Chapter Thirteen: Eavesdropping in the Cat’s Corner

The shopkeeper had long been eyeing that stack of silver notes with greed. At this moment, he hurriedly took them with both hands, his face full of obsequious smiles, bowing low and nodding repeatedly. “That’s more than enough, thank you, Young Master Xiao. Your generosity knows no bounds.”

A proud smile curled at the corner of Xiao Ze’an’s lips as he turned to Shen Shuwan and said gently, “Wan’er, it’s late. I’ll escort you home. The streets are chaotic at night, and I can’t bear to leave you alone.”

“With Brother Ze’an by my side, Wan’er feels at ease,” Shen Shuwan replied softly, their hands entwined as they walked away. The crowd dispersed gradually as the excitement died down.

At the moment Xiao Ze’an turned away, Luo Ningsang quietly slipped away. She adjusted her cloak, her expression cool and detached, thinking to herself, “Xiao Ze’an is up to his usual tricks, coaxing Shen Shuwan into handing over money. But that has nothing to do with me; I have other matters to attend to.” With quick steps, she headed toward the palace.

...

“Mo Five, why do you think Master didn’t just let me kill those who bullied the princess outright? This punishment is far too lenient.”

Mo Three frowned, his face full of resentment, his right fist clenched so tightly it creaked, eyes burning with fury. “Those bastards! How dare they bully the princess? They must have the heart of a bear and the courage of a leopard!”

Originally, Mo Three had been sent to deliver a memorial but was reassigned to secretly follow the princess. He spent his days shadowing her every move, reporting back in painstaking detail. The task was exhausting.

He had just finished his report yesterday when Master swiftly punished those men, but only in accordance with the original wager’s terms. Mo Three was puzzled.

“Don’t speculate on the sovereign’s intentions. No matter what, we must obey orders. Speak too much before Master, and you risk losing your head,” Mo One advised earnestly. The master’s mind was beyond their reach.

“I think, given our master’s temperament, those people would have been torn limb from limb, their clans wiped out. This leniency… don’t forget, it was the princess who set the wager,” Mo Five said, stroking his chin, a shrewd gleam in his narrow eyes. Lowering his voice, he added, “Whenever Master does something out of the ordinary, it’s always connected to the princess.”

“I agree with you,” Mo Three nodded vigorously, about to speak further.

“Mo Three, you were following the princess, weren’t you? How dare you leave your post and return without permission?” Mo One suddenly caught the key issue, eyes wide, finger pointed accusingly at Mo Three.

Startled, Mo Three shivered and quickly explained, “I came back to report to Master. The princess headed toward the palace, the situation urgent. That’s why I rushed back.” With that, he dashed off to find Mo Youli.

Having not seen Luo Ningsang for days, Mo Youli remained in his room, focused on painting.

The room was silent except for the soft rustling of brush against paper. Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattice, gently illuminating several scattered paintings on the table.

Each portrait was vivid—some smiling gently with curved eyes like a spring breeze over a lake; others puffing their cheeks playfully, lively and charming; still others frowning with hands on hips, showing a little girl’s petulance. Each one was Luo Ningsang.

Every stroke and color was imbued with the artist’s deep affection, strikingly lifelike.

After Mo Three’s report, Mo Youli’s usually lazy eyes brightened instantly, a smile spreading uncontrollably across his face, truly a look of delight.

He carefully rolled up the paintings as if they were the most precious treasures, then turned urgently.

“Mo Three, show me quickly—which outfit suits best?”

After rifling through more than a dozen sets of clothes, he finally chose one and hurried out.

Mo Youli pretended to stroll along Luo Ningsang’s usual route, occasionally glancing up, appearing casual but deliberately engineering a chance encounter.

From afar, Luo Ningsang spotted a flash of striking red and joyfully bounced over, chirping, “Mo Youli, did you just get back so late too?”

Tilting her head, her bright eyes full of curiosity, she asked.

“I thought to explore and sample Yanchi’s specialty foods,” Mo Youli replied, slightly turning, his gaze soft enough to melt water. His eyes locked onto Luo Ningsang’s as she tilted her head, making his heart skip a beat before he continued, “But I’m too familiar with this place, so I gave up.”

“The academy’s been on break these past few days. Tomorrow I’ll take you to try all the delicacies,” Luo Ningsang said, staring intently at Mo Youli, finding him ever more handsome. Her hands instinctively clasped behind her back as she leaned forward, smiling brightly.

“I’ve even prepared a gift for you tomorrow, to thank you for tutoring me lately.”

“Alright,” Mo Youli answered, feeling a bit shy under her gaze, his ears faintly flushed as they walked side by side.

Luo Ningsang’s mind was like boiling porridge, bubbling with all the places she wanted to take him.

Counting on her fingers, she murmured, “First to West Street for sweet bean curd, then East Street for roasted pigeon…”

Meanwhile, Mo Youli’s heart was filled with anticipation to be alone with her again, to savor every smile and frown. His lips curved into a gentle smile, occasionally responding to her plans.

Despite his status as emperor of a great empire, having tasted all the rare delicacies the world offered, and with countless servants ready to fetch anything at his command, his whole heart was with Luo Ningsang.

Yan Chi and Sang Nan were minor states—small, weak militarily, forced yearly to send rich tributes to the Great Qi Empire just to survive under its shadow.

Their rulers lived in constant fear of invasion by the Great Qi.

Thus, princesses of these small nations were often married into the Great Qi royal family. Despite the emperor’s harem of thousands, such alliances ensured some protection for their homeland.

Yet Mo Youli’s heart and mind were entirely devoted to Luo Ningsang, all of his thoughts centered on her.

“Chief Steward Li, have you seen my father, the emperor?” Luo Ningsang burst into the hall, cheeks flushed from running, hair slightly disheveled, eyes sparkling with urgency.

“The emperor is in the study, Your Highness the Crown Prince is there as well,” Li replied with a slight bow, respectful as always.

“My useless elder brother is still in the study so late? Probably being scolded for unfinished lessons or having angered Father with his studies,” Luo Ningsang said, arms crossed, head tilted, a sly smirk playing on her lips. Without waiting for Li’s reply, she grabbed Mo Youli’s sleeve.

“You’re the only one who can rescue my brother,” she exclaimed. “Just find some excuse to talk with Father—even if it’s nothing, just keep him talking.”

She paid no mind to Mo Youli’s reaction, focused solely on pulling her brother from his “troubles.”

With a tender smile, Mo Youli agreed softly, his gaze so warm it could drown. Watching Luo Ningsang’s clumsy rush forward, he quickened his pace to walk steadily by her side, worried she might stumble.

Before the study, guards and eunuchs spotted the pair, about to salute and report, but Luo Ningsang sprang forward, finger to her lips in a “shush” gesture, whispering, “Don’t make a sound!”

Then, clutching Mo Youli’s arm, she crouched low and tiptoed toward the emperor and crown prince.

“The royal hunt this year will be your responsibility,” the emperor said sternly, brows furrowed, disappointment etched deep on his face. “You should have improved over the years. When I was your age, I was already managing state affairs.”

He sighed heavily, filled with frustration. “What curse did I bring upon myself to have such an unworthy son?”

“Father, I… I’m not ready yet. Perhaps next year would be better. This time, I will study diligently,” Crown Prince Luo Shaochen stammered, sweat beading his brow, nervously clutching his sleeves.

He had social anxiety and stammered in crowds. Unable to directly oppose his father, he tried to delay the matter as long as possible.

“How could I bear such a useless son! Slow-witted as a pig, timid in action—you want to anger me?” The emperor pounded his chest in fury, his face flushed red.

Hiding in the corner, Luo Ningsang couldn’t help but let out a snicker. At first, she covered her mouth, but her laughter grew louder, eventually catching the emperor’s attention.

“Didn’t I tell you not to laugh? Come here this instant!” the emperor barked.

Luo Ningsang’s laughter cut off abruptly. She pouted, looking pitifully at Mo Youli, her eyes pleading for help.

Dressed in red hair and robes, Mo Youli strode forward with an aura of dark charm, while Luo Ningsang timidly followed behind.

“Your Majesty, please forgive me. I did not realize Your Majesty was present,” Mo Youli said calmly.

The old emperor’s expression stiffened; he quickly stood and bowed low in apology.

“Sang’er, how can you be so unruly? The emperor is an honored guest.” The emperor glared at Luo Ningsang, full of reproach. “Pulling the emperor into a corner to eavesdrop—what kind of behavior is this?”

“It’s not the princess’s fault. I came to discuss important matters and did not expect to meet the princess,” Mo Youli replied composedly, as if he were not the one listening in.

“Since Father and you have business, my brother and I will take our leave.” Luo Ningsang gave Luo Shaochen a meaningful glance—clearly signaling “better you die than me”—to send Mo Youli in and rescue her brother.

“Crown Prince, take Sang’er back. The royal hunt is settled; I will have the prime minister assist you. Visit the prime minister’s residence if you have time to learn from him,” the emperor said firmly, determined to train the prince.

Though reluctant, Luo Shaochen understood he could not refuse and nodded, “I obey Your Majesty’s command.”

While Mo Youli chatted idly with the emperor about the political situation, his mind drifted along with Luo Ningsang outside the study.

Just outside, as Luo Ningsang and Luo Shaochen stepped out, the prince sighed, “Sister, save me! I don’t even know where to start organizing the hunt.”

“I’ve only been a few times myself. How can I help you?” Luo Ningsang replied with a helpless shrug.

“I’ve never presided over the royal hunt as princess, only followed Xiao Ze’an twice.”

“Well, you must come this time. I heard there will be a brown bear, and it’s said to be quite the spectacle.”

Though uninterested in organizing, the thought of the lively hunt excited Luo Shaochen.

“Fine, I’ll come open my eyes and see how my brother handles the hunt. I trust you,” Luo Ningsang smiled brightly, like a little sun. Her optimism bolstered Luo Shaochen’s confidence, who clenched his fist and declared, “Since you trust me, I will not fail!”

Early the next morning, Luo Ningsang sat at her dressing table, carefully preparing herself. She chose a pale pink butterfly-embroidered gown, adorned her hair with pearl flowers, and pocketed a large handful of silver notes. Today, she was the hostess and intended to treat Mo Youli well.

Just as Mo Youli lifted a spoonful of bird’s nest porridge, before swallowing, Luo Ningsang appeared like a fresh breeze.

“Mo Youli, don’t eat anymore. Let’s go on an empty stomach and sweep through all the delicacies,” she said, hands on hips, eagerness shining in her face.

“Alright,” Mo Youli said, setting down his bowl without hesitation. The word “alright” was the most frequent in his vocabulary around her, his whole heart dedicated to her happiness.

Outside, Mo Youli moved with languid grace, noble and effortless. His tall, slender frame with broad shoulders and narrow waist swayed with each step like a shadowy phantom of the night. Wherever he passed, all eyes were irresistibly drawn to him.

Just his silhouette made passersby stop and stare, let alone his devastatingly handsome face, eyes shimmering with seductive light, the faint blush at the corner of his eyes utterly captivating.

Young ladies blushed and whispered among themselves, “We’ve never seen such a handsome young master!”

Previously, Mo Youli traveled by imperial carriage, flanked by two rows of guards, barring anyone from approaching.

Even with his cold, aloof gaze that kept others at a distance, it could not dampen the heat of those gazes.

“Wait for me…” Luo Ningsang suddenly darted into a shop and soon emerged holding a hooded veil.

A surge of possessiveness welled up inside her—she did not want other girls to glance at Mo Youli, so she had to cover his face.

“This will do,” Luo Ningsang said, pleased as she surveyed Mo Youli’s concealed face, feeling clever indeed.

She took a few steps forward but noticed Mo Youli had not moved.

Under the veil, Mo Youli complained plaintively, “This hood… makes it hard to see the road.”

The three Mo family members who had been guarding him in the shadows—Mo One, Mo Three, and Mo Five—watched this scene and couldn’t help but comment among themselves.