Chapter 1688 -1681: Zhuo Junli’s Teaching

But he clearly underestimated Leng Muling’s determination—she was set on getting him!

Early in the morning, Leng Muling waited by the palace gate, and when Lu Mian’s carriage passed, she climbed up before he did.

Lu Mian lifted the curtain and stared at her coldly. “Leng Muling, get out!”

“Lord Lu, why are you being so fierce? I’m small and won’t take up much space in your carriage. Just give me a ride.” Leng Muling’s fawn-like eyes glimmered with dewy innocence.

Anyone who saw her would think she was pitiful and endearing.

“Get out.”

Lu Mian felt no pity.

He was annoyed.

Leng Muling sat securely in the carriage. “My legs aren’t functioning well, so I can’t get down. Either you don’t get in, or you take me home.”

Lu Mian, exhausted from the day’s wear, had no energy left to ride his horse back to the residence.

He took a deep breath, suppressed his burning anger, and stepped into the carriage.

Sitting in the innermost part, his blade-like gaze warned Leng Muling, “I don’t have the patience to spar with you today. If you want to stay in the carriage, keep your mouth shut.”

Leng Muling was startled by his presence and glanced at the dark circles under his eyes, obediently remaining silent.

But her compliance lasted only for a moment.

As soon as Lu Mian leaned against the carriage wall and dozed off, Leng Muling shouted loudly, “Lord Lu, look quickly!”

Lu Mian jolted awake, his heart racing. “What is it?”

Leng Muling pointed out the window, smiling brightly. “Look, there’s someone selling flowers on the street.”

Lu Mian’s anger flared again. “What’s so special about that?”

“It’s not special. I just wanted you to see.” Leng Muling cupped her face, feigning pure innocence.

Outside the carriage, the servant couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.

His master enjoyed tranquility, and those who disturbed him never lasted long.

Lu Mian understood Leng Muling’s true intent—troublesome provocation. He swallowed his irritation, his tone icy. “Leng Muling, it seems you haven’t heard yet that I’ve already requested permission from the Crown Prince.”

“Oh, I’ve heard it loud and clear. Lord Lu asked the Crown Prince for my hand in marriage. I’m thrilled to bits and think you’re quite discerning, so I came looking for you today.”

Leng Muling’s lips curved slightly, as delicate as the stamens of a peony, enchanting in every way.

Lu Mian’s face darkened further. He hadn’t anticipated this shameless girl wouldn’t fear him!

Did she truly want to marry him?

Lu Mian felt a wicked fire surge within. “Since Miss Leng is so intent on pursuing this marriage, I see no reason to hold back.”

Grabbing Leng Muling’s wrist, he pulled her into his arms and pinned her against the carriage wall, his head lowering to her neck.

“Lu Mian! What are you doing?”

Leng Muling struggled frantically, using her hands to shield her face from his advances.

But to him, her little hands were as easily subdued as a kitten’s paws.

Lu Mian’s face remained cold as he sneered, “Weren’t you eager to marry me? What’s there to fear?”

As he pressed her down, Leng Muling screamed in terror, “Lu Mian, stop!!”

“Stop?”

Lu Mian’s sinister grin deepened.

When his body pressed against Leng Muling’s, she finally broke into sobs. “No—!”

Tears streamed from her eyes as she trembled uncontrollably, fear overtaking her.

A glimmer of disdain flashed in Lu Mian’s eyes, accompanied by a mocking laugh that escaped his throat.

He threw Leng Muling out of the carriage.

Standing on the busy street, Leng Muling was visibly disheveled, her eyes red with tears.

“Ling’er!”

Mo Qi rode toward her on horseback, hurriedly stepping down and wrapping his cloak snugly around her.

Breathless with worry, he asked, “Did Lu Mian bully you? Don’t be afraid, Ling’er, I’ll take you home first!”

His broad, warm hand conveyed comforting heat, but Leng Muling instinctively pushed him away.

She shook her head and backed off. “No… no need! Thank you, Commander Mo.”

Turning away, she began walking toward the Prime Minister’s residence.

“Ling’er!” Mo Qi led his horse and caught up with her.

“Don’t call me! Commander Mo, mind your manners!”

Leng Muling bit her finger and walked away without looking back.

When she ran back to the Prime Minister’s residence, Zhuo Junli was sitting leisurely in the front hall, drinking tea.

She tried to duck out of Zhuo Junli’s sight, but he wouldn’t let her succeed.

“Second Young Miss has returned after teasing Lord Lu?” Zhuo Junli’s voice carried a relaxed, teasing tone.

He gave her a once-over and raised an eyebrow slightly. “That cloak you’re wearing belongs to the Imperial Guards commander… Seems like today’s been lively.”

He regretted letting his curiosity hold him back earlier—he should’ve followed them to witness the drama firsthand.

Leng Muling, hurt and full of grievance, had originally planned to cry once she got home. But provoked by her uncle’s taunting, she forced the tears back.

Gathering her skirt, she stormed up to Zhuo Junli, “Uncle, I won’t let Lu Mian off the hook! I’m not afraid of him either!”

Zhuo Junli closed his fan, clapping his hands with relish. “Good! That’s the spirit!”

“Then you should simply ask the Crown Prince for permission, say you agree to Lu Mian’s proposal, and marry me off to him!” Leng Muling’s eyes were red-rimmed, her gaze sharp and resolute.

“I don’t see why not. Though I worry the old master might have a stroke from the shock. And if you later regret it, well, Lu Mian isn’t like Mo Qi. Extracting you from his den of wolves and tigers wouldn’t be so easy.”

Taking a sip from his teacup, Zhuo Junli savored the flavor of the snow sprout tea steeped three times, its elegance lingering even in the breath.

He offered to pour Leng Muling a cup.

Leng Muling sat across from him, waiting for Zhuo Junli to serve her tea, only to find that the poured tea was still for himself.

Eyes wide with disbelief, she protested, “Uncle, wasn’t that cup meant for me?”

Parched from her outing, she was desperate for a drink.

“It’s for me. Don’t touch my tea.” Zhuo Junli said flatly, flicking his fan open again to cool himself nonchalantly.

“Uncle!”

Leng Muling stomped her feet in frustration. He clearly adored her!

Now, knowing the hardship she’d suffered, why was he tormenting her?

Zhuo Junli’s composed expression remained as he watched her pout angrily, her eyes misting with the threat of tears. Instead of pitying her, he seemed amused, as if enjoying the show.

This was a side of him Leng Muling had never seen.

Confused and sensing something odd, she questioned, “Uncle, today… why are you acting so much like Lu Mian?”

“Noticed? Then you’re not completely foolish,” Zhuo Junli nodded thoughtfully. “If it had been Lu Mian sitting across from you after you returned in distress, not only would he mock you like I just did, he might also mercilessly rub salt into your wounds.

If you can’t handle this level of provocation, then don’t even think about fighting him.”

Leng Muling suddenly understood, “Uncle, you’re giving me a warning?”

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