Mo Li

After calming Feng Zhiyao, Ye Li tapped her slender fingers thoughtfully and said, "Last time we outsmarted Lei Zhenting. It seems he’s now determined to settle the score?" Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Whether or not there was the previous incident, Lei Zhenting would stop at nothing to deal with the Mo Family Army." Ever since that defeat years ago, the Mo Family Army had become a thorn in the side of Prince Zhennan of Xiling. Now that the prince was nearing fifty—though still considered in his prime for a military commander—if he delayed any longer, he would never have the chance to crush the Mo Family Army and avenge his past humiliation.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "You’ll likely be very busy in the coming days. Leave Xinyang to me."

Mo Xiuyao gazed at her apologetically. They had been married for just over a year, and though he had always promised to let A Li live the life she desired, in reality, she had scarcely known a single day of peace since their wedding. Ye Li arched a brow and smiled. "Only birds flee at the first sign of trouble. Or does Your Highness doubt my capabilities?" Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly, admiring the confidence and pride in her expression. He murmured, "Then, the defense and governance of Xinyang will be entrusted to A Li?"

Ye Li nodded. "As long as you trust me."

The news from Duke Hua had come too suddenly, but both Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li knew he wouldn’t joke about such matters unless he was absolutely certain. Though no signs of trouble had yet emerged, Mo Xiuyao had to deploy the Mo Family Army’s forces in advance to prepare for the possibility of multi-front battles. As for Xinyang, Mo Xiuyao truly had little time to oversee it personally. After ordering Qilin to compile and deliver maps of the gathered intelligence to Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li had another study arranged and swiftly relocated there.

"Your Highness, Imperial Concubine Bai has been clamoring to see the prince," Qin Feng reported in a low voice as Ye Li studied the maps before her. With all affairs in Xinyang now under her full authority—including the tens of thousands of Mo Family Army troops guarding the city—and Mo Xiuyao swamped with work, Su Zuidie’s matter naturally fell to Ye Li alone. Frowning, Ye Li said, "I nearly forgot about her. Any news on Han Mingyue’s whereabouts?"

Qin Feng replied, "Reports from Western Liang confirm that Han Mingyue has indeed left and entered Great Chu, but his current location remains unknown." Ye Li rubbed her temples. "Truly worthy of Young Master Mingyue, the master of intelligence. I suspect he’s somewhere near Xinyang." Qin Feng nodded in agreement. "Given Han Mingyue’s concern for Su Zuidie, it’s highly likely he’s nearby. Unfortunately, he’s a peerless expert in concealment. Unless he reveals himself, we won’t find him anytime soon."

Ye Li’s smile was icy. "As long as he has a weakness, we’ll catch him eventually. However… I’m in no hurry to capture Han Mingyue himself. What concerns me is the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity behind him. Though the prince has already dismantled many of its strongholds in Great Chu, and many others have defected with Han Mingxi, there may still be remnants. Such a threat would be fatal to the Mo Family Army at this stage.""Threat." Qin Feng looked up, puzzled, and asked, "What does the Princess have in mind?" Ye Li replied calmly, "It depends on how deep Han Mingyue's feelings for Su Zuidie truly are. Secretly spread the word that I, the Princess, am jealous of Su Zuidie's past relationship with the Prince and torment her daily—even... planning to kill her behind the Prince’s back!" Qin Feng was taken aback and hesitated before asking, "Would Han Mingyue really fall for this?"

Ye Li lifted her gaze, offering a faint smile. "Do you think I’m joking?"

Qin Feng was confused. "What does the Princess mean?"

Ye Li chuckled. "If Han Mingyue doesn’t come... I’ll dismantle Su Zuidie piece by piece and send her to him. Traitors who betray their country for glory deserve death!"

"Understood, Your Highness."

In an inconspicuous house near Xinyang, Han Mingyue, who had been missing for some time, sat by the window. His once-elegant face now bore traces of weariness and deep concern.

"Young Master," a man in gray entered and bowed respectfully. Han Mingyue turned to him. "Any news?" The man nodded. "Miss Su is indeed in the governor’s mansion in Xinyang, but... our people cannot get close to her." Han Mingyue was unsurprised. "She’s been imprisoned by Prince Ding." The gray-clad man shook his head. "Prince Ding doesn’t seem interested in Miss Su. Since her arrival, he’s barely paid her any attention. All affairs in Xinyang are now handled by Princess Ding." Han Mingyue was startled and turned to him. "Everything in Xinyang is under Princess Ding’s control? Then what is Prince Ding doing?" The man frowned slightly. "I suspect Prince Ding has learned of Zhennan Wang’s plans and is likely making secret arrangements. Otherwise... with over a hundred thousand troops stationed outside Xinyang, Prince Ding wouldn’t neglect military affairs. Young Master, should we report this to Zhennan Wang?"

Han Mingyue gave him a cool glance. "We’re here for Zui Die’s safety. The Mo Family Army’s affairs are none of our concern. Understood?"

The gray-clad man hesitated briefly before nodding. "Understood. I know nothing. Now that we’ve located Miss Su, should we attempt to rescue her?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Han Mingyue’s face. "Rescuing her... Given their past ties, Prince Ding wouldn’t harm her. So... staying in Xinyang might actually be safer for her." The man lowered his voice. "But... reports from the governor’s mansion suggest Miss Su isn’t faring well. A few days ago, she injured her forehead. Moreover, the Princess of the State seems displeased with Miss Su’s former engagement to Prince Ding. With Prince Ding completely uninvolved in the mansion’s affairs, Miss Su might... suffer.""Princess Ding Ye Li..." Han Mingyue frowned. He had only met the noble-born Princess Ding a few times, and none of those encounters had been particularly pleasant. Yet despite this, he couldn't help but envy his former friend's good fortune. Princess Ding was an exceptionally outstanding wife—far more suited to Mo Xiuyao and the Ding Royal Palace than Su Zuidie, who was known as the most beautiful woman in Great Chu. She was intelligent, sharp-witted, resilient, decisive, and above all... possessed unwavering perseverance and courage. If she wanted to make things difficult for Su Zuidie, and Prince Ding completely turned a blind eye... Su Zuidie would stand no chance against Ye Li. Han Mingyue understood the woman he admired far better than others imagined. In the dead of night, he would even silently question whether all this was worth it, but... "Have someone keep an eye on the Governor's Mansion. Report any movements immediately."

"Understood," the gray-clad man replied respectfully, bowing his head. After a moment of thought, Han Mingyue sighed and said, "Prepare for me to go to Xinyang in person." The gray-clad man hesitated, voicing his disapproval, "Young Master, please reconsider. The city gates of Xinyang are currently sealed, making entry and exit difficult." Han Mingyue remained firm. "Go and make the preparations."

"...Yes, as you command."

"Princess, these past few days, the Western Mausoleum Army has remained stationed twenty li outside Xinyang. However, Zhennan Wang Shizi has secretly led nearly two hundred thousand troops southward, likely intending to rendezvous with the southern forces. I suspect Western Liang may be attempting to flank our army from behind and attack Xinyang from both sides." As they walked along the winding corridor of the Governor's Mansion, Ye Li listened to Zhuo Jing's report without breaking stride. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, but her steps remained steady. "Send a copy of this information to His Highness. Any movement from the Western Liang troops outside the city?"

Zhuo Jing replied, "They have remained inactive these past few days."

"What is Zhennan Wang doing?" Ye Li asked.

Zhuo Jing frowned in thought. "There has been no news of Zhennan Wang either. The Western Liang forces have shown no signs of movement."

Ye Li paused briefly before continuing. "Have someone investigate whether Zhennan Wang is even with the army. Also, inform His Highness to exercise caution in Jiangxia. Lei Tengfeng leading troops south may not necessarily mean they intend to flank Xinyang."

"Understood," Zhuo Jing acknowledged, then added, "The one in the side courtyard has been causing quite a stir these days. How should we handle her, Princess?"

Ye Li glanced toward a small courtyard in the northwest corner, though nothing was visible from the corridor. She had heard about Su Zuidie's incessant demands to leave and her noisy tantrums. With a faint smile, she said, "Let her make as much noise as she likes. Any news on Han Mingyue?"

Zhuo Jing nodded. "Yesterday, we received word that traces of Han Mingyue's Pavilion of Heavenly Unity were spotted in a small town near Xinyang. However, by the time we arrived, they had already vanished. Your deduction was correct—Han Mingyue is indeed near Xinyang."Ye Li thought for a moment and smiled, "Perhaps he's already entered the city. As long as he's inside, we won't have trouble finding him. Today's Xinyang is nothing like before." Originally, Xinyang had a large and mixed population, but now, apart from soldiers, there were hardly any ordinary citizens, let alone traveling merchants. It wouldn't be easy for Han Mingyue and his group to hide their tracks. "Be extra careful at the Prefect's residence. We can't let anyone break in and take our prisoner. Once Han Mingyue's whereabouts are discovered, immediately seal off Xinyang—allow entry but no exit. Does Han Mingyue really think today's Xinyang is so easy to enter?" If not for leaving the door open to lure someone into a trap, not even a fly could slip into Xinyang.

Zhuo Jing chuckled, "Rest assured, Princess Consort. While we might not match Han Mingyue in stealth, it won't be easy for him to snatch anyone from our grasp either."

Ye Li nodded and stood before the door of her newly arranged study, saying to Zhuo Jing, "Go attend to your duties."

Zhuo Jing bowed and withdrew. As Ye Li stepped inside, she unexpectedly saw Mo Xiuyao sitting behind the desk reading. Surprised, she asked, "What are you doing here?" Mo Xiuyao had been extremely busy these past few days, and they hadn't seen each other in two days. Mo Xiuyao set down his book and smiled, "What? A Li doesn't want to see me?" Ye Li shot him a glance, "I sent Zhuo Jing to deliver some things to you. Now that you're here, isn't that a wasted trip for him?" Mo Xiuyao rose with a smile, pulling her down to sit beside him, "Then it's my fault. If there's anything important, A Li can just tell me directly. I've barely managed to steal a moment of leisure to see you." Ye Li rubbed her temples and sighed helplessly at the pile of documents on the desk, "Your Highness has time to steal leisure, but I'm swamped with work." Mo Xiuyao frowned at the paperwork, concerned, "Why so much? You don't have enough people around you. Should I assign you a few more?"

Ye Li waved her hand dismissively, "No need. You're busy enough yourself. With Xinyang in the midst of reconstruction, it's natural to be overwhelmed. Things will ease up soon. Han Mingyue's matter should be resolved in a few days, and An Si will return. I have enough people."

Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms and murmured discontentedly, "Had I known A Li was so skilled at training people, I should have assigned you some female guards from the start."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, "Is Your Highness jealous?"

"My wife is astute," Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. Ye Li snorted, "Your Highness is making progress—now you're even jealous of the people around me?" Mo Xiuyao sighed mournfully. He didn't want to act like a resentful husband, but A Li was becoming more and more dazzling, and the time they spent together was clearly less than what she shared with Zhuo Jing, Qin Feng, and the others. Most importantly, A Li still hadn't said she loved him... Soon, it would be time for Zhuo Jing and the others to marry...

"If you're too busy, let Second Brother come help you."

Ye Li rolled her eyes, "Second Brother is here as the army supervisor. What would it look like for him to follow me around?"

"I trust Second Brother," Mo Xiuyao muttered.

"..."