Outside the courtyard where Mo Xiuyao was temporarily staying, Feng Zhiyao leaned against the wall, watching Xu Hongyu emerge from the garden. His handsome eyes carried a trace of scrutiny and wariness. The prince's current state indeed unsettled him, yet Xu Hongyu's arrival had not brought any more joy to him or the generals of the Mo Family Army. While it was true that the wisdom of the Xu family was renowned throughout the land, the Xu clan had remained as loyal to the Great Chu as the Ding Royal Palace for many years. If Xu Hongyu had come to persuade the prince on behalf of the emperor, given the prince's current state and the Xu family's ties to the princess consort, there was no guarantee the prince wouldn’t be swayed. And the generals of the Mo Family Army... did not wish to see such a scenario.
Over the years, in fact, ever since the days of the late Regent Mo Liufang, the royal family had begun suppressing the Mo Family Army. The treatment the army and the prince had endured had long incited indignation among all the loyal generals of Prince Ding's Estate. Naturally, everyone grieved the princess consort's tragic fate, but the series of orders the prince had issued in response had faintly kindled a glimmer of hope in the hearts of the Mo Family Army's soldiers.
Xu Hongyu paused outside the courtyard gate and turned his head slightly to glance at Feng Zhiyao standing by the wall. With a faint smile, he asked, "Is Third Master Feng waiting for me?"
Meeting Xu Hongyu's unsurprised gaze, Feng Zhiyao's eyes flickered. He raised an eyebrow and replied with a smile, "Mr. Hongyu must be weary from your journey. Perhaps you should rest first before Feng San seeks your counsel?"
Xu Hongyu laughed heartily and shook his head. "This old man would like a cup of tea. Would Third Master Feng honor me with his company?"
Feng San smiled faintly, lowering his gaze. "Then I shall impose upon Mr. Hongyu."
The two moved to the guest courtyard prepared for Xu Hongyu. Xu Hongyu personally brewed a pot of fine tea, pouring a cup for Feng Zhiyao and himself before speaking lightly, "This old man understands what weighs on Third Master Feng's mind." Feng Zhiyao arched his sword-like brows but remained silent. Xu Hongyu shook his head with a smile, regarding Feng Zhiyao's guarded demeanor as one would a disobedient junior. "The Xu family... what we dared to do a century ago—do you think no one would dare to do the same now?"
The words struck Feng Zhiyao like a thunderbolt. His shock was too great to conceal as he stared blankly at the refined middle-aged man before him. Suddenly, he noticed a sharp edge in the brows of this great scholar, who should have been the epitome of gentleness and erudition. Only then did it dawn on him—a century ago, the Xu family... the Xu family head had personally slain the last emperor of the previous dynasty and flung open the city gates, allowing the founding emperor to march in.
Though that Xu family head had then drawn his sword and taken his own life, following the fallen emperor in death, his act had seared into the world's memory that the Xu family's essence was never one of blind loyalty, cowardice, or mere scholarly integrity. Beneath it lay a resolve and ruthlessness surpassing even that of military generals.
Similarly, the Xu family head's regicide and surrender of the city had not been out of loyalty to the Great Chu, but for the sake of the war-ravaged populace and to preserve a sliver of hope for the nearly extinct Xu clan. And indeed, the sole surviving Xu heir, Xu Yanli, ascended to the position of prime minister at the tender age of nineteen, becoming a celebrated statesman immortalized in history.
The Xu family... with the blood of their family head and over seventy kinsmen, had bought the world's respect, Xu Yanli's life, and the prosperity of the Xu clan for the next century or two.If no one deliberately brought it up, in the eyes of nearly everyone, the Xu family represented scholarly heritage, exceptional talent, and the integrity of literati. It was only at this moment that Feng Zhiyao clearly realized the Xu family also stood for bloodshed and warfare, decisiveness, and unparalleled wisdom and strategy. A family that had thrived through two dynasties without decline—especially one whose patriarch required wisdom, decisiveness, and ruthlessness during dynastic transitions—could not rely solely on the ordinary literati's compassionate concern for the world. The Xu family disliked bloodshed, but that absolutely did not mean they feared it.
Xu Hongyu leisurely sipped his tea, watching the shifting expressions of the young man across from him with a silent smile. No family that had endured for centuries was truly benevolent—even if they appeared to be, even if they strived to be, that was never the full truth. The Xu family simply saw things too clearly, which made them seem incomprehensible to others. Just as they could, as scholars, die on the battlefield for the sake of a previous dynasty’s survival. Just as they could retreat to Yunzhou under imperial suppression and withdraw from court affairs. Just as… they could personally behead a ruler, decisively ending a crumbling dynasty. Just as they could sacrifice nearly all their kin to ensure the family’s continuation.
"Mr. Xu…" Feng Zhiyao took an uneasy sip of tea. He had always prided himself on being clever enough, but seated before this refined and erudite scholar, he found himself at a loss for words. Or rather, he didn’t understand why Xu Hongyu was telling him all this. Xu Hongyu chuckled softly and said, "I merely hope my words can reassure the hearts of the Mo Family Army. The Xu family… is not an enemy of the Ding Royal Palace." Feng Zhiyao abruptly looked up, uncertain whether Xu Hongyu meant what he thought he meant. Then Xu Hongyu continued, "But… has Third Master Feng truly prepared himself?"
Prepared himself? Feng Zhiyao was bewildered. Prepared for what? The chaos of the world, the struggle for supremacy… His mind briefly froze before his heart began to race wildly. With Xu Hongyu’s words, it was as though a vague curtain in his mind had suddenly been torn away.The struggle for supremacy over the realm... Countless soldiers of the Mo Family Army harbored hopes that their prince would lead them forward. Only those who truly understood the Mo Family Army knew that it had once been the most formidable force among the nations, with the highest potential to unify the realm. However, due to the suspicion and suppression of successive emperors, their grand ambition to unite the Great Chu had never been realized. Not only that, but the Mo Family Army seemed to have gradually lost its former aspirations. And now... were they truly prepared to vie for the throne? The prince, who had just lost his princess, had indeed plunged the realm into chaos with a mere flick of his fingers, but much of it stemmed from a desire to sow disorder, to exact revenge on those he despised, and from a spectator's detached amusement. The prince seemed utterly disinterested in contemplating the future of the Mo Family Army. Even if their initial victories were achieved through the army's valor, such a situation was clearly unsustainable in the long run. Moreover... the prince's deteriorating health was another unstable factor constantly threatening the Mo Family Army. The excitement, resentment, and hostility toward Xu Hongyu that had surged within Feng Zhiyao vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold sweat. He bowed respectfully to Xu Hongyu and said, "Please enlighten me, sir. Since you have traveled thousands of miles to Ruyang, you surely won’t stand idly by while the prince continues like this..."
Feng Zhiyao left his sentence unfinished, but Xu Hongyu across from him clearly understood his meaning. With a faint smile, he replied, "The prince is merely lost in thought for the moment. Third Master Feng, just wait and see."
Feng Zhiyao smiled bitterly. "The prince has been like this for months. It’s all my fault for being so confused that I didn’t realize... Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Xu."
Xu Hongyu smiled faintly, gazing at the first star rising in the darkening sky, his eyes distant. "The Mo Family Army has its own motives, and the Xu family has its own as well. As for the one in the Chu capital..." Xu Hongyu shook his head and said no more. The Xu family had never been blindly loyal. Not only for the sake of the common people and Lier’s affairs, but even for the continuation of the Xu family’s century-old legacy, they would no longer support Mo Jingqi.
Mo Xiuyao remained secluded in his room for two days, refusing to see anyone. On the third day, he invited Xu Hongyu in for a private discussion. No one but the two of them knew what was said. Three days later, Xu Hongyu quietly departed for Yunzhou.
The day after Xu Hongyu left, Mo Xiuyao finally emerged from his room. Seeing the man step out leisurely, Feng Zhiyao secretly sighed in relief. The Mo Xiuyao before him was still gaunt and pale—even paler than before. His eyes still carried a cold, ruthless sharpness, but the dangerous edge that had once unsettled others was gone. Feng Zhiyao knew the prince had finally found true peace. With his composure restored, Mo Xiuyao took up the affairs he had neglected for months, issuing orders for governance and military deployments with methodical precision. Amid the raging flames of war across the realm, the lifeless northwest began to gradually revive with energy and vitality."Subordinate Qin Feng greets the prince!" Qin Feng stood before Mo Xiuyao, his youthful face now bearing a faint scar. His entire demeanor had undergone a dramatic transformation compared to a few months ago. If the previous Qin Feng was like a sword sheathed in its scabbard, now he was a blade ready to strike at any moment. Over these months, every corner of the northwestern frontier bore traces of Qin Feng and his Qilin. From initially intercepting Western Liang's three hundred thousand troops and burning their provisions under the princess's orders, to launching independent retaliatory strikes against Western Liang's border garrisons after news of the princess's fall from the cliff spread. In just three months, Western Liang's border forces changed commanders three times, and their camps were set ablaze twice. Even the imperial palace and Zhennan Wang's residence in Western Liang's distant capital were not spared. Though there were no major losses, it left the Western Liang emperor and Zhennan Wang's household in disarray. Similarly, the intense and varied battles had transformed all Qilin members into battle-hardened elite warriors. Now, on Western Liang's borders, the name Qilin carried even more weight than the Mo Family Army and the Black Cloud Cavalry.
Mo Xiuyao studied Qin Feng for a moment before speaking, "This prince is aware of your recent actions. Any casualties?"
After a brief silence, Qin Feng replied, "Thank you for your concern, Prince. Three brothers fell in battle, and five others were severely wounded."
Mo Xiuyao asked, "Do you know why this prince summoned you back?"
"Subordinate does not know." At this point, Qin Feng's tone stiffened. They had been planning to march on Western Liang's capital to avenge the princess, but the prince had sent orders demanding his immediate return to Ruyang. This wasn't just his personal reluctance—none of the brothers were willing. Nearly all of them had been trained by the princess. If they couldn't avenge her death at Zhennan Wang's hands, how could they face her memory? Mo Xiuyao picked up a dossier from his desk and placed it before Qin Feng. "Lei Zhenting isn't so easy to kill. And even if you were to kill him, how many lives are you prepared to sacrifice?" Qin Feng declared firmly, "Even if all Qilin members perish in battle, we will avenge the princess!" Mo Xiuyao tapped the dossier. "Take this back and study it. Return when you've understood." Qin Feng took the dossier, and upon seeing the familiar handwriting, even this hardened warrior couldn't suppress the heat in his eyes. He looked up and said, "Your Highness, the princess had shown this to me before. She originally planned to implement it once the northwestern campaign was settled..."
Mo Xiuyao gazed at him. "Can you accomplish it?"
After a moment of silence, Qin Feng nodded heavily. "Yes! Subordinate will not fail the expectations of the prince and the princess."
Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Good. This is all entrusted to you. This prince gives you one year—I want the name Qilin to resound across the land!"
"Subordinate accepts the command!"
Mo Xiuyao waved his hand. "Go. If you need anything, seek Feng San and Zhuo Jing."
"Yes, subordinate takes his leave.""By the way..." Just as Qin Feng turned to leave, Mo Xiuyao's voice came from behind, "Go find Mo Hua. He has someone there who will be handed over to you from now on. Mo Hua knows what needs to be done." Qin Feng nodded silently. Since returning, he had already met Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, so he naturally understood who Mo Xiuyao was referring to. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, though he wasn't sure whether to feel glad that woman was still alive or to scorn Mo Hua for failing to kill even a woman.
"Master Han." As soon as he stepped out, Qin Feng saw Han Mingyue approaching quickly. He frowned slightly and nodded in greeting. Due to Ye Li's influence, those around her generally disliked Han Mingyue, even though their relationship had seemed amicable while Ye Li was still present. Han Mingyue observed the greatly changed Qin Feng, a trace of concern flickering in his eyes, and nodded in return. "Is His Highness inside?" Qin Feng replied, "I have matters to attend to. Excuse me." Watching Qin Feng's retreating figure without pause, Han Mingyue stood momentarily stunned before letting out a bitter smile. Over the past few months, he had been far from welcome in Ruyang City. Though Mo Xiuyao hadn't expelled him, those beneath him made their unwelcoming attitudes abundantly clear. Were it not for Han Mingxi's sake, Zhuo Jing and the others would likely have thrown him out long ago. Han Mingyue had never imagined a day would come when he'd rely on the goodwill earned by the younger brother he'd raised. Yet... he couldn't leave. He couldn't fathom Mo Xiuyao's thoughts—why, despite his intense hatred for Zui Die, he still hadn't killed her. Han Mingyue could even tell that while Su Zuidie was being tortured, Mo Xiuyao hadn't allowed fatal measures and even permitted him to visit her every few days. It was precisely this that made it impossible for him to steel his heart and leave. Sometimes, he even wondered if it might be better had Mo Xiuyao simply ordered her death.
"Xiu Yao..." Upon entering the study, Han Mingyue saw Mo Xiuyao seated behind the desk, seemingly lost in thought over something.
Snapping back to attention, Mo Xiuyao regarded him calmly. "What is it?"
"What exactly do you intend to do with Zui Die?" Han Mingyue couldn't help but ask. He'd already heard from Mo Hua that Zui Die would be handed over to Qin Feng today. He didn't know what Qin Feng was capable of, but he instinctively felt her situation would worsen.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, looking up at him. "Does Su Zuidie think I still have lingering feelings for her?"
Han Mingyue remained silent. Over these months, Zui Die hadn't suffered excessively—certainly far less than what Mo Xiuyao's ruthless demeanor at the cliffside had suggested. Mo Xiuyao had even sent someone to heal her hands. Thus, Su Zuidie had gradually convinced herself that Mo Xiuyao truly couldn't bear to harm her, and that her current imprisonment and suffering were merely due to his lingering anger and the need to maintain appearances. But Han Mingyue knew better—this was all just Su Zuidie's delusion. The moment she turned away years ago, she had forever lost any power to sway Mo Xiuyao—if she'd ever had any to begin with. Now, whenever Su Zuidie was mentioned, the sheer malice in Mo Xiuyao's eyes was terrifying to behold.
"Don't worry, she won't die. At least... not before October this year."
Han Mingyue's heart skipped a beat. "You... you plan to..."Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Exactly what you're thinking. If there's still no news of A Li by October this year, I plan to use her blood as a sacrifice on the mountain—the very mountain where A Li fell off the cliff. Next year... it will be Lei Zhenting's turn... What do you think of this idea? One each year, all those who harmed my A Li and our child, until A Li returns..." Or until this world is completely dyed red.
"But..." Han Mingyue struggled to speak. Princess Ding was already dead.
Well... A Li will appear soon, without amnesia! But dear readers can't expect her to return immediately. She fell off a cliff while pregnant—it's not like she's some robust person who can just tumble down a slope, dust herself off, and run away~
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