Chapter 108: Not Seeking Eternity, Only Cherishing the Moment (5000)

“Father Emperor’s wisdom is unmatched; this plan is excellent!” Mofan seemed oblivious to the Fire Emperor suppressing his anger and continued enthusiastically, “If we simply kill them outright, we need not send troops to garrison, saving both time and effort.”

Before he finished, the Right Minister hurriedly tugged at Mofan’s sleeve from behind, urging him to stop, but Mofan was caught up in his own fervor and paid no attention. He went on, “Also, isn’t there a drought in that region? I suggest we clear out a large circle of villages around the area that haven’t yet reported any infections. This way, we can prevent any stragglers from escaping and save a considerable amount of relief grain…”

“Slap!” The Fire Emperor, unable to contain himself any longer, slammed his palm hard onto the table.

“Rubbish! If I were to entrust the country to you, it would be destroyed by you long before any enemy nation could conquer it!”

Startled by the emperor’s fury, Mofan trembled and quickly lowered his head, unwilling to speak further, though inwardly he felt wronged and believed he had said nothing wrong.

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself. The Crown Prince has only recently begun participating in state affairs and inevitably has many ideas that are yet incomplete. I humbly ask Your Majesty to grant the Crown Prince more time,” the Right Minister stepped forward from the ranks to speak on behalf of the prince.

“More time? Who will grant me more time?!” The Fire Emperor barely finished speaking before a violent coughing fit seized him, as if his lungs might burst.

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself.”

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself.”

...

The ministers below trembled with fear and quickly advised the Fire Emperor to take care of his health.

“Father Emperor, I am willing to share your burdens. Please take good care of your precious health.”

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent as all the ministers turned to look at Moyan.

“Oh? You have a solution?” The Fire Emperor’s anger slowly subsided at the sound, and he looked at Moyan, asking.

“A few years ago, during my travels, I apprenticed under the divine physician of the Fire Kingdom and acquired considerable medical knowledge, including some understanding of epidemic diseases. Therefore, I volunteer to go to the northern three prefectures to assist with disaster relief and lead a medical team to control the plague,” Moyan said solemnly.

Once he finished speaking, the ministers whispered among themselves again. Some praised his initiative, some were surprised, some scorned him, and others looked on with curiosity. After all, heading to an epidemic zone was no trivial matter; it was quite possible to lose one’s life.

The Fire Emperor glanced at the ministers’ varied expressions, then at Moyan’s calm confidence, and finally revealed a faint smile. “Very well! Since you are so confident, I approve.”

“Thank you, Father Emperor!”

“If there is business, present it; if not, the court is dismissed!” The old eunuch's raspy voice echoed, and Mofan below finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After seeing the Fire Emperor return to the rear hall, the ministers turned and began to leave one after another.

“Second Prince, this journey is perilous. Please take care.”

“Yes, yes. The Second Prince is truly brave and fearless. I admire you greatly.”

...

Moyan thanked the ministers who came to greet and caution him before leaving the hall to return to the palace. Just as he stepped out the doors, he saw Mofan leaning against a large stone pillar by the entrance, looking at him with hostility.

“You’re quite the star today, brother. But anyone can talk big. Don’t risk your life for empty words. If something were to happen to you…”

Mofan leaned close to Moyan with a worried face, a sly smile curling at the corner of his lips as he whispered, “I’ll take good care of Jin’er, hehe.”

Before Moyan could react, Mofan abruptly turned and strode away, his mood bright.

Moyan stared at his arrogant retreating figure, his hands clenched tightly beneath his sleeves, cracking audibly.

“Your Highness, please do not be angry,” a steady voice came from behind. Moyan turned to see the Left Minister.

“Truly, heaven aids me,” the Left Minister smiled at Moyan. “As long as Your Highness handles this matter well, this will surely be a turning point for success.”

Moyan nodded. “I will. Please rest assured, Left Minister.”

“Good. Be careful. Safety must be your utmost priority.” After Moyan nodded, the Left Minister bowed and took his leave.

As they parted ways, a small eunuch slipped out from behind the pillar, hurrying toward the inner palace.

Back at the Moonlight Palace, Moyan sat with Jin’er on a stone bench in the courtyard and told her in detail about his request to go aid the disaster zone.

“That’s great! I want to go too!” Jin’er’s interest was instantly piqued when she heard he was going out of the palace to provide relief and treat the plague. After all, being stuck inside the palace all the time was quite boring.

“No. It’s too dangerous there. I can’t let you follow me into that kind of risk. You stay safely in the palace; I’ll return as soon as possible.” Though reluctant to part with her, he could only insist for her safety.

“I won’t! Don’t underestimate me, okay? My medical skills are better than yours. Besides, I’m the leader of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect. That so-called plague is nothing but a mild cold to me,” Jin’er said proudly.

“What’s a mild cold?” Moyan asked, puzzled.

“It’s a disease that’s pretty easy to cure. Anyway, if I say I’m going with you, I’m going!” Jin’er pouted stubbornly.

He would be away for at least a month; she’d be bored to death alone here.

...

“But I’m worried...” Moyan hadn’t finished when Jin’er cut him off.

“You worry about me, but don’t I worry about you? My medical skills are good, so if something happens to you, I can help. If you leave me alone here, I’ll be scared every day, unable to eat or sleep. Can you bear to see me like that?”

Hearing her rapid-fire words, Moyan was stunned. After a long moment, he slowly lifted the corners of his mouth in a gentle smile.

“Jin’er,” he softly called, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly. “Alright, we won’t be apart.”

For the first time, he truly felt her care and concern for him, and he was both happy and deeply moved.

Jin’er smiled softly, unashamed of her earlier words. She wrapped her arms around his waist, closed her eyes, and rested quietly in his embrace, breathing in his familiar scent. Her previously restless heart gradually calmed.

No matter what the future held, at least now she truly cared for him and loved him. She didn’t want to overthink things anymore. In these past few days, she had come to understand some things and felt she could express her current state with the phrase: “Not seeking forever, only cherishing what once was.”

At that moment, Moyan bent down to kiss the top of her head and murmured, “Jin’er, holding you feels so good. I wish I could just hold you here forever, until we both grow old with white hair and wrinkles.”

Hearing this, Jin’er couldn’t help but laugh. “Silly. I don’t want to sit here forever. There are plenty of other things we can do—much more romantic and wonderful things.”

“Oh? Like what?” Moyan smiled, releasing her and gazing at her with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Jin’er noticed his flirtatious smile and his hands wandering to her waist. Realizing his thoughts had turned mischievous, her cheeks flushed red. “What are you thinking? I meant things like traveling and sightseeing.”

But Moyan’s smile deepened. “How do you know what I’m thinking? Tell me, and I’ll see if it matches mine.” Then he squeezed her waist gently.

Jin’er stiffened, biting her lip in frustration, pushing his hand away, and standing to escape.

No sooner had she taken a step than her wrist was grasped tightly and she was pulled back, landing on his lap.

“Trying to run? You haven’t answered me yet.” Moyan wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her close, his lips near her ear, whispering with a hint of seduction.

His warm breath brushed her ear, causing Jin’er to shiver. “W-we should go eat lunch now.”

“Answer me first.” Moyan’s perfect lips brushed her earlobe, sensing her sensitivity and trembling, which made him itch to claim her immediately.

“D-don’t do that...” Jin’er tilted her head, trying to avoid him, but his lips always found her, tickling and teasing her ear, making her uncomfortable.

The more she told him not to, the more he enjoyed teasing her. Eventually, Jin’er could take no more. She pushed him away and turned to plead, “I’m hungry.”

Though Moyan knew it was an excuse, he no longer pressed her, merely pouted and gestured for her to kiss him to be let off.

Reluctantly, Jin’er puckered her lips and gave him a light peck, then quickly withdrew, afraid he would seize the opportunity to tease her again.

Seeing his slight dissatisfaction, Jin’er hurriedly said, “You have to keep your word!”

Moyan smiled wryly and shook his head, lightly flicking her nose with his finger. “Alright, I’ll let you off this time. But one day, I’ll make you pay for everything.” He hadn’t forgotten what she did to him that drunken night.

The thought sent a little drum beating wildly in Jin’er’s heart, and memories of that night flushed her cheeks with heat.

Damn it, why think about that now?

She quickly turned away, broke free from his hold, jumped down from his lap, and pretended to walk on casually. Yet her little hand was soon caught again by his.

Helpless, she turned her back and waited for him to stand.

Moyan smiled and stood, exchanging her small hand in his left palm for his right, freeing his left to hold her waist as he led her toward the dining hall.

Though Moyan frequently showed such affection now, Jin’er still felt nervous, her heart beating faster. Yet in the end, she never refused him.

In fact, she found the nervousness and racing heartbeat quite delightful upon reflection. Perhaps this was what love felt like.

“Because the situation is urgent, a day’s delay means many more deaths. I plan to set out early tomorrow morning. What do you think?” Moyan said, walking beside Jin’er.

“Good. But we must hurry to prepare, especially the medical supplies. After lunch, shall we arrange everything together?”

Seeing her calm decisiveness when dealing with important matters, clearly no longer a mere girl of ten or so, Moyan found her all the more attractive.

They ate hastily that meal, then went to the study.

Moyan sent someone to prepare the food and grain carts needed for the journey. Jin’er took paper and pen, thoughtfully listing the various herbs and medical supplies required. When finished, she found Fusheng and handed him the stack of lists.

“Go to the Imperial Medical Bureau and have them prepare these medicines by tomorrow morning. If the palace lacks supplies, source them outside. Also, make two thousand face masks according to the instructions on this sheet,” Jin’er said, handing him a separate sheet.

“Two thousand?” Fusheng was surprised. Though masks were small, the number was daunting. He worried the medical bureau might be understaffed.

Moyan seemed to anticipate his concern and said, “If they lack manpower, get some from the servants’ quarters to help. Everything must be ready by early tomorrow.”

“Yes!” Fusheng nodded solemnly and hurried to the medical bureau.

No sooner had he left than a small eunuch arrived at the study, saying the emperor summoned the Second Prince. Moyan had no choice but to follow him to the imperial study.

Jin’er sat at the desk, resting her chin on one hand and holding a pen in the other, diligently reviewing her lists and adding items whenever she remembered something new. By the time Fusheng returned from the medical bureau, she had filled another page.

After careful thought, she handed the new list to him to bring to the bureau again. Fusheng took it eagerly and ran off once more.

At the imperial study, Moyan again heard the Fire Emperor coughing.

“Father Emperor, are you unwell again? I will have Jin’er come to examine you,” Moyan said, stepping inside.

Seeing him, the Fire Emperor smiled faintly and shook his head. “It’s nothing serious. Just a few coughs. I know my own body best.” Then he gestured for Moyan to sit beside him.

“When do you depart?” the Fire Emperor asked.

“Early tomorrow morning. I’ve already arranged for the preparations,” Moyan replied.

The emperor nodded with satisfaction. “For this relief escort, I grant you five hundred elite palace guards. They’re all skilled soldiers; there should be no incident. Still, you must be careful. Also, for the plague treatment, you must not be harmed. Just give orders to your subordinates accordingly.”

“Thank you, Father Emperor! Rest assured, I will return safely.”

“Hmm. I didn’t want to risk sending you, but since everything involving that matter is ready except for a solid justification, and you have no prior achievements, if you succeed this time, the people will surely support you.”

“I understand,” Moyan said, pressing his lips together, aware of what this mission meant for him.

“Good. I look forward to your victorious return.” The emperor smiled. “By the way, Jin’er...”

“Oh, she’s going with me,” Moyan smiled, sensing the emperor’s surprise. “She insisted; I couldn’t dissuade her.”

There was a touch of sweetness in Moyan’s smile, and the Fire Emperor smiled knowingly. It seemed their relationship was progressing well.

“Very well. That girl is skilled and clever. Having her along makes me feel more at ease. When you return victorious, I will reward her handsomely.”

“In that case, I’ll thank Your Majesty on her behalf,” Moyan said with a smile.

After some more polite exchanges, Moyan took his leave. On the way, he visited the Imperial Medical Bureau, where the staff were busy yet orderly. Pleased, he smiled and returned to the Moonlight Palace.

After a busy afternoon, Jin’er and Moyan had dinner and took a walk in the courtyard.

It was late autumn, and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms drifted in the air, carried by the evening breeze, refreshing and uplifting.

“Jin’er, why haven’t you asked about the Fire Eye Stone?” Moyan asked, holding her somewhat chilly hand.

Jin’er smiled calmly and turned to him. “Didn’t you say to give you more time? I believe you’re working hard.”

Moyan stopped, faced her, and looked into her autumn-colored eyes. “Thank you for trusting me. Don’t worry, things are going smoothly. We’ll be back soon after success.”

“Fool, why thank me? I should be thanking you.”

Moyan smiled, pulling her into his arms. “Alright, no more thank-yous between us.”

She softly responded, closing her eyes and leaning quietly against him, savoring the peace and warmth of the moment.

Early the next morning, Xiaodie excitedly knocked outside.

Jin’er rubbed her sleepy eyes and yawned as she got up. Though she had gone to bed early the night before, her excitement kept her awake until late.

Seeing Xiaodie so eager, Jin’er realized the excitement wasn’t just hers and suspected the girl hadn’t slept all night.

“Miss, hurry up! After washing and breakfast, we can depart,” Xiaodie bounced in and busily helped Jin’er with her morning routine.

“What’s got you so excited? We’re going to a place ravaged by plague. Aren’t you scared?” Jin’er asked, somewhat speechless.

Xiaodie giggled. “With Miss here, I’m not afraid. Even if I catch anything, Miss will surely save me.”

“You have a lot of faith in me. Looks like I can’t keep you in the palace after all,” Jin’er said, pouting.

“No!” Xiaodie panicked. “If the prince and Miss both go, I’d be scared all alone! Besides, with so many men following Miss, someone has to be there to serve her.”

Seeing her nearly in tears, Jin’er laughed and gave her a sidelong glance. “I think you’re just bored of the palace and want to go out and see the world.”

Caught off guard, Xiaodie blushed and shyly fiddled with her sleeve. “I’m just worried about the prince and Miss…”

“All right, all right, no more teasing. Let’s hurry or we’ll keep everyone waiting.”

Hearing this, Xiaodie nodded quickly and began brushing Jin’er’s hair. [Update for today ends.]