Mo Li

In the Prime Minister's residence

In the study, Prime Minister Liu stared at his daughter, who sat to the side with an indifferent expression, his graying brows tightly furrowed. He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back before finally turning to glare at Consort Liu. "Daughter, what exactly are you trying to do?"

Consort Liu raised her head, displeased. "What do you mean?"

Prime Minister Liu snapped, "What do I mean? You’re asking me what I mean? We had already agreed on a plan—why did you have to provoke Mo Xiuyao at this time?"

Consort Liu frowned slightly. "How did I provoke Mo Xiuyao?"

Prime Minister Liu had a headache. Having a clever, beautiful daughter deeply favored by the emperor was a blessing, but having a disobedient one was an absolute nightmare. Rubbing his temples, he took a deep breath before speaking calmly, "We agreed to deal with the burial sacrifice issue first. But now, before that’s even resolved, you’ve gone and provoked Mo Xiuyao. What if he suddenly interferes? You must understand, your father and Prince Li are already under immense pressure from scholars and conservative officials to suppress this matter. If Prince Ding so much as utters a word, those people will start causing trouble again."

Consort Liu propped her chin on her hand, gazing coolly at her father. "Then what do you want me to do?"

"At the very least, release Feng Zhiyao. He’s Mo Xiuyao’s man. Since Mo Xiuyao has already indicated he has no intention of interfering in the capital’s affairs, we shouldn’t provoke him for now."

Consort Liu frowned. "Prince Ding took Tan Jizhi away. Father… don’t you know what Feng Zhiyao did?"

"Whatever he did!" Prime Minister Liu said firmly. "So what if he kidnapped the Empress? It’s no loss to us. If the Empress were still here, she’d become the Empress Dowager when the new emperor ascends, and the Hua family would openly interfere in court politics to assist the young ruler. Isn’t this perfect? The new emperor is young, and if his birth mother dies early, you, as the late emperor’s Imperial Concubine, will naturally become the most powerful figure in the palace. Besides, with such a scandal in the Hua family’s hands, we can..." Imagining the Hua family being trampled underfoot—or even controlled—by the Liu family, Prime Minister Liu couldn’t help but smile smugly.

Consort Liu lowered her eyes, a cold glint of disdain flashing within them. The most powerful figure in the palace? So what? Even the position of Empress Dowager—without that person, what use did she have for such noble status?

When Prime Minister Liu turned back, he caught the lingering sneer on his daughter’s lips. His heart skipped a beat, and he frowned. "Don’t tell me you still haven’t given up on Prince Ding?!"

Seeing the determination in Consort Liu’s eyes, Prime Minister Liu felt as though a mouthful of blood was stuck in his chest, unbearably suffocating. What sin had he committed to be burdened with such an ungrateful daughter? Truly a scourge!

"It’s been so many years. If Prince Ding had any interest in you, he wouldn’t have waited until now. Why are you still..." he pleaded earnestly.

"Shut up!" These words struck a nerve. Consort Liu’s delicate face instantly flushed with fury. She glared at her father, gritting her teeth. "I don’t believe it. He wouldn’t dislike me. He just hasn’t noticed me yet!"

Prime Minister Liu was at a loss for words.Prime Minister Liu was momentarily at a loss for words. He truly couldn’t understand where the Liu family’s education had failed to produce such a stubborn daughter. A woman in her thirties would already be a grandmother in an ordinary household, and even if she hadn’t entered the palace, she should have been the matriarch of a prestigious family. What woman of that age would still obsess over a man—especially one who couldn’t care less about her?

“A curse! A curse indeed…” Prime Minister Liu stomped his foot and sighed deeply.

Consort Liu, however, paid no heed to her father’s distress. A faint yet sweet smile curled at her lips. “Yes, that’s it. He just hasn’t noticed me yet. Tomorrow, I’ll go to Prince Ding’s Estate to see him. He’ll surely understand my feelings for him.”

“Are you certain he won’t throw you out?” Prime Minister Liu ruthlessly poured cold water on her hopes. Consort Liu had captured one of Prince Ding’s men, and the most likely reaction from Prince Ding would be to detain her in return. Then they’d have to negotiate an exchange, possibly at an even greater cost. Privately, Prime Minister Liu doubted Mo Xiuyao would pay any significant price for Feng Zhiyao—after all, he was merely a subordinate. If Prince Ding was angered, it would likely be because his authority had been challenged. The prime minister simply couldn’t acknowledge that this daughter was a product of his own upbringing.

Consort Liu smiled confidently. “He won’t. Unless… he doesn’t care about Feng San’s life.”

Prime Minister Liu scoffed. “And what do you hope to achieve by seeing him? Do you expect him to marry you? Don’t tell me you’re unaware of Prince Ding’s deep devotion to Princess Ding. All these years, he has remained faithful to her alone. Do you really think he’d betray his wife for Feng San?”

It wasn’t just that. Prime Minister Liu was also a man. From a man’s perspective, it was unthinkable to abandon a wife like Princess Ding—beautiful, capable, and a steadfast partner through hardship—for a woman who had already been married and borne another man’s child, no matter how stunning she might be. To discard a loyal wife for mere beauty was the behavior of a scoundrel. Prime Minister Liu was no saint, but he wasn’t that low. If even he wouldn’t stoop to such actions, how could Prince Ding?

Consort Liu looked at her father strangely. “Father, I truly don’t understand. Surely you can see that neither the new emperor nor Mo Jingli can compare to Prince Ding. If Mo Xiuyao wished, he could gain no less than the entire Chu Kingdom. If I succeed, the Liu family will naturally prosper. Why are you so opposed?”

Prime Minister Liu inwardly sighed, once again confirming the failure of his daughter’s upbringing. It seemed… it was time to let go. Fortunately, he still had two granddaughters nearing marriageable age. Though their beauty and talents were slightly inferior to this daughter’s, they were still exceptional. He would need to carefully balance relations with Prince Li and Prince Qin. As for Prince Ding… well, Prime Minister Liu had never even considered aligning with him. Not just because of the past conflicts between the Liu family and Prince Ding’s Estate, but also because Mo Xiuyao’s principles were fundamentally opposed to the Liu family’s ways. Even if Prince Ding were to take Consort Liu as his concubine, the Liu family would gain no benefit from it.With a somewhat weary wave of his hand, Prime Minister Liu said indifferently, "Enough. Since you won’t listen to me, do as you please. Only… I hope you won’t drag the Liu family down with you. From now on… there’s no need for you to return. After all, you were once the late Emperor’s consort—it’s improper for you to keep leaving the palace." Consort Liu froze, staring at her father in confusion. Over all these years, he had never spoken to her in such a tone. It wasn’t anger or coldness, but a faint sense of disillusionment and detachment. Consort Liu instinctively disliked this feeling.

"Father…"

"Enough, you may go. By the way, I plan to betroth Xian'er to Prince Li as his Side Consort," Prime Minister Liu revealed his intentions.

Consort Liu remained stunned for a long moment before slowly rising and walking out. She wasn’t foolish—she understood what her father’s decision implied. It meant the Liu family would now place their bets on Prince Li, effectively abandoning her and Prince Qin. At the very least, Prince Qin would no longer be the Liu family’s priority. Throughout her life, apart from her unrequited longing for Mo Xiuyao, Consort Liu had always sailed smoothly. She had never imagined a day would come when she would be the one cast aside.

Father… Father… Why can’t you understand me? I’m only pursuing my own happiness—what’s wrong with that? Father, since you’ve shown me no kindness, don’t blame me for being ruthless.

Turning back, Consort Liu glanced at Prime Minister Liu, who sat deep in thought in his study, a flash of resentment crossing her face before she strode away with steady steps.

In the dimly lit dungeon late at night, Feng Zhiyao, who had been meditating cross-legged on the bed, slowly opened his eyes. He glanced sideways at Feng Huaiting, who lay asleep under a cloak on a nearby bed, a trace of worry flickering in his gaze.

"Zhuo Jing?" Feng Zhiyao called out tentatively, looking toward the cell door.

A low chuckle came from the entrance, and Qin Feng appeared, leaning casually against the bars with an amused grin. "Not Zhuo Jing, but he asked me to pass on a message."

"What message?" Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow. "And why are you here?" He remembered Qin Feng hadn’t come to the capital with them.

Qin Feng strolled into the dungeon, smiling broadly. "Zhuo Jing said… Wang Ye is very angry. As for why I’m here—what a coincidence! I’d just arrived in the capital when I heard Third Master Feng had been captured by a woman. Naturally, I rushed over to visit. After all, compared to Zhuo Jing, our camaraderie runs deeper, doesn’t it?"

"This was an accident," Feng Zhiyao muttered, instinctively shrinking his neck at the mention of Wang Ye’s anger, though he forced himself to sound composed. It truly had been an accident—how could he have known that woman would show up at the Ministry of Justice at that moment? Consort Liu, that infatuated fool for Wang Ye, wasn’t like Mo Jingli. If he dared to escape, she really would kill Feng Huaiting. Though he resented Feng Huaiting for neglecting him, he didn’t want the man dead.

Qin Feng tilted his head toward the adjacent cell and grinned. "Uncle, I’m Qin Feng—a friend of Feng San’s. Are you doing alright?"

Feng Huaiting, who had woken at their first words—dungeons weren’t the most restful places—nodded slightly. "I’m fine. Thank you, Young Master Qin."Qin Feng waved his hand and said, "This time, it was all Feng San acting impulsively. When we return, our Wang Ye will surely teach him a proper lesson. Uncle, let's go now." Feng Huaiting's expression was complex, a trace of bitterness lingering at the corners of his lips. His own son had acted rashly, yet it fell to others to reprimand him and apologize on his behalf to his own father. For the first time in his life, Feng Huaiting felt that perhaps he had truly failed this son.

Qin Feng stepped forward, casually drawing a gleaming dagger. With a single slash, the thick iron chains and massive copper lock on the prison cell snapped apart. He caught the falling lock and tossed it aside, opening the cell door. Standing at the entrance, Qin Feng smiled at Feng Huaiting and said, "Uncle, after you." Noticing Feng Huaiting's hesitation, Qin Feng chuckled, "Uncle, don’t worry. Although the rest of the Feng family is in Prince Li’s hands, he won’t harm them." Only the Feng family’s wealth was at risk. It was a pity—Prince Ding, who had already amassed a fortune from last year’s ventures in Western Liang, wasn’t short on money. Besides, since it was Feng San’s family’s property, he felt a bit reluctant to take a share. Otherwise, they could have had a piece of the pie too.

Only then did Feng Huaiting step out, glancing at Qin Feng and remarking, "Prince Ding’s subordinates are indeed formidable, hiding dragons and crouching tigers."

Qin Feng smiled faintly, twirling the dagger in his hand. "A mere trifle, hardly worth your notice, Uncle. Please, our men are waiting outside to escort us."

Feng Huaiting thanked him and, after casting a glance at Feng Zhiyao, walked toward the exit. Qin Feng grinned at Feng Zhiyao and followed. Left behind in the cell, Feng Zhiyao was dumbfounded. "Qin Feng! I’m still in here!"

Qin Feng looked up innocently. "What? My orders were to rescue Lord Feng, who was implicated by Prince Ding’s subordinate. Was there someone else? I didn’t hear about that."

"You—!" Feng Zhiyao gritted his teeth. Qin Feng laughed heartily. "Feng San, you might as well stay put in prison a little longer. Maybe by the time you get out, Wang Ye’s anger will have cooled. And don’t tell me you can’t break a measly little chain. Oh, and one more thing—Wang Ye’s orders: since you enjoy sitting in prison so much, stay a few extra days. Don’t worry, that woman won’t kill you, not for Wang Ye’s sake."

"Just you wait!" Feng Zhiyao glared furiously at the departing figure. Though he knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t do this just for punishment’s sake, the sight of Qin Feng’s smug, mocking expression still made him curse inwardly: "May your love life be fraught with hardship!"

Just as Qin Feng stepped out of the hidden prison, he shivered inexplicably and glanced up at the sky. The March weather was still a bit chilly, after all.

Qin Feng led Feng Huaiting out without encountering any resistance along the way. Witnessing the formidable strength of Prince Ding’s men only deepened Feng Huaiting’s unease and contemplation.Returning to Prince Ding's Estate, the sky was already faintly bright. Feng Huaiting was given time to freshen up and have some breakfast before being taken to meet Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. The couple weren't in the study, but in a secluded small garden deep within the estate. When Feng Huaiting was led there, Mo Xiuyao was practicing swordplay, while at a stone table not far away, Ye Li and the Empress sat chatting. Nearby, two children crouched on the ground, heads together, whispering about who knows what. The morning light gently bathed the courtyard, and the faint fragrance of orchids filled the air, instantly refreshing the spirit.

"Is that Master Feng? Please, come have a seat," Ye Li was the first to notice Feng Huaiting, turning with a warm smile.

Feng Huaiting stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting. "My respects to Princess Ding. And to... the Empress..." In that instant, the Empress clearly sensed Feng Huaiting's subtle disapproval of her. She smiled faintly without speaking—as a guest, she naturally wouldn't overstep. Ye Li sighed inwardly; what the Empress noticed, she certainly couldn't miss. Mo Xiuyao had brought the Empress along to meet Feng Huaiting, and she wondered if Feng Zhiyao would resent them for it later. But she understood Mo Xiuyao's reasoning: if the Empress was to be with Feng Zhiyao in the future, then Feng Huaiting was a hurdle they had to face. If Feng Zhiyao truly didn't care about Feng Huaiting, or if Feng Huaiting didn't care about him, then it wouldn't matter. But judging by Feng Zhiyao's behavior, that clearly wasn't the case. And Feng Huaiting's hostility toward the Empress was undoubtedly because of Feng Zhiyao.

"Please sit, Master Feng. Feng San acted impulsively and caused trouble for your family. I hope you won't hold it against him."

At this, Feng Huaiting gave a bitter smile. "You flatter me, Wang Fei. I am the one who should feel ashamed." If he hadn't neglected his son all these years, failing to guide him properly, perhaps Feng Zhiyao wouldn't have valued the Empress so much—enough to recklessly storm the palace to rescue her. He was also aware of how the Empress had cared for Feng Zhiyao in the past, so he couldn't bring himself to blame her. Glancing at the bashful child in white who had buried himself in Princess Ding's arms and the solemn-faced boy in black who had climbed onto a stool nearby and sat upright, Feng Huaiting felt a pang of regret. If things had been different... Feng Zhiyao's child might have been older than these two by now.

Nearby, Mo Xiuyao sheathed his sword with a flick of his wrist, sending it flying back into its scabbard hanging from a tree, then walked over. Ye Li casually handed him her handkerchief, which he used to wipe his barely-sweaty forehead before sitting beside her.

"Wang Ye..." Feng Huaiting made to rise, but Mo Xiuyao waved for him to remain seated.

"No need for formalities. This was all Feng San acting rashly. I hope you didn't suffer too much, Master Feng," Mo Xiuyao said.Feng Huaiting felt a pang of discomfort in his heart. This was already the third person to say such words to him. It showed that the people of Prince Ding's Estate truly regarded Feng Zhiyao as family, not merely as a dispensable subordinate. Yet, at the same time, it was the greatest irony for him as a father. However, Feng Huaiting had no mood to dwell on this now and asked with concern, "Wang Ye, Zhiyao he..." He knew Feng Zhiyao hadn’t followed them out of the dungeon, though Qin Feng had told him Feng Zhiyao had another mission.

Mo Xiuyao casually brushed aside a strand of white hair stirred by the breeze, a faint smile curling at his lips. "Rest assured, Master Feng, Feng San will return today. But his temperament could use some discipline—it’ll do him good to cool his head in the future."

Hearing this, Feng Huaiting felt uneasy but could only acquiesce. At the very least, he believed Prince Ding would never let Feng Zhiyao come to any real harm. Cupping his hands in respect, he said, "I am deeply grateful for Wang Ye’s assistance. Should there ever be anything I can do in the future, please do not hesitate to command me."

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "Master Feng, there’s no need for such courtesy. It was merely a trivial effort. However..."

"?" Feng Huaiting waited calmly for Mo Xiuyao to continue.

"The Feng family’s assets... From what this prince has learned, your two sons have already pledged allegiance to Prince Li. Before your return, I received word that the Feng family members have been released—at the cost of... seventy percent of your family’s wealth." Mo Xiuyao took a sip of tea and spoke impassively.

－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－

Many readers have been concerned about the Empress and Feng San. Well... the main story might not include their endings. It’s not that I’m deliberately making things difficult for them—as you can see, parental approval is also crucial. This is a very realistic issue. Feng San isn’t truly someone who cuts all ties or harbors deep resentment. Though Feng Huaiting, as a father, has countless flaws, as long as he still cares for his son, he wouldn’t want to see him marry a woman who has been married before and has children. If it were an ordinary family, perhaps it wouldn’t matter, but she’s a woman with such a complicated background. Just like in real life, parents of unmarried children wouldn’t be happy to see their son or daughter marry someone divorced or widowed. Still, I won’t torment them too much. Rest assured, this story leans toward warmth...

P.S.: Though my updates may be slow, please believe that I truly love you all. Look into my sincere, wide eyes...