Chapter Fifty: Undertaking a Great Deed

A gentle, warm touch pressed against him without warning, its fragrance enveloping him, and Jiang Hu froze completely, like a puppet whose soul had been abruptly wrenched away.

“I’ve done a rough calculation. After inspecting all the shops across the country, they’ve embezzled at least thirty million taels of silver. That’s more than enough for you to raise an army.”

But this couldn’t be exposed. The so-called mascot emperor was waiting for the Mo family to slip up, so he could rightfully seize their power.

Mo Niannian found this all rather laughable. If the emperor truly had the ability, the Regent would gladly hand over his command of the troops, just so he could take his family of three to wander the mountains and rivers in peace.

Because of unrest at the borders, the Regent and his wife hadn’t been able to return. He had written to them, weeping several times.

As for why she was able to raise her own private soldiers… Don’t ask. If you must, then simply know that in this little world, she held the script of a wish-fulfillment heroine—logic need not apply.

“Master, what if we’re discovered—?”

“Must you always jinx it?” Mo Niannian rolled her eyes.

“You mustn’t put yourself at risk for me,” Jiang Hu said, growing more anxious.

If they were found out, it would mean execution—no less than a capital crime.

Mo Niannian shrugged. “Then we just won’t get discovered. And besides, can you really say you don’t want revenge? Don’t you want to reclaim everything that’s rightfully yours?”

How could Jiang Hu not want that? He dreamed of it. Survival, back then, had meant only one thing: destroying them all.

But after meeting Mo Niannian, he had buried those filthy memories deep, wishing only to stay by her side forever.

Now, as she revived the past, those long-buried resentments began to stir, clamoring to break free.

He had to admit—he wanted revenge, desperately so.

Mo Niannian saw straight through him, patting his shoulder. “Take back what belongs to you. I will always stand by you.”

Not long ago, Mo Niannian had looked again at Jiang Hu’s past. A few short lines could never capture all he had suffered.

She itched to take up a blade herself and cut down every last culprit. Truly, if the protagonist didn’t intend to seek vengeance, she wouldn’t be able to stand it.

“Master, you shouldn’t risk yourself for a servant like me.”

She had done so much for him, been so good to him—how could he dare ask for more?

“Oh, don’t be so worked up. For me, this is a trifling matter. You know what they say—I can walk sideways in Nanming with impunity.”

Jiang Hu wanted to protest further, but Mo Niannian interrupted him, speaking lazily. “Worst case, once you’ve regained everything that’s yours, you can protect me in return.”

If Jiang Hu reclaimed the throne, wouldn’t she be able to swagger across the world without fear?

Just the thought of it stirred a small thrill in her.

Jiang Hu lowered his eyes, pondering for a moment. “I’ll remember this.”

From now on, he had a new goal.

Mo Niannian and Jiang Hu joined forces to root out all the corrupt shopkeepers.

The matter was far-reaching. Word spread throughout the whole of Nanming.

Many who had abused the Mo family’s name to commit misdeeds were also dealt with by Mo Niannian’s hand.

For a time, countless people applauded her, and her reputation improved somewhat.

Once, whenever Mo Niannian went out, people would shy away, but now, at least a few dared to thank her in person.

The Regent and his wife supported her unconditionally, fearing she might suffer grievances or be bullied. They sent her a thousand elite soldiers, to be at her sole command.

With this, Mo Niannian became something of a local sovereign in the capital.

The real mascot emperor could only swallow his anger, forcing a smile and pretending to praise her actions.

They even rooted out spies within the manor—chief among them, the old steward who’d served the Mo family for over thirty years.

He tried to play the family card, pleading that he’d been momentarily led astray, begging her to spare him for his years of loyal service, if not for merit, then for the hardship endured.

Mo—Emotionless—Niannian’s heart didn’t stir the slightest. Watching the old steward’s pitiful act, she almost wanted to laugh.

She dragged him out as an example, sending a clear warning to all the other servants.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Mo Niannian reshuffled the entire household, replacing anyone whose loyalty was in question.

If they dared act thus, they’d have to bear the consequences.

Exhausted, Mo Niannian collapsed onto the soft couch, unwilling to move.

She had given so much for this mission—too much, she thought, pitifully.

Once this was over, she’d hand all the money to the protagonist. After that, he’d be on his own.

He was already a mature leading man—surely he could handle things himself.

Mo the Slacker wished only to merge with her bed, to be a pampered good-for-nothing.

She swore never again to take on such thankless, strenuous tasks. It was simply too tiring.

Jiang Hu entered carrying a bowl of pork rib and lotus root soup, setting it before her with a gentle smile. “Master, are you hungry? Have something to eat first.”

This protagonist bore a striking eighty percent resemblance to the Jiang Hu of the previous world, but with an even finer physique: broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, with perfect proportions, like a masterpiece sculpted by God himself.

He wore a leather collar, a perfect blend of restraint and wildness, his gaze always overflowing with tenderness.

In that moment, Mo Niannian felt she could do anything all over again!

For a protagonist like this, what’s a little exhaustion?

Mo Niannian accepted the bowl from Jiang Hu, eating heartily, her eyes narrowing in satisfaction. “This is amazing—you’re a genius.”

His cooking was improving day by day, so much so that she now found the manor’s chef lacking.

“As long as you like it, Master.”

“Oh, and get ready shortly—we’re heading out. With the last sum collected, we can finally accomplish the big task.”

Jiang Hu took away her empty bowl.

He stared at the place where Mo Niannian had drunk, and, as if compelled by some force, lowered his head and pressed his lips to it.

He licked the rim gently, seeking her lingering presence.

Hot, devout.

Like a hopeless worshipper.

When he realized what he’d done, his face flushed scarlet, his heart thundering as if it might leap right out of his chest.

He pressed a hand to his chest, a faint bewilderment on his face—why did he have such strange urges?

He wanted to get close to his master, to touch her.

And then? What else did he want to do?

Utterly inexperienced in such matters, Jiang Hu pondered for a moment, then, following his instincts, finished the rest of Mo Niannian’s soup in one gulp.

His eyes grew hotter, more devout, brimming with feelings too intense to be contained.

His master had already been so good to him—but somehow, it wasn’t enough. He wanted more.

But what exactly did he want?

Jiang Hu grew even more confused.

But one thing was clear: everything revolved around his master.

His burning desires had nowhere to go, leaving him increasingly agitated.

“Mo Hu, are you done yet?” Mo Niannian called out loudly.

Jiang Hu stiffened. “Yes, coming!”

He quickly gathered his thoughts and began preparing for their outing.

He and Mo Niannian rode off together toward the bank.