Ye Mu froze, She can’t return to her world? Could it be that Mo Linyuan has already discovered the significance of the City Boundary Map? There’s no way…
She kept it hidden very well. All these years, she hadn’t said a thing about it.
Right then, someone from the palace halls came in and declared, “Your Majesty, the Zhao country’s messenger seeks your presence.”
Mo Linyuan raised his eyebrows slightly. He then smiled at Ye Mu as he asked,
“Little Mu’er, we are sweaty all over. Now come, let’s go bathe together.”
Ye Mu said with incredulity, “ Actually, I didn’t sweat very much at all. Besides, shouldn’t you go greet the messenger from the Zhao country? You should go see him!”
Mo Linyuan paused and narrowed his eyes at her with displeasure, “If you really won’t bathe with me, then I will stay on this bed with you to continue what we were doing.”
He then smiled maliciously.
“That way, if something did happen, then we will definitely need to bathe afterward.”
Ye Mu immediately got up and stood next to Mo Linyuan. She pleaded, “There’s still someone waiting for you. You really won’t go and greet him first?”
Mo Linyuan snorted softly, “He’s already waiting to see me. What’s wrong with making him wait a bit longer?”
He had a good point. Ye Mu didn’t know how to respond. So, she lowered her eyes and simply followed Mo Linyuan as she mulled over the matter.
“Little Mu’er… Do you still desire the City Boundary Map?” Mo Linyuan asked abruptly.
Ye Mu nodded, but then shook her head quickly. She felt she reacted too eagerly and needed to feign calmness, and so replied,
“Don’t you also want it? It’s the imperial treasure that permits you to dominate the world if you possess it!”
Mo Linyuan escorted her through the long corridors. His white outfit fluttered with only a waist belt to keep the loose clothes in place.
“…I want you more than any unattainable City Boundary map.”
He had a hint of a smile as he stated the touching confession of love. Ye Mu raised her head to stare at him. He was surrounded by a courtyard that had hundreds of white flowers, all blooming magnificently and exquisitely. They complimented his white outfit and beautiful exterior. He continued to focus his attention on her, making her delicate heart beat uncontrollably.
Ba-dump, ba-dump!
He couldn’t mean… What she thinks he means right…?
She tried to change the subject and pretended to calmly reply, “But you only need to find one last piece of the map. Don’t tell me, as the ruling sovereign, you have not even one bit of desire to obtain it?”
Mo Linyuan’s eyebrows immediately narrowed in frustration.
“Are you doing this on purpose?”
“Doing what?”
Mo Linyuan abruptly stopped walking and leaned in close to Ye Mu’s face. The imperial servants following behind them immediately stopped ten meters away. Within the refined palace hallways, Ye Mu gaped at the unexpected man whose face almost touched hers. She felt that he seemed to have some strong intense emotion emitting from him. If he approached a bit more, he may lose all control.
He smirked as he squeezed her face,
“Are you deliberately trying to make me say it multiple times? I said I want you! I want you more than anything else! I only want you!”
Ye Mu suppressed her internal restlessness. She wanted to retort. Mo Linyuan then straightened himself and asked with a polite smile,
“Didn’t you say there is something special about the City Boundary map? Should I take a guess why that is…?”
Ye Mu suddenly felt guilty and quickly pulled Mo Linyuan towards the bathing room.
“Ok ok, fine! Enough chit-chat. Let’s quickly take a bath! I feel very sticky and uncomfortable.”
Mo Linyuan chuckled softly as he let himself be pulled by her.
Truthfully, it wasn’t hard for him to guess. Ye Mu had never been interested in anything except for the City Boundary map. She was always fascinated by the document.
Originally, the thought of Ye Mu leaving made him very, very angry.
However, he realized that little Mu’er was not indifferent to him. This alone was what helped him to suppress his negative thoughts.
He could still wait a little longer.
He was the emperor, and the world belongs to him. Although he does like taking risks, he was willing to be more patient with his most beloved woman. Even though the course of events has been somewhat unpredictable, as long as he obtains what he wants, that was enough for him.
Once Ye Mu arrived at the washroom, she regretted it right away. This was the emperor’s palace, it was meant for only the emperor alone. Naturally, there was also only one washbasin!
This was indeed a trap! Since she was so distracted by the other matter while walking here, she was unaware of the situation she just walked into.
Right then, all of the servants finished preparing the bath and had already retreated. At the elegant doorway, Mo Linyuan glanced over to see Ye Mu deep in her thoughts as she stood there unmoving. He couldn’t help but gently place both his hands on her shoulder. He then lowered his head and leaned in to whisper,
“Little Mu’er, your face is red. Are you thinking of something you shouldn’t be thinking about?”
Surprised, Ye Mu stuttered, “D-Didn’t you want to take a bath? Why don’t you take a bath first and I’ll wash after!”
Seeing how Ye Mu tensed up, Mo Linyuan tried to stifle his laugh. He suddenly asked, “Little Mu’er, do you know how old I am this year?”
“Eighteen…?” Wasn’t the answer obvious? Why was he asking her this?
Mo Linyuan scoffed, “A normal eighteen-year-old guy would already have two kids. While this monarch here tragically does not have even one.”
“!!!” With his provocation, Ye Mu began struggling to break free, before finally fleeing! Before she left, she went back inside to scream at him angrily, “Are you taking the bath or not? If you’re not going to, then leave so that I can wash first!”
Her tone expressed significant irritation, but her innocent-looking face was completely red. His little Mu’er fleeing so suddenly was truly adorable!
“…I’ll bathe first.”
He entered and closed the doors behind. With one finger, he removed the belt around his waist. In a flash the white clothes rolled off, exposing his powerful body and leaving him only in his trousers.
If he was on the battleground, his current appearance would send others into a passionate frenzy. Currently, the dense mist of the steaming bath in the surrounding area made Ye Mu truly want to run away in fear!
She was still considered a girl in modern times!
Seeing how Mo Linyuan was about to take off his pants, Ye Mu quickly turned around. She tried to meditate over and over again to calm herself. In the end, she heard a loud splash, indicating he had entered the water.
“…Little Mu’er, do you know what the Zhao country came to discuss with me?”
Ye Mu thought back to what she read in the history books. Although things were different now, there could only be one reason why the Zhao country came by…
“…They want you to marry their princess?”
Mo Linyuan was accustomed to her predictions now, so he simply laughed, “Yes, they want to have their princess marry me. They sincerely don’t care if their princess doesn’t become queen and is only accepted as an imperial concubine.”
Ye Mu felt slightly uneasy in her heart. She had warned herself that she was going to return home and could not become attached to anyone in this world… especially Mo Linyuan.
Witnessing Ye Mu at a loss of words made Mo Linyuan very happy. He was aware that Ye Mu grew up in a harsh and cruel environment, which was why she was so closed off. She was very blunt, had a military mindset, and was also very logical… which was also why she had always concealed her emotions.
“Little Mu’er, you tell me. What would you like me to do?”
Ye Mu thought to herself, He has to agree! Isn’t marriage something all emperors must achieve?
Yet weirdly, when it came to her lips, she couldn’t say it aloud.
This wasn’t good! She can’t be selfish about this! She has already decided to go back to her world, how could she not want Mo Linyuan to get married?
With determination, she said in a pitifully small voice,
“You… should agree to it…”
Although her voice was quiet, Mo Linyuan was still able to hear her. Immediately, his expression turned frigid. The smirk he had on gradually disappeared.
“Little Mu’er, come here.”
Ye Mu walked over, her eyes closed as she endured internal despair.
She heard the sound of water splashing. She imagined Mo Linyuan leaving the bath… No, she must stop thinking at once! He is not hers to claim!
While she was having an internal battle, Mo Linyuan’s icy voice came pierced through her thoughts,
“What did you just say…? This monarch couldn’t hear you clearly…”
She looked up in astonishment. This was the first time Ye Mu heard him address himself as “this monarch” with her. Yet, she was even more caught off guard when Mo Linyuan stood up from the water and got up in her personal space. Before she could retreat, she was pulled into the water by Mo Linyuan!
SPLASH!
The loud sound of colliding water was heard as Ye Mu was embraced by Mo Linyuan. Yet before she could respond, he gritted through his teeth,
“Repeat again, what exactly did you want this monarch to do…?”
Ye Mu was soaked as the completely naked Mo Linyuan hugged her. Her heart almost jumped out of her throat!
“I… I…”
“You want me to marry another woman?” Mo Linyuan’s arms tightened around her. His phoenix eyes glared, “Say it again. If you tell me to, I will immediately marry her!”
Ye Mu opened her mouth, but this time her face turned red… She was unable to say those words again…
What’s wrong with me? Why am I so reluctant to give Mo Linyuan to someone else?
Mo Linyuan was satisfied to witness her hesitation.
“Little Mu’er, sometimes you truly have to be honest with yourself. You only have me in your heart!”
He poked Ye Mu’s chest and Ye Mu’s face immediately morphed in discomfort, “Be gentle! That hurts!”
Her chest was tender due to recent growth development.
Mo Linyuan was also taken aback as he discovered that his little steamed buns had grown up!
Originally, Ye Mu was very flat-chested. But in these past two years, she developed solid foundations and was now starting to take shape! With delight, he poked at her again, but this time he did so gently.
“Y-you-” Ye Mu was speechless. How could she be toyed with by this hooligan right now? Does he think she would just take it?
When Mo Linyuan went to touch her once again, Ye Mu’s hand swiftly gripped his hands, forcing them to the side of the washbasin as she suppressed his movement!
“Don’t even think of trying to grope me again. I will fight back!”
What’s more, Mo Linyuan was no match for her!
Being inferior to Ye Mu’s martial arts is something that significantly wears Mo Linyuan down! He gritted his teeth as he struggled to move, but Ye Mu held him down even harder. Even in the water, her strength was formidable.
Mo Linyuan finally gave up and chuckled, “You don’t need to be like this. However, way you would like to take me… you don’t need to hold me down like this. I am yours for the taking.”
Ye Mu felt that these past two years, Mo Linyuan had become more and more unbridled. Was it due to the fact that he had been suppressing his desires for too long?
She clenched through her teeth, “Regardless if you ever try to touch me again, you will first need my consent!”
Mo Linyuan laughed, “Why? The world belongs to me. You belong to me as well. Your body, if I want to touch it, I will do so every day!”
“You are shameless!”
Mo Linyuan smirked, “Is that so?”
His foot suddenly kicked in which caught Ye Mu by surprise. Within the next second, Mo Linyuan unexpectedly reached out and pressed her against the side of the pool!
Mo Linyuan laughed wickedly, “I need your consent? That’s fine. Then, I want to kiss you right now, do you agree?”
Before Ye Mu could say no, Mo Linyuan covered her lips with his hand.
Among the steam, his face looked exquisite. Right then, he was as handsome as a fairy. Water droplets trailed down his collarbone. Everything about him was full of temptations.
“I will give you two options.”
His brilliant smile was truly deceptive to those who saw it.
“First option, I can kiss you. Second option… I can do whatever I want with you!”
Ye Mu awoke from her trance! She didn’t want to choose either options!
She glared at him with irritation, and Mo Linyuan continued merrily, “I’ll count to three. If you refuse to answer, or you don’t pick either option… that is the same as agreeing to both! Now, one…”
Ye Mu removed his hand off her mouth, “You are despicable!”
Mo Linyuan said calmly, “You already know I’m the type of person who keeps my words…”
“You’re shameless!”
“Two…”
Ye Mu wanted to flee, but just as Mo Linyuan stated, he always kept his promises. Since he had already stated it… he would really do whatever he originally intended to do to her…”
“Three…”
“I…I’ll pick one!”
Ye Mu decided to just take a loss on this one. Once she could leave his grasp, then she should be able to get away!
“Then pick one.” Mo Linyuan
“I choose… the first one!” It’s not like we haven’t kissed before anyways… Ye Mu tried to console herself.
Mo Linyuan knew early on that she would pick that option. Grinning, he pointed to his lips and motioned, “Then come here!”
“You want me to initiate the kiss?” Ye Mu’s round eyes narrowed. This man was really pushing her limits!
Mo Linyuan smirked, “I could kiss you… but I cannot promise it would be a simple kiss…”
Ye Mu couldn’t win against him. Her eyes fell upon Mo Linyuan’s lips… They were thin and pale… but very lovely…
Perhaps… She could give into her desires and do what she longed to do…?
She pondered over this… those past times Mo Linyuan had already forced the kisses onto her… If she were to kiss this time, it shouldn’t be a big deal, right…?
Ye Mu also knew that she was deceiving herself. She knew, truthfully, she wanted to kiss him.
Meanwhile, as she slowly moved in closer…
Mo Linyuan froze completely. He was still a growing adolescent. Although it was Ye Mu taking the initiative and he may have a playful smile on his face, his heart was still racing!
Finally, when Ye Mu was just inches away from him… their surroundings turned still and quiet, as if the world was waiting for her to take the final step and kiss him…
….a voice suddenly came from the outside.
“Your Majesty, the Zhao Country minister requested for your presence. He said it was urgent!”
Once Ye Mu heard the announcement, she thought of the princess from the Zhao Country… then she remembered her current situation… If she couldn’t be together with Mo Linyuan forever, why would she kiss him…?
Realizing this, she immediately wanted to retreat… but how could Mo Linyuan permit her to?
He lunged forward and bit Ye Mu’s lips! The temperature of the water suddenly turned hot! Her heart beat uncontrollably. As Ye Mu glanced in front of her at Mo Linyuan, only four words entered her mind… She was done for!
When Mo Linyuan finally got up and left, Ye Mu remained muddled in the water.
She rubbed her round baby cheeks vigorously, her heart beating frantically! What should she do?! Her heart is beating so uncontrollably! Did she already forget all of her previous training to resist his charms? Why was she so frazzled by one kiss?!
However, the moment she thought of the Zhao Country sending someone else for him to kiss instead… and knowing his curious personality… Ye Mu quickly awoke from her daze and headed to the palace halls. She then hid behind the interiors of the Emperor’s entrance to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Her presence inside the imperial palace was unimpeded due to the fact that everyone knew Ye Mu was the Emperor’s most beloved heart meat*. In fact, she was his heart meat* that he had left uneaten… who would dare stop her?
(*T/N: Directly translates to a piece of heart meat, but could also mean beloved/darling.)
It was to the point where people made conjectures that His Majesty, in recent years, would employ cruel and bloody methods to eliminate all of Qing Chao in order to protect her. These rumors continued to circulate even now.
Ye Mu peeked from behind the door, holding her breath in order to further conceal her presence. Silently, she gazed into the room.
On the tall platform, Mo Linyuan’s slender yet imposing figure could be seen by all throughout the room. His golden dragon robe trailed behind him, further emphasizing his dominance.
At this moment, he was very neatly presented. Regardless of the angle, his handsome face still awed all of those who saw him. With a smile, he began speaking,
“I am aware that marriage is indeed a great way to unite two countries. Unfortunately, I do not have any other brothers who can undertake such a huge responsibility. Here in the Mo Country, I am living the solitary path. I can’t possibly live up to the other ruler’s expectations…”
Hearing Mo Linyuan’s words, the Zhao County’s minister maintained his expression. This news was no surprise to him.
The middle-aged man Zhao Country’s minister was among the audience. He listened intently, and then laughingly replied, “Your Majesty, you have plenty of opportunities. Have you forgotten that your harem is empty!”
As he said this, he bowed before presenting a thick scroll, “This foreign minister knows that the Mo Country is truly prosperous. But, before Your Majesty makes any decision, it would be best you read the Princess’s list of dowry gifts.”
Mo Linyuan subtly raised his eyebrow. Soon after, the scroll was delivered into Mo Linyuan’s hand.
When Ye Mu heard Mo Linyuan’s refusal, she was happy. But this time, seeing how prepared the other party was… she couldn’t help but feel anxious. What could be in the scroll that was worth considering about?
While Mo Linyuan read the scroll, Ye Mu observed the group visiting from the Zhao Country. Although they all lowered their heads, one of them was secretly peeking up… He was fairly petite, and had red lips and white teeth. Right then, Ye Mu realized that it was really the princess, who was Mo Linyuan’s prospective future kissing partner!
She actually came to visit as well!
Ye Mu followed the princess’s line of sight and realized she was staring at Mo Linyuan. He was currently supporting his face with one hand while holding the scroll in the other. He emanated an air of elegance and nobility. In the presence of Mo Linyuan, the nearby attendants, all of whom would typically be considered handsome, were completely overpowered by his profound and distinguished bearing.
“Hmph! He’s like a flower attracting all the bees and butterflies!” Ye Mu’s fingers tightly gripped the edge of the doorway as she mumbled to herself.
He said he didn’t want a princess, yet he is so gorgeous and polite, just who exactly is he trying to seduce! Hmph!
After a long time, Mo Linyuan finally let out a chuckle,
“Interesting, the City Boundary Map? The Zhao Country actually possesses it?”