Just as he was about to withdraw his hands and feet, he touched a cold, hard object. When he picked it up, he realized that it was very small. Its size seemed particularly out of place in contrast to the warmth of the brocade quilt. The round and thin feeling reminded Shen Mo of modern coins, so he got up and lit the lamp.
Chapter Fifteen: Dragon Coins
It was entirely silver-white, about half the size of a coin, and engraved with strange dragon and phoenix patterns. Shen Mo turned it over and over in the candlelight. For a moment, the firelight reflected the afterglow of the dragon coin and flashed in her eyes. A strange sense of familiarity rushed into her mind.
It was late at night. She rubbed her sore eyes, and froze the moment she saw her wrist. Her dislocated wrist had long since healed, but now it unexpectedly ached slightly. This was in the place where He Shang slept… Shen Mo held this strange object and fell silent, a long silence.
She didn't wake from her silence until the morning light outside the window replaced the hazy moonlight. She stood up abruptly, quickly dressed, and then, feeling it was inappropriate, simply changed into He Shang's long robe and combed her hair into a man's bun. Shen Mo stood in front of the mirror, somewhat mocking herself. She never expected that this outfit she used to wear four years ago would still be so familiar now.
She searched out the silver and valuables she had accumulated over the years, picked up some steamed buns from the kitchen, stuffed them into her bundle, and left. But as she stepped out the door, she turned back. Looking at the sky, she pondered for a moment and decided she should leave something behind. But when she picked up her pen, she was shocked to realize that Uncle Xia and Aunt Xia were illiterate, and Madam Rong… Shen Mo raised her eyes and threw the pen far away. She never wanted to smell that pungent sandalwood scent again in her life!
By the time Shen Mo reached the main road at the foot of the mountain, it was already broad daylight. However, Qingyou Mountain was in a very remote location, and it took a long time before a cargo cart finally arrived.
"Young man, where are you headed?" The middle-aged man, who claimed to be a merchant, chuckled and tucked the travel expenses that Shen Mo handed him into his pocket, his tone becoming more amiable.
Ningcheng.
"What! You're going to Ningcheng?" The merchant seemed quite surprised.
“We’re going to Ningcheng,” Shen Mo repeated, looking at him strangely. “Why are you so surprised, brother?”
“I recently heard that Ningcheng is now the most dangerous of our border towns. Young man, you may not know, but two months ago, the Right Chancellor Lu Feng petitioned the Emperor to take five cities from our neighboring Qixuan Kingdom within six months. And the cities Chancellor Lu has targeted are less than a hundred li from Ningcheng.” The merchant’s expression showed some fear. “Our Liang Kingdom has always been known for its military might, which was won by the late Emperor and the current Emperor on horseback. Everyone is worried that the Emperor’s ambitions might lead to war. Many people are fleeing Ningcheng to the capital. Why are you going to that place?”
Rong Yue arrived at Qingyou Mountain two months ago. If it was to escape cholera, why did he return to Ningcheng at the most dangerous time? And this seems to have nothing to do with He Shang! Shen Mo was in a state of confusion, frowning as he asked the merchant, "Having taken five cities in half a year, do you think... it's possible, brother?"
To everyone's surprise, the other party shook his head. "More than two months have passed, and Lord Lu has not made a move. Perhaps he is plotting something, but I doubt it. After all, apart from their unruly eldest prince, the army of Qixuan Kingdom is quite a brave army."
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Mo said firmly, "In that case, I must go to Ningcheng." Even if it wasn't for Rong Yue or He Shang, she still wanted to see Mo An and Rong Yan. After four years of separation, Ningcheng was in turmoil. Were they alright?
Shen Mo changed cars three times along the way, but in the end she walked to Ningcheng by herself. Even if she didn’t know the extent of the war in the previous dynasty, she should have some understanding from everyone’s reaction to the suspected war. Not a single person was willing to drive her to Ningcheng!
After entering the city, she rushed straight to Rong Yue without regard for anything else. The gatekeeper had changed and did not recognize her at all. Seeing that she was dressed in rags and claimed to be the young master's former page, he immediately tried to kick her away as a beggar. Rong Si had just returned. Shen Mo originally did not want to pay attention to him, but she had no other choice at the moment. Biting her lip, she finally called out "Uncle".
"You are... A-Mo!" Rong Si exclaimed in surprise after recognizing her for a while, then burst into laughter and slapped the doorman on the head. "No wonder he wanted to kick you out, why are you dressed like that?"
"I came back to visit Aunt An." Shen Mo didn't want to say more.
“Hmm, I see,” Rong Si seemed a little uncomfortable. He glanced at the doorman watching the show and shouted, “See this? This is my niece. Be more careful when guarding the door in the future.”
"What? It's a woman!" The doorman blurted out, scratching his head. Realizing his slip of the tongue, he quickly tried to appease him, saying, "But she really does look a bit like Sister Xiangqin, um, like her!" Little did he know, he was immediately smacked on the head by Rong Si. After the pain subsided, he saw Shen Mo give Rong Si a resentful and anxious look before running into the mansion.
"Could it be Sister Mo An's?" The doorman rubbed his aching head and then noticed Rong Si, who was furious, standing behind him.
“Aunt An?” “Yan Yan?” “An…” Shen Mo originally thought that she would see Aunt An’s happy face or her cute little figure when she opened the courtyard gate. She did see a little figure, but it was a boy, about two or three years old.
She crouched down to meet his unfamiliar and surprised eyes. In fact, she should have known Mo An's sorrow as soon as the doorman blurted out "Sister-in-law Xiangqin".
"Let go of my son!" a shrill female voice rang out.
Shen Mo frowned in disgust, but still looked at her with a hint of sharpness, "I'm looking for Mo An."
The woman quickly picked up her son, and looking at Chen Mo's tattered clothes, a hint of disdain appeared on her face. "Is the Rong residence a place you can just walk into..."
“Say less. Amo is Mo An’s niece. When she left the Rong residence with Madam, you were still working in the flower garden in the west courtyard. How can you not remember?” Rong Si suddenly entered the courtyard and interrupted.
"Where is Aunt An?" Shen Mo ignored Rong Si's indirect introduction, her tone tinged with impatience.
"Is that how you talk to an elder? You've been by Madam's side for so many years and you still don't know any manners. Today I'll tell you, Mo An has gone back to where she used to be, how about that?" A woman's emotions are always fully revealed when dealing with her rival.
Shen Mo left without saying a word, not to show weakness to the woman in front of her, but because she was really worried about Mo An's living conditions. Even after walking a long way, she could still hear the woman shouting and cursing: "Like father, like son!" Shen Mo frowned. How could Mo An survive if he shared a husband with such a shrewish woman?
Time brings sorrow because of people, but the years pass peacefully with the wind.
Seeing the dilapidated house where he had lived for eight years and the flowers and plants he had planted himself again should have brought him joy, but seeing the little girl in coarse cloth playing alone under the tree filled him with sorrow.
"Yan Yan." Chen Mo didn't care whether Rong Yan would be frightened and pulled her tightly into his arms.
"Sister?" The soft voice, though muffled, still reached her ears.
Shen Mo looked around to make sure no one was there, then looked directly into her eyes with some surprise, "How did you know I'm the older sister?"
Rongyan smiled, revealing her adorable little teeth. "You smell just like Mother, so you must be the older sister." Suddenly, as if remembering something, her eyes sparkled as she said, "Mother said that the older sister who can hug Yanyan must be Sister Amo. You are Sister Amo!"
A sudden lump formed in her throat, and Shen Mo realized how long it had been since she had felt this way. She swallowed her emotions and put on a joyful smile. "Your mother... is she alright?"
"Ah Mo? Is that you?"
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Shen Mo froze, but Rong Yan was the first to react, running over to call out "Mother."
“Aunt An, Amo will accompany you from now on.” Shen Mo smiled in response to Rong Yan’s expression.
However, Mo An saw through it and hugged her, saying, "Silly girl, don't be like this. Your smile looks worse than your tears. Actually, Aunt An is fine. Rong Si still has feelings for me."
Seeing the confusion on Shen Mo's face, she explained, "The Rong family has a rule that the incense must not be cut off. The strange thing is that I can no longer conceive after giving birth to Yan Yan. Xiang Qin is a bit domineering, but I am quite peaceful and free away from there."
Knowing that men in this dynasty could have multiple wives and concubines, Shen Mo, despite her disgust, found it difficult to impose this idea on Rong Si and Mo An, who were deeply ingrained in it. When she saw Mo An's relieved expression, she had no choice but to give up.
Mo An began to do her hair and makeup, arranging her hair in a bun, as if she wanted to know every detail of the past four years before she would stop. Shen Mo answered her questions one by one, and looking at the heavy hair ornaments in the mirror, she smiled and said, "Aunt An, are you going to send me off to get married?"
Mo An suddenly loosened her grip and looked in the mirror, saying, "Our A-Mo has the graceful and delicate appearance of a woman from Jiangnan, and the sharp and strong character of a man from the imperial court. Aunt An really wants to see what kind of man is worthy of her."
"Aunt An, please don't make fun of me. I'm afraid I'll never get married and will have to stay in the Rong family for the rest of my life, relying on you."
"Nonsense, I don't think there's a single good man in the Rong family."
Shen Mo paused, then asked hesitantly, "Aunt An, has anything unusual happened at the Rong residence recently?"
Mo An thought for a moment and said, "There are rumors everywhere that Ningcheng is going to be at war, but the young master ordered that no rumors be spread in the manor, so it is still peaceful. However, a few days ago, a high-ranking official from the imperial court stayed at the Rong manor and caused quite a commotion."
"What is that person's surname?"
"Is his surname Lu?" Mo An shook his head. "I don't really care about the young master's affairs. I'll just live my own life."
"Aunt An, I'd like to stay with you for a few days and not go to the young master's place for the time being."
"But didn't you say that the doorman and Rong Si both knew you were back?"
"Don't worry, I'm just a nobody, they won't say anything, and the young master won't want to get involved in this matter."
“That’s true. Since the young master left, he has entrusted all the household affairs to Rong Si.”
That night, Shen Mo stayed with Mo An and Rong Yan until very late. Only when she heard their even breathing did she get up, take out the dragon coin, and walk to the window. It shone brightly in the moonlight. Shen Mo looked at the two people on the bed behind her, and finally walked out quietly, putting on... He Shang's long robe.
The night was quiet and the moon was bright and flawless, but Shen Mo had no time to appreciate it. Her eyes looked around and her steps seemed a little hurried as she headed towards Rong Yue's study.
Fortunately, it was late at night and there were no obstacles on the road. Shen Mo could see from afar that the study was completely dark, which put her mind at ease. She took out the key that Rong Yue had given her a few years ago to unlock the door, but found that it did not work at all. She frowned and realized that it had been changed!
The memory of following Rong Yue that day was still vivid in Shen Mo's mind, and he suddenly felt inexplicably irritable.
rustle……
Suddenly, footsteps were heard!
Chapter Sixteen: The Allure of Fragrance
Hearing footsteps, Shen Mo quickly hid under the steps. Fortunately, the area in front of the study was dark, so he wasn't easily spotted. He could only hold his breath and wait for the person to leave.
Just as he was wondering why someone would come to his study so late at night, he clearly heard the rustling sound of someone picking the lock. Only then did Shen Mo realize that the person's identity was suspicious.
"Click!" The door opened, and she only slightly raised her face after the person outside went in. She frowned as she looked at her two bare hands. If it were a thief, she would definitely not be able to subdue him on her own, and she might even expose herself.
She retreated step by step, extremely slowly, wary of the other party's skill, not daring to make a sound, thinking about how to alert others that the mansion had been burgled. However, just as she was about to retreat to the exit and leave, the thief suddenly emerged with whispering sounds! Shen Mo's eyes flickered, and she darted behind a nearby tree, covering her mouth and nose to try to stop her breathing.
"There aren't even any secret passages here, how can people hide?"
"We've searched everywhere else. Could it be that Rong Yue is hiding someone in his own house?"
"Let's go explore."
"Are you insane!" one of them exclaimed. "Don't you know that the Black-Faced Swordsman, Dragon Scale, is now working for him? Breaking into his residence in the middle of the night! Do you want to die?"
"I know that all too well, but if we don't find the person, the Left Prime Minister will also be doomed. Tell me, how exactly do you want him to die?"
After the two men left, Shen Mo slowly slid down the tree trunk, breathing heavily through his mouth and nose. He no longer knew whether the two men had ultimately decided to die for Rong Yue or the Left Prime Minister. Looking at the Dragon Coin in his hand, he realized that this thing truly belonged to him.
At dawn, birds sang and the sky cleared. The osmanthus tree in the courtyard was especially fragrant under the care of the servants. Rong Yue dressed himself neatly as usual, but when he opened the door, he was surprised to see Shen Mo standing motionless outside with his toiletries in hand, as if he had been waiting for a long time.
"Chen Mo?" Rong Yue looked him up and down, and after confirming that he was right, he was somewhat surprised. "Why are you suddenly here? Is something wrong at Qingyou Mountain?"
Shen Mo nodded slightly. "It's nothing, young master. Don't worry. Madam heard that Ningcheng might be in turmoil and was afraid that you would get involved in the conflict, so she sent me to give you some instructions."
"I understand now. You can go back." Rong Yue flicked his sleeves and prepared to leave.
"Young Master!"
"Is there anything else?"
"Madam also said that I should serve the young master from now on and there's no need to go back." Taking advantage of Rong Yue's slight doubt, Shen Mo quickly held up the things in her hands, "This servant will serve the young master in his washing and grooming?"
Rong Yue snatched the things from her hands and turned to go inside, but when she caught up, she only heard a "bang" as she was slammed out of the door. It wasn't that she didn't know Rong Yue had been independent since childhood and disliked having servants around him; this was a risky move. Shen Mo stood helplessly outside the door and asked, "Young Master, would you like breakfast from me...?"
"The meals will be delivered," a cool voice replied.
Shen Mo gritted her teeth and stood there, speechless and not in a hurry to leave. After a long while, the door finally opened, and Rong Yue looked at her with a cold expression. "Years have passed, can you still write?"
"This servant has never forgotten it for a single day."
"Then let's go to the study." Rong Yue walked to the side and waited for her to leave.
"This servant will not go to the study."
"How dare you!" she said, seemingly annoyed.
"The lady has treated me with kindness as heavy as a mountain. I would rather defy my own will than let her down." This sentence is full of deep affection, and the affection is directed at Rong Yue's own mother.
“In that case, you can take care of my meals.” Rong Yue couldn’t let go of his habits after all, and added, “Besides meals, I don’t want to see you waiting outside the door every day.”
Knowing that he had already compromised somewhat, Shen Mo had no choice but to nod and reply "Yes" since she couldn't enter his room.
Inside the small, dilapidated house, compared to Shen Mo's troubled and thoughtful expression, Mo An's face was exceptionally bright. The moment she entered, she made Rong Yan giggle incessantly.
"What did he do to make Aunt An so happy?" Shen Mo asked casually, leaning on the table.
Mo An didn't say a word, but smiled and took out several large and small bags to show them. There were pastries and cotton candy that Rong Yan liked, clothes, and jewelry. Shen Mo turned her face away and didn't speak. Although she felt a little sorry for Mo An's overtures to Rong Si, she was helpless every time she saw the satisfied look on Mo An's face.
“Ah Mo, Rong Si received a lot of money this month. I even bought you some clothes. Come and try them on.”
Not wanting to upset her, Shen Mo had no choice but to obediently put it on, but the blank expression in her eyes showed that her mind was not on it.
"Ah Mo, let me tell you, there was a strange merchant in the market today. Guess what he's selling?"