Chapter 009: Cultivating a Calm and Unselfish Heart

Zhou Qiutong's departure was understood, yet Song Ao noticed that his brow was slightly furrowed, seemingly devoid of any worries, which left him perplexed

Mo Jiu unknowingly fell asleep

Wang Cai is still wagging its tail to please, while Mo Jiu has dropped another rib. "But thinking about it, dog meat is best when braised, don't you think?"

In June, the weather is unpredictable, much like a child's face, changing at a moment's notice. Dark clouds roll in from the horizon, seemingly signaling an impending rain, yet the heat of summer remains, leaving the air still and oppressive. In this remote outpost, it is usually quite difficult to accommodate such distinguished guests; the son of an emperor and a powerful chancellor, either of whom would require the stationmaster to exert every effort to serve them.

"Good boy." Mo Jiu patted the dog's head, "Originally, the way you treated me made me want to slaughter you and make dog meat soup."

Although she often refers to herself as an unworthy descendant of the Mo family, claiming that she has not learned even one ten-thousandth of her ancestors' abilities, she was born in a modern era where science and technology are relatively advanced. She possesses talent, coupled with a broad range of knowledge and experiences, particularly in the fields of mechanical ingenuity and manufacturing, where her perspective has always been quite elevated. However, with her provocative gaze, she cannot help but marvel at the exquisite layout and luxurious decoration of this carriage

He could only shake his head with a smile and then looked to the right

As for the matter concerning Xie Bingsheng, even if he were brought to Lin'an, it would merely be a minor punishment serving as a warning, and his crime does not warrant death. To suggest that he might commit suicide out of fear of punishment is indeed somewhat far-fetched. Pausing for a moment, he then spoke with a double meaning: "Moreover, in this case, you have implicated the future sister-in-law, clearly indicating a strategy of using a long line to catch a big fish... Xie Chen has only this one precious son; how could he possibly let this matter rest?"

Xiao Qian's eyelids twitched slightly, he rubbed his forehead, and then brushed his sleeves and left

Mo Jiu looked up at her and said, "Why can't I dine with them?"

Mo Jiu rolled his eyes: "So what if I sat down, ate, and took some?"

Mo Jiu casually picked up two books and found that they were both about health preservation. There were some traditional characters she could not recognize, and after guessing and pondering for a while, she discovered a common characteristic—like their owner, they were filled with an ascetic atmosphere. The main theme was based on men practicing "calmness and restraint, conserving energy and vitality," stating that "those who are taciturn, practice moderation, and are good at health preservation must treasure their essence"

Wangcai tilted his head, looking at her in a friendly manner. Seeing her awake seemed to excite him even more, as he wagged his big tail, placed his two front legs on her shoulders, and extended his long tongue to lick her face

Mo Jiu looked at his back and shook her head again, "This child has a bad temper and loves to waste things; it is clear he has never experienced hardship." After saying this, she threw the spare ribs to Wangcai on the ground

She is a woman, devoid of any valuable qualities

You say you are a big man, acting like a girl, the car smells fragrant, and you smell fragrant too, why must you insist on being immaculate? You nearly triggered my rhinitis. And those books of yours, about conserving energy for longevity, how old are you? Can't you read something more nutritious? ... Of course, that is your hobby, and it is understandable, but if you are peculiar, you cannot expect everyone else to be just as peculiar, right? When it comes to eating, why are there so many rules?

She disregarded everything, lay down, threw a robe over herself, and closed her eyes.

Both families are royal relatives. Consort Xiao has a son, Prince Song Ao, while Consort Xie has a son, Prince Song Xi. Both princes are exceptionally talented and are highly valued by the emperor. However, these two prestigious families have never shared a familial bond, and they have been engaged in a fierce struggle against each other, both openly and covertly.

Therefore, in Song Ao's view, this case will certainly not end well

The young prince, who was shamelessly exploited, was about to shed two lines of hot tears when the sound of crisp footsteps came from the doorway

When he went to fetch the tea cup for the third time, the young prince finally asked, "Are you very thirsty today?"

The damp saliva, the warm and slippery tongue, the playful licks, like a lover's coaxing

Song Ao : " ... ... "

Upon entering the room, she saw the table filled with food and smiled with satisfaction. Without hesitation, she sat down and picked up her chopsticks to begin eating. However, after a couple of bites, she noticed that both Xiao Qian and Song Ao were looking at her with disapproving expressions, which puzzled her. "What are you looking at? Have both of you already eaten?"

Mo Jiu sat leisurely in the chair, taking out the only copper coin from his pocket to play with. He recounted the strange happenings at the dining table to Mei Er, and in the end, he couldn't help but add a comment, "These people, accustomed to being masters, have poor psychological resilience and an unbearable temper."

Xiao Qian spends more time drinking tea than eating vegetables

She finished speaking and looked at Mo Jiu, as if recalling something, "Where did you eat?"

The carriage stopped in the open space of the post station, and the sky turned overcast

The robe naturally belongs to Xiao Qian

As soon as the words fell, a woman's voice could be heard outside the window, shouting at the top of her lungs: "Which blind little hussy is riding in Lord Xiao's carriage, dining with the prince? How bold! Is it not enough to be spoiled, that you are so restless?"

The right side is the same as the left, featuring a movable medicine rack. On the rack are rows of quaint little porcelain bottles, each with a unique shape and pattern, all exquisitely beautiful. Mo Jiu looked at them with great fondness but did not dare to touch or smell them—what if she accidentally encountered an aphrodisiac or something similar? Wouldn't that be advantageous for him?

Meier was astonished, "How can you dine with the Young Prince and Lord Xiao?"

Mo Jiu was awakened by a kiss in this manner

Yesterday, I was highly tense and couldn't sleep well after 'flying' out in the middle of the night. Now, the car is filled with a gentle fragrance, effectively isolating me from the summer heat, making it undoubtedly a good place for rest. Especially the soft carpet inside the car, I don't know what material it is, but it is incredibly comfortable

Song Ao met his gaze, glaring at him like a chisel, "Why are you so certain? What if..."

She had been hungry for a long time, but after being slobbered on by Wangcai, she went to the kitchen to fetch water and wash her face before coming over

Song Ao stared at her blankly, as if he had seen a ghost, murmuring: "Chang Yuan ... ... "

However, regardless of how poor her sleeping posture may be, one can still call her a beauty, as every part of her is extremely pleasing to the eye. Her flowing black hair, exquisite nose and cherry lips, skin like凝脂, and delicate feet, all intertwine, with curves and postures that are nothing short of exhilarating. If one overlooks the drool on the clothes of Xiao Qian, she can still be considered a sight for sore eyes.

So beautiful

Song Xi, the eldest son of the emperor, and Xie Chen, the esteemed Prime Minister of the current dynasty, naturally held a position of power that overshadowed the Xiao family. However, a few years ago, a figure named Xiao Qian unexpectedly emerged from the Xiao family. Although he was not the legitimate son of the Xiao clan, he was well-versed in classical texts, proficient in military strategy, and knowledgeable in medicine. He gained fame in the Battle of Lianshui, achieving victory after victory, instilling fear in the states of Zhang, Meng, and Xiyue. Moreover, he saved the current emperor's life. In just a few short years, he rose steadily in rank and power, becoming a force to be reckoned with, able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Xie family.

After all, a dog is not a human, and its intelligence is limited. When it sees a rib bone waving at it, it doesn't care whether its owner is already half dead from anger. This creature shamelessly half-crouches at Mo Jiu's feet, raising its rear end high, gnawing on the rib bone, wagging its soft, fluffy tail, and making a series of muffled, affectionate sounds.

She obediently placed a piece of rib in his bowl, "Come on, come on, eat first, let's not talk about those things."

Xiao Qianliang asked her, "Has no one taught you the rules?"

On the left side of the wall is an exquisite bookshelf that can be cleverly extended and retracted

Previously, she had wondered how ice was stored in the car, but now she realized that the ice cubes were actually invisible, as the designer had cleverly embedded them within the car walls, which were hollow all around. When she touched the car body, it felt pleasantly cool. Within the hollowed-out floral patterns, a refreshing scent of mint was released, as if she were surrounded by a sea of flowers, making it hard for one to leave.

The person who has arrived is Mo Jiu

You foul dog, go away

One should wash their hands before and after meals. I have already washed mine. Do you see? They are very clean

Xiao Qian opened the curtain and was greeted by this captivating sleeping posture

A table full of delicacies yet not appreciated by anyone

Xiao Qian tightly pressed his lips together, his expression vividly animated, and his handsome face clearly looked unappealing. Mo Jiu was puzzled, observing that his clothing was different from before, seemingly having been bathed in fragrant incense, and he shook his head in understanding.

Mo Jiu let out a sound, "Where did you eat?"

As Xiao Qian just crossed the threshold, his back stiffened again, his steps hesitated for a moment, but he ultimately strode away. Song Ao shook his head and chuckled, taking a look at her from head to toe, and remarked, "This little widow is quite mad," before following in his footsteps. Mo Jiu found their reactions strange but did not dare to inquire further, only sighing that a good meal was wasted.

Meier whispered, "There is a woman in our village who was punished for offending her husband in public, and as a result, her legs were broken"

Therefore, everything that is eaten and used is meticulously refined

Xiao Qian's back stiffened, yet his feet did not stop moving

With another "thud," Wangcai was tossed up by him

Song Ao looked at his watch and also at the many plates

After visiting the carriage, she felt a bit tired

Thus, the Su embroidery cushion that Xiao Qian used to rest her neck was clamped between her legs, taking on the posture of riding a horse; Xiao Qian's clothes were pressed beneath her, wrinkled into a mass resembling pickled vegetables; it was unclear when her shoes and socks had been removed, ... her long skirt was lifted to her knees, her legs bare, and the neckline was wide open ...

Zhou Qiutong is the clerk of Xiao Qian, responsible for daily correspondence and some personal matters, known for being cautious and meticulous. He glanced around to ensure no one was present and then spoke softly: "My lord, the case files regarding Xie Bingsheng have been sealed by the Criminal Justice Department and sent to Lin'an."

Xiao Qian seemed as if he had been struck by lightning, his face turning ashen, yet he remained motionless

Don't make a fuss! In a state between half-dreaming and half-awake, Mo Jiu comfortably held it tightly.

Meier then felt the heat in her hands, "Mo Jiu, I have already eaten."

However, Xiao Qian merely glanced at him and said, "It is of no concern; he cannot stir up any waves."

With a sound of "puff," he lowered the curtain

Mo Jiu thought that one should not speak too much when one is at a disadvantage, so he refrained from saying more

Xiao Qian nodded slightly, signaling him to go down

Therefore, she was full and also brought some back for Mei Er

So brutal? Mo Jiu was somewhat surprised, "But they didn't do anything to me, did they?"

The time is compressed, and both the frame and the book are integrated into the car wall

Then, startled, I opened my eyes and met a pair of round, glossy black dog eyes.

The air became eerily stagnant, as the wind brushed through the window, delicately caressing the oil lamp.

Since the Southern Rong Dynasty relocated to Lin'an, the Xiao family and the Xie family have been archrivals

In fact, he remained calm and indifferent, without a word, until Zhou Qiutong hurried in

"There is no possibility of that happening." Xiao Qian coldly interrupted him, saying, "If Your Majesty does not take me into consideration, how can you expect him to consider you?"

On the shelf, the books are arranged neatly, free from dust.

Meier said: "Brother Zhou invited me to eat."

Mo Jiu took over Xiao Qian's carriage and hurriedly began to inspect the spoils of war

Women often like to say "smelly man" because men generally do not love cleanliness. However, this one is simply a guy with a cleanliness obsession that borders on the pathological. The soft fabric has a crisp scent, with hints of mint, as well as floral and herbal aromas, gently wafting into the nose, soothing the nerves, akin to lying on a couch

Meier is only eleven years old this year, yet she is quite clever. From some small details, it can be seen that although Mo Jiu has some abilities, there seems to be something wrong with his mind, which is quite different from ordinary people. She looks at Mo Jiu with a hint of pity, takes a comb, and slowly combs her hair, then teaches her, "Since ancient times, men are esteemed and women are humble. My mother taught me that women should not dine with men in the hall, let alone they are not ordinary men..."

Xiao Qian let out a soft "hm" with a serious expression, seemingly lost in thought, neither looking at him nor engaging in conversation. His fair fingers gently caressed the purple clay tea cup, as if stroking the delicate skin of a young woman, tenderly, slowly, alluringly, full of charm—of course, this was merely Song Ao's imagination

His gaze was somewhat strange. Mo Jiu pondered for a moment, as if suddenly realizing something, he bit down on the chopsticks and waved his hands in front of him.