Chapter 114: The New Moon's Confession

Zhu Xinyue’s words were incredibly direct, forcing Hu Mo into the spotlight. He was momentarily dazed, sinking into silence once more.

After speaking, Zhu Xinyue’s face turned as red as a ripe tomato. She lowered her head, fidgeting with the hem of her dress, waiting quietly for Hu Mo’s reply.

It was very quiet, as if all sound in the world had vanished. Hu Mo stood beside Zhu Xinyue, as still as a silent tree. It must be said that when certain questions are truly laid bare, there is simply too much to consider.

Hu Mo had spoken impulsively. As the saying goes, "Spoken words are like spilled water, impossible to retrieve," and "The speaker may be unintentional, but the listener takes it to heart."

Hu Mo wanted to deny it, but lacked the courage. He wanted to admit it, but worried about the consequences. His grand ambition was not yet realized; if he were to be burdened by these emotions, trouble would surely follow. In particular, regarding the future attitude of himself—and indeed the entire Hu family—toward the Imperial family of the Fire Empire, Hu Mo could not guarantee that he wouldn't eventually become their sworn enemy. If he were to "snatch" a girl from the royal family now, how would he choose when he eventually stood against the Emperor? Caught in a dilemma, Hu Mo found it difficult to think clearly.

Zhu Xinyue waited for his reply. The longer she waited, the more dejected she became. After a long while, she looked up, her eyes fixed on Hu Mo.

"In three days, it is my coming-of-age ceremony. That day, my father will announce my marriage to the Crown Prince of the Godwood Empire. Heh, I don’t know why I keep emphasizing this to you, as if I’m worried about being left on the shelf." Tears streamed down her cheeks, dripping onto the earth and blending into the soil.

"I haven’t known you long. For a long time, we were even enemies. It wasn't until I was attacked that I truly got to know you. Brother Hu, it wasn't love at first sight, but I can tell you quite responsibly: you are the first man I have ever fallen in love with!"

Zhu Xinyue was weeping uncontrollably, her voice becoming blurred.

Hu Mo’s heart ached. He reached out, intending to wipe the tears from her eyes.

However, Zhu Xinyue suddenly dodged, wiping them away herself with her sleeve.

"Xinyue, I..."

"Brother Hu, don’t speak. Let me finish, please?" Zhu Xinyue interrupted him, struggling to steady her emotions and hold back her tears.

Hu Mo lowered his hand and remained silent, watching her quietly.

"I can only say these things to you this one last time, because I don't have the courage to say them again. Brother Hu, I know the relationship between you and Sister Cang Ling is not that of master and apprentice. Actually, long ago, I secretly compared myself to her. I know I am not her equal, but I always held onto a hope. I was foolish to think that even a glimmer of hope was real. Now I truly understand: like is like, and dislike is dislike. No one can dictate another’s feelings. So, I sincerely wish you both well. Heh, Brother Hu, don't be troubled, and don't pity me. Just let me leave with my final shred of dignity. When we meet again, I will likely be the Crown Princess of the Godwood Empire. You must work hard to win Sister Cang Ling!" Zhu Xinyue smiled, wiped her tears, waved, and slowly walked away.

Hu Mo’s feet seemed nailed to the ground. He wanted to move, but every step was difficult. He knew it wasn't that he couldn't walk, but that his heart was too heavy. He didn't know what the outcome would be if he took that step. Unable to offer a promise and facing a worrisome future, how could he easily say those words?

"So be it. Perhaps this is the best choice," Hu Mo sighed softly. After a long while, he slowly turned and left in silence.

***

In a nearby tree, Cang Ling stood like a ghost. Behind her, Lin Nan stood with her hands behind her back.

"Xiao Nan, if I were to set you up with Hu Mo, would you have any objections?" Cang Ling asked suddenly, her tone flat and devoid of any hint of jest.

Lin Nan’s expression changed slightly. She frowned and said softly, "That is impossible. I will not marry anyone."

Cang Ling chuckled. She turned back, looking at Lin Nan with gentle eyes, and said, "Silly girl, I said I would make you a normal person. If you are a normal person, does not marrying count? This lad Hu Mo is quite good. Your curse does not affect him much; if you marry him, he won't die."

Lin Nan still shook her head, her voice low and soft: "It is impossible between him and me. That will never change. Master, the person the little princess spoke of just now didn't seem to be me. What do you think of what she said?"

Lin Nan asked such a sharp question, contrary to her usual demeanor. However, Cang Ling’s expression remained unchanged. She simply shook her head and said, "Master and apprentice are master and apprentice; that will never change. You are different from me. Your existence may be destined for him. With the Five Elements of Yin and Yang, I fear only he can help you change your fate. Xiao Nan, think about it carefully. In such matters, no one can force you."

After saying this, Cang Ling’s figure faded until she dissolved into the air. Only Lin Nan remained, her face filled with confusion.

After a long while, she bit her lip, turned around, and flew away.

***

The Fire Empire Palace, Imperial Study.

Zhu Yan stood by the dragon throne, brows furrowed, looking at the three injured elders, Ju Chunyang and his companions. He could not calm his heart; his most immediate thought was that something had happened to Zhu Xinyue.

"Three Elders, what is going on? Where is Yue’er? Weren't you protecting her?" Zhu Yan asked anxiously, his tone urgent.

Ju Chunyang’s injuries were not light, but being a Wood-attribute combatant, his regenerative ability was strong. He stood straight, coughed, and said, "Your Majesty, the little princess is quite safe. She is being protected by someone even more capable than us, so there should be no problems."

Ju Chunyang’s tone was peculiar, leaving Zhu Yan puzzled.

"Protected by someone more capable? Elder Ju, what do you mean by that? I don't understand," Zhu Yan asked, his mind racing.

"Naturally, if Grand Marshal Hu cannot protect the princess, then no one else can. We have just returned from the Grand Marshal's residence, having suffered a setback, so we know this well," Ju Chunyang said with a sour tone. At these words, Zhu Yan’s expression darkened significantly.

"Elder Ju, do you mean to say you clashed with Old Hu? How is that possible? How could you fight? Weren't you all acquainted and on good terms?" Zhu Yan asked in a deep voice. Seeing their injuries, he could not fathom the reason for the fight; it made no sense.

"Your Majesty, do not worry. It was merely a minor friction; I doubt the Grand Marshal even minds. We came to see you primarily to ask about someone. May I ask what your understanding of Grand Marshal Hu’s grandson, Hu Mo, is?" Ju Chunyang asked in a strange tone. The other two looked at Zhu Yan with great seriousness, as if discussing something of utmost importance.

Zhu Yan’s heart sank. He looked at the three of them, confused, and said, "Hu Mo? Aside from being a constant headache for me, there doesn't seem to be anything strange about that little fellow. Oh, and I heard recently that he has turned over a new leaf, which has saved me some worry. Otherwise, hearing those ministers complain in court every day would surely shorten my life by many years."

Zhu Yan sighed from the heart. Seeing the skepticism on the faces of the three elders, he felt frustrated and frowned, "What? Do the three elders have some doubts?"

Ju Chunyang gave a cold laugh and shook his head. "Your Majesty, does a recent change of heart allow one to reach the level of a Sixth-Rank War King? Your Majesty, that seems rather hard to believe."

Zhu Yan’s expression changed abruptly, his demeanor agitated. "Elder Ju, what are you saying? What Sixth-Rank War King? How could I have never known this?"

"Your Majesty, please do not get excited. If you truly did not know, it proves that our suspicions are likely correct. Your Majesty, your plans may need a slight adjustment." Ju Chunyang’s tone was mysterious, tinged with gravity.

Zhu Yan fell silent, his expression complex. He had never expected that the Hu family, whom he had long disregarded, would suddenly rise again. How could he accept this?

"Elders, did you fight Hu Mo?" Zhu Yan asked in a low voice, filled with deep anxiety.

Ju Chunyang nodded and spoke truthfully: "Indeed. The three of us exchanged a few moves with him, and with the combined strength of the grandfather and grandson, we were forced to retreat. Your Majesty, you have calculated for a long time, but you missed one factor. If the Crown Prince learns of this, some promises may be difficult to fulfill. The Crown Prince is always cautious and cannot afford even the slightest mistake."

As soon as Ju Chunyang finished, Zhu Yan’s brow furrowed tightly. He glared at Ju Chunyang and said sharply, "What is the meaning of this, Elder Ju? Do you have an issue with me? Is this my fault? The Hu family, that wretched Hu family! They deceived me! Hu Yihu, that old fox is truly hateful!"

Zhu Yan slammed his palm onto the table, shattering the sandalwood piece. A powerful force of Fire-attribute battle energy radiated from him; the intensity of his aura was in no way inferior to the three people in the room.

Ju Chunyang’s expression shifted slightly as a layer of Wood-attribute energy covered them, shielding them from the heat.

"Your Majesty, please consider a countermeasure. We shall return to treat our wounds. I hope you can make a decision soon; time is short, and we cannot afford any mistakes!" Without waiting for a response, Ju Chunyang left with the other two.

Zhu Yan did not speak, standing with his back to the door, his fury evident. His heart felt icy, and thoughts crowded his mind, causing his reasoning to become chaotic.

Just then, a young eunuch’s report came from outside, and he immediately calmed himself.

"Your Majesty, Prince Yong, Prince Rong, and Grand Marshal Hu request an audience!"