Chapter 26: The Kingdom of Wuti (Three-in-One)
Hearing those words, “Good brother,” Su Mo’s eyes darkened slightly.
He twirled a strand of Mu Bai’s black hair between his fingers, his hoarse voice drifting softly into their ears: “Good brother isn’t teasing you.”
Mu Bai felt a ticklish sensation and scooted to the other end, asking in a trembling voice, “When you said you liked me, was it just to take revenge on Jiang Cijing?”
“That was all a lie; I never intended to revenge against him.” Su Mo pressed his forehead against Mu Bai’s, gazing deep into his eyes. “Xiao Bai, my feelings for you are real. I’m sorry; I’ve never been like this before, so I made up an excuse on the spot to deceive you. It wasn’t my true intention.”
“I don’t believe you.” Mu Bai lowered his eyelids, straightened his body, and tried to seize the opportunity to sit up and escape, but unexpectedly bumped into Su Mo.
He let out a very soft groan, lay back down, and his face flushed bright red.
Su Mo’s eyes curved into a smile as he leaned down, the teardrop mole at the corner of his eye seeming capable of stealing one’s very soul: “Xiao Bai, you do have feelings for me.”
Mu Bai struggled fiercely but couldn’t break free from his grasp. Her eyes grew hot and stinging with frustration, her voice tinged with grievance: “Isn’t that obvious? Don’t you know what you look like? Even if you brought a celibate monk over here and teased him a little, he’d stand at attention too, alright?”
Su Mo chuckled at Mu Bai’s words, burying his face in the hollow of her neck, though his hands never ceased their movements.
“Don’t touch me.” Mu Bai could no longer care about anything else; she kicked out desperately, trying to wrench herself free and flee from the bed.
“Good boy.” Su Mo quickly pulled him into his arms and kissed his forehead soothingly.
“D-don’t touch me.”
Mu Bai now only wished to find a crack in the earth to crawl into, yet Su Mo’s movements, though seemingly gentle, made escape impossible. Catching sight of the disheveled bedding from the corner of his eye, an idea struck him; he flexed his toes, kicked up a corner of the sheet, and draped it over his face.
There, that felt less embarrassing.
Mu Bai lay flat on the ground, pretending to be a corpse.
The tent remained propped up high, yet there was no movement outside.
After waiting a while, Mu Bai tugged down the edge of his blanket and peeked out with one eye.
He met Su Mo’s gaze; the air fell silent for a moment.
Su Mo suppressed a laugh and said with a straight face, “Didn’t you tell me not to touch?”
“That… well…” Mu Bai was momentarily at a loss for words. Sitting up while clutching the blanket, he glanced down and muttered, “But I’m already like this…”
In a barely audible whisper, he added, “It’s not like touching once would be unacceptable.”
Noticing from the corner of his eye that Su Mo still hadn’t moved, Mu Bai drooped his eyebrows and said, “Then I’ll go back to my room.”
He shuffled to the edge of the bed: “…I’m leaving now?”
He stretched out one foot: “…I’m really leaving, you know?”
Su Mo finally burst into laughter, wrapping his arms around him from behind, lowering his eyelids as he gently nibbled and licked his earlobe: “Xiao Bai, come back with me to Wuti and marry me.”
..
Until the next morning, Mu Bai’s head still felt fuzzy. Lying in his own room, staring at the canopy above his bed, he couldn’t make sense of it no matter how hard he tried. Last night, he had clearly gone to confront Su Mo and lay everything bare; how on earth had things spiraled into this, then that, then this again, and then that?
We’ve kissed and touched, and I even muddled through agreeing to go back with him to Wuti for marriage—what kind of mess is this?
He pulled the blanket over his face, trying to recall last night’s events… Never mind, better not; thinking about it again will only make things rise up once more.
Someone outside the door called softly, “Xiao Bai.”
The voice was clear, elegant, and gentle.
Mu Bai nearly jumped out of bed. He wrapped himself tightly in the blanket and peeked outward, stammering, “W-what do you want?”
“I sent Yexing to Lingyun Ferry to buy some steamed buns.”
“…I don’t want any. You eat them yourself.”
Before he could finish speaking, Su Mo had already pushed open the door and entered.
He placed the oil-paper bag on the table, saying, “I don’t like steamed buns; I bought these for you.”
“Last night… well, you should eat something to replenish your strength.”
Mu Bai rolled toward the inner side of the bed, curling into a tight ball. “Don’t mention last night.”
“Alright, I won’t,” Su Mo said with a light laugh. “Get up and have some.”
“Leave the bun there; I’ll eat it myself. If there’s nothing else, you’d better leave quickly.”
Mu Bai curled up in bed, hearing the door close and footsteps recede at a leisurely pace.
He glanced back to confirm Su Mo had left before rolling out of bed, picking up the bun and holding it in his teeth while going to choose today’s attire.
…Hmm? Why is this bun filled with chives?
Mu Bai felt that his abilities had been insulted.
As he passed by the small hall on his way out, he happened to overhear Sect Master Luo, Luo Ziyi, and Jiang Cijing talking inside.
“Sect Master Luo, this was found in your room…”
Mu Bai halted in his tracks, stepped back half a pace, and peeked through the crack in the door.
It was that love letter.
Luo Wangchuan’s injuries had not yet fully healed; he coughed until his face turned blue, then suddenly slammed his palm onto the table: “So it was you who let Ta Xue sneak into my room?”
After all, he was the sect leader; the moment he lost his temper, Luo Ziyi trembled violently and explained in a hushed voice, “Master, Brother Jiang issued a bounty notice at Yushu Villa, but we never expected Young Hero Ta Xue to accept it.”
“What exactly do you intend to do?” Luo Wangchuan glanced sideways at him, his voice cold and sharp. “Even if I admit that Miss Ling was impersonated by me, what then? Do you plan to act as you did last time…?”
Luo Ziyi hung his head. “I was wrong, Master.”
After listening to their conversation for a while, Mu Bai finally pieced together the sequence of events.
It turned out that Luo Ziyi, being at an age brimming with youthful vigor, had secretly tucked erotic illustrations into his sword manual, only to be discovered by his master. With the disciple constantly preoccupied with seeking female companionship and neglecting his sword practice, Luo Wangchuan had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure in an attempt to steer him back onto the right path.
Unexpectedly, Luo Ziyi dared to secretly kiss “Miss Ling,” causing the two to fall out on the spot and part ways in discord.
Luo Wangchuan was utterly disappointed in Luo Ziyi; she tore the clothes she wore while disguised as a young lady into tatters, packed them together with the embroidered shoes that were too small and had blistered her feet, and threw them into the rear mountain. The only thing she couldn’t bear to discard was her sword, into which she also tucked the love letter Luo Ziyi had written.
Afterward, Luo Ziyi sought out Luo Wangchuan to confront her, but she denied everything, insisting that “Miss Ling” must vanish from this world forever. The master and disciple had a fierce argument, further straining their relationship. With no other options left, Luo Ziyi decided to leverage the Wanjing Bureau to investigate the matter and pressure Sect Leader Luo.
Mu Bai shook his head: Detective Jiang, merely a tool for others, truly pitiable.
“Master, please let Miss Ling return. I promise I will practice swordsmanship diligently from now on and never dare to steal a kiss again.”
Luo Wangchuan: “…Since you already know she was disguised by me, why do you still dwell on it?”
Mu Bai pressed an ear against the door, trying to hear more clearly, when suddenly a fan tapped his shoulder.
Su Mo leaned in close and whispered softly, “Xiao Bai, what are you eavesdropping on here?”
“…How can you call it eavesdropping? Matters concerning people of the jianghu are never considered eavesdropping.”
Su Mo chuckled lightly, “Oh.”
From within the hall came Luo Ziyi’s voice, “My master is the sect leader of Lingyun Palace, but Miss Ling is different; she belongs to me alone.”
Mu Bai’s eye twitched, “What in the world are you talking about?”
Can there really be such a difference between the same person’s original form and their female disguise?
After hearing this, Su Mo understood what was being discussed inside. Following Luo Ziyi’s phrasing, he improvised a line for Mu Bai: “Taxue ranks first among the knights, but Xiaobai is different; Xiaobai is my betrothed wife.”
Mu Bai: “…Shut up.”
Su Mo gently embraced him from behind: “Xiaobai, once we return to Wuti, you’ll have to endure staying temporarily at another minister’s residence. On the day of the wedding procession, I will personally escort you to my estate.”
According to the customs of Wuti, the bride and groom must not live together before the wedding. If the bride’s family resides far away, she must first be lodged with a nearby household, only to be fetched by the wedding procession on the day of the ceremony.
Mu Bai arched an eyebrow. “Then I won’t marry. Either you fetch me from Qinglian Valley, or it’s off.”
“Very well, then I’ll come to Qinglian Valley to fetch you.” Su Mo was clearly in a good mood, indulging his whims.
“??” Mu Bai imagined himself dressed in bridal attire, sitting inside a swaying sedan chair, proceeding from Qinglian Valley all the way to Wuti Imperial Capital amidst clamorous gongs, drums, and firecrackers…
“On second thought, I’d better settle in Wuti Imperial Capital first.”
That afternoon, Huamei found Mu Bai and handed him a letter sent from Qinglian Valley.
In her letter, besides Mu Bai’s marriage arrangements, the eldest senior sister also mentioned the group that had previously attempted to assassinate Su Mo.
Although no identity-proving items were found on the masked leader’s body, disciples from the Green Lotus Valley discovered upon examining the corpse that he had been poisoned by Red Lotus Fire Poison. Members of the Red Lotus Sect must have this poison implanted within their bodies before undertaking missions; only upon successful completion can they obtain the antidote. Should they attempt to reveal secrets or fail their mission, the poison activates immediately, causing death. Therefore, he most likely belonged to the Red Lotus Sect.
Rumors say the Red Lotus Sect’s stronghold lies within Ghost City, ruins of the ancient Yeluo Kingdom. Surrounded by demonic mists and inhabited by strange beasts, the area is extremely perilous; none of the disciples sent by various sects to investigate have ever returned alive.
In recent years, their activities have become rampant in the Wuti Kingdom. The fact that they now dispatched assassins to the Green Lotus Valley to kill Su Mo suggests that someone within the Wuti royal family may be colluding with the Red Lotus Sect.
Qin Jiuge worried that they had already set their sights on Su Mo, and would subsequently target Mu Bai as well; thus, she sent this letter to urge him to exercise utmost caution.
After reading the letter, Mu Bai held it over the candle flame until it burned to ash.
In the original storyline, the Red Lotus Sect served as the overt antagonists, while Su Mo, a member of the imperial family secretly colluding with them, remained behind the scenes. He exploited the sect to ascend the throne, then ruthlessly discarded them like a used pawn. Yet now, the situation appears completely reversed: Su Mo feigned disability to flee to Qinglian Valley, only for the Red Lotus Sect to send assassins after him. Could this possibly be a staged performance orchestrated by Su Mo himself?
However, the leader of those masked assailants possessed formidable martial prowess; if this were merely an act, the sacrifice incurred would have been far too excessive.
He had no leads; seeing the letter reduced to ashes, he picked up the latest Jianghu Express from the table and began to read.
After a quick glance, Mu Bai let out an “Eh?”
There was absolutely no mention of the martial arts tournament for marriage held that day. On the list of renowned swordsmen, Taxue’s name still firmly held the top spot, and not a single piece of news about the prince of Wuti Kingdom could be found.
This shouldn’t be right? Quite a few people witnessed their duel that day; logically, Yushu Manor should have heard about it by now.
That night, when Mu Bai went to Yushu Manor to collect the bounty notice, she casually asked Lin Baixiao and learned that Su Mo had bribed them with silver to handle the matter, which was why they hadn’t published anything about it.
“His Majesty the Emperor of Wuti is growing weaker by the day, and internal strife within the imperial family has reached its peak. The Fifth Prince feigned illness to escape to Jialan precisely to avoid being dragged into the turmoil; naturally, he must keep this news under wraps. If the Wuti royal family were to discover that he was not only faking his illness but also possesses formidable martial arts skills, wouldn’t that spell his doom?” Lin Baixiao asked, “What’s wrong? Could it be that Young Hero Taxue holds a grudge against him because of the martial arts tournament for marriage?”
“Not at all.” Mu Bai pondered for a moment before asking, “Yushu Manor is well-informed; I wonder how much Manor Master Lin knows about the Red Lotus Sect?”
Lin Baixiao raised an eyebrow: “The Red Lotus Sect? They are exceedingly mysterious, having long hidden themselves in that Ghost City. However, over the past two years, several corpses killed by the Red Lotus Fire Poison have appeared within Wuti’s borders; they were most likely members of the Red Lotus Sect. Judging by this, they may have begun operating frequently within the Kingdom of Wuti.”
Mu Bai fell silent for a moment, then spoke: “It seems that what they cultivate are all evil arts.”
In the original text, the Red Lotus Sect Leader brutally slaughtered over a hundred households in a town to cultivate her evil arts. Her guardians were all practitioners of unorthodox and sinister methods, their cultivation techniques even more malevolent and ruthless than those of creatures like the Yellow-Browed Monster.
“Indeed,” Lin Baixiao nodded. “Several cases of entire families being wiped out have already occurred in the Kingdom of Wuti. Although the truth has not yet been uncovered, in my opinion, it is highly likely the work of the Red Lotus Sect.”
“That being the case, I plan to travel to Wuti in a few days. Could I trouble you, Master Zhuang, to investigate which bounty missions can be completed there? Preferably those related to the Red Lotus Sect.”
“One moment, please.”
Before long, Lin Baixiao emerged carrying a stack of scrolls, which he piled onto the table: “All the bounties for Wu Ti are here. Young hero, please choose whichever you wish.”
He lifted his teacup, took a sip, and added, “We also have our people within the Wuti realm. Once you arrive there, young hero, you may seek out our local scouts; they know far more.”
“Very well, many thanks, Master Lin.”
–
Although Su Mo had spent money to grease palms, news of his standout performance at the martial arts tournament for marriage still reached the royal court of Wuti.
On the journey to the Wuti capital, whenever the route passed through desolate wilderness, assassins could almost always be encountered. Fortunately, they were merely minor thugs, not warranting Mu Bai’s intervention; Ye Xing and Jin Yi had already dealt with them.
Su Mo remained reclined in the carriage, reading his book without so much as lifting an eyelid.
As the carriage was forced to halt for the fourth time, with sounds of slashing and killing echoing from outside, Mu Bai couldn’t help but nudge him. “Su Mo, just how many enemies do you have in Wuti?”
The other person blinked, gently smiling as they pinched the tip of his finger. “Don’t be afraid, nothing will happen.”
“Who’s afraid? I was just asking.” Mu Bai sat cross-legged beside him and whispered, “Which minister’s residence do you plan to arrange for me?”
“A close confidant of mine; his place is relatively safe.”
“What’s his name?”
Su Mo lifted his eyes and glanced at him. “Shen Yuan.”
Mu Bai ran through the names on the wanted poster in his mind; finding none of them familiar suggested they might be decent officials.
Come to think of it, few of Su Mo’s faction in the original story were truly wicked or evil. After assisting him to ascend the throne, they actually governed the Kingdom of Wuti with remarkable order. Mu Bai pondered for a moment, then asked again, “Are you close to Peng Deshou?”
Su Mo raised an eyebrow and said, “He belongs to the Third Prince’s faction.”
“I see.”
Mu Bai asked a few more names, and Su Mo answered each one: “Lord Yan serves the Sixth Prince, Minister Tang is aligned with Prince He, and as for Lord Hao, I did indeed have some acquaintance with him.”
“Oh?” Mu Bai leaned in closer.
“He originally wanted my father to betroth his only daughter to me, but I happened to be feigning illness and hiding in Qinglian Valley at the time, so I used that as an excuse to decline.”
Mu Bai frowned. “I’ve heard that this Lord Hao embezzled a considerable amount of disaster relief funds.”
“I know little about that,” Su Mo said indifferently. “Those in power care more about an official’s loyalty than petty gains. As long as corruption doesn’t undermine the foundation of the state, they usually turn a blind eye. Though Minister Hao is corrupt, compared to those who form factions for personal gain, he is actually more trustworthy to employ.”
Mu Bai fixed her gaze on him. “Why are you still speaking up for him? Is it because he intends to marry his daughter off to you?”
“No, it was just an offhand remark. His intention to marry off his only daughter to me was essentially extending an olive branch; since I have no interest in factional struggles, I naturally had no intention of accepting this proposal.”
Mu Bai uttered a soft “Oh.”
If, as Lin Baixiao and Su Mo claimed, he feigned illness and fled to Qinglian Valley to escape the Wuti royal family’s factional conflicts, then the one currently colluding with the Red Lotus Sect must be someone else entirely.
“What are you asking about these for?” Su Mo pondered briefly, then realized. “None of those men are good officials. Have you accepted another bounty notice?”
“Mm.”
“When I have time, I’ll take you to visit their residences.”
Mu Bai found this strange. “…Why go there?”
“To familiarize yourself with the layout; it will help you avoid unnecessary detours during your nighttime operations.”
Mu Bai suddenly understood, his eyes lighting up. “Is that possible?”
“I can certainly help with something this small.” Su Mo gently tapped the scroll in his hand against Mu Bai’s shoulder. “Just don’t target my close attendants.”
Unexpectedly, Su Mo’s words proved prophetic. No sooner had they arrived in the imperial capital than news came that Shen Yuan had fallen into trouble.
He had been framed by some unknown faction and saddled with a fabricated charge. Fortunately, the accusation was not severe, but he was still demoted and exiled to the borderlands.
When Su Mo and Mu Bai arrived at Shen Yuan’s residence, they happened to catch the farewell ceremony.
Upon seeing Su Mo, Shen Yuan immediately came forward to greet him; the two entered the house to talk, while Mu Bai remained in the courtyard with Ye Xing and Jin Yi.
Three or four servants were sweeping the courtyard; everything had already been packed away, leaving the place desolate and quiet, save for a single pear tree in bloom. Beneath the pear tree stood more than ten ministers who had come to bid Shen Yuan farewell. One of them spotted Mu Bai, exchanged a few whispered words with those nearby, then stepped forward.
“May I ask who this is…”
The man in brocade said, “This is Qin Mubai, Miss Qin, the betrothed wife of our Highness.”
“My apologies for the oversight.” The man clasped his hands and bowed, yet his gaze seemed glued to Mubai, making him rather uncomfortable.
Leaning closer, the man in brocade whispered a reminder, “This is Lord Hao Liang.”
“Oh, so you are Lord Hao.”
Mu Bai also bowed to him, whereupon Lord Hao said, “Lord Shen mentioned that His Highness the Prince had originally arranged for Miss Qin to stay at his residence. However, now that the place is deserted, it would be improper for Miss Qin to reside there without any attendants. Fortunately, I have spare rooms in my own household; perhaps she could stay with me for a few days?”
Before Mu Bai could respond, Lord Hao added, “My daughter is of similar age to Miss Qin and could keep her company.”
Upon hearing this, Jin Yi immediately furrowed his brows.
It seemed Lord Hao was merely trying to ingratiate himself with Miss Qin, hoping to marry off his only daughter into the Prince’s household as well.
After all, she was merely an attendant and could not overstep her bounds; though doubts nagged at her heart, she dared not interrupt rashly.
Mu Bai asked, “Would this be too much trouble for Your Excellency?”
“How could it be?” Hao Liang was just pondering what tales to spin to deceive the young woman when he saw Su Mo emerge from the room. Immediately abandoning his thoughts, he hurried forward to greet him. “Your Highness the Prince.”
Su Mo gave a faint nod in acknowledgment. “Minister Hao, you have also come to see Shen Yuan off?”
“Isn’t that right? Since my dear brother Shen Yuan is departing, how could I, his elder brother, fail to see him off?”
Shen Yuan followed behind, wearing an awkward yet politely maintained smile.
Clearly, this man had heard that the Prince was returning to the capital, assumed he would come here, and thus had the audacity to visit uninvited.
Master Hao added, “Once Shen Yuan leaves, this residence will be empty. Why not let Miss Qin move into my household? Yue’er is around her age; the two sisters would keep each other company, wouldn’t they?”
Jin Yi Xin thought to herself, “They haven’t even met yet, and she’s already calling her ‘sister.’ Even a fool can see through Minister Hao’s intentions; His Highness the Prince would never agree.”
Unexpectedly, Su Mo paused in thought before turning his gaze toward Mu Bai. “Xiao Bai, what do you think?”
Mu Bai shrugged. “I’m fine staying anywhere.”
“In that case, Xiao Bai will stay with you for now. Later, I’ll have someone send over some silver.”
“Your Highness is too kind.”
“It’s not mere politeness,” Su Mo said with a smile. “Xiao Bai is quite delicate; I must ask Lord Hao to look after him well. If he gets cravings for certain foods, please ensure plenty are prepared.”
Mu Bai: “…”
What nonsense is this person spouting, describing me as if I were some gluttonous cat?
After Lord Hao departed, Jinyi could no longer contain her curiosity and asked, “Your Highness, why did you arrange for Miss Qin to stay with them? Hao Yue is notoriously arrogant and cruel, and her mother, merely a concubine, once managed to drive the principal wife out of the household; she is certainly no pushover either. If Miss Qin stays with them and gets bullied, what shall we do?”
Su Mo glanced at her lightly and remarked, “If that mother and daughter dare to harm even a single hair on Xiaobai’s head…”
Jinyi’s eyes lit up, expecting His Highness to follow up with some domineering declaration of protecting his beloved. Instead, she heard Su Mo chuckle: “Xiaobai would pluck every single hair from their heads.”
Jinyi: “…”
Men are indeed unreliable.
She shook her head and went to find Mu Bai herself, briefly informing him about the situation at Master Hao’s residence.
Hao Yue’s mother was originally Master Hao’s mistress kept outside the household. After becoming pregnant, she was brought into the manor as a concubine. Since Master Hao’s lawful wife had no children of her own, she cared for them meticulously, showing not the slightest neglect toward mother and daughter, and treating Hao Yue as her own child.
After Hao Yue’s birth, her biological mother’s status rose accordingly. Relying on her favored position, she not only bullied the lawful wife at every turn but eventually instigated Master Hao to divorce her and cast her out of the Hao residence, thereby ascending to the position of mistress herself.
Hao Yue’s temperament takes after her mother; she is no one to be trifled with.
Mu Bai suddenly realized: “No wonder Su Mo wanted to call off this engagement.”
Jin Yi said, “…Miss Qin, what you should be worrying about now isn’t that. His Highness will not marry her. You ought to carefully consider how to deal with them instead.”
Mu Bai replied, “When soldiers come, generals block them; when waters rise, earth dams them.”
Jin Yi: “…Fine.”
No one else took it seriously; she was the only one worrying herself sick over it.
Su Mo escorted Mu Bai to Master Hao’s residence. After resting awhile in the tea hall, Hao Yue came out to greet them, cheerfully calling out, “Brother Mo!”—so delighted that Mu Bai nearly spat out his tea.
He rubbed the goosebumps on his arm and set down his teacup.
Hao Yue saw a strikingly beautiful woman with an air of heroic elegance sitting beside Su Mo, her expression shifting slightly as she stepped forward to ask, “This must be Sister Qin, right? I’ve heard about you from others. Since you’re a year older than me, may I call you ‘Sister’? You don’t mind, do you?”
With every word dripping in “Sister,” Mu Bai smiled and said, “Not at all. You can even call me ‘Brother’ if you like.”
Hao Yue laughed, grabbing Mu Bai’s hand. “Sister Qin is so kind.”
Mu Bai had never been held by a girl’s hand before and immediately pulled back on instinct.
Hao Yue froze for a moment, then wore a hurt expression: “Does Sister dislike me?”
“No, no, I’m just not used to it.”
But she didn’t listen to Mu Bai’s explanation, instead turning to ask Su Mo: “Brother Su Mo, does Sister Qin dislike me because I was once betrothed to you?”
Mu Bai: “…”
Su Mo said, “No, he just doesn’t like being touched by others.”
Hao Yue then smiled at him. “I see. I thought Sister Qin disliked me.”
Mu Bai silently took out a handkerchief and wiped his hands.
When he looked up, Su Mo was already standing before him, extending a hand: “Let’s go check the bedroom.”
Did this mean… they were going to hold hands?
Mu Bai blinked, placed his hand in Su Mo’s, and was gently led outward.
Su Mo walked very slowly, his fingers gently caressing Mu Bai’s, making him feel a ticklish sensation that spread warmth across his palm.
He had never held hands with anyone like this before, and for a moment, he stiffened as if turned to stone.
Then Su Mo laughed softly, “Why are you so nervous?”
Mu Bai was about to retort when he caught sight of Hao Yue leading the way ahead, and fell silent once more.
Pushing open the door to the side room, Hao Yue stepped inside first. “Sister Qin, you’ll stay here tonight. This is the finest guest room in our residence.”
Mu Bai peeked inside; the room was fully furnished. Though not lavish, it was far from shabby—perfectly adequate for a stay of several days.
Su Mo led him into the room, sat down by the table, and lifted the teapot to glance inside.
Steam still rose from the tea within, clearly brewed just moments ago. He handed it to Hao Yue, saying, “Please bring us a fresh pot.”
Hao Yue realized Su Mo wished to be alone with Mu Bai; a flicker passed through his eyes before he obediently replied, “Very well.”
However, as she turned, her foot suddenly slipped; her body撞ed into the edge of the table, causing the teapot filled with scalding tea to fly from her hand, landing squarely toward Mu Bai.
Mu Bai raised a hand, caught it mid-air, and placed it steadily back on the tabletop.
A flash of displeasure crossed Hao Yue’s eyes before they instantly reddened; stepping forward with tears welling up, she pleaded, “Sister Qin, I didn’t mean it! Please don’t misunderstand…”
“Oh,” Mu Bai smiled. “You meant it.”
Hao Yue was taken aback.
“I could hit you even standing behind you; the angle was so tricky. It’s a pity you’re not throwing discus.”
Before Hao Yue could ponder what a discus was, she quickly conjured up a few tears welling in her eyes: “Sister Qin, how could you think of me that way? I genuinely want to be friends with you…”
As she spoke, she began wiping away her tears.
Mu Bai was utterly dumbfounded: This girl is such a perpetual whiner.
“Hey, Miss Hao, please stop crying.”
He offered a few words of comfort, but seeing Hao Yue’s tears flow even more freely, he shook his head, picked up the teapot from the table, and handed it to her. “Hurry along, Miss Hao; if you don’t go soon, His Highness the Prince will die of thirst.”
Su Mo cooperatively coughed twice.
Hao Yue, eyes brimming with tears, glanced first at Mu Bai and then at Su Mo. Seeing that neither paid her any attention, she could only sob as she departed.
Mu Bai hastily shut the door.
He walked up behind Su Mo, grabbed his shoulders, and gave them a couple of shakes before asking in a sarcastic tone, “Brother Su Mo, just how many good little sisters do you have?”
Su Mo burst out laughing, seized his hand, and pulled him around to face him. “I have no sisters.”
“Oh, right,” Mu Bai said. “Your residence still has a few male consorts.”
“Does that bother you?”
Mu Bai raised an eyebrow. “I just find it troublesome.”
“I’ve already sent people to escort them back to the palace.”
“Oh.” Mu Bai lowered her gaze to look at him. “Then, if you ever need anything… what will you do?”
Su Mo smiled. “Need what?”
“Just like that night,” Mu Bai asked softly, “Do you want me to use my hands to help you?”
Su Mo looked up at him, suddenly stood, wrapped his arms around Mu Bai’s waist, and whispered low in his ear, “I want… you.” The third word was a verb.
Mu Bai’s eyes widened. “W-what kind of trash talk is this?”
Recalling the scene he had witnessed previously at the Prime Minister’s residence, a chill ran through him. “I cannot accept this.”
“If you like them, summon those male consorts back; don’t even think of having your way with me.”
Su Mo embraced Mu Bai, gently nibbling his ear, his voice surprisingly soft: “Xiao Bai, I don’t like them; I only want you.”
Mu Bai had been thoroughly bewitched that night before; this time, he absolutely could not fall into such a tender trap again. He decisively shoved Su Mo away: “I said no, so don’t even think about it.”
Gazed upon by those dark eyes, he felt a pang of softness and added, “If you need relief, I can help you with my hand, but don’t expect anything more—it’s impossible. If you cannot accept this, then call off the engagement.”
Su Mo was about to speak again when he heard footsteps approaching in the corridor.
Hao Yue had returned.
Mu Bai opened the door, took the teapot from her hands, murmured a quick “thank you,” and began to close the door.
Hao Yue quickly peered inside and asked, “Brother Su Mo, will you stay for dinner?”
“No need.”
“Very well.” Hao Yue added, “It’s getting late; keep an eye on the time and don’t chat too long.”
Mu Bai watched her leave without closing the door, then crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway, saying to Su Mo, “Did you hear that? It’s almost dark; hurry back for dinner.”
Su Mo stood up, walked to the doorway, and actually glanced outside: “I’d say it’s still quite early.”
“The sun has already set; what nonsense are you spouting here… mm.”
Su Mo gently kissed Mu Bai, his left hand cradling the back of Mu Bai’s head while his right hand closed the door and slid the bolt into place.
Mu Bai reached out, grasping blindly twice before tangling his fingers in the long black hair cascading down Su Mo’s back.
Su Mo stepped back slightly, looked into his eyes, and asked, “Do you like this?”
“Like what?” Mu Bai quickly realized he was referring to the kiss. After a moment’s thought, he answered honestly, “I don’t dislike it.”
To be precise, it felt quite intense.
Su Mo’s eyes curved into a smile as he took Mu Bai’s hand and placed it on his own waist.
Mu Bai, unaware of what was happening, saw those captivating eyes draw closer: “Close your eyes.”
Obediently, he lowered his eyelids, his lashes brushing against Su Mo’s.
The kiss was gentle and focused; the setting sun’s light filtered through the window paper into the room, their shadows merging together as their breaths synchronized.
After a brief separation, Mu Bai, breathing slightly heavily, looked up at him: “Su Mo.”
“Hmm?”
“Why don’t you ever ask if I like you?”
Su Mo pressed his thumb against Mu Bai’s lips, gently wiping away the moisture: “I dare not ask.”
He spoke slowly, “Xiao Bai, I’ve never been anyone’s favorite, nor have I dared to hope for it. As long as you stay by my side, that’s enough; I won’t ask such things.”
Truth be told, Mu Bai wasn’t entirely sure about this question either, only knowing that Su Mo was special. Yet hearing Su Mo speak this way softened his heart, and he whispered softly, “I will stay.”
He thought for a moment, then added, “Always.”
As long as Su Mo didn’t keep plotting against him, Mu Bai felt there was no problem getting along with him.
It wasn’t until nightfall that Su Mo left the Hao residence; before departing, he told Mu Bai he would come to see him the next day.
After dinner, Hao Yue’s mother asked Mu Bai to stay, saying she would personally teach him the customs and etiquette of marriage in the Wuti Kingdom.
She rambled on and on until his ears were about to grow calluses.
Mu Bai rested her chin on her hand, staring at the fireflies drifting through the night. Noticing his absent-mindedness, Mother Hao cleared her throat with a deliberate cough and asked, “Miss Qin, have you remembered what I taught you?”
Mu Bai lifted her gaze to look at her but remained silent.
“Do you remember what must be done on the morning after the wedding night?”
“Breakfast?” He had actually guessed correctly.
Hao’s mother asked again, “Then what can you cook? Do you know what dishes His Highness the Prince likes?”
“I’m not sure what he likes; I only know he doesn’t like steamed buns, and I can make them.”
Hao’s mother rolled her eyes. “Yue’er, tell His Highness the Prince what dishes he enjoys.”
Hao Yue immediately rattled off several dish names, all fancy and elaborate things Mu Bai had never even heard of.
Seeing his bewildered expression, Hao’s mother said with a hint of mockery, “You girl, about to be married, yet you don’t even know what your husband likes to eat. Yue’er knows how to make those dishes; let her teach you tomorrow.”
Mu Bai smiled. “Madam Hao, you are overstepping your bounds. Matters between my husband and me require no concern from outsiders.”
“You…”
“Let alone steamed buns; even if I were to boil an egg in plain water, he would eat it.”
Mu Bai brushed off his clothes and rose. “I am tired and will retire for the night. Madam and Miss Hao should also rest early.”
He yawned and leisurely strolled back to his bedroom.
After such a long and exhausting journey, Mu Bai was truly worn out; he didn’t go out that night, instead curling up honestly in bed and sleeping soundly through the entire night.
Early the next morning, before dawn had fully broken, a servant from the Hao household came knocking at the door: “Miss Qin, His Highness the Prince has come to see you.”
Mu Bai: “…”
What time is it? The sky isn’t even fully bright yet?
He casually washed his face, dabbed on some powder, and arrived at the tea hall still drowsy. There he saw Su Mo dressed in black-and-gold robes embroidered with dragon patterns, sitting upright with an air of noble majesty that seemed almost heaven-sent.
Mu Bai chuckled softly, walked over, and noticed two dishes arranged exquisitely on the table beside him. The ingredients alone looked prohibitively expensive, resembling imperial cuisine, so he leaned down to examine them more closely.
“Dear brother, did you bring these from the palace?”
Su Mo shook his head. “Hao Yue made them.”
“Oh.” Mu Bai suddenly realized. “This is that so-called Phoenix-Tail Platter, and this one is, hmm, the Jade-Feather Fan?”
“These are dishes from the Wuti Palace banquet. How do you know them?”
“Miss Hao told me last night; she said you love these and wanted to teach me how to make them.” Mu Bai spread his hands. “Unfortunately, my cooking skills are lacking, and I couldn’t learn. After we marry, you’ll have to eat boiled eggs in plain water every day.”
Su Mo smiled. “That’s fine too.”
Mu Bai teased, “Brother Su Mo, marrying me is truly terrible luck.”
“I’m happy to have such bad luck.” Su Mo pulled him to sit at the table and opened an oil-paper bag beside it. “On my way here, I passed a bun shop. I bought two of each—meat buns, vegetable buns, flower rolls, and steamed buns. Let’s eat them while they’re still warm.”
Mu Bai glanced twice into the oil-paper bag, then looked at the two dishes on the table and asked, “What about you? Are you eating these?”
Su Mo shook his head. “I ate before I came.”
“Then why did she prepare so many dishes?”
“I don’t know.” Su Mo picked up a soup dumpling and popped it into Mu Bai’s mouth. “I told her I’d already eaten, but she insisted on adding two more dishes, so I let her.”
Mu Bai glanced at the two imperial delicacies, swallowed the dumpling, and quickly stopped him as he reached for another, mumbling through a full mouth, “Who would eat buns when there are mountain treasures and sea delicacies to be had?”
She snatched the chopsticks from Su Mo’s hand, intending to taste the dish known as Emerald Jade Fan.
When Hao Yue entered the tea hall carrying the third dish, she witnessed Su Mo knocking Mu Bai’s chopsticks away, pulling out a silver needle, and plunging it into the soup, cautioning with great care, “Be careful; it might be poisoned.”
Hao Yue: “…”