Mo Li

Although Mo Jingqi had forcefully suppressed discussions among officials about the Xu Family massacre, such matters could never truly be contained. Within days, news that the emperor had sent assassins to slaughter the Xu Family and set their home ablaze spread throughout the capital and beyond, rapidly extending across the entire Chu Kingdom. At the same time, Mr. Qingyun announced at Mount Li Academy that due to the emperor’s unjust slaughter of the Xu descendants, the Xu clan would relocate to the northwest for refuge. Mount Li Academy would also reopen in the northwest. Students enrolled at the academy could choose to transfer to other institutions in Chu if they were unwilling to move, while those who wished to continue studying at Mount Li Academy could follow them to the northwest. By the time the court sent envoys to Yunzhou, the entire Xu clan had already vanished, leaving only an empty academy atop Mount Li.

Upon receiving the news, Mo Jingqi flew into a rage, ordering the academy to be burned to the ground. He then proclaimed to the world that the Xu Family had colluded with Prince Ding in rebellion, commanding all prefectures along the route to the northwest to intercept and arrest them. However, the Xu Family was escorted by shadow guards personally dispatched by Mo Xiuyao, avoiding major cities entirely. Local officials, intimidated by Prince Ding’s authority, dared not truly obstruct them. Thus, the Xu Family passed safely through Flying Goose Pass and headed toward Ruyang.

At the city gates of Ruyang, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood hand in hand, watching the approaching caravan with joyful smiles. "They're here..." Though they had long received word from the shadow guards, their hearts remained uneasy until they saw their loved ones arrive safely. Now, as the convoy came into view, Ye Li felt the weight of her worries finally lift.

Mo Xiuyao smiled at her. "I told you everything would be fine. Yet you insisted on fretting—you even startled Feng San and Qin Feng. If the others saw the unshakable Princess Ding so anxious, who knows how many would be shocked?"

Ye Li chuckled sheepishly. It was true—when one was personally involved, even the most composed could falter. How could she not worry when the entire Xu Family was at stake?

Before the carriages reached the gates, Ye Li let go of Mo Xiuyao and hurried forward. The driver at the front, a shadow guard from Prince Ding’s Estate, halted the carriage upon seeing her and announced, "His Highness and Her Highness have come to welcome Mr. Qingyun."

The door of the first carriage opened, and Xu Hongyu stepped out first, assisting a white-haired elder in blue robes from the carriage.

Ye Li stood before the carriage, gazing at the familiar yet somewhat changed old man. Her eyes reddened, and tears fell unbidden. The elder before her was lean and serene, his white hair belying none of the frailty of age. Instead, his eyes gleamed with vitality. Seeing Ye Li standing there, his face softened with nostalgia and affection, his demeanor gentle and transcendent, like an immortal descended from the heavens.

"A Li..."

Mo Xiuyao approached, watching as Ye Li stared at Mr. Qingyun, tears streaming silently. His heart ached slightly, and he teased softly, "Mr. Qingyun has arrived—why are you crying?"Ye Li suddenly realized that tears were streaming down her face. Her grandfather had returned to Yunzhou even before her mother passed away. With the added distance caused by Ye Li regaining memories of her past life, it felt as though she hadn’t seen her grandfather for many years. Now, seeing him again, childhood memories of sitting on his lap while he read to her flooded her mind, and tears flowed unbidden. “Grandfather… Li’er pays her respects to Grandfather!” As Ye Li knelt, Mo Xiuyao didn’t hesitate either, sweeping his robes aside to kneel beside her.

Mr. Qingyun hurried forward to help them up. “Wang Ye, this is too much,” he said.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. “Mr. Qingyun is A Li’s grandfather. It is only proper to pay respects.”

Mr. Qingyun sighed deeply as he took in Mo Xiuyao’s snow-white hair, whiter than his own despite the prince’s youth. Turning to Ye Li, he smiled warmly. “Good child, after so many years apart, I almost feared I’d never see you again. That we can reunite in this lifetime is a blessing. Why the tears?”

Ye Li quickly wiped her face and laughed. “Li’er has embarrassed herself. With Grandfather and my uncles all here, our family is reunited—there’s no place for tears. Grandfather, uncles, and aunts must be exhausted from the journey.”

From the carriages behind, Xu Qingchen helped Madam Xu down, while Qin Zheng assisted Second Aunt Xu. Xu Hongyan and Xu Qingbai followed, all smiling at the scene. Before anyone could speak, a joyful shout came from the city gate as Xu Qingyan rushed out like a gust of wind, his voice ringing ahead of him. “Grandfather! Father! Mother! You’re finally here—I’ve missed you all so much!”

“Hmph!” Xu Hongyu gave his exuberant youngest son a cool glance.

Xu Qingyan immediately wilted, shuffling timidly to Xu Qingbai’s side and whispering, “Fourth Brother…”

Xu Qingbai wordlessly patted his head, but Xu Qingyan only shrank further behind him under his father’s stern gaze. Xu Hongyu’s temper flared at the sight, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to scold him.

Mr. Qingyun chuckled at his grandson’s fearful reaction. “Enough. We can discuss matters later.”

Naturally, Xu Hongyu wouldn’t defy his father. He bowed respectfully. “As you say, Father.”

“Li’er greets First Aunt and Second Aunt.” Ye Li stepped forward to pay her respects to the Xu matriarchs, then smiled at Xu Qingchen and the others. “Eldest Brother, Third Brother, Sister Zheng’er.” She was especially delighted to see Qin Zheng and turned to spot Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingze approaching quickly.

Madam Xu took Ye Li’s hands, studying her fondly. “When we left the capital, you were just a little girl. Now you’re a mother yourself. So many years have passed…”

Ye Li smiled softly. “Indeed, it’s been too long. You must all be weary from the journey—let’s return to the city and rest.”

Knowing Mr. Qingyun preferred tranquility, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had arranged for a modest welcome party, bringing only Xu Qingfeng and a few others to greet them at the gate.

Upon arriving at Prince Ding’s Estate, Head Steward Mo and the household staff welcomed them warmly. Rooms and refreshments had long been prepared, allowing everyone to freshen up before the evening banquet, where officials and generals of Ruyang City would gather to celebrate the Xu family’s arrival.Xu Qingbai smiled at Ye Li and said, "Cousin Li'er, there's no hurry for these matters. We're all eager to meet our little nephew."

Ye Li chuckled softly and turned to instruct Qingluan, "Quickly ask the nursemaid to bring the baby over."

Qingluan left with a smile while Ye Li personally helped Mr. Qingyun take the seat of honor and served him tea. As everyone settled in, Xu Qingze and the other two brothers paid their respects again to their grandparents and parents. Mr. Qingyun looked at his descendants with increasing affection. Although they had left Yunzhou, where the Xu Family had resided for generations, being reunited as a family now was a joyous occasion. He smiled at Xu Qingfeng and remarked, "Feng'er, it's been years since I last saw you, and you look much more spirited now."

Among the Xu Family's five young masters, Xu Qingfeng was somewhat of an outlier. It wasn't that he couldn't study, but rather that he disliked the classical texts and formalities. While the Xu Family never looked down on their descendants, it wasn't always the most comfortable environment for him. Now, however, Xu Qingfeng appeared sharp and full of vigor, which greatly pleased Mr. Qingyun.

Xu Qingfeng grinned and replied, "Grandfather is right. I've learned a great deal in Cousin Li'er's army, all thanks to her." Everyone turned to Ye Li in surprise, and she quickly waved her hands, laughing, "That's all Third Brother's own ability—I didn't help at all." This was the truth. After throwing Xu Qingfeng into the Qilin unit, Ye Li had left him to his own devices. Not only was this to give Qin Feng absolute trust and authority, but it was also for Xu Qingfeng's own good. In a place like Qilin, relying on connections would be worse than not going at all—one might not even know how they died. Fortunately, Xu Qingfeng was stubborn by nature. Compared to the elite veterans of the Mo Family Army, he was at a disadvantage coming from an ordinary camp, but he gritted his teeth and persevered without complaint, earning even Qin Feng's admiration.

"Earlier, when we heard Li'er had led troops to repel Western Liang's hundreds of thousands of soldiers, we were quite startled. It seems the Xu Family really is going to produce a female general," Second Aunt joked, being more familiar with Ye Li and thus less restrained. Ye Li sighed in amusement, "Second Aunt, you're teasing me now. How could I possibly be considered a general?" Mo Xiuyao gazed at her with a faint smile and said, "A Li isn't a general, but she's more formidable than any general could be." This drew another round of laughter from the group.

"The Little Prince has arrived..." Mama Lin entered, carrying the baby, who was unusually awake. Ye Li stood and took the child, her heart swelling with affection as she gazed at his plump, fair little face. She turned and brought him to Mr. Qingyun, smiling, "Grandfather, take a look at Xiao Bao." Having raised five grandsons himself, Mr. Qingyun was no stranger to holding babies. He took the child carefully, examined him, then glanced between Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao before remarking, "This child resembles Li'er more." Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile, though inwardly he disagreed. Everyone who had seen Mo Xiaobao—those close to Mo Xiuyao said he looked like him, while those close to Ye Li insisted he took after her. But Mo Xiuyao didn't care whom the little rascal resembled. Ye Li gave him a knowing glance, understanding his thoughts but choosing not to voice them.Others, mindful of Mr. Qingyun holding the child, refrained from crowding around to look. Yet their eyes couldn't help but dart toward him, even the usually composed Xu Hongyu leaning sideways to peer at the baby in Mr. Qingyun's arms. With so many pairs of eyes burning into him, how could Mr. Qingyun not notice? Smiling, he handed the baby to Xu Hongyu beside him, saying, "Take a look. This child has such fine features."

Once the baby was in Xu Hongyu's hands, the others no longer held back. Xu Qingyan immediately pulled Xu Qingbai over to see. Though he had already met the baby, Mo Xiaobao grew more adorable by the day, changing every time he looked—never enough. Xu Qingchen also rose and stood behind his father to gaze at the baby. It was Madam Xu who finally spoke up, "With so many of you crowding around, how can the child be comfortable? And my husband doesn’t know how to hold a baby properly. Let me take him." Thus, the baby passed from Xu Hongyu to Madam Xu, and the onlookers shifted to Madam Xu and Qin Zheng.

Mo Xiaobao was passed from one person to another without so much as a whimper, which amazed Madam Xu. "This child is so well-behaved. Even our most docile Qingze wasn’t this obedient back in the day."

At the side, Mo Xiuyao's lips twitched slightly as he eyed the tiny red bundle in Madam Xu’s arms with disdain. Obedient? Who was the little demon that cried every night until A Li held him?

Xu Hongyu smiled warmly. "What is the child’s name?"

"Mo Xiaobao!" Xu Qingyan blurted out before anyone else could answer.

Xu Hongyu froze, his lips twitching. What kind of name is that?

Ye Li pressed her lips together in amusement. "We haven’t settled on a formal name yet. We were waiting for Grandfather to bestow one. This is just a nickname for now." She couldn’t very well tell her grandfather and uncles that the baby’s father had a penchant for names that would embarrass the child when he grew up, could she?

Mr. Qingyun paused, visibly pleased by this. After a moment’s thought, he said, "In that case, how about… Yu Chen?"

Yu —to command, to lead. Chen —the sovereign, the emperor. Everyone present was well-read; such a name gave them all pause.

Xu Qingbai frowned slightly, hesitating before asking, "Grandfather, isn’t this name a bit…?"

Mr. Qingyun smiled serenely. "It’s just a name. I merely feel it suits this child." Mo Xiuyao chuckled faintly and nodded. "Mr. Qingyun is right. It’s just a name. Is my son unworthy of a fine one?" The others fell silent. Was this really just about a name? Even the emperor’s sons wouldn’t dare bear such a name. Xu Qingbai glanced at his grandfather, puzzled by his unruffled demeanor. As a renowned scholar of their time, how could he not grasp the implications—or the taboos? But since his father, eldest brother, and Prince Ding raised no objections, they must all have their reasons. He smiled. "My concerns were misplaced."

Seeing no further dissent, Madam Xu gazed lovingly at the baby in her arms and cooed, "Little treasure, from now on, your name shall be Mo Yuchen. Little Yu Chen…"Mo Xiuyao glanced at the little baby and said, "Madam Xu, there's no need to be polite. Just call him Mo Xiaobao." Mo Xiuyao spared no effort in tarnishing his son's reputation, determined to cement this nickname before Mo Xiaobao could even speak. Madam Xu was taken aback for a moment, then looked at the baby in her arms, who was blinking his big round eyes, and laughed, "Xiao Bao... indeed, what a little treasure." Beside them, Ye Li helplessly covered her face: Xiao Bao, your mother has failed you...

Once the women and the baby had gone to rest, the hall finally quieted down. Mr. Qingyun turned his head to look at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sitting side by side, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes, and asked, "Wang Ye, have you truly made up your mind?"

Everyone was momentarily stunned, their gazes collectively shifting to Mo Xiuyao on the seat. Mo Xiuyao's lips curled slightly into a cold smile. "What choice do I have? Didn’t the royal family already decide for Prince Ding's Estate over a decade ago?"

The room fell into silence. Power can easily intoxicate. Back then, when the founding emperor and Prince Ding Mo Lanyun swore an oath that their descendants would forever be brothers and share the great Chu empire, it might not have been insincere. Yet, in just a few generations, the two families had already reached a life-and-death impasse. The methods and actions of the royal family were indeed chilling. Xu Hongyu looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked, "Does Wang Ye have any plans now?" Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Naturally, there are plans, but they must be pursued gradually."

Xu Hongyu nodded. "It is good that Wang Ye can remain composed." Given Mo Xiuyao's current circumstances, the greatest concern was his impatience. Few could stay calm after learning of the bloody vengeance for his father and brother, not to mention the countless sacrifices of the Mo Family Army. However, compared to the Central Plains and Jiangnan, the northwest was still more remote and impoverished. If Prince Ding acted too hastily and Mo Jingqi resorted to desperate measures, it would only result in mutual destruction, leaving others to profit. Mo Xiuyao understood Xu Hongyu's meaning and replied calmly, "After so many years, what can't I wait for? Mr. Hongyu need not worry. In the future, many matters in the northwest will require the efforts of both you and Mr. Hongyan." With these words, he had already implied entrusting them with significant responsibilities. Xu Hongyu nodded slightly. "It is our duty."

Ye Li spoke up, "Li'er has prepared a residence for both uncles not far from the estate. However, due to the rush, many areas are still unfinished. For now, we must trouble uncles and cousins to stay in the estate temporarily." Originally, Ye Li had considered having everyone stay in the estate, as it was spacious enough to accommodate them all. But both uncles were elders with families of their own, and most of the cousins, except the fifth brother, were of marriageable age. While staying in the estate wouldn’t inconvenience the uncles, aunts, or cousins, she worried it might make them feel uncomfortable.

Xu Hongyu nodded. "Li'er, you’ve been thoughtful."

Ye Li smiled and looked eagerly at Mr. Qingyun. "Grandfather, won’t you stay in the estate? That way, Li'er and Wang Ye can seek your advice whenever needed.""Nonsense," Mr. Qingyun glanced at her and lightly scolded, "What kind of grandfather would permanently live at his granddaughter's home? People would think your uncle is unfilial. Besides, the residence you arrange surely won't be too far from the prince's estate—just visit more often if you miss your grandfather. Moreover... I've grown accustomed to rural life and don't particularly enjoy overly bustling places."

Ye Li naturally knew Mr. Qingyun wouldn't agree, but she wasn't discouraged and smiled, "Li'er was being presumptuous. Grandfather and Uncle, please don't be angry. There's an estate on the mountain five li outside the city with quite pleasant scenery. Wang Ye had someone purchase it a few days ago—consider it Li'er and Wang Ye's filial offering to Grandfather. Please don't refuse."

Mr. Qingyun's expression softened as he smiled faintly, "I know you're filial, child. I won't refuse then. It'll be just right for reopening the academy later." Remembering the Mount Li Academy that had turned to ashes, Mr. Qingyun wasn't without sorrow. Although all the ancient books had been saved, Mount Li Academy itself had been an ancient place carrying special significance.

Ye Li nodded, "Rest assured, Grandfather. Mount Li Academy will definitely reopen—and it will be even better than before."

Mr. Qingyun nodded, "Well said, child."

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Well... today I spent two hours pondering what Mo Xiaobao's name should be. I always felt Mr. Qingyun wouldn't give him an ordinary name. I originally preferred Yu Xuan, and that option got more votes too. But after much research, I couldn't confirm the meaning of the character "Xuan," so I had to change it. Yu Chen—majestic and domineering, right? Though it does somewhat openly hint at rebellion, haha... scurries away