Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Deep in the wild mountains, even the stars and moon had hidden themselves away.

Moonlight spilled down without a sound, draping everything in a soft halo.

The dampness in the mountains kept condensing into rain. The little tassel that had been hanging just fine at the front of the carriage was easily knocked loose, like a fallen star.

And the rain only grew heavier, harder, washing over it with increasing force until it kept falling, falling, falling all the way down into the deepest place.

The little carriage, meanwhile, rolled unhurriedly along the most rugged path. On all sides, fragrant grass grew thick, dewdrops shimmered, and mountains and rivers rose and fell in endless folds-a magnificent sight worth savoring again and again, impossible to fully capture in brush and ink.

That night.

The two of them did not return at all.

Blessed by the merits of his ancestors, Han Mo had once been the youngest Hanlin Academician in court. After the new emperor ascended the throne, he was promoted to Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, becoming a figure of considerable weight among the upright officials.

As a model minister of his generation, he had always guarded his reputation carefully. In all his years in politics, not a single scandal had ever been heard about him.

Recently, however, rumors had begun to spread that a book boy had appeared at Junior Preceptor Han’s side. It was said he doted on this person to an outrageous degree, practically eating and sleeping together, coming and going together-their sleeves were practically cut into tassels.

…

I can testify.

Aside from the broken-sleeve part, the rest was basically true.

Not only was he with me every day, he even brought me along to banquets.

Just like now. We were in a small, decadent establishment steeped in wine and pleasure, and Han Mo was lying with his head on my lap, tapping the low table in time with the music. A wisp of scarlet candlelight fell across his face, making him look even more dazzling.

Aside from him, every official in the hall had a top courtesan keeping him company. Someone laughed and said, “Junior Preceptor, everyone says you eat and sleep alongside a book boy and dote on him excessively. Is that true?”

Han Mo’s expression did not change. “No.”

“So there is no such thing?”

“Not a boy.”

“Huh?”

While the man was still stunned, the doors of the establishment swung wide open, and another group of courtesans came in. They were younger than the previous group, and even more alluring.

The moment I saw those beauties look toward Han Mo and start gathering in our direction, alarm bells rang in my heart.

I immediately tightened my arms around the man in my lap.

Han Mo drew in a soft hiss.

The courtesans at once covered their lips and laughed. I knew without thinking that they were laughing at how rough and clumsy I was, completely ignorant of how to serve a man.

I did not care. With a clang, I drew my saber. “Whoever dares come near him won’t live to see tomorrow’s sun.”

The beauties: “…”

The officials: “…”

Han Mo, meanwhile, smiled calmly, as though he did not mind in the least.

After a long while, the man who had asked the question finally came back to his senses. “Could that person in the rumors be… her?”

“Indeed.”

“How can this be?!”

The others immediately burst into an uproar. “Junior Preceptor Han, how can you allow this little maid to be so arrogant?”

“As they say, a servant grown too powerful will bully the master!”

“Exactly!”

Han Mo lifted his cup and took a shallow sip of wine. “You are not a fish. How would you know the joy of fish?”

Every word, spoken and unspoken, accused them of meddling.

I wrapped my arms around that long, elegant neck and bared my teeth in smug triumph. Seeing this, the man could only swallow his dissatisfaction.

As for my wanton behavior, Han Mo merely said, neither warm nor cold, “But in front of outsiders, you should still leave me a little face.”

“Heh heh.”

Seeing that he was not only unangered, but even seemed to be enjoying himself somewhat, the officials all exchanged looks.

Right in front of everyone, I deliberately leaned close and lectured him. “You are mine. If you dare dote on any other woman, I’ll kill every single one of them…

“Do you hear me?”

A faint smile rested on his face. “All right.

“As you wish.”

Seeing everyone look as if they were painfully constipated, my heart blossomed with joy, and I smacked several kisses onto that handsome face.

See that?

He loves me so much.