Chapter Seven: A Different Feeling

What had just happened was merely a minor episode—Shen He'an had come to make a show of force, apparently on behalf of that "Sister Jing." Yet Shen Hezhi had already spoken up for her, explained everything, and thus established her position in the Ninth Prince's residence. That was enough.

As for Yan Heru, Shen Hezhi's affection? Oh, she hardly needed that; she much preferred her herbs.

"We can go today—let’s head to Moon Mountain."

Shen Hezhi asked nothing more, simply assigned Mo One to Yan Heru, ensuring her protection.

Those with the surname Shen were Shen Hezhi’s male shadow guards or sentinels; those with the surname Mo were women, but their skills rivaled those of their male counterparts.

Yan Heru truly hadn't expected Shen Hezhi would let her go out, especially since they had just become husband and wife. Yet here she was, going up the mountain to gather herbs on the very next day?

Well, that was just as well; it proved Shen Hezhi didn't care for her. It was better without feelings.

If feelings were involved...

At that thought, Yan Heru’s expression dimmed, “Ah…”

“Be careful, Princess,” Mo One said, steadying Yan Heru. Lost in her thoughts, Yan Heru had misstepped, and if not for Mo One, she surely would have bruised her leg.

Thinking of that matter, Yan Heru sighed; it was a knot in her heart she couldn’t untangle.

“Princess, this is a barren mountain—there aren’t many herbs here. The neighboring Spirit Mountain is much richer in medicinal plants. Why don’t we go there instead?” Mo One asked, puzzled.

Mo One was an adorable young girl, looking about seventeen or eighteen. Yan Heru had heard from Shen One that the lower the number following the surname, the more skilled the person. Yet Mo One seemed innocent and lively, making it hard for Yan Heru to believe she was a female shadow guard—let alone the most formidable among them, especially given her youth.

“This is indeed a barren mountain, but many herbs thrive only in places like this. Spirit Mountain next door is home to rare and precious herbs, but here, you find those with tenacious vitality and powerful medicinal properties. Do you understand?” Yan Heru explained gently.

Mo One nodded, replying, “I see—just like our training. Though conditions are harsh and training is exhausting, those who endure it grow stronger, entirely different from those who undergo ordinary training.”

Yan Heru opened her mouth, unsure how to respond; she could only smile and continue on.

The path was treacherous. If not for Mo One’s frequent assistance, Yan Heru surely would have tumbled down the mountainside.

Finally, the two reached the summit. They had set out at noon, and now, as they arrived, dusk had begun to fall.

Yan Heru looked up and said to Mo One, “Stay close to me and don’t wander off. Night is coming and there may be poisonous snakes and insects. Take this—sprinkle it on yourself to ward them off. We need to hurry and descend before night falls completely.”

Yan Heru handed a paper packet to Mo One and pressed onward.

Holding the packet, Mo One felt a bit dazed. Aside from the Ninth Prince, no one had ever shown concern for the female shadow guards before…

A warmth spread in Mo One’s heart; she clutched Yan Heru’s packet tightly. She had been assigned to protect Yan Heru, and many among the female guards were displeased. Those who resented her mocked her behind her back, saying the Ninth Prince was abandoning her by sending his top guard to protect the Princess.

Their prince was gentle, but had never cared for any woman. Now, by assigning her to protect a useless woman, wasn't he forsaking her?

But now, Mo One sensed that perhaps this woman would become precious to the Ninth Prince—and she herself was not being abandoned. Quite the opposite.

“Mo One, give me the basket. Thank you, and you’ve worked hard,” Yan Heru said, taking the basket and beginning to gather the herbs she needed.

She didn’t notice the flash of surprise in Mo One’s eyes—surprised that the princess would thank a subordinate.

Yan Heru had no idea that such a casual gesture would mean so much to Mo One. At this moment, she was wholly focused on her task.

Since Mo One didn’t recognize the herbs Yan Heru needed, she could only follow behind, quietly guarding her.

Yan Heru searched for a long while, finding a great many of the herbs she needed—far more than she had hoped for.

The environment here was unspoiled and rarely visited, making the herbs exceptionally fine.

“Mo One, let’s head back; it’s getting late,” Yan Heru said, wiping sweat from her brow and smiling at Mo One.

Mo One quickly took the basket from her. Yan Heru was indeed tired, so she let Mo One carry it without protest.

The sky grew darker, clouds thickening overhead, promising rain. Yan Heru and Mo One quickened their pace, but as they reached the foot of the mountain, they encountered a group of people—each holding a torch and a knife.

Seeing this, Yan Heru quickly pulled Mo One aside. They were outnumbered; if this group meant harm, what could they do?

Mo One immediately became alert, ready to protect the princess.

They hid behind a dense thicket, close enough to overhear the group’s conversation.

Among them, a man with a scarred face, looking fierce, said, “Boss, tonight’s the best chance to ambush the Ninth Prince!”

A refined-looking man squinted, the corners of his mouth lifting in satisfaction. He was the “boss” the scarred man referred to.

“I know. That’s why I gathered you here. This mountain is remote, but it’s close to the Ninth Prince’s residence. He just married yesterday, so the guards are surely lax. Be careful—don’t let the Ninth Prince slaughter you all!”

“Don’t worry, boss!” the scarred man replied, rubbing his hands eagerly.

“Let’s move!” With the boss’s command, the group extinguished their torches and left.

Once they were gone, Yan Heru and Mo One emerged. Yan Heru frowned, “Why do these people want to target the prince?”

“I don’t know, Princess, but you needn’t worry. None of them will get past the gates of the residence—there are plenty of guards outside.”

Yan Heru nodded, “Let’s take another route back.”

“Understood.” Mo One escorted Yan Heru along a different path back to the residence.

Once home, Yan Heru immediately stored the herbs she had gathered and then went to the study to find Shen Hezhi.

She knocked gently at the door, “Your Highness, I’ve returned.”

“Come in.”

Yan Heru entered; Shen Hezhi didn’t look up, absorbed in his reading.

“I’ve found some of the herbs you needed. The rest will require searching elsewhere.”

“Mm,” Shen Hezhi replied quietly.

Watching his earnest demeanor, Yan Heru hesitated, unsure whether to tell him about tonight’s events. Though Mo One said it would be fine…

“Your Highness! Bad news! There’s a fire in the residence!”