Mo Li

After sending Mo Jingyu away, Mo Xiuyao was evidently in a good mood. He pulled Ye Li into his arms, sighed contentedly, and asked with a smile, "A Li, what do you think those old men were thinking? They knew full well I wouldn’t agree, yet they still insisted on sending someone to persuade me?"

Ye Li leaned against him and chuckled softly, "Why would they know you wouldn’t agree? I actually think they believed there was a good chance you would." After all, the notion that Prince Ding’s Estate had been loyal to Great Chu for over a century was deeply ingrained in everyone’s minds. Although Mo Xiuyao had previously declared a severance of ties with Great Chu, in the eyes of many veteran officials, this had all been a misunderstanding—one that was now resolved with Mo Jingqi’s Edict of Self-Reproach. Naturally, Prince Ding’s Estate would remain the guardian of Great Chu as it always had been.

But they failed to consider that while Mo Jingqi could apologize before the world, no one had ever decreed that Prince Ding’s Estate and the Mo Family Army had to accept it—or forgive. From this perspective, perhaps Mo Jingli saw things more clearly. At the very least, Mo Jingli would never come begging to Mo Xiuyao, whether because he knew Mo Xiuyao would refuse or because of his own pride.

Mo Xiuyao let out a light scoff and smiled faintly. "Fine, let this be the time they finally give up for good."

Ye Li looked up. "The envoy from Western Liang?"

Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Let him wait a while longer. He’s an old acquaintance of ours."

"Lei Tengfeng?" With just a slight thought, Ye Li guessed the visitor’s identity. Zhennan Wang wouldn’t send just anyone to negotiate with Mo Xiuyao. And though the Zhennan Wang’s household now held power in Western Liang, Lei Zhenting and his son remained highly wary of the Xiling Emperor’s faction. Thus, the only trustworthy and capable candidate was Lei Tengfeng.

Curious, Ye Li asked, "How do you plan to respond to Lei Tengfeng?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Why should this prince respond to him at all?"

Ye Li blinked. "Does Prince Ding not wish to know what terms Zhennan Wang has offered?"

A faint smile curled at Mo Xiuyao’s lips, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "No matter what terms he offers… Lei Zhenting will come to regret it."

After finishing half a cup of tea and chatting for a while longer, the two finally ordered someone to summon Lei Tengfeng.

Lei Tengfeng had arrived before Mo Jingyu, though the latter had shown up almost immediately afterward. Yet Mo Xiuyao had chosen to see Mo Jingyu first. This shook Lei Tengfeng’s confidence in the negotiations, which had already been tenuous. To make matters worse, after Mo Jingyu left, Mo Xiuyao did not receive him immediately, instead making him wait another half-hour. Such treatment further dampened his spirits.

But his years of experience had not been for nothing—Lei Tengfeng had never been an impulsive man. So when Zhuo Jing came to summon him, he remained composed and calm, sipping his tea as if nothing were amiss."I pay my respects to Prince Ding and Princess Ding. Since our parting in Western Liang last year, the two of you have grown even more distinguished." Looking at the couple sitting side by side in the main seats, Lei Tengfeng couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Such a pair... Just Prince Ding's unwavering devotion to Princess Ding over these years was enough to inspire envy. Of course, anyone would be willing to remain devoted if they had a wife like Princess Ding. Although Lei Tengfeng himself had countless concubines in his estate, seeing these two always walking side by side, supporting each other, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

Ye Li smiled gently and said, "Please take a seat, Zhennan Wang Shizi. It seems that since our parting last year, you too have become even more distinguished. By the way, I haven't yet congratulated you on your promotion to the title of Junwang. Should we now address you as Rui Junwang?"

Lei Tengfeng was momentarily taken aback. His appointment as Junwang had occurred after Western Liang's military mobilization, and it hadn't been widely publicized. He hadn't expected Ye Li to already know. Princess Ding's intelligence network was indeed not to be underestimated. Though surprised, he maintained his composure and replied with a faint smile, "This humble prince is undeserving. You flatter me, Wang Fei."

"Then... may I ask what brings Rui Wang here from afar?" Ye Li inquired.

Lei Tengfeng glanced at the silver-haired man sitting beside her, who was smiling as he watched Ye Li. It was clear Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking, seemingly entrusting the entire matter to his wife. Although Lei Tengfeng had long known that Princess Ding's status in Prince Ding's Estate was unparalleled among royal consorts throughout history, he was still astonished that Mo Xiuyao would delegate such an important matter to her.

Meeting Ye Li's calm and graceful gaze, Lei Tengfeng set aside his thoughts and said earnestly, "Given Prince Ding's Estate's extensive intelligence network, I presume Prince Ding and Wang Fei are already aware of Western Liang's mobilization against Great Chu?"

Ye Li nodded, smiling without a word.

Lei Tengfeng sighed inwardly and continued, "The current state of affairs is surely clear to Prince Ding and Wang Fei. This humble prince dares not show off his meager skills before experts. Now, Great Chu faces threats from Northern Rong in the north, Western Liang in the west, and even frequent pirate raids in the east. Though Great Chu is vast and populous, without capable generals, it may not withstand the combined assault of three nations. On my father's orders, I've come to seek Prince Ding's counsel. Regarding this war... what are Prince Ding's plans?"

Mo Xiuyao turned his head slightly and gave him a faint glance. That single look made Lei Tengfeng feel like a fool. Of course, he knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn't disclose the Mo Family Army's plans. But faced with these two impervious individuals, he needed an opening topic. With them, directness was undoubtedly the best approach.

Ye Li pretended not to notice Lei Tengfeng's awkwardness and smiled. "What is Zhennan Wang's stance on this? If Prince Ding's Estate intervenes in this war... what then? And if it doesn't?"

Lei Tengfeng replied, "Prince Ding's Estate has severed all ties with Great Chu. My father believes Prince Ding is a man of his word. If the Mo Family Army is willing to join the three nations in dividing Great Chu, nothing could be better. Each would rely on their own capabilities. If Prince Ding chooses to remain inactive, after Great Chu's fall, Western Liang is willing to cede two provinces near the northwest as a gift.""Prince Zhennan is indeed generous," Ye Li praised with a smile. The northwest currently only had four prefectures and thirteen cities, yet Prince Zhennan was offering two prefectures at once—equivalent to half the northwest's territory—without requiring the Mo Family Army to deploy a single soldier. In ordinary business terms, this would be an absolutely profitable deal.

Lei Tengfeng smiled and said, "This represents both my father and Western Liang's sincerity. As long as the Mo Family Army does not assist Great Chu, everything can be negotiated. Additionally, Western Liang and the northwest could sign an agreement to coexist peacefully in perpetuity. What does Wang Fei think of this?"

Ye Li furrowed her brows in thought for a moment before replying with a faint smile, "The conditions proposed by the Wise King are indeed very tempting... However, this matter is not something I can decide on the spot." She cast a helpless glance at Mo Xiuyao, who was sleeping with his head resting on her lap, as if to signal to Lei Tengfeng that there was nothing she could do—Prince Ding simply refused to work.

Lei Tengfeng could only smile bitterly. Of course, he understood that Ye Li wasn’t truly unable to decide immediately—it was just that their offer wasn’t enticing enough yet. Gritting his teeth, he added, "I recall that the northwest sources many of its minerals from various countries, with Western Liang being the largest supplier. If Prince Ding agrees not to interfere in this matter, all outstanding payments before this year will be waived."

Seeing Mo Xiuyao tilt his head slightly and raise an eyebrow—though still keeping his eyes closed—Lei Tengfeng’s face nearly turned green with frustration. Clenching his jaw, he continued, "There is a mine located at the border between Western Liang, the northwest, and Northern Rong, originally owned by Western Liang. From now on, it will be transferred to Prince Ding's Estate."

It wasn’t that Lei Tengfeng was particularly reluctant to part with the mine—after all, it had been included in their initial bargaining terms, meaning it wasn’t an irreplaceable asset. Moreover, the mine was situated at the junction of Western Liang, the northwest, and Northern Rong, frequently harassed by the Bei Rong people, making stable mining operations nearly impossible. Its annual output barely accounted for a fraction of Western Liang’s total production. Once Western Liang secured Great Chu—even if not entirely—they would hold a strategic advantage, eliminating the need to compete with Northern Rong in the north. By focusing on the south, the wealthiest regions of Great Chu would fall into Western Liang’s hands. In the face of such immense gains, parting with one mine—or even three or five—was a small price to pay.

However, the terms he had just proposed were already his bottom line. After all, Mo Xiuyao stood to gain so much without lifting a finger. Anything beyond this would exceed his authority to decide.

Ye Li’s eyes glimmered faintly as she smiled. "The Wise King is indeed exceedingly generous. In that case... Wang Fei and Wang Ye will certainly give this careful consideration."

Lei Tengfeng grew anxious. "Wang Fei must forgive my haste, but I truly do not have time to linger in the northwest."

Ye Li reassured him, "Rest assured, Wise King. You will have your answer by tomorrow morning at the latest. Having traveled such a long distance, you must be exhausted. Surely you should rest for a night before departing?"

After a moment’s hesitation, Lei Tengfeng nodded. He had ridden day and night to reach Western Liang, fearing Great Chu might act first, and was indeed thoroughly worn out. "In that case, I thank Wang Fei for your hospitality."

Ye Li smiled and summoned Zhuo Jing, who had been waiting outside. "Escort the Wise King to the embassy for rest."

Hearing this, Lei Tengfeng secretly sighed in relief. Had Ye Li insisted he stay at Prince Ding's Estate, he would have grown suspicious. After expressing his gratitude once more, he followed Zhuo Jing out.The hall was silent. Ye Li leaned back in her chair, looking down at Mo Xiuyao, who still rested his head on her lap with his eyes closed. She chuckled softly, "It seems Lei Zhenting is determined to conquer Great Chu this time." Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Lei Zhenting is almost sixty."

Ye Li felt slightly awkward. Although Lei Zhenting was over fifty, he wasn’t quite sixty yet. But that didn’t hinder her understanding of Mo Xiuyao’s implication. Lei Zhenting was old. Despite his unparalleled martial prowess, no one could guarantee he would live as long as Murong Xiong. Moreover, even if he did, Mo Xiuyao was far younger in comparison. Especially after taking the antidote made from the Underworld Flower, not only had Mo Xiuyao’s internal poison and old injuries healed completely, but his appearance had barely changed over the years. Now in his thirties, he still looked like a man in his late twenties.

For at least the next two decades, Mo Xiuyao would remain at his peak, while Lei Zhenting would only grow weaker. To put it bluntly, Mo Xiuyao could simply outlast him. Yet Lei Zhenting’s pride would never allow him to suffer consecutive defeats at the hands of Mo Liufang and his son. Thus, he had to act. Since he couldn’t move against Mo Xiuyao immediately, his only option was to strengthen Western Liang first before confronting him. And the quickest way to strengthen Western Liang was to seize the vast and prosperous lands of Great Chu—hence his decision to abandon Nanzhao and attack Great Chu instead.

"Do you think… if Lei Zhenting ever realizes your plan, he might die of rage?" Ye Li asked with amused curiosity, recalling someone’s cunning schemes.

"No," Mo Xiuyao replied lazily, his tone laced with a barely perceptible chill. "Lei Zhenting won’t die so easily. If he must die… he’ll die on the battlefield." By my hand!

Ye Li sighed and shook her head. "The endless wars… I can’t help but worry for the suffering people." She had to admit a trace of unease lingered in her heart. She had never witnessed true war—even the massacre of Xinyang by Western Liang years ago had been a brief, localized conflict. But now, the impending chaos and devastation were almost inevitable…

Mo Xiuyao reached for her hand and clasped it gently. "A Li, don’t be afraid…"

Ye Li smiled. "Mm, I’m not afraid. No matter what, I’ll stay by your side."

Early the next morning, Lei Tengfeng left Western Liang, satisfied with Mo Xiuyao’s promise and the personally signed agreement. With the northwest choosing to stand aside, Great Chu’s impending downfall was all but certain. Eager to ensure Western Liang’s efforts bore fruit, Lei Tengfeng wasted no time announcing the news to the world the moment he left Li Cheng. For the armies of the various nations already at war with Great Chu, this was undoubtedly welcome news. But for Great Chu, struggling desperately to resist, it was a crushing blow. As word spread across the land, the nobles of the rival kingdoms celebrated, sharpening their claws as they eyed the teetering empire. Meanwhile, countless officials and commoners of Great Chu could only weep in despair.At Snowbreak Pass in the south, Murong Shen let out a long sigh upon hearing his subordinate's report before waving them away. Standing atop the pass's battlements and gazing northward, the renowned general could almost see the entire Great Chu collapsing at a visible pace. Yet they were powerless to stop it. Those capable of saving Great Chu had long been driven away years ago by the prince perched upon the dragon throne. Great Chu had abandoned them, and now in its hour of need, they would no longer extend their full support as they once had.

At Duke Hua's estate in Chu Jing, the white-haired duke watched as the exhausted Mo Jingyu turned and left. His wrinkled face revealed sorrow and helplessness, yet also a growing resolve and determination.

"Attendant, I must enter the palace," Duke Hua declared after a long silence. His grandson, who had been waiting upon him, asked with concern, "Grandfather, why must you go to the palace at this time?"

Duke Hua replied firmly, "To request battle. The Northern Rong border is left undefended... Though I am old, I can still move well enough."

The grandson's eyes reddened. "That cannot be! Grandfather should be enjoying his twilight years in peace. I will go to the palace and request orders in your stead—I am willing to face the Northern Rong army!" Yet even as he spoke, he secretly despised his own weakness. The Hua family descended from military leaders, yet due to the ruler's suspicion, all from his grandfather's generation down had been forced to study literature instead. What use would he be on the battlefield?

"Grandfather... Aunt and elder sister are in the northwest. Why not ask them—"

"Nonsense!" Duke Hua rebuked sharply. "They are women and should never be dragged into such affairs. Moreover... Prince Ding's Estate has its own path to follow, and the Hua family has ours!"

"Yes, Grandson understands his mistake."

"Enough. Prepare to enter the palace."

At Zijing Pass in the north, within the general's residence, Leng Huai sighed deeply as he read the newly delivered battle report on the table. Below him, Leng Qingyu and Mu Yang turned their gazes toward him. Frowning, Leng Qingyu asked, "Father, what is it?"

Closing his eyes briefly, Leng Huai said gravely, "Prince Ding has refused to send troops to aid Great Chu and has agreed to Western Liang's request. He will no longer interfere in Great Chu's affairs." Though the Leng family and Prince Ding's Estate stood on opposing sides, Leng Huai bore no personal ill will toward them—it was merely a matter of differing stances. Yet, like all subjects of Great Chu, he had still held onto a sliver of hope for their homeland. Now, however, everyone had to face reality: the Mo Family Army was truly no longer the elite force that once safeguarded Great Chu.

Leng Qingyu frowned. "Prince Ding would go this far? Does he not fear the condemnation of Great Chu's people?"

From the side, Leng Haoyu—who had been whispering with Murong Ting—raised an eyebrow and scoffed lightly. "Why shouldn't Prince Ding act this way? Years ago, Prince Ding's Estate and Great Chu severed all ties. Why must you assume Prince Ding is obligated to send troops to aid Great Chu? For over a century, the Estate protected Great Chu without gratitude. Now that they refuse to help in its time of need, does that suddenly make them villains?"Leng Qingyu frowned, displeased as he looked at Leng Haoyu and said, "No matter what, the Mo Family Army are subjects of Great Chu, and its soldiers are citizens of Great Chu. What difference is there between Mo Xiuyao standing idly by now and kicking someone when they're down? Besides... the late emperor already issued an Edict of Self-Reproach restoring all honors to Prince Ding's Estate. Naturally, Prince Ding's Estate remains a subject of Great Chu."

Leng Haoyu let out a disdainful sneer. "Who says Prince Ding must accept just because the late emperor issued an edict? Who says an apology must be forgiven? Big brother, if I accidentally stabbed you one day, surely you'd generously forgive me, right?" Watching Leng Qingyu's face instantly darken, Leng Haoyu shrugged and spread his hands. "See? We're blood brothers, yet you won't even forgive me. How much more so between Prince Ding and the late emperor, whose relationship is generations removed?"

"Enough! Is this the time for bickering?" Leng Huai rubbed his temples as he glanced at the perpetually clashing brothers. He said to Leng Qingyu, "Your younger brother makes a fair point. Best not say such things in the future." Leng Qingyu's expression, already grim, turned even darker. His father siding with Leng Haoyu was unfamiliar to him. Ever since Leng Haoyu had appeared on the battlefield with Murong Ting and saved Leng Huai from nearly being struck by stray arrows, their father seemed to regard this younger brother differently.

While Leng Huai partly agreed with Leng Haoyu's view, his words were mostly for his elder son's benefit. After all, he had witnessed firsthand the depth of Prince Ding's Estate and the capabilities of its shadow guards. With the late emperor gone, their stance wasn't entirely opposed to Prince Ding's Estate anymore. There was no need to provoke Prince Ding unnecessarily. As for this usually unremarkable younger son... Leng Huai gave a thoughtful glance at Leng Haoyu, who was lounging improperly in his chair while joking with his wife, a flicker of contemplation in his eyes.

Leng Huai wasn't entirely indifferent to his illegitimate son—at least compared to Feng Huaiting's complete neglect of Feng Zhiyao, he had been willing to discipline Leng Haoyu. But as the boy grew older and more unruly, indulging in every vice from drinking to gambling, Leng Huai had gradually given up on him. When Leng Haoyu later announced he wanted to go into business, though displeased at his son choosing commerce, Leng Huai hadn't stopped him. At least being a merchant was more respectable than being a wastrel. And as an illegitimate son, Leng Haoyu couldn't inherit titles or easily obtain official positions. Commerce would ensure he lacked neither food nor clothing, with the General's Estate as his backing to prevent anyone from bullying him.

It wasn't until this recent battle that Leng Huai realized how wrong he'd been about this son. He still remembered that day on the city walls—the northern army's assault was unprecedentedly fierce, arrows raining down like a tempest. As Leng Huai stood supervising the defense, he watched helplessly as several arrows shot toward him. Then his second son suddenly appeared on the battlements, a long sword weaving an impenetrable net that deflected every arrow. Before Leng Huai could react, Murong Ting had pulled him behind the parapet. Just from that casual swordplay creating a seamless defense, Leng Huai knew this younger son's martial skills far surpassed those of his always-proud elder brother.Recalling the news from the capital last month about the Feng family, Leng Huai had always known that Feng Zhiyao was Prince Ding's trusted confidant. And his second son had always been close to Feng San...

Leng Haoyu naturally noticed his father's thoughtful gaze but paid no mind, tossing Leng Huai a roguish smile before turning back to continue bantering with Murong Ting.

Nearby, Mu Yang watched the father and two sons with a helpless shake of his head. As the sole heir of Marquis Muyang Manor without any half-siblings, he couldn't quite grasp these intricate power struggles. Though his status naturally aligned him more with Leng Qingyu, his relationship with Leng Haoyu wasn't bad either, so he refrained from commenting. Instead, he asked, "General Leng, has there been any imperial decree from the court?"

Leng Huai shook his head calmly. "Our duty is to guard Zijing Pass and prevent the northerners from crossing it. What need do we have for decrees?"

The two young men responded solemnly, "The General speaks wisely."

"Father speaks wisely."

Unseen by others, Leng Haoyu curled his lip in disdain. Guarding Zijing Pass... that would only hold if the imperial court could sustain its support. Otherwise, once rear supplies were cut off, the soldiers at Zijing Pass would fight to their deaths in vain.

At the head seat above, Leng Huai's brows furrowed slightly, his eyes flashing with barely concealed concern.