Chapter Fourteen: Mo Youli’s Calculated Scheming

“That can’t be right. Master once led troops on a nighttime raid against the enemy camp, able to strike down their commander from fifty meters away with a single arrow. How could a mere veil obstruct Master’s vision?”

Mo Yi furrowed his brows deeply, a puzzled expression shadowing his face.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Master look so wronged—quite terrifying,” Mo Wu shook his head. For a moment, he thought he must be mistaken; their master had faced life-and-death battles countless times. Yet now, this pitiable, almost puppy-like expression genuinely shocked him.

It wasn’t until he saw Luo Ningsang scamper over, taking Mo Youli’s hand and intertwining their fingers that Mo’s third brother had an epiphany, silently clicking his tongue: their master was truly cunning!

Luo Ningsang clutched a bag of snacks she loved, munching happily, occasionally pulling out a treat and offering it toward Mo Youli’s lips beneath the veil.

Mo Youli parted his mouth to accept the snack; as their soft lips brushed against Luo Ningsang’s fingers, she recoiled instantly, cheeks flushed crimson as if struck by electricity.

Mo Youli’s own face blossomed with a rosy hue; his heart pounded wildly like a startled deer. Thankfully, the veil concealed his expression from her.

“Let’s go to the Chunxiang Pavilion. We can enjoy the performances while eating. Their food is exquisite and delicious—I’ve wanted to come here for a long time,” Luo Ningsang said, chewing thoughtfully. She felt street snacks just didn’t satisfy her appetite; a grand banquet at the tavern was far more fulfilling.

She arranged a private room with the waiter, and as they ascended the stairs, they unexpectedly encountered Xiao Ze’an and Shen Shuwan.

“Luo Ningsang, yesterday you made things difficult for me, and today you’re stalking me?” Xiao Ze’an’s sharp brows shot up, his face clouded with displeasure as he shouted.

“I knew it! Your affection hasn’t changed one bit. Yesterday was just a ploy to force me to submit to you!” Luo Ningsang retorted.

“Xiao Ze’an, are you blind? Who’s stalking you?” Luo Ningsang’s temper flared instantly; fists clenched and feet stamping angrily.

“But you followed me all the way to Chunxiang Pavilion,” Xiao Ze’an folded his arms, chin raised confidently.

Their brief quarrel quickly caught the attention of bystanders, who turned to watch curiously.

Before Xiao Ze’an could finish, Mo Youli’s palm gathered inner strength, releasing a force like an arrow from a bow that struck Xiao Ze’an’s chest. The man lost control, tumbling down the stairs from the second floor.

“Brother Ze’an…”

Shen Shuwan’s face paled as she hurried forward, helping Xiao Ze’an up and glaring fiercely at Mo Youli. “Why did you attack him? Has Brother Ze’an offended you in some way?”

“An insignificant ant dares to stalk me? Ridiculous,” Mo Youli said coldly, his voice icy and commanding, radiating such dominance that it stifled the crowd.

Shen Shuwan’s heart skipped, realizing this man was allied with Luo Ningsang.

“Who gave you the courage to harm me? I am Xiao Ze’an of the Grand Tutor’s residence! Innkeeper, get this man out of here!” Xiao Ze’an roared, clutching his chest.

“Who is this man in red who dared attack Master Xiao? Everyone knows Master Xiao’s reputation—this fellow is asking for trouble,” murmured a bystander.

“Indeed, that must be Luo Ningsang,” another whispered.

“How do you know?”

“She’s been chasing after Xiao Ze’an for years without change. Didn’t you hear him say she followed him here?”

“Oh, that explains it!” The crowd buzzed, savoring the unfolding drama.

The innkeeper emerged from the crowd—a round-faced middle-aged man whose hospitable smile was as familiar as the tavern’s warmth. His dark blue robe stretched slightly over his belly, his apron stained with wine and oil marks. Lowering his head, he inquired about the commotion.

Xiao Ze’an pointed at the man in red, shouting, “It’s him! Doesn’t he know whose territory this is? Doesn’t he know who I am? He dares to hurt me here! Innkeeper, call your thugs and throw this reckless fool out, or I’ll smash your signboard myself!”

Clearly, Xiao Ze’an hadn’t recognized Mo Youli beneath the veil; otherwise, no amount of courage would let him shout so recklessly in Mo Youli’s presence.

His eyes burned with arrogance and rage, veins bulging on his neck like a rabid dog, stripped of all his former noble grace.

His roar silenced the whole tavern instantly. Patrons halted their actions, all eyes fixated on the unfolding scene.

The innkeeper’s smile faded into a weary frown as he wiped his apron nervously, muttering, “Gentlemen, please calm down. What’s all this about? Don’t spoil our shop’s rules.”

---

Xiao Ze’an’s fury only grew when the innkeeper approached. He waved broadly, pointing at the man in red and Luo Ningsang. “Innkeeper, do you want to keep your business open? This man injured me; get your thugs to throw him out before I lose my temper and ruin your reputation!”

The innkeeper smiled politely, eyes flickering between the two sides. “Master Xiao, rest assured. We will handle this matter.”

He signaled behind him, summoning several burly, stern-faced thugs. Their muscles tensed, fists clenched, trained and ready, they strode toward the man in red.

“Who dares?” Luo Ningsang, small yet resolute, stepped before Mo Youli. Though trembling with fear, she stood unwaveringly to protect him.

Mo Youli remained calm, his exquisite face betraying no fear, a faint smile playing on his lips, eyes serene and knowing.

Seeing Luo Ningsang shield him, his expression shifted noticeably. He never imagined anyone would stand before him. Always, he had fought alone, stepping over comrades’ corpses to reach his lofty position. Solitude was his norm.

Luo Ningsang was like a light, filling him with warmth. Silently, he vowed to protect her for life.

Just as the thugs neared, the innkeeper suddenly raised his voice: “Hold on!”

Everyone paused, even Mo Youli glanced curiously at the innkeeper.

Clearing his throat, the innkeeper addressed Xiao Ze’an solemnly, “Master Xiao, today, you are the one who must leave.”

Xiao Ze’an’s face flushed crimson as if hearing nonsense. His neck stiffened like a strangled rooster as he bellowed, “You’re senile, innkeeper! He’s the one causing trouble here!”

The innkeeper remained composed, folding his arms and stepping forward. “Master Xiao, since you arrived, you’ve been shouting and causing a scene. A grown man bullying a young lady—our Chunxiang Pavilion may be a humble tavern, but we have rules. We value harmony and prosperity. Your behavior is unacceptable.”

“Meanwhile, this gentleman only stood up for the lady and yet you treat him so harshly. We cannot allow people like you to disrupt our atmosphere.”

The surrounding patrons quickly echoed the sentiment.

“Exactly, we can’t enjoy our drinks with this nonsense.”

“The innkeeper’s right; we can’t let such people ruin the rules.”

Xiao Ze’an looked around at the disapproving gazes, his face burning with anger and embarrassment. He wanted to lash out, but the firm arms and stern expressions of the thugs flanking him warned that further trouble would bring no good.

“Ningsang, how could you hurt Brother Ze’an? He only misunderstood you. You won’t explain, yet you let someone harm him,” Shen Shuwan began her petty complaints, venting her frustration on Luo Ningsang.

“Shen Shuwan, you’re sick! You’re always pretending to be the good one wherever you go!” Luo Ningsang snapped, anger flashing.

“Don’t waste words on her. Wan’er, let’s go,” Xiao Ze’an grumbled, dragging Shen Shuwan out of the tavern in defeat.

“Sir, your private room is ready. Please, follow me,” the innkeeper said with a broad smile, bowing slightly as he led Mo Youli away. His eyes glanced casually over the jade emblem hanging at Mo Youli’s waist.

The innkeeper thought to himself: this guest is truly a distinguished noble indeed! His smile grew ever more ingratiating as he courteously guided the way.

Luo Ningsang, still unsettled by the earlier confrontation, took a few deep breaths to calm herself, then turned to Mo Youli with a bright smile.

“Let’s enjoy ourselves and not let unrelated people spoil our mood.”

“All right, your call,” Mo Youli said indulgently, his smile like warm spring sunshine that could dispel all gloom. Seeing her smile, his heart felt gently filled with something soft and overflowing.

Inside the private room, Luo Ningsang picked up the menu, her slender fingers tracing the dishes. Tilting her head, she asked, “Do you have any dietary restrictions? Prefer mild or spicy?”

Mo Youli removed his veil, setting it aside. Casually, he poured a cup of steaming tea for Luo Ningsang. The rising steam blurred his features, yet the tenderness in his eyes shone all the clearer.

---

“No restrictions. I like whatever you like.”

Without hesitation, Luo Ningsang rattled off a series of dishes in her clear voice: “A serving of osmanthus shark’s fin—your freshest; the crispy duck here looks divine; and cherry pork to go with the rice…”

She ordered the house specialties, signature dishes, and many of her personal favorites.

Soon, the table was laden with an array of dishes flowing like a banquet.

Luo Ningsang shed all the refined restraint of a noble lady, eating heartily and unabashedly, her cheeks puffed like a squirrel gathering food, delighting in every bite.

Mo Youli, initially without much appetite, found the meal especially delicious watching her enjoy it, his own hunger revived.

She kept feeding him, urging, “Try this one; it’s delicious. Oh, you must try this too.”

Thanks to her enthusiastic care, Mo Youli ate much more than usual.

Meanwhile, the innkeeper escorted the Mo family’s three sons into a smaller room, where another lavish spread awaited.

The usually cheerful, plump-faced innkeeper now wore a serious expression as he bowed slightly, asking, “Gentlemen, is there some urgent matter for your sudden visit?”

Mo Yi sampled a bite, nodding in approval. “The flavor is indeed excellent.”

He then addressed the innkeeper, “Nothing urgent, just accompanying our master on a visit.”

The innkeeper’s eyes flickered with curiosity, gesturing toward the upper floor. “And the gentleman upstairs?”

Seeing the golden and jade badges they wore, the innkeeper recognized them as men of immense status, almost certainly the ‘master’ they mentioned.

Relieved that his earlier handling hadn’t faltered—one wrong step and he might now be a lifeless corpse—he smiled again.

“Please, don’t ask too many questions. You handled things well just now; there’s nothing else for you here. You may leave.”

Before the innkeeper could finish, Mo San added hurriedly, “Also, when you settle the bill upstairs, say it’s our birthday today—complimentary! As for the expenses upstairs, this should cover it.”

He tossed a heavy pouch of gold onto the table with a clatter.

The innkeeper’s face showed hesitation, but he pushed the gold back with a smile. “I know what to do. Gentlemen, the gold is unnecessary—consider it a gift from me.”

“Accept it! We must not break the rules!” Mo Yi’s face turned stern, voice firm as he insisted, shoving the gold into the innkeeper’s arms.

Seeing no way to refuse, the innkeeper accepted and bowed, then quietly withdrew.

---

In the surrounding minor states, many large taverns or pleasure houses were secretly established by the Great Prayer sect.

This arrangement served two purposes: to firmly control the economic lifelines of the small countries, keeping their financial flows under surveillance; and to gather intelligence on any unrest or conspiracies, allowing the Great Prayer to swiftly dispatch forces to quell any disturbances.

Chunxiang Pavilion belonged to the Great Prayer. Although the innkeeper didn’t know the guests’ exact identities, he was well acquainted with the rank indicated by their badges.

Ordinary stewards bore dark iron badges and might visit once a year; high-ranking figures wore silver badges; today’s three men displayed golden badges; and the man in red sported a rare jade badge—extremely prestigious.

The innkeeper broke out in a cold sweat, feeling his earlier responses had been astute; one misstep might have cost him his life.

After finishing her meal, Luo Ningsang leaned back in her chair, content as a sun-drenched kitten, eyes half-closed in lazy happiness.

Mo Youli propped his elbow on the table, resting his chin in his hand, quietly watching her with eyes full of tenderness.

Feeling his gaze, Luo Ningsang pouted, feigning annoyance. “What are you staring at? Don’t say it’s because you think I’m pretty—you’re blinding me with that face of yours.”