Mo Li

In the end, the matter concerning Lei Tengfeng was resolved satisfactorily with Zhennan Wang’s compromise. This included a five-year ceasefire agreement between Western Liang and the Mo Family Army, as well as a trade agreement between Western Liang and the Northwest, including the establishment of a direct trade route to the Western Regions. Additionally, Western Liang would sell a certain amount of copper and iron ore to the Northwest at a low price each year as compensation for Lei Tengfeng’s actions in the region. Having gained no advantage from his trip to the Northwest, Zhennan Wang left Li Cheng early the next morning with Lei Tengfeng to return to Western Liang. However, the once grand procession now numbered less than half its original size.

As for the negotiations with the Northern Rong Crown Prince, the Seventh Prince, and Prince Li of Great Chu, neither Ye Li nor Mo Xiuyao intervened, leaving the matter to Xu Qingchen and Xu Hongyu. Both had full confidence in their abilities and were certain they wouldn’t let the Mo Family Army suffer any losses. After Zhennan Wang’s departure, the three siblings—Ling Tiehan, Leng Liuyue, and the Sick Scholar—who had been staying at Prince Ding’s Estate also took their leave. Though the Sick Scholar’s complexion remained as sickly as ever, his breathing seemed steadier than before. There was still an odd tension between Ling Tiehan and Leng Liuyue, but that was none of Ye Li’s concern.

Within a few days, Xu Qingchen and Xu Hongyu had settled matters with the remaining parties. This time, the Mo Family Army not only secured substantial benefits but also made it clear to the nobility of various nations that even though they currently controlled less than one-sixth of Great Chu’s territory, they were not to be trifled with. The fragile balance among the nations, which had been teetering since Mo Xiuyao declared independence from Great Chu, was once again delicately maintained.

“Reporting to Wang Fei, Prince Li and Princess Li have come to bid you farewell.” Having just seen off a troublesome crowd, Ye Li was enjoying some leisure time playing with Mo Xiaobao. Now nearly two months old, Xiao Bao had grown even more adorable—his plump, fair cheeks framed by large, sparkling black eyes that melted hearts whenever he gazed at Ye Li, making her want to cuddle and kiss him endlessly. Hearing Qingluan’s report, Ye Li sat up and arched an elegant brow. “Bidding me farewell?” She wasn’t aware that outsiders considered her, the Princess Ding, more important than Prince Ding himself. If it was because of her relationship with Ye Ying, there had never been any sisterly affection between them from the start. Qingluan nodded. “That’s what Princess Li said. Wang Ye left the city early this morning with Second Master Xu and likely won’t return in time to see Prince Li off.” Ye Li smiled faintly. Mo Xiuyao had clearly known Mo Jingli was leaving today—if he’d wanted to see him off, he wouldn’t have left the city at all.

After a moment’s thought, she waved her hand. “Very well, invite Prince Li and Princess Li to wait in the flower hall.”Qingluan went to carry out her orders, and Ye Li changed her clothes before turning to leave. Before she could step out of the inner chamber, Mo Xiaobao began babbling incomprehensibly from behind. Hearing the sound, Ye Li turned back to look. The tiny, chubby bundle lay in his swaddling clothes, stretching out his little hands toward Ye Li with an adorable smile, his small mouth continuously chattering in a language no one could understand. Mama Lin chuckled, "The Little Prince probably can't bear to part with Wang Fei." Seeing the baby gazing at her eagerly, Ye Li felt a pang of guilt. The baby was nearly two months old, yet she had spent very little time with him. It was even common for her to be away for a day or two at times. It was rare for Mo Xiaobao to still greet her with such affection every time he saw her. Carefully lifting the baby from the cradle, Ye Li said softly, "Be good, Xiao Bao. Would you like to go out with Mother?"

Though it was only August, the weather in the northwest had already turned chilly. When Mama Lin heard that Ye Li intended to take Mo Xiaobao outside, she quickly added a soft, warm blanket, carefully reminding her not to let the Little Prince catch a chill from the cold wind. Ye Li agreed to everything before carrying Mo Xiaobao out.

When Ye Li entered the flower hall with Mo Xiaobao in her arms, she only saw Mo Jingli sitting there lost in thought, with no sign of Ye Ying. Frowning slightly in displeasure, Ye Li summoned a maid standing by the door and asked, "Where has Princess Li gone?" The maid replied respectfully, "Reporting to Wang Fei, Princess Li mentioned she wished to take a stroll and went to the garden. Shall this servant go and fetch her?" Ye Li nodded, but Mo Jingli, who had risen from his seat, stopped her. "Wait, there's no need to call Ying'er. Ye Li, I have some words I'd like to discuss with you alone." Turning to face the man who still regarded her with a cold, arrogant expression, Ye Li found it rather amusing. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the maid and stepped into the hall, asking, "What matter does Prince Li wish to discuss with this consort?"

Mo Jingli frowned at the sight of Mo Xiaobao in Ye Li's arms and the presence of Wei Lin and Qingyu behind her, displeased. "I wish to speak with you alone."

Ye Li looked at him in confusion. "There are no outsiders here. Speak plainly if you have something to say." Realizing that Ye Li would not be alone with him, Mo Jingli suppressed his irritation and sat back down. Ye Li took her seat in the host's position, carefully cradling Mo Xiaobao in her arms and gently shaking his little hand, eliciting a toothless giggle from the baby. This tender scene between mother and child was particularly grating to Mo Jingli. With a light snort, he said to Ye Li, "The matter of the marriage annulment was my fault. I hereby offer my apologies to you."Ye Li was taken aback, casting a puzzled glance at the solemn-faced Mo Jingli. She turned to look at Wei Lin and Qingyu—had Mo Jingli lost his mind? Wei Lin and Qingyu wore equally stunned expressions. They had known Prince Li for years. If someone said he would resort to underhanded tactics, they’d believe it. But if someone claimed he would openly apologize to someone’s face? That was something no one had ever witnessed. Seeing their incredulous looks, Mo Jingli’s expression darkened further. Ye Li had no interest in dredging up old grievances with him and simply wanted to send him on his way. With a faint smile, she nodded and said, “That’s all in the past now. Prince Li need not dwell on it.”

Mo Jingli stared at her intently. “How could I not dwell on it? I’ve investigated the matter thoroughly. It was Ye Ying who deliberately tarnished your reputation so she could marry into Prince Li’s Palace. If not for that, you would be Princess Li now.” Ye Li was momentarily speechless, feeling foolish for thinking that after all these years and experiences, Mo Jingli might have changed in some way.

“Prince Li, there’s one question you’ve never considered. If I hadn’t been willing to break off the engagement… do you really think it would have been so easily dissolved?” That marriage had been personally decreed by the late emperor—how could it have been annulled so effortlessly?

“What do you mean?” Mo Jingli frowned at her, clearly displeased by the dismissive tone in her words.

Ye Li gently cradled Mo Xiaobao in her arms and replied with a faint smile, “Nothing much. This princess merely wishes to remind Li Wang Dianxia that what’s done is done. There are no ‘what ifs’ in this world, nor is there anything that ‘should have been.’ If Prince Li has no other business, you may take your leave. Wang Ye left the city early this morning on official duties and won’t be able to see you and Wang Fei off.”

Mo Jingli glared at her indignantly. “You were supposed to be this prince’s Wang Fei!”

Ye Li lifted her eyes and gave him a cool glance. “And what does Wang Ye intend to do about it?”

“Come with me. I’ll ensure you become the legitimate Princess Li!” Mo Jingli declared.

Ye Li studied him calmly for a long moment before letting out a disdainful chuckle. Hearing the mockery in her laughter, Mo Jingli flushed with anger. “What are you laughing at?”

Ye Li composed herself and asked evenly, “Li Wang Dianxia, do you truly dare to take me away from Li Cheng?”

At her words, Mo Jingli’s expression shifted. His gaze flickered toward Wei Lin standing behind Ye Li, his face alternating between pale and livid.

Ye Li leaned back leisurely in her chair, cuddling Mo Xiaobao as she teased him, then smiled. “What exactly is the point of all this, Prince Li? Or has your courage and ambition grown so great that you’d dare to snatch Princess Ding right from the heart of the Northwest? If so, I’d certainly be impressed. But… even if that were the case, why would I go with you? Legitimate Princess Li? Is that so valuable that I should covet it?”Mo Jingli clenched his fists tightly at his sides, staring intently at Ye Li as he said, "Is Mo Xiuyao really that good to you? Are you so willing to follow him without any regard for anything else? He's just using you!" Ye Li raised her brows with a faint smile, "Xiu Yao is naturally good to me. Who in the world doesn't know that I am his only wife, holding half the authority over Prince Ding's Estate and the Mo Family Army, commanding the world's most mysterious and elite Qilin forces. Can you give me these things? Would you dare to? Isn't Prince Li also trying to use me? Don't you want the Xu Clan of Yunzhou behind me, or the Qilin forces in my hands?"

Having his intentions ruthlessly exposed, Mo Jingli's expression turned extremely awkward. After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and said, "The Mo Family Army is practically opposing the entire world. Ye Li, I'm doing this for your own good. Don't be ungrateful."

Ye Li replied indifferently, "Prince Li's kindness is appreciated, but unnecessary. Princess Li has been waiting for a long time. The two of you should depart soon—I won't see you off." The crowd turned their gazes toward the door, where Ye Ying had appeared at some point, staring at them with a strange expression. A flicker of discomfort crossed Mo Jingli's face as he stood up and asked, "Ying'er, when did you return?" Ye Ying stared at him for a long moment before replying calmly, "Just now. Your Highness, now that you've bid farewell to Third Sister, shouldn't we be leaving?" Mo Jingli glanced unwillingly at Ye Li, only to find her lowering her head to play with the baby in her arms. Reluctantly, he nodded, "Let's go." Without another word to Ye Li, he strode past Ye Ying and out the door. Ye Ying turned back to look at Ye Li, her expression complicated. "Third Sister, farewell." Ye Li nodded quietly, "I won't see you off."

Only after Ye Ying had stepped out the door did Ye Li let out a soft sigh. Qingyu, who had been waiting nearby, gently comforted her, "Prince Li has always been self-righteous. Why should Wang Fei be upset over him?" Ye Li shook her head with a smile, "I'm not upset over him. I was just reflecting. Back when Ye Ying was still in her maiden days, she was so proud and spoiled. But now..." In truth, Ye Ying had been outside the door the moment Mo Jingli suggested making Ye Li his principal consort. If it had been Ye Ying's former temperament, she would have inevitably made a scene. But now, even faced with such an issue, she had learned to remain silent. It seemed nothing in this world remained unchanged forever.

Qingyu chuckled, "Back then, Fourth Miss was the daughter of a minister, sister to a Zhaoyi, and a renowned beauty and talented lady in the capital—naturally, she was unrivaled. Besides, Prince Li was just an ordinary prince at the time. But now, Prince Li controls half of Chu's richest lands, standing against the emperor, while the Ye family has long declined. How could Fourth Miss dare to make a fuss with Prince Li? The Prince Li of today is likely no longer the doting husband who once catered to her every whim." Ye Li smiled faintly—wasn't that the truth? Mo Jingli had even brought Qixia Princess with him to the northwest, proving Ye Ying's status in his heart was nothing special. If not for Ye Ying's connection to her and the fact that she had borne Mo Jingli a son, she would probably have been cast aside long ago.Li Cheng gradually returned to tranquility after the envoys from various countries departed. However, many merchants also began settling in Li Cheng and throughout the entire northwest. Numerous civilians who had fled inland to escape the ravages of war slowly started moving back. Under the efforts of Prince Ding's Estate, the northwest did not descend into chaos due to the sudden declaration of severing ties with Chu. Instead, it steadily moved onto the right track. By the time Ye Li could finally breathe a sigh of relief, the wedding date for Xu Qingze and Qin Zheng had arrived at last.

Although Xu Qingze was the first in his generation of the Xu Family to marry, everyone from Mr. Qingyun down to Xu Qingze and Qin Zheng themselves emphasized keeping the wedding simple. Qin Zheng had acknowledged General Zhang Qilan as her adoptive father, so she would be married from the General's residence. For Qin Zheng's wedding, Murong Ting, who had been far away in Chu, even left Leng Haoyu behind and hurried over, arriving just in time for Qin Zheng's wedding day.

In the bridal chamber specially prepared for Qin Zheng at General Zhang's residence, Ye Li and Murong Ting watched as Qin Zheng, now dressed in a dazzling red wedding gown, looked exceptionally radiant. Murong Ting held Qin Zheng's hand and exclaimed, "Thank goodness I made it in time, or I would have missed seeing Zheng'er at her most beautiful. It’s so captivating that even I’m moved—I bet Second Master Xu, that blockhead, will be utterly stunned."

"Murong..." Qin Zheng blushed furiously and glared at Murong Ting in playful reproach. The fiery red wedding gown made her glow even more brilliantly than flowers. For Xu Qingze and Qin Zheng's wedding, Ye Li, who usually dressed plainly, had changed into a bright yellow gown embroidered with lotus branches. Standing before Qin Zheng, she tilted her head slightly and smiled approvingly, "Murong is right—you truly outshine the flowers. Second Brother is so fortunate to marry you, Sister Zheng'er." Qin Zheng looked helplessly at the two of them and protested, "Li'er, even you’re teasing me now..." Ye Li quickly covered her lips with a laugh, "I wouldn’t dare! After today, you’ll be my sister-in-law. How could I ever tease my sister-in-law... isn’t that right, Sister-in-law..."

Joyful laughter filled the bridal chamber. Murong Ting turned and rummaged through her luggage, pulling out a sizable sandalwood box, which she handed to Qin Zheng. Qin Zheng looked at her in confusion, "What’s this?"

Murong Ting explained, "Before I left, Madam Qin sent someone to deliver this. She said they had to leave in such a hurry back then that they couldn’t prepare anything properly—not even a dowry. These are all things Madam Qin and Lord Qin personally arranged for you as your dowry." The cheerful atmosphere in the room gradually faded. Qin Zheng clutched the box, tears immediately spilling down her cheeks. Murong Ting panicked and hastily pulled out her handkerchief to wipe Qin Zheng's tears, "Oh no... today is your happy day—you can’t cry! I... I didn’t mean to make you cry... A Li..." Unable to console Qin Zheng, Murong Ting turned helplessly to Ye Li. She truly hadn’t meant to upset Qin Zheng, but the dowry from the Qin family had to be delivered before the ceremony.

Ye Li walked over and sat beside Qin Zheng, gently patting her shoulder as she comforted her softly, "Sister Zheng'er, don’t cry and ruin your makeup. Lord Qin and Madam Qin sent Murong all this way to deliver your dowry out of their love for you. You should be happy."Qin Zheng nodded repeatedly, but how could tears be stopped so easily? Ye Li sighed softly and patted Qin Zheng's shoulder with a smile, "Never mind, cry your heart out if you want to. After crying, we'll do an even more beautiful makeup. Just don't cry your eyes swollen—it would be terrible if you scare my second brother..."

"Pfft..." Murong Ting couldn't hold back her laughter upon hearing Ye Li's words, glaring at her and saying, "A Li, are you trying to comfort Zheng'er or crack a joke?" Even Qin Zheng couldn't help but laugh, her delicate face flushing with slight embarrassment. In front of Ye Li and Murong Ting, Qin Zheng carefully opened the box that represented her parents' love. Lord Qin and Madam Qin had clearly thought things through thoroughly—given the long and arduous journey, Murong Ting couldn't carry too many items. Thus, the box was mostly filled with banknotes. Aside from two ten-thousand-tael notes, there were nearly a thousand taels' worth of smaller notes and loose silver. Additionally, there were three small boxes brimming with various jewelry. With these, even if Qin Zheng never worked a day in her life, she would have more than enough to live comfortably and without worry.

Qin Zheng hugged the box, her clear eyes brimming with tears. She whispered, "My parents have done so much for me, yet I'm such an unfilial daughter... Even my wedding..."

"Nonsense. As long as you're well, Uncle and Aunt Qin will naturally be at ease. There will come a day when your family reunites," Ye Li said. Murong Ting nodded vigorously, "Exactly! After your wedding, I'll be returning to the capital. I can take a letter back for you to Uncle and Aunt Qin then. Don't worry—we'll take good care of them in the capital."

Qin Zheng nodded, wiping her tears with some embarrassment. "Thank you both... Li'er, Murong."

Murong Ting laughed heartily, "What's there to thank? Aren't we friends?"

Ye Li smiled, "Alright, Lady Murong, your friend is about to cross the threshold. Hurry and add these items to the dowry list. Just say they're from Zheng'er's parents." Qin Zheng's dowry had been prepared by the General's Estate, with additional gifts from Ye Li and Prince Ding's Estate, making it already quite substantial. But dowries from one's birth parents held a different significance.

Having just made Qin Zheng cry earlier, Murong Ting was eager for something to do. She took the list Ye Li handed her and quickly turned to handle the matter.

The two watched Murong Ting leave cheerfully and couldn't help but exchange a smile, the earlier melancholy fading somewhat.

"The groom has arrived for the bride! The bride must leave now..." The joyful voice of the wedding attendant rang outside the door. Ye Li checked Qin Zheng's makeup one last time, then personally fetched the red bridal veil embroidered with twin lotus flowers and placed it over Qin Zheng's head. "Zheng'er, I wish you happiness."

"Thank you," Qin Zheng whispered.