Mo Li

Li Cheng

In the grand study where meetings were held, Qingchen Gongzi, dressed in white robes, sat in the first seat below the head chair. His handsome face carried a faint smile as he gazed at the empty seat ahead, his demeanor as graceful and ethereal as an immortal. Yet those seated below him couldn’t help but shiver. The way Qingchen Gongzi looked right now… was truly terrifying.

"Qingchen Gongzi, when exactly will Wang Ye return? The Western Liang border has been continuously reinforcing its troops for over a month now…" The others cast the speaker a look as if he were an idiot. Couldn’t he see that Qingchen Gongzi was already irritated about Wang Ye’s refusal to return? And yet he had to bring up the very subject that shouldn’t be mentioned! That said… when was Wang Ye coming back? With the Western Liang border looking like it was on the verge of war, Wang Ye still hadn’t returned. Of course, it wasn’t as if they couldn’t fight without him, but without Wang Ye holding the fort, they just didn’t feel secure.

Xu Qingchen turned his head slightly, his lips curving into a faint smile as his sword-like brows lifted ever so slightly. "Once he’s had enough fun… Wang Ye will naturally return."

"But Western Liang—"

"Haven’t we also reinforced our troops? Western Liang is merely testing the waters. Even if they do intend to fight… by the time the real battle begins, Wang Ye should be back." If Mo Xiuyao still hadn’t returned by the time the war truly broke out, he’d be thrown straight onto the battlefield! Of course, Li’er would have to stay behind to guard Li Cheng.

The others fell silent. This Qingchen Gongzi was flawless in every way. He handled political affairs even more efficiently than Wang Ye—after all, he never maliciously slacked off like Wang Ye did. And whenever subordinates were confused about something, a few casual pointers from him would make everything clear as day. The only downside was… this young master’s appearance was far too striking. Combined with his transcendent, immortal-like aura, when he smiled gently and elegantly at someone, most people would swallow whatever they had originally intended to say, unable to muster even a hint of disagreement. And when that smile carried the slightest hint of coldness—which, more often than not, was related to their Prince Ding—everyone would feel a chill as biting as a winter gale.

"Reporting to Qingchen Gongzi—Wang Ye and Wang Fei have returned!" A guard announced loudly from outside the door.

A bright smile bloomed on Xu Qingchen’s handsome face, as if spring had returned to the earth and flowers had burst into bloom. Yet most of those present couldn’t help but shiver again. When Qingchen Gongzi smiled like this… someone was usually about to suffer.

"Good. Very good." Xu Qingchen nodded with a smile, rising to his feet and sweeping a glance over those seated. "Gentlemen, let us all go together to welcome His Highness’s grand return."

Prince Ding, who had been leisurely enjoying himself in Chu Jing for quite some time, had barely set foot back in the northwest before his most trusted strategist—and brother-in-law—politely escorted him to the study for a meeting. Originally, Ye Li, who felt guilty for leaving all the work to Xu Qingchen alone during this period, had intended to follow and help. However, Young Master Xu’s anger was clearly directed solely at Prince Ding. Thus, he very gently refused Ye Li’s assistance, kindly reminding his cousin that she must be exhausted from the journey and should rest properly. As for everything else… His Highness would take care of it. All of it.Ye Li felt that when her elder brother said the prince would handle everything, he was actually grinding his teeth. Of course, her brother would never do something so undignified, but Ye Li decided to follow his advice and rest. After all, she still had several guests to settle.

Deep within Prince Ding's Estate, in a guest courtyard that had been vacant, someone was already waiting. As Ye Li led the Empress and Hua Tianxiang to the courtyard gate, a figure rushed out. "Princess Ding! Princess Ding... has my... my mother arrived?" Princess Changle, whom they hadn't seen in a long time, dashed out wearing a light purple dress embroidered with orchids. When she spotted the Empress walking beside Ye Li, she froze at the gate.

"Changle..." The Empress gazed at her daughter, whom she hadn't seen in nearly a year. She had grown taller and looked healthier than she had in the palace. Though she had heard all about her daughter's life in the northwest from Ye Li during their journey, seeing her in person still brought tears to the Empress's eyes.

"Mo... mother... Mama!" Princess Changle blinked, finally snapping out of her daze, and threw herself into the Empress's arms with a joyful cry. The fifteen-year-old girl was only slightly shorter than her mother now, but in front of the Empress, she still acted like a seven- or eight-year-old child, smiling and cooing playfully.

Hua Tianxiang stood to the side, watching with a smile. "Changle only has eyes for your mother. Have you forgotten about me, your elder sister?"

Princess Changle finally looked up and, seeing Hua Tianxiang gazing at her with amusement, called out sheepishly, "Sister Tianxiang."

"Sister Wuyou, and me, and me..." Mo Xiaobao, not wanting to be left out, stretched out his little hand to catch Princess Changle's attention. The princess had always gotten along well with Mo Xiaobao, so she bent down with a smile and pinched his chubby cheeks. "Oh, it's Xiao Bao! Was Chu Jing fun? Is this your new little friend?" Leng Junhan stood beside Mo Xiaobao, blinking his large, watery eyes at the pretty older sister. Princess Changle was instantly charmed by the adorable, pink-cheeked little dumpling in front of her. Compared to the mischievous Mo Xiaobao—who sometimes even tricked her—this soft, delicate little treasure was clearly more endearing to women. Even the Empress and Hua Tianxiang had preferred carrying and doting on Leng Junhan during the journey, leaving Mo Xiaobao feeling a bit left out.

"It wasn't fun... but I brought gifts for Sister Wuyou! This is Leng Xiaodai, my new friend," Mo Xiaobao said, unable to hide his dejection.

"Oh? Only gifts for Sister Wuyou? What about the rest of us?" A clear, cheerful voice rang out from inside the courtyard. The two Madams Xu appeared at the gate with Qin Zheng, who was holding a little boy's hand, smiling at Mo Xiaobao.

Mo Xiaobao immediately cheered and threw himself into Madam Xu's arms. "Grandaunt, Second Grandaunt, Second Aunt, Xiao Bao missed you all and brought gifts for you too! And there's a gift for Zhi Rui as well." Four-year-old Xu Zhirui, however, sniffed haughtily and snuggled into his mother's arms. "I don't want your gift!" You sneaked off to Chu Jing without taking me along!Mo Xiaobao's eyes sparkled mischievously as he said with a grin, "If you don't want it, forget it. I heard General Lü's youngest son is about to celebrate his birthday. I'll have someone deliver it to him in a few days! Just happens I forgot to prepare a birthday gift for him anyway." Despite little Xu Zhirui's intelligence, at four years old he was still a fair and tender little cutie, fundamentally different from the black-hearted sesame filling that was Mo Xiaobao. Hearing this, the child's small eyes immediately welled up with tears as he whimpered, "Mother..."

Qin Zheng patted her son helplessly, comforting him, "Your cousin is just teasing you."

"That's right, just joking. How could I give something meant for you to someone else? I'll have someone bring it to you later, alright?" Under his mother's warning gaze, Mo Xiaobao had no choice but to personally coax the little bun. The sight of these two children, less than two years apart in age, being held by adults while solemnly comforting and being comforted, made everyone cover their mouths to stifle laughter.

"Alright, let's continue inside. What's the point of keeping everyone at the door? We've spent the past couple days preparing the garden—see if you like it," Second Madam Xu interjected, ushering everyone into the courtyard.

The Empress looked at Ye Li with concern and said, "Wang Fei, is it appropriate for us to stay at Prince Ding's Estate..." Their identities were ultimately different. If they were merely discovered living in Li Cheng, there might still be an explanation, but if it became known they were staying at Prince Ding's Estate, it could damage the estate's reputation. Ye Li smiled and patted her arm reassuringly. "Please rest easy. It's not just you two—Wuyou will also be moving back to the estate soon. The days ahead may bring unrest even within Li Cheng, so staying at Prince Ding's Estate will at least be safer."

Princess Changle nodded in agreement. "Mother, Sister Tianxiang, Wang Fei is right. In a couple of days, our two masters will also return to the estate. Recently, many new people have appeared in the city, and even our masters' medical clinic has received several unusual visitors." Hearing this, the Empress and Hua Tianxiang finally relented.

The group entered the flower hall, where all the furnishings had indeed been newly replaced, many in the style of Chu Jing. It was clear that great care had been taken in the arrangements. Once host and guests were seated and maids had served tea before withdrawing, Ye Li spoke again. "Please make yourselves at home in Prince Ding's Estate. If you need anything, just send word to the steward. Treat this place as your own." Second Madam Xu added cheerfully, "Li'er is absolutely right. When you have time, feel free to visit our home or go out for walks."

While Madam Xu was unfamiliar with the Empress, Second Madam Xu had met her before. Yet now, she showed no trace of awkwardness, behaving as if these were simply two old acquaintances Ye Li had brought back from Chu Jing. However, her gaze lingered briefly on Hua Tianxiang, who was catching up with Qin Zheng nearby, before turning questioningly toward Ye Li.Ye Li couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, nodding subtly. She fully understood Second Aunt's thoughts—over the past few years, both aunts had nearly exhausted themselves worrying over their sons' marriages. The Northwest was naturally less prosperous than Chu Jing, with its dense concentration of noble families, making it difficult to find first-rate young ladies from prestigious households. To make matters worse, her cousins were all stubbornly resistant, clearly unwilling to marry. The eldest aunt was slightly better off, as at least the second cousin had married and had children. But Second Aunt was growing increasingly anxious, and now that she had spotted Hua Tianxiang, her eyes lit up with hope. Even back in the capital, Hua Tianxiang had been one of the top noble ladies. Though so many years had passed and Hua Tianxiang still wore her hair in a maiden's style, Xu Er Furen couldn't be certain whether she was already betrothed or married.

With Ye Li's confirmation, Xu Er Furen's gaze toward Hua Tianxiang grew even more fervent. Feeling the heat of that stare, Hua Tianxiang turned to glance at them in confusion. The Empress, however, immediately grasped Xu Er Furen's intentions and smiled faintly without comment. The Xu Family was undoubtedly an excellent match, and if this could lead to a happy union for Tianxiang after all her hardships, it would be a stroke of luck for her.

After settling Hua Tianxiang and the Empress, Ye Li thought for a moment and decided to head to the study.

Inside the study, Mo Xiuyao was buried under piles of documents, his brush moving swiftly across the pages, though his expression looked as if he had stepped in something foul. Sitting not far away was Feng Zhiyao, who had been dragged into this suffering by Mo Xiuyao. Feng Zhiyao's face was pale, and after stealing a glance at Mo Xiuyao behind the desk and then at Xu Qingchen leisurely flipping through a travelogue by the window, he resignedly buried his face back in the documents. He couldn't afford to offend either of them—better to keep his head down and work obediently.

Xu Qingchen set down his book and looked toward the door with a smile. "Li'er, why aren't you resting? What brings you here?"

Ye Li entered with a freshly brewed pot of tea, glancing at Mo Xiuyao's grim expression and Xu Qingchen's calm smile. "I brought some tea and snacks. You've been working hard these days, Elder Brother. Is there really so much to do?" Xu Qingchen picked up a cup of tea she had poured and sighed helplessly. "Truly, a married daughter is like spilled water..."

Ye Li sighed and poured tea for both Mo Xiuyao and Feng Zhiyao. Mo Xiuyao took a sip and finally exhaled in relief, complaining, "A Li, your elder brother is tormenting me... I haven't even had a sip of water since I returned. And he expects me to finish reviewing all of this by today!"

Ye Li looked at the stack of documents towering higher than Mo Xiuyao's head and could only offer him a sympathetic glance.

Xu Qingchen leisurely brushed nonexistent dust from his sleeves and said coolly, "Am I the one tormenting you, Wang Ye? Or are you the one tormenting us, your overworked subordinates? These are all the military, political, and civil affairs of the Northwest during your absence, including financial reports and border war analyses. We've spent a month or two compiling these—is it too much to ask you to spend half a day reviewing them?"Who in their right mind would dare to make you work like an ox or a horse? Mo Xiuyao silently cursed in his heart. He absolutely refused to admit that he had made Xu Qingchen work like a beast of burden—he was merely utilizing talents appropriately. These trivial matters could clearly be explained in just a few words, so why did he have to dig through piles of towering documents for answers? Even if it was necessary, was it also necessary to deny him even a sip of water? The servants in the study were sick and on leave—was this really the idiotic excuse Qingchen Gongzi came up with?

"Can't we leave this for tomorrow?" Mo Xiuyao asked without much hope.

Xu Qingchen smiled amiably. "Of course, Wang Ye. After all, starting tomorrow, these matters will all be your responsibility to handle. However… I recall there are other affairs requiring your attention tomorrow as well. Do you intend to postpone them to the day after? Among them are military reports concerning Western Liang and Northern Rong. Are you… truly alright with that?"

Of course not! Mo Xiuyao gritted his teeth in resentment. Agreeing to let Xu Qingchen oversee the affairs of the northwest had been a grave mistake. How could he have thought that his brother-in-law would be easier to deal with than his uncle? How could he have assumed that because his brother-in-law was younger, he could be exploited for a few more years? At least Mr. Hongyu would never be as ruthless as this man before him, who looked like an exiled immortal!

Nearby, Feng Zhiyao watched Mo Xiuyao with sympathy. Wang Ye, having such a brother-in-law must be your retribution for all these years of exploiting us kind-hearted souls, no?

"Third Master Feng, I heard you caused quite a stir in the capital?" Having finished tormenting Mo Xiuyao, Xu Qingchen turned his smiling gaze toward Feng Zhiyao, who was slumped weakly over the table.

Feng Zhiyao stiffened, then forced a bitter smile. If it had only involved himself, he wouldn’t have considered his actions wrong. But this incident had implicated the Feng family and might even affect Prince Ding's Estate. Xu Qingchen studied Feng Zhiyao briefly before remarking lightly, "Well done."

Feng Zhiyao, who had expected a scolding from Qingchen Gongzi, nearly dropped his jaw in shock. He had just witnessed how ruthlessly the man had treated Wang Ye. He certainly hadn’t dared to hope that Qingchen Gongzi, who was clearly in a foul mood, would let him off the hook. Mo Xiuyao, however, was indignant. "What exactly did he do well?"

Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "The outcome was favorable." Not only had it deprived the new emperor of Chu of the Feng family’s support, further destabilizing the imperial court, but it had also brought back Feng Huaiting, a capable figure in commerce. The results were indeed quite satisfactory. Mo Xiuyao choked on his anger. Wasn’t this favorable outcome achieved through my efforts? Could Feng San alone have accomplished this? Why is all the scolding directed at me, while Feng Zhiyao, the troublemaker, gets praised? Where is justice? Where is fairness?

"A Li, your older brother is bullying me!" Mo Xiuyao wrapped his arms around Ye Li’s waist and whined pitifully.

Ye Li patted his shoulder sympathetically, as if to say, If my brother wants to bully you, what can I do? I don’t dare oppose him either.

Xu Qingchen glanced back coldly at the man clinging to Ye Li. "If Wang Ye still wishes to have dinner, it would be best not to waste any more time. These documents on the table are all awaiting your instructions."

Grumbling, Mo Xiuyao released Ye Li and picked up a dossier to review. Xu Qingchen, are you really not secretly in love with my dear wife, given how you keep finding fault with me at every turn? The study remained quiet for a while. Seeing Mo Xiuyao's pitiful gaze fixed on her, Ye Li's heart softened, and she sat down to help him review the towering stacks of memorials.

"Hmm? What exactly is Lei Zhenting planning?" Feng Zhiyao waved a memorial in his hand and asked, "In just one month, he's already deployed hundreds of thousands of additional troops to the border. Now Western Liang's forces at the frontier have exceeded six hundred thousand. Is he planning to attack us?"

Mo Xiuyao tilted his head, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "That doesn't seem likely. Lei Zhenting isn't the impulsive type. Besides, if he wanted to attack the Northwest, he should have done so when Wang Ye and A Li were away, not wait until now." Feng Zhiyao frowned in confusion. "Then what's his game? Just provoking us for fun?"

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Li said, "If he doesn't want to fight us, then he must be targeting someone else. Military affairs are matters of national importance. Lei Zhenting wouldn't casually mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops just to mess with us. Though... I initially thought he would attack Nanzhao. I didn't expect him to withdraw." Xu Qingchen sighed with a mix of regret and resignation. "This time, I miscalculated. The Southern Border is isolated and self-contained. The terrain along the Western Liang border is treacherous, making it difficult for Nanzhao to pose any real threat to Western Liang in most cases. Similarly, Western Liang would expend considerable effort trying to conquer Nanzhao. Given Lei Zhenting's wariness of us, it's entirely possible he's temporarily abandoned Nanzhao."

Mo Xiuyao turned to examine the map hanging on the wall. "He still wants to attack Great Chu."

Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "That makes sense. Compared to our relatively barren Northwest, the prosperous regions of Great Chu—its southern lands and Chu Jing—are far more enticing. With Great Chu's new emperor recently enthroned, the ongoing conflict in the north, and Northern Rong lurking nearby, it's no surprise he'd want a piece of the pie. So... those hundreds of thousands of troops at the border are meant to deter us from aiding Great Chu? Quite the compliment to the Mo Family Army. I doubt the forces he actually deploys against Great Chu will be much larger than this."

Xu Qingchen regarded Mo Xiuyao calmly. "What does Wang Ye intend to do?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the composed white-robed man before him. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "If Western Liang attacks Great Chu, Northern Rong will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to join the fray. Does Wang Ye plan to intervene or stand aside?"

Mo Xiuyao arched a brow. "What if I intervene? What if I don't?"

"If you intervene, it means Wang Ye acknowledges Mo Jingqi's final decree. The Mo Family Army remains Great Chu's defenders, Prince Ding's Estate remains its vassal, and the Northwest remains Great Chu's territory. If you stand aside, the Northwest may enjoy temporary peace, but once Great Chu is swallowed up, Western Liang and Northern Rong will encircle us. Then..." Xu Qingchen's tone remained utterly placid, as though he were discussing tomorrow's breakfast rather than matters of life and death for the Northwest and the Mo Family Army.

Mo Xiuyao propped his chin on his hand, studying Xu Qingchen for a long moment before turning back to Ye Li with a faint smile. He parted his lips and said, "This prince chooses neither."Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow as Mo Xiuyao gave a cold smile. The brush in his hand flew out with a whoosh, embedding itself two inches deep into the wall map. Everyone looked up to see it had landed precisely on the capital of Western Liang—Lucheng. Mo Xiuyao's voice was calm as he declared, "This prince chooses... to attack Western Liang!"

Feng Zhiyao's eyes brightened, his gaze fixed on the brush shaft firmly lodged in the map. That small wolf-hair brush might as well have been a sharp sword cleaving straight through the heart of Western Liang's capital.

"Attack... Western Liang?! Wang Ye, are you serious?" Feng Zhiyao's voice trembled slightly, unmistakably with excitement.

"Would this prince joke about such matters?" Mo Xiuyao chuckled. Feng Zhiyao's eyes shone even brighter. After years of lying dormant, the Mo Family Army was finally about to reveal its edge. This most elite force of Great Chu had been founded with the ultimate purpose of unifying the realm. Yet due to countless unforeseen obstacles, that ambition had remained unfulfilled. Now, nearly two centuries later, when the army's glory and sharpness had nearly faded entirely... had their moment finally arrived?

"In that case..." Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, his voice clear and composed, "Is Wang Ye prepared?"

"If this prince weren't prepared, wouldn't Qingchen Gongzi's deployment of three hundred thousand troops to the border have been in vain?" Mo Xiuyao laughed heartily. Unperturbed by having his arrangements exposed, Xu Qingchen smiled and said, "In that case, I wish Wang Ye a swift victory."

What seemed like casual conversation in this ordinarily peaceful study would determine the future course of the world. Ye Li sat to the side with a faint smile. The world... great chaos was coming. As his wife, she would remain by his side forever. As Princess Ding, she would personally participate in this game of contending for world domination.

------------Author's Note------------

Here we begin the final volume, Contending for World Domination~ Dear readers, you've probably felt Feng has been dragging things out, with so many chapters passing without dealing with those annoying minor antagonists. For those who haven't felt satisfied yet, you'll probably get your satisfaction later...

To be honest, Feng hasn't been feeling great about this volume. Many things originally planned weren't written, due to various influences. It's a bit regrettable. But still, thank you all for accompanying Feng this far - Feng will work harder and more seriously in what follows. Also... dear readers with monthly votes, Feng begs for your votes ah ah ah~