Chapter Five: Could You Help Me Cheat?

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As soon as Luo Ningsang entered the palace, her father, the emperor, smiled and asked, "Sang’er, why have you returned so late today?"

"I studied a bit more seriously today and lost track of time. I will come back earlier tomorrow," Luo Ningsang replied.

She glanced at Mo Youli across from her. Dressed in red, he exuded a captivating charm in every gesture, like a bewitching spirit.

Luo Ningsang’s eyes were fixed on him. How had she never noticed his sinister allure before in her previous life?

“Pfft...” Luo Shaochen suddenly spat out the water he had just taken, quickly covering his mouth as laughter shook his entire body.

His royal sister was always chasing after men; when had she ever studied? Her excuse was truly laughable.

Luo Ningsang scowled and shot Luo Shaochen a glare.

“Looks like the emperor’s brother has finished his lessons too; he’s ready to sit down at the table!” she retorted, unwilling to be outdone by her mischievous brother.

Luo Shaochen’s smiling face immediately fell, and he obediently sat up straight.

The emperor, accustomed to the siblings’ banter, did not intervene.

“Seeing my sister so confident, the imperial exam is just a few days away. This time, you won’t come in last, right?” Luo Shaochen slyly dug a hole.

“Of course, I will make progress. Brother, you must work hard too—any new strategies for governing the country?” Luo Ningsang gritted her teeth, unwilling to admit her shortcomings.

“I’ll wait and see your exam results then,” Luo Shaochen said, ignoring her question about governance and focusing solely on her exam.

“Well then, open your eyes wide and watch carefully,” Luo Ningsang raised her chin, determined. In truth, she had no confidence, but with Mo Youli present, she could not afford to lose face.

“That’s good, Sang’er. It’s great you have ambition. If you don’t understand something, you should ask Emperor Mo more often,” the emperor said, unable to speak without mentioning Mo Youli, as if wanting to bind him to his daughter.

“I’d like to, but I’m afraid he’ll think I’m stupid...” Luo Ningsang touched her nose. Mo Youli had been a prodigy since the age of five, vastly more talented than she was now. Their abilities were worlds apart.

“That’s impossible. The princess is exceptionally intelligent. If you have any questions, just ask me anytime,” Mo Youli said, watching the amusing siblings with interest, especially finding Luo Ningsang’s bravado despite her insecurity endearing.

“Sang’er, since Emperor Mo has already offered, do make good use of his guidance during this time,” the old father urged eagerly, thrilled that his daughter was no longer as resistant to Mo Youli as before.

“I do have many questions. I’ll trouble you then, Mo Youli,” Luo Ningsang said, propping her head with her hands, her big eyes blinking playfully.

Mo Youli nodded slightly, calmly sipping tea, though his trembling fingers betrayed his inner nervousness.

Although Xiao Ze’an was allowed into the palace, he could not roam freely.

Everyone at the palace gates recognized him; the affair between him and the princess was well known throughout Yan Chi, so no one stopped him from entering.

But once inside, he was restricted.

Watching Luo Ningsang enter the hall, with the emperor’s trusted eunuchs at the door, Xiao Ze’an knew the emperor was inside.

He could only wait anxiously under a tree in front of the hall, pacing back and forth, unaware of what was happening inside.

After a long time, several people came out of the hall. Xiao Ze’an peeked from behind the tree.

Luo Shaochen came out first, followed by the emperor. Luo Ningsang and the empress walked side by side.

Just as Xiao Ze’an was about to approach, he saw Luo Ningsang turn her head and speak to the man behind her—a figure in red, radiating the aura of a sovereign, calm yet otherworldly.

Who else could it be but Emperor Mo Youli of Daqi! Jealousy surged within Xiao Ze’an. His status, talent, and appearance—all were perfect.

But! He shifted his gaze back to Luo Ningsang.

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Xiao Ze’an curled his lips into a smile, thinking, no matter how perfect Mo Youli is, if he can take Luo Ningsang, he’s the real winner.

Silently, he followed through the winding palace corridors until he saw Luo Ningsang alone walking along a passageway. The taut string of his heart suddenly snapped.

Without hesitation, he rushed forward and grabbed Luo Ningsang’s wrist.

His grip was tight, fueled by anxiety and panic, as if trying to pin her in place, forbidding her from taking another step.

“Luo Ningsang, did you say anything inappropriate just now?” Xiao Ze’an’s eyes widened, veins bulging on his forehead, his voice trembling with panic and urgency, his words rushed and breaking.

Luo Ningsang stopped, turned to look at Xiao Ze’an. Her cold eyes flared with anger as she struggled against his grip.

“Xiao Ze’an? Don’t sneak up like a ghost. Aren’t you just afraid I’ll tell father? Don’t worry, I’m not that petty!” she snapped.

No matter how hard she struggled, Xiao Ze’an’s fingers, like iron pincers, did not budge, his arm firmly holding her wrist.

As they stood locked, a sudden gust of wind whooshed past, and a red figure flashed like a phantom.

In a blink, Xiao Ze’an felt a tight grip around his neck, lifting him off the ground.

Mo Youli appeared like a divine soldier descending from the heavens, his flowing red robes crackling, standing a full head taller than Xiao Ze’an, radiating a killing aura.

With one hand, he effortlessly hoisted Xiao Ze’an as if lifting a helpless chick.

“Ugh...” Xiao Ze’an’s face flushed crimson, eyes bulging, mouth agape but gasping for air, his face turning purple.

He wildly flailed his hands against Mo Youli’s iron-strong arm and kicked helplessly in the air, utterly humiliated.

“Mo Youli, put him down,” Luo Ningsang said calmly. Not out of mercy, but because this scoundrel had once severely hurt her. She would not let him off so easily.

She intended to settle this grudge herself, to make Xiao Ze’an fully experience betrayal and humiliation, repaying all the grievances of past and present lives.

Hearing her voice, Mo Youli glanced at Luo Ningsang, a flicker of hurt in his eyes, but he obeyed.

With a sharp flick of his arm, he threw Xiao Ze’an heavily to the ground.

“Cough, cough, cough...” Xiao Ze’an lay sprawled, gasping greedily, clutching his throat and coughing violently before regaining his breath.

Though Mo Youli was a sovereign with exceptional skills, Xiao Ze’an dared only glare at him.

If Mo Youli weren’t concerned about Luo Ningsang, he might have snapped Xiao Ze’an’s neck outright.

Mo Youli knew how Luo Ningsang had chased Xiao Ze’an all these years, so he feared killing Xiao Ze’an would upset her.

“I’ve explained everything I needed to. You can leave now!” Luo Ningsang hooked her arm around Mo Youli’s, a touch of intimacy. She wanted to drive the scoundrel away and cultivate a proper relationship with Mo Youli.

“What do you mean, Luo Ningsang? Your quarrels with me are between us; no need to use Mo Youli to spite me. You just want to get my attention. You’re still hung up on Shen Shuwan!” Xiao Ze’an refused to believe there was anything between Luo Ningsang and Mo Youli.

Luo Ningsang had been like a loyal dog chasing him all these years, willing to sacrifice everything for him.

Now, even seeing her arm linked with Mo Youli’s, Xiao Ze’an thought she was just trying to provoke him using that man.

Mo Youli’s thoughts mirrored Xiao Ze’an’s. Usually calculating and confident, he was cautious and insecure around Luo Ningsang.

He knew he was just a tool Luo Ningsang used to anger Xiao Ze’an, that they must have argued.

But so what? Even as a tool, at least to Luo Ningsang, he was useful.

Meanwhile, Luo Ningsang was so amused by Xiao Ze’an that she laughed at his big face.

Tired of arguing, she turned and headed back to her chambers.

Xiao Ze’an wanted to follow, but Mo Youli’s deep, icy gaze stopped him. He could only watch as they left.

“Let’s not let some meaningless person ruin our mood,” Luo Ningsang said, holding Mo Youli’s hand as they walked briskly.

When her hand touched his, Mo Youli stared blankly at her small, soft, and slightly cool hand.

His heart skipped a beat. Walking side by side, he barely noticed her words, only the pounding of his own heart.

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Inside Luo Ningsang’s chambers, decorated in soft pink and pale yellow, reflecting her cute and playful temperament.

“You all may leave. I have state affairs to discuss with the esteemed guest from Daqi,” Luo Ningsang began ushering out the maids and attendants as soon as she entered.

The maids exchanged bewildered looks. Their princess, who had no interest in studying and only chased after men, claimed she was discussing state affairs. It was utterly unbelievable.

But when they saw the striking man in red standing beside her, their expressions shifted to understanding.

So their princess hadn’t chased after Xiao Ze’an after all—she had found someone else to pursue.

This young lord was even more handsome than Xiao Ze’an.

Facing the calm and composed court officials and the soldiers of the opposing army, Mo Youli remained unshaken but was tense and holding his breath inside.

As soon as Xiao Ze’an took his seat, Luo Ningsang sat beside him, less than a fist’s distance away. Her face wore a flattering smile, sweet and charming with a trace of ingratiation.

In Mo Youli’s eyes, she leaned in softly as if without bones, like a feather drifting into his heart, stirring endless ripples.

Her hair carried a faint fragrance, her breath warm against him, and her sweet smile was intoxicating.

“Can you help me cheat?” Luo Ningsang suddenly interrupted Mo Youli’s reverie with a jarring question, her peach blossom eyes full of doubt.

Luo Ningsang gave up pretense. “You heard me. I promised my brother I’d do well on the exam. But the imperial exam is only ten days away! Ten days and I... I...”

The reason she dismissed all the maids was because of this not-so-honest plan.

Right then, she was grateful for having sent everyone away, as Mo Youli decisively refused her request.

“The exam isn’t difficult. I can tutor you. I believe the princess will improve greatly in ten days,” he said, wanting to help her properly, not cheat.

Luo Ningsang pouted, thinking: Not difficult? For him, perhaps. He’s so talented; I’m nowhere near. If he doesn’t want to help, fine—just say so and stop with the snide remarks!

Seeing her sulky, Mo Youli began to tell stories.

Luo Ningsang listened with rapt attention, captivated more than by any novel, snacking on pastries as she absorbed the knowledge.

When the story ended, Mo Youli summarized the wisdom and strategies for governance.

At school, Luo Ningsang found the tedious, obscure lessons impossible to absorb, no matter how hard she forced herself.

But with Mo Youli’s stories and simple explanations, she imprinted the knowledge clearly in her mind.

Luo Ningsang devoured the lessons like a hungry kitten, greedily soaking up the information.

Mo Youli’s gentle gaze remained fixed on her as he told one story after another.

Late into the night...

Mo Youli’s shadow guards concealed themselves nearby, watching the cluster of people outside the chambers.

Using signals, they asked if Mo Youli wished to intervene.

They were determined to protect their emperor’s love life from disturbance. Don’t be surprised they knew Mo Youli liked Luo Ningsang.

Just yesterday, after the princess remarked that red suited the emperor, they had scoured all the shops in Yan Chi and sent messages back home, urging all the palace seamstresses in Daqi to prepare red garments for His Majesty.

Their emperor, who never cared about appearances, had tried on multiple outfits the previous night, admiring himself in the bronze mirror and even asking for their opinions.

Wasn’t this love? Today they needed to be alert, ensuring no distractions disturbed the emperor.

Mo Youli waved them off. With his martial prowess, he could hear the commotion outside, but in his good mood, he paid no mind to such trivial matters.

The two guards were incredulous. As leaders of the shadow guards, always close to Mo Youli, they knew him best.

The emperor loved peace. Usually, in such situations, he would nod approval, and they would not hesitate to silence the noisy intruders.

But today...

They lowered their heads to see the whispering maids and attendants outside, along with the just-arrived emperor and empress.

“Who is this young lord? Does anyone know?” one maid asked.

“We don’t know either, but madam, we feel this young lord has a special relationship with our princess,” another replied.

“Indeed... spending so much time together behind closed doors late at night, their relationship must be complicated,” a third whispered.

“Our princess is finally wise. Why waste her affection on Xiao Ze’an? He’s not worthy of her devotion,” a fourth remarked.

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