Mo Li

"General Longyang poured wine over himself and committed self-immolation by fire."

Upon hearing the soldier's report, Ye Li was stunned for quite a while. It wasn’t until Mo Xiuyao reached out and touched her that she snapped out of it.

"A Li…" Mo Xiuyao looked down quietly at his composed wife in his arms, frowning slightly. Ye Li shook her head and sighed softly. After Zhu Yan's death, another old general had taken his own life before her. Both rationally and emotionally, she understood their choices. If it were her, she wouldn’t surrender to an enemy nation either. The two old generals had devoted their lives loyally to Western Liang, and their deaths preserved their unblemished reputations. Friend or foe, one could only respect their integrity. Yet, Ye Li faintly felt she couldn’t bear it anymore. Had she witnessed too much death these days?

"A Li, what’s wrong? Are you unwell?" Mo Xiuyao supported her, his voice laced with concern. "Let’s go back first. We can deal with the rest tomorrow." Ye Li steadied herself with his hand and shook her head, offering a reassuring smile. "I’m fine. We don’t have much time to stay in Bian City. Pass down the order—bury General Longyang with full military honors. Let him… rest beside General Zhu Yan."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and instructed, "Do as Wang Fei says. Go."

The soldier departed to carry out the order, and Mo Xiuyao waved for the attendants behind them to withdraw. Holding Ye Li’s hand, he wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked slowly forward. "Are you saddened by Longyang and Zhu Yan’s deaths, A Li?"

Ye Li shook her head. "I don’t know what’s come over me. Perhaps it’s because both generals were so elderly—already past seventy. It’s just… hard not to feel moved." Mo Xiuyao murmured softly, "If it upsets you, A Li, stay in the camp from now on. Don’t involve yourself in these matters."

Ye Li chuckled. "Does Wang Ye truly think I’m some delicate flower that can’t withstand the wind? It’s just a momentary sentiment. No matter what… both generals served their country with utmost loyalty. Now that they’re gone…" Mo Xiuyao said, "Do you think I’d hold a grudge against the dead? If A Li wishes to honor them with grand burials, so be it. But A Li, don’t grieve for others, alright?"

Hearing the subdued tone in Mo Xiuyao’s voice, Ye Li looked up and met his unwavering gaze. She smiled faintly, raising a hand to brush the slight furrow between his brows. "In this world, you, Xiao Bao, Grandfather, and my uncles are the most important people to me. No one else can truly sadden me. So, Xiu Yao, you must stay well…"

"Of course I’ll stay well. And Xiao Bao—everyone A Li cares about, I’ll protect them all. I’ll never let A Li feel heartbroken. So… A Li, don’t dwell on those irrelevant people, alright?" Mo Xiuyao’s voice was low. Ye Li blinked, then regarded him seriously with a raised brow. "Irrelevant people?"

"Wasn’t A Li saddened by Zhu Ling’s death?" Mo Xiuyao asked quietly, though Ye Li could still detect the gritted teeth behind his utterance of Zhu Ling’s name."Zhu Ling..." Ye Li sighed softly, saying, "It's just that... he's still so young. And my scheme this time was somewhat underhanded." Of course, she knew it wasn't just that. Ye Li wasn't emotionally obtuse—she understood Zhu Ling's feelings perfectly well. However, apart from the fact that they had just met and stood on opposing sides, in Ye Li's heart, no man could ever be more important than Mo Xiuyao. It had been impossible from the very beginning. Her guilt toward Zhu Ling didn't stem from any feelings for him, but simply because she had let down a sincere heart. But there was no need for Mo Xiuyao to know the rest. Between husband and wife... wasn't an occasional white lie forgivable?

"A Li did nothing wrong. If he had noticed any flaws, he would have killed A Li too," Mo Xiuyao gritted his teeth. "But... A Li mustn't secretly do such things again. What if something happened? If we really need women, we can just have Qin Feng and the others train a few."

"I understand," Ye Li replied, rolling her eyes inwardly. She had expected this response.

Only after confirming Ye Li's earnest agreement did Mo Xiuyao nod contentedly and take her hand, leading her forward.

Xiuting Mr.'s residence was located on Dragon Mountain in the eastern part of the city. Since Dragon Mountain Academy had been temporarily sealed off by the Mo Family Army, some teachers and students who hadn't managed to escape were temporarily housed in a small courtyard not far from the academy. Though the Mo Family Army consisted entirely of soldiers, they held scholars in high regard. Since Mo Xiuyao hadn't troubled these people, the soldiers assigned to guard them naturally wouldn't either.

At the courtyard's entrance, they unexpectedly encountered a familiar face. "Third Brother, what are you doing here?" The person guarding this place was none other than Xu Qingfeng. Given his position as leader of the Qilin squad and his connections to the Xu Family and Prince Ding's Estate, assigning him to guard this place was undoubtedly a waste of talent. No one in the Mo Family Army would have ordered him to do such a thing—the only possibility was that Xu Qingfeng had volunteered.

Xu Qingfeng was delighted to see Ye Li and grinned. "Isn't Dragon Mountain Academy one of the top three academies in the realm? I just... came to pay my respects, having long admired its reputation." Ye Li shook her head lightly with a faint smile, choosing not to expose him. Though Xu Qingfeng had grown up in the Xu Family and studied at Mount Li Academy for a few years, he had always preferred martial arts and loathed sitting at a desk to read or write essays—he hadn't even taken the imperial exams. Claiming he had come to admire the scholars of Dragon Mountain Academy was less believable than saying his eldest cousin would get married tomorrow. After a moment's thought, Ye Li understood his reasoning. Xu Qingfeng must have strongly disagreed with Mo Xiuyao's decision to execute the captive civilians but knew he couldn't persuade him. So, he chose to stay away—out of sight, out of mind. Though Xu Qingfeng disliked studying, his Xu Family upbringing had instilled in him the same reverence for scholars as any other member of the family. With him guarding the place, no one would dare cause trouble.

"How is Xiuting Mr.?" Ye Li asked with a smile.Xu Qingfeng shook his head helplessly and gestured inside for her to see for herself. Ye Li didn't mind, pulling Mo Xiuyao along as they walked inward. The small courtyard wasn't very large—just a two-section compound—but its style carried some of the delicate elegance of the Jiangnan region in Great Chu. It was unclear why Dragon Mountain Academy had built such an independent little courtyard. Before they even stepped through the inner gate, they could hear clear recitations coming from within. However, the content being recited was rather exasperating—nothing more than poems mocking the Mo Family Army and Prince Ding.

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood silently at the entrance, listening without interrupting. The man sitting in the courtyard had his back to the gate, reciting one poem after another. For someone like Ye Li, who wasn't well-versed in poetry, the fact that he could recite so many poems with the same theme without repetition was almost godlike—if only the timing and setting weren't so inappropriate. When he reached the lines about "ambitions for imperial dominance, blood flowing endlessly in Bian City," Ye Li finally cleared her throat softly and smiled. "Mr. Xiuting, what refined leisure you have."

The man sitting with his back to the entrance paused, then turned to look at the gate. A flicker of realization soon passed through his eyes. "Prince Ding? Princess Ding?"

Only then did Ye Li get a clear look at Mr. Xiuting's appearance. The elderly man, nearing sixty, had graying hair and beard, a lean figure, and an elegant demeanor tinged with the aloof pride of a scholar. He didn't seem like someone from Western Liang but rather resembled a refined scholar from the south.

Ye Li led Mo Xiuyao into the courtyard and nodded with a smile. "Indeed. This junior, Ye Li, pays her respects to Mr. Xiuting."

Chen Xiufu sized Ye Li up briefly and snorted lightly. "This old man hardly deserves to be called 'senior' by Princess Ding." Unfazed, Ye Li replied with a gentle smile, "Mr. Xiuting's literary fame is renowned. Even my grandfather and uncle hold you in high regard, so it's only proper to address you as such." At this, Chen Xiufu showed a hint of emotion. "Mr. Qingyun and Mr. Hongyu?" Though he had long resided in Western Liang, he had heard a little about Princess Ding's family background.

Ye Li smiled. "Exactly."

Chen Xiufu fell silent for a moment, and the guarded hostility in his gaze softened slightly. He said calmly, "In my youth, I traveled to Eastern Chu for studies and once received guidance from Mr. Qingyun. I also had some acquaintance with Mr. Hongyu. Of course..." His gaze slowly swept over Mo Xiuyao. "I also paid a visit to the Regent of Eastern Chu. Who would have thought thirty years would pass in a blink... The descendants of Mo Liufang and the Xu Family have already grown into talents. Pitiful that I've wasted my years, failing to nurture even a single accomplished student."Ye Li smiled and said, "Mr. Xiuting, you jest. At least half of the civil officials in the Western Liang court are your disciples. How can you say your time has been wasted?" Dragon Mountain Academy's ranking among the top three academies in the realm was certainly not undeserved. Although Western Liang prioritized martial prowess over scholarship, it couldn't possibly entrust governance to a group of illiterate generals. Indeed, half of Western Liang's court officials hailed from Dragon Mountain Academy. However, the academy, painstakingly built by Chen Xiufu alone, lacked the deep-rooted heritage of Mount Li Academy and the southern Qionghua Academy of Great Chu, placing it at the bottom of the top three. Yet, for Chen Xiufu to achieve such success single-handedly in a place like Western Liang, where martial arts were inherently valued over scholarship, it was no wonder even Mr. Qingyun held him in high regard.

As for the lack of outstanding disciples from Dragon Mountain Academy, the reason was simple. Zhennan Wang, having learned from the far-reaching influence of Mount Li Academy in Great Chu, would never allow Dragon Mountain Academy to follow the same path. Chen Xiufu's individual efforts paled in comparison to the century-old scholarly heritage of the Xu Family. Any promising disciples were either absorbed or dealt with early by Zhennan Wang, leaving the academy without a successor like Xu Qingchen to uphold its legacy. Should Chen Xiufu pass away, Dragon Mountain Academy would likely fall into the hands of Zhennan Wang or the Western Liang imperial family.

Chen Xiufu's expression softened slightly, and he finally invited the two inside to sit.

Once seated in the flower hall, no tea was served, as was customary. Unfazed, Ye Li had water brought in and personally brewed tea for Chen Xiufu and Mo Xiuyao. Since entering the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao had remained silent. Watching Ye Li pour the tea with deliberate grace, a tenderness flickered in his eyes before he shot a warning glance at Chen Xiufu.

Chen Xiufu sipped his tea, noting Mo Xiuyao's gaze, and snorted lightly, unperturbed.

"Mr. Qingyun must be in his eighties now, isn't he? How is he faring?" Chen Xiufu asked after a while.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Next year marks my grandfather's eightieth birthday. We hope Mr. Xiuting will grace the northwest with your presence for the occasion."

Chen Xiufu paused, his cup midway to his lips, and regarded Ye Li calmly. He understood her implication but could not comply. Shaking his head regretfully, he said, "Alas, I fear I lack the fortune to celebrate Mr. Qingyun's birthday. However, over the years, Dragon Mountain Academy has collected many rare ancient texts. Please take them back to Mr. Qingyun as my congratulatory gift. For Mr. Qingyun... to have a granddaughter like you is a blessing in his twilight years. I shall not add unnecessary embellishments."

Ye Li smiled gently. "My grandfather has hardly enjoyed any blessings from us juniors. Instead, we've caused him much worry and trouble, and it's only his kindness that tolerates our burdens. Mr. Xiuting, you've devoted your life's efforts to Dragon Mountain Academy. Do you truly wish to see it fade into obscurity?"

Chen Xiufu shook his head with a wry smile. "Fate decrees it so. We cannot force what is not meant to be."Ye Li said calmly, "Isn't so-called fate just the choices people make themselves? Although I'm just a woman, I know a saying—my destiny is mine to command, not heaven's! There's another saying: character determines fate, choices determine life. You, sir, are no coward. Your choices will determine the future of Dragon Mountain Academy. If you want it to survive, it will survive. If you want it to perish, it can only follow you into oblivion."

Chen Xiufu trembled slightly, staring fixedly at Ye Li. After a long while, he sighed, "What a bold declaration—'my destiny is mine to command, not heaven's'... What a profound insight—'character determines fate, choices determine life'... Princess Ding, with such breadth of mind, Prince Ding is truly fortunate, and Mr. Qingyun is truly blessed..."

"And so... Xiuting Mr.'s decision?" Ye Li asked.

Chen Xiufu lowered his gaze and said gravely, "This old man will not submit to Prince Ding's Estate. Though His Highness Prince Ding is a hero of his time, to slaughter tens of thousands of innocent commoners with a mere wave of his hand is far too ruthless!" As he spoke, Chen Xiufu's voice grew more indignant and hoarse. Clearly, he harbored deep resentment toward Mo Xiuyao's actions. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and gave him a disdainful look. This prince did kill them—what can you do about it?

Ye Li helplessly tugged at Mo Xiuyao's sleeve, and only then did he pout and lower his head to continue drinking tea. He understood well that trying to persuade someone like Chen Xiufu himself would be utterly futile. Given his actions in Bian City, even if he spun the most eloquent tales, Chen Xiufu would never believe him. Even if he held a sword to Chen Xiufu's neck, the man might still refuse to yield. Since that was the case, he saw no point in wasting his breath. If A Li could persuade this man, he would stand by her side in the future, which would be a good thing for her. Though Mo Xiuyao often acted spoiled and willful in front of Ye Li, his foresight in many matters surpassed even that of Qingchen Gongzi.

Having placated Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li turned back to Chen Xiufu and said, "This is precisely what I wished to discuss with Xiuting Mr. Though you are a man of literary brilliance and eloquence, you must not casually slander my husband's reputation."

Chen Xiufu was first taken aback by how easily Ye Li had calmed Mo Xiuyao, and now her words left him even more bewildered. With some displeasure, he said, "What does the Wang Fei mean by that? When did this old man slander Prince Ding?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Just now, as I listened outside the door for quite some time, Xiuting Mr. repeatedly accused my husband of indiscriminate slaughter. Isn't that slander?"

Chen Xiufu was so incensed he nearly laughed. Glaring at Ye Li, he said, "Are you saying those people Prince Ding killed yesterday all deserved to die?"

Ye Li lowered her eyes and replied coolly, "In war, both sides fight for their own interests. I've never heard Xiuting Mr. speak out about how prisoners of war are treated between nations. As for executing prisoners... while His Highness may have been harsh, there were reasons for his actions. Don't you think your poetic accusations are excessive?"

Chen Xiufu's face darkened as he glared at Ye Li. "Are you saying the commoners in the city weren't innocent?"

Ye Li blinked in surprise. "What commoners? When has the Mo Family Army ever slaughtered innocent civilians?"Chen Xiufu was also taken aback. He had personally witnessed Mo Xiuyao rounding up all the city's commoners and taking them to the execution grounds. Although Dragon Mountain wasn't particularly high, being confined to this courtyard meant his information wasn't flowing freely. Naturally, he didn't know these commoners had already been expelled from Bian City by Mo Xiuyao. Seeing Chen Xiufu's astonished expression, Ye Li smiled and said, "Xiuting Mr.'s information might be somewhat inaccurate. General Longyang used the people of Chu as human shields during battle—a tactic no true general would employ. Although the northwest has severed ties with Chu, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army and the people of Chu still share the same roots. My husband acted out of momentary indignation, but the Mo Family Army truly hasn't harmed a single commoner in Bian City. I hope you will investigate this matter thoroughly."

Hearing Ye Li's words, Chen Xiufu felt both skeptical and somewhat relieved. Dragon Mountain Academy had been located in Bian City for decades, and he naturally didn't want to see innocent lives lost. After scrutinizing Ye Li for a long moment, he finally concluded she wasn't lying to deceive him and let out a sigh of relief. He stood up and bowed respectfully to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, saying, "This old man was mistaken. I offer my apologies to Prince Ding and Wang Fei."

Unlike Longyang and Zhu Yan, Chen Xiufu had never served in Western Liang's court. In his youth, he had traveled extensively across various countries, broadening his horizons and cultivating an open mind. Moreover, he held no deep attachment to Western Liang's government. The written language, customs, and even bloodlines of Chu and Western Liang shared the same origins. His opposition to Mo Xiuyao stemmed primarily from the latter's aggressive invasion of Western Liang and the alleged plan to massacre Bian City. Now that he knew it was a misunderstanding, he had no qualms about apologizing to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li in person.

Ye Li quickly rose to support him, saying, "Xiuting Mr., there's no need for this. Your temporary stay on this mountain naturally limited your access to information."

Chen Xiufu sat back down and asked, "Then... where are Bian City's people now? It seems... I haven't seen anyone return."

Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiuyao and replied somewhat apologetically, "The city's residents have all left." The implication of "left" needed no explanation for Chen Xiufu. He couldn't help but frown. Though their lives had been spared, tens of thousands of people were now displaced, many without even the chance to gather their belongings. Their future would hardly be easy. Shaking his head, Chen Xiufu looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "This old man recalls... the four northwestern provinces aren't particularly vast. Your Highness's actions... I somewhat understand, but I cannot approve."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow but didn't respond.

Chen Xiufu continued, "Your Highness surely doesn't intend to drive out all of Western Liang's people and then relocate those from the northwest or even Chu here. Forgive this old man's bluntness, but such a move would likely be even more ill-advised than slaughtering the city." Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao finally lifted his head and asked coolly, "Why?"Chen Xiufu said solemnly, "The people of Western Liang have lived in these lands for generations. If Wang Ye merely intends to occupy a portion of territory, that would be one matter. But if Wang Ye plans to drive the people out en masse—where exactly do you intend to force so many citizens of Western Liang to go? When they find themselves with nowhere left to retreat, even unarmed commoners will rise up in desperation. While it's true that Western Liang and Great Chu are sworn enemies, the common people of both nations may not harbor such deep-seated hatred. A thousand years ago, Western Liang and Great Chu were one. If Wang Ye desires the lands of Western Liang, you must also be prepared to accept its people."

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchanged glances. Given Chen Xiufu's relationship and stance toward them, these words already represented an unusually candid and profound statement—one that carried deeper implications. Ye Li nodded and said, "Xiuting Mr. speaks wisely. Last night's incident was indeed mishandled on our part. We hope you can forgive us given the extenuating circumstances. Moreover, our visit today is to seek your assistance in making amends." The recent events had significantly tarnished the reputation of the Mo Family Army. While prestige might seem trivial, if rumors of the Mo Family Army massacring a city were deliberately exaggerated, their future campaigns could face unprecedented resistance, leading to entirely unnecessary losses.

After a long silence, Chen Xiufu asked gravely, "What does Wang Fei wish this old man to do?"

Ye Li replied softly, "We ask Xiuting Mr. to issue a public notice informing the people that Bian City has returned to normal. Former residents who wish to return may do so, with all their property restored. Additionally, we request the reopening of Dragon Mountain Academy. We also hope you can recommend capable individuals to assist in governing Bian City."

Chen Xiufu stared at Ye Li calmly for a long while, though both knew his composure belied inner turmoil. Her requests might seem simple, but his agreement would effectively announce to the world that Xiuting Mr. had pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate. Sensing his hesitation and internal struggle, neither pressed him, quietly sipping their tea instead.

After what felt like an eternity, a look of resolve crossed Chen Xiufu's face as he met Ye Li's gaze. "This old man agrees to Wang Fei's request," he declared, "but in return, I ask Wang Ye and Wang Fei to promise me one thing."

Ye Li also felt relieved inwardly and smiled, "Mr. Xiuting, please feel free to make your request."

Chen Xiufu said, "I ask that His Highness and Wang Fei guarantee they will not slaughter the common people of Western Liang."

Ye Li chuckled lightly, "That goes without saying. The Mo Family Army is no bloodthirsty horde of wolves and tigers, nor have we ever harmed ordinary civilians, isn't that right?"

Chen Xiufu nodded with a smile, "This old man believes Wang Fei's words, and hopes His Highness and Wang Fei will not break their promise."

"Then we shall ask Mr. Xiuting to wait and see," Ye Li replied with a smile.

After seeing off Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, the Mo Family Army soldiers stationed outside the courtyard also withdrew. This demonstrated Prince Ding's Estate's sincerity. In the small courtyard, Chen Xiufu gazed at the now-cold tea on the table before him and sighed deeply.

"Master, are we truly to submit to Prince Ding's Estate? This move will surely damage your reputation. No matter how powerful Prince Ding's Estate is, it cannot silence the endless gossip of the world," a young disciple behind Chen Xiufu asked worriedly.

Chen Xiufu shook his head, lifting his gaze to the patch of sky above the courtyard. He said solemnly, "Fame and infamy are both illusions. Seeing these two people... this old man suddenly feels that perhaps the structure of this world is truly about to change." The two great powers, Da Chu and Western Liang—yet every scholar remembers how a vast and mighty empire once stood upon this land a thousand years ago. That era was the golden age that countless people revered. As the saying goes, what is long united must divide, and what is long divided must unite. This land has been fragmented for too long. When that peerless couple stood before him, he seemed to finally glimpse a hope he had never dared to dream of in his lifetime—a true era of peace and prosperity.

"But didn't Master say that Prince Ding's aura is too fierce, harming the harmony of heaven and earth, and thus not a lasting sign?" the disciple asked, somewhat confused.

Chen Xiufu chuckled, "That was because this old man had not seen the other person. With her by his side, perhaps Prince Ding will not shed so much blood. This time... weren't the people of Bian City unharmed? It seems this old man worried too much. Mr. Qingyun, with his foresight, would surely have seen this. Since Mr. Qingyun did not stop Prince Ding from sending troops, it means..." It meant that Mr. Qingyun also held high hopes for Prince Ding.

In his youth, Chen Xiufu had once harbored grand ambitions. Unfortunately, his aspirations were not something most could understand. Many dismissed them as mere delusions of grandeur. After too many setbacks, he grew disheartened and settled on Long Mountain to teach, hoping to pass on his ideals and thoughts to future generations. Later, the Xiling Emperor proved weak and incompetent, Zhennan Wang monopolized power, and Mo Jingqi of Da Chu was paranoid and ruthless. Though Da Chu appeared strong, it was already in decline. All these events filled him with despair until he abandoned hope entirely. He had even envisioned, in the depths of night, foreign invasions that would erase both Da Chu and Western Liang from existence. Yet never had he imagined that, nearing the age of sixty, he would once again glimpse a sliver of hope.

For the first time in his life, Chen Xiufu lamented that he was already past his prime. If only he could be twenty years younger...

Gazing up at the clear, cloudless sky, Chen Xiufu murmured, "This old man has achieved nothing in his life, and death would be no loss. But now, I only wish to live a few more years. Perhaps, before my time comes, I may yet witness a true era of peace and prosperity."A peaceful and prosperous era? The young student behind him was startled. He never expected his teacher to hold such high hopes for those people. Although he hadn't seen Prince Ding and his wife with his own eyes, he had overheard their conversation while hiding. As he watched the couple depart, the young man felt there could be no better-matched pair in this world.

"Master will surely see that day come," the young student murmured softly.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Darling, dearest zengfengzhu sweetie, 21 yoyo~ Seeking headpats~