Chapter 116: What Kind of Benefit Did He Promise You?

Chapter 116: What Kind of Benefit Did He Promise You?

Hearing this, Mo Jiuya understood much better.

In essence, the connection between He Zhiyuan and Prince Rui was facilitated by He Meiyu.

He had also heard that the Princess Rui's family background was unremarkable, just an ordinary merchant family in the Imperial City.

Not long ago, there were rumors that Princess Rui had fallen ill and passed away.

Looking at He Zhiyuan's expression now, it didn't seem like he was lying.

Mo Jiuya continued to inquire, "What happened after that?"

"He then used the excuse that Meiyu missed her family to secretly bring her along when he met me. Gradually, I became more acquainted with Prince Rui, and he took the opportunity to propose recruiting me. It was then that I realized the enormity of Prince Rui's ambitions."

Mo Jiuya pressed on, "What kind of benefits did he promise you?"

He Zhiyuan gave a self-deprecating smile. "Of course, it was the position of Empress for Meiyu. Prince Rui said that as long as he could ascend to that throne smoothly, the future Empress would undoubtedly be Meiyu.

At that time, he would publicly reveal Meiyu's true identity before all the officials, making me the esteemed Father-in-Law of the Nation, second only to the Emperor."

Mo Jiuya sneered. "Too bad your daughter wasn't destined for a long life."

He Zhiyuan sighed. "It was my fault for misjudging people. I thought Prince Rui would keep his word, but after the Emperor demoted me, his attitude changed drastically.

When news of Meiyu's death spread, I no longer dared to dream of being the Father-in-Law of the Nation.

Prince Rui isn't worried that I'll expose him either, because doing so would mean I'm acknowledging my own involvement in withholding frontier grains."

With that, He Zhiyuan bowed deeply to Mo Jiuya. "Mr. Mo, now that we've both been reduced to the fate of exile, I share these details with you in the hope that you can put aside past grievances and lend a helping hand to the He family."

My present situation is partly owed to Prince Ruì's machinations. After my recent exile, I have gained profound insights into many matters and no longer entertain ill-conceived notions."

Mo Jiuya stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze remaining as icy as ever.

"We were never on the same path to begin with, and moreover, your actions back then almost cost the lives of countless soldiers at the border. I could never forgive you for that."

Considering your revelation to me today, I promise not to take the initiative against you, as long as you henceforth behave yourself and refrain from provoking me."

Mo Jiuya had once contemplated avenging the injustice of the past by seizing an opportunity to take He Zhiyuan's life once they reached the Northwest, in retaliation for the latter's deprivation of provisions to the border troops years ago.

Were it not for the fact that the soldiers at the border had not lost their lives due to his withholding of provisions, Mo Jiuya would have long taken his life.

Making such a promise to He Zhiyuan today was already his greatest concession.

Upon hearing this, He Zhiyuan instantly straightened up, his gaze fixated on Mo Jiuya with an air of disbelief.

He never imagined that Mo Jiuya had already harbored murderous intentions towards him.

Perhaps he was refraining from acting earlier due to the presence of the officials.

Contemplating this, He Zhiyuan felt a chill run down his spine, and cold sweat involuntarily broke out on his forehead.

He had disclosed this information to Mo Jiuya not in hopes of gaining forgiveness, but for the sake of improving his family's living conditions.

Even if they could indulge in a single fruit or two, it would be a blessing.

Unexpectedly, events had unfolded entirely contrary to his plan, leaving him in a dilemma.

After a moment's deliberation, He Zhiyuan steeled himself and said, "Mr. Mo, I came to you with sincerity. You can't turn your back on me now!"

Mo Jiuya let out a cold snort.

"You were the one who volunteered the information. I didn't ask."

These words almost made He Zhiyuan choke with anger. He wasn't without backbone.

"The courtiers all praise you as an upright gentleman, but in my eyes, you have the face of a villain."

Instead of anger, Mo Jiuya laughed.

"Whether one is an upright gentleman or a despicable villain depends on whom they are dealing with. When faced with a complete scoundrel, why should I bother acting like a nobleman?"

These words left He Zhiyuan speechless. He could see that Mo Jiuya was an unyielding character; any further persuasion would be futile.

In the end, He Zhiyuan angrily flicked his sleeves and turned away.

Meanwhile, Mo Jiuya fell into deep contemplation.

He pondered over how to respond if what He Zhiyuan had said proved to be true about the future.

Just as a resolution was found for Nan Heng's situation, another enigmatic figure, Nam Rui, emerged, seemingly invisible.

He Zhiran was enjoying fruit with the ladies when he noticed He Zhiyuan approaching. He didn't give it much thought, assuming that He Zhiyuan's visit was simply an attempt to curry favor with Mo Jiuya.

Observing that the ladies were nearly finished with their fruit, He Zhiran prompted everyone to take a rest.

There wasn't much fruit left, enough for each member of the Mo family to have two pieces.

Taking the initiative, He Zhiran decided that each family member should take two fruits to consume on their journey the following day.

All contentedly retreated to their respective tents with fruits in hand for rest.

He Zhiran asked the Elder Madam Mo to share the mule carriage with Mo Hanyue for sleep.

The carriage was lined with soft bedding, far more comfortable than any tent.

Considering her son's injuries, the Elder Madam insisted on sleeping in the tent, refusing to change her mind.

Now that Mo Jiuya knew about the secret of the space, He Zhiran had no particular requirements for accommodations. No matter where they slept, they would eventually end up in the space.

Mo Jiuya understood this logic and assisted He Zhiran in persuading his mother.

In the end, the Elder Madam reluctantly gave in and obediently accompanied Mo Hanyue into the mule carriage.

With Mo Jiuya aware of the existence of the space, He Zhiran decided against washing outside and would wait until they returned to the space.

Upon returning to her tent, she found Mo Jiuya lost in thought.

Instinctively, He Zhiran assumed it had something to do with He Zhiyuan.

Considering the possibility of eavesdroppers, He Zhiran took the cautious approach and pulled Mo Jiuya into the hidden space with her.

The two sat facing each other at the dining table in perfect unison.

He Zhiran asked, "What happened?"

Mo Jiuya didn't hold back, recounting to He Zhiran everything He Zhiyuan had just told him.

"I can't be sure if what He Zhiyuan said is true or not, but we can't afford to ignore it."

Upon hearing this, He Zhiran began searching through her mental archive of historical records for any information on Nan Rui.

However, in her knowledge, Nan Rui was a rather insignificant figure. If not for Mo Jiuya's mention today, she would have likely overlooked him entirely.

Determined to verify the truth, He Zhiran picked up several history books in front of Mo Jiuya.

Seeing the stack of books on the table, Mo Jiuya inquired, "What are these?"

He Zhiran deliberately selected a book written in traditional Chinese characters and presented it to Mo Jiuya.

"This contains records about the Great Shun Dynasty. It might be of assistance to us."

Without hesitation, Mo Jiuya immediately began to flip through the pages.

He Zhiran was not idle either. Ever since she had transmigrated into this world, she had repeatedly perused historical texts. Most of their contents were mere superficial accounts. To truly uncover hidden truths, one had to delve into the annals of folklore.