Mo Li

Killing a few people was not as simple as slaughtering chickens without any consequences. At the very least, it soon became clear that the people they had sent over had not achieved the desired effect. Thus, early the next morning, the head of the Bai Family personally paid a visit.

The Bai Family was known as the foremost noble clan in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City. Their status in Western Liang was comparable to that of the Xu Family in Great Chu in the past. However, while the Xu Family had always prioritized scholarly pursuits over political maneuvering, the Bai Family was the exact opposite. Since the founding of Western Liang, members of the Bai Family had held high-ranking positions in the court for generations. Moreover, many of Western Liang’s imperial consorts had also come from the Bai Family. Over the years, the Bai Family had produced several empresses and over a dozen imperial concubines, earning them the reputation of being the true "imperial in-laws."

However, ever since Regent Prince Lei Zhenting came to power, although the empress was still a Bai woman—and even the once supremely favored Imperial Concubine Su Zuidie had entered the palace under the Bai surname—the family’s influence had subtly declined. Despite their covert dealings with Zhennan Wang, one fact remained: the empress had no sons, and neither the late Wang Fei of Zhennan Wang nor the current Zhennan Wang Shizi bore the Bai surname. This had gradually eroded the Bai Family’s power.

Lei Zhenting was far more cunning and calculating than the weak-willed Xiling Emperor. While he still utilized the Bai Family and did not strip them of their authority simply because they were imperial in-laws, he made sure their influence never flourished as it once had. In recent years, Bai women had rarely been married into the imperial family or Zhennan Wang’s estate, let alone other noble houses. Over time, the Bai Family could not help but notice Zhennan Wang’s deliberate suppression.

A family like the Bai did not place much weight on notions of loyalty to the throne or patriotism. For them, the continuation of their lineage, wealth, and power was paramount. Thus, from the moment the Mo Family Army arrived at the city gates, they had already begun planning their next move. And the Xu Family of Great Chu… was undoubtedly the model they sought to emulate.

The Xu Family had merely married a granddaughter to Prince Ding, yet their influence within Prince Ding’s Estate was now unparalleled. The Bai Family had no intention of replacing Princess Ding, but if Prince Ding took a liking to one of their women, their status in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City would far surpass that of other noble families in Western Liang.

Among the eight men and women sent as servants, there had been two illegitimate daughters and one illegitimate son from the Bai Family. However, after entering the posthouse, there had been no further news of them. Since the Mo Family Army was on campaign, they had not brought maids or servants. Aside from those personally attending to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, most of the laborers in the posthouse were still Western Liang locals. While these noble families could do little else, gathering information was within their means. Yet, despite the posthouse’s modest size, there was no trace of those people—clearly, they had met a grim fate. How could the head of the Bai Family not be anxious?

"Family Head Bai, His Highness requests your presence."

Having been left waiting in the outer hall for half an hour with only tea to occupy him, the Bai Family head felt a mix of impatience and displeasure, though none of it showed on his face. When Lin Han came to relay the message, the family head displayed none of the arrogance typical of a noble patriarch. Instead, he nodded politely and smiled. "Thank you, young master. Please lead the way."Mo Xiuyao received the head of the Bai family in the small courtyard of the posthouse as usual. The posthouse wasn’t particularly large, with the inner courtyard serving as the residence for Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. Given that Ye Li had been in low spirits these days, Mo Xiuyao naturally forbade outsiders from disturbing her, so official matters were typically handled in the study of the outer courtyard. When Lin Han led the Bai family head into the garden, Mo Xiuyao was seated under a tree, slowly carving something in his hands. The Bai family head glanced over and saw that it was a hairpin already taking shape. Though he couldn’t discern the design at a glance, the careful way Mo Xiuyao carved and polished it suggested it must be something of great importance. Moreover, just the quality of the jade alone—the Bai family head’s heart twitched. It was a piece of top-grade white Warm Jade, a rarity even in the entire Western Liang. Currently, there was only one such piece in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City, which the Bai family head had once coveted greatly but was ultimately bought by the Sun family. More importantly, the precious jade he had once dreamed of commissioning a master carver to craft into a rare treasure had now become an unremarkable hairpin in Prince Ding’s hands. For a moment, the Bai family head couldn’t help but feel deeply aggrieved.

Mo Xiuyao paid no attention to the person standing nearby, frowning slightly as he held the carving knife in one hand and the jade hairpin in the other. It had been too long since he’d last worked with his hands, and his skills had grown rusty...

“Bai Yuncheng of the Bai family of Western Liang greets His Highness Prince Ding.” The Bai family head understood that if he didn’t speak up, he might stand there for hours without Prince Ding acknowledging him. Though he felt slightly awkward, recalling the analysis his advisors had given him about the prospects of Prince Ding’s Estate, he decided he could endure it.

Mo Xiuyao carefully placed the jade hairpin and carving knife into a sandalwood box beside him before finally looking up at Bai Yuncheng. He nodded and said, “Ah, the Bai family patriarch. A pleasure. Please, have a seat.” Bai Yuncheng’s lips twitched as he glanced around and replied, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I’ll stand.” There were no chairs in sight—not even a stone stool. Mo Xiuyao himself was casually seated on a rock by the artificial hill, with no intention of preparing a seat for his guest.

Mo Xiuyao arched an eyebrow indifferently. “As you wish, Bai family head.”

Bai Yuncheng inwardly sighed in frustration. Was this really his wish? He was, after all, the patriarch of a prominent family and of considerable age—how could he possibly sit on the ground like this?

“What brings the Bai family head here today?” Mo Xiuyao asked idly. Bai Yuncheng replied respectfully, “Your Highness and Wang Fei have just arrived in the imperial city. As a local, I wished to extend my hospitality. I humbly request the honor of your presence.” Mo Xiuyao shook his head with a helpless expression. “It’s not that I wish to slight you, Bai family head, but Wang Fei has been unwell these past few days. I’m afraid I must decline your kind invitation.”

Bai Yuncheng’s heart leapt with joy. Including Wang Fei in the invitation had merely been a formality. While the Bai family wished to send someone into Prince Ding’s Estate, they had no intention of offending Wang Fei. Her absence was ideal.

“Then perhaps Your Highness alone...” Bai Yuncheng ventured tentatively.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head again. “With Wang Fei unwell, I am too unsettled to go out.”Thus, Bai Yuncheng could only force a smile in response. Prince Ding had already rejected him so clearly and decisively; there was nothing more he could say without risking the opposite effect. After some thought, Bai Yuncheng could only try to shift to a topic that might interest the prince. "In a little over a month, His Majesty will be relocating the capital to Ancheng. Might I ask if Your Highness has any plans to... move temporarily to the imperial city?"

Although Bai Yuncheng had never been to the northwest, he had some understanding of Li Cheng. To those accustomed to the imperial city, Li Cheng seemed rather unimpressive. It wasn’t that Li Cheng wasn’t prosperous—in fact, under Prince Ding’s governance over the years, its prosperity had already matched that of Chu Jing and the Western Mausoleum Imperial City. Achieving such results in just a few years was a testament to Prince Ding’s capabilities. However, the most important place in Li Cheng, Prince Ding’s Estate, paled in comparison to the palaces of Chu Jing and Western Liang. Even after all these years, it remained merely a grander and more imposing residence than others. Thus, in Bai Yuncheng’s view, it was almost certain that Mo Xiuyao would relocate the political center of Prince Ding’s Estate to the Western Mausoleum Imperial City.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, his expression indifferent. "The Western Mausoleum Imperial City is not suitable as a royal capital." While the Western Mausoleum Imperial City was indeed majestic and grand, it was simply too far from the Central Plains. Any ruler with ambitions to dominate the Central Plains would never choose it as their capital. After all, the ultimate aspiration of warlords raised in Central Plains culture was to unify the heartland, not to rule the Western Regions. The founding ancestor of Western Liang had chosen this location largely because the Great Chu was too powerful at the time.

Bai Yuncheng was no fool either. After a brief moment of reflection, he understood Mo Xiuyao’s meaning. A tremor ran through him, and his gaze toward Mo Xiuyao grew even more reverent. Many had speculated whether Mo Xiuyao’s sudden attack on Western Liang was opportunistic or premeditated. But looking at the young, white-haired prince before him, Bai Yuncheng suddenly believed this was undoubtedly part of Mo Xiuyao’s long-standing plan. The realization made his eyes gleam with determination, his resolve growing firmer.

"Your Highness’s vision is truly profound. I am in awe. The Bai family is willing to serve with utmost loyalty, and we hope Your Highness will not reject us," Bai Yuncheng said respectfully.

Mo Xiuyao lifted his gaze, calmly studying the middle-aged man before him. Bai Yuncheng felt an inexplicable pressure bearing down on him, as if the weight of the heavens was pressing upon his shoulders. Had he not been cautious, he might have collapsed to his knees on the spot. This palpable aura of authority was something he had never experienced, not even in the presence of Zhennan Wang. Maintaining his respectful demeanor, beads of sweat formed on Bai Yuncheng’s forehead. After a long silence, Mo Xiuyao finally spoke in his usual composed tone. "There is no need for such formalities, Head of the Bai family. I will soon return to Li Cheng, and I will rely on your assistance in many matters here."

Overjoyed, Bai Yuncheng quickly responded, "Thank you, Your Highness. The Bai family will not fail you."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and was about to say more when Zhuo Jing entered and announced, "Your Highness, the head of the Sun family requests an audience."Upon hearing this, Bai Yuncheng's heart sank. Originally, the Bai and Sun families—one in politics and the other in commerce—had no real conflicts or deep-seated grudges between them. However, when Zhennan Wang held power, although the Sun family was not a staunch loyalist to the royal lineage, they harbored no goodwill toward him either. Zhennan Wang had repeatedly extorted large sums of gold and silver from the Sun family during his military campaigns, all facilitated by the Bai family. By the time the Bai family realized Zhennan Wang was deliberately sowing discord among the noble families, the enmity had already taken root. Over the years, the Sun and Bai families engaged in both overt and covert struggles, while Zhennan Wang remained neutral, even lending support to whichever side was weaker, deepening the rift between them. Now, neither side had any intention of reconciliation.

Having recently pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate, Bai Yuncheng naturally did not wish to see the Sun family gain more prestige than his own. Unfortunately, he had no say in the matter. Mo Xiuyao, out of regard for the exquisite Warm Jade, would not refuse to meet the Sun family's representative.

Sure enough, upon hearing Zhuo Jing's words, Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Invite them in."

Before long, the head of the Sun family strode in. Unlike Bai Yuncheng, who was over fifty, the Sun family's leader was entirely different—most notably, she was a woman. The Sun family's head was not yet thirty, her appearance not exceptionally beautiful but dignified, with an air of brisk efficiency uncommon among women. Clearly a person of strong character, it was no surprise she had dared to slight Lingyun Gongzhu. She was the widow of the former Sun family head, who had been frail since childhood. After her marriage, Madam Sun had taken charge of most family affairs. Three years ago, when the former head passed away, leaving only a daughter, Madam Sun, as a widow, managed to suppress the ambitions of collateral relatives coveting the Sun family's wealth. She assumed leadership as the widow, waiting for her only daughter to come of age and take a son-in-law to continue the family line. Though Western Liang's restrictions on women were less stringent than those in Great Chu, Madam Sun's ability to hold her ground in the imperial city, surrounded by formidable adversaries, spoke volumes about her acumen and methods.

"Sun Yushi, also known as Huiniang, greets Prince Ding," Madam Sun introduced herself. Unlike most women who used humble terms like "this humble one" or "your servant," she addressed herself as "this one," exuding a straightforward and dignified demeanor that instantly won favor.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "I have long heard that the Sun family's head is a woman of remarkable capability. Today, I see the reputation is well-deserved. Madam Sun, please take a seat."

Madam Sun thanked him with a smile and, without hesitation, sat on a stone not far from Mo Xiuyao's side. Turning to Lin Han behind him, Mo Xiuyao said, "Go see if Wang Fei is free. Didn't she mention wanting to meet Madam Sun the other day?" Madam Sun quickly interjected, "How could I presume? It is I who should pay my respects to Wang Fei."

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "A Li doesn't mind such formalities." Besides, the courier station was not as spacious as the original estate, and neither Ye Li nor Mo Xiuyao wished for outsiders to enter the inner quarters where they temporarily resided.

Lin Han departed to carry out the order, and Mo Xiuyao remarked lightly, "I presume the Bai family head and Madam Sun are already acquainted?"With his discerning eye, even if he hadn't known beforehand, it would have been impossible for him not to notice the discord between these two families. However, neither Madam Sun nor Bai Yuncheng dared to show it in his presence. As people in positions of power themselves, they naturally understood Prince Ding's perspective. Those in authority couldn't afford to spend large amounts of time mediating conflicts among their subordinates, nor would they favor one side over another simply because of existing tensions. As long as their disputes didn't interfere with the affairs of Prince Ding's Estate, the prince had no intention of intervening—but neither could they allow their conflicts to become a nuisance to him.

Madam Sun smiled faintly and said, "Prince Ding is right. The Sun and Bai families have long resided in the imperial capital, so naturally, we are old acquaintances. It is my great honor to meet the Bai family head here today."

Bai Yuncheng twitched his lips into a smile and replied, "Madam Sun is too modest. You are so occupied with your duties that we rarely meet, yet you remain as radiant as ever." A cold glint flashed in Madam Sun's eyes, though her lips curved into a polite smile. "You flatter me, Family Head Bai." As a widow, even Madam Sun had to tread carefully. She particularly despised when others commented on her appearance. On one hand, as a bereaved woman, she couldn't dress too ostentatiously; on the other, if someone interpreted her "radiance" too deeply, they might assume she was being unfaithful to her late husband.

"Wang Fei has arrived."

At the announcement from the guards at the entrance, Mo Xiuyao immediately set aside his conversation with Bai and Sun and went to greet her. Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun both looked over curiously, eager to catch a glimpse of the famed Princess Ding, whose reputation had spread far and wide and who had captured Prince Ding's heart so completely. Ye Li was dressed simply in a pale green gown with subtle embroidery, her hair loosely tied up with a single tasseled hairpin slanting to one side. As she moved, the jade beads dangling near her cheeks swayed gently, accentuating her delicate, almost fragile demeanor. Only upon closer inspection could one see the pallor of her face and the faint shadows under her eyes—proof that Prince Ding's claim of her being unwell was no mere excuse. Yet, the renowned Princess Ding was not famous for her beauty but for her intellect and martial prowess. Having missed her grand entrance into the city, the two were momentarily taken aback—how could the legendary warrior princess be such a slender, youthful woman?

"A Li, are you still unwell? I'll have Zhuo Jing fetch the physician from outside the city to examine you." Seeing Ye Li looking even more exhausted than the day before, Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms anxiously, carefully supporting her waist. Ye Li smiled faintly. "It's nothing. I just didn't sleep well last night."

"So without me to take care of you, A Li can't sleep properly?" Mo Xiuyao's expression immediately turned smug. Disregarding her protests, he declared firmly, "Tonight, I shall stay and look after you. I won't have you losing sleep again. With no one to attend to you, how could I possibly rest easy leaving you alone?"

Ye Li shot him an exasperated glance before turning her gaze calmly toward Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun. Neither of them misinterpreted the situation—they assumed the princess had been quarantined to avoid passing her illness to the prince. Still, they were astonished that Prince Ding would go so far as to personally tend to his wife like a servant. Bai Yuncheng was concerned, while Madam Sun felt a pang of envy.

"Greetings, Wang Fei," they said in unison, rising to their feet.

Ye Li nodded slightly and replied with a gentle smile, "Family Head Bai, Madam Sun, there's no need for formalities."The two thanked Ye Li, who then said, "I've prepared some tea and snacks ahead. Why don't we move there for a short rest?" Naturally, they couldn't refuse and respectfully invited Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to go first.

It was just around the corner, where tea and snacks were indeed laid out on a stone table. After the host and guests took their seats, Madam Sun glanced at Ye Li and asked with concern, "Wang Fei looks a bit pale. Are you feeling unwell?"

Bai Yuncheng wouldn't let Madam Sun steal the spotlight and immediately added with a smile, "My humble residence happens to have a few exceptionally skilled physicians. Perhaps I could send them over to serve Wang Fei?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "You're both very kind. It's probably just fatigue from our recent arrival in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City—nothing serious." This wasn't an excuse. Apart from some minor health issues during her pregnancy with Mo Xiaobao and childbirth, Ye Li had always been in excellent health. Over the years, Shen Yang and Doctor Lin had carefully nursed her back to full recovery. Recently, she had felt inexplicably irritable, but physically, there was no real discomfort. Ye Li firmly believed that all medicine was somewhat toxic, so she saw no need to consult a physician when there was no illness.

Madam Sun said, "Li Cheng and the Imperial City are quite far apart, and the climates differ significantly. It's understandable if Wang Fei hasn't adjusted yet. My household is quite knowledgeable about dietary remedies. I'll have someone send over some recipes later—perhaps Wang Fei could try them." Since Madam Sun offered, Ye Li had no reason to refuse and thanked her with a smile. Bai Yuncheng chimed in, "The chefs in my residence excel in Eastern Chu cuisine. Wang Fei might find Western Liang's dishes unappetizing. I'll send them over for Wang Fei's convenience."

"I'm not that delicate. I wouldn't dare trouble the Bai family head," Ye Li replied.

Bai Yuncheng smiled. "It would be their honor to serve Wang Fei."

Ye Li was no stranger to social graces. Having accepted the Sun family's goodwill, she couldn't slight the Bai family. The art of balance wasn't something to be handled carelessly according to personal whims. She nodded without further refusal. "Then I thank the Bai family head." Bai Yuncheng hastily expressed his humility.

Mo Xiuyao held a teacup in one hand while his other, beneath the table, grasped Ye Li's. Frowning slightly at the coolness of her touch, he thought to himself that A Li had always been healthy, so her current slightly cold constitution wasn't ideal—she really ought to replenish her health properly. Thus, his expression softened further toward Madam Sun and Bai Yuncheng.

The four chatted over tea, observing all proper etiquette between host and guests—if one ignored the subtle undercurrents of rivalry between Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun. In truth, it was less a mutual struggle and more Bai Yuncheng's one-sided targeting of Madam Sun, while she seemed somewhat indifferent toward him.

Madam Sun saw things clearly: no matter how attentive Bai Yuncheng was now, the Bai family would inevitably offend Princess Ding sooner or later. This had been predetermined by the Bai family's inherent nature. Since Western Liang's founding, the Bai family had been a consort clan—to put it bluntly, they climbed the social ladder through marital connections. Throughout history, the Bai family had produced few truly exceptional figures, yet they boasted several chancellors and numerous high-ranking officials, all thanks to the status of their daughters in the imperial harem. Thus, while the Bai family had long been a prominent clan in Western Liang, established families with real capability and heritage secretly looked down upon them.Now that the Bai family has pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate, none of its members, including the family head Bai Yuncheng, possess exceptional talent or capability. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been so easily suppressed by Zhennan Wang for so many years. Even with an Empress in the palace, they still couldn’t turn their fortunes around. If the Bai family wishes to regain their former lofty status and glory within Prince Ding's Estate, they have no choice but to continue down the same path they once took. This, without a doubt, will inevitably provoke Prince Ding's Estate and the Xu Family. For this reason, Madam Sun saw no need to engage in a life-or-death struggle with Bai Yuncheng in front of Prince Ding and Princess Ding, needlessly giving them the impression that she was quarrelsome.

However, Bai Yuncheng did not see it that way. In his view, it was utterly intolerable to be overshadowed by Madam Sun—a mere woman and a widow at that—in front of Prince Ding. Moreover, the enmity between the Sun and Bai families was irreconcilable. If the Sun family gained favor, they would surely seek revenge for past grievances. Given that, it was better for the Bai family to strike first!

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Apologies for the late return today...