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Xu Mu was restless in his room after the failure of his plan. This was his first attempt since joining Worthy Prince's mansion, a sort of initiation, but it had not gone well. He feared that Worthy Prince might no longer trust him or might confine him within the mansion, rendering him unable to seek revenge or repay his debts of gratitude.
Pacing anxiously in his room, Xu Mu was relieved that Worthy Prince had not punished him; instead, he sent someone to comfort him. Although Xu Mu harbored doubts, he had no way to investigate further and could only remain cautious.
He realized he could not hang all his hopes on a single tree. He was aware that Mu Tingxiu had sought out Su Che, and it was unexpected that Mu Junze had not openly confronted Su Che. After all, he did not believe that a man he had known for such a short time could have genuine feelings or trust for Su Che.
If it were him, he would probably find the very sight of such a person repulsive; indeed, any normal person would feel disgusted. However, Mu Tingxiu's actions shocked him—clearly, Mu Tingxiu had some interest in Su Che.
Though he did not know how long this affection would last, as long as there was even a fraction of it, it would pose an obstacle to his revenge. It seemed he needed to find another ally; the more support he had, the safer he would be. Any party wishing to act against him would have to think twice.
Having made up his mind, Xu Mu began to conduct discreet investigations.
Meanwhile, the Su Family successfully joined the Imperial Merchant Association under the presidency of a prominent figure. While it was not entirely expected, it was based on their strength, and no one dared to voice any objections—this was indeed a good thing.
However, problems arose for Su Che. After clarifying matters that day, although Mu Junze promised to take revenge for him, there had been no action taken. Su Che did not mind too much; as long as Mu Junze believed in him, that was enough.
Yet in recent days, Mu Junze had been distant despite their closeness. He had even moved to the study and refused to meet Su Che under the pretense of being busy, leaving no opportunity for inquiries.
Su Che could no longer bear it and sought an audience outside the imperial study. He attended court daily but remained unaware of what urgent matters kept Mu Junze so occupied.
Inside the imperial study, Su Che sat calmly to one side. When Mu Junze saw him arrive, his expression remained impassive as he made an excuse to leave. Su Che spoke coldly.
"Your Highness seems to be avoiding me today. I wonder what I have done to displease you? You can speak frankly; if you are tired of me, just let me know. I will not pester you and am certainly not one to gossip outside."
On the surface, Su Che appeared utterly calm, but ripples stirred in his teacup as he struggled to suppress his heartache. He had come today seeking an explanation; he could not endure this cold treatment any longer.
Though he trusted Mu Junze after living another life, he still hesitated to entrust everything to him. He was too afraid; this fear was why he hadn’t sought Mu Junze’s help immediately after the troubles with the Su Family arose.
He was willing to extend a hand when necessary; although he ultimately helped resolve the issues for the Su Family, it also distanced them from each other. In his heart, Su Che harbored some suspicions but still wished to hear them spoken aloud by Mu Junze.
"A Che, you’re overthinking things. Let’s discuss this back at the residence…"
"Return to the residence? If you would only spare me a glance, I wouldn't have to make such a scene before the court. Now that the Sovereign is present, it would be better for both of us to speak openly. If you are unwilling to continue, then let us part ways amicably and wish each other well."
Mu Junze looked at Su Che in disbelief, his eyes filled with pain.
"What are you saying? Part ways amicably? What? Are you so eager to divorce me and seek solace in someone else's arms? Am I being overly suspicious, or do you still think of that night…"
"Slap!"
A crisp slap landed on Mu Junze's face, quickly leaving a red mark. Su Che's hand trembled slightly as he gasped for breath, disappointment filling his eyes.
"This is what you call trusting me! Mu Junze, enough!"
With reddened eyes, Mu Junze glared at him but said nothing as he turned and strode away. The Xun Yuan Emperor on the dragon throne watched Mu Junze leave in disbelief. He intended to comfort Su Che but was cut off as Su Che spoke first.
"I deserve death for my sins; I truly meant no offense. Please punish me, Your Majesty."
The Xun Yuan Emperor opened his mouth but swallowed his words. The matters between the two of them should be resolved by themselves. Remembering what Mu Junze had told him a few days ago, he looked at Su Che with some helplessness.
He sighed and waved his hand, signaling for Su Che to leave. This incident had caused quite a stir and soon spread to the Worthy Prince's mansion, where some rejoiced while others worried.
Mu Tingxiu could hardly contain his joy, while Zhong Xian felt none of it. Xu Mu was naturally pleased as well.
That night, Xu Mu hurriedly arrived at the study to personally invite the esteemed scholar to go to the border. Hearing this, Mu Tingxiu raised an eyebrow.
"The border? What brilliant plan does Mr. Xu have?"
Xu Mu explained that a few days ago he heard the Emperor intended to act as a mediator and had sent Prince Xiao Xuan to do so. However, Prince Xiao Xuan had run off to play and was expected to return in a few days. But once the two reconciled, the Worthy Prince's mansion would surely face Mu Junze's revenge.
At that point, it would be difficult to sow discord between them again. Coincidentally, Xu Mu had learned from merchants passing through the border that Bei Yan was stirring restlessly, occasionally harassing the border villagers in an attempt to provoke trouble.
"Thus, I am willing to make amends by going to Bei Yan to persuade them. Bei Yan is fierce and not easily deterred; they will certainly send Mu Junze when the time comes. Even if their relationship is good then, if Su Che… it would still be too late for help when trouble arises. What do you think, my lord?"
Mu Tingxiu glanced at him, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, yet his eyes were as deep and unfathomable as an ancient well, making it hard for anyone to discern his emotions. Even Xu Mu felt a sense of inexplicable unease under his gaze.
After a long moment, Mu Tingxiu finally spoke softly.
"The journey is long. I will send a few guards to ensure your safety. This matter will trouble you, and upon your return, I will certainly not treat you unfairly."
"Your Highness is being too serious."
Xu Mu set off immediately. Within half a month, news from the border reached the capital, reporting that Bei Yan had invaded. Their army advanced as if entering unoccupied territory, launching fierce attacks. Our forces suffered consecutive defeats, losing five cities in total. Currently, General Zheng led his troops to retreat to Liancheng, desperately defending it, but it was feared they could not hold out much longer due to heavy casualties.
This report threw the court into chaos. The Xun Yuan Emperor felt a headache coming on; whenever trouble arose, the civil officials jumped around like ants on a hot pan, unable to provide any useful strategies. The military officials were even more boisterous, mostly disagreeing with the civil officials.
"Enough! This is the court, not a marketplace! With the army pressing at our borders, I do not wish to hear you squabbling over trivial matters. Su Che, you speak!"
Just as Su Che was about to step forward to speak, Mu Junze beat him to it.
"I am willing to lead troops to the border; I will not return until Bei Yan is repelled!"
Seeing Mu Junze so eager to head to the front lines and displaying such determination, the officials began to believe the rumors were true—that Su Che and Mu Junze's relationship had soured.
The Xun Yuan Emperor saw Mu Junze kneeling and refusing to rise unless he received an answer. With no other choice, he reluctantly agreed; sending Mu Junze was indeed the best option.
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