Mo Li

Although Ye Ying and Ye Li were somewhat related, Ye Li did not arrange for Mo Jingli and his party to stay at Prince Ding's Estate. Instead, they were accommodated in a separate estate within Ruyang City, which had been specifically designated for hosting dignitaries or envoys from various nations. While the Mo Family Army did not have particularly good relations with these countries, war was not something that could be waged at a moment's notice, and people could not completely avoid interacting with one another. Though this estate was not as grand or individually separated as the diplomatic residences in Chu Jing, it was still quite decent and spacious enough to comfortably accommodate envoys from Great Chu, Northern Rong, and Western Liang without any concerns about overcrowding.

Before Mo Jingli and his entourage could even settle in, Head Steward Mo came to report once more, "Wang Ye, Wang Fei, Prince Zhennan of Xiling has arrived with Zhennan Wang Shizi. Additionally, the Crown Prince of Northern Rong has arrived with his Crown Princess and the Seventh Prince. The Imperial Princess of Nanzhao has also arrived!"

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchanged glances. This time, envoys from all four nations had arrived together, and the representatives sent were all figures of considerable weight. It was certainly a gesture of great respect toward Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao—though it couldn’t be ruled out that some among them harbored intentions to sow discord between Great Chu and the Mo Family Army. A cold glint flashed in Mo Xiuyao's eyes as he stood up with a smile, taking Ye Li's hand. "It seems today truly brings a gathering of distinguished guests. A Li, let us go out to welcome them." Ye Li nodded with a faint smile and followed Mo Xiuyao out.

Outside the gates of Prince Ding's Estate, the scene was bustling and crowded. Whether by coincidence or design, the distinguished guests from the three nations had all arrived at the estate gates at the same time. As a result, the entrance was completely blocked by their carriages, attendants, and guards. However, the imposing Black Cloud Cavalry, clad in black and exuding an intimidating aura, stood guard outside the estate, ensuring that none of these people could take even half a step closer.

The gates of Prince Ding's Estate swung open from within, and Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li stepped out hand in hand. Under the sunlight, his snow-white hair shimmered with a cold brilliance. The moment the newly arrived guests emerged from their carriages and caught sight of him, they were momentarily stunned. These were individuals who held the highest authority in their respective nations, and news of Mo Xiuyao's white hair had naturally reached them long ago. Yet, just like Mo Jingli, seeing the silver-haired man in person still evoked a flicker of surprise. What puzzled them, however, was this: when Wang Fei had gone missing after falling off a cliff, Prince Ding had remained unaffected. So why had his hair turned white overnight upon her return?

"Esteemed guests who have traveled from afar, this prince apologizes for the belated welcome," Mo Xiuyao said with a faint smile, his gaze sweeping lightly over the crowd.

"You flatter us, Prince Ding. We are already acquainted, so there’s no need for such formalities. And this must be Princess Ding? Seeing you today, the rumors of your grace do not disappoint," said a tall and sturdy young man dressed in the royal attire of Northern Rong. His features bore the rugged handsomeness characteristic of the Bei Rong people, and his presence was undeniably imposing. Standing beside him were the Seventh Prince of Northern Rong, Yelv Ye, and the long-unseen Ronghua Princess—now the Crown Princess of Northern Rong.

Ronghua Princess nodded at Ye Li with a faint smile. Her beautiful face, no longer bearing the delicate pallor and elaborate makeup she had worn in Chu Jing, now carried a healthy flush, suggesting that she had been living well in Northern Rong over the past year. The man who had spoken was naturally the Crown Prince of Northern Rong, Yelv Hong.

Ye Li smiled faintly in return. "The Crown Prince of Northern Rong praises me too highly. This consort is undeserving of such compliments. Since you have all traveled so far, please come inside for some tea before retiring to your residences to rest."Yelv Hong glanced at Ye Li with some surprise and smiled, "Thank you, Wang Fei."

Princess Anxi stepped forward with a bright laugh, "Princess Ding, it's been a long time. I hope you've been well?" Facing the princess's cheerful smile, Ye Li felt somewhat embarrassed. Back in Nanzhao, she had deceived Anxi more than once, yet the princess could still speak to her so amiably—how much of this was due to Xu Qingchen's influence? She nodded with a smile, "Sister Princess, I’ve been well. Coincidentally, Eldest Brother is also in Ruyang. You might take this chance to catch up with him." It was common knowledge that Princess Ding had no elder brothers in her maternal family. Who else could she refer to as "Eldest Brother" but Xu Qingchen? Ye Li had no intention of hiding the Xu Family's presence in the northwest, so she saw no harm in announcing it openly now. As expected, upon hearing news of Xu Qingchen, Princess Anxi's smile grew even more radiant. "Then I must thank you, Sister Wang Fei."

"Princess Ding, it's been a while. I hope you're well?" On the Western Liang side, it was Lei Tengfeng who stepped forward to greet her. Though all nations harbored some reservations about the Mo Family Army, Western Liang was currently in the most awkward position. Just last year, their two armies had clashed in a major battle, with Western Liang losing hundreds of thousands of troops in the northwest. Of course, the Mo Family Army had suffered an even greater blow when their Wang Fei had gone missing after falling off a cliff. Thus, even as both sides temporarily set aside their grudges for the sake of appearances, an underlying tension remained. Mo Xiuyao stepped forward, one hand resting possessively on Ye Li's slender waist, and smiled at Lei Tengfeng. "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Lei. A Li is blessed with great fortune and is doing quite well." Lei Tengfeng could only sigh helplessly—after all, it wasn’t him who had caused Princess Ding's fall, but his father. There wasn’t much difference, though. He forced a dry chuckle. "Indeed, Wang Fei’s survival through such peril is a testament to her great fortune."

Ye Li discreetly patted Mo Xiuyao's hand and smiled at the group. "It would be impolite of Prince Ding's Estate to keep everyone standing at the gates. Please, come inside." Mo Xiuyao gave a faint hum and, after casting a glance at Zhennan Wang—who had been quietly observing Ye Li—stepped aside to allow the guests entry. From behind them, Zhennan Wang remarked coolly, "It’s been a year, Prince Ding. Your martial prowess seems even more refined. Might I trouble you for a spar when time permits?" In a place no one could see, Mo Xiuyao bared his teeth in a vicious smile and tilted his head slightly. "This prince is at your disposal anytime."

"Princess Ding, it’s been a while. Have you been well?" As if provoking Mo Xiuyao wasn’t enough, Zhennan Wang then turned his gaze to Ye Li, smiling as he addressed her. Ye Li nodded faintly. "Thank you for your concern, Zhennan Wang. This consort is perfectly fine. As for your injuries... are they no longer an issue?" Feeling Mo Xiuyao's grip tighten around her waist, she inwardly cursed herself for not having struck harder back then—perhaps she could have ended him for good.

Zhennan Wang seemed to recall the wound Ye Li had gifted him and smiled regretfully. "The gift from Wang Fei is something this prince will never forget."

Ye Li's eyes darkened slightly as she replied calmly, "Is that so? This consort also remembers it well—how unfortunate that my aim was slightly off that day."

Zhennan Wang chuckled. "In that case, I must thank Wang Fei for showing mercy."After finally settling all the guests, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li returned to the study, where only Xu Qingchen remained. Seeing them enter, he looked up with a smile, "You're back?" Ye Li chuckled, "Big Brother, still working? Aren't you going to see your good friend?" Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow, "Anxi is here?" Ye Li nodded, "At this point, Nanzhao probably can't send any other significant envoy besides Princess Anxi. Aren’t you going to meet her? She looked quite disappointed when she left earlier." Xu Qingchen gave her a faint glance and replied calmly, "I’ll pay my respects to Princess Anxi later. There’s no need to rush." Ye Li sighed inwardly. Her elder brother’s ethereal, untouchable demeanor was truly frustrating. He was like an immortal who walked untouched through fields of flowers—no, he didn’t even walk through them, merely observed from a distance, neither too close nor too far. He seemed warm and approachable, yet when one tried to reach out, he felt as distant as the heavens. Even her aunt had begun to worry that he might one day renounce the mortal world and seek enlightenment. It wasn’t that Ye Li was trying to push him and Princess Anxi together, but over the years, she seemed to be the only woman who could get close to him.

"Prince Zhennan of Xiling, the heir of Zhennan Wang, the crown prince and seventh prince of Northern Rong, the imperial princess of Nanzhao, and Prince Li of Great Chu..." Xu Qingchen mused after hearing Ye Li list the visitors. "Even if it’s for the so-called Imperial Jade Seal, the delegation is unusually heavy." These were nearly the most important figures from each country—Prince Zhennan of Xiling, for instance, held more weight than the Xiling Emperor himself. For all of them to gather in Ruyang solely for the Imperial Jade Seal seemed excessive. Ye Li smiled, "Big Brother, like Xiu Yao, doesn’t place much importance on the Imperial Jade Seal, but others might think differently." The so-called Imperial Jade Seal—that its possessor could rule the world—was, in her view, a reversal of the truth. It should be that those who ruled the world could obtain it. Whether it was the ancient First Emperor or the more recent High Ancestor of the previous dynasty, hadn’t they all secured the seal only after nearly unifying the realm? If you had nothing to begin with, even if the seal fell from the sky into your lap, you’d only become cannon fodder for others.

"A Li is right," Mo Xiuyao said with a faint smile. "Possessing the Imperial Jade Seal grants the so-called 'Mandate of Heaven.' Moreover, it’s said the High Ancestor’s Treasure also contains his military strategies and the wealth left behind during the founding of the dynasty." To those people, the most valuable part was likely not the treasure itself but the High Ancestor’s military tactics. After all, who dared compare their military prowess to the Mo Family Army? There was once the so-called "God of War of Xiling," Prince Zhennan, but ever since he was defeated single-handedly by Princess Ding, the Mo Family Army had become his natural nemesis in the eyes of Xiling’s soldiers. Prince Zhennan, undefeated in his lifetime, suffered repeated losses at the hands of the Mo Family Army. His first defeat by Mo Liufang was understandable—after all, Prince Ding’s Estate had a profound legacy, and Mo Liufang was a genius of his generation. But to lose again to Princess Ding was inexcusable. A young girl from a scholarly family, barely in her teens, had defeated the battle-hardened Prince Zhennan. What else could it be but fate’s nemesis?Speaking of the Imperial Jade Seal, Ye Li couldn't help but frown and ask, "Will Tan Jizhi come to the northwest this time?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded, "Shu Manlin is still in Ruyang. Unless Tan Jizhi no longer wants her, he will definitely come."

"Shu Manlin?" Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow with a smile, unaware that the Holy Maiden of Southern Border had come to the northwest. Ye Li chuckled, "Ah, I forgot to tell you, Elder Brother. Actually, you and the Holy Maiden are old acquaintances. She even mentioned you to Li'er before. Would you like to meet her sometime?" Xu Qingchen helplessly reached out to ruffle Ye Li's hair, ignoring Mo Xiuyao's displeased gaze, and smiled, "No need. I doubt she wants others to know she's here." The Holy Maiden of Southern Border was not allowed to leave the Nanzhao royal city. If the Southern Border people found out, Shu Manlin's tenure as Holy Maiden would be over.

In Ruyang City, people arriving from all directions to participate in the grand event transformed this once relatively obscure northwestern city into a bustling and lively place. Street vendors from out of town suddenly appeared, hawking goods from within the passes or from Western Liang, Northern Rong, and Nanzhao. Inns, restaurants, and teahouses were all fully occupied. Those entering the city daily weren't just imperial envoys but also merchants, wandering martial artists, and travelers. The entire city of Ruyang was unprecedentedly vibrant and prosperous.

Ningxiang Pavilion was a newly established entertainment house in Ruyang, yet within less than two months, it had risen to become the premier entertainment house in the northwest. However, Ningxiang Pavilion was completely different from ordinary brothels—its ladies sold art, not their bodies. It was more like a high-end restaurant than a brothel, offering not only the most beautiful women but also the finest wines and most delicious delicacies. Here, one could request songs and dances from the ladies but could not ask them to drink with guests, let alone provide any other services. Thus, Ningxiang Pavilion welcomed both male and female patrons.

Yet human nature is such that the more something is forbidden, the more desirable it becomes. After all, listening to music, drinking, and admiring beauties in Ningxiang Pavilion seemed far more refined than visiting a brothel. Moreover, the beauties here were truly exquisite—without the heavy makeup and affected coquetry of brothel women, these elegantly dressed ladies, wearing identical outfits, moved gracefully through the pavilion... serving trays. Those who performed music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and dance were even more stunning. Not only did they outshine the sparse beauties of the barren northwest, but even scholars and poets from the beauty-rich regions south of the Yangtze were enchanted by them.

Ye Li sat in a private room on the second floor of Ningxiang Pavilion, leaning against the window to gaze outside. Night had fallen, yet Ruyang City was ablaze with lights, bright as day. Opposite Ningxiang Pavilion, a high platform had been set up, seemingly for some kind of competition. The streets below teemed with people, even livelier than during the day."It's so late, why has Wang Fei come out?" Yao Ji, dressed in a red silk gown, had regained about seventy to eighty percent of her former stunning beauty. Though not as breathtaking as before, she now exuded a gentler, more moving charm. Leaning against the door after pushing it open, she smiled and asked.

Ye Li smiled faintly, "I had nothing to do, so I came out for a look. You’ve managed Ningxiang Pavilion quite well."

Yao Ji pouted, "Indeed, and I must thank Wang Fei for her mercy. Otherwise, all these beauties in Ningxiang Pavilion would have been wasted in the brothels."

Ye Li looked at her with an amused expression, "Who said beauties must run a brothel? The Pavilion of Heavenly Unity already has plenty of brothels under its banner—no need to add another. Besides, Ningxiang Pavilion probably earns no less than your Alluring City Quarter, does it?"

Yao Ji nodded with a smile, "Wang Fei speaks wisely." The exorbitant prices at Ningxiang Pavilion had even made Yao Ji, who once managed the capital’s top brothel, gasp in astonishment. Yet, surprisingly, business had been thriving these past few days, filling the coffers with gold and silver in less than half a month. Truly, as the saying goes—people are born with a knack for extravagance!

"Remember, if anyone wants female companionship, send them out to the brothels. Ningxiang Pavilion only offers the finest wine, the best dishes, the most enchanting music, the most graceful dances, and the most captivating performances—nothing else!" Ye Li instructed while observing the scene downstairs.

Yao Ji nodded, "Yao Ji understands. Speaking of which… today, Prince Li, the seventh prince of Northern Rong, and Zhennan Wang Shizi of Western Liang all visited Ningxiang Pavilion."

Ye Li chuckled, "Ningxiang Pavilion has risen too quickly—it’d be strange if they didn’t come. Just carry on as usual and pay them no mind."

Yao Ji covered her lips with a sleeve and laughed, "Now I believe Wang Fei’s claim that Ningxiang Pavilion exists purely for profit. But once this lively period passes and these people leave…"

Ye Li smiled, "Don’t worry. Many who come this time won’t leave, and afterward, even more will arrive. That’s when Ningxiang Pavilion must play its part—convincing these wealthy individuals of the benefits of settling or doing business in Ruyang City…"

"Yao Ji understands." She walked to the window, following Ye Li’s gaze curiously. "What is Wang Fei looking at?"Ye Li pointed to a dueling stage not far across the street." "What’s happening over there?"

Yao Ji smiled, "A challenge, of course. These days, Ruyang isn’t just flooded with merchants but also noble scions and wandering warriors. That stage has been up for two days, though the current champion seems to be a Bei Rong man. The prize is a jewel-encrusted blade sharp enough to split a hair. Fifty taels per attempt. The champion has made quite a fortune these past two days."

Compared to a blade studded with gems, fifty taels was nothing. But if no one could win, the champion wouldn’t have to part with the prize—while fifty taels could sustain an ordinary family for two or three years.

Ye Li was intrigued. "What kind of challenge is so difficult?"

Yao Ji replied, "Archery.""Archery?" Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise. It seemed this Northern Rong challenger had great confidence in his archery skills. After all, what was Ruyang now? The garrison of the Mo Family Army, with half of their elite Black Cloud Cavalry stationed outside the city walls. Every member of the Black Cloud Cavalry could be considered a master archer, one in a hundred.

Yao Ji looked outside and suddenly smiled. "Wang Fei, aren't those some of your Mo Family Army's young officers?"

Ye Li followed her gaze and indeed saw several young officers pushing their way to the front of the crowd. Among them were Yun Ting and the young officer named Chen Yun, who had once sparred with her at the Mo Family Army camp. It seemed the two had become quite close.

Ye Li stood up with a smile. "Let's go take a look as well. I'm curious to see what makes this Northern Rong archer so extraordinary."

Yao Ji chuckled. "In that case, I'll join in the fun. After you, Wang Fei."