Mo Li

"None of my concern?"

Tan Jizhi watched with keen interest the woman before him, beautiful as a celestial maiden descended from the heavens. From the moment he first laid eyes on Consort Liu, he had found her intriguing. She harbored no ambition, completely indifferent to the emperor's favor. In the depths of the palace, she stood like a lone snow lotus blooming atop a high mountain, coldly gazing down upon the bustling crowd within the palace walls. At first, he assumed this was merely a tactic to gain favor—after all, the emperor was accustomed to countless women fawning over him, making a beauty of aloof temperament all the more captivating. But soon, he realized she genuinely cared not for such things. When the emperor visited, she received him with indifference; when he did not, she remained unperturbed. Had she continued this way, he might have even come to admire her. Yet, in the end, he discovered her weakness—Prince Ding, Mo Xiuyao.

Consort Liu truly loved Mo Xiuyao, and unlike Su Zuidie, whose love was tangled in complex motives, hers was pure devotion to the man himself. She cared not whether Mo Xiuyao was the second son of Prince Ding's Estate, the King of Ding, or an ordinary commoner. Nor did it matter if he was a valiant warrior charging across battlefields or a bedridden invalid with crippled legs. Tan Jizhi almost found himself moved by her unwavering devotion.

A pity, then, that Mo Xiuyao's eyes had never once lingered on her. If even Su Zuidie—the peerless beauty who had grown up alongside Mo Xiuyao—could not capture his heart, what hope did the daughter of the Liu family, whom Mo Xiuyao barely tolerated, have? Even if Consort Liu was in no way inferior to Su Zuidie. Initially, she might have remained indifferent, content in the knowledge that if she could not have Mo Xiuyao, neither could anyone else. She might even have deceived herself into believing that Mo Xiuyao did not love her because he was incapable of love at all. But now, with Mo Xiuyao in the northwest, deeply devoted to his princess, and their child soon to be born, Tan Jizhi doubted Consort Liu could endure it any longer.

Seeing her unmoved, Tan Jizhi sighed and drawled slowly, "Does Your Grace truly resign herself to spending the rest of her life in this secluded palace? In another two months, Prince Ding's heir will be born. Heh... Prince Ding will surely become even more devoted to his princess. By then, it’s likely no one in this world will ever catch his eye again. I’ve heard... that Prince Ding once promised the Xu family he would take no one but his princess in this lifetime..."

Consort Liu abruptly turned, her gaze sharp as an icy arrow piercing the man standing in the moonlight. "The Xu family? What does the Xu family have to do with Xiu—Prince Ding?"

"Surely Your Grace doesn’t believe that nonsense about the Xu family remaining aloof and neutral?" Tan Jizhi chuckled. "Don’t forget... ever since Prince Ding seized Ruyang, even Leng Qingyu and Mu Yang were released. Yet Xu Hongyan’s second son, Xu Qingze, has been conspicuously absent. If Mo Xiuyao spared even Leng Qingyu and Mu Yang, why would he detain his own brother-in-law? Clearly, Xu Qingze chose not to return."

Consort Liu replied coolly, "Even so, what does it matter? Xu Hongyan is in the capital, while Mr. Qingyun and Xu Hongyu remain in Yunzhou. As long as these three do not act, what difference does it make if all five Xu sons go to Ruyang? The emperor will not move against the Xu family lightly."Tan Jizhi chuckled softly and said, "Imperial Concubine, why not tell His Majesty about the deeds of the Xu family during the founding of the Great Chu? Perhaps then he will understand that even with Xu Hongyan and Xu Qingyun in hand, things may not be secure."

Consort Liu glanced at him curiously and replied, "Why don’t you tell him yourself? These days, he’s been sending people everywhere to look for you, thinking you were secretly killed by Prince Ding."

Tan Jizhi shrugged helplessly, gritting his teeth. "That bitch Su Zuidie revealed my identity to Mo Xiuyao. If I appear in the palace again, there’s no guarantee Mo Xiuyao won’t expose this to His Majesty." Consort Liu sneered, "So, Young Master Tan still has dealings with Su Zuidie? Is the title of the world’s most beautiful woman truly deserved?" Tan Jizhi replied, "Naturally, she pales in comparison to Your Grace. That wretch Su Zuidie is probably suffering under Mo Xiuyao’s torment now. It’s just a shame my people haven’t found a chance to kill her!" The mere mention of Su Zuidie filled Tan Jizhi with silent hatred. In his youthful arrogance, he had always thought Mo Xiuyao’s fiancée was more beautiful than other women. But now, it was clear that a beauty like Consort Liu was the real peerless one. If there were such a thing as a regret potion in this world, he would never have gotten involved with Su Zuidie back then!

Gazing at Consort Liu’s ice-and-snow-like beauty, Tan Jizhi softened his voice and said, "Imperial Concubine, why not think it over carefully? Eliminating the Xu family would benefit you as well, wouldn’t it? Once the Xu family is gone, it would be like cutting off one of Princess Ding’s arms..." Seeing Consort Liu remain silent, Tan Jizhi sensed her wavering and pressed on, "The treasure of the previous dynasty lies within the northwest, including the Imperial Jade Seal, the military strategies of the founding emperor, and vast wealth. Now, it’s likely all in Mo Xiuyao’s hands. Your Grace could pass this information to His Majesty, fulfilling our duty as subjects." Consort Liu laughed coldly, "Even Mo Jingqi himself doesn’t know about this. How am I supposed to explain how I came by such knowledge?" Tan Jizhi raised an eyebrow and smiled. "If that’s the case, I won’t insist. I’ll ask Lord Liu to handle it instead. It shouldn’t trouble Your Grace in the first place."

"Leave," Consort Liu said. Tan Jizhi sighed. "Your Grace is truly heartless... After all these years of acquaintance, I—"

"His Majesty has arrived!" The shrill voice of a eunuch echoed outside the palace gates. Tan Jizhi’s eyes flickered. "Why would the emperor come so late?" Consort Liu stood up and said indifferently, "He is the emperor. Who can question when he chooses to come?" Tan Jizhi sighed helplessly. "That’s why everyone in this world wants to be emperor. Farewell, Your Grace. I must take my leave." Watching Tan Jizhi vanish into the darkness, Consort Liu lowered her head in silence for a moment before murmuring softly, "Not everyone is interested in that position." If that person truly desired the throne, she would give everything to make it happen—just for him to look at her seriously, even once...After leisurely straightening his robes, Mo Jingqi's imperial carriage had already arrived outside the palace hall. Stepping into the hall, Mo Jingqi frowned at the dim interior and asked, "Why aren't the lamps lit? Where are all the attendants?" Just from Mo Jingqi's tone, Consort Liu understood that he was in a foul mood. It was said that Consort Liu was the most favored imperial concubine in the harem, and the emperor often opposed the Empress Dowager for her sake. But only Consort Liu herself knew that this was merely when Mo Jingqi was in a good mood. When he was pleased, he showered her with affection, but when displeased, those closest to him suffered the most. Thus, Consort Liu never underestimated the neglected empress. Mo Jingqi may not have given her favor, but he granted her authority over the harem and never took his anger out on her. Therefore, the empress was the most content person in the depths of the palace, even if the reason was simply because Mo Jingqi guarded against the Hua family and thus avoided closeness with the empress.

"Your Majesty, forgive me. It was I who dismissed them," Consort Liu said calmly.

The palace maids and eunuchs accompanying Mo Jingqi quietly entered the hall, lit all the candles, and silently withdrew. Under the candlelight, the hall was bathed in brightness, filled with a faint fragrance. Mo Jingqi looked at Consort Liu and asked, "Why are you still awake so late, beloved consort?" Consort Liu remained composed and replied indifferently, "The epiphyllum outside the window bloomed. I was captivated and lost track of time."

"Oh?" Mo Jingqi raised an eyebrow and walked to the half-open window, where he indeed saw an epiphyllum in full bloom below. Smiling, he said, "Did I disturb your enjoyment of the flowers, beloved consort?" Consort Liu remained silent, tacitly agreeing. Mo Jingqi was long accustomed to her temperament and paid it no mind. Had she been overly warm and affectionate, he would have grown suspicious. Gazing at the stunning beauty who seemed even more enchanting under the moonlight, a flicker of desire flashed in Mo Jingqi's eyes. He pulled her close, pressed her against the windowsill, and kissed her fiercely. The intense kiss only ended when Consort Liu was nearly breathless. Looking down at the woman in his arms, Mo Jingqi found her eyes still cold and unreadable, as if everything had been his illusion. Staring at her exquisite face, his expression grew complex—filled with anger and resentment, yet also deep infatuation and jealousy—so much so that his earlier desire completely faded.

"What brings Your Majesty here so late?" Gently pushing Mo Jingqi away, Consort Liu walked back to the sitting couch in the hall and asked as she sat down.

Mo Jingqi's expression darkened. He sat beside her and gritted his teeth. "That old fool Hua Chenfeng submitted a memorial today, saying he wants to lead troops into battle!"Consort Liu looked up at him in confusion. Mo Jingqi snorted coldly and said, "What wishful thinking! At his age, he should stay quietly at home and wait for death. I allowed him to die peacefully only for the sake of the Empress and Changle! Yet as soon as Mo Xiuyao makes a mistake, he starts coveting military power. Sooner or later, I'll make sure he dies a miserable death!" Consort Liu listened calmly as Mo Jingqi raged against Huaguogong and the court officials who supported Prince Ding's Estate. She wouldn't speak ill of Huaguogong, nor did Mo Jingqi need her to join him in cursing the Duke. He simply needed someone to listen. When Mo Jingqi finally vented his anger, he turned to see Consort Liu sitting absentmindedly and asked displeasedly, "What are you thinking about, beloved consort?"

Lowering her eyes, Consort Liu replied, "Your Majesty seems in poor spirits today. Is it because of Huaguogong?"

Mo Jingqi scoffed, "That old fool Hua Chenfeng isn't worth my time right now! Tan Jizhi still hasn't returned—he must have been secretly killed by Mo Xiuyao. Those useless men who came back all claim many witnesses saw Tan Jizhi leave Ruyang. Mo Xiuyao has certainly improved—does he think such petty tricks can fool me?" In the past, if Mo Xiuyao refused to release Tan Jizhi, he would have stubbornly held onto him. If he wanted Tan Jizhi dead, he would have openly executed him without hesitation. But now, he pretends to release him while secretly striking from the shadows. After all these years, Mo Xiuyao has indeed grown more cunning. Consort Liu half-lowered her gaze, concealing her expression. "Your Majesty must have considered the possibility of Tan Jizhi falling into Prince Ding's hands when you sent him to the northwest."

Mo Jingqi cursed under his breath and snapped, "Tan Jizhi is useless too! Not only did he get captured by Mo Xiuyao, but even the captured Princess Ding was rescued by him!" The thought made Mo Jingqi's blood boil. If they had seized Ye Li—especially while she was pregnant—Mo Xiuyao would have had no choice but to obey his every command. To lose such a golden opportunity was infuriating. Consort Liu lifted her eyes and said, "Tan Jizhi has always been Your Majesty's trusted aide. Why did Your Majesty send him to the northwest... Forgive my presumption—I shouldn't interfere in state affairs." Mo Jingqi waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing. I trust you. Legend says the Imperial Tomb and treasure of the founding emperor of the previous dynasty lie in the northwest. Tan Jizhi was sent precisely for this matter. But who would have thought..."

After a moment of contemplation, Consort Liu ventured, "Then... does that mean the treasure of the previous dynasty now belongs entirely to the Mo Family Army?"

Mo Jingqi's face darkened with rage as he stood up. "Exactly! If the military strategies and treasure of the previous dynasty's founding emperor truly lie in the northwest, the Mo Family Army's strength will soar to new heights! Damn that Tan Jizhi..." Ignoring his fury, Consort Liu continued, "And it's likely not just the military strategies and treasure. There's also... the Imperial Jade Seal..."Mo Jingqi's expression changed abruptly, and he swiftly turned his gaze toward Consort Liu, suspicion evident in his voice. "How do you know the Imperial Jade Seal is in the tomb of the founding emperor?"

Consort Liu's face flickered slightly before she raised her head to meet his eyes. "Historical records mention that the founding emperor of the previous dynasty did indeed obtain the Imperial Jade Seal. Even among the relics left in the former dynasty's palace, imperial edicts stamped with the seal have been found, confirming this. However, after the founding emperor's death, no one in the world has ever seen the Imperial Jade Seal again. Clearly, he did not pass it down to his descendants. In that case... it is highly likely the seal remains in the imperial tomb. Unless... the founding emperor simply tossed it into some random river?"

Mo Jingqi studied Consort Liu carefully before finally saying, "My beloved consort rarely speaks so much. It seems... you truly despise Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to this extent?"

Consort Liu made no attempt to hide her feelings. "Does Your Majesty not hate them as well?"

Mo Jingqi nodded. "You are right, my consort. I do hate them!"

Consort Liu hated Mo Xiuyao for not loving her, hated Ye Li for stealing the man she loved. As for Mo Jingqi, he despised the power and prestige of the Ding Royal Palace, and even more so, Mo Xiuyao's natural-born brilliance and favored status. He was the son of the late emperor, while Mo Xiuyao was merely the second son of a prince's estate. Yet, when he had struggled cautiously in the palace as a child, Mo Xiuyao had been the one everyone in the capital—even the princes—sought to befriend and flatter. While he and his brothers schemed against each other, fighting tooth and nail for their father's favor, even forced to guard against his own full-blooded younger brother, Mo Xiuyao had lived freely and recklessly, with his elder brother Mo Xiuwen always following behind to clean up his messes with a helpless expression. When he had burned the midnight oil studying, racking his brains to compose policy essays just to earn a single approving glance from his father, Mo Xiuyao had only needed to casually pick up a brush and effortlessly produce masterpieces that won praise from the entire court.

And that wasn't even mentioning how, despite being a prince, even the woman he had admired had been hopelessly infatuated with Mo Xiuyao...

Long ago, when he was still a prince, he had sworn an oath—one day, he would crush Mo Xiuyao and the Ding Royal Palace beneath his feet!

As he pondered Consort Liu's reasoning, Mo Jingqi's expression grew increasingly grim. If Mo Xiuyao truly obtained the Imperial Jade Seal, then it would truly be... the Mandate of Heaven? It seemed Mo Xiuyao really did have ambitions for the throne.

At this thought, Mo Jingqi could no longer sit still. He stood abruptly and strode out. Consort Liu did not stop him, merely watching indifferently as he left. The sound of the imperial carriage departing soon faded, leaving the palace in silence once more.

"You didn't mention the Xu family," Tan Jizhi's voice suddenly echoed in the hall.

"You're still here." Consort Liu's face darkened with displeasure.

Knowing he was unwelcome, Tan Jizhi didn't press the matter. "I'll leave soon. It seems His Majesty has also taken an interest in the Imperial Jade Seal?"

Consort Liu scoffed lightly. "You never told him about the seal before. Do you think he won’t suspect you once he comes to his senses?" Mo Jingqi might not excel at much, but suspicion was his greatest skill. The slightest hint of anything amiss, whether true or not, and he would immediately start doubting.

Tan Jizhi shrugged. "After serving him diligently for ten years, I'm tired. I’m thinking of changing identities soon. I’m afraid I won’t have much time to visit you in the future, Your Highness. What a pity."

"Get out!" Consort Liu spat coldly.Tan Jizhi sighed softly, walking over to Consort Liu and gently lifting a strand of her hair as he whispered, "Ruo You, once we seize the world in the future, I promise to hand Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li over to you for personal punishment..."

"Get out!"

In Ruyang City

Mo Xiuyao reclined lazily on a couch, his gaze indifferent as he regarded Prince De and Mo Jingqi before him. Last night, Su Zhe had suddenly fallen gravely ill and was unable to rise from bed this morning, naturally absent from this meeting. Meanwhile, Mo Jian seemed to have been forgotten, merely sitting to the side as an observer. Overnight, Prince De's demeanor had become noticeably more restrained. Mo Xiuyao nodded inwardly—this was the same Prince De who had once emerged unscathed from the bloody struggle for the throne during the late emperor's reign. Years of comfort had likely dulled his memory of royal caution.

Taking a sip of tea, Mo Xiuyao asked, "Have Prince De and Prince Yu come bearing any imperial edicts for this prince?"

Prince De and Prince Yu exchanged glances, both detecting the mockery in Mo Xiuyao's words. Prince Yu clasped his hands and said, "Prince Ding, please understand. My uncle and I are merely here to convey His Majesty's wishes. Presumably, you grasped His Majesty's intent yesterday—he requests your immediate return to the capital. While the previous edict issued in anger cannot be revoked, His Majesty will naturally restore everything that rightfully belongs to you." Prince Yu dared not elaborate further, merely relaying Mo Jingqi's exact words without adding anything of his own.

Mo Xiuyao laughed heartily. "This prince understands His Majesty's intentions. But I fear they will not be fulfilled."

Prince Yu's heart sank. Was Prince Ding truly determined to sever ties with Great Chu?

Raising a hand to silence Prince Yu's attempt to speak, Mo Xiuyao continued, "Please inform His Majesty that the Mo Family Army remembers his actions well. Even if I were willing to risk trusting him once more, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army would never agree." Prince Yu swallowed hard and said with difficulty, "The Ding Royal Palace has served the nation loyally for generations. Why must you be so resolute? If there are grievances, simply voice them. I will relay them to His Majesty, and all matters can be reconsidered."

Mo Xiuyao arched a brow. "Reconsidered? I appreciate Prince Yu's kindness. You may also inform His Majesty and the court officials that as long as I live, Western Liang will never invade Great Chu from the northwest." Prince Yu felt a pang of bitterness. With the Mo Family Army stationed in the northwest, Western Liang naturally had no opportunity to invade from that direction. However, Western Liang also bordered Great Chu's southwest. Though the terrain there was far more treacherous, with both armies currently at a standoff, Great Chu's forces in the southwest were weaker. If Western Liang truly wished to invade from the southwest, it was not impossible.

Prince De regarded Mo Xiuyao solemnly. "Prince Ding, is your decision final?"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his eyes with a faint smile. "This prince merely seeks a way out for the Mo Family Army and my family. The Ding Royal Palace has defended Great Chu for generations—if not with merit, then with toil. I cannot allow the Ding lineage to end with me. How could I face my father, elder brother, and ancestors in the afterlife otherwise?"

After a long silence, Prince De nodded. "Very well. Prince Yu and I cannot dissuade you. We have delivered His Majesty's edict and will say no more. I only hope Prince Ding remembers that the men of the Ding Royal Palace and the Mo Family Army are ultimately subjects of Great Chu."

Mo Xiuyao smiled wordlessly.－－－－－－Off Topic－－－－－－

Well… Consort Liu is a bit of a complicated person. She has no interest in power, money, or handsome men. You could say her love turned into hatred. Feng has mentioned before that she’s not a good person, but at least she’s slightly better than Su Zui Die. She genuinely likes Mo Xiu Yao. If Mo Xiu Yao were willing to love her, she would undoubtedly abandon her position as an Imperial Concubine, her power, even her family—including her children—to follow him. Such a person isn’t good… sometimes quite terrifying~ But also quite pitiful~