Chapter 75: The Adorable Jun Moli and Spitting Blood (Please Subscribe and Add to Favorites)

Chapter 075: The Adorable Jun Moli, Spitting Blood

After Anran left, Lu Anrong shifted his attention from Xu to Leng Yiyun, his gaze dark and fierce, making Leng Yiyun shudder in fear. She had never seen Lu Anrong in such a state before and timidly called out, "Master."

Lu Anrong glanced at her, his tone tinged with anger, "None of you are the least bit worry-free!"

"Master, I..."

Leng Yiyun blushed, lowering her head to hide the hatred in her eyes. Anger welled up in her chest, but she dared not show it. Her hands twisted the handkerchief, veins bulging, nails digging into her palms.

Because of her second son's leg, Lu Anrong's attitude toward her changed completely, casting her into an abyss. All the years she had devoted to the Lu family were erased, replaced by the infamous title of "loving mother who ruins her son," making her a sinner in Lu Anrong's eyes.

"Father, please don't scold Mother. Because of Second Brother's leg, she can't eat or sleep well—she's grown thin and her face has lost its beauty!"

Lu Xueqing truly felt sorry for Leng Yiyun. Recently, because of Lu Junfan's plight and that witch, she had been unable to eat or sleep, aging more in a few days than in the past ten years.

Lu Anrong was aware of Leng Yiyun's changes. His beloved daughter pleaded on her behalf, so he had to act as an understanding father, though he still glared at Leng Yiyun.

Doctor He finished setting Lu Junfan's bone and bandaging the wound, and as he came out with his medicine box, he overheard their conversation. Though unintentional, he felt awkward and coughed a few times before greeting Xu and addressing Lu Anrong, "Brother Lu, you must take good care of your nephew's leg. When the pain becomes unbearable, do not let him move, or it will cause trouble if the bone shifts."

"Unbearable pain?" Lu Xueqing couldn't help but ask. Was it worse than the cries from the previous days?

"Yes, the medicine contains blood scorpion, which promotes muscle regeneration and blood circulation. Moreover, the marrow has to regrow, and that kind of pain is beyond what ordinary people can endure!"

Doctor He sighed heavily. He had only seen the term "marrow regeneration" in an ancient medical manual, never expecting that young Anran would possess such skill.

Leng Yiyun glanced into the room: Lu Junfan was lounging on the couch, smiling foolishly, without a hint of suffering. She began to doubt Doctor He's words.

Seeing their confusion, Doctor He looked at Lu Junfan and explained, "The medicine hasn't penetrated the bone yet; for now, it only feels cool on the muscles. In two hours, he'll feel it. You must watch him closely. I will return tomorrow!"

"Thank you, Brother He. Allow me to see you out! Please!"

"Please!"

Xu had wanted to check on the disappointing Lu Junfan, but after being angered by Anran, her complexion worsened and her mood soured. She called Biqing to escort her back to rest, leaving only Lu Xueqing and Leng Yiyun at the door.

Once Lu Anrong and Xu had gone, Lu Xueqing took two steps forward to support Leng Yiyun, gently consoling her, "Mother, don't be upset. Father was just angry and spoke harshly; don't take it to heart."

Lu Xueqing understood that, in the Prime Minister's residence, besides currying favor with Xu, the most important thing was to please her father. One must always appear gentle and likable before him, whereas her mother had grown proud over the years and unwilling to bow, her resentment palpable to all.

Lu Anrong, as the Prime Minister, enjoyed great favor from Emperor Jun Dingyue. Many officials sought to ingratiate themselves with him. Hearing endless flattery, yet Leng Yiyun opposed him over Lu Junfan's leg, leaving him unsatisfied, and Anran's constant provocation had eroded his patience toward her. Naturally, he showed her no kindness.

"It's all that witch Anran's fault. If she left Moon City or disappeared from the world, do you think your father would turn the page and stop holding things against me?"

Leng Yiyun suddenly seized Lu Xueqing's hand, her eyes glinting with calculation. She refused to believe Anran's luck would last forever. Heaven would eventually open its eyes; a witch as vicious and evil as her deserved to be struck dead by lightning.

Lu Xueqing understood her mother's meaning, sharing her deep hatred for Anran. The grudge from yesterday must be paid back personally.

"Come, let's check on your second brother!"

Unable to think of a way to eliminate Anran for now, Leng Yiyun decided to visit her son. As she turned, Second and Third Concubine entered with their maids and servants, sharply calling out to her.

"What a coincidence! Third Concubine and I heard that Second Young Master's leg was healed and came to visit, only to run into you, Sister. Are you well? Did you hurt yourself when you fainted? Why not rest in your room?"

Hu Shi was always sharp-tongued, every word stabbing deep. Leng Yiyun's expression darkened as she spun around, glaring fiercely at Second Concubine.

"Second Concubine, it seems your sources are well-informed; you know all the affairs of the house. I must reconsider my opinion of you," Leng Yiyun hinted at Hu Shi having spies in the household, disturbing the peace—a crime punishable by flogging.

In the early days of Xianyue's founding, to prevent ministers' households from falling into chaos, a law was enacted: anyone who sowed discord or plotted harm in the rear courtyard would be punished with twenty strokes.

Hu Shi was clever and led Third Concubine forward to greet Leng Yiyun and Lu Xueqing, smiling, "Madam, what are you saying? Third Concubine and I are merely concerned for Second Young Master's leg. As for your fainting at the gate, that's why the whole house knows!"

Dreaming of having her punished? In your dreams!

"Hmph!" Leng Yiyun shot Hu Shi a cold glance, refusing, "Junfan needs rest; no need for your visit. Go back to where you came from!"

Yesterday, Hu Shi had wanted to see Lu Junfan's miserable state, but hearing from the servants about the disgusting worms—visible to the naked eye, devouring marrow, with long skinny legs—she was so nauseated she didn't dare come.

"Third Concubine, don't get too close to uncouth country women; one day you might fall and not know how!"

Outwardly, Leng Yiyun was advising He Shi, but secretly sowing discord between her and Second Concubine, implying that Second Concubine was foolish and would drag her down.

"Thank you, Madam, for your concern!"

Third Concubine smiled gently, replying softly. She was more shrewd than Second Concubine, naturally beautiful, younger than Leng Yiyun, and often suffered from her.

Her mother was the concubine of He Yuan, Minister of Rites, once a courtesan famed for her charm. He Shi inherited all her mother's advantages and teaching; both her looks and methods could enchant men. He Yuan, seeking to please Lu Anrong, gave her to him as a concubine. Though Lu Anrong was not infatuated with her, her ten years in the Prime Minister's residence had been comfortable.

"Madam, that's too much. Since we've come, it's only polite to visit. If Master learns we came to the door but didn't enter, he'll surely punish us!"

Hu Shi would not give up until she saw Lu Junfan's misery. She hurried up the steps, but from her vantage point, Lu Junfan was leisurely eating preserves and pastries, showing no sign of suffering.

Lu Xueqing could see that Second Concubine was here merely for the spectacle. Her face flushed with anger, she glared at Hu Shi and spoke in a delicate, biting voice, "Second Concubine, you're so concerned—one might think Second Brother is your son! Ming'er is soon coming of age; Mother will find her a good match. After she's married, her visits home will be few. I suggest you spend more time with her; otherwise, you'll only worry more as you age."

Lu Xueqing's words struck the mark, mocking Second Concubine's longing for a son while warning her that Ming'er's marriage was in Leng Yiyun's hands. Once Ming'er was married and without a son to rely on, Second Concubine would be left alone, with no one to bury her when she died.

Hu Shi was so provoked by Lu Xueqing that her face flushed red and her breathing quickened. She could hardly miss the insult about dying without a son to mourn her, nor the veiled threat regarding Ming'er's marriage. She had always known this young lady feigned innocence, but never imagined her heart was so dark.

Over the years, Lu Anrong had spent a few nights each month in her chambers, but aside from giving birth to Lu Xueming, she had never conceived again. She had consulted many doctors, all declaring her healthy, but her belly remained silent. Every time this was brought up, Second Concubine's heart filled with jealousy.

Third Concubine lowered her eyes, silent. She too had only one daughter; if lucky, she might marry into a small family as a legitimate wife, but if unlucky, her fate would be similar. Would she always be a lowly concubine? Now that the young lady held power, and was not as innocent as she appeared, if she insisted on being their enemy, who knew what fate awaited her daughter. This thought suddenly made Third Concubine see things clearly.

"Madam, please convey my wishes for Second Young Master's speedy recovery. I won't intrude further; farewell!"

He Shi saluted Leng Yiyun, bowed her head, and quickly withdrew.

Those who understand the situation are wise; an arm cannot wrestle a thigh. Since others are looking to cause trouble, why invite it just to see a spectacle? Better to find a way to bring Anran back, sit back and watch the drama, and see how it ends. The young lady's words had given her an idea!

Second Concubine watched Third Concubine leave, furious. She snorted, stomped her foot, and followed after. She couldn't let He Shi curry favor with Leng Yiyun and form her own faction; otherwise, she would never be a match for Leng Yiyun. She needed He Shi to help her contend with Leng Yiyun.

"Hmph, overestimating yourself!"

After spitting in Second Concubine's direction, Lu Xueqing helped Leng Yiyun into the room.

Lu Junfan was eating preserves, lost in thought. Ever since he met that witch, he had suffered agonizing pain every minute, nearly losing the will to live.

Now, the witch must have been forced by his father's threat to treat his leg, and his leg felt cool and comfortable, completely painless. Soon, he'd be able to walk again and return to the Red Pavilion. He hadn't visited his little beauty in days—he wondered if she still missed him.

Thinking that his little beauty might have found someone new, Lu Junfan's smile faded. That damned Anran had broken his leg, tormented him, making him unable to walk or do certain things. What if his little beauty couldn't resist loneliness?

"Fan'er, what's wrong? Is your leg hurting again?" Leng Yiyun saw his changing expression and worried his leg bone was hurting again. Doctor He's words were clear: the days of regenerating flesh and marrow would bring agonizing pain.

"Second Brother—"

Lu Xueqing saw Lu Junfan unresponsive, bent down and waved her handkerchief before his eyes, startling him back to reality.

"Mother! Sister, you're here!" Lu Junfan smiled brightly, happy to see them.

Leng Yiyun breathed a sigh of relief. For days, Lu Junfan had cried out day and night, his pain on his leg but hers in her heart. She wished she could bear his pain for him, but had no way to help, worrying herself sick. Now he was finally better; she would deal with future matters after his recovery.

"Second Brother, because of you, Mother was punished by Grandmother and Father. She lost her authority as mistress, knelt in the ancestral hall for hours, and now spends her days copying scriptures. Once your leg heals, don't cause her any more trouble—it's always her who cleans up your mess!"

Lu Xueqing looked down on her wayward brother. With his idleness and lack of learning, he would never succeed in officialdom. After their parents passed, and the eldest brother divided the family, he'd be left to his own devices, not knowing how he'd survive.

Thinking of her heroic elder brother Lu Junyi, Lu Xueqing felt admiration. Many young ladies envied her for having such a handsome, talented brother; whenever Lu Junyi was mentioned, the girls blushed.

Lu Junyi was famed in Moon City at ten, skilled in poetry, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Though born to a scholar, he had surprising talent in martial arts and studied astronomy and geography. To temper his character and prepare him for his future, he was sent to the army at fourteen. In six years, he earned numerous merits and was highly regarded by the generals.

Compared to him, the legitimate second son Lu Junfan was worlds apart, utterly inferior.

Lu Junfan was annoyed by his sister's criticism, but when he heard that Leng Yiyun was punished because of him, he felt a slight pang of guilt. Yet, learning that she had lost her authority made him furious. Without Leng Yiyun managing the household, she would no longer control the finances, and he could no longer freely draw money—what would he do?

"Mother, since you no longer manage the household, who does? Surely not Grandmother? She's too old—how could she handle it?"

Lu Junfan asked angrily. Grandmother was old and meddlesome; his mother managed things well. The mistress's authority shouldn't be given to concubines, so with Leng Yiyun's power revoked, Xu would take over. At her age, coveting authority made Lu Junfan resent her.

Leng Yiyun glanced at Lu Xueqing but remained silent. Lu Xueqing hesitated, unable to say more.

Lu Junfan looked between them, about to ask who had the authority, when a stabbing pain flared in his leg, growing stronger until the cool sensation vanished, replaced by pain even worse than before.

"Ah—" Lu Junfan's face turned pale, his eyes sunken from sleepless nights, eyeballs seeming ready to burst, teeth clenched tightly. He gripped the blanket, veins bulging, blood vessels visible under his skin.

He had never imagined his leg could hurt so badly again, even worse than before, unbearable. He wanted to chop his legs off—he couldn't stand it...

"Cut them off, cut them off... It hurts so much... Please, please, cut my legs off..."

Lu Junfan screamed like a madman, frightening the maids and servants outside. Seeing Leng Yiyun and Lu Xueqing by his bedside, no one dared enter.

"Fan'er, don't move or you'll be crippled for life!"

Leng Yiyun quickly grabbed his hand, afraid he would touch his leg. Her heart ached as tears streamed down her face. Suddenly, Lu Junfan gripped her hand in return, digging his nails into her flesh, leaving bloody marks.

Lu Xueqing, terrified by his sudden madness and painful cries, dared not approach. She called for servants to restrain him and used the excuse of fetching the doctor to flee. Lu Junfan's screams made her skin crawl; she had to leave immediately...

Jun Moli tossed and turned, sleepless all night. Whenever he closed his eyes, he saw Anran's arrogant, aloof, and indifferent face, gnashing his teeth in frustration yet helpless.

At dawn, he rose with dark circles under his eyes and ordered tea. When he lifted the cup to his lips, he remembered Anran's instructions and set it down, asking for flower tea instead.

Propping his head with one hand and rubbing his brow with the other, he wondered why he cared so much about that girl. Though she had rejected him harshly the day before, ruining his pride, why did he keep thinking of her? When had he become so narrow-minded?

"Sunshine!"

Jun Moli called, and someone entered, but it was not Sunshine—it was Flame.

"Where's Sunshine?" Jun Moli asked, surprised.

He knew his two personal guards well. Flame was hot-tempered, less steady than Sunshine, whose introverted nature made him slightly inferior in martial arts. Neither ever left their post without reason, so Jun Moli was concerned.

"He..." Flame hesitated, unsure how to answer, fearing his master wouldn't believe him.

He couldn't imagine Sunshine, usually so reserved, daring to slip away while on duty. Now caught red-handed, he would surely suffer!

Flame recalled Sunshine's serious face as he confessed, "I've fallen for her," and couldn't help but laugh. He never expected Sunshine to have such an adorable side.

"What happened to him?" Jun Moli sipped the newly brewed flower tea—made according to Anran's method—but it lacked the flavor, something was missing.

He ordered another batch brewed Anran's way: two orange blossoms, a pinch of cassia seeds, two longan pieces, ten goji berries, two drops of honey—but still, the taste was off!

He remembered counting the ingredients in Anran's cup when embarrassed that day, following her instructions, but it just wasn't right.

Flame watched Jun Moli's odd behavior, as he seemed to forget Sunshine, only concerned with the tea.

After several failed attempts, Jun Moli lost faith in his servants and ordered all the tea utensils brought in to experiment himself.

"Flame, I'm asking you—where did Sunshine go?" Jun Moli asked while carefully dripping three drops of honey.

Flame stiffened, scratching his nose, and whispered, "He went after Dream Butterfly!"

"Oh!" Jun Moli responded absently, tasting the tea. Suddenly, he looked up in disbelief, "That girl from the other night?"

Flame worried for Sunshine, nodding. Dream Butterfly, having received a thousand taels and her deed of sale, had lost her most precious possession as a woman. Planning to return home and open a shop, she came last night to bid Sunshine farewell.

Sunshine merely nodded and cautioned her to be careful. But by midnight, restless, he saw Jun Moli tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and dared not disturb him. He explained the situation, asked Flame to cover his shift, and rode out to chase Dream Butterfly.

Sunshine not only felt guilty but couldn't forget the night he spent with her. He wanted to keep her, but, not being good at expressing himself, he didn't know how. If not for her farewell, he might never have taken the first step.

"This kid's grown up!" Jun Moli threw the tea aside, having wasted an entire morning and a pile of flowers, yet only making the tea worse.

"Master, you haven't yet paid respects to the Empress today!" Flame checked the time—it was long past the hour for entering the palace—and changed the subject.

Jun Moli nodded, summoned a maid to help him dress, ate a simple lunch, and entered the palace.

Jun Yihong was confined to Jing Prince's residence, forbidden to leave, but the two brothers visited Noble Consort Fu daily. Today, neither had arrived, making Noble Consort Fu anxious.

"Yueru, send someone to see if something happened to Prince Li and Prince Jing. It's already this late and they haven't come! Cough... cough..."

Noble Consort Fu wore a yellow robe embroidered with peonies, a pale red tulle skirt, holding a soft green sash. Her hair was styled with a gold tassel hairpin, her jade face lightly powdered, brows like autumn water, flawless fair skin. Years of coughing had left her weak and wan.

"Your Highness, don't worry. Perhaps the princes were delayed; they'll be here soon!" Yuexia gently massaged her back, soothing her.

Noble Consort Fu felt uneasy. Even when ill, the princes never missed their daily visit, nor forgot the time. What was happening today?

"Something must have happened..."

"Your Highness, Prince Li has arrived!"

Before Noble Consort Fu finished her sentence, Yueru hurried in to report. She had just reached the palace gate and saw Prince Li coming, but not Prince Jing, so she rushed in.

"Li'er is here?" Noble Consort Fu's face lit up, excitement making her cough again, "Cough... cough..."

"Your Highness—"

"Mother, are you well?" Jun Moli entered the flower hall, hearing her cough, and hurried forward to help.

Noble Consort Fu patted his hand, forcing a smile, her breath weak, "I'm fine, just missed you both."

She looked up and saw Jun Moli alone, glancing at the door and frowning, "Why didn't Hong'er come with you today?"

Jun Moli, seeing her breathe easier, stepped back and told the maids, "You may all leave."

Yuexia and Yueru saluted and led the others out, leaving only Jun Moli and Noble Consort Fu.

Sensing his caution, Noble Consort Fu guessed something was wrong and urgently asked, "Did something happen to Hong'er?"

"Mother, don't worry. Ninth Brother is merely confined to Jing Prince's residence."

Noble Consort Fu breathed a huge sigh of relief. That frightened her. If only Hong'er were half as steady as Li'er, she wouldn't worry so much. That child was stubborn, impulsive, easily used by others. She wondered whom he took after.

"An elder brother is like a father; you must guide him well!" Noble Consort Fu said earnestly. "Your mother has suffered for years, plagued by coughing, unable to care for herself or teach Hong'er. He doesn't realize how dangerous these times are. Watch over him, don't let him cause trouble. The court may be changing; I hope you will not vie for that distant throne. I only wish you both a safe and peaceful life!"

Her father, Ke Jinye, had been a first-rank scholar, but died soon after she married Jun Dingyue. Her brother, Ke Jie, fulfilled his father's wish by requesting the Emperor allow the family to return home with Ke Jinye's remains, and the late Emperor granted it. Since then, Moon City was vast, but Noble Consort Fu only had her sons by her side.

Ke Jinye foresaw Jun Dingyue's rise, so before dying, he ordered Ke Jie to withdraw from court, hoping Noble Consort Fu could live quietly in the palace. Without her natal family as support, she couldn't help her sons claim the throne, and other factions would not back Jun Moli, making them less of a target.

Ke Jinye knew his daughter was not greedy for power, so as long as Ke Jie took the family home, they could live in peace. His foresight ensured his children's future before his death.

"Mother, rest assured. I will protect him. He just hasn't outgrown his childishness."

Jun Moli felt a headache thinking of his stubborn, impulsive brother, who swore he would marry Lu Xueqing—almost driving him mad.

Noble Consort Fu nodded and didn't ask further. Jun Moli was always measured; he wouldn't act recklessly. Her own health was declining—she might pass any day. She had long accepted death, but couldn't let go of Jun Yihong.

"Cough... cough..."

Noble Consort Fu suddenly coughed violently, spraying blood onto her handkerchief, shocking and frightening her.

"Mother!" Jun Moli saw the bloody cloth, his face changing instantly. "Summon the Imperial Physician!"

Yueru heard his voice and rushed to the medical bureau. Yuexia led the maids in.

"Don't worry—I'm fine!" Noble Consort Fu waved her hand, smiling to reassure them. She knew her own health; she wouldn't die just yet.

Jun Moli sat quietly, his expression restrained, brow deeply furrowed, lost in thought.

"Li'er, your health isn't good either. Go back; I'm fine." Noble Consort Fu felt sorry for him. If not for her insisting he train in the army, he wouldn't have shown his talent. Jun Dingyue wouldn't have sent him to invade borders, leading to defeat and poisoning, for which there was still no cure.

"Mother, take care. I will visit you again tomorrow." Jun Moli saluted and hurried out with Flame, riding away.

When Anran returned to Anran Residence, dusk had already completed her task and was waiting, along with Lu Xuexin and Nanny He.

"Miss!" Dusk greeted her, smiling. "Miss Xin has been safely brought back. What's your plan?"

Anran put down the bamboo box, eyes shining with tears as she looked at Lu Xuexin. Now, Xin'er could live under the sun with a new identity. Except for Lu Anrong and Leng Yiyun, almost no one knew her past, and they would never reveal it unless they tired of living.

But with Lu Anrong's ruthless nature, he would never let Xin'er live. If she died, no one could prove her words, and he could rest easy. So, before Lu Anrong turned on her, Anran had Dusk rescue Lu Xuexin early, preventing him from sending someone to kill her while Anran was busy treating Lu Junfan.

"Lu Anrong will soon discover Xin'er is missing. Send her out of the city immediately—escort her safely to Nightmoon Border Town, where someone will protect her. Once she's safely at Nightmoon, she'll be safe!"

"Also, she can't be called Lu Xuexin anymore. Lu Xuexin died fifteen years ago. From now on, she will take my surname, An, and be called Ning! Do you all understand?"

"Yes, Miss!" Dusk answered softly.

Nanny He, overwhelmed with gratitude, knelt before Anran and knocked her head three times, "Thank you for saving us, Miss! Thank you!"

Nanny He didn't know why Anran was so good to Lu Xuexin or what her motives were, but she knew that since Anran had appeared, neither she nor Lu Xuexin had suffered any hardship. Everything they ate, wore, and used was the best. Compared to Lu Anrong, Anran had done everything for Xin'er; he was worse than a beast!

"Quick, get up. It's I who should thank you." Anran hurried to lift her, grateful in her heart, though this truth could never be spoken.

"Miss, your face is so pale—are you ill?" Dusk noticed Anran's face was pale when she entered, now devoid of color.

"I'm fine, just tired." Anran smiled, stepping forward to take Lu Xuexin's hand, gently saying, "Ning'er, listen to Dusk and Nanny He. Once you reach Nightmoon, you will be free, understand? Take care of yourself there, and when you are fully recovered, I will come to reunite with you, alright?"

Lu Xuexin quietly gazed at Anran, her eyes pure and clear. She bit her lip, a tear rolling down her bright eyes, and suddenly hugged Anran tightly, whispering in her ear, "Thank you! I'll wait for you where you said!"

For fifteen years, except for Nanny He, no one had ever treated her so well. She had no mother, an unworthy father, cruel servants, living a life worse than an animal.

After meeting Anran, though she found her strange, she could feel her genuine care and love. No matter where Anran sent her, or what name she had, she trusted her completely.

Anran hadn't expected Lu Xuexin to trust her so easily, with none of the resistance she had imagined. She had considered various scenarios for rescuing Lu Xuexin, but never thought it would go so smoothly.

She wished time would freeze at this moment, so she could always be with her daughter. But she knew her great vengeance was not yet avenged, her son's blood feud not yet repaid. The villains still lived well—she couldn't let them go unpunished. She wanted to make them taste betrayal and the pain of parents burying their children.

"Enough, hurry out of the city. If Lu Anrong pursues you, it will be trouble!"

Though reluctant to let Lu Xuexin leave, Anran had to send her away for safety.

"Dusk, protect them well!"

"Don't worry, Miss—they will reach Nightmoon Border safely!"

After promising Anran, Dusk led the tearful Lu Xuexin out the back door. Anran had prepared a carriage, clothes, provisions, and money for them.

Anran stood high, watching the carriage fade into the distance, disappearing around the corner before she came down from the roof, preparing to go to the medicine room.

"Miss, Prince Li is here and requests to see you!" Xier stepped forward as Anran landed.

"Not seeing him!"

Anran replied coldly and turned toward the medicine room.

"Miss An, do you really not want to see me?"

Unbeknownst to her, Jun Moli had already appeared in the backyard. His refined face was more weary than usual, filled with loneliness.

Anran was startled by his words, slowly turned, and smiled, "Prince Li, trespassing is a crime. Please leave; I am not receiving guests today."

"Anran! I need you to save me!"

Jun Moli saw her turning to leave and shouted loudly.

Xier felt their conversation was strange, dared not speak, and quietly withdrew to guard the yard, preventing others from entering. If anyone saw Prince Li in the young lady's backyard, the rumors would be ugly.

Anran's face grew paler, her brow darkened, cold sweat pouring down. The scenery before her blurred, and even Jun Moli's tall figure became indistinct.

"Not saving you!"

Anran steadied her wavering body and, with her last bit of strength, told Jun Moli, then turned to walk inside.

"Anran!" Jun Moli hurried forward and grabbed her.

"Pfft—"

Anran turned, her dazed eyes fixed on Jun Moli, and suddenly a mouthful of blood sprayed from her lips, splattering him.

"Anran!"