Mo Li

Ye Li leaped off the stage with the Howling Moon Saber in hand, and Yun Ting immediately rushed over, eyeing the weapon covetously. "Wang Fei, could you lend this prized saber to your subordinate for a look?" he asked. It was a renowned blade from Northern Rong. While the Great Chu had many skilled swordsmiths and famous swords, their saber-forging techniques were inferior to those of Western Liang and Northern Rong—especially the latter, which excelled in saber craftsmanship. The Howling Moon Saber was particularly legendary.

Ye Li gave him a sidelong glance with a faintly amused expression, and Yun Ting immediately recalled the trouble he had caused earlier. His excitement instantly turned to dismay and unease. After enjoying his crestfallen look for a moment, Ye Li finally tossed the saber to him with a smile. Yun Ting hastily expressed his gratitude and examined the blade with evident admiration.

"Wang Fei’s archery skills are truly divine. I am in awe," Chen Yun remarked sincerely as he followed Ye Li. Since the Martial Arts Contest at the training grounds last year, Chen Yun had held deep respect for the young Wang Fei. After witnessing today’s spectacle, his admiration only grew.

Ye Li chuckled. "It’s not as miraculous as you make it sound. I just put in a little extra effort. On the battlefield, not everyone needs to shoot copper coins off trees in the dead of night. You are warriors who fight enemies, not performers on a stage."

Chen Yun smiled without responding, understanding that Wang Fei was comforting him. He silently resolved to practice his archery even more diligently upon returning.

Since Chen Yun and Yun Ting were stationed at the military camp, their path diverged from Ye Li’s. When parting ways, Yun Ting reluctantly returned the saber. Seeing his longing gaze, Ye Li smiled faintly and casually tossed the blade back to him. "If you like it, keep it."

"Ah?" Yun Ting froze, stunned with joy. Beside him, Chen Yun rolled his eyes helplessly. With that pitiful, reluctant expression, anyone would think Wang Fei was taking away his beloved rather than just a saber. Fortunately, he knew Wang Fei was lenient with her subordinates, so he didn’t stop Yun Ting from making a fool of himself.

When Yun Ting finally processed the gift, he cradled the saber carefully, dazed. "Wang Fei… really, really gave it to me?"

Ye Li laughed. "I didn’t come here for this saber—it was just a coincidence. Besides, no one in the Wang residence prefers this type of blade. Since you like it, take it." Compared to this slightly curved weapon, Ye Li favored lightweight straight daggers and military spikes. Moreover, the ornate gem-studded scabbard made it impractical for actual combat.

After receiving her confirmation, Yun Ting clutched the saber like a fool, looking as if he wanted to bite it to verify its authenticity. Chen Yun couldn’t help but take a discreet step back, embarrassed to be associated with him.

Ye Li turned to Chen Yun with a smile. "I recall that Chen Xiaowei specializes in the spear, but you could use a close-combat weapon for self-defense. I recently acquired a Cold Rhino Blade—I’ll have it sent to you later to see if it suits your hand."Chen Yun was overjoyed. Although the scabbard of the Cold Rhino Blade wasn't as ornate as the Howling Moon in Yun Ting's hand, its blade was certainly no inferior. They were forged by the same master after all. Moreover, the Cold Rhino Blade was more practical than the Howling Moon, as the latter had been acquired by the Northern Rong royalty and adorned with excessive decorations, making it unsuitable for battle. The Cold Rhino Blade, however, retained its original simplicity and sharpness as intended by the smith. "This subordinate thanks Wang Fei." Ye Li waved her hand with a smile, "No need. A fine weapon finding a worthy owner is always a good thing. I shall take my leave first. Since leisure is rare, enjoy yourselves at ease."

"Farewell, Wang Fei."

The place where Ye Li and her party had been speaking was merely a dozen steps away from the arena. Her casual act of tossing the Howling Moon to Yun Ting had naturally been witnessed by many. Ordinary citizens saw it as Princess Ding's benevolence and generosity toward her subordinates, while those involved in the situation couldn't help but darken their expressions.

In the Fragrant Pavilion, Yelv Ye and Mo Jingli simultaneously fixed their gazes on the graceful figure strolling away through the crowd. A shadow of gloom and anger flashed in Yelv Ye's eyes. Ye Li had publicly exposed Huyan Lü's true identity, then nonchalantly gifted the Howling Moon—a prize she had just won—to a mere captain. This was clearly a deliberate slight against Northern Rong and himself.

The ever-proud Yelv Ye had once again been thwarted by Ye Li, and he couldn't swallow this humiliation.

Yelv Ye stood up, intending to leap from the window and pursue the figure gradually disappearing into the crowd. But suddenly, he sensed a chilling gaze laden with undisguised killing intent directed at him. Following the source, he saw a silver-haired man with an icy demeanor staring motionlessly at him from an open window across the street. Yelv Ye's heart skipped a beat, and he forcibly suppressed the cold dread rising within him, slowly sitting back down. On the opposite side, Mo Xiuyao watched him retreat, the corners of his lips curling into a faint, cold smile as he raised his wine cup in a mocking toast. Yelv Ye snorted coldly, grabbed his own cup, and downed it in one gulp.

"Princess Ding truly lives up to her reputation as a peerless woman of this era. This prince admires her greatly." In the quiet private room, Yelv Hong, the Crown Prince of Northern Rong, smiled at Mo Xiuyao. Earlier, everyone's attention had been fixed on the arena below, unaware that the Northern Rong Crown Prince and Prince Ding had been watching from a second-floor room by the street. Mo Xiuyao gave a light hum, his cold expression softening slightly—clearly pleased by Yelv Hong's praise. Beside Yelv Hong sat Ronghua Princess. Once a famously beautiful and haughty imperial princess of the capital, she had since gained a gentler, more delicate charm in the foreign land of Northern Rong. Leaning submissively against Yelv Hong, she occasionally poured wine for him, though her lowered eyes held a trace of complexity and bitterness.

Just two years ago, she hadn't spared Princess Ding a single thought. Yet in this short span, the gap between them had grown so vast that she felt ashamed to even compare herself. Watching Princess Ding's composed and graceful demeanor on the arena, her archery skills surpassing even Northern Rong's finest marksmen, Ronghua Princess knew she could never hope to match such a woman in her lifetime.The door of the side room was gently pushed open from the outside, and Ye Li stood at the doorway with a smile, saying, "Crown Prince Yelv, has this consort disturbed you?"

Yelv Hong was momentarily taken aback but quickly laughed, "How could you say that? This humble prince is deeply honored by the Wang Fei's visit. Please, come in." Ye Li stepped inside and walked over to Mo Xiuyao's side. Mo Xiuyao reached out to help her sit down, saying softly, "You could have just sent someone to entertain him. Why bother engaging with him personally?" Ye Li smiled, "I merely wanted to see how skilled the Northern Rong's top archer truly is." Yelv Hong raised his cup and said with a laugh, "Wang Fei, you flatter me. This humble prince toasts to you. Although Huyan Lv was once known as Northern Rong's top archer, that was over a decade ago. As for the current Huyan Lv..." Yelv Hong shook his head and smiled, "Let’s not mention such a disappointing person. Come, Wang Fei, Wang Ye, please."

Ye Li picked up her cup and replied lightly, "Crown Prince, please. Crown Princess, please."

A few days before the full-month celebration of the Heir Apparent Ding, the entire city of Ruyang was immersed in joyous festivities. Yet behind this jubilant atmosphere, certain agreements and pacts were quietly being forged. For instance, trade agreements with Nanzhao and the annual purchase of large quantities of medicinal herbs from them. Or the secret acquisition of vast amounts of grain from a merchant in Great Chu. Or the temporary peace agreement along the border with the Northern Rong crown prince—all these were silently progressing without public knowledge. Thus, while the people outside reveled in merriment, the staff of Prince Ding's Estate were busier than usual.

"Reporting to Wang Fei, Zhennan Wang and Zhennan Wang Shizi request an audience." Ye Li, who had found a rare moment of leisure to stay in her room with the baby, frowned at Lin Han's announcement. The nearly one-month-old baby was no longer as sleepy as when first born, instead gazing at Ye Li with round, sparkling eyes, their dark pupils glistening like dewdrops, softening Ye Li's heart. She felt no amount of love for the little one would ever be enough. "Is Wang Ye in the estate?" she asked. Lin Han replied, "Wang Ye accompanied Qingchen Gongzi out of the city this morning and has yet to return. Should we... ask Zhennan Wang to return tomorrow?" The entire Prince Ding's Estate held no goodwill toward Zhennan Wang, especially after the incident where Wang Fei fell off a cliff, which left people like Zhuo Jing and Lin Han deeply resentful. Naturally, they did not wish Ye Li to meet with Zhennan Wang again.

Ye Li set down Mo Xiaobao and smiled faintly, "No need. We are in Prince Ding's Estate now. If this consort refuses to see him, it would only make me appear timid."

Lin Han remained silent and retreated outside to wait for Ye Li to emerge.

Before long, Ye Li had settled Mo Xiaobao and, accompanied by Qingluan and others, stepped out of the room and headed toward the main hall.

In the main hall of Prince Ding's Estate, Lei Tengfeng sat calmly below Zhennan Wang, surveying the furnishings of the room. To be fair, the Prince Ding's Estate in Ruyang was not as grand or magnificent as the one in Chu Jing. Having been recently renovated, it lacked the ancient, somber elegance of the Ding Royal Palace in Chu Jing. Instead, it bore more of the rugged simplicity and unrestrained charm of the northwest. Zhennan Wang also examined the hall, though his gaze lingered more toward the entrance. At the sound of tinkling ornaments outside the door, his eyes grew even sharper and more profound.Ye Li stepped into the hall with a bright laugh, "I'm afraid I've kept Wang Ye and the heir waiting. Head Steward Mo, why hasn't tea been served to our guests?" Lin Han, who followed beside Ye Li, cast an impassive glance at the seated figures of Zhennan Wang and his son before replying calmly, "Reporting to Wang Fei, Head Steward Mo has gone to arrange accommodations for Mr. Qingyun's new residence."

Lei Tengfeng was well aware of their unwelcome status in Prince Ding's Estate. With a bitter inner smile, he said to Ye Li, "Wang Fei needn't stand on ceremony." Ye Li smiled gracefully, "Courtesy must not be neglected. The estate has been quite busy lately, so Head Steward Mo's oversight is understandable. Please forgive us, Heir Tengfeng. Lin Han." Lin Han nodded and stepped to the door to instruct the maidservants waiting outside to serve tea.

Once the tea was brought, Ye Li took a sip before turning to Zhennan Wang with a smile. "With our child's full-month banquet approaching, both Wang Ye and I have been rather occupied today. If we've been remiss in our hospitality, I hope Wang Ye will forgive us."

Zhennan Wang studied Ye Li intently for a long moment before shifting his gaze and smiling. "How could that be? Wang Fei's arrangements are impeccable—this prince feels thoroughly at home." Ye Li naturally didn't take his polite words seriously. She hadn't even inquired about the guest accommodations. Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin, known for their vengeful natures, were unlikely to have arranged anything truly hospitable for them.

After a brief pause, Ye Li asked, "What brings Wang Ye and the heir to visit us today?"

Lei Tengfeng smiled. "There are indeed a few minor matters we wished to discuss with Prince Ding. However, on two previous occasions, my requests for an audience were declined. Reluctantly, we've come to trouble Wang Fei instead—please forgive the intrusion." Ye Li blinked, recalling how Mo Xiuyao's expression darkened at the mere mention of Western Liang or Zhennan Wang. It was entirely possible he had refused Tengfeng's requests. These days, Mo Xiuyao often acted on sheer caprice, utterly unreasonable. Yet Ye Li felt no displeasure at this. She understood well that his willful rudeness toward Western Liang envoys stemmed not merely from the current tensions between the northwest and Western Liang, but more so—because of her. Nations might battle to the death one day and toast to everlasting friendship the next, for there were no permanent enemies or allies between states. Personal grievances, however, lingered far longer.

With an amused smile at Lei Tengfeng, Ye Li offered an apology devoid of remorse. "Xiu Yao has been so busy lately he can hardly think straight. I hope the heir will forgive him."Lei Tengfeng naturally couldn't take offense. When Ye Li asked, "If the Crown Prince has any matters to discuss, speaking with this consort would be equivalent," Lei Tengfeng glanced at his father sitting silently to the side before smiling and replying, "Actually, it's nothing major. This prince happened to hear that Prince Ding has reached trade agreements with both Northern Rong and Nanzhao..."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow—"happened to hear" was quite the artful phrasing. No doubt Western Liang had spies planted in every country to achieve such coincidental knowledge. She waited calmly for Lei Tengfeng to finish his piece.

Lei Tengfeng felt somewhat helpless. He truly disliked conversing with Ye Li—after a few encounters, it became impossible to treat her as an ordinary person. At no point could one discern any hint of surprise or emotion from her expression, as if she were merely a gentle, harmless noble lady. Yet one could never detect curiosity, astonishment, or worry on her face either. Negotiating with such a person placed unimaginable pressure on opponents, for her bottom line remained perpetually unfathomable. It might be mere inches away, yet feel like a thousand miles distant.

This wasn't the first time Lei Tengfeng had felt this frustration. After a momentary internal discomfort, he pressed on: "The Wang Fei must know that our kingdom conducts considerable trade annually with Eastern Chu and Nanzhao. Many goods must pass through the northwest."

Though vast, Western Liang was undeniably resource-poor, requiring imports from other nations. Of course, Western Liang's policy was to take by force when possible—but some things couldn't be stolen in sufficient quantities. The Xiling Emperor's favored silks, teas, and porcelain had to be purchased from Nanzhao and Great Chu, as these luxuries were absent from western kingdoms. Moreover, since Western Liang's people ultimately shared ancestry with Great Chu's, most still preferred Chu goods.

The northwest controlled the vital passage between Great Chu and Western Liang—all trade bound for Western Liang had to traverse this region. As for southwestern routes, the ancient saying "The road to Shu is harder than climbing to heaven" held true. Just reaching Shu was arduous enough; transporting caravans onward to Western Liang through mountainous terrain would involve not just immense detours, but dangers from bandits that deterred most merchants.

Ye Li smiled faintly—Lei Tengfeng's single sentence revealed their purpose. In truth, Prince Ding's Estate had been awaiting this visit, though Ye Li hadn't realized Western Liang's delay stemmed from Mo Xiuyao refusing them audience rather than negotiation tactics. Setting her teacup down lightly, she tilted her head and asked, "This consort understands the Crown Prince's meaning. Opening trade routes benefits both nations, but... what advantage does this offer our northwest?" In essence—why should the Mo Family Army permit Western Liang's merchants passage?

Lei Tengfeng's eyes darkened slightly as he countered, "Even during wars, nations traditionally permit merchant travel—this mutual exchange has long been established between our kingdom, Eastern Chu, Northern Rong and Nanzhao. The Wang Fei's words puzzle this humble one."Ye Li lowered her gaze and smiled faintly, "In that case, Western Liang merchants may simply pass through the northwest. Why then does the Young Master feel the need to specially inquire with this consort?"

Lei Tengfeng was momentarily speechless. The so-called consensus often amounted to nothing more than a worthless scrap of paper when put into practice. The trade routes were long and fraught with incidents—who could say when bandits might appear or accidents occur? Over the past year, especially in the last six months, the number of merchants traveling from Western Liang to Great Chu had dwindled to even fewer than during wartime. Now, many goods in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City remained exorbitantly priced.

Ye Li continued leisurely, "This consort truly questions the Young Master's claim about unrestricted trade during wartime. If two nations are at war, wouldn't they wish to annihilate each other? Would Great Chu still agree to sell silk and grain to Western Liang then? Would we permit Nanzhao's medicinal herbs to be transported through Great Chu to Western Liang? Moreover, even if all that were irrelevant, how would the Young Master distinguish whether the merchants flooding in during wartime are genuine traders or spies?" Lei Tengfeng was stunned for a moment before sighing helplessly and turning to Zhennan Wang, who had been silently listening to their exchange.

Only then did Zhennan Wang raise his head to gaze at Ye Li and ask, "What conditions does Princess Ding require?"

Ye Li smiled and waved a hand toward Lin Han behind her. Lin Han promptly produced two memorandums, handing one each to Zhennan Wang and Lei Tengfeng.

Zhennan Wang accepted his copy, giving Ye Li a puzzled glance before lowering his eyes to read. After a long while, he finally looked up and asked, "According to the Princess, what benefits would Western Liang gain?" Ye Li replied softly, "Since the northwest can accommodate trade from all nations, naturally we cannot treat Western Liang differently. The conditions mentioned by Zhennan Wang and the Young Master would thus be effortlessly resolved, wouldn't they?"

Zhennan Wang frowned and said gravely, "This prince needs time to consider."

Ye Li smiled, "Of course. Your Highness and the Young Master may respond before leaving Ruyang."

Zhennan Wang tucked away the memorandum and rose to his feet, looking at Ye Li. "Does the Princess truly not intend to consider this prince's earlier proposal? If the Princess were willing to come to Western Liang, this prince would treat her with the honors due to a State Chancellor."

Ye Li was taken aback and couldn't help but laugh. Before she could respond, Mo Xiuyao's cool voice came from outside the door, "Many thanks for Zhennan Wang's kindness, but this prince's beloved consort has no need for the position of State Chancellor in Western Liang. Besides, everyone knows the title of State Chancellor in Western Liang is merely an empty honor!"

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Next chapter… How can there not be a fight~