Chapter 92: Night Conversations

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As night fell, the snow-covered landscape shimmered faintly under the moonlight. The world seemed hushed, wrapped in a serene stillness. Inside Su Li's room, however, warmth radiated from the golden-thread charcoal brazier, creating an atmosphere as cozy as spring.

Su Li, her hair still damp from her evening bath, dismissed her maids to rest and moved to her desk to practice calligraphy. She was so engrossed in her task that she didn't notice Jun Mo enter until he spoke.

The sight that greeted him was breathtaking. Under the soft glow of the lantern, Su Li sat with her sleeves pushed up slightly, revealing wrists as delicate and luminous as jade. Her tranquil eyes mirrored the calm of a moonlit lake, and her unbound hair cascaded down her back like liquid silk. The faint scent of her bath lingered in the air, completing the picture of quiet elegance.

"You're here?" Su Li set down her brush and turned to look at him.

Jun Mo snapped out of his reverie and smiled. "When a beauty invites me, how could I refuse?"

Su Li walked around the desk and poured them both cups of hot tea. Jun Mo glanced at the brazier warming the room before settling into a seat and taking a sip.

"It's certainly warm here," he remarked.

Su Li sipped her tea and replied, "This is the benefit of being prepared."

Jun Mo observed her briefly as she lifted her veil to drink. "You can remove your veil entirely. I remember you took it off without hesitation when we first met. Why so reserved now?"

Su Li hesitated, her fingers pausing on the edge of her cup. "I wouldn't want to offend your eyes."

"How could you? Do you doubt me?"

Su Li raised an eyebrow. It wasn't that she doubted him—it was that she wanted to avoid complications.

"Your Highness..." she began.

"I told you to call me Ziyuan," he reminded gently.

Su Li nodded and corrected herself. "Ziyuan, I asked you here tonight because there's something I need your help with."

"What is it?"

"How much do you know about the Sixth Prince?"

Jun Mo's expression grew serious. "He's more inscrutable than I expected. I discovered he's secretly maintaining a sizable army in Shu Province. What could he be planning?"

Su Li wasn't surprised.

"Your subordinates are indeed capable to have uncovered such a well-hidden secret."

Jun Mo smirked. "That's thanks to your tip-off, Miss Su. I found out he's been running gambling dens and brothels to amass wealth. Following that trail led to even more discoveries."

Su Li smiled faintly. "The Sixth Prince's intentions are clear—he's aiming for that position."

"If he dares make a move, I'll ensure he regrets ever being born."

Su Li tilted her head. "Your relationship with the Crown Prince must be strong?"

Jun Mo leaned back, his tone softening. "I practically grew up on my elder brother's back. He taught me my first word and showed me how to draw a bow. Our bond is rare, even in the royal family."

Su Li understood now why, in her past life, Jun Mo had risked everything—including worsening his chronic illness—to save the Crown Prince. His loyalty ran deep.

Pushing aside her guilt, Su Li said, "So, while the Sixth Prince operates openly, we remain in the shadows. It's time to start dismantling his influence."

Jun Mo gave her a curious look. "Do you hold a grudge against Jun Hui?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I oppose him for my brother's sake. But you—a minister's daughter—have no direct ties to him. Why go out of your way to stand against him? And you seem unusually knowledgeable about his actions."

Su Li chuckled softly. "Perhaps we had unfinished business in a past life. Besides, the Empress and Crown Prince have shown me kindness. If someone threatens the Crown Prince, I must act."

Jun Mo studied her closely, but Su Li met his gaze unflinchingly. Finally, he relented. "Very well. If you don't wish to explain, I won't press further."

Su Li inwardly sighed in relief.

"The rains continue in the south, and now the north has begun to snow. Soon, heavy snow will block roads. When famine strikes the drought-stricken south and they receive no aid from the north, the situation will worsen," Su Li said, frowning.

Jun Mo looked surprised. "I only just received this news myself. How did you learn of it so quickly?"

"Coincidence. A few days ago, I sent people to purchase supplies in the south. They reported back."

Jun Mo tapped his fingers on the table absentmindedly—a habit Su Li recognized.

"Indeed. That's why I've already sent a shipment of grain there. Tomorrow, I plan to request an audience with the Emperor to propose sending more aid."

Su Li frowned. "No reports have come from the south yet. Someone is deliberately withholding information, likely for their own gain. If you report this to the Emperor prematurely, it may raise suspicions."

If the Emperor hadn't heard anything, and a prince suddenly brought up the issue, it would give officials ammunition to accuse him.

Jun Mo scowled. "You're not wrong, but I can't simply stand by and watch countless people starve. By the time Father receives the news, it'll be too late. These corrupt officials care nothing for the lives of commoners!"

Su Li sighed. It wasn't just ambition driving those officials—Jun Hui was orchestrating this. By delaying relief efforts, he planned to win over the populace with his own distribution of food later.

"Here's what we'll do. I've established several granaries in the south and stockpiled grain. You'll take charge of distributing it under your name. This way, you'll gain the trust of the people."

She intended to steal the glory that once belonged to Jun Hui and give it to Jun Mo instead.

Jun Mo was startled. "Miss Su, you truly are wealthy. But those granaries and supplies belong to you—I cannot claim them."

This was the key difference between Jun Mo and Jun Hui. If it were the latter, he'd exploit every opportunity to claim all the credit for himself.

Su Li shook her head. "Negotiating with local officials to distribute aid requires authority only a prince possesses. Using your title avoids suspicion from the Emperor."

Jun Mo smiled. "If that's your concern, don't worry. After all, you're betrothed to become the Princess Consort of Jing. Your power isn't insignificant. Of course, I'll accompany you when the time comes."

Su Li smacked her forehead. She'd forgotten about the engagement decree—they were seen as one entity in public.

"Fine, then we'll go together."

"Will your parents allow you to travel so far?"

"I'll convince them."

Jun Mo added, "The grain I've sent is merely a drop in the ocean. Will your stores suffice?"

Su Li smiled confidently. "More than enough."

If her own reserves weren't sufficient, she'd raid Jun Hui's hoarded stockpiles. After all, he'd amassed them through price gouging—she'd simply return them to the people!

Without the reputation of a benevolent ruler, would Jun Hui still earn the Emperor's favor as he did in her past life?

The two continued their conversation, sipping tea in the warmth of the room. Despite the cold outside, the night felt almost cozy.

Eventually, Su Li stifled a yawn and stood. "It's late. You should leave."

Jun Mo teased, "So eager to send me away? How cruel, Li'er."

His voice carried a playful lilt, smooth and gentle, like the brush of a feather against the heart.

Su Li ignored him, watching silently.

Jun Mo sobered and called out, "Mo Yun."

Mo Yun appeared instantly. "Yes, my lord?"

Jun Mo kept his gaze on Su Li as he spoke to Mo Yun. "From now on, Miss Su is your sole master. You'll serve and obey her exclusively. Understand?"

Mo Yun hesitated, looking up at Jun Mo's solemn expression before bowing her head. "Yes, my lord."

She then knelt before Su Li. "Mo Yun greets her new master."

Initially, Mo Yun hadn't been thrilled about serving a young lady of the inner chambers. Wasn't it a waste of her skills as part of the elite guard? But over time, she realized Su Li was unlike any ordinary noblewoman. Serving her felt worthwhile.

Su Li glanced at Jun Mo, then at Mo Yun. "Rise. You don't need to kneel."

"Yes, Master!"

"Call me 'Miss,' as before," Su Li instructed.

"Yes, Miss."

Once Mo Yun had withdrawn, Su Li turned to Jun Mo. "You didn't have to do this. I wasn't bothered."

Jun Mo smiled. "In truth, Mo Yun hasn't reported your activities to me since she began serving you. But as her former master, she couldn't act against me either."

"I see. Thank you."

"There's no need for thanks between us. Rest now—I'll take my leave."

With that, he exited through the window as silently as he'd arrived, disappearing into the snowy night.