his insane father would punish him.

"Seventh Brother, you have quite a leisurely mood. If Father blames us, I wouldn't know how to excuse you!"

"Second Brother, just report the truth to Father. Father loves beautiful women; as his son, I have inherited his fine qualities. I believe he will not blame me!"

"Humph, if we don't go in to see the Emperor now, we will all be in trouble!"

Jun Ruohan couldn't outwit Jun Moli, so he stopped making a fool of himself, snorted coldly, and turned toward the palace gate.

In front of the Imperial Study, a pale-faced, beardless eunuch stood holding a horsetail whisk, gazing into the distance. Two palace maids and four young eunuchs stood by the door, their heads bowed at forty-five-degree angles, staring at their own feet.

When the pale eunuch saw the three of them approaching from afar, he swept his whisk, his hanging heart finally relieved, and hurried to meet them.

The Emperor had already sent for them three times!

"This servant greets the two Princes!" The eunuch bowed to the brothers, then looked at An Ran and nodded, pulling a smile as he squeaked: "Is this the Divine Physician An? So young, just a little girl!"

An Ran nodded coldly without speaking. The eunuch assumed she was shy in front of strangers and didn't press further. "The Emperor has been waiting for the Divine Physician for quite a while," he said, shifting his gaze to the brothers.

"Eunuch Fu, is Father currently reviewing memorials?"

"Reporting to Prince Kun, the Emperor is worried about the new Emperor of Yeyue. He has been in Yue City for several days, using the excuse of not acclimatizing to avoid meeting. The Emperor is troubled by the matter of establishing diplomatic relations!"

"Oh? Could the new Emperor of Yeyue have reneged on his word upon reaching Yue City? Humph, he really thinks Xuanyue is afraid of him!" Jun Ruohan waved his sleeves, looking indignant. He had been waiting for the chance to show his military prowess. If Yu Jinglan backed out, he could petition to lead an army!

"This old servant has spoken too much, Prince Kun, please don't be impatient!" Eunuch Fu knew Jun Ruohan’s personality—he had inherited Jun Dingyue’s warlike nature and loved the scent of war and blood.

Jun Moli and An Ran understood why Yu Jinglan was doing this. That night, Yu Jinglan had made it very clear that he had no sincere intention of establishing diplomatic ties. He had the ambition of a king; Jun Dingyue wanted to unify the two kingdoms and one territory, and was Yu Jinglan any different? They were both aspiring to be overlords, each harboring their own secrets, merely keeping up appearances.

The four of them walked toward the Imperial Study. The eunuchs and maids at the door bowed to the two Princes and then stood straight again, as expressionless as wooden statues.

"The Emperor has decreed that when the three of you arrive, only Prince Li is to enter first! Please ask Prince Kun and Divine Physician An to wait in the side hall for a moment!" Eunuch Fu said respectfully to Jun Ruohan, then turned to a young eunuch: "Xiao Houzi, take Prince Kun and the Divine Physician to the side hall and serve them well!"

"Yes! Prince Kun, please, Divine Physician, please!"

Xiao Houzi immediately obeyed in a low voice. Though his voice was low, it was extremely shrill—sure enough, one couldn't call a man a man once that thing was gone!

An Ran followed Xiao Houzi to the side hall. Jun Ruohan smiled strangely. *Jun Moli, wanting to take An Ran back to the Li Prince’s Mansion won't be that easy! Humph!*

"Prince Li, please!" Eunuch Fu opened the doors of the Imperial Study and bowed, inviting Jun Moli to enter.

Jun Moli adjusted his demeanor, instantly assuming a frail and sickly appearance, and walked in. The speed of his transformation left Eunuch Fu dumbfounded. *Why is Prince Li sick again? Could it be the wind is too strong today?*

Eunuch Fu dared not speculate, so he closed the door and retreated.

Jun Moli turned left upon entering and saw Jun Dingyue resting on the dragon couch. He coughed weakly and said in a low voice: "This son greets Father!"

Jun Dingyue slowly opened his eyes. They were sharp and imposing, deep and difficult to fathom. He looked at Jun Moli calmly, a flash of brilliance passing through his gaze. His voice was deep and hoarse: "Li’er is here. You are not in good health, sit down and speak with Father!"

"Thank you, Father!" Jun Moli said, his voice lacking vigor, as if it were a struggle to speak.

He pulled up a stool, bowed to Jun Dingyue, and sat down.

"This son knows his body is weak and dares not enter the palace often to pay his respects, for fear of bringing bad luck or transmitting illness to Father. I hope Father is not angry. May I ask why Father had Second Brother summon me to the palace today?"

Jun Moli struck first, explaining his absence in a heart-wrenching way. Like a filial son, he was always thinking of Jun Dingyue. Even if the truth was questionable, Jun Dingyue would be pleased. Jun Moli looked harmless, but he was actually incredibly shrewd. When it came to flattery and fulfilling his filial duty, he didn't falter. Even if Jun Dingyue wanted to punish him, he couldn't find a reason to call him unfilial.

A man whose body was hollowed out, who might die at any moment, still carefully considering the Emperor’s health—Jun Dingyue really should be laughing. He might even wake up laughing from his sleep!

"Mhm, Father knows you are filial, unlike your royal brothers who only come to me to win favor, hoping to gain the position of Crown Prince." Although Jun Dingyue’s gaze was on the table, his peripheral vision was fixed on Jun Moli, hoping to catch the slightest clue. Unfortunately, apart from his pale face, Jun Moli’s expression remained unchanged.

"Actually, I have someone in mind for the position of Crown Prince, but unfortunately, you... sigh. If it weren't for your mother’s persistence back then, I would have hoped to train you properly. I wouldn't have sent you to the military camp to reveal your astonishing talent and gallop across the battlefield, unrivaled. And I certainly wouldn't have sent you to Miao Territory, causing you to be poisoned by the Miaos and ruining your life! Li’er, have you ever blamed Father?"

Jun Dingyue sighed heavily, his face filled with feigned regret, yet his eyes remained exceptionally calm, devoid of any genuine remorse.

Jun Moli also looked back with feigned regret, but in his heart, he found it incredibly amusing. *This is my father, the "good Emperor" the world thinks loves me. Listen to how high-sounding and moving he talks. If I didn't know what kind of person he was, I would be moved to tears!*

His words were sweet, but in his heart, he only valued him for his use. He wanted to wait until he was on the verge of collapse to use him. As soon as Yu Jinglan reneged, Jun Dingyue would send his former "God of War" back to the battlefield to sacrifice his final days for the empire. Even if he were to die, he would die on the battlefield, squeezing every last drop out of him for that dragon throne!

"This son has never blamed or complained about Father; it is merely that this son has a shallow fate. If not for Father’s careful cultivation, how could I have earned the title of 'God of War'? It is just that this son fears his days are numbered and can no longer alleviate Father’s worries!"

Jun Moli looked dejected, his words seeming to come from the bottom of his heart, expressing regret for his short life. Every sentence praised Jun Dingyue, but the final turn was meant to block his path. *You want me to be a tool to unify the two kingdoms? Keep dreaming!*

A flash of joy appeared in Jun Dingyue’s eyes, only to be extinguished by Jun Moli’s words. *What do you mean, 'days are numbered'? Even if you were to die tomorrow, if Yeyue and Xuanyue go to war today, you must go to the battlefield!*

"Li’er, doesn't that Divine Physician have a way to cure your illness? You will not die. Father’s empire is waiting for you to take charge once you recover. Hong’er is not yet mature and is truly unable to stand beside you. If he had even a tenth of your ability, Father would be satisfied!"

The first half of Jun Dingyue’s sentence was based on the hope that An Ran could cure him so he could be used again, and the second half was actually true. If Jun Yihong were as brave, fearless, and gifted in strategy as Jun Moli, he wouldn't have to worry about his throne.

Jun Moli never knew his father could be this shameless. For the sake of that cold chair, he had spent over a decade in the cold heights, guarding against his own sons, confidants, and ministers... he was truly beyond saving!

"The Divine Physician has tried her best, but my illness has already penetrated my internal organs. Even she is powerless to change fate! Sigh!" Jun Moli sighed heavily again.

"Humph! If she can't even cure your illness, what right does she have to be called a Divine Physician? Such a person who spreads rumors and deceives the public must be severely punished!" Jun Dingyue slammed his palm on the desk, causing the memorials to jump.

"Father, she did not proclaim herself a Divine Physician. She rarely treats patients and accepts no money. I was only lucky enough to have her treat me because I gifted her a medicinal ingredient. The name 'Divine Physician' must have been spread by others! Please do not believe the slander!"

Seeing Jun Dingyue angry and wanting to punish An Ran, Jun Moli felt a surge of fury, and his weak voice rose slightly. No one had the right to target his woman, especially not when they wanted to hurt her!

Jun Dingyue stared at Jun Moli with hidden anger. *To think he would protect that woman named An Ran so fiercely—it seems I must re-evaluate him.* This was not the best time to burn bridges. As long as he cared about An Ran, he had a way to make him do his bidding!

After careful thought, Jun Dingyue’s expression relaxed, and his voice softened. "Father was only listening to gossip, so I requested the Divine Physician to enter the palace to see if the rumors were true!"

"Li’er, are you satisfied with Miss Mu Zhiqing, the second daughter of Marquis Yongle? Father thinks she is of good character and gentle temperament; she would be perfect to take care of you!"

Jun Dingyue had finally reached the point. Jun Moli wanted to slam the table and leave. *Marry me to the daughter of an empty shell like the Marquis of Yongle? You want to prevent me from forming cliques, but you also want me to throw my life away to fight for your empire? Is this old fox dreaming?*

If he weren't his father, he wouldn't want the stigma of killing his father, or he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't draw his sword right now. He was truly too shameless!

"Thank you for your kindness, Father. But I know my own body. As the imperial physicians and Miss An have said, my days are numbered—at most six months, at least two or three. I do not wish to harm a young, beautiful girl. I simply wish to pass away without worries and not drag anyone down. Therefore, this son dares to ask Father to withdraw his order!"

Mu Zhiqing had just reached womanhood. If he died, he would be leaving her a widow. But the problem was that she wasn't the one he loved; he couldn't harm her. His heart held only An Ran. The only person he would marry was An Ran. In any case, he would not accept this imperial decree—he would absolutely not fulfill Jun Dingyue’s wishes!

Jun Moli’s polite refusal left Jun Dingyue speechless, unable to find a better reason to persuade him. Jun Moli wasn't wrong; several physicians had said his time was limited, but An Ran was definitely a variable. The news Jun Ruohan brought proved that An Ran was not as useless as Jun Moli claimed!

If Jun Moli were truly cured by An Ran, he would be a threat to his throne again. He was conflicted: he wanted Jun Moli to fight for his empire, but he didn't trust him—or any of his other sons. In truth, he didn't want *anyone* to sit on his throne.

But humans were mortal, and even as the Son of Heaven, he could not escape death. He was desperate to unify the two kingdoms in his lifetime, letting Jun Moli fight the battles so that he, Jun Dingyue, would go down in history as the great Emperor!

"Li’er, do not give up so quickly; perhaps there is another way! Focus on your recovery. Once you are well, it won't be too late to marry that girl! By then, I can hold my grandchildren and enjoy a happy family life! When the new Emperor of Yeyue enters the palace, I will discuss the marriage alliance with him then!"

After Jun Dingyue finished speaking, he laughed heartily, looking for all the world like a kind father from a common family!

Jun Moli curled his lips upward, a hint of joy appearing on his sickly face. His sexy, low voice replied: "This son also hopes for that day!"

*Of course I will have children, but never with Mu Zhiqing. I will definitely have many children with my Ran'er and live a happy, fulfilling life!*

"Li’er, Father just wanted to see you today. Seeing that your complexion is better than before eases my heart! Go and rest now, and let Eunuch Fu bring An Ran in!"

"Yes! This son takes his leave!"

Jun Moli stood up, bowed to Jun Dingyue, and retreated. Jun Dingyue’s expectations were dashed, and he watched Jun Moli’s back with grinding teeth.

*I hinted so clearly, and he didn't even mention Yu Jinglan, the new Emperor of Yeyue. Jun Moli, you are quite something!*

PS: The Rabbit really doesn't know why there is no reaction after you finish reading. Is it because the Rabbit writes too poorly and no one is reading? If that's the case, please give the Rabbit some suggestions so the Rabbit can improve, right? Every day I write alone, completely unable to see your comments or encouragement. Sigh, it's really boring~~~ If you read the text, please don't be stingy with a comment to encourage the Rabbit. The Rabbit doesn't ask for much; I just hope to have your support on this road, to feel your presence, so I can keep going!