Mo Li

"What's the matter with Prince De? This prince notices that Prince De looks unwell. Has there been any neglect?" Leaning back in the host's seat, Mo Xiuyao held a wine cup in one hand while supporting Ye Li with the other, his demeanor amiable as he regarded Prince De, whose face had turned ashen. Prince De choked back his words—truthfully, ever since entering Ruyang City, there had been no aspect in which he hadn’t been slighted. Although tonight’s welcoming banquet was indeed lively and bustling, anyone with eyes could see that the reception was merely incidental. The true purpose was to celebrate Princess Ding’s return and the impending birth of the future Little Prince.

Prince De replied coldly, "I wouldn’t dare. How could this prince dare to accuse Prince Ding of neglect?"

Mo Xiuyao seemed entirely oblivious to the implied meaning in Prince De’s words and laughed heartily. "Good, as long as there’s no issue. Prince De has had a long journey. Why not indulge in some merriment tonight?" Beside them, Mo Jingyu noticed Prince De’s expression darkening again and quickly reached out to restrain him discreetly, whispering, "Imperial Uncle, let’s discuss matters later. Do not provoke public anger." Then, raising his voice, he added cheerfully, "Imperial Uncle, Prince Ding is right—you’ve had a tiring journey. This nephew offers you a toast."

Mo Xiuyao swept a glance over the two men, their expressions varying, and smiled faintly before turning away to chat and laugh with the generals and officials below. Mo Jingyu struggled to hold back the furious Prince De, his face strained as he whispered, "Imperial Uncle, calm yourself. We are under another’s roof now..."

Prince De scoffed indignantly. "So what? Does he dare kill me?"

That was hard to say. Mo Jingyu thought to himself but kept his words measured. "Imperial Uncle, the Northwest is Prince Ding’s territory now. If anything were to happen, no one could hold him accountable. Do you remember what happened with Princess Ding before? Those seven thousand soldiers—Mo Xiuyao slaughtered them without batting an eye. And what could the Emperor do about it?" At most, he had issued a few edicts condemning Mo Xiuyao for his cruelty and indiscriminate killings. But what use was that? Did Mo Jingqi dare send troops to punish Mo Xiuyao? In the Northwest, imperial edicts were likely less effective than scraps of paper.

Prince De had survived for so many years under the suspicious and paranoid Emperor Mo Jingqi and still retained the Emperor’s favor—he was no fool. However, as the eldest surviving prince of the late Emperor’s generation, even the Emperor usually addressed him as "Imperial Uncle." He had never truly clashed directly with Mo Xiuyao before. Subconsciously, he believed Mo Xiuyao ought to show him some respect. Moreover, he was a man who prided himself on status and reputation, which was why Mo Xiuyao’s cold-shouldering made him particularly agitated.

Now, after Mo Jingyu’s warning, Prince De surveyed the joyous scene atop the city walls. The civil and military officials of Ruyang City clearly obeyed Mo Xiuyao without question—what regard did they have for the Emperor’s envoys? A cool breeze swept across the battlements, sending a shiver down Prince De’s spine. His mind cleared abruptly, and cold sweat broke out on his back.Having lived a life of luxury and peace for over a decade, he had long forgotten the bloody struggles among the imperial princes before the late emperor ascended the throne. Over time, he had grown arrogant and domineering. Now, suddenly snapping back to reality, he couldn't help but reflect on his actions over the past few years, even beginning to suspect that Mo Jingqi had sent him to the northwest precisely because he disliked him and wanted Mo Xiuyao to eliminate him. Prince Yu had no idea what he was thinking, but seeing that although his expression was unpleasant, he had at least calmed down, he sighed in relief and picked up his wine cup to enjoy the song and dance performances.

Seated at the high table, Ye Li naturally noticed the interaction between Prince De and Prince Yu. Watching Prince De gloomily pour himself wine, though she didn't know what Prince Yu had said, it was clear he had been trying to pacify him. Mentally, she labeled Prince Yu as quite scheming.

"What are you looking at, A Li?" Mo Xiuyao leaned down and asked Ye Li with a smile. She shook her head lightly and replied, "Nothing much. You did this on purpose today, didn't you?" Deliberately slighting Prince De—had Prince Yu not intervened, Prince De would likely have lost his temper long ago. Mo Xiuyao gave a soft hum and handed her a cup of fresh juice, saying indifferently, "The older Prince De gets, the worse his manners become. If we don't put him in his place first, he'd stick his nose up in the air. I've never liked being looked down upon."

Ye Li took a sip of the chilled watermelon juice, its cool sweetness perfectly suited to her taste. Mo Xiuyao murmured, "It's a bit cold since it's been iced, but Shen said a little won't hurt. Are you tired? If so, we can leave early." Ye Li shook her head. "I'll go back by myself later. Why don't you leave first?" Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "What's the point of staying at such a banquet? They'd probably be relieved if we left sooner so they can enjoy themselves." Hearing this, Ye Li glanced at the crowd below. The civil officials were one thing, but even the military officers were sitting stiffly, drinking and watching the performances. She had seen these officers in their element before—they were never reserved when drinking. Clearly, their presence was making everyone uneasy.

Helping Ye Li to her feet, Mo Xiuyao stood as well. The guests below immediately stopped and looked up respectfully. Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Since our presence here makes you uncomfortable, my wife and I will take our leave. Let me propose one last toast, and then you may all relax." He raised his cup and drank it all in one go. Standing beside him, Ye Li also lifted her cup and said gently, "I too offer a toast to you all. Please, enjoy yourselves at ease."

The crowd thanked them in unison, the generals who had fought alongside Ye Li especially excited. From afar, she could even see Yun Ting's young, handsome face flushed red as he loudly expressed his gratitude.

With a wave, Mo Xiuyao dismissed the guests and escorted Ye Li out, leaving the hall to grow livelier in their absence.Descending from the city wall, Mo Xiuyao dismissed the accompanying guards and maids, supporting Ye Li as they strolled leisurely along the street. The thoroughfare was brilliantly lit on both sides, with citizens out in groups, reveling in the festivities. Zhang Yu, the newly appointed prefect, had clearly done an excellent job organizing the event. The streets were adorned not only with colorful lanterns for people to admire but also featured various performances that captivated the crowd. If not for Mo Xiuyao’s strikingly conspicuous white hair, the two of them might have walked unnoticed amidst the joyous throng. The citizens who spotted them were initially startled but quickly stepped forward to pay their respects. Mo Xiuyao hastily gestured for them to refrain from drawing attention, then led Ye Li to a quieter area. With a resigned sigh, he glanced down at his silver-white hair and murmured, "It really is too eye-catching. I can’t even take a simple walk with you on the streets without causing a stir."

Ye Li chuckled. "It just shows how beloved you are by the people. The citizens rarely see you, so naturally, they’re curious. In time, they’ll grow accustomed to it." If they had to bow every time they encountered someone outside, they’d never leave the house. In the capital, high-ranking officials were everywhere, and if the commoners bowed to each one they saw, they’d be bowing endlessly. Mo Xiuyao smiled at Ye Li and said, "Since we can’t enjoy the lantern festival, let’s take our time walking back." Prince Ding’s Estate wasn’t too far away, so the two of them walked hand in hand, choosing quieter streets. Tonight, most of the city’s residents had gathered at the lantern festival, leaving the other streets unusually deserted and silent. Under the moonlight, they walked side by side, and Ye Li asked softly, "What are your plans regarding Prince De and Prince Yu?"

Mo Xiuyao replied with a careless smile, "Those two won’t cause any real trouble. Let’s see what they have to say tomorrow. Does Mo Jingqi really think everyone in the world is a fool? Sending people now to persuade me to return to court… haha…" Did Mo Jingqi not realize that ever since he executed those seven thousand soldiers and seized Ruyang, there was no turning back? Now, with him remaining in the northwest, the court maintained a delicate balance. But if he were to return, endless impeachment memorials and certain death would await both him and the Mo Family Army. Unfortunately… he had no intention of dying just yet. If Mo Jingqi were smart, he wouldn’t provoke him further. Mo Jingqi’s schemes, in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, weren’t even third-rate. If he thought the Ding Royal Palace had guarded the Chu Kingdom for generations merely for the sake of a so-called loyal reputation, he was sorely mistaken.

"And… what about Lord Su?" Ye Li asked quietly. Mo Xiuyao’s respect for Su Zhe was undoubtedly genuine. In the hierarchy of heaven, earth, ruler, parents, and teacher, the bond between teacher and student was unlike any other. Even when Su Zuidie had betrayed Mo Xiuyao under such circumstances, Ye Li believed it was only out of regard for Su Zhe that he hadn’t retaliated. Moreover, Su Zhe’s only son and grandson had died for Prince Ding’s Estate. Such loyalty meant Su Zhe held a place in Mo Xiuyao’s heart no less dear than family.

After a moment of contemplation, Mo Xiuyao replied in a low voice, "Elder Su has no ties left in the capital. If he wishes to stay in the northwest, I will naturally provide for him until his last days. If he still cannot let go of the court, I’ll arrange for someone to look after him discreetly."Ye Li furrowed her brows and sighed softly, "You know that's not what I meant. Su Zuidie is Elder Su's only remaining family. The reason Mo Jingqi sent a seventy-year-old man all this way is likely because of her, isn't it? These past few days... half of the assassins who broke into the manor were Mo Jingqi's people. It seems Mo Jingqi is different from Tan Jizhi—he doesn't seem to want Su Zuidie dead."

A trace of crimson flashed in Mo Xiuyao's eyes as he replied indifferently, "Su Zuidie must die. Elder Su won't plead for her." Su Zhe was an upright man who despised those who betrayed trust and abandoned righteousness. Back then, Su Zuidie had fled the capital behind Su Zhe's back, but given his principles, once he learned the truth, he would never acknowledge her as his granddaughter again.

Ye Li held his hand and said gently, "Elder Su was your mentor since childhood. I won't show mercy to Su Zuidie, but we shouldn't let Elder Su's heart grow cold over this. Even if he severs ties with her, she is still his flesh and blood—his only remaining family in this world. If resentment lingers in his heart, it won't be good."

"Then we won’t let him know," Mo Xiuyao said coldly. "At any rate, we've been at a stalemate for so long, and Qin Feng still hasn't made any progress. There's no need to ask further—that so-called secret can't be known only by her. Have Qin Feng finish her off."

"Don't be reckless," Ye Li chided softly. "If she dies right after Elder Su arrives, what will the old man think? Enough..." She embraced him soothingly, brushing aside the white hair at his temple, and whispered, "Elder Su isn't just your mentor—he's also a pillar of integrity in the court, with countless disciples and former subordinates. Both sentiment and reason demand that we give him face."

Mo Xiuyao said icily, "So we just let her go?"

Pulling her tightly into his arms, he closed his eyes, suppressing the killing intent in his heart. He truly didn’t want these people alive—Su Zuidie, Lei Zhenting, Marquis Muyang, and Mo Jingqi. Just seeing them, or even thinking of them, made the scene of A Li falling off the cliff replay endlessly before his eyes. Sometimes, it even felt as if everything now was just a dream, and when he woke, he would still be in that moment of having lost her.Noticing the cold and lonely aura emanating from Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li looked up to see his vacant expression tinged with despair. Her heart ached, and she quickly clasped his hands to her chest, saying softly, "Alright, it's my fault. I overthought things. If you don't like it, I'll have Qin Feng kill Su Zuidie."

Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms, taking a deep breath of her familiar, delicate fragrance, which instantly eased his gloomy mood. He loved how A Li always yielded to him. Gently nuzzling her hair, he chuckled softly, "I know A Li means well for me. As for Su Zuidie, there's no hurry."

Of course, he understood—A Li had said those words for his sake. The Ding Royal Palace had already made enemies everywhere, and now that they were on the verge of an open conflict with the imperial court, it was safe to say that anyone in power would regard them as adversaries. In such circumstances, the more support he had, the better it would be for the Mo Family Army in the future.

Since Mr. Qingyun had withdrawn from the court, the faction of upright officials in the court was effectively led by Su Zhe. Though they held little real power, these men controlled the discourse and public opinion of the realm. If he were to turn against Su Zhe, it was likely that most scholars in the land would view him unfavorably.

A sharp glint flashed in Ye Li's eyes as she murmured, "Leave Su Zuidie and Old Master Su to me. You won’t have to see her again." She realized she had underestimated Su Zuidie's influence on Mo Xiuyao. It wasn’t that she suspected lingering feelings between them, but Su Zuidie clearly triggered painful memories that severely affected his state of mind.

In that case, she couldn’t let Su Zuidie live any longer—no matter the reason. As for Su Zhe... If the old master truly was as Mo Xiuyao described, perhaps there was still a way to resolve things.

"Your Highness, Your Grace," Zhuo Jing and Lin Han greeted them as soon as they settled in Prince Ding's Estate, having waited for some time.

Still keeping one arm around Ye Li’s waist, Mo Xiuyao turned to them and asked, "How are things in the estate?"

Zhuo Jing reported, "Your Highness predicted correctly. Prince De's guards, along with those who arrived in Ruyang over the past two days, earlier besieged the Prefect's residence." The timing had been well-chosen—tonight, the entire city was celebrating, and the eastern district was especially lively. The commotion at the Prefect's residence had gone unnoticed.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Besieged the Prefect's residence?"

Lin Han explained, "Since Your Highness and Her Grace suddenly moved to the new estate, they were unaware. They stormed the Prefect's residence to rescue Su Zuidie." The relocation had been discreet—only the prince and princess had moved with their belongings—so neither the guards accompanying Prince De (who had been stopped outside the city) nor those already hiding within the city had noticed.

Moreover, Su Zuidie had already been secretly moved elsewhere a day prior.

"Rescue? Not silence her?" Ye Li arched a brow.

Zhuo Jing replied, "This subordinate confirms they had no intention of silencing Su Zuidie. The assailants were all highly skilled martial artists. After breaking into the dungeon, they had at least three opportunities to kill the decoy in the cell. Yet they focused solely on extracting her and made no move to kill." "Interesting." Ye Li lowered her gaze in contemplation. It made no sense for Mo Jingqi's men to try and rescue Su Zuidie from any angle. If Su Zuidie knew any secrets she shouldn’t, Mo Jingqi would only want to silence her. The cost of sending people to rescue her was far too high.

Mo Xiuyao held her hand and smiled. "A Li, there’s no need to trouble yourself over this. The more he does, the more mistakes he’ll make. Sooner or later, we’ll find out why. Were there any survivors?"

Zhuo Jing nodded with a grin. "Reporting to Your Highness, this time we’ve made quite a haul. The leader was actually the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards from the Chu capital, along with several renowned martial artists from the jianghu. All of them have been detained."

Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction. After enduring the constant disturbances from those useless pests for so long, they had finally caught a few bigger fish. He ordered in a deep voice, "No need to interrogate them. Mo Jingqi wouldn’t have told them anything. Send the deputy commander’s head back to the capital for Mo Jingqi. As for those martial artists, we can question them thoroughly."

Martial artists of the jianghu had always disliked being bound by the court. Even assassins only killed for money and rarely obeyed imperial orders. For Mo Jingqi to mobilize so many renowned martial artists at once, there had to be a reason.

"Understood."

"Speaking of Imperial Guards commanders and martial artists… where are Leng Qingyu and Mu Qingcang now?" Ye Li asked.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "Leng Qingyu has returned to the capital. Though the man is arrogant and inflexible, compared to those cunning old foxes, he’s at least decent. For Leng Er’s sake, I had to spare his life. As for Mu Qingcang… he’s in Ruyang. Do you want to see him, A Li?"

Mu Qingcang was no ordinary man—not only was he the illegitimate son of Marquis Muyang, but he was also one of the top five martial artists in the realm. Naturally, Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t leave him unsupervised. If someone exploited that, it would cause endless trouble.

Ye Li thought for a moment. "There are indeed some matters I’d like him to handle, but Mu Qingcang isn’t easy to control. Let’s wait a little longer."

Mo Xiuyao didn’t mind and nodded. Just as he was about to speak, a guard outside announced, "Reporting to Your Highness, Lord Su Zhe requests an audience."

Mo Xiuyao paused, only then remembering that Su Zhe, being advanced in age and unable to endure long journeys, had been too exhausted to attend tonight’s welcoming banquet and had rested in the manor instead. He sat up and glanced at Ye Li before saying in a deep voice, "Invite Lord Su in at once."

Author’s Note:

Wandering between 30 and 31, wahh… Am I really doomed to just stare longingly at the number two? Votes and pats, please~