Mo Li

“How… how could this be?” Xu Qingfeng stammered, his face a picture of disbelief. That was clearly his cousin’s—his second sister-in-law’s—good friend, the Hua family’s young lady from Duke Hua’s residence! So why had she suddenly become some “Miss Yang”? And most importantly! Why had she coincidentally appeared there and overheard his words?

Watching Xu Qingfeng’s expression of utter dismay, Ye Li and Qin Zheng exchanged a knowing glance. Qin Zheng smiled gently and asked, “Third Brother, do you know her?”

“Well…” Xu Qingfeng scratched his head awkwardly. “I… might have seen her a few times by chance in the capital before?”

Ye Li chuckled. “Ah, I see. It’s nothing serious. Tianxiang isn’t the petty type—I’ll apologize to her on your behalf later. But… Second Aunt, since Third Brother doesn’t have any such intentions, perhaps we should let this matter rest. Although Miss Yang is currently staying at Prince Ding’s Estate, her family and Xiu Yao are old friends. We can’t possibly wrong her.”

As his own mother, Second Madam Xu could easily read the oddity in her son’s behavior. Her eyes gleamed with amusement as she turned to Ye Li with a smile. “Li’er, I acted too rashly. I was just anxious seeing your Third Brother about to leave on a long journey and lost my composure. Please explain things to Miss Yang properly—I’ll personally visit to apologize another day. As for this unfilial son of mine… bah, I can’t be bothered with him anymore.”

“Mother…” Xu Qingfeng glanced anxiously at the doorway where the figure had long disappeared, then back at his leisurely composed mother, his face flushing red with frustration.

Second Madam Xu calmly dabbed her handkerchief at the sweat on her temple before turning to Madam Xu. “Eldest Sister-in-law, this unfilial brat is giving me a headache. Shall we head back?”

Madam Xu glanced at Xu Qingfeng, covering a laugh with her sleeve as she nodded. “Very well. Later, we can visit the old master and Yu Chen outside the city—it’s much cooler there than being cooped up at home.”

Second Madam Xu smiled in agreement. “You’re right, Eldest Sister-in-law. Let’s go back first. Zheng’er, you can return later—take the chance to apologize to Miss Yang on my behalf.”

Qin Zheng dipped into a slight curtsy with a soft smile. “Understood. Eldest Aunt, Mother, take care on your way.”

After seeing the two ladies off, Qin Zheng and Ye Li shared another amused look before turning to the dejected Xu Qingfeng standing to the side. Ye Li blinked mischievously and sauntered up to him with a grin. “Third Brother, care to explain? How did you meet Ruohua?”

“Ruohua?” Xu Qingfeng looked blank.

Ye Li arched a brow, and only then did he snap out of it. His usually cheerful face was now tinged with rare embarrassment and shyness, much to the silent amusement of the two women.

“Uh… I really did see her twice in the capital before. Also, didn’t I just return and visit Prince Ding’s Estate the other day? Feng San asked me to deliver something to Shen. And then I saw her… with Wuyou at Shen’s place…” Xu Qingfeng groaned, looking pleadingly at Ye Li. “Li’er, I really didn’t mean it. I… I didn’t know she was Miss Yang! If I had known…”

Ye Li tilted her head, grinning. “If you had known, what then?”

Xu Qingfeng lowered his head, lost in thought for a moment before sighing in defeat. “Never mind, it’s nothing. Just… please apologize to Hua—I mean, Miss Yang for me. I really didn’t do it on purpose.”Qin Zheng looked at Ye Li in confusion, puzzled by Xu Qingfeng's sudden change of attitude. Ye Li smiled and said, "Isn't it more sincere to apologize in person?" Xu Qingfeng shook his head, "Better not. Miss Yang is a lady of the inner chambers—it wouldn't be proper for me to visit her abruptly. I’ll take my leave now, Li'er, Second Sister-in-law."

As Xu Qingfeng turned to leave, Ye Li narrowed her eyes and grabbed his sleeve, whispering, "Third Brother, you’re afraid that if something happens to you on the battlefield, you’ll delay the girl’s future. But are you afraid that if you return alive, she might already be married to someone else?" Xu Qingfeng stared at her in surprise. Ye Li continued with a smile, "There’s always a way to solve things. Go and explain things clearly to Tianxiang. People in Prince Ding's Estate aren’t fond of gossip. Be good..."

Xu Qingfeng’s handsome face flushed crimson, and he stumbled back a few steps, glaring at her. "Li'er..."

Ye Li tugged Qin Zheng along and waved at him. "Hurry up. Zheng'er and I still have things to discuss—we don’t have time to clean up your mess. If no one apologizes to her today, a young lady might get so heartbroken that she..." Xu Qingfeng paled and rushed off without another word.

Behind him, the two women exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

"Li'er, teasing Third Brother like this..." Qin Zheng wiped her tears, shaking her head once she caught her breath. Ye Li shrugged helplessly. "I’m not teasing him. Third Brother may seem straightforward, but his temperament is even more earnest than Second Brother’s. If I didn’t say this, he’d probably carry these thoughts with him when he leaves. What if he returns only to find Tianxiang already betrothed? Wouldn’t he be devastated?"

"Caught in the moment, Third Brother lost his composure. Once he realizes..."

"What can he do to me?" Ye Li lifted her chin with a laugh. Her third brother couldn’t beat her in a fight! And if things worked out, wouldn’t he be grateful to her?

In the guest courtyard of Prince Ding's Estate, Hua Tianxiang sat alone on the edge of a flower bed in the spacious, quiet garden, sulking. She wasn’t overthinking Xu Qingfeng’s words—after all, she knew the character of the Xu Family’s young masters well enough. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed when her aunt mentioned Xu Er Furen’s intentions earlier. It was clear from the situation that Xu Qingfeng had been forced into thoughtless words by his sister-in-law.

Though she knew Xu Qingfeng didn’t actually dislike her, it was impossible not to feel slighted as a young lady. At the time, she hadn’t hesitated to hurl a thick book at him. Too bad it hadn’t hit him square in the face!

Xu Qingfeng, just you wait—don’t let me get my hands on you!

Xu Qingfeng quietly dropped into the garden from the wall and immediately spotted the graceful beauty viciously plucking at a flower. He instinctively shrank back—he wasn’t actually stupid. There was no doubt in his mind that the girl was imagining his neck in place of that flower.

"Ahem..." He coughed lightly, awkwardly watching as Hua Tianxiang turned, startled to see him, before her pretty face darkened and she spun to leave.

"Uh—Miss Hua... Miss Yang!" Xu Qingfeng called out hastily.

Hua Tianxiang turned back, eyeing him coolly. "Young Master Xu, what do you want?"Xu Qingfeng stepped forward somewhat awkwardly and said, "I didn't mean what I said earlier. Please forgive me, miss." Hua Tianxiang's beautiful face bloomed with a coldly elegant smile, "You flatter me, young master. How could this vulgar upstart of unknown origin dare to blame the Third Young Master Xu?"

"Miss Hua..." Looking at the girl's coldly set pretty face, Xu Qingfeng felt completely at a loss, more nervous than if he were actually going to battle. He deeply regretted not having his eldest brother or fourth and fifth brothers' eloquence—at the very least, he wished he had his second brother's wooden face that remained unchanged even if Mount Tai collapsed. He wasn't even sure if he was blushing right now.

Hua Tianxiang stared coldly at the flustered man before her, unable to resist twitching the corner of her mouth and rolling her eyes skyward. Why did this look like she was bullying him?

"If Young Master Xu has nothing else, please return," Hua Tianxiang said after waiting a while without Xu Qingfeng saying anything further. She couldn't be bothered to waste time here—they might spend the whole afternoon without him managing half a sentence.

Seeing Hua Tianxiang turn to leave, Xu Qingfeng panicked and reached out to grab her.

"You—"

"Ah?!" Coming to his senses and realizing he'd been too forward, Xu Qingfeng grew even more flustered, almost wanting to flee in embarrassment. But then his cousin's quiet reminder echoed in his mind: "A married woman... a married woman..." Suddenly, an image flashed through his head—this very woman being led in marriage by a faceless man. He quickly shook his head to dispel the thought. He had met Hua Tianxiang twice in Chu Jing before, but he hadn't paid much attention then. It wasn't until two days ago, when he returned to the city and used Feng Zhiyao's errand as an excuse to visit Prince Ding's Estate to avoid his mother, that he coincidentally ran into Hua Tianxiang chatting with Princess Changle at Shen Yang's place. At first sight, he was utterly stunned by her beauty.

At the time, Xu Qingfeng hadn't thought much of it. But after returning home and being lectured by his mother about marriage, his mind kept circling back to that beautiful face. He wasn't a fool—he knew he'd taken a liking to her, though he hadn't dared dwell on it since he was about to depart for war. Yet before anything could even begin, he'd already offended her.

Hua Tianxiang stared at the man with strange exasperation.

"Miss Hua... I really didn't mean to. I didn't know it was you. My mother kept pressing me about this, and I only said those things because I was cornered. Actually, I wanted to tell her... I already have someone I like." At this point, Xu Qingfeng's ears turned slightly red as he lowered his head.

Hua Tianxiang couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. Calmly, she said, "Since it was just a misunderstanding, clearing it up is enough. I don't blame you, Young Master Xu. You may go now. Farewell."

Watching Hua Tianxiang walk away, Xu Qingfeng stood frozen. Had... had he said something wrong?Not far behind him, outside the crescent-shaped gate, Ye Li and Qin Zheng couldn't help but roll their eyes. Third Brother (Third Younger Brother) isn't usually this foolish. Ye Li gritted her teeth, took off a hairpin from her head, and threw it over. With a thud, it hit Xu Qingfeng on the head. Rubbing his head, Xu Qingfeng turned around and saw the two half-hidden faces, both amused and exasperated. "Li'er, Second Sister-in-law, what are you two doing here?"

"Idiot... confess your feelings," Ye Li whispered as a reminder.

"Huh?" The Third Young Master Xu blushed, sneaking a glance back at Hua Tianxiang, who had just disappeared behind the flower bushes, catching only a fleeting glimpse of her hem. Ye Li sighed in frustration, "If you don't make it clear, how would she know what you mean?" Qin Zheng covered her lips with a smile, "Third Younger Brother, Tianxiang probably thinks you like another girl."

"I... I don't..."

"Then hurry up and go after her!"

Finally realizing what was wrong, Xu Qingfeng quickly turned and chased after her. Ye Li and Qin Zheng exchanged glances and quietly followed. They had only taken a few steps when they heard Xu Qingfeng's voice not far away, "Miss Hua, what I mean is... the one I love is you!"

Xu Qingfeng's voice wasn't loud, but it was certainly not soft—at least Ye Li and Qin Zheng, still standing at the courtyard gate, heard it clearly. They covered their faces in despair, almost unable to bear the sight.

Behind the flower bushes, Hua Tianxiang was startled by this sudden confession. Before she could say anything, a figure fell from the tree on the nearby wall with a thud. Xu Qingfeng quickly shielded Hua Tianxiang behind him, glaring at the unfamiliar shadow guard. "What are you doing here?"

"On duty. Sorry for the interruption, please continue," the shadow guard said expressionlessly and calmly, leaping back onto the tree branch. After a moment's thought, he turned back and added, "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Xu Qingfeng replied with a silly grin.

"Thud!" The shadow guard, who had just climbed back up the tree, fell again—this time outside the wall. The Third Young Master of the Xu Family couldn't possibly be this foolish; it must be his posture while on duty!

By the time Xu Qingfeng turned back around, Hua Tianxiang had already glared at him and run off. The Third Young Master was left bewildered. "Did... did I say something wrong again?"

"You didn't say anything wrong, but you chose the wrong place," Ye Li and Qin Zheng emerged from behind the flower bushes, glaring at him with exasperation.

"What do you mean?"

Ye Li smiled sweetly, "Just now, it wasn't just us—at least ten people inside and outside the courtyard heard your heartfelt confession."

"So what?" Of course, he knew Prince Ding's Estate had many shadow guards. But their mental fortitude was lacking—that one had fallen from the tree twice in mere moments.

Qin Zheng shot him an annoyed look. "Third Younger Brother, Tianxiang is an unmarried young lady. How could you... put her in such a position..."

Xu Qingfeng suddenly understood. "Li'er, Second Sister-in-law, thank you for the advice. I'll be going now." With that, the Third Young Master Xu turned and sprinted out of the courtyard.

"Where are you going?!"

"To ask my mother to arrange a marriage proposal..." The voice of the Third Young Master Xu trailed off into the distance, leaving Ye Li and Qin Zheng behind, exchanging helpless glances."Wang Fei, Young Madam Xu." From behind the rockery, the Empress emerged, leading Hua Tianxiang by the hand. Seeing Ye Li and Qin Zheng, Hua Tianxiang unusually lowered her head in shyness. Ye Li stepped forward apologetically, "Madam, my third brother has a straightforward nature and is unconstrained by trivialities. If he has been neglectful towards you and Ruohua, please forgive him. But please believe that the Xu Family harbors no disrespect whatsoever." The Empress smiled, "Naturally, I trust Wang Fei's words. Young Master Xu... ahem, is indeed a man of true temperament."

Noticing that Ye Li and the Empress had matters to discuss, Qin Zheng also intended to sound out her friend's thoughts. She tugged at Hua Tianxiang's sleeve and whispered with a smile, "Let's have a chat."

The Empress looked at her niece with a smile, "Go ahead. I also wish to speak with Wang Fei."

Only then did Qin Zheng lead Hua Tianxiang away. The Empress turned to Ye Li, "I believe in Wang Fei and the Xu Family's sincerity. Today's incident was likely just a misunderstanding. However, although Young Master Xu has already expressed his feelings to Ruohua..." Ye Li smiled, "In matters of marriage, we certainly cannot force anything. Even if Ruohua and my third brother are not fated, I assure you today's events will not affect her reputation. The shadow guards of Prince Ding's Estate do not spread idle gossip."

"Wang Fei has gone to great trouble for this," the Empress said apologetically.

"Madam, what are you saying? One is my cousin, the other a dear friend—how could it be any trouble?" Ye Li replied with a gentle smile.

By the time Ye Li and the Empress finished their conversation, Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang returned hand in hand. Judging by Qin Zheng's beaming face and Hua Tianxiang's slightly flushed cheeks, Ye Li already knew the answer. Not wishing to make Hua Tianxiang uncomfortable, she simply smiled at her. Hua Tianxiang, her delicate face tinged with pink, whispered, "Li'er, thank you."

"Silly talk."

The Xu Family acted swiftly. Early the next morning, Xu Er Furen came to propose the marriage. Since both parties were willing, the Empress naturally did not make things difficult and agreed. Due to the impending military campaign, the two families settled on holding the wedding the following year. Though somewhat disappointed that the bride could not be welcomed immediately, Xu Er Furen was relieved to have the matter settled and went about with a joyful expression daily. Madam Xu watched with both envy and helplessness—alas, her own sons were proving far more difficult to manage, and it seemed she would have no way to bring them to heel anytime soon.

After Xu Qingfeng's marriage was settled, in the blink of an eye, the day of departure arrived.

On the twenty-sixth day of the sixth month, the morning dawned clear and bright, with light clouds and a gentle breeze. The usually bustling Li Cheng was uncharacteristically quiet, while outside the city walls, a sea of people gathered, the thunderous beat of war drums shaking the heavens.

Clad in black, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army stood in orderly ranks at the city gates, their gleaming weapons in hand, awaiting orders. The surrounding crowds of well-wishers gazed upon what seemed like an endless black tide, dotted with countless silver glints shimmering under the sun, lending an air of icy sharpness to the sweltering summer day.

Behind these soldiers stood rows of powerful, sturdy warhorses, so still that even the deafening drumbeats could not stir them. Beside each horse stood a tall, cloaked figure in black. The sight of these mounted warriors evoked visions of their heroic charges on the battlefield."This... this is the Black Cloud Cavalry," someone in the crowd murmured curiously. People always instinctively admired heroes, and all the men gazed at them with reverence, while the young women's eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Truly worthy of the Black Cloud Cavalry. Only Prince Ding's Estate possesses such elite troops in this world," the crowd murmured, their eyes filled with even greater awe as they looked toward the city gates.

At the gates, civil and military officials of Li Cheng had all come to bid farewell to the army. Even the usually reclusive Mr. Qingyun and Su Zhe had brought the students of Mount Li Academy along. Perhaps due to the military service system in the northwest, scholars here were required to serve at least one year in the army before they could take the imperial examinations and become officials, unless under special circumstances. Thus, in the northwest, the disdain between scholars and military officers was far less pronounced than elsewhere. Some students even chose to abandon their scholarly pursuits and join the military after their service.

"Li Cheng will be left in your capable hands, Mr. Qingyun," Mo Xiuyao said respectfully, bowing to the elder. Mr. Qingyun quickly reached out to steady him and nodded with a smile. "Wang Ye need not worry. I wish you a swift and victorious campaign."

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Thank you for your auspicious words, Grandfather."

"Mother, Mother... does Mother not want Xiao Bao anymore?" Mo Xiaobao tugged pitifully at Ye Li's sleeve, looking up at her with his large, teary eyes. Ye Li sighed softly and bent down to pat his little head. "Mother has to go on a long journey with your father. Xiao Bao must be good at home and listen to Grand Tutor and Uncle, understand?"

"Mother is lying to a child! Mother is clearly going to war with Father, not on a journey," Mo Xiaobao pouted angrily.

Ye Li had no choice. "Fine, Mother is going to war. Xiao Bao must be good at home."

"Xiao Bao wants to help Mother fight too!" Mo Xiaobao exclaimed excitedly.

Ye Li felt a metaphorical sweatdrop. Of course... she should have known...

"No, you're too young. You can go when you're older," Ye Li shook her head. Mo Xiaobao looked wistfully at the soldiers standing solemnly in the distance, his eyes gleaming. "Really? When Xiao Bao grows up, he can lead so many soldiers to war?"

Ye Li nodded silently. Though she wasn't exactly a pacifist, she still considered herself a peace-loving person. Why was her son so excited about war?

Mo Xiuyao, having finished his conversation with Mr. Qingyun, turned back and lifted Mo Xiaobao to eye level. The little boy stared expressionlessly at his father, still upset that he hadn't been allowed to sleep with his mother the night before.

"At home. Behave?" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, his tone indifferent.

Mo Xiaobao glared back, replying with an even more detached tone, "Protect Mother. Win the war?"

Mo Xiuyao ruffled his son's hair and asked, "Nothing else to say?" Mo Xiaobao hesitated before reluctantly adding, "Be careful yourself." Clearly, expressing concern for his usual rival—his father—was a bit awkward for young Mo Xiaobao.The others couldn't help but secretly find amusement in Mo Xiaobao's conflicted yet determined attempt to maintain composure. However, no one wanted to embarrass the Little Prince. Xu Qingchen cleared his throat and said to the couple, "Be careful on your journey. You can rest assured that Li Cheng is in good hands with me here."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, "I naturally have full confidence in Qingchen Gongzi. We entrust everything to you."

Ye Li said softly, "Elder brother, take care of yourself."

"You be careful too," Xu Qingchen replied gently, looking at the woman before him dressed in white martial attire, devoid of any makeup or hair ornaments, yet appearing even more heroic and spirited.

The women of the Xu Family also came forward to bid farewell to Ye Li. Madam Xu said solemnly, "Don't worry about Yu Chen and Junhan. Your First Aunt and Second Aunt will take good care of them. You must be extremely careful out there."

"Li'er, take care." Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang held Ye Li's hands and whispered. Though they had long known Li'er was different from them, it wasn't until now—seeing her standing confidently in martial attire beside Prince Ding—that they truly realized how different their dear friend was. For them, women going to war had always been tales from operas and legends. Now, they not only admired her capability and courage but also envied the boldness that allowed her to stand side by side with her husband, advancing and retreating together.

"I know. You take care too," Ye Li replied with a smile.

"Wang Ye, Wang Fei, it's almost time," Zhuo Jing, clad in full military attire, stepped forward and reported in a low voice.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said to Ye Li, "A Li, it's time for us to depart."

"Alright," Ye Li agreed with a smile.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Young Master Xu couldn't possibly be this foolish—it must be my typing posture that's wrong!