Chapter 28: Can a Mad Tyrant Be Forced? [28]

Chapter 28: Can a Crazy Tyrant Be Forced? "28"

Ying Huaifeng felt helpless but nodded in agreement anyway.

Before leaving, he held Mu Jin in his arms, resting his head on Mu Jin's shoulder, and spoke:

"Your Majesty, those two people have been causing too much trouble these past couple of days. I have many matters to deal with, so I'm afraid I won't be able to come keep you company every night."

As he said this, Ying Huaifeng nuzzled into the crook of Mu Jin's neck, his tone carrying a slightly hurt edge.

He didn't want to leave Mu Jin at all, but he also knew he had more important matters to handle.

Only after handling all this and completely getting rid of those two could he be with His Majesty forever.

This temporary separation was all so they'd never have to part later.

Ying Huaifeng knew clearly that this was a very good deal.

But that didn't stop him from lingering with Mu Jin for a little while longer.

Although Mu Jin didn't understand Ying Huaifeng's behavior, in the end he said nothing.

In his view, they could already be considered friends at this point.

So he hugged Ying Huaifeng back, patting his back gently but firmly, sounding a bit reassuring.

"It's fine, it's fine. I'll wait here for you to finish dealing with them before you come back to get me."

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself."

Mu Jin's words clearly pleased Ying Huaifeng, and he couldn't help but smile.

"Mhm."

Ying Huaifeng had originally planned to turn and leave immediately, because staying too long would only make it harder for him to say goodbye.

But sensing the gaze watching him from behind, Ying Huaifeng, who had already halfway climbed out the window, couldn't help but return to Mu Jin's side and quickly press a kiss to his forehead.

Mu Jin: "...?"

Mu Jin was a bit confused. He could understand Ying Huaifeng clinging to him before leaving, but what did it mean to turn back halfway just to kiss him?

He felt he should ask 648 about this, maybe 648 would have an answer.

Unfortunately, 648 had gone offline due to low energy, leaving him alone to ponder this question.

Mu Jin had no friends. In his world, the only person he considered a friend had also approached him from the very beginning with the intention of using him.

Since no one had ever liked him, he didn't know what it felt like to like someone.

He had no friends, nor did he know what friendship was supposed to be like.

Mu Jin was very clear-headed. Even though he thought he and Ying Huaifeng should be considered friends now, he still felt that Ying Huaifeng's motives were more about using him.

Since he couldn't understand such behavior, he just stopped thinking about it.

After all, he didn't have much time left in this world. Since Ying Huaifeng had acted that way, there must be a reason.

Ying Huaifeng came again for two more days. On the third day, he only sent someone to deliver things without showing up himself.

Mu Siyang did come to visit him once at night, but didn't discover that his eyes had already healed.

Yet Mu Jin could tell that Mu Siyang was clearly in bad shape, reeking of blood.

Before, Mu Jin hadn't thought much of it, but now that he could see, he noticed that Mu Siyang's gaze toward him was complicated.

That night, Mu Siyang had originally wanted to stay, even taking off his outer robe, but just then a guard came rushing in to call him away in a hurry.

Mu Jin guessed this was probably Ying Huaifeng's doing, and continued to act as if nothing was wrong.

Several more days passed like this. Ying Huaifeng still hadn't appeared, and no one told him what was going on outside.

This small courtyard seemed completely isolated from the outside world.

Mu Jin felt a bit bored and could only play with the little snake.

He counted the days, wondering when Ying Huaifeng would finish handling things.

But Mu Jin hadn't expected that before Ying Huaifeng arrived, he would first run into someone else.

Mu Jin had someone push him into the courtyard to bask in the sun, placing one fruit after another on top of the little snake's head.

Just as the topmost fruit wobbled as if about to fall, the tip of the little snake's tail swept out, caught the fruit, and steadied it back in place.

"Hiss, hiss~"

Mu Jin narrowed his eyes, a good mood lifting the corners of his lips.

Just as he was enjoying this brief moment of peace, he heard a familiar voice, hesitant but delighted:

"Your Majesty! You... you're okay?"

Mu Jin looked up toward the voice.

What came into view were Zhao Ruoqian and Su Gantang perched on top of the wall.

Zhao Ruoqian leaped down and quickly walked to his side, her eyes slightly red, her voice trembling.

"Your Majesty, you're okay. That's such a relief."

She reached out her hand toward Mu Jin, but as if thinking of something, her hand paused mid-air before slowly pulling back.

Su Gantang followed closely behind Zhao Ruoqian and walked up to Mu Jin, carefully examining him before her gaze landed on his eyes. She suddenly smiled.

"Your Majesty's eyes have healed quite quickly."

Su Gantang placed her hand on Zhao Ruoqian's shoulder but kept her gaze on Mu Jin, her tone full of amazement and curiosity.

"Who removed the gu worm from Your Majesty's body? That person is very impressive."

Mu Jin looked at them calmly, not answering Su Gantang, but instead frowning at Zhao Ruoqian.

"Why are you here?"

He had already set things up long ago. Zhao Ruoqian shouldn't be here right now.

Could it be that Yun Fuyue...?

Zhao Ruoqian's hand at her side tightened slightly, curling into a loose fist.

She smiled, "That day when Your Majesty disappeared... I was truly worried, and I've been searching for you ever since."

"Recently, I heard Your Majesty was at the Regent's residence, but the Regent has it locked down tight—no one in or out, and no one allowed to see you..."

Zhao Ruoqian's voice grew choked as she spoke, and she tugged at the distracted Su Gantang,

"But thankfully, with Miss Su's help, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to see Your Majesty even today."

Su Gantang was still curious about who had cured Mu Jin's eyes. Her gaze lingered on his legs, wondering if they too had been healed by that person.

Suddenly pulled by Zhao Ruoqian, she only mumbled vaguely: "Oh, yeah."

Mu Jin felt a headache coming on; it seemed Yun Fuyue was indeed behind this whole mess.

"This isn't the place for you two. You should head back."

"Your Majesty!"

Zhao Ruoqian's voice suddenly shot up, and before either of them could react, she dropped to her knees right in front of Mu Jin!

Mu Jin was startled and moved to help her up: "What are you doing?"

Su Gantang caught his reaction, thoughtfully rubbing her chin.

Instinctive reactions don't lie; it seemed Mu Jin's legs were not healed.

Tsk tsk... The one who cured Mu Jin of the poison wasn't up to par.

As Su Gantang thought to herself, Zhao Ruoqian had already lowered her head, speaking earnestly:

"Your Majesty, the Regent is power-hungry. He claims to protect your safety, but in truth, he's locked you up here!"

"Your Majesty doesn't know how chaotic the court has become in your absence! Not just the court—the entire imperial city is on edge!"

"The Regent rules with an iron fist, acting more recklessly and brazenly by the day. Anyone with eyes can see his intentions, yet no one dares speak a word. Whoever dares to voice dissent is shut up by force!"

Zhao Ruoqian's voice was choked with tears, and when she looked up at Mu Jin, her bright eyes were already moist.

She grabbed Mu Jin's robe, her look determined:

"Your Majesty, I've finally found you. Today, I'll take you away from this wolf's den no matter what!"

Mu Jin was momentarily at a loss for words, his emotions complicated.

He had wanted to save Zhao Ruoqian's life before, simply because he knew the story—he knew how much Zhao Ruoqian loved "Mu Jin."

No one loved him, and now that he was using "Mu Jin's" identity, he'd been more tolerant and protective of Zhao Ruoqian, who loved that persona.

But that didn't mean he truly liked her.

Seeing Zhao Ruoqian's posture, as if she wouldn't rise unless he left with them, Mu Jin sighed softly and rubbed his brow.

The little snake in his arms had been on high alert the moment Zhao Ruoqian appeared.

Hearing her passionate speech, it raised its head warily, fixing its gaze on her, baring its sharp fangs as if ready to strike her neck at any moment.

Mu Jin felt the snake's agitation, and even the fruit piled on its head scattered to the ground. He gave it a pat.

Though sulking, the little snake obediently coiled around his wrist, but even hidden beneath his wide sleeve, it kept watching her warily.

Mu Jin knew full well that Yun Fuyue had deliberately sent Su Gantang to bring Zhao Ruoqian here.

He looked up at Su Gantang, who only blinked innocently at him, throwing her hands up,

"This has nothing to do with me; don't give me that look, Your Majesty."

"She was the one looking for you, worried about you. I know you wanted to kill me that day, but she saved me. Helping her find you is just me repaying that favor."

Mu Jin gave a faint smile, "Since you say the outside world is in chaos, what place could be safer than here?"

Zhao Ruoqian went quiet for a moment before speaking slowly:

"Once Your Majesty leaves the Regent's residence, you'll naturally head back to the palace. I've already arranged everything."

"Once you're back in the palace, with the National Preceptor keeping him in check, even if the Regent is bold, he wouldn't dare act against you."

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Zhao Ruoqian's eyes: "The Regent has dangerous ambitions. I've already persuaded the National Preceptor. Your Majesty can take this opportunity to get rid of him."

Su Gantang stood aside, watching the drama unfold, eager to see Mu Jin's choice.

As long as the little emperor wasn't a fool, he should know that choosing either the National Preceptor or the Regent wouldn't end well.

It was just a matter of dying sooner or later.

Mu Jin toyed with the fruit in his hand, a flicker of amusement in his eyes, and slowly spoke as all three watched him.