Mo Li

Back at Prince Ding's Estate, after hearing the words Ye Li brought back, Feng Zhiyao remained silent for a long time without saying anything. Ye Li could do little to help in this matter. From Feng Zhiyao's perspective, she could certainly blame the Empress for her stubbornness, which had delayed him. However, this wasn’t really the Empress’s fault. She had never given Feng Zhiyao any hope. What she was doing now was, in fact, the best a woman of her era—especially one in her position as Empress—could do. Ye Li couldn’t hold her to the same standards as herself, given that the Empress had been raised with traditional values of loyalty to the sovereign and feminine virtues.

"Xiu Yao, Feng San..." Ye Li asked worriedly.

Mo Xiuyao looked up from the book in his hands and said, "Don’t worry about him. He knows his limits."

Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s reaction, Ye Li shook her head and set the matter aside. She then told him about her encounter with the Tenth Prince in the palace and sighed, "That child is far too timid and fearful. I really don’t know what Mo Jingqi was thinking when he left that edict behind."

Mo Xiuyao set down the book, walked behind Ye Li, and wrapped his arms around her, letting her lean against him as he said softly, "These are Mo Jingli’s and others’ problems. They have nothing to do with us. A Li, why trouble yourself over them?"

Ye Li smiled faintly and shook her head. "It’s not that I’m troubled for them, it’s just..." It was just that she couldn’t help feeling pity for that innocent child, doomed to be sacrificed. He was only a little older than Mo Xiaobao. Perhaps becoming a mother had made her softer-hearted than before.

Mo Xiuyao murmured, "Though the capital is under strict martial law now, no one dares to stop anyone from Prince Ding’s Estate. If you’re feeling bored, A Li, you can go out for a stroll. There’s no need to concern yourself with the trivial matters of the palace."

Ye Li nodded. "I understand." Knowing that Mo Xiuyao didn’t want her to be weighed down by such matters, she naturally obliged. They were family, after all, while others—no matter how pitiable or innocent—were ultimately outsiders. She didn’t want Mo Xiuyao worrying about her either.

"Mother! Mother..." Mo Xiaobao’s voice rang out cheerfully as he dashed down the long corridor. Mo Xiuyao frowned in displeasure and glared at the boy, who had already reached the doorway and was about to step inside. Behind Mo Xiaobao, Leng Junhan followed, panting slightly from the run.

Ye Li sighed. "Chen’er, slow down a little. Look how tired Junhan is..."

Mo Xiaobao glanced back at Leng Junhan, who was still catching his breath but managed to give him a bright smile. He huffed lightly and snuggled into Ye Li’s arms. Seeing his slightly sulky expression, Ye Li couldn’t help chuckling. She patted Mo Xiaobao and said, "Junhan is younger than you. As his elder brother, you should look out for him. Understand?"

"Understood," Mo Xiaobao muttered. He looked up at Leng Junhan and said, "Leng Xiaodai, if you can’t keep up, just say so. It’s not like I wouldn’t wait for you."

Leng Junhan rubbed his head and grinned innocently at Mo Xiaobao, which only made the latter feel even more embarrassed. After enjoying her son’s flustered expression for a moment, Ye Li smiled and beckoned to Leng Junhan. "Junhan, come here to Auntie."Leng Junhan let out a cheer and also threw himself in front of Ye Li, rubbing against her arm with a happy smile. He also liked Xiao Bao's mother very much—she was fragrant, warm, and just as kind as his own mother. Unfortunately, Xiao Bao didn’t like him clinging to Auntie.

Mo Xiuyao, standing behind Ye Li, darkened his expression. Originally, there was only Mo Xiaobao, but now there were two little brats monopolizing A Li, significantly reducing the time he could spend alone with her. Thinking of this, Mo Xiuyao began to regret his decision to send Leng Haoyu away.

Mo Xiuyao had said Feng Zhiyao had restraint, but unexpectedly, Feng Zhiyao caused a major disaster that very day.

Late at night, when all was quiet, Prince Ding's Estate had long fallen into silence. Only the candlelight in the study remained lit as Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sat there, reviewing documents while occasionally chatting. Though they appeared leisurely in the capital, their positions meant countless matters still required their personal attention daily. Even if immediate decisions weren’t needed, they had to stay informed to prepare for any sudden changes.

"Has Feng San not returned yet?" Ye Li asked after finishing the last report in her hands. Noticing Mo Xiuyao still had a large stack left, she casually picked one up to read.

Mo Xiuyao replied, "Probably went out to vent his anger." Feng Zhiyao might seem charming and easygoing, as if born with a good temper, but in truth, his emotions were vivid and unrestrained. Years of experience had only taught him to conceal his feelings in public.

Ye Li frowned slightly. "I felt something was off about Feng San’s mood when he left during the day."

"After waiting all these years, it’d be strange if his mood was normal." Mo Xiuyao had never been optimistic about Feng Zhiyao’s feelings for the Empress. In their youth, he had subtly advised against it a few times, but each attempt ended with them brawling until they were exhausted. As they grew older, they learned to respect each other’s emotions, making it harder to dissuade him. So the matter dragged on year after year until Feng Zhiyao was already in his thirties. By the standards of ordinary wealthy young men in this world, he should’ve been holding grandchildren by now.

"These two…" Ye Li sighed, but before she could finish, she suddenly stood up from her chair. "Someone’s broken in!"

Beside her, Mo Xiuyao had already vanished from the study like a wisp of smoke, leaving only a deep voice behind: "A Li, go check on the two little ones." Ye Li watched the white-clad figure disappear beyond the door with some regret—this was the difference between mastery of Light Body Skill and mediocrity.

By the time Ye Li reached the courtyard where Mo Xiaobao and Leng Junhan were staying, Zhuo Jing was already guarding outside. Seeing Ye Li, he bowed. "Wang Fei."

Ye Li nodded. "Thank you for your hard work. Are the children alright?" Zhuo Jing replied solemnly, "This is my duty. The Little Prince and Young Master Leng are unharmed."

Just then, Mo Xiaobao rushed out. "Mother, what’s happening?" Seeing the eager sparkle in his eyes, Ye Li lightly tapped his forehead. "Stay here with Zhuo Jing and take care of Junhan. I’m going to check on your father."

Unable to join the excitement, Mo Xiaobao pouted in disappointment but obediently nodded. "Then be careful, Mother."Ye Li smiled faintly, "Such a little adult."

After settling the two children, Ye Li hurried to the front courtyard. However, she found no signs of a fight—clearly, the intruder was someone familiar. Shaking her head, she turned toward the front courtyard’s flower hall, but the sight before her made her temples throb with a dull ache.

In the flower hall, Feng Zhiyao was slumped on the floor, a pool of dark red blood beside him—still fresh, evidently spat out just moments ago. Mo Xiuyao stood in the center of the hall, hands clasped behind his back, his expression chilling to the bone. Ye Li had no doubt that Feng Zhiyao’s current state was entirely Mo Xiuyao’s doing. But what truly troubled her was more than just that. In a nearby chair, wrapped beneath a large black screen, lay a figure. Though the face was obscured, Ye Li could tell from the silhouette that it was a woman. And what kind of woman would Feng Zhiyao bring back in the dead of night? The mere thought made her head ache even more.

The woman in the chair was clearly still unconscious. Ye Li stepped forward and pulled back the cloak covering her face, revealing the beautiful and dignified features beneath. Who else could it be but the Empress she had just seen earlier that day?

"Reckless!" Ye Li turned and glared at Feng Zhiyao, scolding him in a low voice.

Feng Zhiyao didn’t seem to mind, offering her a faint smirk. But his usually teasing eyes were now filled with deep sorrow and helplessness, making even Ye Li reluctant to say more. Sighing, she asked, "Did she agree to you bringing her out like this?" Feng Zhiyao remained silent, and Ye Li understood—he had disregarded the Empress’s wishes, knocked her unconscious, and carried her out of the palace.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s growing fury, Ye Li quietly moved to his side, took his hand, and gently pulled him down to sit beside her. Otherwise, she couldn’t guarantee that the enraged Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t strike Feng Zhiyao again.

"You’ve grown bold. Since when did Third Master Feng become so audacious?" Sitting beside Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao suppressed his anger, his voice icy as he stared at Feng Zhiyao.

Feng Zhiyao gave a faint smile, but none of his usual playful charm remained—only weariness and resignation. "I’ll take responsibility for my own actions. I won’t drag Prince Ding’s Estate into this."

Bang! Mo Xiuyao slammed his palm onto the nearby table. The table itself remained intact, but the decorations and teacups atop it shattered instantly. Mo Xiuyao laughed coldly in his fury. "Good… very good! Third Master Feng, you’ve grown capable indeed—won’t drag Prince Ding’s Estate into this? If you’re so capable, why not just charge out of the capital with her right now?"

Feng Zhiyao fell silent. The city gates were shut, and the capital was under strict martial law. While he might have managed alone, escaping with an unconscious woman was impossible. He closed his eyes wearily. "Xiu Yao, I’m sorry. But… I don’t regret doing this." Mo Xiuyao scoffed, his tone indifferent. "For someone who prides himself on being clever, did you not think of an escape plan before acting? Did you just rush into the palace in a moment of impulse to kidnap her?"Feng Zhiyao felt somewhat embarrassed; he truly hadn't considered much. After sneaking into the palace to see the Empress and being utterly rejected by her, he grew increasingly distressed. Overcome by frustration, he impulsively returned to the palace and abducted her without a second thought. What he hadn’t anticipated was that Mo Xiuyao’s anger wasn’t directed at him for breaking into the palace to kidnap the Empress, but rather because he had acted without any plan whatsoever.

“Then… what should we do now?” Understanding Mo Xiuyao’s perspective, Feng Zhiyao stopped being stubborn. When it came to strategy and capability, he was indeed far inferior to Mo Xiuyao, and he readily accepted this fact.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled, “How about we quietly send her back before anyone notices?”

“No!” Feng Zhiyao quickly objected. He had gone through great trouble to bring her out—sending her back now would be unthinkable. He couldn’t guarantee he’d muster the same courage again. Moreover, his actions weren’t solely driven by his personal feelings. He knew her life in the palace would only grow harsher. Even if she still refused him, he at least wanted her to live a more peaceful and happy life. At the very least… he could still hold onto some hope, couldn’t he?

Mo Xiuyao glanced at the sky—it was already the fifth watch. Shaking his head, he said, “It’s too late. At most, within half an hour, someone will notice the Empress is missing.”

Ye Li frowned, “Then what should we do? Should we try to get her out of the city now?” The sky was on the verge of dawn, hardly an ideal time to leave the city. But if they missed this window, once the Empress’s disappearance was discovered, the capital would likely tighten its security, making movement even harder.

“She can’t leave yet. We all know the Empress’s temperament—she isn’t one to simply flee. If we send her away now, she’ll return on her own,” Mo Xiuyao said, shaking his head. “For now, let her stay at Prince Ding’s Estate. Even if the Empress goes missing, no one would dare search here.” Fortunately, all the guards and servants in Prince Ding’s Estate were trusted confidants, and Feng Zhiyao had returned under the cover of night. Otherwise, tonight’s events might have spread across every noble household in the capital by dawn, just like when Mo Jingli kicked his own son to death.

“Thank you, Wang Ye, thank you, Wang Fei,” Feng Zhiyao said gratefully.

Ye Li waved her hand dismissively, “Enough. Find a place to settle her down. After a long night, try to rest while you still can.”

Feng Zhiyao thanked them again, picked up the sleeping Empress, and left. In the flower hall, Ye Li turned to Mo Xiuyao and raised an eyebrow, “And this is what you call ‘acting with restraint’?” If abducting an empress counted as restraint, then what didn’t?

Mo Xiuyao chuckled helplessly, “This is probably the one time Feng San has ever acted without restraint.”

Leaving Feng Zhiyao to settle the Empress, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao didn’t intervene further. Hand in hand, they returned to their own courtyard to rest. Less than an hour later, a visitor arrived.

“Wang Ye, Wang Fei, Duke Hua requests an audience.”

Exchanging a glance, Mo Xiuyao stood and said, “Invite Duke Hua to the study. I’ll be there shortly.” Ye Li reached out and tugged at Mo Xiuyao’s sleeve with a faint smile, “Let’s go together.” Mo Xiuyao didn’t object. After changing clothes, they headed to the study.Huaguogong, who had been invited to the study, was restless and uneasy. His aged face, framed by white hair and beard, looked even more haggard. His somewhat clouded old eyes were filled with anxiety and worry. Upon seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao enter hand in hand, he hurriedly rose to greet them. "Wang Ye, Wang Fei."

Mo Xiuyao reached out to steady Huaguogong, speaking with rare gentleness, "Why has the Duke come so early? Is something the matter?"

Huaguogong let out a sorrowful sigh and replied with a bitter smile, "Isn’t it a grave matter indeed? Otherwise, why would this old man be so inconsiderate as to visit at such an early hour?"

The two of them helped Huaguogong sit down, one on each side, before taking their own seats. Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "What are you saying, Duke? You are always welcome here, no matter the time. But please, tell us what has happened."

Huaguogong had no patience for pleasantries and spoke gravely, "The Empress has gone missing."

Though they had already guessed that Huaguogong’s visit must be related to this matter, it was still difficult to broach the subject. After a long pause, Ye Li finally spoke slowly, "Duke... the Empress is here, in Prince Ding’s Estate."

－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－

Well… it’s not that I’m slacking off… this is a chapter I hurriedly finished before leaving. So it’s a bit short… sweat …