Mo Li

"Come away with me!" Feng Zhiyao repeated in a low voice, gazing at the clearly startled woman before him.

The Empress was stunned by his words, taking a long moment to regain her composure before shaking her head faintly. A flicker of anger rose in Feng Zhiyao’s eyes as he gritted his teeth and demanded, "Why?" The Empress lowered her gaze, concealing the sorrow and desolation within. When she looked up again, her expression carried a faint smile as she replied, "I am the Emperor’s wife, the Empress Dowager of Great Chu. Anyone else may leave, but I cannot abandon this place." Though she felt no romantic love for Mo Jingqi, she had harbored no dissatisfaction when the late Emperor arranged their marriage. Thus, whether her future was good or bad, it was no one else’s concern. She and Mo Jingqi were husband and wife—he was the father of her daughter. She did not love him, but she had to stay by his side. Before, she hadn’t understood Feng Zhiyao’s feelings, but now that she did, she couldn’t possibly leave with him. Taking the Empress of Great Chu away from the palace would bring Feng Zhiyao nothing but trouble.

Feng Zhiyao stared fiercely at the Empress’s calm smile, biting his lip so hard it nearly bled.

Softly, the Empress said, "You’re no longer young. I’ve heard Princess Ding is already with child. Since you and Prince Ding are the same age, it’s high time you found a good woman to marry. Ayao, elder sister thanks you for coming to see me. But… don’t come again. The palace isn’t a place to come and go as you please. It’s not good for either of us." Feng Zhiyao abruptly stood, glaring at her. "Fine! Fine! It was my own wishful thinking. I shouldn’t have disturbed Her Majesty’s life. I’ll take my leave now!" Despite his words, his feet remained rooted in place. The moment the words left his mouth, regret surged within him—he knew she had only said those things to drive him away, not because she truly feared he would bring her trouble. The Empress sighed softly. "Still so childish. Go home."

Feng Zhiyao stared at her, speechless for a long moment. He wanted to tell her what Mo Jingqi had done, to warn her that Prince Ding would never let him go unpunished. He wanted to beg her to leave with him. But he knew her too well—even if she learned the truth, she wouldn’t go. From the moment she stepped into Prince Qi’s bridal sedan, her life, death, honor, and disgrace had been tied to Mo Jingqi alone. Even if Mo Jingqi truly became a fallen monarch, she would only follow him in death.

"Will you never leave him, no matter what Mo Jingqi does?!" Feng Zhiyao asked coldly. The Empress froze. She was an intelligent woman, and his words made it clear that Mo Jingqi had done something unforgivable again. A bitter smile touched her lips. "As the Empress, it is my failing if I cannot advise His Majesty on his conduct. Whatever happens, I must bear it with him. Ayao, go. Don’t come back. If the chance arises in the future… please look after Changle for me." Feng Zhiyao fell silent. Though Third Master Feng was sharp-witted and eloquent, he could never win against her. The moment she looked at him with that quiet gaze, he lost all words. After a long silence, he finally nodded. "Fine, I’ll go… Take care of yourself."Watching Feng Zhiyao swiftly disappear into the dark night beyond the window, the Empress stood motionless, her gaze fixed on the flickering candlelight before her. After a long while, only a faint sigh escaped her lips.

Feng Zhiyao exited the palace gates, darting through the streets, alleys, courtyards, and towers of the capital, his body damp with dew and chilled by the cold, before landing in the rear courtyard of the Alluring City Quarter. By now, it was the fourth watch of the night, and even such a place of revelry had long fallen into silence. Feng Zhiyao strode into the indulgence, kicking open a door and stepping inside. Leng Haoyu, who had been waiting inside, was startled by his abrupt entrance and raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you?" Feng Zhiyao shook his head, walked to the table, and sat down. Grabbing a jug of wine from the table, he tilted his head back and poured it into his mouth. Leng Haoyu rested his chin on his hand, watching this display, and knew something unpleasant must have happened. He patted Feng Zhiyao on the shoulder and said, "What’s so unbearable? Later, I’ll drink with you for three days and nights until we’re thoroughly drunk. But for now… how did it go in the palace? Did you find any trace of the Underworld Flower?"

Feng Zhiyao set down the wine jug, frowning as he shook his head. "The Qilin team practically turned Mo Jingqi’s bedchamber upside down, but there wasn’t the slightest trace of it. They even checked the hidden chambers in the palace." Leng Haoyu frowned. "Could Tan Jizhi have lied to us?" Feng Zhiyao shook his head again. "No. The Holy Maiden of Southern Border is still imprisoned in the northwest. The Crown Princess of Southern Border is a close friend of Qingchen Gongzi. If the Holy Maiden dies, Tan Jizhi’s influence in Nanzhao will vanish completely." Leng Haoyu tapped his forehead in frustration, thinking for a moment before looking up at Feng Zhiyao. "What if we just ask Mo Jingqi directly? Do you think it’s possible?"

"Ask Mo Jingqi?" Feng Zhiyao was taken aback, staring at Leng Haoyu in confusion.

Leng Haoyu waved his folding fan as he spoke. "I suspect no one in this world except Mo Jingqi himself knows where he’s hidden the Underworld Flower. If we don’t ask the man himself, what else can we do? Neither your time nor Wang Ye’s health can afford for us to take things slow." Feng Zhiyao had to admit Leng Haoyu was right. He couldn’t stay in the capital for too long, and Shen had mentioned that although Wang Ye’s condition might not spiral out of control in just two years due to the effects of Phoenix Tail Grass, time was still not on their side. And now, over a year and a half had already passed. Even if they had the time to spare, Wang Ye’s body couldn’t wait. After a long silence, Feng Zhiyao said, "I need to think this through carefully. By the way, what about the Blazing Fire Lotus in Northern Rong?"Leng Haoyu said, "Since His Highness has regained the ability to walk, many likely assume his poison has been neutralized. Consequently, attention toward the Blazing Fire Lotus has waned compared to before. I've already arranged for people to retrieve the Blazing Fire Lotus Seeds as soon as they mature."

Feng Zhiyao nodded. "Whether useful or not, it's always good to be prepared. If the Underworld Flower isn't obtained in time, the Blazing Fire Lotus might offer an alternative solution for Shen."

In truth, none of them were overly optimistic about the Underworld Flower. Aside from the time and effort required to locate it, the ancient prescription for its use had long been lost to history. Therefore, while Shen Yang researched the Underworld Flower, he also focused on alternative prescriptions that could either substitute for or temporarily suppress the toxins in the Prince's body.

Leng Haoyu nodded solemnly. Everything they were doing now was predicated on Prince Ding's survival. If anything were to happen to him, all their efforts would be in vain. This was also why, despite the Mo Family Army's prolonged occupation of the entire northwest, its high-ranking officers had refrained from more aggressive actions. The more they did now, the greater the future repercussions for the Mo Family Army should the Prince meet with misfortune.

"Good, proceed as planned. Just let me know how many elite fighters you need," Leng Haoyu said, rising to his feet. Feng Zhiyao had only brought a portion of the shadow guards and a dozen or so Qilin operatives this time—all highly skilled, but too few in number.

Feng Zhiyao smirked. "Speaking of elite fighters, before leaving, Wang Fei actually assigned me one. If he cooperates, even snatching Mo Jingqi out of the imperial palace might not be impossible."

"Oh?" Leng Haoyu was intrigued. "Wang Fei has such a formidable fighter under her command?"

Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "Mu Qingcang—one of the Four Great Masters of the realm. Add the Qilin to that. Do you think it's enough?"

Leng Haoyu was momentarily stunned before clapping his hands in delight. "Enough? It's more than enough!" One of the Four Great Masters, combined with the elusive Qilin—unless Mo Jingqi's palace was an impenetrable fortress without a single flaw, they would have no trouble dragging him out.

In the emperor's bedchamber, Mo Jingqi entered with a dark expression, his oppressive aura causing the eunuchs and palace maids trailing behind him to tremble and keep their heads bowed, not daring to glance at their sovereign.

Standing at the doorway, Mo Jingqi swept a cold gaze over the cowering attendants and snapped, "All of you—get out!"

Relieved, they scrambled out in haste. In an instant, the grand, gilded chamber was left empty and cold, with only Mo Jingqi remaining. He strode inside, kicking over a small table bearing an antique vase, then proceeded to wreak havoc on everything else in the room.

Outside, the eunuchs and maids could only listen to the cacophony of shattering objects, knowing full well the emperor was once again venting his fury by smashing things.

"Eunuch..." A newly arrived young eunuch whispered nervously to the chief eunuch, "Is it really alright for His Majesty to rage like this?"

The chief eunuch, long accustomed to such scenes, replied calmly, "Just stand guard. Don't ask unnecessary questions."

"Yes," the young eunuch nodded, though only half-understanding."Mo Xiuyao! Ye Li! I will have you killed!" Inside the palace, Mo Jingqi roared after venting his fury, surveying the wreckage strewn across the floor. The news he had received during the morning court session had ignited his rage to the point where he even wished to execute the messenger. The child born to Ye Li—Mo Xiuyao had the audacity to openly declare him the Heir Apparent Ding. The title of Prince Ding had long been abolished by his decree, and Mo Xiuyao's actions were nothing short of outright defiance. Worse still, he had publicly sent invitations to dignitaries from various nations to attend the full-month banquet of the so-called Heir Apparent Ding in Ruyang. Even the princes of Great Chu had never received such an honor. Was Mo Xiuyao trying to tell the world that his son was more noble than the emperor's own heirs?

"Mo Xiuyao... Mo Xiuyao... I should have killed you back then! Now I’ve nurtured a viper in my bosom! Just you wait!"

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Liu requests an audience," the chief eunuch cautiously announced from outside the door.

Mo Jingqi's eyes darkened as he coldly commanded, "Let him in!"

The palace doors were pushed open from outside and swiftly shut again. Prime Minister Liu entered with equal caution, glancing at Mo Jingqi's expression before kneeling in salute. "This humble official greets Your Majesty." Mo Jingqi snorted and demanded, "What is your view on this morning's memorial?" Not yet granted permission to rise, Prime Minister Liu remained kneeling, lifting his head with an expression of righteous indignation. "Your Majesty, Mo Xiuyao's actions are nothing short of treasonous. Since last year, he has repeatedly acted in defiance, his ambitions laid bare. Despite Your Majesty's repeated leniency, he persists in his arrogance and grows ever more reckless. I implore Your Majesty to decree severe punishment!" The prime minister's words clearly aligned with Mo Jingqi's thoughts, his expression easing slightly as he nodded. "Rise. What do you propose?"

After a brief moment of contemplation, Prime Minister Liu clasped his hands and replied, "Mo Xiuyao is far in the northwest. Even if Your Majesty wishes to punish him, it would be difficult to reach him. In my humble opinion, we should immediately seal off the Ding Royal Palace in the capital to make an example. Furthermore, the Xu Family in Yunzhou has long been closely tied to the Ding Royal Palace as their maternal relatives. I request Your Majesty to issue an edict for the immediate arrest of the Xu Family, confiscate their property, and execute them as a warning to others!"

"This..." Though Mo Jingqi had long harbored disdain for the Xu Family, the idea of confiscation gave him slight pause. Prime Minister Liu quickly added, "Your Majesty, the Xu Family controls Mount Li Academy, the most prestigious institution in Great Chu. A significant portion of candidates in each imperial examination hail from there, and nearly half the court officials are its alumni. Should the Xu Family side with Mo Xiuyao, these officials and scholars..." He left the implication hanging, but the unspoken threat was enough for Mo Jingqi to grasp. Sure enough, Mo Jingqi's expression shifted as he nodded. "Prime Minister Liu speaks wisely. This matter shall be entrusted to you. Ensure the common people do not criticize us." Prime Minister Liu smiled. "Your Majesty need not worry. The Xu Family's ties to Mo Xiuyao are well-known. Given Mo Xiuyao's current defiance, the Xu Family cannot escape blame." Mo Jingqi nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. You may withdraw."

"This humble official takes his leave."Watching Prime Minister Liu retreat, Mo Jingqi's mood visibly improved. He could hardly wait to see the expression on Mo Xiuyao's face once he captured the Xu Family members. It was a pity he couldn't witness it personally—truly regrettable. As he was lost in thought, a sudden sharp pain struck the back of his neck. Darkness swallowed his vision, and he immediately fell unconscious.

When Mo Jingqi awoke again, he found himself not in his resplendent imperial bedchamber but in an empty room. The space was utterly bare—no furnishings except for the chair he was sitting on, making it impossible to discern his location. However, one thing was clear: he had been kidnapped, and this was certainly not within the palace walls. A sinking feeling settled in his chest as he looked down at the ropes binding him tightly to the chair, struggling futilely. "Guards! Guards! What insolent bandits dare commit such an audacious act? Show yourselves at once!"

The door creaked softly as it swung open. Mo Jingqi, facing away from the entrance, couldn't see anything, but he sensed someone entering. He roared furiously, "You have the gall to abduct Us? Release Us immediately, and We may yet spare your lives!"

"Oh dear, how terrifying," came a voice from behind him, laced with icy mockery. Mo Jingqi turned his head slightly to see three men clad entirely in black, their faces concealed except for their eyes. He scrutinized them but couldn't determine whether he recognized them or not.

"Who are you? Do you know the penalty for kidnapping the Emperor?" Mo Jingqi demanded sharply.

Feng Zhiyao narrowed his eyes at the man in the bright yellow dragon robes. He was indeed handsome—the Mo family had good looks—but the aura between his brows was incomparable to Prince Ding's. Even as he feigned composure, Feng Zhiyao detected the flicker of fear deep in his eyes. A thoughtful smile curled his lips. Fear was good.

"What is the penalty for kidnapping the Emperor?" Feng Zhiyao asked cheerfully. "Does the Great Chu legal code even have such a clause?"

Mo Jingqi was momentarily speechless. Of course, the Great Chu legal code didn't include such a provision—no one would dare kidnap an emperor. "Outrageous!" he snapped.

Feng Zhiyao smirked coldly, leaning forward to rest his elbow on the back of the chair, looking down at Mo Jingqi with a predatory gaze. "Since we've invited Your Majesty here, we're well aware of the consequences. So it's best if you stop wasting our time. Otherwise..." His empty fingers suddenly produced a small dagger, which he trailed idly along Mo Jingqi's neck. The cold, sharp blade instantly raised goosebumps on the emperor's skin. "W-what do you want?"

Leng Haoyu, who had been leaning against the wall, chuckled. "Actually, it's nothing much. We just want to borrow something from Your Majesty. With all the riches under heaven at your disposal, surely you won't be so stingy?" Though his tone was gentle, the underlying threat was unmistakable.

Mo Jingqi glanced swiftly at the blade at his throat. "What do you want?"

"The Underworld Flower," Feng Zhiyao murmured softly.Mo Jingqi was taken aback and said, "I don't know what you're talking about. What Underworld Flower?" Feng Zhiyao sneered coldly, "I heard the Underworld Flower can revive the dead and heal the most grievous wounds. But I wonder if it could still save someone if this blade were to strike..." A slight sting on his neck made Mo Jingqi feel something trickling down—it was his blood! His heart trembled, and he quickly cried out, "Wait! The Underworld Flower has been lost for over a century. Who told you I have it?" Feng Zhiyao smiled, "I don’t mind telling you. There’s a gentleman named Tan Jizhi—does Your Majesty know him?"

Mo Jingqi froze. Tan Jizhi? If it were someone else, he might have been able to deny it, but Tan Jizhi knew all too well—because it was Tan Jizhi who had originally presented it to him. He had thought Tan Jizhi was already killed by Mo Xiuyao. Could it be... "You’re Mo Xiuyao’s people?!"

As if reading his thoughts, Feng Zhiyao scoffed, "Your Majesty needn’t waste your energy. Quite a few people know about that treasure in your possession. Tan Jizhi is still alive and currently in Chu Jing."

"He’s in your hands?"

Feng Zhiyao shook his head. "Though we’re also looking for him, right now, knowing the whereabouts of the Underworld Flower is enough. It seems Mr. Tan isn’t as loyal to Your Majesty as you thought. From what I know, he returned to the capital over two months ago. Didn’t Your Majesty know?"

Mo Jingqi seethed silently. He truly hadn’t known. He had assumed Mo Xiuyao had secretly killed Tan Jizhi, but now it seemed Mo Xiuyao had indeed let him go—it was Tan Jizhi himself who hadn’t returned. No need to guess... he must have already betrayed him. The thought sent a chill down Mo Jingqi’s spine. If Tan Jizhi had betrayed him, did that mean Mo Xiuyao already knew about that matter?!

"I truly admire Your Majesty’s ability to zone out at a time like this," Feng Zhiyao said with a laugh. "Speak—the Underworld Flower’s location, or Your Majesty’s life?"

"Kill me, and you won’t escape the capital either!" Mo Jingqi roared.

Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "Who told you we’re in the capital right now? I could kill Your Majesty here and still swagger back into the city to find a place to stay. The Underworld Flower must be in the palace—I can take my time searching. Since Your Majesty is so stubborn, it seems Great Chu needs a new emperor." With that, he raised his dagger without hesitation and aimed for Mo Jingqi’s neck.

"Wait!" Mo Jingqi screamed in terror. The dagger halted just inches from his throat, and cold sweat broke out on his skin.

"I’ll talk..." Mo Jingqi’s face was deathly pale, his eyes filled with fear. "The Underworld Flower is... in the Empress’s chambers."

Feng Zhiyao paused, his phoenix-like eyes narrowing coldly. "You’d keep such a treasure in the Empress’s palace?"

Mo Jingqi explained, "Precisely because it’s a treasure, hiding it there makes it inconspicuous. The Underworld Flower resembles jade. Eight years ago, I had it embellished and gifted it to the Empress as a present, ordering her to keep it safe. So she would never think to use it herself or give it away."

Feng Zhiyao stood up. "You’d better be telling the truth."

"I swear it’s true. When will you let me go?"Feng Zhiyao walked towards the door, "Once we obtain the item, you'll be free to leave anytime. But if there's any issue with it, you know the consequences, Your Majesty!"

Mo Jingqi replied dejectedly, "We understand."

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Actually, considering the context, Feng feels this title might be misleading. It's not about Feng San kidnapping the emperor to take the Empress away. Although many readers wish the Empress would leave, Feng must clarify that the Empress would never leave with Feng Zhiyao. Whether because of her relationship with Feng Zhiyao or her position as Empress. The Empress is undoubtedly a good Empress—she wouldn't run away just because she doesn't love Mo Jingqi...