Mo Li

"Master, how have you been these past few days?" Ye Li led Mo Xiuyao into the small courtyard where Doctor Lin was temporarily staying. Seeing him sitting alone under a large tree sipping tea, she smiled. Doctor Lin glanced back at her, then fixed his gaze on Mo Xiuyao standing beside her, whose expression was somewhat unfriendly. He had seen Mo Xiuyao from a distance once before, but at that time, Mo Xiuyao’s hair was entirely black, making his current appearance far more striking. After another glance at Ye Li, Doctor Lin nodded and said, "Sit."

Ye Li didn’t stand on ceremony. After thanking him, she pulled Mo Xiuyao down to sit with her. She picked up the teapot on the table and poured tea for herself and Mo Xiuyao, saying with a smile, "There’s been a lot going on these days, so I haven’t had the chance to visit you sooner. Please forgive me, Master."

Doctor Lin let out a faint hum. They had never formally acknowledged each other as master and disciple—he had merely given Ye Li some pointers in medicine. Though she had always addressed him as "Master," neither of them took it too seriously. Later, it had become more about ensuring her safety. Naturally, Doctor Lin didn’t actually hold any grievances against her. In fact, after the incident with Tan Jizhi, Ye Li had already more than repaid his life-saving favor.

"Was he once afflicted with Cold Poison?" Doctor Lin scrutinized Mo Xiuyao and frowned. "Why does he now have both Cold and Fire Poison in his body?"

Cold Poison and Fire Poison were inherently incompatible, so neutralizing one with the other was usually feasible. However, the two poisons in Mo Xiuyao’s body maintained a delicate equilibrium. Yet this didn’t make his condition any easier—in fact, the simultaneous presence of both poisons meant his body endured twice the suffering, if not more.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised that the old man before him had some real skill. Though he held no particular fondness for him, he remembered that this man had saved A Li and the child in her womb. Without hiding anything, he replied indifferently, "I once used Phoenix Tail Grass."

Doctor Lin studied Mo Xiuyao for a long while before finally saying, "Prince Ding is indeed extraordinary. At the very least, your endurance alone is enough to stand above the rest of the world. I’d like to meet the physician who treated you before."

With Doctor Lin’s medical expertise, it was impossible for him not to discern the previous issues Mo Xiuyao had faced. When skilled physicians encountered others of similar caliber, they couldn’t help but want to exchange knowledge and test their skills.

Ye Li looked at Doctor Lin hopefully and asked, "Master, do you have any methods to treat the poison in Xiu Yao’s body?"

Doctor Lin scoffed. "Originally, if it had only been Cold Poison, there might have been some way to manage it. But as things stand now, there’s no point in thinking of any method. Neutralizing one poison would immediately allow the other to kill him. Moreover, the antidotes for these two poisons counteract each other. At least for now, this old man hasn’t figured out a way to make them compatible without diminishing their efficacy."

Ye Li hadn’t held much hope to begin with, so she wasn’t particularly disappointed. Still, she asked, "What if we had Underworld Flower?""Underworld Flower?" Doctor Lin frowned, setting down his teacup to look at Ye Li. After a moment's thought, he said, "The Underworld Flower... If such a flower truly exists, it might indeed be a good solution. I seem to recall reading in some ancient books that pills made from the Underworld Flower could cure all poisons and even revive the dead. Rather than saying it neutralizes all toxins, it would be more accurate to say it forcibly expels any poison from the human body. It's entirely different from the antidotes we've been researching—this method relies entirely on the immense medicinal power of the Underworld Flower to purge all toxicity. However, the Underworld Flower has been extinct for many years, so I never seriously studied that prescription."

Ye Li's heart leaped with hope. Though they hadn't obtained the Underworld Flower yet, Shen Yang had already spent considerable time researching that prescription. However, since it was a lost ancient formula, the process was painstaking and laborious. Sick Scholar knew the prescription, but anything obtained from him always left Ye Li somewhat uneasy.

Doctor Lin glanced at her and added, "I don’t recall exactly which book mentioned it, but you can send someone to retrieve it. Just be careful not to disturb the villagers there."

Ye Li nodded. "Thank you, Master."

Doctor Lin gave them both a cold look before rising and walking into the house. Watching his retreating figure, Mo Xiuyao set down his teacup and said, "A Li, there’s something off about him."

"Hmm?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow, smiling at him.

Mo Xiuyao replied coolly, "You mentioned Tan Jizhi is his adopted son, and he has deep affection for him. Yet just now, he didn’t even ask about Tan Jizhi."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "He lives in this residence—wouldn’t he already know Tan Jizhi has left?"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Even so, he shouldn’t have shown no reaction at all." Whether it was worry, disappointment, or anything else, the old man had behaved as if Tan Jizhi were a complete stranger to him—which only made it seem deliberate. Gazing down at Ye Li, he murmured, "I don’t believe A Li failed to notice."

Ye Li twirled a strand of his silver hair between her fingers and said softly, "So what if he’s hiding something? Everyone has their secrets. As long as he can help your condition, I don’t want to press him too hard. After all, he was also my savior."

Ye Li felt genuine gratitude toward Doctor Lin. She knew he must harbor secrets, but unlike Tan Jizhi—who was so fixated on his so-called treasure that he rashly doubted the man who had raised him—Ye Li had observed everything carefully. No expression or glance from Doctor Lin could escape her notice. Whatever secrets he held, as long as he didn’t harm those she cared about and could aid Xiu Yao’s recovery, what did it matter?

Mo Xiuyao watched as Ye Li played with his silver hair, well aware of her guilt over it. Gently freeing the strand from her grasp, he said indulgently, "If A Li says so, then we’ll leave it at that." He would have someone investigate Doctor Lin, but as long as the man didn’t cross any lines, he wouldn’t act against him.Doctor Lin stepped out of the house and saw the two sitting under the tree, conversing softly in an atmosphere so warm and serene that it felt wrong to disturb them. Both Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were highly skilled practitioners and had already heard his footsteps before he even stepped outside. Ye Li turned to look at him, and Doctor Lin tossed over a green porcelain bottle, saying, "There's nothing to be done about his hair. This is for you." He didn’t explain what the medicine was for, nor did he see them off, simply turning back into the house with his hands behind his back. They all understood—someone like Mo Xiuyao would never use medicine given by a stranger without having it examined by a trusted physician. Thus, whether or not Doctor Lin explained its use was irrelevant. Ye Li caught the bottle, opened it, and took a sniff, quickly discerning its purpose. During her time at Doctor Lin’s home, she had seen many of his rare and precious medicinal collections.

After tucking the bottle away, Ye Li stood up with Mo Xiuyao’s support, intending to visit Shen Yang again. Though she trusted Doctor Lin wouldn’t tamper with the medicine, a proper inspection was still necessary. Moreover, Doctor Lin had mentioned wanting to meet Shen Yang, so she needed to inform Shen first.

When they arrived at Shen Yang’s courtyard, Feng Zhiyao and Zhou Yu were also present. Ye Li wasn’t very familiar with Zhou Yu—they had only met a handful of times before. While she had once done him a small favor, the truth was that the Ye family had wronged him first, so she had never dwelled on it. Yet, to her surprise, Zhou Yu had remembered and even risked his life to deliver a letter for Duke Hua. Seeing the two enter, the three men quickly rose and bowed. "Greetings, Prince and Princess."

Mo Xiuyao waved for them to be at ease, helping Ye Li into a chair before seating himself beside her. "Feng San, what are you doing here at this hour? Do I not give you enough work? And Zhou Yu, are you unwell?" With just a glance, Mo Xiuyao noticed Zhou Yu’s pallid complexion, clearly indicating poor health. At his words, Feng Zhiyao nearly spat blood on the spot, glaring resentfully at the man lounging leisurely without a shred of guilt. Ever since the princess returned, the man who had once buried himself in work day and night had completely changed. Now, he spent no more than two hours a day on official duties, never entered the study after dinner, and hovered around Ye Li, fussing over her every need. Not only did he refuse to work hard himself, but he also forbade the princess from doing so—all under the pretense of caring for the future Little Prince of Prince Ding's Estate and the future heir of the Mo Family Army. What could a subordinate possibly say to that? But when an overworked subordinate, half-dead from exhaustion, faced his utterly idle master who then questioned whether he had too little to do—how was one supposed to bear such injustice?Ye Li helplessly glared at Mo Xiuyao before smiling at Zhou Yu and asking, "Is Lord Zhou feeling unwell?" Zhou Yu stood up respectfully and replied, "This humble one no longer holds any official position in the court. Your Highness may simply call me Zhou Yu. It's just a minor cold—thank you for your concern, Prince and Princess."

Feng Zhiyao curled his lip and said, "Minor cold my foot! This guy's practically working himself to death. Staying up until midnight every day—when I went over, I found him passed out cold. I say, Your Highness, are you in a good mood now? If so, how about arranging the official appointments for the northwest regions?"

Exposed by Feng Zhiyao, Zhou Yu lowered his head in embarrassment. Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair lazily and said, "Official appointments? Didn't you handle them?"

Feng Zhiyao gnashed his teeth. "Your Highness, as far as I know, your subordinate is merely a lowly deputy general."

Mo Xiuyao nodded understandingly. "Are you hinting that I should promote you?"

"Mo Xiuyao! You think I don't dare hit you?!" Feng Zhiyao finally exploded, his refined gentlemanly image completely shattered. He'd been working himself to the bone these past months with utmost care, and not only did this lord show no gratitude, but he'd become even more insufferable after the princess returned. If they hadn't grown up together, he'd never put up with such a difficult master!

"You want to hit me?" Mo Xiuyao narrowed his phoenix eyes dangerously.

Feng Zhiyao gulped and glanced at Ye Li. It wasn't that he didn't dare—in their youth, they'd fought wildly without regard for status. The problem was... he couldn't win. Ever since Mo Xiuyao completed his training, every time they fought, he ended up getting beaten.

"Xiu Yao," Ye Li interjected softly, unable to watch any longer.

Mo Xiuyao sat up properly and said seriously, "This prince understands. The situation was chaotic recently, so these matters were delayed. I'll properly consider them in the coming days. Zhou Yu, you've managed Ruyang City well during this period—you'll serve as its governor for now. Later, select a few capable people to assist you."

These past months had actually been quite chaotic within the Mo Family Army. After the northwest essentially changed hands, numerous official positions were left vacant. While the Mo Family Army had no shortage of elites, they weren't the imperial court—especially lacking in civil officials available for immediate appointment. Often, one person had to shoulder multiple roles, with military officers temporarily handling civil duties. As for someone like Xu Qingze, who was both capable and trusted by Mo Xiuyao, he'd been directly dispatched to Hongzhou to oversee affairs across the three northwestern provinces. This was why Ye Li still hadn't met Xu Qingze since her return.

"This humble official thanks Your Highness for your trust," Zhou Yu stood up again to express his gratitude. Everyone understood what Prince Ding personally appointing officials signified. By protocol, official appointments and removals required imperial court approval. Mo Xiuyao's actions subtly indicated that the northwest would gradually separate from the court, leaving many with mixed feelings—some joyful, others worried.

"Rest for a few days and recover your health first," Ye Li advised. Nothing could be accomplished if his health failed. With talent scarce in the northwest, and judging by Feng Zhiyao and Mo Xiuyao's attitudes, Zhou Yu, though young, was clearly capable.

Zhou Yu nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, Princess."Shen Yang on the side cast a dissatisfied sidelong glance at the group and said, "Do you all remember this isn’t a study room for discussions?" Among the four people, three were unwell, yet they dared to discuss such trivial matters in front of him, a physician. Zhou Yu seemed to suddenly recall that this was Shen Yang’s courtyard and quickly suppressed his excitement and joy, apologizing to Shen Yang, "I was impolite. Please forgive me, Shen."

Shen Yang waved his hand dismissively and handed over a prescription slip. "Go get the medicine yourself. If you don’t want to collapse and be unable to get out of bed, then go ahead and push yourself." Without waiting for Zhou Yu’s reaction, he turned to examine Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. "Your Highnesses, are there any discomforts?" Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "First, check A Li’s pulse. From now on, examine her every three days. Shen, we’ll trouble you with this."

Shen Yang understood the importance of the princess consort’s health and nodded indifferently, mentally postponing his earlier plan to shut himself away for research. At least until the princess consort gave birth. After taking Ye Li’s pulse, he said, "The princess consort is in good health. Though she was somewhat weak these past few months, the subsequent recuperation has been effective and won’t affect her. The Little Prince might be a bit frail at birth, but he can be nursed back to health." After all, during the most critical months of the baby’s development, the princess consort had been mostly unconscious. In fact, that the child had survived was already a testament to the physician’s exceptional skill. Mo Xiuyao nodded. "We’ll rely on you from now on, Shen."

Shen Yang withdrew his hand from her pulse and raised an eyebrow. "Over these months, the princess consort must have encountered a skilled physician. Might I see the prescriptions he prescribed?" Ye Li didn’t mind and recited a few of the recuperative prescriptions Doctor Lin had given her. Shen Yang hastily noted them down, praising them as excellent. Ye Li smiled. "Doctor Lin is currently in the residence and has expressed interest in meeting you, Shen. If you have time, you might visit him. The two of you could exchange insights." Shen Yang was delighted and clapped his hands. "Excellent! I’ll definitely pay him a visit tomorrow."

Ye Li took out the porcelain vial Doctor Lin had given her and handed it over. "This was just given by Doctor Lin. Shen, would you like to see what it’s for?"

Shen Yang carefully accepted it, sniffed it thoughtfully, then applied a bit to his hand and observed it closely before smiling. "This must be a miraculous medicine for removing old scars. It contains a significant amount of spirit incense grass—truly a rare treasure." Then, glancing at Mo Xiuyao’s masked face beside her, he added with a chuckle, "This isn’t for the princess consort, is it? It must be for His Highness. You might try it, and later I can adjust the prescription to see if it can be even more effective.""Shen Yang!" Mo Xiuyao gritted his teeth with a darkened expression. For a grown man to be overly concerned about appearances was somewhat awkward, but Mo Xiuyao had to admit he genuinely hoped this medicine would work. If he had to live with white hair, then at least he should have a flawless face—so A Li wouldn't be ridiculed, right? Shen Yang couldn't care less whether Mo Xiuyao was angry or not. Chuckling, he handed the medicine bottle back to Ye Li. In Shen Yang's eyes, the current Mo Xiuyao was actually better than before. When a person no longer cared about their own face or body, it meant nothing in the world mattered to them. Now that Mo Xiuyao cared about his appearance, it at least proved he had someone he cherished. As long as there was someone he cared about, there was always hope. Before Mo Xiuyao could explode, Shen Yang simply waved them out of the room.

Once outside Shen Yang's courtyard, Zhou Yu bid them farewell and left the estate. Before departing, he cast a surprised glance at Mo Xiuyao. He was still young, so seeing the renowned Prince Ding—who shook the world—turning ashen with anger like any ordinary person before being unceremoniously kicked out by a physician was quite a shock.

Watching Zhou Yu leave, Ye Li asked, "Zhou Yu is still too young. Is he fit to be the governor of Ruyang?" Compared to the group of northwestern governors Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had purged, the barely twenty-year-old Zhou Yu seemed far too inexperienced. Feng Zhiyao nodded. "His competence is sufficient, but his age is indeed a drawback. However... His Highness doesn’t see it as an issue, right?" Mo Xiuyao smirked coldly. "As long as he’s capable, that’s enough. As for those useless parasites, clean them out as soon as possible. If anyone dares to complain, let them come say it to my face."

Feng Zhiyao smiled approvingly. "With Your Highness’s words, things will be much easier. But Zhou Yu is technically the Princess Consort’s man. I’m afraid those old-timers will start grumbling again about how the Princess Consort is a woman..." The real trouble was that they couldn’t just slaughter all those elders—appeasing public sentiment was still crucial. These old men held significant influence in the northwest, whether as great scholars, loyal ministers, or philanthropic benefactors. There was simply no way to touch them.

Ye Li had heard such remarks before, back when she first led troops. She chuckled lightly. "If both Your Highness and Feng San believe Zhou Yu is suitable, then it’s settled. As for those elders, they needn’t trouble His Highness—they can come straight to me." Feng Zhiyao blinked, rubbing his forehead as he looked at the couple. Better not. If those old men really pestered the Princess Consort, the Prince would slaughter them on the spot. He had firsthand experience with those pedantic scholars’ antics. And this was nothing—if things escalated in the future... Feng Zhiyao shuddered at the thought. It would be a disaster.