Mo Li

"What is going on here?" Empress Hua coldly observed Consort Liu standing outside the hall, her face filled with anger.

The guards stationed at the door quickly reported, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has decreed that no one is to be admitted except for Your Majesty. When the Imperial Concubine arrived, we had no choice but to stop her." The Empress was slightly surprised. She knew how much Mo Jingqi doted on Consort Liu—he had even defied the Empress Dowager for her sake on numerous occasions. Had he fallen out of favor in just a few years?

However, the Empress paid it no mind. She nodded and turned to the newly appointed Virtuous and Noble Consorts, saying, "Wait here for a moment. I will go in and see." The Virtuous and Noble Consorts came from upright families but had been overlooked by Mo Jingqi due to their reserved and unassuming natures. Now that they had suddenly been elevated to consorts, they remained humble and obedient to the Empress's orders.

"We respectfully obey Your Majesty's decree," the two consorts replied in unison.

Empress Hua nodded and, ignoring Consort Liu, stepped unhurriedly into the inner chamber.

The chamber was eerily quiet, with no attendants in sight. The Empress frowned slightly, aware that with the Empress Dowager no longer involved in governance and herself also withdrawn, Mo Jingqi—despite being the emperor—must be living in hardship during his severe illness. She knew Consort Liu's temperament well—she would never visit Mo Jingqi unless she had an ulterior motive. Yet the Empress felt no anger. After so many years and so many trials, what little marital affection had once existed between them had long since faded. Whenever she thought of her underage daughter, now alone and adrift in the world, even the Empress—raised to revere her husband above all—could not help but feel resentment.

Hearing footsteps, Mo Jingqi turned his head with difficulty. Seeing the dignified woman in the bright yellow phoenix robe before him, his gaze momentarily blurred. He had always known the Empress was beautiful. Even when Consort Liu had been hailed as the peerless beauty of Chu Jing, Mo Jingqi had never believed she surpassed the Empress in beauty. But in his eyes, the Empress was his wife—he only needed to grant her due respect. More importantly, she was from the Hua family. Before his ascension, they had been his allies; afterward, they became a threat he had to guard against. Thus, he rarely paid attention to her appearance—knowing she was the Empress was enough.

"You've come... It seems you've been doing well these days," Mo Jingqi said, a pang of sorrow rising in his heart. Here he lay, on the brink of death. His mother ignored him, his brothers, ministers, and beloved concubine eagerly awaited his demise, and even his wife regarded him with indifference, as though his life or death mattered little. Suddenly, he envied Mo Xiuyao. Despite his grievous injuries and disfigurement, Ye Li had remained steadfastly by his side. To prevent him from being blackmailed, she had been forced off a cliff, her fate unknown, while Mo Xiuyao had turned his hair white overnight for his wife. Mo Jingqi knew these were things he would never possess, not in this life or the next.

"Your Majesty summoned this humble consort. Is there something you require?" Empress Hua asked calmly.Mo Jingqi looked at her and smiled, "I'm about to die. Shouldn't I see you one last time?" The Empress frowned, gazing at Mo Jingqi with some confusion. "Your Majesty seems different. Aren't you afraid of death anymore?" Mo Jingqi had always been terrified of death—this was something the Empress knew better than anyone. Mo Jingqi sighed helplessly, "Of course I'm afraid. Who wouldn't want to live? But when you truly feel death approaching, the fear lessens. Now, every time I fall asleep, I feel as though I might never wake again. If that happens, what can I do?"

The Empress remained silent. Hearing Mo Jingqi admit his impending death stirred little emotion in her. She regarded him coolly and said, "At this time, Your Majesty releases me from confinement and elevates Sisters Zhou and Zheng to the rank of Imperial Concubine—surely there's more to it. If you have something to say, speak plainly." Mo Jingqi smiled wryly, "After all these years... you're still the only one who dares to speak to me so directly."

"Consort Liu also speaks plainly," the Empress replied.

At the mention of Consort Liu, Mo Jingqi's expression darkened. He sighed and said to the Empress, "I don’t wish to discuss that now. Empress... if I die and Jing Li succeeds me, he might treat you kindly as his elder sister-in-law. But if the Crown Prince ascends, Consort Liu will become Empress Dowager. Have you considered how you and the Hua family will fare then? The enmity between Liu Jia and the Hua family, your relationship with Consort Liu... well, it's not mutual animosity, just her one-sided disdain for you. What will you do then?"

"What exactly is Your Majesty trying to say?" Empress Hua asked sternly.

Having spoken so much in one breath, Mo Jingqi was exhausted. He took a moment to catch his breath before continuing, "Zheng Zhaoyuan's sixth prince is now nine years old. Zheng Zhaoyuan comes from humble origins, so I will register the sixth prince under your name. After my passing, you will use my edict... to install the sixth prince as the new emperor. With the support of the Hua family, Grand Princess Fuxi, and Aunt Zhaoyang, even if Jing Li and Liu Jia are unwilling, they won’t dare act rashly. The Leng and Mu families are loyal to me—as long as you present my edict, they will support you. As for the future... that will be up to you." Having said this, Mo Jingqi closed his eyes to rest.

The Empress's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she replied calmly, "Your Majesty's words... I'm afraid I cannot obey."

Hearing this, Mo Jingqi stiffened and abruptly opened his eyes, glaring at the composed Empress before him. Through gritted teeth, he demanded, "Why?" Empress Hua lowered her gaze and said indifferently, "Your Majesty has spoken only of court affairs but neglected matters beyond the court. Though I am but a woman confined to the inner palace, I am not ignorant. The northern borders are under threat, with Western Liang and Northern Rong watching closely. If the sixth prince ascends, Prince Li and Liu Jia will surely rebel, dragging the Hua family into the court's strife. How will that end? As Empress, it is my duty to support a young ruler, but if Your Majesty intends to drag the Hua family into this, I must refuse your decree."

"The Hua family are also subjects of Great Chu!" Mo Jingqi snapped.The Empress said, "Your Majesty is right. The Hua family's ancestors fought on the battlefield for Great Chu, and many perished in war. The Hua family dares not harbor any resentment, but what outcome have they received? In truth... given the current situation, whether the Crown Prince or the Sixth Prince ascends the throne, what difference would the final outcome make? A child emperor would take the throne, while real power falls into others' hands. With courtiers scheming against one another, who would care about the fate of Great Chu? Back then... Your Majesty made a mistake regarding Prince Ding's Estate."

"Then what do you suggest?" Mo Jingqi stared at her coldly. Unfazed, the Empress replied calmly, "Since things have come to this, if Your Majesty is unwilling to pass the throne to the Crown Prince, then let it be Prince Li. The Sixth Prince is innocent—please spare him." Over the years, though she had long been confined, she had still heard rumors. The Sixth Prince was indeed clever and lively, much doted upon. But the so-called favor from someone like Mo Jingqi was usually not something an ordinary person could endure. With Consort Liu and Liu Jia fanning the flames, the Sixth Prince had been taught only to indulge in play and amusement. He had learned none of the proper principles a ruler should master. For such a prince to ascend the throne would only harm him.

"Outrageous!" Mo Jingqi roared, his face flushing crimson as he coughed violently. "Since when has the Hua family sided with Prince Li's faction? I was unaware!"

The Empress remained composed. "The Hua family belongs to no faction. No matter which prince Your Majesty chooses to succeed you, endless scheming will follow. If Your Majesty truly has Great Chu's interests at heart, you naturally know what is best. Moreover... Your Majesty has already appointed Prince Li as Regent. With Prince Li's current influence, can the Hua family truly contend against him? In the end... Your Majesty still wishes for the Hua family to perish with you."

Mo Jingqi suppressed his anger, waiting for the pain in his chest to subside before speaking again. "You and Mo Xiuyao share a deep bond from childhood. If you become Empress Dowager and plead with him, he would never stand idly by. He would naturally resolve the matter of Mo Jingli for you. All you need to do is properly guide the Sixth Prince. When he grows up, he will surely honor you and treat the Hua family well."

The Empress couldn't help but smile bitterly, shaking her head with a sigh. "After all this talk, this is the crux of the matter. Your Majesty, if you say this... I fear you have never truly understood Prince Ding. Once, I told you Prince Ding's Estate harbored no treacherous intentions, but you did not believe me. Now, I tell you Prince Ding's Estate will never abandon vengeance—doubtless, you also disbelieve this? Does Your Majesty think Prince Ding's inaction these years means he is not consumed by hatred? The murder of one's father... is an unforgivable enmity. Even if the former Regent were reborn, no one could dissuade Prince Ding. His years of inaction only prove his patience. The more he endures, the more... he despises you."

Finally, she glanced back at Mo Jingqi and said, "If Your Majesty has nothing further to say, I shall take my leave. By the way, Consort Liu is still waiting outside for an audience." Without waiting for his response, the Empress turned and walked away. Her calm eyes held no sorrow, only a faint regret—regret that after more than a decade as husband and wife, he still sought only to use her in the end.

Behind her, Mo Jingqi watched the retreating figure in bright yellow robes, his expression indescribably complex. After a long moment, a sharp pain surged in his chest, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.Outside the door, as the Empress emerged, everyone quickly stepped forward. The Empress said calmly, "The Emperor is unwell. Noble Consort De and Noble Consort Xian, you may express your gratitude at the door and then return."

Noble Consort De and Noble Consort Xian, who only saw the emperor once or twice a year, had long grown accustomed to such treatment and were not particularly disappointed. Following the Empress's instructions, they knelt at the door, kowtowed in gratitude for the imperial favor, and then left with the Empress. Only Imperial Concubine Liu remained, staring at the tightly shut palace doors for a long while before finally turning away in frustration.

News from the palace spread quickly outside. While Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were discussing whether to visit the Grand Princess, Zhuo Jing entered.

"What happened?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked.

Zhuo Jing replied respectfully, "We just received word that Mo Jingqi has released the Empress from house arrest and appointed Consort Zhou as Noble Consort De and Lady Zheng as Noble Consort Xian."

Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair and remarked leisurely, "It seems Mo Jingqi is nearing his end." Ye Li and Zhuo Jing both looked at him. Ye Li asked, "What do you mean?" Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "Mo Jingqi is arranging his affairs—naturally, he must be close to death." Zhuo Jing was puzzled. "But hasn't Mo Jingqi already named Imperial Concubine Liu's son as Crown Prince? What does arranging his affairs have to do with the Empress and Consorts Zhou and Zheng?"

Mo Xiuyao clapped his hands and laughed. "Mo Jingqi is extremely paranoid and holds grudges like Yazi. How could he not have noticed the conflicts between Mo Jingli and the Liu family these days? Add to that Imperial Concubine Liu's little performance today... Mo Jingqi would never pass the throne to the Crown Prince. Since he doesn’t want to give it to the Crown Prince or Mo Jingli, he naturally has to find another heir."

Zhuo Jing suddenly understood. "The sixth prince, born to Lady Zheng."

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "There's another reason. Mo Jingqi must already know that I am in the capital. He also knows that I have close ties with the Empress and Old Duke Hua. Out of respect for them, I might let bygones be bygones and even help him resolve his current troubles." Ye Li asked, "Will you?"

"He’s thinking too wishfully. Does he really believe I’m some benevolent bodhisattva untouched by worldly affairs?"

Standing up, Mo Xiuyao said with a smile, "I should go to the palace to see him. If I’m too late, I might miss the chance."

Ye Li also rose. "I’ll go with you."

Prince Li's Palace had also received the news. Hearing his subordinate's report, Mo Jingli sneered. "My imperial brother truly never rests. In such a short time, he’s managed to stir up so much trouble." Qixia Princess leaned against Mo Jingli and asked, "What does Wang Ye plan to do?" Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "I’m going to the palace. I need to see Mother Empress."

Outside the imperial bedchamber, the Empress Dowager approached with a grave expression. The guards at the door naturally dared not stop her and quickly stepped aside, respectfully inviting her in.The Empress Dowager entered and saw Mo Jingqi lying unconscious on the bed, with a pool of blood staining the quilt over his chest. She hurried forward and called out, "My son... my son, how are you?" Moments later, Mo Jingqi slowly opened his eyes and looked at the Empress Dowager with a faint smile. "Mother, you’ve finally come."

For some reason, the Empress Dowager suddenly felt a pang of guilt and averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. Mo Jingqi didn’t seem to mind, smiling calmly with an unprecedented serenity that unsettled her. Seeing the blood on his chest, the Empress Dowager stood up angrily. "Where have those useless servants gone?! Why hasn’t the Emperor’s bedding been changed?!"

"Enough, Mother. I asked them to leave because I wanted some peace," Mo Jingqi interrupted calmly.

The Empress Dowager felt a faint awkwardness and sat back down, looking at him with concern. "My son, are you in pain? Tell me at once..."

Mo Jingqi replied, "It’s nothing. I’ve been waiting for you, Mother. There are some matters I wish to entrust to you. Please, for the sake of my final wish, grant me this."

After all, they were mother and son. Hearing such words, the Empress Dowager could no longer hold back her tears. Clutching Mo Jingqi’s hand, she said repeatedly, "My son, whatever you wish to tell me, speak it. I will see it done. My poor, unfortunate child..."

Mo Jingqi continued, "After my passing, the young heir’s ascension will inevitably face difficulties. Jing Li now holds great power and influence, and as his elder brother, my words no longer sway him—nor will they matter once I’m gone. I only ask that you, for the sake of your grandson, the new emperor, watch over..."

Before he could finish, the Empress Dowager stopped crying and cut him off. "Nonsense! Do you truly intend to pass the throne to that Liu woman’s son? Do you know what she has done? The moment Mo Xiuyao returned to the capital, she rushed to pay respects to the ancestors of Prince Ding's Estate. Since when does a mere concubine decide such matters? Whose ancestors was she worshipping? And then she publicly invited Prince Ding to tea, reminiscing about old times—utterly humiliating our imperial family! If you truly pass the throne to her son, have you considered what she might do afterward? How could she possibly assist the new emperor? She’d likely fawn over Mo Xiuyao instead! My son... you’re being foolish!"

"Mother..." Mo Jingqi smiled bitterly, pausing to catch his breath before interrupting her. "Then what do you suggest?"

The Empress Dowager hesitated before answering, "My son, this is fate... Jing Li is also a good child. He is now the regent, and you know the situation in Western Liang. If things escalate, wouldn’t it ruin the bond between uncle and nephew? Sooner or later, it would lead to internal strife. Since that’s the case... why not pass the throne to Jing Li instead? He will surely care for his nephews in the future, and I will protect my grandsons with my life."

"Mother!" Mo Jingqi shouted sharply, his eyes widening in fury. "Mother! Do you even realize that my condition is all Mo Jingli’s doing?!""My son..." The Empress Dowager frowned as she looked at Mo Jingqi. Of course she knew, and she too hated how ruthless and merciless her younger son had been. But what was done was done. She was already about to lose one son—must she lose another as well? These choices were made for everyone's good. If they truly pushed Jing Li to raise an army, how could the newly established child emperor possibly withstand it?

"Hahaha..." Staring at the frowning Empress Dowager before him, Mo Jingqi suddenly burst into loud laughter. Yet the sound was more like a mournful sob, filled with anguish. When the laughter subsided, he raised his head and pointed at the Empress Dowager, saying, "Mother... you truly are my wonderful mother... hahaha..."

Seeing her son in such a state, the Empress Dowager wiped away her tears. "My son, don't blame your mother. She had no choice."

"What did he offer you?" Mo Jingqi suddenly asked.

The Empress Dowager froze, her expression instantly turning uneasy. Under Mo Jingqi's piercing gaze, everything that had just transpired seemed like nothing more than an ugly charade. Mo Jingqi nodded and said, "I understand now, haha... If I can't have it, none of you will either! Get out!"

"My son, you—"

"Get out!"