Mo Li

In Consort Liu's palace, although she had not gone to hear the imperial edict, the news still reached her ears with astonishing speed. When the eunuch came to report, Consort Liu was sitting in the small garden of her palace, gazing at the dazzling blossoms of a pear tree in the courtyard. A chilly breeze swept through, scattering petals like snow across the ground. Though wrapped in her White Fox Cloak, Consort Liu couldn't help but shiver.

"Get out!" she said coldly.

The eunuch naturally didn't dare say another word, scrambling away in fear. He was terrified that before the Imperial Concubine was even buried alive, his own head would roll first.

After dismissing those around her, Consort Liu lifted her head to look at the snow-white blossoms before her. Pear blossoms were her favorite flowers—in her eyes, their pristine white petals far surpassed the beauty and purity of peonies, peach blossoms, orchids, or plum blossoms. Originally, there had been no pear trees in the palace. "Pear" sounded like "separation," and the palace had long considered it an ill omen. But after she entered the palace, Mo Jingqi, to please her, had planted several pear trees in the garden of her residence, just to win a smile from her. And now… burial alive…

She had always known Mo Jingqi was ruthless, but she had never imagined that one day, that ruthlessness would be turned against her. So even in death, he wanted her to accompany him?

"Your Highness… P-Prince Qin and Prime Minister Liu request an audience," a palace maid announced timidly from outside the door.

Consort Liu rose, straightening her White Fox Cloak. "Let them in."

Before long, the former Crown Prince, now demoted to Prince Qin, Mo Xiaoyun, and Prime Minister Liu entered the main hall together. Accompanying them were the five-year-old Fifth Prince and the fourteen-year-old Princess Zhenning. The moment the two children saw Consort Liu, they burst into tears. "Mother… wuwu… Mother…"

Consort Liu had never been a patient woman, especially now when her heart was already weighed down with frustration. The sound of crying only stoked her anger. "What are you crying for? I'm not dead yet!" she snapped.

The Fifth Prince and Princess Zhenning had come out of concern for their mother, having heard of their father's edict demanding her burial. Though Consort Liu had always been distant with them, she was still their birth mother, and they held a deep, childlike reverence for her unparalleled beauty. They hadn't expected to be met with such harsh scolding. The Fifth Prince's sobs choked in his throat, his face flushing red from the sudden suppression of breath. Princess Zhenning bit her lip stubbornly, refusing to let out another sound.

Mo Xiaoyun was only twelve, but as Consort Liu's eldest son, he had been rigorously groomed by Prime Minister Liu. Naturally, he was far more composed than his siblings. Once the rightful heir to the throne as Crown Prince, he had been abruptly demoted by his father's dying decree. That he could still speak calmly now was a testament to the effort Liu Jia had invested in him. Frowning, Mo Xiaoyun said, "Mother, Second Sister and Fifth Brother are just worried about you."

Consort Liu scoffed, her tone indifferent. "What good does worrying do? What problems can crying solve?"Mo Xiaoyun remained silent. In truth, his feelings toward this mother of his were not particularly deep. Unlike his second sister and fifth brother, who harbored nothing but blind filial devotion and longing for their mother, he clearly understood that in her eyes, they were all unwanted existences—and he was merely a tool she had already put to use.

"Your Highness!" Prime Minister Liu frowned, his voice grave. Speaking of this daughter of his gave him nothing but an immense headache. Ever since she first laid eyes on Mo Xiuyao as a child, her heart seemed irrevocably tied to him. For years, she refused to let go, remaining cold and indifferent not only to the Emperor but even to her own children. Were it not for Mo Xiuyao, she likely wouldn't have even considered vying for the crown prince position for Prince Qin, let alone giving any thought to the family's interests. It was truly a karmic debt from a past life. Prime Minister Liu considered himself a ruthless and cold-blooded man—over his lifetime as an official, countless had died unjustly at his hands. Yet, even in his cruelty, he still cared for his family and children. But this daughter of his? Apart from Mo Xiuyao, she was willing to discard everything—family, children, husband, parents—without hesitation.

Consort Liu still retained some respect for her father, Prime Minister Liu. Hearing his disapproving tone, she frowned slightly and said coolly, "Father, what brings you here?"

Prime Minister Liu replied anxiously, "What brings me here? How could I not come? You heard the late Emperor's edict—don't you have any plans? Do you truly wish to be buried alive with him?"

At the mention of Mo Jingqi, Consort Liu curled her lips in disgust. She had once harbored some belief that Mo Jingqi cared for her, but now, not a shred of that remained. That man—even in death, he sought to drag her down with him! If she were to die, she would never share a tomb with him. "Father need not worry. I have my own plans for this matter."

Prime Minister Liu was taken aback. "You have a plan? The Emperor also decreed that the Empress Dowager be buried with the late Emperor, and Prince Li raised no objections. By then, Prince Li's faction will be watching closely—you may not escape unscathed." At the mention of Mo Jingli, Consort Liu's expression darkened, and she gritted her teeth. "Mo Jingli! Once again, he ruins my plans!" Prime Minister Liu sighed helplessly. "What's done is done. There's nothing we can do now. In a few days, the Tenth Prince will ascend the throne."

"No!" Consort Liu said coldly.

"What else can we do at this point?" Prime Minister Liu frowned.

Consort Liu lifted her chin and declared icily, "If we could depose the Sixth Prince, then the Tenth Prince is no exception. The one who ascends must be the Crown Prince. As long as the Crown Prince takes the throne... the edict can naturally be revoked, and I won't have to be buried alive." Prime Minister Liu was both shocked and furious. He glared at her. "Preposterous! Right now, not only Prince Li but also the Grand Princess, the Empress, Duke Hua, and even Prince Ding are all watching the Tenth Prince. Attempting anything now would be near impossible. If discovered... do you think Prince Qin would still have a chance at the throne? The entire Liu family would be buried alongside you, paving the way for others!"

Consort Liu smirked. "Father, do you think we're the only ones who want the Tenth Prince dead? Prince Li's ambitions are no less than ours. I've heard some interesting rumors—apparently, before the Emperor died, Prince Li asked about the whereabouts of his son?"Prime Minister Liu was taken aback. He had indeed heard Prince Li's words at the time, but back then, he had been more concerned about the Empress holding the imperial edict. After the edict was proclaimed, they had all been too stunned by its contents to spare any thought for that matter. Consort Liu smiled and said, "Father, do you remember what happened two months ago when Mo Jingli... kicked his own son to death?"

Of course, Prime Minister Liu remembered. Although Prince Li's Palace had tried to cover it up tightly, the Liu family and Prince Li's Palace were political enemies. How could they not know about such a major incident? Stroking his beard, Prime Minister Liu narrowed his eyes and said, "You mean..." Consort Liu smiled, "When Ye Ying was pregnant, she was imprisoned by His Majesty. We only knew she gave birth to a son, but none of us ever saw that child. Naturally, it was up to His Majesty to say whether it was or wasn't. I fear... that child in Prince Li's Palace might not be Prince Li's son at all. His Majesty has always been suspicious, and Prince Li was the one who led the cavalry rebellion—how could His Majesty not guard against him?"

"Does Your Ladyship know where that child is?" Prime Minister Liu was overjoyed. Currently, apart from the son Ye Ying had given birth to, Prince Li had no other heirs. There hadn't even been any news of his side consorts or concubines being pregnant, and rumors had long been circulating in the capital. If this were true, the value of that child would indeed exceed everyone's expectations.

Consort Liu shook her head. "I don't know. His Majesty never told anyone about that child's whereabouts."

Prime Minister Liu was somewhat disappointed, but then Consort Liu smiled and said, "What does it matter whether we know or not? We haven't seen that child, and neither has Prince Li. As long as Father arranges things properly..."

"Your Ladyship is right. I understand now." Prime Minister Liu quickly grasped Consort Liu's meaning and responded with a knowing smile.

No matter how turbulent the undercurrents were inside and outside the palace, above and below the court, Prince Ding's Estate remained peaceful and serene. Until one evening, when a handsome man in red knocked on the tightly closed gates of Prince Ding's Estate.

"I don't recall summoning you to the capital, Feng Zhiyao?" In the study, Mo Xiuyao lazily regarded the travel-worn Feng Zhiyao with a faint tone. Leaning against the wall by the door, Feng Zhiyao gave him a weary smile. Now in his thirties, Feng Zhiyao's once frivolously handsome face had gained a touch of steadiness and a faint air of world-weariness—an aura that shouldn't belong to Third Master Feng, Prince Ding's right-hand man who commanded respect in the northwest, if not outright authority. The slight furrow of his sword-like brows from exhaustion and worry made it hard to rebuke him. Ye Li quietly tugged at Mo Xiuyao's sleeve, signaling him not to be too harsh on Feng Zhiyao.

Mo Xiuyao let out a displeased hum and looked at Feng Zhiyao. "Speak. What's the matter? If you say there's nothing and you just came all the way from the northwest to Chu Jing out of mere worry, I'll have you packed up and thrown back immediately."Feng Zhiyao, having grown up with him, naturally knew when he was genuinely angry and when he was deliberately trying to intimidate someone. Grateful, he smiled at Ye Li before taking a seat in a nearby chair and said, "Qingchen Gongzi asked me to deliver a message to Wang Ye. There was a miscalculation—Western Liang and Nanzhao haven’t started fighting yet." This was actually a favor Xu Qingchen had extended to Feng Zhiyao. Normally, such news wouldn’t require someone of Feng Zhiyao’s status to travel all the way to deliver it, and Xu Qingchen was perfectly capable of handling such matters himself. However, Feng Zhiyao’s current state had severely affected his work efficiency. Qingchen Gongzi, being exceptionally astute, naturally understood that something—or someone—in the capital must be weighing on his mind. Thus, he casually assigned him this task to give him an excuse to return to the capital.

Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in surprise. Xu Qingchen’s plans rarely went awry, but he quickly realized why. While Mo Jingqi’s death wasn’t entirely unexpected, the chaos that followed certainly was. Particularly unexpected were the Edict of Self-Reproach Mo Jingqi issued before his death and his arrangements for Prince Ding's Estate. Upon receiving this news, Zhennan Wang might indeed abandon his plans to attack Nanzhao. After all, no matter how you looked at it, Nanzhao was just a small, isolated kingdom. Whether it could be conquered paled in comparison to the wealth and strategic importance of the Central Plains under Great Chu’s control.

"What changes have occurred in Western Liang recently?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Feng Zhiyao replied, "Zhennan Wang has secretly mobilized troops toward the border of Great Chu. Qingchen Gongzi predicts… as soon as the news of Mo Jingqi’s death spreads, the Western Mausoleum Army will launch another attack on Great Chu. Additionally, Northern Rong seems to have similar intentions."

"What did Qingchen Gongzi say?"

"Qingchen Gongzi said that if Wang Ye has finished handling matters in the capital, he should return as soon as possible."

"If… finished handling…" Mo Xiuyao tilted his head and smiled at Ye Li. "It seems Elder Brother isn’t in a hurry for us to return. Then let’s stay a while longer." If they had finished, they should return quickly; if not, then there was no need to rush back. The fact that Xu Qingchen dared to speak this way indicated that he didn’t consider Lei Zhenting’s movements a serious threat. In that case, with Qingchen Gongzi guarding the northwest, why not stay in Great Chu a little longer? Who knew what benefits they might reap?

Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow but didn’t mind Mo Xiuyao’s deliberate misinterpretation of Xu Qingchen’s words. After all, he had delivered the message verbatim—how Wang Ye chose to interpret it was none of his concern.

Ye Li smiled at Feng Zhiyao and said, "In that case, Feng San should stay at the estate for now." Although Feng Zhiyao had a family, he had moved out years ago. By the time the Mo Family Army severed ties with Great Chu, the Feng family had publicly disowned him, cutting all ties. His residence in the capital had been uninhabited for years, and by now, who didn’t know that Third Master Feng was Prince Ding’s trusted confidant?

Feng Zhiyao nodded. "Thank you, Wang Fei.""Wang Ye... Wang Fei..." Feng Zhiyao glanced at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, unable to hold back any longer. He had rushed back to the capital precisely for this matter and couldn't wait another moment. Ye Li watched as the usually suave and debonair Third Master Feng fidgeted awkwardly, his face flushed with agitation, and couldn't help but cover her lips with a light laugh. Turning to Feng Zhiyao, she said seriously, "You needn't worry. After all, she is the Empress of a nation, backed by the Hua family. No matter who ascends the throne, they will only show her the utmost respect."

Feng Zhiyao stiffened, hesitating before speaking, "I wish to see her once. I beg Wang Fei to grant me this favor."

Ye Li turned to look at Mo Xiuyao, who raised an eyebrow and said, "Such trivial matters are for A Li to decide."

After a moment's thought, Ye Li addressed Feng Zhiyao, "The palace is under strict security now. Be patient. I will arrange it, but... I must first obtain her consent." Ye Li knew exactly what Feng Zhiyao intended, but if the Empress refused, his rash actions would only bring unnecessary trouble to both sides. Ye Li couldn't be certain whether the Empress harbored any feelings for Feng Zhiyao—or if those feelings were strong enough for her to abandon her duties and status. Feng Zhiyao hesitated, wanting to argue, but seeing Ye Li's resolute expression, he could only nod. "Thank you, Wang Fei."

Sensing his reluctance, Ye Li sighed softly. "Matters of the heart are hard to judge as right or wrong. We all know you care for her, but... if she doesn't need your concern, your current intentions won't help her—they'll only add to her troubles. Do you understand?"

Feng Zhiyao remained silent. Perhaps deep down, he refused to believe the possibility that the Empress might not need his help at all. But... she was the Empress, the mother of the nation. Even if she shared no affection with Mo Jingqi, it didn't change the fact that she was the Empress of Great Chu and would one day become the Empress Dowager. Even if Mo Jingli ascended the throne, he would have no choice but to revere his sister-in-law. And now, with the ten-year-old prince about to take the throne—a child in need of guidance—would she really leave with him? Suddenly, Feng Zhiyao felt a pang of unease.

Watching his unusually troubled expression, Ye Li sighed inwardly. Love was the most tormenting of emotions. A man like Feng Zhiyao, carefree by nature and accomplished beyond measure, should have lived a life of unburdened joy. Yet he had fallen victim to love, stubbornly clinging to it for years. If Han Mingyue's obsession with Su Zuidie invoked anger, Feng Zhiyao's deep affection for the Empress could only evoke pity and helplessness.

"Don't overthink it," Ye Li said gently with a smile.

Feng Zhiyao forced a smile. "Thank you for your guidance, Wang Fei."

"Wang Ye, Wang Fei, Second Master Leng and his wife have arrived," Zhuo Jing announced from outside the door.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "What brings them here at this time?"

From outside, Leng Haoyu's laughter rang out. "With the Emperor's passing, many businesses have been forced to close. I found myself with nothing to do!" Leng Haoyu owned numerous establishments—brothels, taverns, gambling dens—all of which had to cease operations during the national mourning. With time on his hands, he had brought his wife and son to Prince Ding's Estate for a visit.

Leading Murong Ting into the study, Leng Haoyu spotted Feng Zhiyao sitting to the side and grinned. "Well, well! If it isn't Third Master Feng? It's been a while, but your charm seems... lacking these days."Indeed. Feng Zhiyao had rushed all the way here without rest or tidying up before heading straight into the study for discussions. When he was energetic, it wasn't so noticeable, but now that he'd relaxed, even his bright red robes seemed to have dimmed. Although Leng Haoyu usually enjoyed locking horns with Feng Zhiyao, he still had enough tact not to poke at his sore spots. Sitting down, he said solemnly, "Don't worry, she's fine. At this moment, no one would dare neglect her."

With the new emperor yet to be enthroned and the previous emperor having just passed away, the Empress Dowager and Imperial Concubine Liu had been ordered to follow him in death. The palace was now under the Empress's rule, and anyone with eyes wouldn't dare cause her trouble at such a time.

Feng Zhiyao nodded slightly and smiled faintly. "Thank you."

Leng Haoyu pursed his lips and said nothing. He had no particular issue with the Empress, but seeing Feng Zhiyao's unrequited love spanning over a decade, he sometimes couldn't help feeling indignant on his friend's behalf. But then, considering how much time and effort he himself had spent pursuing his own wife, he could only sigh—Feng Zhiyao was even more unfortunate than he was.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Heading off to Guilin today, so pre-scheduled posts will be up for the next few days. Well... Feng is a die-hard PC user, so no mobile internet for me. Comments and messages will have to wait until I'm back. Love you all, mwah!