Mo Li

No matter how much bloodshed and turmoil raged outside, the people within the northwest continued to live their lives in peace. With the Mo Family Army present, they never seemed to worry about being caught in the flames of war. However, the number of refugees pouring into the northwest through Flying Goose Pass gradually increased. Initially, the northwest was naturally willing to take in these displaced people. After all, though the northwest was not as vast as Great Chu, its population remained relatively sparse. Even with the continuous influx of migrants over the past few years, it couldn’t change the fact that the northwest had always been a barren land with a sparse population. In the past, no one would have fled to such a place, even in times of disaster. But now, after two consecutive wars, the northwest had already absorbed a significant number of refugees. And with this war clearly just beginning, there would inevitably come a day when the population would swell beyond what the land could sustain. For this reason alone, the Mo Family Army urgently needed to expand its territory.

"Less than two months into the war between Western Liang and Great Chu, the number of civilians entering the northwest through Flying Goose Pass alone has already reached three hundred thousand. If the war continues, the refugees will only multiply. At this rate, in another two months at most, we’ll have no choice but to close Flying Goose Pass. The northwest simply can’t support so many people." In the spacious study, Zhou Yu reported solemnly with a respectful tone. Several years had passed since he first arrived in the northwest and was entrusted with heavy responsibilities by Mo Xiuyao. Now, Zhou Yu had become a capable figure among the civil officials of Prince Ding’s Estate. After Ruyang was renamed Li Cheng, Zhou Yu continued to serve as its governor. Over the years, the city’s stable livelihood, contented residents, and increasing influx of merchants were all thanks to his effective governance.

The expressions of the others were equally grave. In just over a month, more than three hundred thousand people had entered through Flying Goose Pass alone, not to mention refugees arriving from other routes. The total number was likely already over five hundred thousand. Feeding and sheltering tens of thousands of people was no simple matter—it wasn’t just about giving them a place to stay. They needed food, water, and, fortunately, it wasn’t winter, or else clothing and housing would have been additional concerns. Above all, they couldn’t allow large-scale deaths from starvation or disease. Setting aside moral obligations, the sheer number of people dying—especially in the summer—could easily trigger an epidemic, making it imperative to handle the situation with extreme caution.

"If we seal the pass, it could incite resentment among the refugees, and then..." Xu Hongyan, seated to the side, frowned. Since the war broke out in Great Chu, both he and Xu Hongyu, who had been living leisurely, had returned. Though no one voiced it aloud, everyone understood that Prince Ding would soon raise his army and march to war.

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, resting his forehead on one hand as he listened silently to the discussions below. Only after they finished did he speak. "Do your best to accommodate the refugees. However... I don’t want to see lazy, idle individuals lingering in the northwest. Nor do I wish to tolerate spies and infiltrators with ulterior motives from other factions. This matter... Wei Lin, Mo Hua, I leave it to you." Wei Lin and Mo Hua stepped forward in unison and replied, "Wang Ye, rest assured. We will not fail your trust!"

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "I trust your competence. However... proceed with caution. Avoid inciting any uprisings among the people. Master Hongyan, I would also appreciate your guidance in this matter."Xu Hongyan nodded in agreement, saying, "This is my duty. Your Highness need not worry."

Zhou Yu frowned slightly and asked, "Your Highness, if refugees continue to flood into the northwestern territories, our grain reserves may not last until next year." Moreover, the prince was planning to deploy troops. Provisions for the army must never fall short. If precautions weren't taken soon, many commoners might starve to death in the northwest this winter.

Ye Li, who had remained silent until now, spoke softly, "With proper management, sustaining until next year shouldn't be too difficult. The fourth and fifth young masters of the Xu family have had excellent harvests in the north these past few years, and we've been stockpiling grain. Additionally, last year, the fourth young master reported introducing a crop called sweet potatoes from the southwest. Its yield is three to five times that of ordinary crops, suitable for sustenance and adaptable to any soil. We tested planting it this spring with abundant results. These sweet potatoes aren't picky about land—they can grow even in poor soil or sandy areas. The fourth young master suggested taking advantage of the current season to reclaim more land for another planting. This... would require a significant labor force..."

Hearing this, Zhou Yu's face brightened. He wasn't heartless and naturally wished to help the refugees if possible. He smiled, "So, Wang Fei means to have these refugees reclaim wasteland?"

Ye Li nodded but also cautioned against excessive deforestation. People of this era didn't prioritize such issues, nor did they encounter them. However, Ye Li understood that large-scale deforestation for farming would only worsen the already harsh northwestern climate.

Someone below voiced concerns, "Even if we get through this year, what about the future?" The northwest was only so large, and no one knew how long the war would last. Refugees would keep increasing, while grain yields had their limits.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, meeting Xu Qingchen's faintly amused expression. Indeed, the population would grow, but... the northwest's land wouldn't remain this limited forever. Besides, once refugees realized the northwest's capacity was exceeded, they would leave on their own.

After concluding discussions, the others were dismissed, leaving only Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, Xu Qingchen, and Xu Hongyu in the study.

Xu Hongyu looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked gravely, "Has Your Highness decided on the date for deployment?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded. Although the Mo Family Army was preparing in secret, they couldn't delay too long. If discovered, they would lose the element of surprise against the Western Mausoleum Army. "The northwest will be in your and Uncle's hands," Mo Xiuyao said solemnly.

Xu Hongyu frowned slightly and turned to Ye Li. "Li'er is going too?"

Ye Li nodded with a smile. "Yes, I'll trouble you, Uncle."

Xu Hongyu disapproved. Though he knew his niece was exceptionally skilled in martial arts, she was the only child left by his beloved younger sister. While he was strict with his sons, nephews, and even grandnephews Xu Zhirui and Mo Xiaobao, he couldn't help worrying about Ye Li. Ye Li reassured him, "Don't worry, Uncle. Grandfather has already agreed."Hearing this, Xu Hongyu was somewhat surprised. In terms of doting on Li'er, his father was no less than himself—how could he agree to let Li'er go to such a dangerous battlefield? After some thought, though he couldn't quite understand, Xu Hongyu knew his father must have his reasons for doing so. He decided to visit the academy later to ask for clarification, but he no longer tried to stop Ye Li. With a sigh, he said, "Very well, but you must be extremely careful."

"Li'er understands, Uncle need not worry," Ye Li replied with a smile.

Xu Qingchen pondered for a moment before looking up and asking, "The northwest currently has no more than 1.2 million troops, with at least half needed to garrison the region. That means... you can take a maximum of 600,000 men on this campaign. Over the past few years, we've secretly investigated—Western Liang's total forces exceed three million. Lei Zhenting has deployed nearly a million troops into Great Chu. If you penetrate deep into Western Liang and he turns back to reinforce, surrounding you from all sides, you could be trapped by over two million troops. What then?"

Mo Xiuyao chuckled lazily. "If I push deep into Western Liang, Lei Zhenting will also be deep in Great Chu. How easy would it be for him to turn his army around and return? Even if Great Chu's soldiers are all useless, there are still millions of them, no? Besides... this prince only plans to take 400,000 troops on the campaign, leaving another 400,000 in the northwest. The remaining 400,000... will wait at the border for Lei Zhenting. If he breaks through the blockade before I've taken Western Mausoleum Imperial City, he can have my head to kick around like a ball!"

Hearing this, even Xu Qingchen couldn't help but inhale sharply. To attempt marching from the border to Western Mausoleum Imperial City with a mere 400,000 troops—even someone as inexperienced in warfare as Xu Qingchen knew the difficulty was akin to scaling the heavens. Mo Xiuyao pretended not to notice the concern on Xu Qingchen and Xu Hongyu's faces, smiling as he said, "This time... it will likely take quite a while. I'll have to trouble Elder Brother and Uncle to hold down the northwest." A flash of insight struck Xu Qingchen, and he said gravely, "Are you saying someone might take the opportunity to attack the northwest?"

"Hmm... that is indeed highly possible," Mo Xiuyao replied with a grin. "If Lei Zhenting can't break through the blockade quickly, he might very well turn his forces toward the northwest. And this prince... likely won't be able to return in time to reinforce. So..." Xu Qingchen's expression darkened immediately. "This humble one believes Wang Ye is aware that I am a scholar with no strength to even tie up a chicken."

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand cheerfully. "A scholar's ruthlessness can surpass others threefold. This prince has full confidence in Qingchen Gongzi. You absolutely have the ability to strategize from the command tent and determine victory a thousand miles away. This prince is entrusting his entire family's fortunes to you, Elder Brother. Surely you wouldn't want to see your younger sister and brother-in-law utterly defeated, left to wander the world with no home to return to?"

"Mo. Xiu. Yao..." The ever-graceful smile of Qingchen Gongzi vanished once more as he stared calmly at Mo Xiuyao—though beneath that calmness, one could faintly discern a terrifying storm. Knowing he shouldn't push the man too far, Mo Xiuyao adopted a serious expression. "Elder Brother, it's not that this prince enjoys taking risks, but the current situation leaves us no choice. I must ask for your understanding."

Xu Qingchen gave a displeased hum before turning to Ye Li. "Li'er, are you truly not considering finding yourself a more suitable husband?"Ye Li smiled faintly, choosing not to take sides. Mo Xiuyao wrapped an arm around her waist and shot Xu Qingchen a displeased look. "Qingchen Gongzi, it's better to demolish ten temples than to break up a marriage. His Highness and A Li share a deep bond—your words lack the grace of a gentleman." In an instant, any trace of guilt vanished as Mo Xiuyao glared at Qingchen Gongzi with simmering resentment. Try to steal my A Li? Exhaust yourself trying!

Idiot, this young master won’t stoop to your level! Qingchen Gongzi barely suppressed the urge to roll his eyes.

"Wang Fei, Madam Xu and the Second Madam Xu, along with the young madam of the Xu Family, request an audience," Qin Feng announced from outside the study. The four of them had been discussing preparations before the military campaign. Ye Li paused. "Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt?" Both Madams Xu knew Ye Li was unlike women confined to the inner courtyards—she was often occupied with significant matters, so they seldom sought her out. Even when visiting Prince Ding's Estate to see the Empress or Hua Tianxiang, or occasionally searching for Xu Qingchen’s elusive guards, they would simply enter without formalities. For them to request an audience so formally today suggested something important.

Ye Li blinked and glanced at Xu Qingchen and Xu Hongyu seated nearby. Xu Hongyu smiled faintly. "It’s nothing major, Li'er. You may go see them." Puzzled, she raised a brow at Xu Qingchen. The latter remained composed until her insistent gaze prompted a light cough. "It’s about your third brother," he murmured.

Third brother? Ye Li blinked before realization dawned. Xu Qingfeng was joining them on the campaign—if the madams were here about him now, the reason was obvious. Fighting back a laugh, she shook her head. "Hasn’t Third Brother been free these past few days? Didn’t he return home?"

Xu Qingchen chuckled. "He did show up the other day, but vanished again after a brief appearance. I heard he came to the estate early this morning."

Ye Li turned to Qin Feng at the door. The latter coughed lightly and grinned. "Xu Qingfeng did arrive this morning. He sparred in the training hall, then headed to the library and hasn’t emerged since." Honestly, the Xu Family’s young masters had developed an almost pathological aversion to their elders. Aside from the third son, who practically lived in the military camp, the fourth and fifth sons were stationed so far north they barely returned twice a year. Even the usually refined Qingchen Gongzi spent over half his time holed up in the estate’s study rather than going home. Qin Feng, a bachelor dreaming of a warm home with a wife and children, found this utterly baffling. Second Master Xu had married early and lived happily—why were the others fleeing as if chased by demons? They didn’t know how lucky they were, making the countless unwed veterans of the Mo Family Army green with envy.

Resigned, Ye Li rose. "I’ll go see my aunts. Qin Feng, please fetch Third Brother as well."

"As you command," Qin Feng replied brightly, eyes glinting with amusement beneath lowered lids. Rumor had it Xu Qingfeng had grown increasingly elusive these past two years—even his own family couldn’t catch him. But for Qin Feng? No challenge at all. After all, he’d been the one to train Xu Qingfeng.In a waterside pavilion by a lake, the emerald green waters brought a touch of coolness and comfort to the sweltering heat of June. Xu Er Furen sat by the bed with a grim expression, while Madam Xu and Qin Zheng softly tried to console her. However, the second madam, thoroughly vexed by her son, was not so easily placated. Though she refrained from venting her anger at her sister-in-law and daughter-in-law, her face remained dark with displeasure.

"Second Aunt, what's the matter? Who has upset you?" Ye Li entered with light steps, smiling gently.

"Who else could it be? The only one who can anger me now is that unfilial son of mine!" Xu Er Furen tugged at her handkerchief, still fuming. Ye Li approached her and said with a smile, "Second Aunt, are you referring to Third Brother? He’s at my residence right now. I’ll have someone bring him here immediately and give him a good thrashing to vent your anger!"

Xu Er Furen sighed deeply, pulling Ye Li to sit beside her. "What’s the use of punishing him? That boy… his father has disciplined him countless times, yet he still manages to infuriate me every day! Li'er, tell me… all I’m asking is for him to meet a few young ladies and settle down. Are they going to eat him alive?"

Hearing Xu Er Furen’s words, Ye Li couldn’t help but recall Madam Xu’s similar complaints last year. While it was true that the five young masters of the Xu Family were all outstanding, apart from the second brother, none of them were easy to handle. Madam Xu patted her sister-in-law’s hand and said with a smile, "At least you have Ze'er, who is obedient, and Rui'er, who is clever and adorable. If you had to deal with my three, you’d be driven to despair!"

Xu Er Furen listened to Madam Xu’s words and glanced at the gentle and composed Qin Zheng beside her, feeling somewhat comforted. After all, she still had one obedient son, a virtuous and dignified daughter-in-law, and a bright and lively grandson. Compared to her sister-in-law’s three troublemakers, her situation was far better.

"Eldest Sister-in-law, aren’t you worried at all?"

Madam Xu smiled bitterly. "I’ve worried until my hair turned white, but it’s no use. Qingchen… well, I’ve given up on him. As for the fourth and fifth boys, they’re always away and refuse to come home. At this point, I can’t even hope for them to marry and have children. If they could just visit this old woman more often, I’d be content."

"Eldest Aunt, Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother are still young. In a couple of years, they’ll settle down. If by then they still follow Eldest Brother’s example, I’ll help you host a Flower Banquet, and we’ll personally pick wives for them that you’ll approve of," Ye Li said with a soft smile. Madam Xu chuckled. "Enough. I can only console myself by thinking they’re still young." She, too, had been greatly vexed by her eldest son. Unfortunately, even her husband and the family patriarch could say nothing about it, so she had long abandoned any hopes of arranging a marriage for Xu Qingchen. But she was determined to keep a close eye on her two younger sons. If they still hadn’t found someone by their mid-twenties, she would drag them to the altar by force. Otherwise, she would have no face to meet the ancestors of the Xu Family.

The three women had been chatting back and forth, gradually easing Xu Er Furen’s anger, when she suddenly looked up and saw Xu Qingfeng being led over by Qin Feng outside the Water Pavilion.Xu Qingfeng's expression changed drastically the moment he saw the person sitting in the Water Pavilion. He shouted, "Qin Feng, you betrayed your friend!" and immediately turned to flee outside. Xu Er Furen's anger flared up again, "Ungrateful son! You stand right there! Am I your mother or some enemy from your past life?" Seeing her son flee at the sight of her, Xu Er Furen's fury burned even hotter.

Outside, Qin Feng watched leisurely as Xu Qingfeng darted past him. With a flick of his wrist, a long whip shot from his sleeve, wrapping around Xu Qingfeng's leg and yanking him back. Xu Qingfeng quickly flipped midair and landed steadily, only to immediately sweep a leg toward Qin Feng. Qin Feng raised an eyebrow, amused, and engaged him in combat.

As the two fought enthusiastically outside, Xu Er Furen inside the pavilion was so furious her eyes turned red. She stood up, stormed out of the Water Pavilion, and roared at Xu Qingfeng, "Xu Qingfeng! Stop this at once!" Xu Qingfeng froze for just a split second—enough time for Qin Feng to seize his right arm, twist it behind his back, and lock his left shoulder with a smirk. "Third Young Master, been playing around too much these past two years, haven't you?"

"Despicable!" Xu Qingfeng grumbled indignantly.

"This is called seizing the moment. After all these years in Qilin, haven't you learned? Qilin stops at nothing to achieve its goals," Qin Feng replied with effortless ease.

Xu Qingfeng fell silent. I just never expected you'd use such tactics on your own people!

Ye Li, who had followed them out, shook her head slightly at the two. Third Brother's temperament truly wasn't suited for Qilin, even though he had worked hard over the years and never fell short in any aspect compared to others in Qilin. Yet, Ye Li still believed his talents would shine brightest on the real battlefield. But... who hadn't been young once? Just as every soldier in her past life dreamed of becoming a special forces operative, every soldier in the Mo Family Army also dreamed of joining Qilin. Not because of Qilin's rank or pay, but because Qilin represented the Mo Family Army's most elite force.

"Mother..." Seeing his mother's livid face, Xu Qingfeng wilted. He kicked Qin Feng lightly and muttered, "Let go, let go. I won't run..." Qin Feng gave him a knowing smirk and released his hold. As if you could escape.

Xu Er Furen sneered. "So you still remember I'm your mother?"

"Mother..." Xu Qingfeng hung his head, knowing he was in the wrong. He lacked his eldest brother's ability to argue eloquently, whether right or wrong, and he didn't have his second brother's stoic face that never changed expression.

Watching her son's dejected demeanor, Xu Er Furen finally cast aside decades of noble upbringing. She marched forward, grabbed his ear, and bellowed, "Would your own mother harm you? Would it kill you to meet a girl and get married? Our family is already lenient—I even gave you a choice! Look at other families—how many couples even meet before their wedding? You don't know how lucky you are!"

"Mother, mother..." Being dragged by the ear in front of so many people was humiliating, even if it didn't hurt. "Mother, I admit I was wrong!"

"Admit you were wrong?" Xu Er Furen arched a brow. "Then come with me to meet Miss Yang."

"Miss Yang? Which Miss Yang?" Xu Qingfeng blinked in confusion.Xu Er Furen's eye twitched. "What did you say?" So all her nagging last night had been in vain?

"No, no! I've never even heard of her! Who knows where she came from, just to be shoved at me? Even if she's not as good as Cousin, at least she should be somewhat like Second Sister-in-law! A Miss Yang? Is there even such a family in Li Cheng? Or is Mother so desperate she's pushing some nouveau riche's daughter on me?"

"Desperate? I'll show you desperate!" Xu Er Furen delivered a sharp knock on Xu Qingfeng's forehead. "I told you to study when you were young, but you wouldn't listen. Now you dare say I'm desperate!"

"Mother... I was wrong!" Xu Qingfeng clutched his head and scrambled away. "That's not what I meant. Anyway... I don't want any Miss Yang or Miss Li. What I mean is, the girl I marry must be classically elegant and heavenly fragrant... Common and vulgar just won't..."

Thud! Before he could finish speaking, something smacked hard against his forehead. Xu Qingfeng looked blankly at the book that had flown out of nowhere and hit his head, then turned to see Hua Tianxiang standing not far away, gazing at him with a calm expression. He instantly felt awkward. "Um, Miss Hua, why did you—"

Hua Tianxiang said coolly, "I was passing by and heard Zheng'er was here, so I came to see. I'll take my leave now."

Watching Hua Tianxiang's retreating figure, Xu Qingfeng turned back in confusion and asked, "Uh… why did Miss Hua hit me with that book?"

A glint flashed in Ye Li's eyes as she smiled sweetly and said, "Because she is the 'vulgar and nouveau riche daughter' you mentioned earlier, Third Brother… Miss Yang!"

In an instant, Xu Qingfeng's face turned deathly pale.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

So, Hua Tianxiang's CP is like this?