Mo Li

After returning to the capital, Mo Xiuyao was busy dealing with the court's political situation and the emperor's constant probing, while Ye Li was occupied with managing the affairs of the Prince Ding's residence and the training of the elite group at the foot of Black Cloud Peak. As a result, other matters were temporarily set aside. It wasn’t until Murong Ting and Leng Haoyu came to visit that Ye Li remembered the ongoing war in Yongzhou.

Murong Ting and Leng Haoyu naturally came under the pretext of visiting Princess Ding. Back in the border city, under Murong Shen’s insistence, Murong Ting had eventually married Leng Haoyu. Now, upon returning to the capital, she had transformed from the eldest daughter of General Murong’s household to the second young madam of the Leng family. That Murong Ting had married Leng Haoyu so quickly was undoubtedly Mo Xiuyao’s doing. Ye Li felt somewhat guilty about this, but her worries eased when she saw Murong Ting still radiant as ever. It seemed Murong could always find joy and happiness, no matter the circumstances. And given Leng Haoyu’s infatuation with her, he likely wouldn’t mistreat her.

"Murong, Young Master Leng, I’m sorry I missed your wedding," Ye Li said apologetically, looking at the still vibrant and spirited Murong Ting, dressed in her signature red.

Murong Ting waved it off carelessly. "No need to apologize. It’s all my father’s fault for forcing me to…" She shot a resentful glare at Leng Haoyu sitting beside her, though her eyes held a hint of coquettishness and a newfound feminine charm. Leng Haoyu merely smiled indulgently at her without retorting. Watching them, Ye Li shook her head slightly with a faint smile. For Leng Haoyu to tolerate Murong’s temperament so patiently, his feelings for her must indeed run deep—especially since Leng Haoyu’s own temper wasn’t exactly mild.

Leaving Mo Xiuyao and Leng Haoyu to discuss official matters, Ye Li pulled Murong Ting aside for a private chat. Murong Ting glanced curiously at Leng Haoyu and Mo Xiuyao sitting not far away. She wasn’t foolish. Though their marriage was less than a month old, she had begun to sense that the private Leng Haoyu was different from the man she had known before. Now, seeing him speak with Prince Ding, his expression serious and focused in a way she had never seen, her suspicions grew stronger. If Leng Haoyu were truly a good-for-nothing playboy, Prince Ding wouldn’t have bothered sitting there talking to him—even out of respect for Ye Li.

"Murong, what’s wrong?" Ye Li asked.

Murong Ting looked at her uncertainly. "Lier… is there something you’re all keeping from me?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Who do you think is keeping something from you?"

Murong Ting frowned. "I feel like Leng Haoyu isn’t the same person I used to know. Sometimes I wonder if I ever really knew him at all." Though he still acted like the carefree, pleasure-seeking man she remembered after returning home, as his wife, she couldn’t ignore the fact that he often worked late into the night in his study—though no one knew what exactly he was doing.

Ye Li gazed at her calmly and asked softly, "Murong, have you been happy since the wedding? How is your relationship with Young Master Leng?"Murong Ting was taken aback, her face flushing slightly as she averted Ye Li's gaze. Hesitantly, she said, "Well... it doesn't seem that bad... Hmm, what they said isn't wrong. After all, I'll have to marry sooner or later. He was chosen by Father, and even though he's always fooling around, Father never said anything against him, so... he probably isn't that terrible. Besides, he treats me quite well." Ye Li smiled, thinking that Leng Er's years of relentless pursuit hadn't been entirely in vain. Glancing at Leng Haoyu, who was chatting with Mo Xiuyao nearby but still keeping an eye on them, Ye Li chuckled, "Since you're so curious, why not ask him yourself?" Murong Ting huffed, "He's been acting like a fool in front of me all these years. Should I really be the one to ask him now? I refuse!"

Ye Li didn’t interfere in other couples' affairs and simply asked with a smile, "Are you settling in well at the Leng residence?"

Murong Ting’s expression immediately fell. She looked at Ye Li with a pitiful gaze and said, "Not many people are as lucky as you, A Li. Only now do I understand why Leng Haoyu dislikes the Leng family so much. That place is hardly fit for normal people." The mention of her new in-laws brought a flood of grievances, and since she finally had someone to confide in, Murong Ting didn’t hold back. She poured out everything that had happened since their return to the capital. The Leng family was a prestigious and influential clan in the capital, and this generation had produced Leng Qingyu, who became the Commander of the Capital Imperial Guard at just twenty-six—a clear favorite of the emperor. Naturally, the entire Leng family placed high hopes on him. In contrast, Leng Er, the notorious playboy, was largely overlooked. But it wasn’t until Murong Ting actually married into the Leng family that she realized just how little regard they had for Leng Haoyu. Even servants with a bit of status dared to gossip about him behind his back. Such audacity wouldn’t exist without the tacit approval of those in charge.

Murong Ting wasn’t one to suffer in silence, and she couldn’t stand these people. In just a few days, she had already caused quite a few scenes. To make matters worse, the matriarch of the Leng family, Leng Haoyu’s nominal mother, never took their side, regardless of right or wrong. And the cold indifference and disdain Leng Haoyu received from his elder brother, whom Murong Ting had once admired, only added to her frustration. Even someone as carefree as her could see that the Leng household had no place for Leng Haoyu. Living in such an environment, anyone would struggle to maintain a good temper.

Listening to Murong Ting’s complaints, Ye Li asked curiously, "I remember you used to have a good impression of Leng Da-gongzi, didn’t you?" In their few encounters, Murong Ting had often compared Leng Qingyu and Leng Haoyu. Ye Li had never interacted with Leng Qingyu, but she had heard much about this famously aloof young master of the capital. However, since the Leng family was staunchly loyal to the emperor—clearly not aligned with Prince Ding's Estate—there was no need for further contact.Murong Ting slumped weakly in her chair, looking pitifully at Ye Li. "Isn't there a saying... 'admire from afar but not up close'? From a distance, everything seemed fine, but imagine someone scrutinizing you from head to toe three times a day, looking at you as if you were filth—you wouldn't be able to stand it either." Ye Li raised an eyebrow in amusement. "So that's how Leng Qingyu treats Leng Er?"

Murong Ting shrugged. "Actually, apart from Leng Haoyu's father, the entire family treats him that way. That awful place is unbearable—I can't stay there. But... I can't just run back to the Murong residence now either. If outsiders found out, who knows what rumors would spread? Still, Leng Haoyu told me that once the newlywed period is over, he'll talk to his father about buying a separate courtyard so we can move out."

"Will General Leng agree?" Ye Li asked. It was well known that the Leng family placed great emphasis on family reputation, even though Leng Haoyu, the rebellious son, often drove Old General Leng to the brink of fury. One of the most notable things about the Leng family in the capital was that Old General Leng was the only high-ranking noble without concubines—both his sons were born to Lady Leng. However, many also knew that Leng Er was not actually Lady Leng's biological son. His mother had been Lady Leng's maidservant, who died shortly after giving birth to Leng Haoyu, so he had been raised under Lady Leng's name and was considered the legitimate heir of the Zhenguo General's Manor. Yet, Lady Leng's excessive indulgence had turned Leng Haoyu into the capital's most notorious playboy.

Murong Ting pouted. "If Leng Haoyu says it's fine, then it should be. I don’t want to go for morning greetings only to be dragged into lamenting how useless and despicable he is." Did those people really think she, Murong Ting, was a fool? Even if Leng Haoyu were as bad as they claimed—which he wasn’t—she was already married to him. Did they expect her to side with them over her own husband? Worst case, she could just toss him into her father’s military camp and let him be disciplined properly. She had no interest in idly gossiping with a bunch of bored women about how terrible her husband was.

Ye Li nodded, smiling at Murong Ting. "It's good that you trust him. Since Leng Er told you this, it means he can handle it. Mutual trust is the most important thing between husband and wife."

Murong Ting blinked, then grinned mischievously. "Like you and Prince Ding? Heh... I heard all about how Prince Ding appeared on the battlefield at the last moment in Yonglin and saved Princess Ding. When I was there, people couldn’t stop talking about it—so vividly that I bet the whole Jiangnan region knows by now. The girls in Yonglin were practically green with envy over Princess Ding."

Ye Li rolled her eyes helplessly.After Mo Xiuyao and Leng Haoyu finished discussing matters, Leng Haoyu stood up to take his leave. Although Murong Ting was reluctant to go, she understood that they were all married now, especially Ye Li, who had a busy schedule, so she also rose to leave with Leng Haoyu. Leng Haoyu glanced at Mo Xiuyao standing nearby and smiled at Ye Li, "Your Highness, I heard the new head of the Han family is preparing some rather hesitant new ventures. I wonder if I might have a chance to get involved?"

Ye Li shot a look at Mo Xiuyao and smiled faintly, "Young Master Leng’s sources are remarkably sharp."

Leng Haoyu wasn’t bothered and chuckled, "Businessmen naturally have their own channels. Forgive my presumption, Your Highness."

Ye Li replied generously, "If you’re interested, why not discuss it with Young Master Han? I’m just a hands-off manager who knows nothing."

Leng Haoyu laughed, "Your Highness’s talent and ideas never fail to amaze. How could you say you know nothing? In that case, I thank Your Highness. Farewell."

"Safe travels."

Murong Ting gave the two a puzzled look, not quite understanding what business Leng Haoyu wanted to pursue. If it was with the Han family, why ask Ye Li? But at least it proved Leng Haoyu was serious about doing legitimate work.

After seeing off Murong Ting and Leng Haoyu, Ye Li turned back to Mo Xiuyao, whose expression had darkened. She raised an eyebrow, "What’s wrong? Did Leng Haoyu say something unpleasant?"

Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms and snorted lightly, "What else but the situation in Yongzhou? Liu Jingyun and Guan Ting—those two useless fools, commanding over a hundred thousand troops yet being utterly crushed by Mo Jingli’s mere hundred thousand without any resistance."

Ye Li arched a brow, "A hundred thousand? Mo Jingli split his forces to advance east?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded, "Exactly. Mo Jingli conscripted two hundred thousand troops from Lingzhou, aiming to seize the entire region south of Yunlan River in the shortest time. It wouldn’t have been a problem, but according to reports from Yongzhou, a formidable figure has emerged in Mo Jingli’s army. In recent clashes, those two fools suffered three consecutive defeats. If not for General Murong’s timely reinforcements, Yonglin City might have been lost to them."

"His Majesty will never allow the Mo Family Army to march south to quell the rebellion. No matter how angry you are, it’s futile," Ye Li patted his arm consolingly.

Mo Xiuyao sighed heavily, "I know." He was well aware that Mo Jingqi would rather cede the entire region south of Yunlan River to Mo Jingli than let the Ding Royal Palace’s forces gain influence. Thus, the situation had devolved into repeated defeats in the south, with two incompetents holding massive armies yet achieving nothing. Meanwhile, the Prince Ding’s faction, from Mo Xiuyao down, could only watch helplessly from the sidelines, itching to act but barred from the battlefield.

"Liu Jingyun has never fought a war, let alone commanded an army of over a hundred thousand. That Guan Ting is just as useless. The Guardian General is currently unwell and recuperating at home, while Old Duke Hua is advanced in years and no longer trusted by His Majesty. As for the generals under Prince Ding’s banner—needless to say, even if Mo Jingli took the entire south, the Emperor wouldn’t let them set foot on the battlefield," Ye Li murmured thoughtfully.Mo Xiuyao said in a deep voice, "With General Murong keeping an eye on that useless Guan Ting, as long as he doesn’t act foolishly, he should be able to hold out for a few months. But… once Mo Jingli truly takes control of the south and turns his attention to deal with him, that will be his end." Ye Li frowned, "Given Mo Jingli’s speed, by that time, you’d still be in Northern Rong, wouldn’t you?" Mo Xiuyao shook his head and let out a faint, angry snort. "Forget it. Let them do as they please. This prince has no time to deal with them now. At least Mo Jingqi will have something to occupy himself with instead of constantly watching Prince Ding's Estate." Ye Li smiled helplessly, "I’m afraid no matter how busy he is, he won’t forget about Ding Royal Palace."

"Since he insists on keeping his eyes on Prince Ding's Estate, this prince will give him plenty to see. A Li, let’s go out for a walk." With one arm wrapped around Ye Li’s slender waist, Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly and turned to lead her outside. Ye Li glanced at the darkening sky in confusion. "It’s almost nightfall—where are we going?" Mo Xiuyao smiled, "You’ll know when we get there."

Walking amidst the bustling crowd, Ye Li realized that despite living in the capital for so many years, she had never known how lively Chu Jing could be at night. This wasn’t a place frequented by the nobility but rather a market street where ordinary commoners gathered. As night fell, lanterns of all kinds—simple or exquisitely ornate—lined the streets. People strolled in small groups, laughing and chatting, creating a scene of peace and prosperity. Ye Li looked down at their clasped hands. Though lanterns illuminated the streets, the light was still dimmer than daylight. Most of the crowd were commoners, so the two of them blended in without drawing much attention—except for the occasional glance at Mo Xiuyao’s masked face and murmurs of admiration for their striking presence.

"What’s the occasion today?" Ye Li leaned against Mo Xiuyao’s chest and asked curiously, watching the cheerful, noisy crowd.

Mo Xiuyao raised a hand to shield her protectively and replied with a soft laugh, "Nothing particularly special. The capital holds a night market and lantern festival once a month, and the curfew is extended by two hours on these nights. That’s why it’s so lively. It’s a tradition here—didn’t you know, A Li?" Ye Li fell silent. She truly hadn’t known about this monthly event. Mo Xiuyao tilted his head to look at her and smiled. "Having fun among these commoners is completely different from mingling with the high officials and nobles. When I was young, I came here almost every month. I’ve always wanted to bring you along to see it too." Ye Li lifted her gaze to meet his and smiled gently. "Then if we have time in the future, let’s come every month. The capital can be quite dull otherwise."

Gazing at Ye Li’s delicate features under the lantern light, Mo Xiuyao pulled her closer into his embrace and chuckled softly against her shoulder. "Alright, if A Li likes it, we’ll come every month from now on."

Passersby watched as a tall, distinguished man carefully shielded a graceful, delicate woman in his arms. Judging by her attire and hairstyle, she was clearly married, and in the eyes of the crowd, the pair must have been newlyweds. They couldn’t help but smile warmly at the sight.Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li through the bustling crowd with familiarity. Though it had been years since their last visit, the lantern festival seemed largely unchanged. Mo Xiuyao effortlessly found his destination—a modest little stall selling lanterns, tended by a gray-haired old man who was carefully hanging each finished lantern on a nearby rack. The elderly man, however, struggled with age, trembling as he tried several times to hang an ornate lotus lantern on the highest spot.

Mo Xiuyao stepped forward and took the lantern from the old man’s hands, hanging it up effortlessly. The man blinked in surprise before turning to see the noble and extraordinary couple standing before him. Studying Mo Xiuyao, the old man frowned slightly. “Thank you, young master… You look familiar. This old man feels like he’s seen you somewhere before…”

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. “I used to come here often in past years and bought quite a few lanterns from you. No wonder you find me familiar.”

The old man waved his hands awkwardly. “This old man doesn’t deserve such respect. Are you here with your wife to enjoy the lantern festival? Would you like to buy a lantern for fun?”

The term “wife” clearly pleased Mo Xiuyao. He glanced at Ye Li before pointing to a pair of simple lanterns stacked to the side. “We’ll take these two.”

The old man hesitated. Though the couple’s attire wasn’t overly extravagant, he had spent most of his life selling lanterns and had seen all kinds of people. These two were clearly nobility—hardly the type to be interested in such plain lanterns.

Ye Li, understanding his thoughts, smiled gently. “These two are fine. They look clean and elegant, quite unique in their own way.”

Seeing their genuine interest, the old man nodded and handed over the lanterns. Ye Li examined them—they were indeed ordinary, with decent craftsmanship but nothing remarkable compared to the intricate floral and avian designs around them. Even the paper was plain white, adorned with hastily painted flowers and grass, likely made from leftover materials after finishing other lanterns.

Mo Xiuyao took one from Ye Li’s hands, studied it, then turned to pick up the brush and ink the old man had set aside. With a few deft strokes, he embellished the lantern before handing it back to her with a satisfied nod.

Ye Li looked down and saw that, within the blank spaces of the original floral design, Mo Xiuyao had painted graceful figures of women—some holding scrolls, others frowning delicately, some plucking flowers, and one even gripping a sword. Though rendered with just a few strokes, their elegance and beauty seemed to leap from the paper. What had once been a dull and unremarkable lantern was now a refined and exquisite Beauty Lantern .Ye Li glanced at the lantern in her hand, then at the other one placed beside her, and smiled faintly. She picked up a brush and began sketching on the other lantern. It took her noticeably longer than it had taken Mo Xiuyao, but he didn’t mind, patiently waiting by her side until she finished. When Ye Li handed him the completed lantern, Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in surprise.

On the lantern, a man leaped onto his horse, spear in hand, exuding an extraordinary aura. Unlike Mo Xiuyao, who had painted multiple scenes, Ye Li’s entire canvas focused solely on this one figure—his presence as sharp and imposing as the God of War descending upon the mortal world. It was a vivid depiction of that day outside Yonglin City.

Mo Xiuyao’s smile deepened as he studied the lantern in his hands. “Is this how I appeared in A Li’s eyes that day?”

Ye Li’s delicate face flushed slightly as she picked up her own Beauty Lantern. “My skills are nowhere near as masterful as yours. If you don’t like it, forget it.”

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. “How could I not like it? I’ll treasure it dearly.” His gaze lingered on the figure painted on the lantern, his eyes brimming with quiet delight. He had never realized that in A Li’s eyes, he carried such an awe-inspiring, indomitable presence.

After taking the money and paying the elderly man who had been watching them paint their own lanterns, Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li's hand again and walked forward. The old man, who had been staring absentmindedly, looked down at the silver pieces in his hand—enough to match his entire night's earnings from selling lanterns. His eyes flickered as if suddenly remembering something, his expression growing agitated. "It's... so it was..." But whatever it was, he never finished the sentence. The old man gazed at the receding figures in the distance, lost in thought. Several years ago, there had been a spirited young man in fine brocade who would come every month to buy a lantern from him. Yet each time, the young man would deliberately choose the most ordinary, poorly made one, but always paid the price of a high-quality lantern. Over time, the old man realized the youth was choosing the worst ones out of concern for him—an elderly man living alone—fearing those poorly crafted lanterns would never sell. But years had passed since that young man last appeared...