Chapter 13: A Test, and the Appearance of a Childhood Fiancé
Mo Shuihan was gradually establishing his footing in the capital. Although there were still many unresolved issues between him and the Ninth Princess, he believed that no matter the outcome, the imperial family would not jeopardize his position at court. This meant he could finally begin to set his plans for revenge in motion.
For so many years, Xiao Yushou had never given up searching for him. To stay alive, Mo Shuihan had been forced to stay far away from the capital, unable to participate in any plans for vengeance. But now, the time was right. Mo Shuihan decided to make a trip to Guanshan Temple to receive the âassetsâ that had been previously arranged with Master Huilai.
But⊠what excuse could he use to go to Guanshan Temple?
To avoid suspicion, he had always maintained a distant and unfamiliar relationship with Master Huilai on the surface. If he went to see him now without a good reason, it would likely arouse suspicion later on.
As he sat frowning in thought, Chunlan, one of the Ninth Princessâs personal maids, came running in. âPrince Consort, you must come quickly! The Princess is in her room, crying!â
Mo Shuihan looked at her with suspicion. âCrying? What for?â He had been tormented by the Ninth Princessâs schemes so many times before and had offended her again in recent days. Who knew what new trick she had up her sleeve?
âThis servant doesn’t know either!â Chunlan said urgently.
Seeing his disbelief, Chunlan knew it was because they had helped the Ninth Princess play tricks on him in the past, earning his mistrust. With a mournful look, she turned to Shiyue. âIf the Prince Consort does not believe me, you can ask Sister Shiyue.â
Mo Shuihanâs gaze shifted to his own maid. Having seen the Ninth Princess bully her master, Shiyue was reluctant to help and kept her head down in silence.
Chunlan stomped her foot in frustration. âSister Shiyue, didnât you just promise to vouch for me?â
Mo Shuihan glanced at Shiyue, then stood up. âLetâs go,â he said to Chunlan.
Chunlanâs face lit up. âPrince Consort, you believe me?â
But Shiyueâs face paled. âYoung MasterâŠâ
As Mo Shuihan walked past her, he dropped a single, quiet command: âNot again.â
He knew his servants were only looking out for him, but that was no excuse for them to disrespect the Ninth Princess. Regardless of the state of their relationship, as long as she was nominally his wife, she was their mistress, and they were required to show her respect.
When they arrived at the Ninth Princessâs chambers, her maids from the palace were clustered around the door. Nanny Shen was calling out, âPrincess, whatever the matter is, please open the door first. Have your meal before you throw a tantrum, alright?â
Mo Shuihan walked closer. âWhatâs going on?â
Seeing him, Nanny Shen and the others let out a collective sigh of relief. âThe Princess has been like this ever since she returned from the palace. Sheâs locked herself in her room and wonât come out. Sheâs already missed two meals since this morning!â
Mo Shuihan frowned. âWhat happened?â
Nanny Shen shook her head. âWe are not sure. We only heard from the palace maids who accompanied her that she seemed to have had a big argument with the Empress Dowager and the Empress.â
He stepped forward and knocked on the door. âPrincess, itâs me. Can you open the door?â
There was no sound from within for a long while. Mo Shuihan tried pushing the door, and to his surprise, it swung open. He glanced back at the others. Chunlan and the maids quickly waved their hands. âIt really was locked just now.â
Mo Shuihan pushed the door open and walked in to find the Ninth Princess sitting on a soft couch, hugging her knees. Her eyes were red and swollen, a clear sign she had been crying. For the first time, a genuine worry surfaced in him. âWhat is it? Did someone bully you?â
The Ninth Princess turned and glared at him. âIt was you! You bullied me, you wretched scholar! Now youâve got your wish, havenât you? You must be pleased.â
Mo Shuihan was baffled. âWhat does this have to do with me? I havenât even seen you for the past two days.â
She shot to her feet, her mind replaying the Empress Dowagerâs words from that morning: If he isnât cured in one month, you must divorce him!
She opened her mouth, but the words wouldnât come out. She looked at Mo Shuihan, thinking that if she told him, he would probably jump for joy, without a single thought for her feelings. At that thought, her eyes welled up with tears of grievance again.
Mo Shuihan waited, but instead of speaking, she started crying again. Flustered, he fumbled for a handkerchief to comfort her. âAre you alright? Just tell me what happened, and Iâll help you think of a solution. Please stop crying, will you?â
This was the first time Mo Shuihan had seen the Ninth Princess cry since their marriage. He had to admit, it had given him quite a scare.
The Ninth Princess let him wipe her tears, and looking up, she saw that the concern in his eyes seemed genuine. âHow can you be so heartless,â she murmured, âand yet so hard to let go of?â
He didn’t quite catch her words. âWhat?â
She lowered her head with a bitter smile. âYou got your wish. The Empress Dowager said we have one month. If you are still⊠incapable⊠then we are to divorce.â
Mo Shuihanâs hand froze, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. âPrincess, IâŠâ
âDonât say youâre sorry, and donât say youâre not worthy of me. In the end, itâs just that you donât like me.â The Ninth Princess cut him off, fresh tears streaming down her face. She turned away stubbornly, wiping them with the back of her hand. Without looking at him, she said, âThere. Youâre free now. You donât have to put up with me anymore. You can leave.â
Mo Shuihan took a couple of steps toward the door, then paused. He looked back and saw her crouched on the floor, hugging her knees and burying her head, crying. She looked so pitiful and lonely. He hesitated for a long time before walking back and squatting down in front of her. His voice was filled with a confused, bewildered tone. âWhat is there about a person like me that is worth holding on to, worth being sad over?â
This only made her cry harder. âIf I could, I wish I wasnât sad either. If I had known, I never should have run out that day you rejected the marriage.â
Seeing his silence, she looked up, tears staining her face. âDo you really, truly not want to live with me at all?â
Mo Shuihan lowered his gaze. In a fit of anger, the Ninth Princess shoved him. âIf thatâs the case, then why do you even care about me? Iâm crying my own tears, hurting my own body. Isnât that exactly what you want?â
Mo Shuihan stumbled and sat on the floor. He let out a soft sigh. âOne day, you will understand that everything I am doing is for your own good.â
The Ninth Princess scrambled to her feet, shouting through her tears, âI donât need your kindness! I know you canât stand my princess temper. Now that youâve gotten your wish, what are you still doing here?â
Mo Shuihan let her vent her anger. When she had finally calmed down, he had someone bring in a meal. He looked at her with his dark, intense eyes. âDonât punish yourself for my mistake. If you donât want me to laugh at you, then pull yourself together and prove to me that you can live perfectly well without me.â
Although they had been given a month, the imperial family had clearly already begun preparing for the divorce. Their attitude had changed noticeably in recent days. The Emperor, seemingly wanting to compensate Mo Shuihan, showered him with rewards and commendations, much to the envy of the other scholars in the Hanlin Academy. Xiao Heng, however, sensed something was amiss.
That morning, Mo Shuihan was still racking his brain for a plausible reason to see Master Huilai. A grown man going to a temple to burn incense for no reason would seem strange. And with the Ninth Princess giving him the cold shoulder, he couldnât ask for her help.
Xiao Heng had been watching him closely. Seeing Mo Shuihanâs constant frown, he assumed it was related to the royal familyâs affairs. He walked over and suggested, âSeveral officials are gathering tonight. Why donât we join them? They are all around our age, and while they may not hold the highest positions yet, they have considerable influence at court. It would be beneficial to build connections with them.â
Though Mo Shuihan found him irritating, he realized this could be advantageous for his plans of revenge, so he agreed.
Xiao Heng was thrilled. âIâll go make the arrangements right away,â he said eagerly.
A few nearby officials shook their heads as they watched. This Young Master Xiao was usually insufferably arrogant, yet he was now so compliant and accommodating toward Mo Shuihan. It was truly baffling.
Mo Shuihan sent a servant back to inform the princess, then accompanied Xiao Heng to a restaurant called âYue Ming Xuan.â It was clear this was a regular gathering spot for them; the moment the manager saw Xiao Heng, he familiarly led them up to the second floor.
When they entered the private room, many people had already arrived. Mo Shuihan had not been at court for long. Although he had information on most of the officials, he had met few in person. He finally put faces to names as Xiao Heng made the introductions. Seeing that he was with Xiao Heng and was also the Ninth Princessâs husband, everyone was very polite and courteous to him.
After most of the introductions were done, a glint appeared in Xiao Hengâs eyes. He smiled and pointed to a door at the side. âThereâs one more person. He is one of His Majestyâs most trusted confidants and holds a very important position at court. But he has a peculiar temperament and doesnât like to talk. Heâs probably hiding in there to watch the moon again. Letâs go find him.â
Mo Shuihan nodded and followed Xiao Heng through the door. He found himself on an open-air balcony, perfectly positioned to overlook a lotus pond across the street. With the cool breeze, it was indeed a rare and pleasant spot.
In a dimly lit corner of the balcony stood a tall figure, leaning against the railing. He held a pot of wine, taking a sip from time to time as he gazed at the distant moon. It was as if he existed in a world of his own, completely detached from the bright and lively atmosphere of the room behind him.
Mo Shuihanâs heart clenched. He instantly understood Xiao Hengâs plan. The man before him was Fu Yiâhis childhood fiancĂ©.
Xiao Heng clearly suspected him. The invitation to this gathering wasnât to help him network; it was a trap to expose his identity using Fu Yi. Mo Shuihanâs mind raced, searching for a counter-strategy. He and Fu Yi had spent a lot of time together as children. There was no guarantee that Fu Yi wouldnât recognize him. How could he get through this without revealing himself?
Xiao Hengâs eyes were fixed on Mo Shuihan, watching his every reaction. Mo Shuihan dared not relax for a second, carefully controlling his breathing and keeping his expression neutral. Xiao Heng smiled and walked up to Fu Yi. âBrother Fu, ever the nonconformist, I see.â
Fu Yi turned around. His ruggedly handsome face was illuminated by the lamplight. Combined with his tall, powerful build, he looked like a great general who had just returned from the battlefield.
âDifferent habits. Lord Xiao thinks too much,â he said, his voice deep and steady. As he spoke, he glanced at Mo Shuihan, and his eyes instantly widened in shock. It took him a long moment to recover his composure. âYouâŠâ
Mo Shuihan bowed his head respectfully. âThe new top scholar, Mo Shuihan, greets Marquis Fu.â
Fu Yi slowly walked toward him, his gaze locked on him. âYou are the Ninth Prince Consort?â
âYes.â Mo Shuihanâs tone was distant and formal, as if he were completely oblivious to the other manâs intense scrutiny.
Fu Yi looked up, his sharp gaze piercing straight through Xiao Heng. âWhat is the meaning of bringing him here?â
Xiao Heng laughed. âWhat is Lord Fu talking about? This is a young colleague of mine from the Hanlin Academy. Does Lord Fu perhaps know him?â
Fu Yi narrowed his eyes, studying Xiao Heng, and subtly moved to stand in front of Mo Shuihan. âWe all know what you are planning. What is it? Was it not enough for you to have caused the annihilation of her entire family? Now you cannot even tolerate someone who resembles her?â
Xiao Hengâs expression changed dramatically, his emotions suddenly flaring. âWhat do you know? I want her to be alive more than anyone! I dream of her coming back to life!â
Fu Yiâs voice was utterly devoid of emotion. âIs that so?â
He turned back to Mo Shuihan. âStay away from him, or you wonât even know how you died.â
Mo Shuihanâs demeanor remained cold. âThis official does not understand what Marquis Fu means. It seems the two of you have some private matters to discuss. This official will not intrude.â
Xiao Heng opened his mouth to say something as he watched Mo Shuihan leave without a backward glance. He knew that with his sharp mind, Mo Shuihan must have seen through his test and was surely angry. He raised a hand to stop him but didnât know what to say, so he let it fall slowly back to his side.
Fu Yi hopped onto the railing and sat down, tilting his head back for another swig of wine. âDonât waste your efforts. She is already dead.â
Xiao Heng turned his head, his red-rimmed eyes glaring at him. âLord Fu has a beautiful new companion now, so of course you hope she is dead and gone. But as long as I have not seen her body, I will believe she is still alive. I will wait for her. Wait for her to come and take her revenge on me, to come and kill me.â
It wasn’t until Xiao Heng had left that Fu Yiâs hand, which was gripping the wine pot, finally went limp. A closer look would have revealed that his knuckles were white, and the porcelain of the wine pot had already been crushed by his grip.
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