However, ever since the Empress fell out of favor and was placed under house arrest, Princess Zhao Yang fled her marriage, and Duke Li Guo’s Mansion, suspected of aiding in the princess’ escape, was reprimanded and neglected by the Emperor. Now that the Crown Prince has been stabbed, Duke Li Guo’s Mansion has become the prime suspect and is under investigation by Ying Tianfu, leaving the mansion in dire straits. Today, it’s not as prosperous as the State Duke’s Mansion. Therefore, Du Yuheng would not show weakness in front of Mo Ziqi, especially since Mo Ziqi wanted to take away the young beauty he had finally caught. How could he let go so easily?
Mo Ziqi observed him coldly and said, "Young Master Du is overthinking. I don’t have the intention to interfere in your private matters, nor to rob you of anything. If something belongs to you, no one can take it away. But if it doesn’t belong to you, it can’t be considered robbery."
This meant he had no intention of handing Cai Fei over to Du Yuheng. At this, Du Yuheng became instantly annoyed. Giving a covert signal to a little boy at his side, he turned to face Mo Ziqi with a skin-deep smile and said, "I heard that the Emperor is thoroughly investigating the Mo Family because of the Prince’s recent stabbing. Instead of assisting in the investigation at home, Young Master Mo is here in Hua Street and Willow Lane seeking pleasure. What a mood indeed!"
Mo Ziqi chuckled coldly and counterattacked, "I’ve also heard that yesterday the eldest son of your household had his funeral. Yet here you are today out seeking pleasure, which is really quite an eye-opener. But I’m not sure how this matter will sound when it reaches the ears of the Imperial Historian. Could it lead to an impeachment for the Grand Duke An’s poor household management?"
With this icy statement, Du Yuheng’s bravado was instantly subdued. Now, State Duke’s Mansion isn’t what it used to be. If he was reprimanded by the Emperor because of him, Duke An would surely peel off his skin. If his grandfather held him accountable, could he still have any good days left?
Impeded by his fury, Du Yuheng glared at Mo Ziqi, his eyes red with unfulfilled desire. Mo Ziqi stared back coolly and fiercely.
They made silent eye contact, a silent fight, and it didn’t take long to see who was superior.
The man on horseback was tall and imposing, naturally intimidating. His body radiated a gloomy and stern presence. With barely any effort, he intimidated Du Yuheng, who was left unsatisfied and embarrassed, to the point of insecurity. He lowered his head, shaking his sleeve in frustration and left in resentment.
Mo Ziqi lowered his head and looked at the girl standing beneath his horse, her face pale. He extended his hand and said, "Come up, I’ll take you home."
The pain on Cai Fei’s face returned, making her blush. Biting her lip, she felt a bit embarrassed. Riding on his horse in front of everyone, sharing a ride with a man, wasn’t proper.
Seeing her hesitation, Mo Ziqi explained, "Du Yuheng is a devious man. It’s not safe for you to go back alone."
That statement eliminated any doubts in Cai Fei’s mind. She looked up, her clear eyes filled with fearlessness and determination. She stretched out her hand and said, "Thank you, Young Master Mo!"
Mo Ziqi reached out, taking her delicate and graceful hand. The hand was so soft in his grasp that it seemed boneless.
While he was momentarily perplexed, a rushed call suddenly sounded, "Second Miss!"
Huan Qiu’s call startled Cai Fei. Like a thief caught in the act, she quickly pulled her hand back and looked nervously over her shoulder.
From an unsteady horse carriage, Huan Qiu jumped down and hurriedly ran to Cai Fei. Her usually reserved face was filled with worry. She scanned Cai Fei from top to bottom and asked, "Second Miss, are you alright? Did that villain bully you?"
Cai Fei shook her head and whispered, "I’m fine, thanks to this gentleman’s help. Otherwise, I don’t know what might have happened."