Chapter 100: An Embrace on the Street Incites Yu Jinglan’s Fury (Second Update)

Chapter 100: An Embrace on the Street, Inciting Yu Jinglan’s Fury (Second Update)

“Little Fuzi!”

“At your service!”

As An Ran stepped out of the imperial study, the deep voice of Jun Dingyue echoed from within. Eunuch Fu glanced at An Ran and quickly bowed, hurrying back inside.

Jun Mo Li had been waiting outside for some time without anyone noticing. Seeing An Ran emerge, his refined and gentle face showed a faint hint of purpose, a touch of surprise in his voice: “So soon? I thought it would take longer!”

An Ran snorted coldly and turned away, but a faint voice lingered in Jun Mo Li’s ear: “You flattered your father and agreed to his demands, so of course you came out early! But, Prince Li’s days will be difficult from now on!”

Watching An Ran’s retreating figure, Jun Mo Li shook his head helplessly. How could he forget that she was never one to suffer losses? He had been worried she might feel wronged or intimidated by Jun Dingyue in the study, so he had waited at the door for her. Yet, to his surprise, she seemed to relish the misfortune—such an ungrateful little girl!

“Ran’er, may I take you somewhere?” Jun Mo Li quickened his pace to walk beside her. His wide sleeves hid his guilty hand as he gently clasped An Ran’s small hand in his palm.

An Ran did not resist, allowing him to hold it. Her face remained expressionless, as if the person holding her was a stranger.

“Where to?” Curiosity flickered in her voice, betraying a hint of anticipation. Though her expression was calm, there was a subtle joy beneath her words.

“You’ll know when we get there!” Jun Mo Li teased mysteriously. He was sure the place would surprise her and lift her spirits. As for himself, he intended to secretly savor the moment and subtly inquire how she wished to assist Jun Dingyue in undermining her future husband.

“Let’s wait until we’re free to go. For now, we’ll wait outside the Prime Minister’s residence. When Eunuch Fu announces the imperial decree, you can follow me inside.”

Once she settled into the Prime Minister’s mansion, she would turn the Lu family upside down and leave them restless day and night! Let those vicious hounds fight among themselves!

An Ran did not refuse Jun Mo Li’s company mainly to confuse Jun Dingyue. Although she chose to stand with Jun Dingyue for now, Jun Dingyue’s nature was to trust no one. He was merely using her while she was useful. Once Jun Mo Li’s usefulness ended and he died, so would her value. If she guessed right, another secret decree would soon arrive.

By not rejecting Jun Mo Li’s closeness, she gave Jun Dingyue the false impression that Jun Mo Li was infatuated with her and that she accepted him. This would make administering any future poison more effective. Instead of painstakingly planting a spy near Jun Mo Li, it was easier to entrust the matter to someone he trusted most—two birds with one stone.

Just as An Ran expected, the eunuch at the study’s door, seeing Jun Mo Li’s flattery and their close closeness, immediately entered to report to Jun Dingyue.

Jun Dingyue smiled silently. This was far more convenient than planting a spy in the Li Prince’s mansion. He had indeed chosen well—An Ran was truly worthy of use!

“Why go to the Prime Minister’s residence?” Jun Mo Li was puzzled. Knowing An Ran’s character, she would never visit the Prime Minister’s home as a guest, nor would she treat anyone there. He had heard of Lu Anrong’s situation but knew An Ran would never treat him.

“Come on, you’ll see. Perhaps Prince Li will even be pleased about it!” An Ran also kept the secret, and Jun Mo Li had no clue what was brewing. Why had her attitude toward the Lu family changed after just one visit to the study?

The two walked leisurely hand in hand through the bustling streets, watching the lively crowds, their hearts at ease. They had not experienced such days in a long time.

Jun Mo Li recalled the last time Gonggui Yinshan returned. An Ran had been cold and distant, her face and eyes full of disdain, blaming him for holding her back. Even Liehuo and Jiaoyang had some hostility toward her then. But now, he loved her so deeply he was lost in it, and Liehuo and Jiaoyang had become her most loyal subordinates. She had him in her eyes and heart—though it hadn’t been long, every memory of her was eternal in his mind.

As they strolled, Jun Mo Li noticed a street vendor selling peachwood combs. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he pulled An Ran toward the vendor.

“Boss, how much for these combs?” Jun Mo Li stopped the vendor, pointing to the peachwood combs.

The vendor quickly set down his load, smiling broadly: “Nine wen a set on this side, ninety-nine wen for the other!”

“Oh? What’s the difference?” Jun Mo Li examined both loads carefully but saw no difference, prompting his question.

An Ran also scrutinized the combs but found no distinction. She suspected the vendor was deliberately being mysterious to cheat ninety wen more. She didn’t mind the money but cared about whether it was worth it.

The vendor glanced at them meaningfully and smiled: “You two look like a perfect match—a couple. I recommend the ninety-nine wen combs, for harmony and everlasting happiness!”

“Don’t speak nonsense. Haven’t you noticed we’re actually siblings?” An Ran was fed up with such roadside scams and claims of couples everywhere, all tricks to make more money. She trusted the vendor even less now.

“Siblings? Impossible! Miss, don’t fool me!” The vendor scoffed, unimpressed. He’d sold combs for over twenty years and had a keen eye—there was no way they looked like siblings. Even if not a couple now, they would be in the future!

“Brother, you haven’t told us what really sets them apart!” Jun Mo Li persisted, still convinced there must be a difference they hadn’t seen.

“The difference lies in their origins, in fate—you’ll understand their true meaning in time.” The vendor spoke with a hint of Zen, grinning at Jun Mo Li.

“Jun Mo Li, come on, what man buys peachwood combs in the street? This guy’s obviously a charlatan!” An Ran tugged at Jun Mo Li’s hand, wanting to leave before the vendor spoiled her mood.

But Jun Mo Li ignored her and smiled at the vendor. “Then please pick one for me.”

“Young sir, close your eyes and choose—sincerity is key!”

“Alright!” Jun Mo Li obediently shut his eyes, reached into the load, and selected a delicate, exquisite comb that immediately caught the eye.

“No need to find change! The rest is a donation to the temple’s incense money!”

“Thank you, young sir! I’ll thank the abbot on your behalf! You two will have a lifetime of happiness together!” The vendor smiled as he accepted Jun Mo Li’s ten taels of silver and departed with his load.

An Ran was dumbfounded—was the vendor really a monk? A bald monk selling combs? Truly a strange sight!

Jun Mo Li carefully put away the comb, then took An Ran’s hand again and whispered, “Ran’er, let’s go.”

“How did you know he was a monk?” An Ran asked. The vendor looked like anyone else—no shaved head, no robes, no chanting. Even if he were a temple novice, how did Jun Mo Li know?

“Buddha says, some things are unspeakable.” Jun Mo Li smiled, gently tapping her nose as he led her forward.

An Ran was puzzled and felt a twinge of sadness. He had bought a girl’s comb—was it meant for another? She had hoped it was for her, but Jun Mo Li hadn’t mentioned it once, showing no sign. She had been reading too much into it.

Jun Mo Li watched her sulk with amusement. This little girl even got jealous—that was rare!

“Ran’er, why don’t you ask me who the comb is for?”

Seeing she wouldn’t ask, he took the initiative. He wanted her to say it herself.

“Why ask? It’s obviously not for me, so why bother?” An Ran’s words were tinged with sourness, her heart aching.

“Ha ha ha... Ran’er, you really are my treasure!” Jun Mo Li laughed heartily on the street.

People passing by overheard and turned to gaze at the couple with celestial beauty.

Their burning gazes swept over her, and An Ran blushed in embarrassment, breaking free from Jun Mo Li’s hand. She snapped, “Stop talking nonsense! I’m no one’s treasure!”

Jun Mo Li pulled her close, facing her. Lowering his gaze, he spoke softly, lips barely parting: “You, An Ran, are my treasure, forever and always. Do you know why I bought the comb but didn’t give it to you? Because... I want to brush your hair for a lifetime and never be apart from you.”

An Ran was stunned, her body stiffening involuntarily. Her clear eyes brimmed with tears, which spilled like beads from a broken string, unstoppable.

“Ran’er, why cry so happily? Don’t cry, don’t cry... When you cry, it hurts me more!”

“Jun Mo Li...” An Ran’s voice choked as she called his name and suddenly buried herself in his warm embrace. The faint scent of orchids filled her nose—she wished to stay in his arms forever.

From a distant teahouse window, a figure watched the embracing couple. Coldness radiated from him, his face twisted with fury, eyes burning with endless hatred. Veins bulged on his forehead as he clenched a wine glass, ready to crush it.

With a crash, the glass shattered on the floor. The few attendants and maids behind him knelt in terror, heads bowed low, barely daring to breathe.

His gaze shot at Jun Mo Li like two icy blades, as if he wished to pierce him with holes. Jun Mo Li, damn him... it was Jun Mo Li again!

“Go. Bring Miss An and the man with her to me!” he ordered.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Yu Jinglan was fuming today. He had finally come out to sample the signature dishes of this tavern, only to coincidentally see Jun Mo Li and An Ran—still embracing openly on the street. His heart tightened painfully, making it hard to breathe.

If before he saw Jun Mo Li as a mere threat, now he wished to tear him apart limb by limb for winning An Ran’s favor. And An Ran—she actually accepted him. How could she? How could she!

As long as Yu Jinglan opposed it, they would never be together! If Jun Mo Li wanted An Ran, he’d have to wait for his next life. An Ran belonged to Yu Jinglan in this lifetime. If he couldn’t have her, no one else would. What he couldn’t have, he’d destroy!

Neither An Ran nor Jun Mo Li had expected Yu Jinglan to be nearby, much less to summon them now. The piercing gaze they felt earlier must have come from him. Jun Mo Li glanced at An Ran, then at the approaching messenger, and said softly, “Please lead the way.”

“Right this way, please!”

The messenger hurried ahead, with An Ran and Jun Mo Li following hand in hand.

Juewei Tavern!

One had to admit, Yu Jinglan was good at choosing places. In just a few days, he had found the most distinctive spots in Yue City. Clearly, Yu Jinglan had not been resting at the palace as he claimed. For example: today!

Though Jun Dingyue had assigned guards to watch Yu Jinglan, Yu Jinglan’s skills made it easy to slip out of the palace. Those accompanying him were no ordinary men; even the guide ahead was formidable.

The attendant opened the private room door, bowed, and invited Jun Mo Li and An Ran inside. As An Ran crossed the threshold, she sensed Yu Jinglan’s malevolence and frowned slightly, whispering, “Brother Lan!”

“New Emperor of Ye Yue, you have exquisite taste to find this tavern...”

With a sudden “bang,” Jun Mo Li’s left hand caught a fierce gust of wind sent with a wine cup. Without hesitation, he drank deeply, curling his lips, voice steady and calm: “Eighty-year-old top-grade daughter’s red wine—I usually don’t indulge. Thank you, New Emperor of Ye Yue.”

Yu Jinglan snorted coldly but was secretly impressed. Jun Mo Li had used half his inner strength to throw that cup, yet Jun Mo Li caught it effortlessly, expression natural and unforced. He had underestimated Jun Mo Li.

Just as he moved to invite them to sit, his gaze landed on An Ran and Jun Mo Li’s tightly clasped hands. Jealousy and unwillingness glared sharply, wishing to sever Jun Mo Li’s hand with his own.

“Ranran, come to Brother Lan!” Yu Jinglan’s words were squeezed out like through clenched teeth, barely suppressing a storm of rage.

“Brother Lan, Jun Mo Li and I have business at the Prime Minister’s residence. Shall we dine together tonight?” An Ran spoke purely, without romantic feelings, understanding Yu Jinglan’s deep hatred but unable to deceive him.

Yu Jinglan closed his eyes, inhaled deeply several times, then reopened them, eyes clear and calm, smiling faintly at An Ran: “When Ranran says, so it shall be. Brother Lan will wait for you at the palace tonight.”

“All right! It’s a promise!”

Jun Mo Li’s cold eyes scrutinized Yu Jinglan’s every move, noting how swiftly he masked his wrath to leave a good impression before An Ran. Truly a remarkable man. Tonight, Yu Jinglan would surely vent his fury—and Jun Mo Li would be the target.

Tonight, he would sleep uneasily!

“New Emperor of Ye Yue, tonight’s expenses are on me. I will settle with the others!”

“Jun Mo Li, you underestimate me. A mere meal paid for by you, Prince Li of Xianyue? If word got out, where would my face be?” Yu Jinglan snorted, ungrateful.

“Indeed, Your Majesty is right. I nearly tarnished your reputation. Since that’s the case, I won’t ask the proprietor for a discount. A grand New Emperor eating discounted food would surely be scorned! Please enjoy your meal. Ran’er and I will take our leave. Farewell!”

“Ran’er, let’s go.”

“All right! Brother Lan, see you tonight at the palace!”

Jun Mo Li smiled, holding An Ran’s hand as they left, leaving only two figures behind.

With a “bang,” Yu Jinglan slammed the table into pieces. Broken plates, ruined snacks, and spilled wine littered the floor.

The kneeling servants and maids trembled in fear, too scared to make a sound even when shards cut their foreheads. When Yu Jinglan was furious, no one dared speak—unless they wished to die.

“Settle the bill. Return to the palace.”

Moments later, Yu Jinglan’s voice was cold and emotionless.

When paying downstairs, Yu Jinglan realized Jun Mo Li had tricked him: the single pot of wine cost three thousand taels of silver, not counting other specialty items and compensation. The total came to six thousand four hundred and twenty taels!

“Shopkeeper, you’re taking advantage of us outsiders. Who charges this much?” The attendant couldn’t believe his ears.

The shopkeeper was taken aback, then looked disdainfully at the attendant. “This 6,420 taels is already at an 80% discount granted by my master. Otherwise, it would have been much more!”

Customers in the hall overheard the argument, casting curious and disdainful glances.

“You...”

“Pay up!”

Yu Jinglan’s anger remained, and with a cold glare, he turned and left the tavern. Today he had lost face, but he vowed to make Jun Mo Li pay back a hundredfold.

***

PS: Have a great weekend! If you have time, leave a comment—let the rabbit feel a bit of the limelight~~~