Mo Li

Seeing Ye Li emerge, Feng Zhiyao no longer hid and stepped out from under the eaves. Over the years, Ye Li had more or less discerned who truly occupied Feng Zhiyao’s heart. Watching his usually carefree and unrestrained demeanor, she could only sigh inwardly at the whims of fate. In Ye Li’s eyes, though Feng Zhiyao was a few years younger than Empress Hua, he was undoubtedly a far better match for a husband than Mo Jingli. It was just a pity that the two were fated to have neither connection nor destiny. Having heard of Empress Hua’s plight, Feng Zhiyao was naturally unable to remain calm at this moment.

"Wang Fei, shall we go see Wang Ye?" Feng Zhiyao approached and asked calmly.

Ye Li thought for a moment before nodding. Though she wasn’t worried about Mo Xiuyao getting injured or anything of the sort, Shu Manlin had summoned hundreds of elite fighters from the Southern Border Sacred Ground, and with her command over thousands of Royal City Guards, not seeing the outcome still left her somewhat uneasy.

At this moment, Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen were indeed leisurely seated in the tallest tavern in Nanzhao City, sipping wine in peace. The three-story tavern offered a commanding view from its rooftop, allowing them to overlook almost the entire royal city except for the palace.

Those seated on the third floor weren’t just Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen—Mo Jingli, Lei Tengfeng, Prime Minister Liu, and Consort Liu, who had also vanished from the palace square earlier, were present as well. Everyone was calmly enjoying their wine while keeping an eye on the conflicts unfolding throughout the city. The clamor from the square was so overwhelming that those immersed in song, dance, and fine wine failed to notice the bloodshed now sweeping through the royal city.

The hosts were embroiled in heated battles, while the guests sat aside drinking and spectating. It might sound rather inconsiderate, but it was the most effective solution at the moment. Each faction present had intricate ties to the key players in this conflict, and none wished for the others to interfere. Thus, they had no choice but to drink and watch the show together—partly to restrain one another.

Mo Xiuyao reclined lazily by the window, idly toying with his wine cup, not even bothering to glance outside. It was as if the ultimate fate of Nanzhao’s throne held no relevance to him whatsoever.

Lin Han entered and whispered a few words to Mo Xiuyao. The previously indifferent prince suddenly perked up, his eyes flashing with alertness. "Wang Fei is alright?"

Lin Han nodded. "Yes, Wang Fei has recovered considerably. She mentioned that since Wang Ye hadn’t returned, she would come over shortly to check."

Mo Xiuyao swept a glance downstairs and sighed regretfully. "This prince would like to return quickly, but it seems things here won’t be resolved anytime soon. Invite Wang Fei to join us here instead."

Only then did the others realize that Prince Ding’s listlessness had been due to Princess Ding’s absence. This revelation elicited varied reactions—some seethed with resentment, others pondered deeply, while a few burned with envy.In less than a quarter of an hour, Ye Li appeared at the stairwell. Seeing that the entire third floor had no other customers—only envoys from various nations occupying separate tables—she raised an eyebrow in surprise. The moment Mo Xiuyao spotted Ye Li, he immediately stood and walked toward her. "A Li, are you alright?" Ye Li nodded. "Everything's fine. Is Big Brother here too?" Xu Qingchen nodded and gestured toward the window. "Li'er, come take a look at this." In truth, even though this restaurant was tall, it was still nighttime, so there wasn’t much to see. Everyone here was simply waiting for a final outcome and to prevent the other side from interfering.

Ye Li glanced outside casually before losing interest. "Big Brother, what’s going on?"

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "The Holy Maiden of the Southern Border suddenly launched an attack, sending people to assault several tribal leaders attending the wedding. Naturally, Princess Anxi demanded an explanation, and then a fight broke out." Of course, the situation wasn’t as simple as Xu Qingchen made it sound. The tribal leaders Shu Manlin had targeted were all supporters of Princess Anxi, including her in-laws and maternal relatives. Moreover, when Princess Anxi personally went to aid them, the newlyweds were ambushed en route. Princess Anxi had always been deeply beloved by the people, so she naturally had many loyal followers. Thus, the two factions clashed fiercely without yielding.

"Princess Ding, who do you think will win—Princess Anxi or the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border?" Mo Jingli suddenly spoke up from across the room.

All eyes immediately turned to Ye Li, who calmly met Mo Jingli’s gaze. He was staring at her intently, a hint of provocation in his eyes. Ye Li found it amusing and replied indifferently, "How could I possibly decide who wins or loses? But there’s a saying—'He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world.' As for right and wrong, that’s a matter for the Nanzhao royal family and its people. It has nothing to do with outsiders like us."

Over the years, Princess Anxi had governed with competence and brought many benefits to the people. It was unlikely that Shu Manlin—whoever she was, with her so-called title of "Savior of the Southern Border"—could easily shake that. As long as Princess Anxi gained even a slight advantage tonight, her position in Nanzhao would be unshakable from then on. Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen. The latter smiled faintly, showing no trace of worry, and Ye Li’s heart settled as well.

He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world... The assembled guests silently pondered these words, each lost in thought.

"Li'er’s words are profound," Xu Qingchen praised with a smile. Ye Li felt slightly embarrassed—she had merely quoted a well-known adage from her past life. Mo Xiuyao grinned smugly. "Of course, everything A Li says makes sense."

Xu Qingchen couldn’t be bothered to argue with this childish, self-satisfied man—especially since he was praising Li'er—so he simply ignored his triumphant expression. None of those present were naive youths ignorant of the world, and each had their own interpretation of Ye Li’s words.

Yet one person took issue with them. "By Miss Ye’s logic," he said coldly, "whoever wins the people’s hearts deserves the throne. Doesn’t that mean the Chu imperial family should have long since yielded to the Ding Royal Palace?" In terms of popular support, though the Chu imperial family was the legitimate ruling house, they couldn’t hold a candle to the Ding Royal Palace.All present cast strange glances at Consort Liu, their eyes filled with mockery and disdain. What should have been an insightful remark without any hidden meaning had been twisted into something else by this woman. One could only say that Consort Liu and Mo Jingqi were truly a match made in heaven.

In truth, Consort Liu realized her mistake the moment the words left her mouth. She hadn’t intended to say anything at all. But seeing how Ye Li’s casual remark earned high praise from Qingchen Gongzi and the admiring gazes of everyone present—and especially witnessing Mo Xiuyao holding Ye Li’s hand with a proud expression, as if he were happier than if he himself had been praised—her heart ached uncontrollably, and the venomous words spilled out without even passing through her mind.

Ye Li regarded Consort Liu with calm composure and said indifferently, “By saying such things, is Consort Liu admitting that the current imperial family lacks the people’s support? Since you are aware of this, you should confine yourself to the inner court and advise His Majesty to cultivate virtue, rather than recklessly speculate and spout nonsense here. Our northwestern Li Cheng has no ties left with your Great Chu. Even if Consort Liu personally believes Emperor Chu is unfit to rule and wishes to abdicate the throne, it has nothing to do with our Wang Ye.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept indifferently over Mo Jingli’s face across from her. Sure enough, she saw his expression shift slightly. Mo Jingli, usually cold and stern, wore a rare smile—though it was one that made people uncomfortable. “So, Consort Liu believes my elder brother is unworthy of the throne? This prince has only just realized it. Such a consort truly broadens one’s horizons.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Consort Liu glared furiously at Mo Jingli. Mo Jingli, who in recent years had only granted Mo Jingqi’s requests based on his own whims, was hardly intimidated by her. He sneered, “Were those not your words just now, Consort Liu?”

“Your Majesty!” Prime Minister Liu also frowned at his daughter with displeasure. While some thoughts were best kept to oneself, Consort Liu’s behavior had gone too far. Now was absolutely not the time to provoke Prince Ding—and the line of offense clearly lay with Princess Ding. Offending her would likely be worse than offending Prince Ding himself. Yet his daughter, blind to the situation, recklessly challenged Princess Ding’s limits. “Her Majesty merely misspoke. Please be cautious with your words, Prince Li.”

Mo Jingli scoffed disdainfully. A slip of the tongue? He had known Consort Liu for years—she had always been arrogant, treating everyone as if they were nothing but dust beneath her feet. That she looked down on his emperor brother and considered him unfit to rule was hardly surprising to him.

While Mo Jingli and Consort Liu bickered with her father, Mo Xiuyao, completely unbothered, poured tea for Ye Li and whispered sweet nothings to her, nearly blinding all the loveless and uncherished souls present with their display.

Lei Tengfeng watched the couple thoughtfully and remarked with a smile, “Prince Ding and Princess Ding share such a close bond. It truly makes this prince envious.” Did they really have to flaunt their affection so openly?

Mo Xiuyao nodded in agreement. “As the saying goes, a wise wife is a man’s greatest treasure. For a man, marrying the right woman is of utmost importance. Some are fortunate—like this prince, who married A Li. Others… not so much.”Mo Xiuyao didn't continue his words, but everyone present understood his implication. The unlucky person in question naturally had their own candidate in mind. Their gazes involuntarily turned to Ye Li, and they couldn't help but inwardly admit that Mo Xiuyao was indeed fortunate.

Princess Ding wasn't just naturally beautiful with an innate grace—she was also capable of governing with literature and securing the state with martial prowess. The current Qilin of the Northwest, the most feared force, was personally trained by Princess Ding. The fourth and fifth sons of the Xu Family led the people in the north to reclaim wasteland and cultivate farmland, transforming the once-barren north into a prosperous land where the people lived in peace and contentment—all reportedly at Princess Ding's suggestion. Even without these achievements, just the fact that Princess Ding had two uncles, Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan, and five elder cousins in the Xu Family—if people knew how highly the Xu Family regarded Ye Li, men across the land would surely compete fiercely to win her hand.

Since Mo Xiuyao married Ye Li, the once-reclusive, crippled, disfigured, and ailing prince of Prince Ding's Estate had, in just a few years, carved out a domain in the Northwest, regained his health, and even had a son. What incredible luck! And all it had cost him was a head of white hair. More importantly, after his hair turned white, Mo Xiuyao seemed even more dazzling and flamboyant!

Even Ye Li blushed at Mo Xiuyao's shamelessness, her face calm as water while her delicate fingers mercilessly pinched his waist. Mo Xiuyao immediately grimaced. "Wife..."

Seeing the two getting increasingly inappropriate, Xu Qingchen coughed lightly to remind them that outsiders were present and they should maintain their decorum.

Ye Li ignored Mo Xiuyao's antics and turned her attention to the ongoing battle in the distance. "Did Shu Manlin mobilize Nanzhao's city guards?" Xu Qingchen nodded faintly and smiled. "Don't worry, Li'er. Princess Anxi isn't some weak woman who can be bullied. The tribes attending the wedding, including Pu A's family and Princess Anxi's maternal grandfather's family, have brought many people with them."

"Over there—Mo Xiuyao, you're breaking your word!" Mo Jingli, who had been sitting by the window, suddenly turned and snapped at Mo Xiuyao after staring at the scene for a long time. Mo Xiuyao lazily rested his head on Ye Li's shoulder and glanced at Mo Jingli with feigned confusion. "What do you mean?"

Mo Jingli sneered. "You dare deny those are your Northwest troops? That they're not Qilin?" At his words, the others quickly rose and went to the window for a closer look. Sure enough, a unit of soldiers was cutting through the chaotic battlefield like a hot knife through butter, unstoppable wherever they went. Even in the darkness, their terrifying speed of advance was unmistakable. No force, no matter how numerically superior, could hinder their progress. Everyone turned to Mo Xiuyao in unison—no one but the Northwest, no one but Qilin, could possess such combat prowess.

"Oh dear, we've been found out. A Li, what should we do?" Mo Xiuyao didn't bother denying it, blinking innocently at Ye Li instead.

Ye Li couldn't help but chuckle. It was the middle of the night—if Qilin truly wanted to remain undetected, even with Shu Manlin's thousands of troops, they wouldn't have left a trace. This was clearly Mo Xiuyao's doing on purpose... Was he trying to show support for Princess Anxi?Mo Jingli angrily exclaimed, "Mo Xiuyao, we all agreed that no one would interfere in the affairs of the Southern Border. What you're doing is clearly a breach of our agreement!"

Mo Xiuyao curled his lips disdainfully. "So what if this prince breaks the agreement? What are you going to do about it? Bite me?" The meaning behind Mo Xiuyao's expression was unmistakable, causing Mo Jingli's facial muscles to twitch uncontrollably. Lei Tengfeng, however, remained somewhat rational. He had never intended to interfere in Southern Border matters to begin with. Nanzhao and Western Liang shared vast stretches of bordering land, where conflicts had persisted for years, making friendship impossible. Zhennan Wang had already made some plans—if they couldn't break through Chu in the short term, they would start with Nanzhao. Therefore, who controlled Nanzhao held little significance for him.

"Prince Ding, since we had an agreement beforehand, shouldn't you provide us with a reasonable explanation for your sudden intervention?" Lei Tengfeng asked politely.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "An explanation? Very well. It's simply because I promised Princess Anxi before I agreed with you. Moreover, I have no intention of meddling in Southern Border affairs. Princess Anxi merely suspected that someone might disrupt the wedding and requested a few guards from me to protect the newlyweds and the wedding guests. Princess Anxi is a close friend of Qingchen Gongzi and shares a good relationship with my beloved consort. How could I refuse such a small favor? Besides, I didn't provide them for free. Princess Anxi paid five thousand taels of silver for each guard. If they were injured or killed, an additional five hundred taels for medical expenses or ten thousand taels in compensation would be required. Such a fair and profitable deal—even without any prior friendship, I would have taken it."

Upon hearing this, everyone silently felt like vomiting blood.

Ye Li, however, was lost in thought. She hadn't expected Mo Xiuyao to have already grasped the essence of mercenary work. If the Qilin were to become mercenaries... Not only could they earn substantial wealth, but more importantly, they would gain invaluable combat experience. After all, the northwest had been too peaceful these past few years, and no amount of training could match the effects of real battle. Of course, this was just her own wild imagination—she would never turn her meticulously trained Qilin into mercenaries.

"What are you thinking about, A Li?" Mo Xiuyao noticed Ye Li's pensive expression and knew she must be plotting something again, so he asked in a low voice. Ye Li shook her head. "We'll talk about it later."

Mo Xiuyao understood this wasn't the place for such discussions. Glancing at the others who kept sneaking glances their way, he openly stood up, wrapped an arm around Ye Li, and joined her by the window to observe the battle. Thanks to Ye Li's specialized training and Mo Xiuyao's profound skills, their night vision far surpassed that of the others. Watching the Qilin's performance in the distance, Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. Their five years of rigorous training had not been in vain—the Qilin members had matured into seasoned operatives, fully capable of handling all kinds of missions independently.

Mo Xiuyao pointed into the distance. "Shu Manlin's people have begun attacking the Princess Manor."

Ye Li frowned. "At this time, Princess Anxi shouldn't be in the Princess Manor, right?"Mo Xiuyao smiled, "Of course not. Would anyone stay in the Princess Manor waiting to die?" Princess Anxi probably never expected her father would give Shu Manlin the token to mobilize the Royal City Guard. Facing seven to eight thousand soldiers and hundreds of elite fighters, even with the Qilin's support from Mo Xiuyao, they could only avoid direct confrontation rather than engage head-on. After all, Mo Xiuyao hadn't brought many people to the Southern Border, and it was impossible for him to deploy Prince Ding's Estate's full forces here just for Princess Anxi.

"A Li, care to guess where Princess Anxi has gone now?" Mo Xiuyao asked cheerfully.

Everyone except Xu Qingchen pricked up their ears to listen to their casual conversation. Ye Li frowned, staring at the scene outside the building for a long while before slowly saying, "To capture the rebels, first capture their leader." Since Princess Anxi wasn't in the Princess Manor now, nor would she be embroiled in the chaotic battles within the city, the only option left was to go after Shu Manlin. Only by obtaining the token in Shu Manlin's hands could the bloodshed in the royal city be stopped. Unlike the guards of Nanzhao's royal city and other tribes who only obeyed their chieftains, they recognized the token, not the person. Without the token now, even the King of Nanzhao might not be able to control the situation.

"Where is Shu Manlin?"

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with a smile, "Naturally, she's in the Nanzhao royal palace. That woman is madly obsessed with becoming the King of Nanzhao—where else would she be at this moment?"

Ye Li frowned slightly. The King of Nanzhao was still in the palace. Although someone had stayed behind to handle the aftermath, it might not be easy to find the king quickly. But if Shu Manlin reached him before Princess Anxi, it would spell trouble for the princess.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled, "Don't worry, A Li. It would be best if the King of Nanzhao knows what's good for him. If he still intends to rely on Shu Manlin... well, he might bring great misfortune upon himself. Don't forget who's by Shu Manlin's side..."

Ye Li understood. By Shu Manlin's side was Tan Jizhi, who was no pushover. If Shu Manlin won, Tan Jizhi would never let the King of Nanzhao live. And if the king died, Shu Manlin's position would be far from secure.