Chapter 12 – Tyrant VS National Teacher (12)
Now Emperor Wen’s health is deteriorating. If something unexpected happens, the natural successor in line would be Mo Yi.
Seeing the recent frequent activities of the Marquis of Anping’s mansion, it seems they are becoming restless.
There’s a fear that these people might become desperate and take action against Yi Er.
Thinking about this, Mu Jin’s eyes darkened.
However, he was currently busy discussing with 003 in his sea of consciousness when he heard a commotion outside the tent.
A boy who looked about eleven or twelve rudely entered Mu Jin’s tent.
Behind him was Mo Yi, attempting to stop him.
Mu Jin sat up, and the three pairs of eyes met. The boy immediately sneered and said to Mo Yi, “Third Prince, didn’t you say that Brother Mu was already asleep?”
“I didn’t expect the usually honest Third Prince to lie. Could it be that the Crown Prince doesn’t want me to see Brother Mu?”
Mu Jin recognized the child in front of him as the Fifth Prince Mo Dun. Despite the name “Dun,” his personality had nothing to do with being honest and kind.
Children in the palace were precocious, and Mo Dun, raised by the Imperial Consort, displayed a two-faced nature. He acted obedient in front of Emperor Wen but was arrogant towards servants.
And despite Mo Yi being his only older brother, Mo Dun showed no respect.
This behavior reminded Mu Jin of the term “problem child” used by people in the modern world, and Mo Dun seemed to fit the description.
Fortunately, the Empress Dowager was wise and saw through Mo Dun’s tricks, which had no effect on her.
While the Empress Dowager and her son dared not act recklessly in the presence of the Empress Dowager, Mo Dun didn’t want any capable people around Mo Yi.
He suppressed Mo Yi at every opportunity and tried to take away any palace maids who looked even slightly competent.
But what he desired most was to attract Mu Jin’s attention.
Xuan Qing Temple had a high status, and Mu Jin, as the chief disciple under Chong Ming, was a natural choice for the future National Teacher.
Gaining the support of the National Teacher would significantly win the people’s hearts.
De Consort must have instilled these thoughts into Mo Dun, prompting him to frequently approach Mu Jin and make his presence known.
Seeing Mo Yi standing beside Mo Dun, smiling but with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, Mu Jin yawned and casually waved his hand, saying to Mo Dun, “I was just asleep, but the commotion outside woke me up.”
Mo Dun, upon hearing this, immediately showed a guilty expression on his face. He approached Mu Jin, apologizing, “It’s Dun’s fault for disturbing Brother Mu’s rest.”
While saying this, he attempted to hold Mu Jin’s hand.
However, as soon as Mo Dun touched Mu Jin, he felt as if something terrifying had locked onto him.
Instinctively shivering, Mo Dun quickly turned his head but only saw Mo Yi, who had maintained a smile.
Although the expression remained unchanged, Mo Dun inexplicably felt a chill from the bottom of his heart.
Forced to compose himself, he found that Mu Jin had already moved away.
Mo Dun didn’t mind, thinking it was just his imagination.
Looking at Mu Jin, he said smoothly, “Now that Brother Mu is awake, why not accompany me for a walk? My mother has always said that Brother Mu is very talented and wants me to learn from him.”
Hearing Mo Dun’s words, Mo Yi could easily guess his intentions.
Mother and son wanted to win over Mu Jin, who was supporting him, as they knew De Consort’s side naturally had more advantages.
During their usual times in the Empress Dowager’s palace, they didn’t dare to be so blatant.
During this autumn hunt, they had tried several times to enter Mu Jin’s tent but were stopped by Mo Yi each time.
Unexpectedly, today Mo Dun found a loophole.
Mo Yi knew that compared to himself, an insignificant prince, De Consort’s side had many advantages.
The Fifth Prince, who usually acted obediently, would occasionally reveal his domineering side. In case Mu Jin was misled, Mo Yi felt a surge of inexplicable anger.
He wished Mo Dun would disappear from his sight right now, especially after the recent attempt to touch Mu Jin. Mo Yi almost lost control and wanted to break the boy’s arm.
Normally, Mo Dun’s provocations and insults meant nothing to Mo Yi.
But this guy dared to use his dirty hands to touch Mu Jin, who was most important to him, and tried to take him away.
This was absolutely unacceptable!
At this moment, Mo Yi was no longer the young man who used to smile and endure in front of others.
He only knew that no one could snatch Mu Jin away from him.
Mu Jin, who had spent many years with Mo Yi, keenly sensed that something was off with his child.
Although there was a smile on his face, the overall pressure from him was getting lower, seemingly on the verge of eruption.
Mu Jin raised an eyebrow and, with a slight yawn, casually said to Mo Dun, “Thanks for Consort De’s favor. However, I’m not feeling well today. It seems I’ve caught a cold and have a headache.”
“You’d better keep your distance, Fifth Prince. Don’t catch the illness. When I’m feeling better, I’ll go to Consort’s place to pay my respects.”
As soon as Mo Dun heard Mu Jin saying he was sick, he instinctively moved away.
Hearing that Mu Jin would go to Consort’s place when he felt better, Mo Dun felt satisfied, nodding and leaving the place contentedly.
After Mo Dun left, the atmosphere in the tent eased.
Seeing Mo Yi’s smile vanished, his fists clenched, Mu Jin waved him over, patting the bed beside him to signal him to sit.
Mo Yi pursed his lips and walked over to sit beside Mu Jin.
Feeling the person leaning on him as usual, Mu Jin, with a light laugh, said, “Yi Er, why the long face?”
Mo Yi lowered his eyes and replied, “Nothing.”
But then he remembered Mu Jin mentioning feeling unwell with a cold, although he suspected it was just an excuse to get rid of Mo Dun. Still, he couldn’t help but express concern, “Brother Jin, are you really not feeling well? Is it true that you’re uncomfortable?”
Mu Jin felt warm hearing Mo Yi’s concern. Thinking about his child, who had just shown a slightly angry face, but still cared about his well-being, he smiled and shook his head, saying, “Do you still not know if I’m uncomfortable, Yi Er?”
“If I didn’t say that, how would I have gotten rid of that Fifth Prince, needlessly disturbing the peace and annoying.”
“Does Brother Jin find him annoying?” Mo Yi, upon hearing this, felt joy and quickly asked Mu Jin.
Mu Jin, seeing Mo Yi’s rare expression of emotions, playfully reached out, lightly tapped Mo Yi’s cheek, and said with a smile, “I was wondering why Yi Er suddenly got upset. It turns out you’re jealous, huh?”
Hearing Mu Jin’s teasing tone, Mo Yi blushed.
Feeling like his thoughts were exposed, he didn’t know how to respond.
Although he felt a bit embarrassed, he didn’t want to deny his feelings. He lowered his head, muttered a soft “Hmm.”
Mu Jin, upon hearing Mo Yi’s response, felt extremely pleased, thinking this straightforward child was very likable.
He extended his hand, gently stroked Mo Yi’s cheek, and leaned in to make a solemn promise, “Yi Er, rest assured, Brother Jin will always belong to you alone.”
After saying that, he lifted his head and planted a kiss on Mo Yi’s forehead.
The warm touch on his forehead left Mo Yi in a daze. He involuntarily shivered, feeling a strange sensation spreading through his body.
Although Mu Jin often touched his forehead and cheeks affectionately, expressing closeness and praise, a kiss like this hadn’t happened since he was ten.
This kiss sparked a unique emotion in Mo Yi’s heart, unlike the innocent feelings from his childhood.
He couldn’t pinpoint what felt wrong but knew that this strange sensation made him oddly happy and even tempted him for more.
The tingling sensation seemed addicting.
However, Mo Yi also realized he wasn’t a clueless child anymore.
If he were to ask Mu Jin for more kisses, it would seem abrupt.
Despite suppressing his inner desire, Mo Yi’s eyes involuntarily followed Mu Jin’s crimson lips.
Unexpectedly, Mu Jin, sensing something, turned his head and smiled, locking eyes with him.
Those cat-like pupils were clear and bright, making Mo Yi feel somewhat trance-like.
He knew Mu Jin was handsome, but after spending years with him, even a smile from Mu Jin could make his heart race.
The round eyes were so clear and bright that Mo Yi felt as if Mu Jin could see through him, leaving him with nowhere to hide.
The sound of his heartbeat almost drowned out everything, and Mo Yi’s throat tightened.
Not wanting Mu Jin to notice his unusual state, he abruptly stood up and hastily left the tent.
Watching Mo Yi hastily leave, Mu Jin innocently blinked.
Shouting outside the tent, he said, “Yi Er, where are you going?”
There was a clattering sound from outside.
After a while, a slightly flustered voice came from outside the tent, “I’m going to catch a hedgehog for you. I’ll be back soon.”
Hearing the boy say this, Mu Jin couldn’t help but chuckle.
He thought to himself, kissing this kid’s forehead caused such a big reaction? Well, it’s better than no reaction.
Could it be that he could now consider his Yi Er to be entering the stage of puppy love?
Rubbing his chin, Mu Jin’s eyes flashed with a hint of cunning.