Mo Li

"Ye Li, I challenge you!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the great hall fell into silence. After a long pause, Feng Zhiyao's laughter suddenly rang out. It started as a low, muffled chuckle, but soon he could no longer hold back and burst into outright laughter. This infuriated Lingyun Gongzhu, who glared at him and snapped, "What are you laughing at?!"

Feng Zhiyao wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and waved his hand with a grin. "Nothing, I just felt like laughing." Then he turned to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, silently mouthing a few words. Ye Li, skilled in lip-reading, clearly saw him say, "A beauty's calamity." Though Mo Xiuyao didn’t know exactly what Feng Zhiyao had said, he could guess from his expression and shot him a dangerous glance before ignoring him.

Originally, Lingyun Gongzhu had acted on impulse, but now that the words were out, she doubled down. Tipping her chin up, she demanded, "Well? Do you dare?"

Ye Li sighed helplessly and smiled at Lingyun Gongzhu. "Your Highness, why should I accept your challenge?" Back then, she had accepted challenges for Mo Xiuyao's sake, for the dignity of Prince Ding's Estate, and for her own standing as Princess Ding. But now, she couldn’t think of a single reason to accept Lingyun Gongzhu’s challenge. Judging by the princess’s attire, she was already married—surely she couldn’t still be pining for Mo Xiuyao? As for the dignity of Prince Ding's Estate, it no longer needed her, the princess consort, to defeat a princess from a country that had already been defeated.

"You don’t dare?!" Lingyun Gongzhu sneered.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "I don’t need to." She didn’t have to accept Lingyun Gongzhu’s challenge. No one in this world would dare say she was unworthy of Mo Xiuyao or unfit to be Princess Ding.

At these words, Lingyun Gongzhu’s expression darkened further. Ye Li was right—she didn’t need to accept the challenge. To put it bluntly, given Lingyun Gongzhu’s current reputation and status, she wasn’t even qualified to challenge Princess Ding.

Seeing the awkward tension, the Xiling Emperor quickly interjected, "Lingyun has been spoiled by me since childhood and doesn’t know propriety. Please forgive her, Wang Fei."

Lingyun Gongzhu opened her mouth to retort, but the Xiling Emperor shot her a sharp glare and snapped, "Have you forgotten where you are? Get out!"

Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li’s hand and stood up, smiling at the Xiling Emperor. "Your Majesty, since we’ve already reached an agreement, Xiu Yao and A Li will return to the guesthouse to rest. She’s been rather tired these past few days."

The Xiling Emperor quickly offered, "Why not stay in the palace? I’ve already ordered several halls to be prepared for Prince Ding and your entourage."

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand with a smile. "No need. I’m not particular about accommodations. We’ll take our leave now."

"But… I’ve prepared a banquet to welcome you and Wang Fei…"

Ye Li smiled gently. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. But I truly am exhausted, so I must decline your gracious offer today."Since both Prince Ding and his Princess had spoken thus, the Xiling Emperor could not insist on keeping them. He had no choice but to have someone escort them out. As Mo Xiuyao, holding Ye Li's hand, passed by Lingyun Gongzhu, he paused slightly before continuing onward. Watching Mo Xiuyao and his party leave the main hall, the Xiling Emperor finally relaxed and turned his gaze to Lingyun Gongzhu, frowning with displeasure. "Lingyun, you—?!"

At that moment, Lingyun Gongzhu's face turned deathly pale, and she suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. The Xiling Emperor was startled and immediately ordered attendants to support her, asking, "What happened?" Though this daughter had just embarrassed him greatly, she was still his own flesh and blood. Seeing her suddenly vomit blood, the Emperor couldn't help but feel some concern.

The imperial physician arrived quickly and took Lingyun Gongzhu's pulse, perplexed as he said, "How did Her Highness suddenly sustain internal injuries?" Naturally, no one else understood either. After all, though Lingyun Gongzhu had declared her intent to challenge Princess Ding, no actual fight had taken place. Nor had anyone in the hall so much as touched her. How could she have suddenly suffered internal injuries?

"Prince Ding!" Lingyun Gongzhu wiped the blood from her lips, gritting her teeth in a low voice.

During these days, the entire Western Mausoleum Imperial City was shrouded in undercurrents of unrest. Though the city's guesthouse occupied by Prince Ding's entourage was relatively peaceful due to the Mo Family Army stationed outside, every day still saw various people arriving under all sorts of pretexts—some seeking an audience, others merely to gawk. While the Western Liang imperial family and court still nominally ruled the city, everyone knew that Western Mausoleum Imperial City already belonged to Prince Ding's Estate. Those with quick wits and no intention of following the Xiling Emperor south to Ancheng naturally began scheming to curry favor with Prince Ding's household, hoping to secure a better future for themselves.

Inside the guesthouse, the early winter chill had already begun to seep into the September air of Western Mausoleum Imperial City. Fortunately, Western Liang residences typically had little greenery, so the surroundings didn't appear too desolate. By the artificial hill in the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingbai sat across from each other playing chess. Ye Li watched the game beside Mo Xiuyao, while even the usually restless Feng Zhiyao and Xu Qingfeng sat observing nearby. Neither Mo Xiuyao nor Xu Qingbai employed particularly aggressive strategies in their play, their leisurely back-and-forth moves creating an atmosphere of quiet relaxation. Bored by the game, Feng Zhiyao turned to look at Ye Li seated beside Mo Xiuyao and asked with a smile, "Wang Fei, have you heard about the strange incident in Western Mausoleum Imperial City these past two days?"

Ye Li glanced up at him, puzzled.

Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "I heard yesterday was some Autumn Moon Festival in Western Mausoleum Imperial City—probably some gathering for noble ladies and officials' wives. Didn't they send you any invitations?" He seemed genuinely surprised, as it would be unlike the city's elite to lack such basic awareness. Especially those who had no intention of following the Xiling Emperor south.

After a moment's thought, Ye Li replied, "I did receive several invitations, but I declined them. Did something happen?""It's just as well you declined. I heard that Lingyun Gongzhu went to attend the Autumn Moon Gathering yesterday but was stopped at the door and refused entry." Feng Zhiyao's smile was absolutely dripping with schadenfreude. Who could blame him? That Lingyun Gongzhu woman not only had a sharp, unkind face but also carried herself as if her nostrils were permanently upturned—wasn't she just begging to be hated? Third Master Feng had never been one for generosity of spirit.

"Stopped at the door? Why?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. No matter how arrogant Lingyun Gongzhu might be, she was still a princess of Western Liang and had every right to her haughtiness. Most nobles wouldn't dare confront her directly, let alone deliberately humiliate her like this. Feng Zhiyao chuckled, "Who knows how it happened, but news of Lingyun Gongzhu provoking Princess Ding in the palace has already spread throughout the city. The nobles of Western Liang are all well aware of what happened to Lingyun Gongzhu back in Great Chu. Now that it's being dredged up again, and coincidentally, this year's Autumn Moon Gathering was organized by the Sun family, a wealthy merchant clan in Xiling. The Sun family rose rapidly after the fall of the Murong family and could now be considered the wealthiest in the imperial capital. Originally officials who abandoned their posts to become merchants, they've never gotten along with Lingyun Gongzhu. Now that the imperial capital has changed hands, why would they still hold her in any regard?"

"The Sun family?" Xu Qingbai, who had been playing chess, looked up and asked.

Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow, amused. "What? Does the Fourth Young Master know of them?" Xu Qingbai nodded. "Not long after I arrived in Xiling, the Sun family head sent someone with gifts. I imagine they've been sending gifts to the embassy these past few days as well?"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his head to ponder his next move, while Ye Li and Feng Zhiyao turned to Zhuo Jing, who was standing nearby. These matters were handled by Zhuo Jing and Lin Han. After a moment's thought, Zhuo Jing said, "Indeed, the Sun family has sent many gifts these past few days. Moreover, the Sun family's Young Master Zhang came in person once to request an audience. But since His Highness and Her Highness said they would see no one, I declined on their behalf."

Ye Li asked curiously, "Fourth Brother, is there something wrong with the Sun family?"

Xu Qingbai shook his head. "Not at all. I just think the Sun family head has rather discerning judgment. When I first arrived in Xiling, they were the only ones in the entire capital who came forward to establish ties." Feng Zhiyao shrugged dismissively. "Perhaps he's trying to play both sides. Merchants... they never like putting all their eggs in one basket." Xu Qingbai disagreed. "Given the Sun family's current wealth and status, he can't afford to act recklessly. If you hadn't arrived so quickly, the Sun family might have been in trouble soon enough. Even now... do you think the Xiling Emperor would willingly leave all that wealth to Prince Ding's Estate?"

After a thoughtful pause, Ye Li said, "So... the Sun family head will likely request another audience soon. Yesterday's incident was just their way of signaling their stance to Prince Ding's Estate?" With a click, Xu Qingbai placed another chess piece and smiled. "You could say that.""What does Wang Ye think of this matter?" Feng Zhiyao asked with a smile as he looked at Mo Xiuyao. These past few days, they had received no small number of gifts—gold, silver, jewels, rare antiques, and treasures were naturally commonplace, while some truly priceless rarities weren't even considered unusual. But what was truly baffling were the numerous stunning beauties sent among them. While some were famous courtesans or dancers of peerless beauty, others were actually the sisters or daughters of Western Liang's nobility and wealthy merchants. Although it was common knowledge that Prince Ding was utterly devoted to Princess Ding, there were always those who harbored delusions of testing that devotion. As a result, His Highness Prince Ding found himself, for the first time in his life, banished from the bedroom by his wife and forced to sleep in the study. Watching from the sidelines, Feng Zhiyao couldn't help but sympathize: Wang Ye was truly wronged.

Mo Xiuyao gave Feng Zhiyao a cool glance before casually dropping the chess piece in his hand. "Didn't we agree to leave such trivial matters to Qingbai?" he said indifferently, subtly glancing at Ye Li seated beside him. Xu Qingbai was A Li's cousin, after all, and would naturally know how to handle things without upsetting her. Truthfully, Mo Xiuyao's instinct was to simply kill those who came bearing gifts—especially those foolish enough to offer beauties—but he knew his subordinates would oppose such measures, and even A Li would disapprove.

Seeing that Mo Xiuyao had lost interest in the game, Xu Qingbai also set down his piece with a smile. His gaze flickered with faint amusement as he observed Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. Of course, he had heard about Prince Ding being exiled to the study for two nights, and it had surprised him as well. Over the years, the couple had always been deeply affectionate, never even raising their voices at each other. Given Mo Xiuyao's status, it was impossible that no temptations had come his way, yet Li'er had never shown the slightest hint of jealousy before. This time... could it be that Mo Xiuyao had actually entertained some improper thoughts? Xu Qingbai's refined eyes glinted slightly as he asked with a smile, "Wang Ye flatters me. How could I presume to decide such important matters on my own? Third Master Feng, you seem quite pleased—did they really send some world-shaking beauty this time?"

Feng Zhiyao's lips twitched slightly. What did he mean by "pleased"? As if he were some lecherous fiend! But his amusement at Mo Xiuyao's predicament quickly outweighed his mild irritation. Smiling, he replied, "Fourth Young Master, you wouldn't believe it, but they really did. Just the other day, Western Liang's Marquis Changning sent a pair of stunning temptresses. While not exactly kingdom-toppling beauties, they were undoubtedly rare and exquisite. What's more, they were twins—identical in every way. Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and I stared at them for ages and still couldn't tell them apart."

Zhuo Jing, sitting nearby, rubbed his nose and silently grumbled to himself: Third Master Feng, you were the one who stared at them for ages, and you were the one who couldn't tell them apart. Must you drag us innocent bystanders into this? They had undergone Wang Fei's specialized training—how could they possibly fail to distinguish a pair of twins?Mo Xiuyao listened as Feng Zhiyao enthusiastically introduced the beauties who had been sent over the past few days to Xu Qingbai and Xu Qingfeng. Glancing at Ye Li beside him, whose faint smile mirrored Xu Qingbai's almost exactly, he couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart. Truthfully, he didn’t understand why A Li had suddenly become angry, but he knew it definitely wasn’t just because of those utterly insignificant women. Over the years, A Li had never been truly upset with him—even if she occasionally seemed so, it was more like playful teasing. But this time, Mo Xiuyao genuinely sensed that A Li was truly displeased. But… why exactly?

Watching the faint smile on Ye Li’s lips, Mo Xiuyao grew increasingly agitated and frustrated.

With a cool gaze, he turned to the overly excited Feng Zhiyao and said, “Feng San, since you’re so delighted by this…” Feng Zhiyao blinked, bewildered as he met Mo Xiuyao’s icy stare. Then, in a chilling tone, Mo Xiuyao continued, “The twin sisters sent by Marquis Changning—I’ll bestow them upon you. Though the Marquis’s bloodline is distant, he is still part of the Western Liang imperial family. We must afford him some courtesy. You must… treat those twin beauties well.” The last four words were uttered with deliberate emphasis, and Feng Zhiyao’s heart sank instantly, as if a bucket of cold water had doused his excitement and snapped him back to reality.

Extreme joy begets sorrow—watching one’s superior’s misfortune is never wise. The ancients truly spoke no lies. Feng Zhiyao thought miserably, his face crestfallen.

Having already disposed of two, Mo Xiuyao now considered how to handle the rest. Since A Li disliked him killing indiscriminately, yet keeping them at the posthouse would only sour her mood, he stroked his chin thoughtfully before declaring to Feng Zhiyao, “Issue an order: distribute those women as rewards to the officers, according to their military merits.”

Beside them, Xu Qingfeng and Qin Feng’s expressions shifted slightly. Xu Qingfeng quickly interjected, “Ah—Reporting to Wang Ye, this subordinate will pass.” He was about to marry Tianxiang—what would bringing another woman home look like? Even if Tianxiang didn’t get angry, his parents would surely break his legs. Qin Feng coughed lightly and added, “This subordinate also declines Wang Ye’s generous offer.”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, eyeing Qin Feng. “Qingfeng’s refusal is understandable, but Qin Feng, are you truly declining? You’re already in your thirties—long past due for marriage and children. If I recall, among them is a daughter from a scholarly family. Should I have Feng San assign her to you?” Qin Feng shook his head repeatedly, his face pained. “Many thanks, Wang Ye, but this subordinate must respectfully decline.” Indeed, watching Wang Ye’s misfortune was a dangerous game.

“Qingbai?” Mo Xiuyao turned to Xu Qingbai with a smile. Xu Qingbai remained unflappable. “Thank you for your kindness, Wang Ye. However, the Xu Family’s rules prohibit taking concubines before marriage or before turning forty without an heir.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded cheerfully. “I’m aware. Taking a couple back as maidservants wouldn’t hurt.”

“This one drifts about constantly—it would only disgrace the ladies,” Xu Qingbai replied, his smile unwavering.After dismissing the reluctant subordinates who had been bestowed with the favor of beauties, Mo Xiuyao turned to Ye Li, gently lifting her delicate face as he asked softly, "A Li, are you still angry?" Ye Li smiled faintly at Mo Xiuyao and replied, "What are you talking about, Wang Ye? When was I ever angry?" Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his embrace, burying his face in her fragrant hair as he murmured gloomily, "A Li, please don’t be angry... If you're unhappy... I’ll go and kill all those women!" As he spoke the word "kill," an unconscious sharpness seeped into his tone, carrying a chilling aura.

Ye Li’s heart trembled slightly, and she let out a helpless sigh. "Don’t be ridiculous. We’ve just arrived in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City. If we want to settle in quickly, we can’t afford to antagonize the local nobility too much. Killing them all would be even worse than sending them back outright." Truthfully, Ye Li herself didn’t quite understand why she was upset. She knew Mo Xiuyao’s feelings for her, and she trusted his devotion. Yet, seeing so many beauties sent to him, watching their admiring gazes linger on him, an inexplicable displeasure had surged within her, almost impossible to suppress.

Perhaps it was because she had never truly realized just how many women’s attention and admiration her husband might attract. Though there had been figures like Su Zuidie, Consort Liu, and even Lingyun Gongzhu in the past, Ye Li had never felt that these women could harm her relationship with Mo Xiuyao. But now, as Mo Xiuyao’s status was destined to rise higher, it was inevitable that more and more women would be drawn to him—and more and more people would send an endless stream of stunning beauties his way. And if one day Mo Xiuyao were to rule the world... the ministers would never tolerate an imperial harem with only her in it. Or perhaps it had nothing to do with these distant possibilities at all—she simply felt inexplicably irritated and weary of the current situation.

"If you don’t like them, just kill them. What’s the harm?" Mo Xiuyao muttered sullenly. Raising his head, he cupped Ye Li’s delicate face in his hand, his gaze deep and resolute. "If those so-called nobles make A Li unhappy, then what does it matter if I drive them all away? Here, in Prince Ding's Estate, who dares to speak against me? A Li, don’t be angry with me... it hurts me."

Ye Li sighed softly and leaned into Mo Xiuyao’s embrace, whispering, "I’m not angry about this. Actually..." She exhaled in frustration. "I don’t know why, I just feel a bit unsettled in my heart." She was troubled by these uncontrollable emotions. In both her past and present life, she had rarely experienced moments where her emotions slipped beyond her control. Mo Xiuyao reached up to touch her forehead, concern in his voice. "Are you feeling unwell? Should I call a physician?"

Ye Li shook her head. "I’m fine, really... Maybe it’ll pass in a few days."

"Are you sure?" Mo Xiuyao pressed, though her complexion seemed normal, with no signs of illness.

"Really, I’m fine."

"Then... may your husband return to the bedroom tonight?" Mo Xiuyao asked.Ye Li gazed at him for a long moment before standing up and shaking her head. "My mood still isn't good, so... I'm afraid you'll have to endure sleeping in the study for a few more days, Wang Ye." Watching Ye Li's retreating figure, Mo Xiuyao's calm eyes held a trace of warmth and helplessness.

"Wang Ye." The tranquil garden was now empty except for Mo Xiuyao, the warmth in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by a cold and murderous aura. Qin Feng appeared silently behind Mo Xiuyao. Lowering his gaze, Mo Xiuyao asked, "Has Wang Fei been unwell these past few days? Or has anything been troubling her?"

Qin Feng thought for a moment before shaking his head. "No, Wang Fei's daily routines—eating, dressing, and activities—have all been normal. She hasn't encountered anything unpleasant." Though it was unusual for Wang Fei to banish Wang Ye to the study, Qin Feng didn’t consider it a major issue. What couple didn’t have their occasional quarrels? Though unmarried himself, he had heard married veterans in the army speak of such things. For a man, occasionally sleeping in the study or kneeling on an abacus was perfectly normal.

"Go and ensure Wang Fei's safety. She hasn’t been in the best spirits these past few days..." Mo Xiuyao instructed.

"Yes, this subordinate obeys."

"Reporting to Wang Ye, the Bai family has just sent some gifts," Lin Han announced as he entered.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. If it were just ordinary gifts, there would be no need for a special report. Lin Han continued, "The Bai family sent many lavish gifts, including... four beautiful women and four... young attendants." At the mention of the attendants, Lin Han's expression twisted slightly. The Bai family, true to their reputation as a prestigious clan of Western Liang, certainly thought of everything. Having likely heard that Prince Ding had no interest in women, they had taken an alternative approach—sending ten handsome young men under the guise of maids and attendants.

"The Bai family?" Mo Xiuyao's voice was icy.

Lin Han nodded and said, "Indeed, the chief steward of the Bai family delivered it personally. He also left an invitation, requesting the honor of Wang Ye and Wang Fei's presence at a banquet at the Bai residence."

"Kill him," Mo Xiuyao's eyes flashed with a trace of bloodlust, fleeting yet unmistakable. He added slowly, "No need to inform Wang Fei."