On the platform, two figures moved with agile grace, locked in a fierce battle. Ye Li’s three-foot sword darted like a viper, striking relentlessly at Chen Yun’s vital points. Chen Yun, however, was no pushover—his spear whirled with seamless precision, leaving no opening. For a moment, the two were deadlocked.
Ye Li glanced at the young officer’s solemn expression and smiled faintly. Her sword suddenly transformed into a streak of cold light, shooting straight for Chen Yun’s face. Chen Yun hastily raised his spear to block, only to find the blade veering mid-flight, skimming along the shaft and pressing forward. A split second of hesitation was all it took—before he knew it, the cold edge of Ye Li’s sword rested against his throat, while her other hand firmly gripped his spear.
Ye Li arched a brow, amused. "Chen Xiaowei?"
Chen Yun lowered his spear and bowed deeply. "Your Highness’s swordsmanship is profound. This subordinate concedes defeat." Ye Li didn’t press further, withdrawing her sword and tossing it casually to Zhuo Jing, who stood at the platform’s edge. Turning to the officers below, she grinned. "Any other generals who wish to challenge me? Feel free to step up."
The officers exchanged glances before a burly middle-aged man wielding twin maces leaped onto the platform. He clasped his hands in salute. "This subordinate, Lu Feng, Deputy General of the Mo Family Army in Chizhou, seeks to learn from Your Highness’s skill."
Ye Li nodded slightly and took two steps back. Unlike Chen Yun, who was lean and agile, Lu Feng was clearly a powerhouse. Just the sight of his twin maces—each weighing dozens of pounds—was enough to make anyone wary. A single solid hit from those would be no joke.
Ye Li wasn’t one to stubbornly match brute force, so she drew the weapon she wielded best—her dagger. Lu Feng blinked in surprise at the gleaming blade. "This is Your Highness’s weapon?"
Ye Li nodded. "General Lu, after you."
"Then this general will make his move. Be careful, Your Highness." With that, one of Lu Feng’s maces swept toward her with thunderous force. Ye Li dodged swiftly, her dagger flashing coldly in the morning light.
The onlookers quickly noticed that Ye Li was far more dangerous with a dagger than with a sword. Several times, the blade came perilously close to Lu Feng’s vital points. If not for his overwhelming strength—each strike carrying enough force to make evasion necessary—he would have already been wounded by that small but deadly weapon.
Ye Li clearly understood Lu Feng’s strengths and weaknesses. Instead of clashing head-on, she used her agility to wear him down, all while waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Though she hadn’t managed to land a hit yet, she had certainly given him quite a scare.
At one point, Lu Feng raised both maces and brought them crashing down. Ye Li sidestepped, delivered a mid-air spinning kick, then pushed off the ground with her left hand while her dagger shot toward Lu Feng’s left flank. Seeing this, Lu Feng hastily swung his right mace downward—but Ye Li had already flipped behind him.
"General Lu…"Lu Feng stiffened as the cold dagger pressed against his spine. Having fought in battles for years, he was well acquainted with all kinds of injuries and knew full well that if Ye Li's blade struck true, he would be left permanently paralyzed with no other outcome. Setting down his twin maces, Lu Feng turned and bowed respectfully to Ye Li. "Thank you, Princess Consort, for showing mercy. This general concedes defeat."
Ye Li smiled faintly. "General Lu possesses Herculean strength and extraordinary skill. This consort is deeply impressed."
After a brief silence, the crowd below erupted in cheers, with the soldiers and officers shouting their approval. Having won two consecutive matches, Ye Li had thoroughly earned their respect, and naturally, no one else stepped forward to challenge her. After two consecutive fights, any further challenge would be dishonorable—what kind of men would gang up on a woman in a battle of attrition?
As Ye Li descended from the platform, the crowd quickly gathered around her. Lyu Jinxian clasped his hands and laughed. "Princess Consort, your display of skill today has left us utterly awestruck. We crude men know no manners and have offended you—we beg your forgiveness."
Ye Li waved it off with a smile. "General Lyu, you exaggerate. Such a trivial matter is not worth mentioning. I still have matters to attend to in the city, so I leave the camp in your capable hands."
Lyu Jinxian quickly assured her, "You need not worry, Princess Consort." Ye Li nodded, then glanced at Yun Ting with an amused expression. "Lieutenant Yun..."
Yun Ting scratched his head, his face twisted in dismay. "Princess Consort, this subordinate knows his mistake."
Ye Li smiled approvingly. "To recognize one's faults and correct them is the greatest virtue. Have you been keeping up with your studies?"
The mention of books made Yun Ting's expression sour further, recalling the towering stacks of texts in his quarters ever since Ye Li had assigned him to the Mo Family Army. "I have... I just started reading The Art of War ."
Ye Li's smile grew even warmer. "Good progress. As it happens, I need several copies of The Art of War as teaching material for the soldiers. I’ll trouble you to transcribe ten copies—deliver them to me in three days."
"Yes, Princess Consort," Yun Ting replied, his eyes glazed over, his body stiff as he numbly watched Ye Li walk away.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Chen Yun, standing nearby, patted his shoulder, puzzled by his devastated expression.
Yun Ting gave him a silent look before turning and walking away. If I ever fight you again, I’m a pig.
Chen Yun stared blankly at his retreating figure, then down at his own hand in confusion. It was just a spar—no need to be so petty, right?
Feng Zhiyao stepped forward, tapping Chen Yun's shoulder with his folding fan. "Don’t mind him—he’s just dreading the copying. If you’re free, Lieutenant Chen, you could help him with a few pages. I guarantee he’d consider you a sworn brother afterward."
"Copying?" Chen Yun's face twisted slightly as childhood memories of being chased by his father and tutor to copy texts resurfaced. He shook his head quickly. "I’ll pass. I’ll go see if there’s any food—bring him some when he’s exhausted from copying." As for transcribing books? No thanks—his handwriting was atrocious.They had left the city in haste, but their return was more leisurely. Ye Li and her party strolled back, taking the opportunity to observe the conditions at various checkpoints and among the common people. Despite the imminent threat of war, the citizens of Jiangxia seemed remarkably at ease, going about their daily lives as if nothing were amiss. Even though they had just endured a bloody battle the previous day—one that had nearly resulted in the city’s fall—by early morning, people were already out and about, shops were opening, and there was no trace of the fear or unease that typically follows warfare.
Feng Zhiyao walked beside Ye Li, idly waving a folding fan as he explained, "These people trust the Mo Family Army with all their hearts. They believe that wherever the Mo Family Army is stationed, the city will never fall, and their homes will never be invaded by the enemy."
Ye Li sighed softly, unsure whether to feel admiration or concern. It was a point of pride for the Mo Family Army to inspire such faith in the people. But when everyone entrusted all their trust and responsibility to the Mo Family Army, relying on them so completely, the burden became immense. No wonder the successive lords of the Ding Royal Palace had never been able to retire peacefully after their achievements—the Ding Royal Palace and the Mo Family Army had long become the spiritual and practical pillars of Great Chu. If one day the Mo Family Army ceased to exist, would Great Chu still be the same Great Chu?
"Your Highness, an envoy from Western Liang seeks an audience," General Yuan Pei reported as soon as they reached the palace gates. Seeing Ye Li and the others return, he hurried forward to deliver the message. Ye Li frowned slightly. "An envoy from Western Liang?"
Yuan Pei nodded solemnly. "The envoy arrived outside the city earlier, requesting an audience. I took the liberty of allowing them entry. They are now waiting in the outer courtyard for Your Highness’s summons." Ye Li nodded. "You did well, General Yuan. Let us meet this envoy from Western Liang. Anyone bold enough to enter Jiangxia at such a time must be no ordinary figure. Escort them to the study."
"Yes, Your Highness."
After changing her attire, Ye Li returned to the study. Soon, General Yuan Pei led the Western Liang envoy inside. At the head of the group was an unremarkable-looking middle-aged man, followed by a military officer and three attendants. All five were dressed in plain cloth garments and carried no weapons, appearing utterly confident and unafraid to step into a city controlled by the Mo Family Army.
The middle-aged man glanced at Ye Li, then stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting. "This humble one is Mo Fei, an advisor under Prince Zhennan of Western Liang. I pay my respects to the Princess of the State of Eastern Chu."
"Rise, Master Mo," Ye Li said with a faint smile, gesturing lightly. "What brings you here today?"
Mo Fei looked around at the others seated in the study and smiled. "Indeed, Prince Zhennan has a small matter he wishes to discuss with Your Highness. However... might we speak privately?" Ye Li chuckled. "It’s not that we cannot, but rather that it’s unnecessary. As the temporary commander of the Mo Family Army, it would be improper for me to meet privately with an envoy from the enemy. Besides, there is nothing that cannot be said openly. If you have something to discuss, Master Mo, please speak plainly."
Beside them, Zhuo Jing sneered. "A private talk? Who knows if you’re plotting to assassinate Her Highness?"
Feng Zhiyao added lazily, "Assassinating Her Highness is beyond your capabilities, but it never hurts to be cautious."Mo Fei's expression darkened as if he was about to lose his temper, but he quickly restrained himself. Raising his head, he said to Ye Li, "Since the Princess Consort insists, I won't press further. I presume everyone here is a trusted confidant of the Princess Consort and the Ding Royal Palace?" Ye Li nodded indifferently. Mo Fei continued, "Our prince has a letter for the Princess Consort. Please take a look."
With that, he took out a letter from his sleeve and presented it. Zhuo Jing stepped forward, took the letter, and carefully inspected it to ensure there were no issues before handing it to Ye Li. Ye Li opened the letter, glanced at it, then looked up at Mo Fei standing below the hall with an air of calm composure. She gave a faint smile before lowering her head to continue reading. After a long while, she finally raised her head, slowly folded the letter back into the envelope, and calmly studied Mo Fei. Smiling, Mo Fei asked, "Princess Consort, what do you think of our prince's proposal?"
"What do I think?" Ye Li chuckled, leisurely eyeing him before raising her voice. "Guards! Drag this man out and execute him!"
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