Mo Jingqi looked at the fawning officials below the throne and nodded in satisfaction. Then, he turned to Ye Li, who stood to the side, hesitating for a moment before frowning and saying, "Commander Leng and the Heir of Marquis Nan are willing to lead the charge, displaying commendable bravery. This pleases Us greatly. However, Prince Ding is currently not in the capital and cannot assume command of the expedition. Without him, the hundreds of thousands of troops under the Ding Royal Palace cannot be mobilized. What are your thoughts on this matter, Princess Ding?"
Ye Li raised her delicate brows slightly and looked at Mo Jingqi calmly, replying, "Your Majesty, forgive my presumption, but as a mere woman, what opinions could I possibly offer?"
"Princess Ding is too modest," interjected a young man standing behind Mo Jingqi, his voice laced with a sinister edge. "Everyone knows that the matriarch of the Ding Royal Palace holds the authority to command both the Mo Family Army and the Black Cloud Cavalry. Now that the Western Mausoleum Army has invaded our borders, will the Princess and the Ding Royal Palace simply stand by and do nothing?"
A cold laugh echoed in Ye Li's heart. What a blatant accusation! She glanced at the man and was about to respond when Old Duke Hua suddenly stepped forward, fixing the young man with a stern glare. "How dare you! Who are you to sow discord between His Majesty and the Ding Royal Palace?" Old Duke Hua, a veteran of the battlefield for decades, exuded an overwhelming aura despite his advanced age. The sheer force of his presence was not something a mere youth could withstand.
The young man stiffened, his face paling slightly before he bowed to Old Duke Hua. "This humble scholar, Tan Jizhi, greets Duke Hua."
Old Duke Hua snorted dismissively and turned to Mo Jingqi. Mo Jingqi smiled and said, "Old Duke, please do not be angered. Jizhi is a talented and promising young man. We intend to appoint him as an attendant in the Imperial Study so he may serve the state."
Duke Hua cupped his hands toward Mo Jingqi and stroked his snow-white beard, speaking loudly, "Your Majesty, this old subject finds your words rather puzzling. If this Tan Jizhi is indeed so talented, why did he not participate in the imperial examinations? Had he earned the title of top scholar or placed among the top three, Your Majesty could have justifiably promoted him. But the position of Imperial Study attendant is a crucial role at court. Bestowing it upon someone unheard of will hardly inspire confidence among the officials."
Mo Jingqi and the young man exchanged awkward glances. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to take the conventional route, but the imperial examinations were far from easy—especially this year. The chief examiner was none other than the renowned and incorruptible Elder Su of Chu, and among the candidates were three of the Xu family’s five sons. Tan Jizhi was well-versed in schemes and intrigue, but when it came to the imperial exams, he lacked confidence. Even if he passed, unless he ranked among the top three, he would likely be assigned to a provincial post—at best, a minor sixth or seventh-rank official. He would never qualify for a prestigious position like Imperial Study attendant.
Normally, the emperor promoting a trusted confidant wouldn’t have drawn much attention. But Tan Jizhi’s mistake was choosing this moment to provoke discord between the emperor and the Ding Royal Palace in front of the court officials. To Old Duke Hua, a staunch patriot, this was intolerable, and he saw no reason to spare Tan Jizhi any face.
Mo Jingqi coughed lightly and said, "Old Duke, let us discuss this matter another time. The pressing issue now is the deployment of troops. With Prince Ding absent, how are we to mobilize the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Mo Family Army?"Duke Hua hadn't truly intended to embarrass the emperor, so he cooperatively suggested, "Prince Ding will surely return as soon as he receives the news. Before then, why doesn't Your Majesty mobilize troops from elsewhere to provide support?"
Mo Jingqi shook his head with a sigh. "As you well know, old Duke, our southern forces are currently engaged with Prince Li, and the Nanzhao people are eyeing us covetously beyond Snowbreak Pass. Where else can we possibly draw troops from now?"
Duke Hua's expression shifted slightly, his snow-white brows twitching before he fell silent. He understood the emperor's intentions perfectly—it was simply that taking advantage of Prince Ding's absence to target Princess Ding, even at the cost of border security, was hardly the act of a competent ruler. Marquis Muyang stepped forward and said, "Since Princess Ding can command the Mo Family Army and the Black Cloud Cavalry, we implore Your Highness to prioritize the greater good and order the Mo Family Army to march immediately to reinforce the border."
Ye Li raised her head, her gaze sweeping indifferently over Marquis Muyang as she said softly, "Is the Marquis suggesting that this consort should lead the troops in place of His Highness?"
Marquis Muyang choked. Throughout history, while there might have been one or two female generals, never had a woman been appointed as commander-in-chief to lead an army. Moreover, Princess Ding was barely in her teens—even if she did nothing now, no one could fault her. On the contrary, if she were truly to take command, it would be a profound humiliation for Great Chu and its military officers. Forcing a dry laugh, Marquis Muyang averted his eyes and said, "That was not my meaning. I merely urge Your Highness to consider the affairs of state."
Prime Minister Liu, stroking his graying beard, chimed in with a smile, "The Marquis speaks wisely. For the sake of the border's civilians and soldiers, we ask Your Highness to temporarily transfer command of the Mo Family Army to the leading general. Once Prince Ding returns, it will naturally be restored to him intact."
The mockery in Ye Li's eyes went entirely unconcealed. Returned intact once Prince Ding came back? Did they take her for a fool?
Her clear eyes narrowing slightly, Ye Li lifted her head with a faint smile. "The Prime Minister's words place too heavy a burden on this consort. Setting aside whether I even have the authority to mobilize the Mo Family Army—does the Prime Minister truly believe that a single word from me could transfer its command to anyone? I fear not even His Highness himself could accomplish such a thing with mere words." Mo Jingqi's expression darkened as he frowned. "Then does the Princess have any better suggestions? Should we simply allow the Western Liang Army to rampage across our borders and invade Great Chu?"
Ye Li inwardly wished she could slap the man sitting so righteously on the dragon throne as he stared at her. If she refused, it would mean abandoning Great Chu to Western Liang's ravages? Now she finally understood why Mo Jingqi had shown no urgency these past days—he had been waiting for Mo Xiuyao's absence to seize control of the Mo Family Army. It wasn't that he wasn't concerned; rather, in his view, the Western Liang forces still at the border were less pressing than the imminent opportunity to claim Prince Ding's military authority. What puzzled her was where Mo Jingqi's confidence came from—how could he be so sure that once he obtained the Mo Family Army, he could immediately wield it effectively, even to repel Western Liang? Had it not occurred to him that mishandling this might trigger a mutiny?
Lowering her head, Ye Li said, "As a mere woman, Ye Li has no worthy counsel to offer Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."Duke Hua frowned anxiously and said, "Your Majesty, since the military authority of the Ding Royal Palace remains unsettled for now, I implore you to summon Prince Ding back to the capital at once—no, better yet, have him proceed directly to the border to take command. Additionally, this old minister recalls that our Great Chu has over a million troops. Apart from the Mo Family Army and the forces confronting Prince Li in the south, we can still mobilize at least a hundred thousand soldiers to reinforce the border. I beseech Your Majesty to dispatch a contingent of troops immediately."
Though Mo Jingqi was reluctant in his heart, he found it difficult to refute Duke Hua's words. As he hesitated, Marquis Nan, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the old duke speaks wisely. Please send reinforcements to the border at once. The Western Mausoleum Army has captured two cities in a single day and will reach Xinyang, the crucial northwestern stronghold, within ten days at most. Xinyang is the granary of Great Chu's northwest—if the city falls..."
Mo Jingqi's expression darkened. He glanced at Ye Li, then gritted his teeth and declared, "By Our decree, Leng Qingyu shall take command as the primary general, with the Heir of Marquis Nan as his deputy. They shall lead an army of one hundred fifty thousand and depart at once!"
"Your servant obeys the command!" Leng Qingyu and the Heir of Marquis Nan responded in unison, bowing deeply.
Mo Jingqi was clearly in a foul mood. With a grim expression, he waved his hand dismissively, signaling for everyone to withdraw.
After leaving the imperial study, Ye Li accompanied Old Duke Hua on foot as they exited the palace. The old duke remained silent for most of the journey, only sighing heavily from time to time. It wasn’t until they reached the palace gates that he stopped and looked at Ye Li. "It’s unfortunate that Prince Ding is not in the capital at this critical moment. You’ve been put in a difficult position, Princess."
Ye Li offered a faint smile and replied, "There’s no need for Your Grace to worry. These matters are merely part of my duties."
Old Duke Hua shook his head. "The Emperor has acted far too recklessly this time. Having been raised among women, he is still far from matching the late Emperor’s caliber." Ye Li understood his meaning. When the late Emperor ascended the throne, Western Liang and Great Chu were locked in years of war. At that time, Prince Ding Mo Liufang was not only an outstanding civil administrator but also a military hero, arguably the most illustrious figure in the Ding Royal Palace since Mo Lanyun. Despite such fame, the late Emperor endured with patience, treating Mo Lanyun with the utmost respect and courtesy until he had consolidated his own power and Mo Liufang willingly relinquished authority. Only then did the late Emperor begin to govern in earnest. Though not a sage ruler, he was a capable sovereign who upheld the dynasty’s legacy. His relationship with the regent prince even became a celebrated tale of harmony between ruler and subject.
But the current Emperor, Mo Jingqi, has revealed his hostility toward Prince Ding’s estate far too early. Even when Prince Ding had already become a cripple, retreating into seclusion at the Ding Royal Palace, Mo Jingqi never ceased his relentless suppression—constraining the Mo Family Army at every turn. If he truly possessed the extraordinary talent to govern with brilliance, it might be excusable. But the truth is, his capabilities are insufficient to control the Mo Family Army. Even if Mo Xiuyao were willing to hand over the army to him, the question remains: would the Mo Family Army truly obey his orders? Given his narrow-mindedness, could he ever treat them fairly?
"Your Grace should choose your words carefully," Ye Li murmured with a quiet laugh.
Duke Hua waved his hand, signaling for Ye Li not to accompany him further, then turned toward his carriage. Watching as the old duke boarded, Ye Li turned back and noticed the Heir of Marquis Nan standing not far away, smiling at her. She sighed inwardly. She had only met this brother-in-law—her elder sister Ye Zhen’s husband—a handful of times, sharing a meal at the Ye residence. They were practically strangers. Now that the Ye family had declined, Ye Zhen still lived comfortably in the Marquis Nan household, a testament to the marquis’s shrewdness in handling affairs. For this reason alone, Ye Li treated him with courtesy.
"Greetings, Princess."Ye Li nodded with a faint smile, "You're too kind, Shizi. Is there something you wish to discuss?"
Nan Hou Shizi smiled lightly, "Nothing urgent. Zhen'er has been missing the Princess Consort dearly. If you have some leisure time, you might consider visiting our estate for a brief gathering."
Hearing this, Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly in surprise. Given the emperor's current stance toward Prince Ding's Estate, anyone with eyes could discern the implications. For the heir of a marquis to invite her at such a time... Her eyes flickered thoughtfully as she replied with a smile, "For Elder Sister to have met someone like Shizi is her great fortune. I hope you'll continue to look after her." Nan Hou Shizi responded generously, "Since Zhen'er has entered the Nan Hou household, she is naturally family. The Princess Consort need not worry."
Ye Li nodded, "Shizi departs for the border tomorrow. I wish you a smooth journey."
"Thank you, Princess Consort," Nan Hou Shizi said before taking his leave.
"Farewell," Ye Li replied.
Watching his retreating figure, Ye Li turned to gaze at the towering palace gates behind her, frowned, and walked away.
Leng Qingyu and Nan Hou Shizi led their troops away in haste the following day. Standing atop the city walls to see them off, Ye Li's delicate brows remained tightly knit as she watched the army disappear into the distance. Prince Zhennan of Xiling bore the title of God of War in Western Liang, having commanded the nation's forces for decades. Even Mo Xiuyao wouldn't dare claim absolute certainty of victory. Could Leng Qingyu and Nan Hou Shizi truly succeed with merely a hundred thousand troops?
"Princess Consort, is something troubling you?" Zhuo Jing asked, observing her expression.
Ye Li shook her head. The Great Chu had more than just Mo Xiuyao as its general. If they relied on him for everything, nothing would ever get done.
"Third Sister... Princess Consort..." Ye Zhen's voice called from behind. Turning, Ye Li saw Ye Zhen standing beside the Shizi's wife, looking at her with joyful surprise. Compared to her radiant appearance during their last meeting, Ye Zhen now looked pale and haggard, her eyes rimmed red—likely from worry over her husband going to war.
The wife of Nan Hou Shizi came from a scholarly family and appeared gentle and virtuous. She approached Ye Li courteously to pay her respects before considerately leaving Ye Zhen to speak with Ye Li privately.
The two sisters, never particularly close and meeting only a handful of times each year, found themselves at a momentary loss for words.
After a long silence, Ye Zhen finally spoke softly, "Has the Princess Consort visited home recently?"
Ye Li shook her head. With the Ye family's fortunes in decline, Ye Laofuren seemed to blame everything on Ye Li, never missing an opportunity to verbally slight her. Over the years, this was the first time Ye Li had witnessed such fearless defiance of authority from the old matriarch. Though Lord Ye never voiced it, his expression subtly conveyed dissatisfaction with his daughter, the Princess Consort. Not one to seek discomfort, Ye Li avoided returning home except when necessary.
Ye Zhen whispered, "Father plans to return to our ancestral home soon."
Ye Li nodded, "That might be for the best. If Rong'er is properly educated and with the family's remaining resources, Father and Grandmother can still enjoy their twilight years in peace." Given the current circumstances, with the Ye family withdrawn from official circles, leaving the capital was the wisest choice. Otherwise, should they become entangled in political machinations again, a simple resignation from office might not suffice to resolve matters.Ye Zhen's delicately arched willow-leaf brows furrowed slightly as she looked at Ye Li and said, "Third Sister, do you truly hate Father so much? Can you really not help him at all?"
Ye Li shook her head and replied softly, "Eldest Sister, it's precisely because I don't hate Father that I say it's right for him to return now. Nothing is more important than life."
A trace of confusion and disbelief flashed in Ye Zhen's eyes. She gazed at Ye Li with a sigh of melancholy and said, "Second Sister is dead, Fourth Sister's fate remains unknown, and as for Fifth and Sixth Sisters... let's not mention them. How did we sisters come to this..."
"Eldest Sister, the Nan Hou residence is still a decent family. The heir's wife is an intelligent woman and won't make things too difficult for you. Live your life well," Ye Li said solemnly.
Ye Zhen was momentarily stunned, but by the time she regained her composure, Ye Li had already walked away. A hint of sorrow and resentment surfaced in her eyes as she murmured, "Without children or family backing, how can I possibly live well? Third Sister, not everyone is as fortunate as you."
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