Mo Li

Consort Liu’s face twisted into an expression of unprecedented ferocity and ugliness. Though she didn’t know what the so-called Breeze Pavilion was, it didn’t stop her from understanding the implication in Ye Li’s words. She was actually being compared to those lustful, wanton women! How dare she?!

“Ye Li! You wretched—”

Before Consort Liu could finish her sentence, there was a loud thud as the white-clad figure, already stained with blood, was sent flying. She crashed straight out of the hall and landed heavily on the stone pavement of the garden outside. There was no mercy in this strike—Consort Liu hit the ground with a resounding impact. The guards stationed outside kept their eyes downcast, but inwardly, they winced. Had they just heard the sound of bones breaking?

The moment she landed, Consort Liu spat out a mouthful of blood. Her usually cold eyes widened in shock as she stared at the white-robed man leisurely walking toward her, as if she had never truly known him before.

Mo Xiuyao stopped before her, looking down at the disheveled woman on the ground with not a trace of pity or emotion in his eyes.

“Who gave you the audacity to insult her?” His voice was icy, each word cutting into Consort Liu like a blade, making her tremble in pain.

“Mo Xiuyao… you’re ruthless!” Consort Liu struggled to prop herself up with one arm, the other hanging limply at her side—clearly, the impact had broken it. Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly, finding the hatred in her eyes utterly ridiculous.

“Did you think that just because you helped me once or twice in the past, I would show you special leniency? Or even allow you to humiliate my wife?” Prince Ding’s Estate owed her nothing. It was true that Consort Liu had aided him before, but the estate had repaid her in kind. It had been a transaction, nothing more. To bring it up now was laughable.

“That woman… is she really so important to you? For her… you’d willingly give up vast territories in the north that were within your grasp?” Consort Liu choked out.

Mo Xiuyao sneered. “Was A Li’s explanation not clear enough? Besides… for her, I would abandon not just what I haven’t yet obtained, but the entire world if need be.”

“You—?!” Consort Liu stared at him in horror.

With a cold hum, Mo Xiuyao seemed to have grown weary of the bloodied, wretched woman before him. He waved a hand dismissively at the guards nearby. “Throw her out.”

“Yes, Wang Ye.” The guards didn’t dare delay, immediately stepping forward to drag Consort Liu away. Severely injured and restrained, she could do nothing but glare back at Mo Xiuyao, her voice dripping with venom.

“Mo Xiuyao, you’ll regret this!”

Mo Xiuyao responded with a cold laugh, ignoring her.

Consort Liu was dragged out of Prince Ding’s Estate and unceremoniously tossed onto the ground at the foot of the steps. The heavy impact forced another pained groan from her—clearly, she had been injured again. The attendants who had accompanied her rushed forward in a panic, fumbling to help her up. Their clumsy handling only worsened her agony, and she snapped furiously, “Get away from me!”Everyone was startled, utterly baffled as to how Imperial Concubine Liu had returned from Prince Ding's Estate in such a wounded state. Fortunately, the estate was located in Chu Jing's aristocratic district, where few commoners passed by at this hour. Otherwise, the royal family's dignity would have been utterly compromised.

With great effort, Consort Liu struggled to her feet, only to freeze. At a nearby street corner, a twelve or thirteen-year-old youth in brocade robes watched her silently, his expression unreadable.

"Your Grace, it's Prince Qin..." a palace maid whispered beside her.

"My child..." Consort Liu called softly.

Prince Qin gazed at her wordlessly for a moment before turning and disappearing around the street corner. Consort Liu stared blankly at the empty road, an inexplicable unease quietly spreading through her heart.

Inside Prince Ding's Estate

Feng Huaiting and the Empress were equally shocked by Feng Zhiyao's appearance, though neither voiced their questions. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Ye Li took the initiative to ask, "Feng San, are your injuries serious?" Feng Zhiyao shot her an almost grateful look and smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Wang Fei. Just some minor flesh wounds—nothing serious."

Nearby, Feng Huaiting and the Empress secretly sighed in relief.

Mo Xiuyao sat to the side, idly tapping the armrest of his chair. With an enigmatic smile, he asked Feng Zhiyao, "Feng San, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Feng Zhiyao's face fell immediately. "This subordinate awaits Wang Ye's punishment," he said miserably.

"Good," Mo Xiuyao chuckled, clapping his hands. "Since you admit your fault... how about reporting to Qin Feng for your punishment? I'd prefer not to see you for the next few months." Feng Zhiyao's eyes widened in surprise, momentarily confused by his lord's intentions. Reporting to Qin Feng? Since when did Qin Feng handle disciplinary matters? More importantly, was Mo Xiuyao really willing to go months without exploiting his labor?

To the two uninformed observers, his reaction suggested the punishment was exceptionally severe. Their expressions darkened. After a long pause, Feng Zhiyao accepted the order with trepidation, "This subordinate obeys." Whatever Mo Xiuyao had planned, there was no escaping it—better to face it squarely.

"Wang Ye—" Two voices spoke simultaneously. Feng Huaiting and the Empress glanced at each other before Feng Huaiting continued, "Wang Ye, this matter arose because of this old man. I beg you to show leniency for my sake."

Feng Zhiyao looked at Feng Huaiting in surprise, noting his composed yet slightly furrowed brow. He hadn't expected Feng Huaiting to plead on his behalf.

Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "You overestimate your involvement, Elder Feng. Feng San brought this upon himself. Moreover, I have always believed in fair rewards and punishments. How can justice be served if he isn't disciplined for such a serious offense?" As a leader himself, Feng Huaiting understood the importance of this principle. But Mo Xiuyao's next casual remark sent a chill down his spine: "Rest assured... I'll spare his life."

"Wang Ye... isn't that too harsh?" Clearly, their interpretations diverged drastically. Mo Xiuyao had never intended Feng Zhiyao's death—"sparing his life" was literal. Feng Huaiting, however, took it to mean Feng Zhiyao would be left barely alive.Taking a deep breath, Feng Huaiting said solemnly, "Wang Ye, no matter what, Feng Zhiyao is my son. Now that he has made a mistake, it should be up to me, his father, to punish him."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in surprise and looked at Feng Huaiting. "This prince recalls that the Feng family has already expelled Feng San from the household."

"His name has not been removed from the family registry," Feng Huaiting insisted firmly. As long as Feng Zhiyao's name remained in the registry, he would always be a descendant of the Feng family.

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Still not acceptable. Feng Zhiyao is already in his thirties and long capable of taking responsibility for his own actions. Moreover, this matter concerns official business, not family affairs. Naturally, it must be handled by this prince. Feng San, do you have anything to say?"

Feng Zhiyao had been stunned when Feng Huaiting pleaded for him and was at a loss for words. He shook his head blankly. Mo Xiuyao, in good spirits, turned back to Feng Huaiting and said, "You see, Feng San himself has no objections."

Feng Huaiting clenched his teeth and said, "It is my failure in teaching my son. I am willing to take his punishment in his stead. I beg Wang Ye to grant me this."

Mo Xiuyao fixed his gaze on Feng Huaiting and said calmly, "Feng Laoye, have you thought this through? The punishments in Prince Ding's Estate have always been severe. Not to mention someone as elderly and frail as you, even specially trained young men can barely endure a few. Taking punishment for another is doubled."

Feng Huaiting replied resolutely, "To raise without teaching is the father's fault. This is what I deserve. I beg Wang Ye to grant me this."

Mo Xiuyao's smile grew even more pleased. "Feng San, what do you say?"

Feng Zhiyao finally snapped out of his daze and frowned coldly. "One must bear the consequences of their own actions. Who asked him to take my place? This young master has nothing to do with him!"

Mo Xiuyao looked at Feng Huaiting with feigned helplessness. "Feng Laoye, you see..." Meanwhile, Ye Li subtly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to stop. Feng Huaiting glanced at Feng Zhiyao and said to Mo Xiuyao, "As long as he bears the surname Feng for even a day, it is not his decision to make. I beg Wang Ye to grant me this."

"Very well!" Mo Xiuyao turned and gave Ye Li a reassuring smile. "Guards! Take Feng Laoye away for punishment."

"Wang Ye!" Feng Zhiyao stomped his foot in frustration. Of course, he knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn't actually punish him to death, but the potential penalties that might not affect him much would be unbearable for his nearly sixty-year-old father.

The guards outside had already entered and were escorting Feng Huaiting away. Feng Zhiyao made to dash after them, but a gust of wind swept past, and his legs went numb, causing him to collapse to his knees. He could only watch helplessly as Feng Huaiting was taken away.

"Where do you think you're running? This prince hasn't settled accounts with you yet," Mo Xiuyao said cheerfully, looking at Feng Zhiyao, who was kneeling on one leg. Feng Zhiyao grimaced and said, "Wang Ye, that old man is almost sixty. You're not really planning to kill him, are you?"

Mo Xiuyao glanced at him. "Wouldn't killing him be exactly what you want? Don't you hate him to death?"

Feng Zhiyao gritted his teeth. "He's my father!" No matter how much he resented the old man's favoritism, he could never truly wish for his father's death.

"This prince recalls someone just told me they had nothing to do with him. How is it that he's suddenly your father now?""Wang Ye..." Feng Zhiyao was so anxious he could cry, desperately hoping the brothers below wouldn't act too quickly. Given how quickly the unfortunate Consort Liu had met her fate earlier, any further delay might mean the execution would be over. "Wang Ye, I was wrong. What do you want from me? Isn't pledging my life to serve you until death enough?"

Mo Xiuyao scoffed disdainfully, "You were already bound to serve me until death."

"Then what else do you want?"

"Have your father come with us to the northwest."

"No prob—what?" Feng Zhiyao was dumbfounded. Since when had Mo Xiuyao taken an interest in his father?

"Disagreeing?" Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes dangerously.

"I agree! I agree!" Feng Zhiyao nodded repeatedly. "But... my father probably won't agree."

Mo Xiuyao leisurely clapped his hands and smiled. "That's not my concern. Oh, you can tell him that if he refuses, I'll kill you. Off you go..." With a wave of his hand, Mo Xiuyao dismissed Feng Zhiyao with satisfaction. Seeing Ye Li and the Empress covering their lips to stifle laughter beside him, Feng Zhiyao finally realized he'd been played.

Helplessly hanging his head, Feng Zhiyao went out to find his father. Behind him, Mo Xiuyao's unmistakably cheerful voice called out, "Once you're done with your father, remember to go to the study and handle the backlog of official duties from the past few days. You said it yourself—serve until death..."

Feng Zhiyao's legs nearly gave way. He was such an idiot...

Watching Feng Zhiyao leave with amusement, Ye Li turned to Mo Xiuyao and sighed. "Why must you tease him like this?" Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly. "Tease him? I'm not teasing him. If he isn't run off his feet in the coming months, I'll have failed him!"

Ye Li shook her head and asked, "Do you think Feng Zhiyao can persuade Old Master Feng?"

To be honest, a business genius like Feng Huaiting was exactly what they needed right now. Neither Han Mingxi nor Leng Haoyu were particularly talented in this area. While Leng Haoyu could manage the enterprises under Prince Ding's Estate without issue, handling the economy of the entire northwest—or even larger regions—would stretch him thin. Moreover, Leng Haoyu came from a military family, and it was somewhat unfair that he had spent all these years quietly working as a merchant for Prince Ding's Estate. Sending him to Zijing Pass made it clear to Ye Li that Mo Xiuyao was already preparing to find a replacement. Still, she was surprised he had set his sights on Feng Huaiting.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Unless he doesn't care about Feng Zhiyao's life."

Ye Li shook her head, unconvinced. "He isn't just Feng Zhiyao's father—he also has two legitimate sons and the entire Feng family to consider. Feng Zhiyao alone might not be enough leverage."

Mo Xiuyao replied, "Then we'll see if Feng Huaiting is a true businessman. A merchant without sufficient foresight is useless. If that's the case, we're better off without him."

The Empress watched them and chuckled softly. "Wang Ye goes to such lengths for his subordinates—you're truly a rare and enlightened ruler. The Feng family would only benefit by following you."

Mo Xiuyao looked at her and asked, "What about the Hua family, then?"The Empress was taken aback, shaking her head helplessly. "The Hua family... I cannot make decisions for them." She knew her father well enough—even if the Great Chu were truly on the brink of collapse, he would never leave it behind. Having fought for this country his entire life, men of his generation valued Great Chu more than their own lives. Persuading them to leave was simply impossible.

Mo Xiuyao clearly understood Duke Hua as well, nodding in agreement. "This prince will not force the Hua family to make a decision."

"Thank you, Xiu Yao," the Empress said with a faint smile.

Mo Xiuyao returned a light smile.

At Prince Li's Palace, Mo Jingli, who had just acquired nearly the entire Feng family, sat in his study in high spirits, reviewing the account books recently delivered by the Fengs. A cold smirk curled his lips. So what if Mo Jingqi’s last-minute interference had ruined all his plans? He was still alive, while Mo Jingqi was already dead. Only the living could determine the future, and only the living could claim everything. Mo Jingqi had hoped Mo Xiuyao would clean up the mess for him, but unfortunately, Mo Xiuyao had no interest in such matters. Moreover, given his current strength, even if he were to clash head-on with Mo Xiuyao, he might still stand a chance. However... thinking of the still-stalemated battle at Zijing Pass, Mo Jingli snorted softly. For now, it was best not to provoke Mo Xiuyao.

"Wang Ye, Imperial Concubine Liu has arrived," the steward announced from outside.

Mo Jingli frowned in displeasure. "What is she doing here?" Though he no longer feared idle gossip, Imperial Concubine Liu was still the widow of his late elder brother. With the former emperor barely cold in his grave, her sudden appearance at the regent’s palace was highly inappropriate. Besides, Mo Jingli had never held much regard for Imperial Concubine Liu, so her unannounced visit naturally displeased him.

"Imperial Concubine Liu appears severely injured. She insists on seeing Wang Ye," the steward reported cautiously.

Mo Jingli scoffed. "Did she go to Prince Ding's Estate and bring this upon herself?" He rose irritably, ordering, "Take her to the reception hall. This prince will be there shortly."

When Mo Jingli entered the reception hall and saw Imperial Concubine Liu’s wretched state, even he was startled. Her snow-white robes were stained with bloody streaks, clearly the marks of lashes. In some places, the fabric was even torn. Her pale face bore traces of unwashed blood, and her right arm hung unnaturally limp. "What happened?" Mo Jingli demanded coldly. If word got out that Imperial Concubine Liu had come to his residence in such a state, it would only stir up more trouble.

Imperial Concubine Liu lifted her head to glare at him, sneering. "What do you think happened? You already know, don’t you? Mo Xiuyao did this."

Mo Jingli studied her carefully and realized that this woman seemed different now. In the past, whenever Mo Xiuyao was mentioned, her eyes had always been filled with unmistakable infatuation and admiration. But now, there was only bitter hatred. Though traces of lingering obsession still lurked in the depths of her gaze, Mo Jingli was certain that, at this moment, her hatred for Mo Xiuyao far outweighed any lingering affection.

Mo Jingli sat down across from her, speaking indifferently. "I warned you long ago not to provoke Mo Xiuyao. Now you finally understand, don’t you? In this lifetime, has Mo Xiuyao ever shown tenderness to any woman other than Ye Li? Even Su Zuidie... didn’t she die by his hand?""Do not compare that woman to me!" Consort Liu said with disgust.

Mo Jingli curled his lips, thinking to himself, "Do you really think you're any better than Su Zuidie?" Not bothering to dwell on her thoughts, he asked impatiently, "Instead of going to Liu Jia, why are you at my residence at this hour?" Consort Liu lowered her eyes and replied indifferently, "Liu Jia? Heh... Earlier, my father told me he plans to betroth my young niece to Prince Li. What a fortunate man Prince Li is. My niece is in the bloom of youth and can be considered one of the top beauties in the capital."

Mo Jingli frowned, quickly grasping Consort Liu's implication and Liu Jia's intentions. Staring at her, he asked, "What do you want?"

Consort Liu smiled. "I know you want Liu Jia's support but don’t wish to be controlled by them. I can help you gain Liu Jia completely... without needing a marriage alliance."

"And the condition?" Mo Jingli asked bluntly, knowing Consort Liu wouldn’t assist him without reason. She smiled. "Prince Li is indeed straightforward. The condition is... I want you to help me kill Ye Li!"

Mo Jingli was taken aback. Lowering his gaze, he said, "Kill Ye Li? Am I mad? Who could bear the consequences of Mo Xiuyao’s retaliation?" Back when Ye Li fell off the cliff and disappeared, Mo Xiuyao had decisively severed ties with the Chu Kingdom, seizing vast northwestern territories and nearly plunging the world into chaos. Over the years, Mo Jingli had uncovered some truths about that incident. After Ye Li’s fall, Mo Xiuyao’s health had deteriorated severely—otherwise, he might have dared to launch an outright attack on Chu. Now that the two even had a child together, their bond was undoubtedly stronger than ever.

Consort Liu sneered. "With your current power, why fear Prince Ding's Estate? With Liu Jia’s influence, at least half the court would support you. Then you could rightfully ascend the throne—"

"Foolish woman," Mo Jingli retorted bluntly. The Mo Family Army might not have been so fearsome before, but now, the situation between nations was a powder keg waiting to explode. Chu was already facing threats from the northern borders. If the Mo Family Army intervened, Chu would be caught between two enemies, and Northern Rong would surely seize the opportunity. At this moment, Chu could least afford to provoke Mo Xiuyao.

"So you refuse?" Consort Liu narrowed her eyes. "Then what about your son?"

A flash of fury crossed Mo Jingli’s eyes, but he suppressed it quickly. "Name another condition. Killing Ye Li is impossible. Aside from anything else, she’s a top-tier fighter herself, guarded by shadow guards and Qilin. If it were that easy, would you come to me?"

Gritting her teeth, Consort Liu pondered for a moment before saying, "Then kill Ye Li’s son!"

"Why?" Mo Jingli frowned.

"I want her to suffer worse than death!" Consort Liu’s beautiful face twisted like a vengeful ghost. "I want her to lose the person most important to her, to endure heart-wrenching agony day and night, never finding peace for eternity!"

After a moment of silence in the hall, Mo Jingli said, "I refuse.""You!" Consort Liu glared furiously at Mo Jingli, who sneered coldly, "Don't think this trick will work every time. Until now, I haven't even caught a single glimpse of my son. I've warned you... if you dare deceive me, I'll make you wish you were dead!" Consort Liu trembled slightly as the pain she had been desperately ignoring began to surface, forcing a pained moan from her lips.

Her face pale, Consort Liu stood up and said, "Since you don't believe me, there's nothing more to discuss. I take my leave."

Mo Jingli fixed his gaze on her and said, "I don't care what you're planning—don't you dare touch Ye Li."

Consort Liu raised her brows in surprise, turning to scrutinize Mo Jingli for a long moment before saying, "No touching Ye Li? It seems Prince Li refuses my request not out of fear for Prince Ding, but... because he genuinely cares for that woman Ye Li? How rare... Could it be that Prince Li still pines for a woman he himself discarded? Or... are men just that despicable, always coveting what they can't have?!"

Mo Jingli sneered coldly, "None of your concern. At least it's better than shamelessly throwing yourself at someone who won't even glance your way."

"You... Hmph!" Consort Liu gritted her teeth and stormed off in a flurry of sleeves. Proudly striding away, countless schemes and calculations swirled in her mind, unaware that true misfortune still lay in wait for her.