Mo Li

In early April, Prince Li and Nanzhao, who had been engaged in battles with Great Chu in the south, withdrew their troops one after another. The once-fierce warfare showed signs of easing. With Prince Li and Nanzhao ceasing hostilities, the only remaining force in the southern front of Great Chu was the several hundred thousand troops led by Lei Tengfeng of Western Liang. No matter how strong Western Liang’s army was, they were still far from their homeland. With Great Chu’s vast territory and abundant resources, and the Mo Family Army’s intimidating presence of several hundred thousand soldiers in between, Lei Tengfeng gradually slowed his advance. In the north, although there had been several skirmishes with Northern Rong, both sides had their wins and losses, with neither gaining any significant advantage, leading to a stalemate.

This situation left Feng Zhiyao and the others in Ruyang City deeply troubled. If Great Chu ceased hostilities with the other nations, it was entirely possible for them to form alliances and unite against the Mo Family Army. Yet, Mo Xiuyao merely smiled without comment.

"Your Highness, Mo Jingqi must have already reached an agreement with Mo Jingli. If Western Liang and Northern Rong also halt their attacks, Mo Jingqi will likely turn his forces against us," Feng Zhiyao voiced his concerns in the study.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Feng San, the Mo Family Army has always been the greatest threat to the nobility of every nation—even now. So even if they all unite against this prince, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised."

Feng Zhiyao frowned. "Does Your Highness already have a strategy in mind?"

Mo Xiuyao gently stroked the scroll in his hand, lowering his gaze. "A strategy… Feng San, what the Mo Family Army needs now is not a strategy—it’s victories."

Feng Zhiyao stared at the imposing figure before him, puzzled. "Victories?"

A cold smile curled at the corners of Mo Xiuyao’s lips as he nodded. "Indeed… For so many years, the Mo Family Army’s undefeated reputation has been tarnished. What I want is for Mo Jingqi to strike first—we’ll use him as practice. To show the world that the Mo Family Army… is still the same Mo Family Army."

Feng Zhiyao remained uneasy, rubbing his temples. "But if all four nations attack us simultaneously, Your Highness… No matter how valiant the Mo Family Army is, we cannot withstand an endless tide of enemies."

Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes, studying Feng Zhiyao for a long moment before chuckling softly. Seeing Feng Zhiyao’s confusion, he said, "Feng San, for all your claims of brilliance, your grasp of politics is a mess. Do you really think there will ever be a time when all four nations attack us at once?"

Feng Zhiyao furrowed his brow in contemplation.

Mo Xiuyao idly rubbed his fingertips, his tone indifferent. "In this world… there are no eternal enemies, nor eternal friends. The only true constant is self-interest. If the Mo Family Army were destroyed, who would benefit the most? Right now, we still have over five hundred thousand soldiers. Do you think they could truly annihilate me by merely matching our numbers? Who would contribute more troops, and who would hold back? And among themselves… Nanzhao is plagued by internal tribal conflicts, Western Liang is entangled with minor states, and Northern Rong has suffered years of drought and poor harvests. As for Great Chu… Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli—do you truly believe they would wholeheartedly unite?"When Mo Xiuyao said this, Feng Zhiyao suddenly felt enlightened. With a somewhat embarrassed smile, he said, "I overthought it. Your Highness must have already had a plan in mind. Then... the Mo Family Army will stand ready and wait for the enemy to come to us. However... I believe it's best not to confront Mo Jingqi's forces right from the start." Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow at him, and Feng Zhiyao continued, "Mo Jingqi has been slandering Your Highness extensively. If we clash with him immediately, it might only confirm the accusations of rebellion against you."

Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly, clearly unconcerned, and simply asked, "How have the soldiers of the Mo Family Army reacted?"

"The Mo Family Army has been heavily suppressed by Mo Jingqi over the years, and they understand the current situation perfectly. Naturally, they follow Your Highness's orders without question." Feng Zhiyao sighed helplessly. He truly couldn’t understand why His Highness didn’t even consider refuting the slander Mo Jingqi had thrown at him. Even he understood the importance of public sentiment, yet His Highness seemed entirely indifferent to the matter. As if reading Feng Zhiyao’s thoughts, Mo Xiuyao said calmly, "No matter how we argue, the fact remains that the Mo Family Army is gradually breaking away from the Chu dynasty. Any further explanations would only seem like a cover-up to many. Since Mo Jingqi enjoys playing games, I’ll indulge him. He’s been spoiled too much by the late emperor and the Empress Dowager. 'He who wins the hearts of the people wins the empire'—does he really think winning hearts is so easy? Ignore whatever Mo Jingqi does. Send word to Han Mingxi to return and see me, and tell Leng Haoyu to come back as soon as possible. I have tasks for them."

Feng Zhiyao nodded in acknowledgment. Mentioning Leng Haoyu, he hesitated before asking, "Your Highness, what about General Murong...?" Murong Shen was a renowned general of the Chu dynasty and had once served under Mo Liufang. Moreover, his only daughter was now the wife of Leng Haoyu, one of Mo Xiuyao’s most trusted aides. It seemed only natural to win him over. After a moment of contemplation, Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "Not for now. General Murong is undoubtedly the first person Mo Jingqi suspects, and his surroundings must be swarming with spies. Just keep an eye on him. As long as Mo Jingqi doesn’t move against him, there’s no need to alert him yet. The south... still needs a reliable general to hold the line. Though I dislike Mo Jingqi, I don’t want those southern barbarians setting foot within our borders!" Hearing this, Feng Zhiyao understood. It was clear Mo Xiuyao already had a plan regarding Murong Shen but needed him to remain in the south for now. After a moment’s thought, Feng Zhiyao also grasped Mo Xiuyao’s reasoning. If asked which of the neighboring states he despised the most, Feng Zhiyao would undoubtedly choose Nanzhao. Unlike the fierce bravery of Western Liang and Northern Rong, the tribes of Nanzhao were sharp and varied in customs, but their xenophobia was unmatched among the nations. And those bewildering arrays of poisonous insects and ants—Feng Zhiyao shuddered at the thought of their beautiful and prosperous central plains turning into a land teeming with venomous creatures.

"Understood. I’ll handle it immediately."Mo Xiuyao nodded, signaling Feng Zhiyao to withdraw. Feng Zhiyao cupped his hands in salute and retreated, glancing at Mo Xiuyao, who had once again sunk into deep thought behind the desk. He moved his lips as if to say something but ultimately swallowed his words and quietly exited the study.

Ye Li strolled back under the setting sun, carrying a basket of wild vegetables. Her delicate face was flushed a healthy red from the sunlight, with fine beads of sweat glistening at her temples. Though her health had recovered, the seven-month pregnancy made the trip up the mountain somewhat exhausting. Taking advantage of the fine weather, she had visited the small river where Doctor Lin had found her. The winding, turbulent stream was clearly not the same river from which she had fallen—nor even a tributary. The river ended in a waterfall cascading from a height, but Ye Li knew she couldn’t have fallen from above. The twenty-meter drop and the shallow water below would have been fatal. Therefore, there must be an underground river beneath the waterfall, and she had likely been washed out from there. Unfortunately… judging by the rapid current, even if her guess was correct, it wasn’t a feasible path to retrace—especially not with her heavily pregnant state. Resigned, she abandoned the idea of exploring further, gathered some edible wild greens and fruits, and leisurely made her way back to the small village where she had lived for several months.

Doctor Lin and Ye Li’s cottage stood at the village’s edge. By now, cooking smoke rose from every household, and the quiet hamlet echoed with faint laughter from within the homes, though no one was outside. From a distance, Ye Li noticed no smoke rising from Doctor Lin’s house. She frowned slightly—hadn’t he said he wouldn’t be going out today? As she approached the two small wooden houses standing side by side, her delicate brows furrowed deeper. There were people inside Doctor Lin’s home—more than one. Villagers rarely visited at this hour, and… the voices sounded like those of martial artists.

Setting down her basket, Ye Li carefully supported her abdomen and circled to the back of Doctor Lin’s cottage. Near the study was a low window—Doctor Lin, though not fond of reading, cherished his books and often opened the window for ventilation. As she drew closer, the voices inside grew clearer, confirming the presence of people in the study. Holding her breath, Ye Li positioned herself by the window and peered through the gap. Inside, Doctor Lin sat stiffly on an old chair, his expression cold. Two men stood in the study—one speaking to him while the other rummaged through the bookshelves, scattering volumes haphazardly across the floor."Old Master Lin, we don’t wish to harm you. Please hand over the item. It’s of no use to you, so why not make things easier for all of us? You’d save yourself trouble and enjoy some peace." The middle-aged man standing before Doctor Lin spoke calmly with a smile, clearly unwilling to resort to violence.

Doctor Lin lifted his eyelids slightly and replied indifferently, "This old man doesn’t know what you’re talking about."

The middle-aged man wasn’t angered and chuckled, "Doctor Lin, why play dumb? You must understand that since we’ve come here, we won’t be fooled. You’ve lived here for thirty years—surely you’d like to continue enjoying your twilight years in peace. That item is nothing but worthless paper to you, but to our master, it’s of utmost importance. Given the bond between you and him, why not do him this favor?"

At these words, Doctor Lin’s expression shifted slightly, his lips trembling faintly, revealing a ripple of emotion. After a long pause, he snorted coldly. "This old man doesn’t understand your talk of masters and subordinates. I don’t know what you’re referring to."

The middle-aged man frowned, displeased. "Old Master Lin, to be frank, that item originally belonged to our master’s family. Taking it back is only right. If you insist on keeping it for yourself, that would be rather excessive."

Doctor Lin snorted again and closed his eyes, refusing to speak further.

Another man, who had thoroughly searched the study without success, said impatiently, "It’s not here!"

The middle-aged man’s patience was wearing thin, and his gaze toward Doctor Lin turned sharp. "Doctor Lin, our master instructed us to treat you with respect out of gratitude for your care. But... it’s best not to refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."

Doctor Lin opened his eyes and glanced at him, his tone indifferent. "This old man hasn’t touched alcohol in over thirty years. Leave. If he wants something, let him come and ask me himself."

The man smirked disdainfully. "Our master is far too busy to waste time on such trivial matters. Doctor Lin, if you remain stubborn, don’t blame me for being impolite." He tilted his chin slightly, signaling to the other man.

Understanding the hint, the man stepped forward and grabbed Doctor Lin, sneering, "Apologies, Doctor Lin. Our orders are clear—we must retrieve the item."

Doctor Lin shut his eyes again, refusing to speak.

A flash of irritation crossed the man’s face. "Forgive me," he muttered before seizing Doctor Lin’s arm, preparing to twist it backward. At over sixty years old and no martial artist, the slightest force would at the very least dislocate his arm.

Click…

A faint, unfamiliar sound came from outside the window. The man paused, exchanging a puzzled glance with the middle-aged man before barking sharply, "Who’s there?"

The window trembled slightly, but no one was visible. Frowning in confusion, the man released Doctor Lin and approached the window, peering out cautiously.

A pair of cool, delicate hands suddenly reached out and clamped around his neck. He felt only a brief chill before excruciating pain surged through him—then darkness swallowed his consciousness.Watching his companion suddenly collapse against the window, motionless, a flash of fear crossed the middle-aged man's face. Initially thinking this was a relatively simple task, they hadn't brought many people, never expecting this small village to conceal such a mysterious master.

"Who's there?! Show yourself..." the middle-aged man shouted sharply, his gaze wary as he stared at the empty space outside the window. Glancing at Doctor Lin beside him, the man yanked him forward to use as a shield, cautiously backing toward the door while keeping his eyes fixed on the window.

Whoosh... A gray figure flashed past the window. The middle-aged man's eyes widened abruptly, but all he saw was a streak of silver light shooting in. A sudden chill touched his throat. Staring blankly down at the gleaming metal object now embedded in his throat, he stiffened and toppled backward.