Mo Li

"The Great Chu imperial family murdered my father and brothers, and disgraced our heroes. From this day forth, I, the Prince, sever all ties with the Great Chu imperial family—there shall be no further connection!"

Mo Xiuyao's resolute voice marked the moment when the Mo Family Army, which had guarded Great Chu for over a century, would no longer have any affiliation with the empire. Though the Mo Family Army had served as a barrier in the northwest, halting Western Liang's advance, the borders of Nanzhao and Northern Rong would no longer see the unwavering black-clad figures that had stood firm for a hundred years. The Mo Family Army's century-long guardianship of Great Chu had truly ended this night. No one could say a word—not even Mo Jingli or the officials of Great Chu dared to rebuke. The city walls were eerily silent as all eyes turned to the young man and woman standing side by side at the forefront. A single thought echoed in everyone's hearts: The age of chaos has truly arrived.

The subsequent banquet followed the usual routine of music and dance, yet none of the attendees paid any attention to the alluring dancers or the enchanting melodies. Almost as soon as Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li withdrew, the guests followed suit. There were urgent matters to discuss—no one had the heart to linger over fine wine or entertainment now.

By the next morning, Prince Ding's declaration on the city walls had already spread far and wide through various channels. Yet despite the shock, none of the envoys from Western Liang, Northern Rong, Nanzhao, or Great Chu chose to depart. Instead, the grand hall of Prince Ding's Estate was packed early in the morning, filled with officials—many sporting dark circles under their eyes, clearly having slept poorly.

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li entered the hall side by side, prompting the assembled officials to rise and bow. "Greetings to the Prince and Wang Fei."

Once seated, Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "At ease. Everyone, make yourselves comfortable. General Zhang, Feng San—what’s the matter? Did you not sleep well last night?"

Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes. It wasn’t just the envoys and common folk who had been stunned by their Prince’s announcement— he had been the one truly caught off guard! Without any prior warning, when he unrolled the silk scroll entrusted to him, it had taken every ounce of his composure not to fling it away in shock. Though he managed to read the words aloud with a steady voice, no one knew his hands had trembled uncontrollably afterward. Feng San felt deeply wronged.

Mo Xiuyao observed his subordinates' varied expressions with amusement. "What? Were you all frightened? Afraid?"

"Your Highness should have done this long ago! What do we have to fear?" Lyu Jinxian declared boldly. The others quickly voiced their agreement, filling the hall with fervent clamor and spirited energy."Wang Ye, now that we have resolved to break with Great Chu, the misunderstandings between the people of the northwest—even all of Great Chu—towards you and Prince Ding's Estate can finally be cleared," Xu Hongyu said calmly.

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "What does Mr. Hongyu suggest?"

Xu Hongyu replied, "Strike first. Publicly declare the grievances between the Great Chu imperial family and Prince Ding's Estate in clear terms. Though most commoners may not be literate, they are not unreasonable. Right and wrong will be judged by public opinion."

Feng Zhiyao agreed. "Mr. Hongyu speaks wisely. If we announce this now, by the time last night’s news reaches Chu Jing, Mo Jingqi’s scandals will already be known to all. I’d like to see how he plans to salvage the situation."

The others also voiced their support for Xu Hongyu’s proposal. Back when Mo Jingqi had gone to great lengths to slander Prince Ding's Estate, the estate had remained silent—waiting for this very moment. The more the people had hated and misunderstood Prince Ding's Estate before, the greater their fury would be upon learning the truth. And of course, that fury would be directed at Mo Jingqi.

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li naturally had no objections either. Mo Xiuyao turned to Xu Hongyu and said, "Then we’ll trouble Mr. Hongyu with this matter."

Xu Hongyu, a renowned scholar whose reputation spanned the realm, was the perfect choice for this task, ensuring swift and effective results. He nodded in acknowledgment.

After dismissing the officials and generals who had arrived early in the morning, only a few trusted aides and Zhou Yu, the magistrate overseeing Ruyang City’s administration, remained. Though young, Zhou Yu had handled his duties competently—neither outstanding nor flawed, but steady and reliable. Given his age and experience, his performance was commendable, and his diligence had earned the approval of both Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li.

"Magistrate Zhou, have any envoys from Western Liang or Northern Rong requested leave today?" Ye Li asked.

Zhou Yu rose and replied respectfully, "Reporting to Wang Fei, no farewell petitions have been received from any envoys thus far. However, early this morning, the heir of Prince Zhennan of Xiling, the seventh prince of Northern Rong, and Prince Li of Great Chu all left the city, claiming they wished to admire the northwestern scenery."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Let them be. The envoys are our guests, and we must ensure they feel welcome. Please handle this matter carefully, Magistrate Zhou. Should any issues arise, simply send word to the estate. Of course, if anyone disregards the rules and attempts to stir trouble in the northwest, do not hesitate to act. The 2,500-strong Eagle Division of the Black Cloud Cavalry stationed outside the city is at your disposal."

Mentioning the Black Cloud Cavalry’s organization made Ye Li frown slightly. Accustomed to numerical designations, she found the various unit names somewhat dizzying. The Black Cloud Cavalry consisted of roughly 50,000 troops, divided into three armies—Eagle, Lion, and Tiger—each with about 16,000 to 17,000 soldiers. Each army was further split into five divisions of approximately 3,000 troops. The Eagle Army was currently stationed near Ruyang.

Zhou Yu was deeply moved. At his age and with his experience, he had never imagined receiving such trust and responsibility from Wang Ye and Wang Fei. He promptly responded, "Please rest assured, Wang Ye and Wang Fei. This subordinate will not betray your confidence."Mo Xiuyao clearly discerned his thoughts and nodded, saying, "This prince has never favored appointing people based solely on seniority or age. Earlier, when you proved capable of managing the livelihood of Ruyang City, Wang Fei and I entrusted it to you. You need only carry out your duties with peace of mind." Zhou Yu suppressed the surging emotions in his heart and replied respectfully, "This subordinate accepts the command and takes his leave."

Watching Zhou Yu depart, Xu Qingchen smiled and remarked, "Wang Ye has a masterful way of managing subordinates—no wonder the Mo Family Army is united in purpose."

Mo Xiuyao chuckled, "Qingchen Gongzi flatters me. To be honest, my subordinates are mostly rough men, and civil officials are few. Promoting Zhou Yu was a necessity at the time. Fortunately, he is diligent and meticulous, which is commendable. In the future, I will still need Qingchen Gongzi and the two esteemed advisors to lend their expertise."

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow, his smile light and serene. "Does Wang Ye truly trust the Xu Family?"

Mo Xiuyao arched a brow in return. "If I didn’t, why would I act this way? Moreover... if even the Xu Family cannot be trusted, who else can I rely on? Surely I cannot handle every matter personally. These men of the Mo Family Army—leading troops into battle is no issue for them, but asking them to govern would be more torturous than death."

Beside them, Lyu Jinxian nodded repeatedly in agreement. Back when they had first taken control of the northwest, a large number of officials had been replaced, and the generals had temporarily overseen local administration. Those days were truly unbearable to recall.

After some light-hearted conversation, the group’s expressions turned serious as they returned to business. Xu Hongyu asked, "Now that the northwest has effectively severed ties with Great Chu, what are Wang Ye’s immediate plans?"

Mo Xiuyao replied respectfully, "I seek your guidance, sir."

Xu Hongyu shook his head. "Wang Ye need not stand on ceremony. Surely you already have some ideas—why ask for my advice? My opinion is that the first task must be to standardize the official titles across the regions, as well as... clarify the true position of the Mo Family Army and the northwest under your rule."

Mo Xiuyao fell silent for a moment before responding, "Standardizing official positions is indeed imperative. But as for what you mentioned—defining the role of the Mo Family Army and the northwest—I must confess, I do not fully understand."Xu Hongyu looked at him and said, "Now that the Northwest has severed all ties with Great Chu, with no more vassal relations, what are Your Highness's plans for the future of the Northwest and the Mo Family Army? To each hold their own territory and maintain the status quo? Or to expand territories... and unify the world?" The last four words, "unify the world," were spoken extremely softly by Xu Hongyu, yet they struck the listeners like a thunderclap. Perhaps it was not the right time to mention this immediately after breaking away from Great Chu, but it was also the most pressing reality. The Mo Family Army, occupying the Northwest, was surrounded by enemies on all sides. If Mo Xiuyao lacked the ambition to expand territories, then one day the Northwest would have to choose to submit to a stronger power. If that were truly the case, it would almost be like retracing the old path of Prince Ding's Estate—or even worse than before. Therefore, the Mo Family Army could only move forward and absolutely must not retreat. Forward—expanding territories and unifying the world—this was the aspiration of generations of Mo Family Army's former kings and soldiers. But for years, constrained by the imperial court, they had always fallen short of success. At the same time, if Mo Xiuyao now declared himself emperor, no matter how many justifications he had, in the eyes of the world, the label of "traitor" would be unavoidable.

Prince Ding's Estate had grievances of patricide and fratricide with the current and previous emperors, so breaking away from Great Chu was understandable. But if, on the contrary, they destroyed Great Chu, they would inevitably bear the stigma of treason. Xu Hongyu calmly watched Mo Xiuyao. This young Prince Ding had endured countless hardships, but he also carried the nearly century-old glory and reputation of the Ding Royal Palace. Could he shoulder such infamy and its consequences?

Mo Xiuyao suddenly let out a low chuckle, his gaze at Xu Hongyu calm yet resolute. With a faint smile, he said, "Mr. Hongyu need not test this prince. Since I have already broken away from Great Chu, why would I cling to mere empty titles? For the vengeance of my father and brother, I will surely demand repayment from Mo Jingqi!" Xu Hongyu fell silent for a moment, then stood and cupped his hands toward Mo Xiuyao. "In that case, may Your Highness declare your intentions." After a brief pause, Mo Xiuyao spoke, "Change Ruyang City to Li Cheng, and adopt the era name Yongding." Everyone was stunned. Feng Zhiyao reminded him, "Your Highness, the name of the state."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at him and raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Who said anything about declaring a state name?"

The crowd fell silent. Changing the era name but not declaring a state name—what did this mean? Xu Qingchen, who had been quietly listening, looked up and asked, "Does Your Highness mean to postpone the ascension to the throne?" Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "This tiny corner of the Northwest is hardly worth declaring oneself emperor for mere amusement. Why would this prince need such an empty title of emperor? Within the lands I govern, if I say I am a prince, then I am a prince; if I say I am an emperor, then I am an emperor!" The crowd understood. Changing the era name was only to distinguish it from Great Chu's calendar. Without an emperor, there was naturally no state name. Seeing that some were still hesitant, Mo Xiuyao laughed. "Even if I were to establish a new state, I couldn’t do it so shabbily, could I? Coronation ceremonies are quite costly. Where is the imperial palace? Where is the capital? With just this small patch of the Northwest, I’d be too embarrassed to hold any grand coronation. Let’s all make do and save some money, shall we?" Did they expect him to imitate those fools who dreamed of becoming emperors, declaring themselves sovereigns after seizing some insignificant town? Unless he could unify the world, how could Mo Xiuyao possibly have the face to proclaim himself the founding emperor?

Xu Hongyu sighed softly and nodded. "It is excellent that Your Highness has such aspirations. Let it be done as you have said."Xu Hongyu sighed softly and nodded, saying, "Wang Ye's aspirations are indeed admirable. Let us proceed as you have suggested."

The day after the full moon banquet for the Heir Apparent Ding, the Prince Ding's Estate once again sent shockwaves through the land. With Ruyang City as its foundation, Prince Ding officially declared his control over the five provinces and seventeen cities west of the Flying Goose Pass in the northwest. Ruyang City was renamed Li Cheng, and the era name was changed to Yongding. From then on, the northwestern region west of the Flying Goose Pass formally seceded from the territory of Great Chu.

In the posthouse, Zhennan Wang was momentarily stunned upon hearing the report from his subordinate. "Li Cheng... Yongding... Has Mo Xiuyao truly made up his mind to abandon Great Chu?" Lei Tengfeng, who had just hurried back from outside, set down his teacup and curled his lips disdainfully. "If I were Mo Xiuyao, I wouldn't hesitate to march straight into Chu Jing. Mo Jingqi, as an emperor, is destroying his own defenses—I neither understand nor respect such actions." Zhennan Wang glanced at his son and smiled faintly. "You look down on Mo Jingqi. Do you think you could do better if you were in his place?"

Lei Tengfeng frowned. He knew his father wouldn't ask such an obvious question without reason.

Zhennan Wang didn’t actually expect an answer. He sighed lightly and said with a smile, "Any emperor would find it difficult to handle a subordinate like the Ding Royal Palace. Mo Jingqi himself is ambitious but painfully aware of his own mediocrity. It’s no wonder he’s driven to extremes." Lei Tengfeng frowned. "As an emperor, Mo Jingqi framed the Mo Family Army for personal gain. How can that be justified?" Zhennan Wang shook his head with a smile. "It can be seen as both right and wrong. In Mo Jingqi’s eyes, the Ding Royal Palace is far more terrifying than Northern Rong or Western Liang. For us to invade Great Chu, we’d need years of hard-fought battles. Currently, apart from Nanzhao, the three kingdoms are fairly evenly matched. But the Ding Royal Palace is different. Take Mo Liufang, for example. With his prestige back then, had he even hinted at a desire for the throne, do you believe countless people wouldn’t have rushed to crown him? Such a man could seize all of Great Chu without shedding a drop of blood. Who do you think is more fearsome—him, or Northern Rong and our Western Liang?"

"But..." Lei Tengfeng wanted to argue. Zhennan Wang cut him off. "Are you going to say that Mo Liufang and the Ding Royal Palace had no ambition to rule the world?" Lei Tengfeng hesitated but nodded. Zhennan Wang smiled. "If you were Mo Jingqi, would you truly believe such a formidable presence posed no threat to you?"

Lei Tengfeng furrowed his brows, immersing himself in Mo Jingqi’s position. After a long while, he looked up, his face pale and drenched in sweat. Zhennan Wang smiled knowingly. "Do you understand now? The Ding Royal Palace’s fault isn’t their ambition—it’s their overwhelming strength. No emperor could tolerate such a presence. How can one sleep soundly with a threat so close? If the emperor himself were strong enough, he might carefully maintain balance or even suppress them. But alas... the Great Chu imperial family has grown weaker with each generation, while Mo Lanyun’s descendants have only grown stronger. Such is fate."

Lei Tengfeng bowed his head. "Thank you for your guidance, Father. I was too simplistic in my thinking."Zhennan Wang sighed softly, "You're still young." Despite saying this, he couldn't help feeling some regret. Teng Feng was nearly the same age as Mo Xiuyao, yet the gap in their abilities and influence was vast. It wasn't that his son wasn't outstanding—it was just that Mo Xiuyao was too exceptional.

"Father, Mo Xiuyao's actions..." Lei Tengfeng frowned. "It seems he has no intention of ascending the throne and declaring himself emperor."

Zhennan Wang nodded. "If he intended to proclaim himself emperor, we wouldn't be here for the Heir Apparent Ding's full-month banquet but rather for a coronation ceremony. This is where Mo Xiuyao's wisdom lies. Just watch—once the news from Ruyang City spreads these next few days, the entire Great Chu's political winds will immediately shift in favor of Prince Ding's Estate. But if Mo Xiuyao were to declare himself emperor now, the situation would be entirely different. Many things become counterproductive when taken too far. This also shows that Mo Xiuyao is not only exceptionally capable but also possesses remarkable patience. Not everyone in this world can resist the temptation of the imperial throne."

Lei Tengfeng fell silent. History books were filled with countless accounts of people who, upon seizing a tiny patch of land, immediately proclaimed themselves kings or overlords—only to appear ridiculous to later generations. But if one were truly in that position, how many could resist the allure of the throne? Lei Tengfeng knew well that he, at least, could not.

"Should we take this opportunity to mobilize our troops..."

Zhennan Wang raised his hand. "Send orders for all troops stationed at Western Liang's borders to withdraw thirty li."

Lei Tengfeng was puzzled. "Father?"

Zhennan Wang said gravely, "We will negotiate peace with Mo Xiuyao." Lei Tengfeng frowned. "Mo Xiuyao's actions are bound to provoke Mo Jingqi. Once Mo Jingqi sends troops to the northwest, our Western Liang could exploit the opening. Why would Father want to negotiate peace with Mo Xiuyao?" Zhennan Wang scoffed disdainfully. "Do you truly believe Mo Jingqi would dare to confront Mo Xiuyao? If he had that courage, he wouldn't have waited until now. Even if Mo Xiuyao hadn't changed the era name, what difference would it make? The Mo Family Army's occupation of the northwest is already an established fact. Mo Jingqi has no shortage of reasons to launch a punitive campaign, but have you seen him dare to do so? At most, he'll send a token force for appearances. For the time being, Mo Xiuyao won't bother with him. But once the Mo Family Army turns its attention, it will be us they come for."

Lei Tengfeng said, "Our Western Liang has no reason to fear the Mo Family Army."

Zhennan Wang smiled. "True, we don't fear the Mo Family Army. No matter how formidable they are, they can't possibly conquer Western Liang with just the resources of the northwest. But what if Northern Rong and Nanzhao also intervene? Would you still be unafraid?" No one was easy to deal with—exploiting others' misfortunes wasn't a tactic unique to them.

Lei Tengfeng had no reply.

[Author's Note:]

Dear readers, if you're voting, please cast your votes for the Popularity Poll! Take it easy though—save some points to continue supporting Feng! No helping it, Feng isn't a top-tier author, so just treat the awards as participation for fun.