Mo Li

In the dead of night at the prefect's residence, the moon was dark and the wind howled—perfect conditions for night prowlers. A shadowy figure swiftly scaled the wall of the residence, landing silently in the flowerbed below. Soon, more black-clad figures slipped over the wall, heading toward a specific location within the estate.

From a nearby pavilion, several pairs of eyes watched the intruders through half-open windows. Inside, under the dim glow of candlelight, Mo Xiuyao lounged lazily on a soft couch, gazing down at the darkened scene below. Beside him, Feng Zhiyao, Han Mingxi, Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and Mo Hua either sat or stood, leisurely observing the black-clad figures who believed their movements were undetected. Han Mingyue leaned against the window, his face pale and weary, yet his eyes remained fixed on the intruders below.

Feng Zhiyao picked at an exquisite pastry on the nearby table and asked, puzzled, "Are these people truly foolish, or just pretending? They actually believe they can waltz right into Prince Ding’s encampment without suspicion?" If it were Mo Jingqi or Lei Zhenting’s territory, the first thing they’d suspect upon such easy entry would be a trap, not blindly charge ahead. Qin Feng, arms crossed with his sword, snorted lightly. "These are likely just disposable pawns sent to test the waters. The real players won’t act until they know exactly how tight Ding Royal Palace’s defenses are."

Mo Hua nodded in agreement. Given the standards of ordinary assassins, this group was far too amateurish. "Is it Tan Jizhi?"

Zhuo Jing’s voice was grim. "He couldn’t wait even after just leaving the northwest?" Han Mingxi smirked, lowering his gaze. "That just proves how desperate he is to kill Su Zuidie. It seems… Miss Su has been hiding quite an important secret, hasn’t she? Qin Feng, what’s the matter? You’ve had her for months—can’t you handle it?"

At the mention of this, Qin Feng’s expression darkened. He shot a glance at Han Mingyue, who stood rigidly nearby, and muttered with frustration, "That woman is truly difficult. After months of interrogation, she’s confessed almost everything—except anything about Tan Jizhi."

"Almost everything?" Han Mingxi scoffed, clearly unconvinced. A group of so-called professional interrogators couldn’t break a useless woman in months, and they still had the nerve to claim she’d revealed everything?Qin Feng glared at him angrily and said, "That's right, including how many men she's slept with!" As soon as the words left his mouth, Qin Feng realized he had spoken out of turn. This Su Zuidie was once the prince's fiancée, but the information extracted from the interrogation suggested she wasn't exactly a paragon of virtue. Wouldn't this make the prince... lose face? He cautiously glanced at Mo Xiuyao, only to find him leaning against the couch, lost in thought with a faint smile on his face—hardly the picture of anger. Qin Feng could only pray the prince hadn't heard him.

Just as he was thinking this, Mo Xiuyao sat up, his long white hair cascading loosely over his shoulders, exuding a colder and more distant aura than his usual calm demeanor. He glanced at Qin Feng and said indifferently, "No need to rush. Just make sure you get the information before she dies. Of course... if you have other means of obtaining the intel, there's no need to report it to me or the princess." In other words, he only cared about the secrets Su Zuidie was hiding; her life or death was entirely up to Qin Feng.

Qin Feng couldn't help but shrink his neck. The prince had definitely heard him, hadn't he? He'd better stick close to the princess these next few days... No, he should go on a long trip for some business. As for Su Zuidie... He gave Han Mingxi a troubled look. He didn't care either way—since the prince didn't mind, even if he killed Su Zuidie, he could always capture Tan Jizhi for questioning later. But... his relationship with Han Mingxi was decent, and Han Mingxi happened to be Han Mingyue's younger brother... So, perhaps it'd be better if Su Zuidie just got assassinated by someone else?

Watching the black-clad figure disappear into the most secluded courtyard of the governor's residence, Mo Hua gestured to the outside, signaling that it was time to close the net. Soon, lights flickered on in the courtyard, followed by the faint clashing of weapons. Mo Xiuyao frowned and said, "Tell them to hurry. Don't disturb the princess's rest."

Mo Hua replied, "Rest assured, Your Highness. The noise won't reach the princess's courtyard." To avoid disturbing those in the main residence, the prison cells had been deliberately placed in the most remote part of the governor's estate. Moreover, the shadow guards knew their limits—even here, the sounds were barely audible, let alone halfway across the estate where the princess's courtyard was. True enough, in less than a quarter of an hour, the lights in the distant courtyard went out, and the governor's residence returned to its usual tranquility.

Qin Feng frowned. "There'll probably be no shortage of assassins these days. I don't understand why we had to move Su Zuidie back to the governor's residence." Wouldn't it have been better to keep her at the Qilin headquarters? No one would have been disturbed there.

Zhuo Jing said, "If she were at your place, the assassins wouldn't even come." Because they wouldn't be able to find it in the first place.

Feng Zhiyao, seeing that nothing else was happening, stood up and stretched, yawning. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first."

Mo Xiuyao nodded absently. Feng Zhiyao took two steps toward the door before suddenly remembering something and turning back. "Oh, Your Highness, by my estimate, Xu Qingze should arrive tomorrow. I heard two other young masters from the Xu family are coming with him..."Mo Xiuyao's expression darkened as he cast a cold glance at Feng Zhiyao and asked, "Why didn't you mention this earlier?" Feng Zhiyao's eyes sparkled with schadenfreude as he shrugged, "Well... this subordinate only received the news during dinner. Weren't you dining with the princess consort at the time? How could I dare disturb you?"

Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly. "Go arrange it. There's no room in the mansion—find them a residence in the city."

Feng Zhiyao shook his head. "Your Highness, I'm afraid that won't do... Second Master Xu's former courtyard is still vacant. If the princess consort asks why the three Xu brothers are being housed outside the mansion, how should I respond?"

Lately, Mo Xiuyao had been itching to expel everyone originally staying in the governor's mansion, with Feng Zhiyao, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Wei Lin—who frequently hovered around Ye Li—bearing the brunt of his displeasure. Unfortunately, Zhuo Jing and the other two were personally appointed by the princess consort as her attendants, so they had to remain in the mansion. Thus, Feng Zhiyao alone endured Mo Xiuyao's full wrath.

Strangely, Feng Zhiyao had suddenly discovered the joys of communal living and stubbornly refused to move out into his own estate. As a result, he endured Mo Xiuyao's torment daily, suffering yet enjoying the busyness. Now that he had a chance to annoy Mo Xiuyao, he naturally spared no effort.

"Feng San..." Mo Xiuyao's face darkened as he uttered softly, "Get lost."

Feng Zhiyao shrugged, entirely unfazed by Mo Xiuyao's words. A man in a foul mood had every right to vent. With a cupped-hand salute, he grinned, "This subordinate takes his leave. I'll make proper arrangements for the three Xu brothers' accommodations. Especially Fifth Master Xu—I hear he intends to stay in Ruyang to keep the princess consort company. Since he's still young, he'll be a good companion for her, lest she grow bored. Wouldn't you agree, Your Highness?" You refuse to let the princess consort work, but Fifth Master Xu isn't one to be trifled with either. Let's see how you handle this!

"Feng San." Mo Xiuyao suddenly smiled, looking at him. "Now that you mention it, I recall the mansion is indeed lacking a steward. Since Uncle Mo is busy managing properties across the land, why don't you take up the role of mansion steward from now on?"

Feng Zhiyao's face stiffened, and he hastily retreated. The dashing Third Master Feng, renowned for his romantic escapades, reduced to a mansion steward? Comparing himself to stewards of various estates across the realm, Feng Zhiyao felt his image as a peerless, elegant nobleman crumble instantly.

The others also took their leave, leaving only Han Mingxi and Han Mingyue in the quiet pavilion. Mo Xiuyao poured himself a cup of wine, sipping it absentmindedly as he pondered Feng Zhiyao's earlier words, too preoccupied to speak.

Xu Qingze was in Hongzhou, Xu Qingyan in Yunzhou, and Xu Qingfeng in the military camp within the pass—how had these three ended up together? More importantly, why had they come to Ruyang instead of staying put? At this point, Mo Xiuyao was unwilling to allow anyone connected to Ye Li into the mansion, lest they divert A Li's attention. Yet these three were undeniably important to her. Lost in thought, an icy aura unconsciously radiated from him, deepening the already somber atmosphere in the room.

"Xiu Yao..." Han Mingyue hesitated before finally speaking.Mo Xiuyao lifted his eyes to glance at him, his gaze filled with obvious impatience. Then he swept a cool look at Han Mingxi, who frowned helplessly. In the past, Han Mingxi had dared to provoke Mo Xiuyao without hesitation because he could clearly discern Mo Xiuyao's temperament. But ever since Ye Li's incident and her subsequent return, Han Mingxi increasingly felt he could no longer understand Mo Xiuyao. Before, he could confidently assert that Mo Xiuyao would never lay a hand on him out of consideration for Ye Li. But now, even though he rationally knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn't harm him, every time he met Mo Xiuyao's gaze, Han Mingxi wasn't so sure anymore. Hence, he generally avoided provoking Mo Xiuyao these days. Thinking of this, Han Mingxi couldn't help but smile bitterly. This was the difference between him and Mo Xiuyao—without the strength, he simply didn't have the right to compete for Jun Wei's attention.

Han Mingxi understood that Mo Xiuyao was warning him—if Han Mingyue didn't restrain himself, Mo Xiuyao wouldn't hold back. But what could Han Mingxi do? No matter how foolish Han Mingyue was, he was still his only brother, the one who had raised him, doted on him, taught him, and sheltered him from storms since childhood. Even if he couldn't fathom why his prodigiously talented brother would abandon everything for a woman utterly unworthy of him, even if he was furious and resentful that Han Mingyue had forsaken their family and himself—when Han Mingyue was truly in danger, he would still have to beg Ye Li for help. Han Mingxi also knew why Mo Xiuyao had never acted against Han Mingyue. It wasn't out of nostalgia for their past brotherhood, but because Mo Xiuyao knew he would inevitably turn to Ye Li. And Mo Xiuyao absolutely did not want him to beg Ye Li, nor did he want him to have too much contact with her.

With a helpless sigh, Han Mingxi stood and said, "Elder Brother, you should go back first. I still have matters to discuss with His Highness."

Han Mingyue frowned, looking at his younger brother's exhausted expression, and ultimately couldn't bear to press further and put him in a difficult position. He could sacrifice everything for Su Zuidie—but that had never included his brother.

Watching Han Mingyue leave, Han Mingxi exhaled in relief and sat back down. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in surprise at Han Mingxi sitting across from him. Han Mingxi's handsome face wore a trace of resignation as he looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "Your Highness, I beg you to help my elder brother." A cold smile curled at Mo Xiuyao's lips. "Beg me? Han Mingxi… you're begging this prince to help your elder brother? This prince fails to see where Han Mingyue needs help—he clearly relishes his choices. Moreover, why should this prince help?"

Han Mingxi gritted his teeth. "I know Su Zuidie is doomed. I only ask that Your Highness spare my elder brother's life when the time comes.""Dead end?" Mo Xiuyao sat up, eyeing Han Mingxi with amusement as he asked, "Why don't you beg me to spare Su Zuidie for Han Mingyue's sake? Though I wouldn't agree, given your friendship with A Li, she wouldn't refuse you if you asked her." Speaking of his relationship with A Li, Mo Xiuyao gritted his teeth. Of all the people around A Li, he disliked Han Mingxi the most. Yet he had promised A Li not to kill Han Mingxi. But every time he saw the way Han Mingxi looked at A Li, he wanted to gouge out his eyes!

Han Mingxi remained silent for a moment before smiling bitterly. "Why ask when you already know the answer, Your Highness? Before, I might have indeed begged the princess for mercy. But now... the secret Su Zuidie refuses to reveal must be of great importance. Once spoken, it would mean her certain death. Though we don't yet know what it is... when the time comes, I fear even the princess may not have the final say. Besides..." He sneered coldly. "What is Su Zuidie to me? Why should I beg on her behalf? Had she died earlier, none of this would have happened!"

"You see more clearly than Han Mingyue," Mo Xiuyao remarked indifferently. Both knew Han Mingyue wasn't blind to the truth—he simply refused to acknowledge it. Once the renowned Young Master Mingyue, he had long been lost in obsession for Su Zuidie, unable to wake from his delusion. Truly, the embrace of a beauty could bury even the greatest hero.

"However, you're mistaken about one thing. There is nothing in Ding Royal Palace that A Li cannot decide." Mo Xiuyao continued, watching Han Mingxi's silence. "If it pleases A Li, not only could she decide Su Zuidie's fate, but even if she wanted my life, I would hand it to her. Of course, you were right not to ask her. Had you put her in a difficult position, I would have made sure everyone suffered alongside you. Keep Han Mingyue's life—I have no interest in it. But remember this well: if you dare to stare at my A Li with those eyes again, I will pluck them out!"

Han Mingxi felt bitterness rise in his throat. Mo Xiuyao's warning wasn't about casual glances. Among the many people around Ye Li, some were far closer to her than he was. Yet Mo Xiuyao hadn't warned Feng Zhiyao, Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, or Wei Lin—only him. Han Mingxi knew why. Though he believed he had concealed his feelings well, nothing could escape the notice of Ye Li's husband. Raising his head, he met Mo Xiuyao's gaze and sneered. "Your Highness must know Jun Wei is a rare gem in this world. Can you truly block the eyes of everyone? Or do you intend to hide her away, never to be seen?"

Mo Xiuyao's eyes turned icy, his smile colder and more ruthless. "I would never hide A Li away. Wherever I go, she will always be by my side. But... whoever dares to look at her, I will gouge out their eyes!"

A chill ran through Han Mingxi's heart, leaving him speechless. In the end, he could only mutter, "You were merely lucky to meet her first!"Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, a hint of pride in his expression. "What if I am just lucky? Han Mingxi, remember your place. I promised A Li I wouldn’t kill you, so don’t push me to break that vow."

Han Mingxi lowered his head in silence for a long while before finally looking up with a faint smile. "Your Highness overestimates me. Han Mingxi... harbors no improper thoughts. My relationship with Jun Wei is merely one of mutual respect between gentlemen. Surely, even you wouldn’t interfere with that?" He knew he could never compare to Mo Xiuyao. The title of "Wind and Moon Noble" sounded elegant, but in truth, he was nothing more than a frivolous rogue with little skill. Jun Wei had never scorned his reputation and was willing to befriend him, yet in these turbulent times, he couldn’t even protect her safety. Since meeting Ye Li, Han Mingxi had never regretted his youthful laziness and disobedience toward his elder brother’s teachings so bitterly. The result was that he excelled in neither scholarly pursuits nor martial arts. Had he possessed even half the talent, wisdom, or martial prowess of his brother, even if he couldn’t surpass Mo Xiuyao, he would at least have had the confidence to compete with him.

Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing the handsome man before him with suspicion. Though he loathed this exceptionally attractive man to the core, he had to admit that Han Mingxi had always been wholeheartedly devoted to helping A Li. Moreover... A Li needed her own friends. In truth, Mo Xiuyao was simply jealous of Han Mingxi. Han Mingxi was more handsome, more amiable. Though he lacked Mo Xiuyao’s martial prowess and noble status, what did that matter? If it were Han Mingxi, he could have taken A Li away without hesitation to live a peaceful, secluded life in the mountains. Mo Xiuyao feared only that A Li might prefer a man like Han Mingxi, that she might regret marrying him. No matter what... no one in this world would ever take A Li away from him!

"I’ll trust you this once, but remember—my words will always hold true." Mo Xiuyao stood, leaving behind this indifferent remark before sweeping his sleeves and departing.

Han Mingxi sat alone by the window, watching as Mo Xiuyao descended the stairs and crossed the garden toward the central courtyard of the governor’s residence. There... resided the only woman who had ever stirred his heart. A gentle breeze drifted through the window, but Han Mingxi felt only a chilling emptiness in his chest.

－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－

Poor Mingxi, A Yao is truly too cruel...