Chapter 41: Yun Ji’s Anger (Part One)

Chapter 41: Yun Ji's Anger (Part One)

"Firing up the forest might lead to unforeseen consequences. Miss Su, would you kindly extinguish the flames before leaving? Otherwise, if the sparks were to spread..."

With the same soothing tone as before, Yun Ji's faint smile remained unchanged, seemingly oblivious to Su Rao's momentary displeasure.

"Indeed!"

Su Rao gently tapped her forehead, a look of frustration on her face.

Yun Muyue had run off swiftly. She had forgotten about the fire, though it was winter. Accidents could still happen, and should a fire break out, it would be a disaster. At that point, she would undoubtedly bear the blame.

After all, the Su family had an ugly daughter, a debauched and lascivious one, prone to outrageous behavior.

She was capable of anything.

If she had accidentally set ablaze the entire mountain while roasting fish at Wulou Temple's rear hill, even ten General Su might not have been able to save her. After all, this was sacred ground, the dwelling of Buddha.

"I'll put it out right away."

With those words, Su Rao swiftly turned around. The fire beside her had almost burned out, leaving only a few embers. The once golden-brown roasted fish was now entirely charred.

It was no longer edible.

Feeling regret, Su Rao glanced at it and then surveyed the surroundings for something to extinguish the fire. Finding nothing, she decided to stomp it out with her foot. The fire was now just a cluster of embers; one swift kick into the snow would do the trick.

However, just as she lifted her foot, a loud cry echoed in her ear, "Ugly girl, let go of my brother Jì Yuè!"

The suddenness of the shout took Su Rao by surprise. She hadn't expected Yun Muyue, who had fled in such a panic, to return. Her balance faltered, and she stumbled, nearly falling.

Su Rao swiftly lowered her body, preparing to flip and regain her balance, but a large hand appeared at her waist, firmly embracing her into his arms.

Startled, she then furrowed her brows deeply.

Finding herself in Prince Jì Yuè's embrace, he carried a subtle scent, akin to medicinal herbs, not unpleasant but rather soothing, as if it could intoxicate one's senses, casting a dreamlike spell that might make one lose control and willingly succumb.

Yet, Su Rao's heart was devoid of any romantic notions. Instead, her face darkened with anger, and the hint of pink in the corners of her eyes became more alluring. Despite her unsightly appearance, she suddenly felt as if she had illuminated the world. With a push against Prince Jì Yuè, she whispered softly in his ear:

"By stepping aside, are you trying to reveal your disguise? Miss Su declared grandly that losing Young Master Xiao was no loss, for she still has Prince Jì Yuè. Now that he is here, how could she possibly evade or escape? Wouldn't that be highly irregular?"

Su Rao paused in her actions, startled once more. But it was only for the fleeting moment that a cold breeze brushed across her face. Then, clarity dawned upon her.

She also recalled the outrageous remarks she had made two months ago to provoke Yun Luoling.

It seemed that Second Brother had indeed shared everything he knew about her with Yun Ji, probably revealing all her secrets.

Her delicate fingers clenched, but she understood that Prince Jì Yuè was trying to assist her.

"Prince Jì Yuè's consideration is much appreciated. Su Rao will temporarily intrude on your time for a while, but afterward, I assure you, I will not involve you in any way."

"No worries, you're Younger Sister Yu Mo," he replied with the same warm smile, his presence exuding a subtle lunar elegance.

Jì Yuè, the man like a fragrant orchid or a towering jade tree.

Even the breathtaking snowy landscape of the mountains paled in comparison to his captivating charm.

In the brief exchange between the two, Yun Muyue and the others had already approached them.

In their eyes, it was not Prince Jì Yuè who pulled Su Rao, but Su Rao who threw herself at him – a big bad wolf pouncing on a little white rabbit.

"Su Rao, you...you...you..."

Yun Muyue called out again, hiding behind Yun Muyi with his entire body while pointing at Su Rao, still nestled in Prince Jì Yuè's embrace, his voice quivering with anger. It seemed as if he believed Su Rao had already taken advantage of the prince, fueling his rage.

A mischievous smile tugged at Su Rao's lips. With surprising dexterity, she grabbed Yun Ji's wrists and pulled them behind his back while her other hand casually stroked his face, as if she had done this countless times before.

"How ruined my mood, interrupting my business, Yun Muyue. Do you actually wish to..."

Her grin grew even more devilish as her gaze landed on Yun Muyue, who was cowering behind Yun Muyi. A licentious glint flickered in her eyes, and the hidden meaning behind her smile and stare made Yun Muyue shudder violently, completely hiding behind Yun Muyi, retracting the head that had dared to peek out.

This proved that Su Rao's reputation for being wayward and unruly was indeed well-deserved.

Her delicate fingers traced Yun Ji's face, and despite being a head shorter than him, her action felt neither awkward nor out of place; instead, it exuded a charming nonchalance.

Yun Ji's expression remained unchanged, even as his wrists were bound behind his back. He allowed Su Rao to restrain him without resistance, yet only he knew that beneath his calm facade, his heart skipped a light beat. An unfamiliar sensation washed over him, leaving him numb and unable to move.

"I'm keeping Prince Jì Yuè here today. All of you had better be wise enough to leave immediately, or else disturb my plans and spoil my conversation with Prince Jì Yuè..."

Yun Muyue's reaction pleased Su Rao. Her hands continued their motions, but she no longer touched Yun Ji. It was merely a visual trick as she stepped onto the round green stone, instantly leveling her height with Yun Ji's. The rebellious air around her intensified.

The lust in her eyes grew even more pronounced, and her gaze shifted to Yun Muyi.

They weren't far apart, so it was easy for Su Rao to detect the fleeting disgust in Yun Muyi's eyes. A sneer escaped her heart.

So he's already disdainful?

Just two months ago, he was so calculative towards her, and now he's repulsed.

Ha!

"Miss Su, Prince Jiyue is not someone you can humiliate like this. I beg of you, please release Prince Jiyue. His health is delicate."

From the beginning to the end, Su Rao didn't spare a glance at Zhao Lianxin. She hadn't paid attention to her until she spoke. After all, Su Rao's gaze always lingered on men, never wavering.

In reality, though, the moment the trio appeared, Su Rao's eyes first fell upon Zhao Lianxin, albeit just for a fleeting instant.

A woman's intuition.

Ever since Zhao Lianxin appeared, Su Rao sensed her gaze lingering on Prince Jì Yuè.

This lady had a liking for Yun Ji.

That was Su Rao's immediate conclusion after just one glance.

Now that Zhao Lianxin had spoken up, her voice, though refined and ladylike, carried a concealed anger.

"Yun Ji, is she the one you have feelings for?"

Though Su Rao didn't think so – otherwise, Yun Ji wouldn't be helping her so much – it was best to ask, just in case she accidentally ruined Yun Ji's prospects. She wasn't about to be the villain in this scenario.

Her lips brushed against Yun Ji's ear as she spoke, a gesture so intimate that even Su Rao herself was unaware of its provocativeness. It was a direct challenge to Zhao Lianxin, who had just made her statement. In response, Su Rao offered a tangible demonstration, seemingly determined to embarrass her.

"No," Yun Ji replied without the slightest hesitation, his own whisper barely moving his lips. His breath, light and gentle against her ear, seemed to carry a feminine fragrance. The white veil couldn't hide the blush spreading across his fair, jade-like ears, turning them a deeper shade of red by the moment.

Unaware of Yun Ji's peculiar reaction, Su Rao's gaze returned to Zhao Lianxin.

"You are nobody. My affair with Prince Jiyue has nothing to do with you. Unless you also fancy him, in which case, fine! After I've poured out my heart to Prince Jiyue, you can have him..."

Such words, spoken by Su Rao, were devoid of modesty or feminine decorum. They were a blatant insult to Prince Jiyue.

"You..."

Zhao Lianxin's face flushed red with humiliation and anger. Unsteady on her feet, she stumbled backward.

Shulan promptly rushed to support her.

"Miss..."

Three voices spoke up in unison. One was Yun Muyi's:

"Su Rao, how dare you be so shameless..."

The other belonged to Yun Muyue, addressing Prince Jiyue.

The last voice was Yun Ji's own labored breathing.

Su Rao's sentence was interrupted before she could finish the final 'you,' as Yun Ji's sudden cough disrupted her words.

"Princely Heir..."

Yun Ling had been standing not far away. When Su Han approached, following Su Er's instructions, he pulled Yun Ling aside to prevent her from interfering with Yun Muyi and his companions.

"The young master said that causing a bit of trouble would be beneficial for building rapport," Yun Ling explained.

Upon hearing this, Yun Ling allowed Yun Muyi and the others to proceed, but now, she never expected Su Rao to speak in such a manner, insulting their Princely Heir to the point of provoking such a reaction.

Yun Ling disregarded Su Han's words and swiftly rushed over.

Su Rao was also startled by Yun Ji's unexpected bout of coughing.

She hurriedly placed a hand on his back.

"Yun Ji..."

Yun Muyi and the other two approached with strides, almost causing Zhao Lianxin to trip on her skirt and fall.