Mo Li

Upon hearing Xu Qingchen's words, Marquis Nan and his son were equally astonished. Despite the long-standing rift between Prince Ding's Estate and the Great Chu, there was still a hidden force lying in wait within Great Chu's borders—one that had remained concealed even amidst the current chaos of war. This revelation left both father and son in awe of Prince Ding's Estate's profound reserves. However, both men knew their boundaries; since Xu Qingchen did not elaborate, they naturally refrained from pressing further.

Marquis Nan gazed at the fluttering banners not far beyond the pass and asked, "Qingchen Gongzi, how do you plan to deal with the Bei Rong and Western Mausoleum armies outside the pass?"

Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "The Bei Rong people are single-mindedly determined to march south and seize Great Chu's territory. They won't engage us in a direct confrontation. As for Western Liang, they're merely posturing, trailing behind the Bei Rong troops and cheering them on. Given that... we'll take care of both forces in one sweep."

Marquis Nan looked at Xu Qingchen and asked, "Does Qingchen Gongzi have such confidence?"

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Military strategy is Marquis Nan's expertise—how could you ask me whether I have confidence? Frankly, I’m ashamed to admit that while I can offer some tactical advice, leading troops and arranging battle formations are not my strengths."

Marquis Nan chuckled. "You’re too modest, Gongzi." Based on Xu Qingchen's earlier plan, it was clear he wasn’t entirely ignorant of military affairs. However, compared to Qingchen Gongzi's literary brilliance and governance talents, this aspect was far less conspicuous.

"It’s not modesty. This battle will require Marquis Nan and General Lü’s full attention," Xu Qingchen said solemnly.

Understanding that Xu Qingchen was entrusting the Flying Goose Pass and the Mo Family Army soldiers to him, Marquis Nan felt a surge of determination and replied earnestly, "Rest assured, Qingchen Gongzi. This old man will not slack in the slightest."

"Excellent," Xu Qingchen nodded with a smile. "Let’s show the Bei Rong people whether the Mo Family Army, after years without battle, has fallen behind them or not."

Though spoken lightly, these words stirred a surge of pride in Marquis Nan’s heart. Though he had fought many battles in his earlier years, he had never imagined leading the Mo Family Army against two formidable enemies—Bei Rong and Western Liang.

That day, outside the Western Mausoleum Imperial City, the atmosphere was tense and the crowds restless. The black-clad soldiers of the Mo Family Army had replaced the original Western Liang defenders on the city walls, marking the complete transfer of the imperial city into the Mo Family Army’s control. Beyond the gates, bright yellow banners embroidered with dragon patterns fluttered in the wind. Rows of carriages of all kinds lined the official road outside the imperial city, awaiting departure. Today was the day the Xiling Emperor officially set out from the imperial city for Ancheng, accompanied by many nobles and court officials who chose to follow him.

As for the common folk, few opted to leave with the Xiling Emperor. For ordinary people, loyalty to the sovereign and patriotism were distant concepts. Moreover, the Western Mausoleum Imperial City had not been forcibly taken by the Mo Family Army but had been surrendered by the Xiling Emperor himself. Thus, even fewer citizens were willing to follow him. The Mo Family Army had always enjoyed a good reputation, and rather than abandoning their ancestral homes for an uncertain future with the Xiling Emperor, most preferred to live peacefully under Prince Ding's rule.Therefore, among the densely packed crowd outside the city, those who came to bid farewell or simply watch the spectacle far outnumbered those who were actually leaving. This couldn’t help but make the Xiling Emperor feel somewhat desolate. However, the world was mostly filled with ordinary people, and the Xiling Emperor naturally didn’t place much importance on these commoners.

"Prince Ding, Wang Fei has arrived."

Since the Xiling Emperor was departing, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li naturally couldn’t miss seeing him off. Fortunately, after several days of rest, Ye Li had already recovered significantly, though Xu Qingbai was still bedridden and unable to move.

Mo Xiuyao wrapped one arm around Ye Li’s waist, shielding her in his embrace without the slightest concern for the onlookers’ gazes. But Ye Li was somewhat surprised to notice that the expressions of those around them, especially the high-ranking officials and nobles, were not the usual reverence and flattery but rather filled with extreme fear. Upon closer inspection, she realized their fearful gazes weren’t directed at her but at the man beside her. Puzzled, she glanced up at Mo Xiuyao.

Because Ye Li was pregnant, and Mo Xiuyao had vaguely sensed that she didn’t approve of his ruthless methods—or perhaps he simply didn’t want her to know about that side of him—no one had told her what had happened during the days she was unconscious after she woke up. Naturally, Ye Li had no idea why these people were so terrified.

"Your Majesty, may your journey be smooth and safe," Mo Xiuyao said with rare courtesy, cupping his hands and smiling broadly at the Xiling Emperor.

The Xiling Emperor was momentarily stunned, feeling almost flattered. He quickly returned the gesture and replied, "Thank you for your kind words, Prince Ding. I also congratulate you and Wang Fei on the joyous news of your impending heir." Ye Li nodded with a faint smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Take care."

Though it was bitter to have to smile at the man who had seized his vast lands and imperial city, the thought of soon leaving this place and escaping the grasp of Mo Xiuyao, the god of slaughter, lent some genuine warmth to the Xiling Emperor’s smile. "Thank you, Wang Fei. I shall take my leave now."

Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "We won’t see you off."

The Xiling Emperor’s dragon carriage stood in the center of the main road not far away, surrounded by the former palace guards, eunuchs, and maids. Behind the carriage were the conveyances of the imperial concubines, princesses, and royal relatives. Watching as the Xiling Emperor was assisted onto the dragon carriage, the others boarded their own vehicles and prepared to depart.

Once the dragon carriage began to move, Mo Xiuyao waved dismissively at the crowd behind him who had come to bid farewell. "Alright, everyone may disperse now." Supporting Ye Li, he turned to head back into the city. The crowd fell silent. Wang Ye, couldn’t you at least pretend a little better? If not watching until they were out of sight, at least wait until the Xiling Emperor’s carriage had moved more than a step away before turning your back.

However, the generals of the Mo Family Army naturally had no objections to this, and the former Xiling nobles had no desire to show respect to their old master in front of their new one. After a moment of silence, the crowd dispersed."Princess Ding... This humble one seeks an audience with Princess Ding..." Just as Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were about to enter the city, they heard a sharp cry from behind. Ye Li turned to see Madam Bai rushing toward her with an anxious expression. Unfortunately, after the recent assassination attempt, all the guards around Ye Li had been replaced by Qilin members upon her awakening. Though Ye Li was somewhat reluctant about this, she understood that the incident had frightened many people and thus remained silent, allowing those who cared for her to feel at ease.

Madam Bai was immediately stopped by Prince Ding's guards the moment she called out for Princess Ding, kept at a distance of over ten steps from Ye Li. Seeing that Ye Li was about to be escorted into the city by Mo Xiuyao, Madam Bai cried out unwillingly, "Princess... This humble one has urgent matters to discuss with the Princess..."

The onlookers remained silent. They were well aware of the Bai family's situation—their young mistress had been executed by Prince Ding that very day. Many speculated when Prince Ding's Estate would move against the Bai family.

Ye Li frowned slightly and after a moment's thought said, "Take Madam Bai to the posthouse." The guards behind her acknowledged the order and swiftly escorted Madam Bai away, disappearing from sight.

The Xiling Emperor had departed, leaving behind an empty imperial palace. Though smaller than both the Great Chu imperial palace and the former dynasty's southern palace, it was still an imperial palace. Since Mo Xiuyao clearly had no intention of relocating to Western Liang, the question of what to do with the palace arose. Historically, former imperial palaces were either repurposed as new dynasty palaces, converted into temporary residences, or left to decay. However, none of these options aligned with Prince Ding's Estate's approach. After consideration, Mo Xiuyao decided to dismantle the emperor-exclusive structures in the front half of the palace and repurpose it as the future administrative headquarters of Western Mausoleum Imperial City. The rear half, comprising the inner palace, would be sealed off temporarily for future decisions.

With their imminent departure from Western Liang, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had no intention of indulging in the novelty of residing in an imperial palace. After seeing off the Xiling Emperor, they returned to their temporary lodgings at the posthouse. Their first order of business was to visit Xu Qingbai, who was still recovering from his injuries.

Though Xu Qingbai's wounds hadn't struck any vital areas, they were severe. Even after several days of rest, he could only sit up in bed, propped against high pillows, to speak with them. When Ye Li entered, Madam Xu was feeding him medicine, much to his discomfort. At his age, and with his hands uninjured, being fed by his mother was somewhat embarrassing. His eyes lit up at the sight of Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, as if they were his saviors. Madam Xu, well aware of his thoughts, snorted lightly and said, "No matter who's here, you're finishing this medicine first!"

Xu Qingbai sighed. "Mother, just hand me the bowl. I can drink it myself." He would rather gulp it down in one go than endure the bitter taste sip by sip. Madam Xu gave him a knowing smile. "So you find the medicine bitter? Then why aren't you resting properly? Did you think I wouldn't notice you reviewing those documents again last night?"These words made Ye Li feel somewhat guilty. If they hadn't been in such a hurry to leave Western Liang, her fourth brother wouldn't have had to endure such unrest even while recuperating from his injuries.

Finally, after Madam Xu had her fill of seeing her son's handsome face twisted in discomfort, she handed him the medicinal pills. Xu Qingbai quickly took them and swallowed most of the bowlful in one gulp, grimacing at the bitterness. Madam Xu exasperatedly popped a candied fruit into his mouth before taking the empty bowl and leaving.

Being seen in such an embarrassing state by his cousin and her husband, even the usually suave Fourth Young Master Xu felt somewhat awkward. He smiled sheepishly at them and asked, "Has the Xiling Emperor left yet?"

Ye Li nodded and sat down by the bed, carefully examining Xu Qingbai's complexion, which looked slightly better than the day before. "We just saw him off. Fourth Brother, are you in such a hurry to look through those documents? You should rest properly while recovering. If anything urgent comes up, Xiu Yao and Feng San can handle it."

Xu Qingbai smiled, "I've been lying in bed for so many days with nothing to do—it's quite boring. I'm just glancing through them casually." Glancing at Mo Xiuyao who had taken a seat on a nearby stool, he asked, "When do you plan to return?"

Now that Great Chu was embroiled in chaos, it would have been the perfect opportunity to annex Western Liang. However, Western Liang was vast in territory. Although they had managed to take the Western Mausoleum Imperial City so easily this time, there was an element of luck involved. If they truly wanted to conquer the entire Western Liang, even three to five years might not be enough. By then, if the Northern Rong and Lei Zhenting managed to firmly establish themselves in Great Chu, the losses would outweigh the gains. After all, no matter how large Western Liang was, it couldn't compare to the fertile and abundant lands of Great Chu.

Mo Xiuyao replied seriously, "In half a month. A Li is pregnant, so we'll need to travel slowly. We can't stay much longer."

Xu Qingbai nodded and calculated, "Half a month should be enough. By then, I should be able to get out of bed too." Mo Xiuyao said, "I've already sent word to Shen Yang. He should arrive before we leave."

Xu Qingbai was taken aback and shook his head with a smile. "That's unnecessary. Shen still needs to take care of Li'er."

Ye Li pressed him down and frowned. "How is it unnecessary? I'm just pregnant, not sick or injured. What I'll need for childbirth is a midwife, not a physician. Besides, it's not like Li Cheng is short of doctors. If you don't recover properly and end up with lasting complications, Aunt will be heartbroken." When Xu Qingbai tried to protest again, Ye Li glared at him and said firmly, "No objections! Shen has already mentioned that he's been stuck in Li Cheng for years and is itching for a change of scenery. Besides, Western Liang is newly under our control. As the saying goes, 'a strong dragon cannot suppress a local serpent.' Having a highly skilled physician with us will give us peace of mind."

Knowing he couldn't win the argument, Xu Qingbai could only smile helplessly in acquiescence.Mo Xiuyao continued, "Another three hundred thousand troops will remain stationed here in Western Liang, under the command of Zhang Qilan. Zhang Qilan is straightforward in character but not obstinate. With one of you handling civil affairs and the other military matters, there shouldn't be any issues. What do you think?" Xu Qingbai naturally had no objections. Although the Mo Family Army had now captured vast territories in Western Liang, he didn't assume everything would be peaceful from now on. Zhang Qilan was a seasoned veteran of the Mo Family Army with extensive experience in leading troops. Having him command the three hundred thousand troops stationed here put Xu Qingbai much more at ease.

Ye Li suddenly remembered Madam Xu's situation and quickly asked, "Will Aunt be returning with us?"

Xu Qingbai gave a helpless bitter smile and shook his head, "Mother knows I'm staying in Western Liang, so she's probably planning to stay here for a while." In fact, Madam Xu's exact words were: "I can't control your elder brother anymore, and your younger brother is even younger than you. I won't return to the Xu Family until I see you married with children!" By now, Madam Xu's standards for a daughter-in-law had lowered from requiring someone from a scholarly family in Great Chu to simply being from a respectable family with a good temperament, regardless of background.

Seeing Xu Qingbai's resigned expression, Ye Li could easily imagine what Madam Xu must have said. After a moment's thought, she smiled in agreement, "In that case, Aunt must be worried about Fourth Brother. It's fine for her to stay in Western Liang for a while. When she starts missing us, we can send someone to bring her back." Mo Xiuyao also had no objections and nodded, "That works perfectly. A Li and I will return to Li Cheng in half a month. We'll entrust everything here to you."

Xu Qingbai hesitated before voicing his concerns, "I don't have much experience in this area, I'm afraid I might..."

Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly as he understood Xu Qingbai's worry. At only twenty-four or twenty-five years old, Xu Qingbai would be governing territory equivalent to one-third of the original Western Liang, making him the highest-ranking regional official among regional officials. It was foreseeable that he might face challenges in gaining immediate respect. While Mo Xiuyao believed in Xu Qingbai's capabilities, abilities needed time to be demonstrated. After they left the imperial city, Xu Qingbai's days might not be easy. Previously, Mo Xiuyao had only considered capability and the fact that Prince Ding's Estate was indeed short-handed, forgetting to account for Xu Qingbai's young age.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly and said with a smile, "I have an idea, but I wonder what Fourth Brother thinks?"

Xu Qingbai smiled at Ye Li, "Li'er always has good ideas. Quickly tell me what you're thinking."

Ye Li said, "Fourth Brother could try inviting Xiuting Mr. from Bian City to come here. Xiuting Mr. has disciples throughout Western Liang. If he could come out to assist you, your work in Western Liang would likely go much smoother." Although Xiuting Mr. had already expressed his willingness to submit to Prince Ding's Estate, scholars—especially those of extraordinary achievement—often had peculiar temperaments. If Ye Li or Mo Xiuyao directly ordered him to come, he would certainly comply, but it might create some resentment or condescension toward Xu Qingbai, which would actually hinder Xu Qingbai's efforts.As a descendant of the Xu Family, Xu Qingbai was naturally well-acquainted with the outstanding scholars and great Confucians of the world, especially since Xiuting Mr. was a figure highly revered by his grandfather, father, and uncles. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded with a smile, "Li'er truly never disappoints Fourth Brother. Fourth Brother knows what to do now." Ye Li smiled gently, "It's us who have troubled Fourth Brother. With that settled, Li'er won’t disturb your rest any longer. Fourth Brother should focus on recovering these days."

Mo Xiuyao helped Ye Li up, and as they turned to leave, he added, "I'll have Feng Huaiting come over later to assist you with the Western Liang merchants' issue."

Xu Qingbai was momentarily taken aback before smiling gratefully, "Thank you, Wang Ye."

Watching the two depart, Xu Qingbai pondered for a while before calling for writing materials to draft a sincere invitation letter to be sent to Bian City. He considered whether he had time to visit Bian City personally, but with his current injuries and the impending departure of Mo Xiuyao and the others, he knew he wouldn’t have the leisure.

Once outside Xu Qingbai’s courtyard, Ye Li turned to Mo Xiuyao with a soft smile, "Xiu Yao, thank you."

Mo Xiuyao paused, looking down at her tenderly, "For what?" Ye Li replied, "For what you’ve done for Fourth Brother." Whether it was summoning Shen Yang to Western Liang or arranging for Feng Huaiting, neither had originally been part of Mo Xiuyao’s plans. Especially Feng Huaiting, who was currently busy consolidating Prince Ding's Estate’s industries and commerce in the northwest. Mo Xiuyao leaned his forehead against hers, nuzzling lightly as he whispered, "Xu Qingbai is your fourth brother, isn’t he? Moreover, he saved you and our child. It’s only right that I treat him well."

Ye Li chuckled, "You’ve always been good to them. I know." Though Mo Xiuyao often went to great lengths to exploit her eldest brother, that treatment was reserved solely for him. He had indeed been quite kind to her other cousins. Like this time—before the campaign against Western Liang, Mo Xiuyao had already planned to leave Xu Qingbai there, paving the way for his future. Xu Qingbai was still young and had rarely been involved in the core affairs of Prince Ding's Estate. But if he could handle the Western Liang matters successfully, his future prospects would rival those of any of the estate’s most trusted aides.

"If A Li is happy, of course I’ll treat them well," Mo Xiuyao said with a smile, lightly nipping her rosy lips. Ye Li gave him a helpless glare, "Then can you be a little nicer to Eldest Brother too?" She really didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire between them. Mo Xiuyao chuckled lowly, "This... how could A Li bear to put her husband in such a difficult position? It pains me so."

Ye Li rolled her eyes, "How is this difficult? Must you always clash with Eldest Brother?"

"Well... who told him to be so annoyingly good-looking? Isn’t the fact that he still can’t find a wife proof enough?" Mo Xiuyao lazily nuzzled her fragrant hair.

"......" So, are you jealous because Eldest Brother is more handsome than you?"Wang Ye, Wang Fei..." As they were leaving Xu Qingbai's courtyard and about to return to their chambers, Ye Li suddenly remembered there was still a Madam Bai who had been brought back and was waiting to request an audience. Thus, Mo Xiuyao had no choice but to accompany Ye Li to meet her, though he was filled with resentment. The moment they stepped into the flower hall, Madam Bai, who had initially intended to greet them, froze in place. Her face turned deathly pale as she watched Mo Xiuyao support Ye Li into the room, forgetting even to step forward and bow.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow but didn’t pay much attention to Madam Bai’s breach of etiquette. She smiled faintly and said, "Madam Bai, what matter brings you to seek an audience with me?"

"This humble one... this humble one..." Madam Bai stared at Mo Xiuyao, her limbs stiff as if frozen. The countless screams from that day and the heart-wrenching cries of her daughter being dragged away seemed to echo in her ears again. Her face grew even more ghastly, and her entire body trembled uncontrollably, as if she might collapse at any moment.

"Madam Bai?" Ye Li frowned. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Madam Bai startled, finally snapping back to her senses. She hurriedly replied, "This humble one... this humble one is fine. Thank you for your concern, Wang Fei... I... I’m alright..."

Ye Li remained silent, though Madam Bai’s appearance was far from "alright."

"Madam Bai, what matter brings you to see me?"

Madam Bai’s face was ashen, and she inwardly lamented her misfortune. With Prince Ding standing right before her, not only could she not bring up the plea she had intended to make, but she couldn’t even muster the words for a simple greeting.

Seeing this, Ye Li turned slightly to glance at Mo Xiuyao. To her surprise, his expression was calm, even bordering on gentle, clearly in a good mood—hardly the kind of demeanor that would frighten someone.

"Xiu Yao?" After a moment's thought, Ye Li decided to quickly dismiss Madam Bai. "It seems Madam Bai wishes to speak with me privately. Why don't you return first?" Mo Xiuyao wrapped an arm around Ye Li and said, "Of course not. If she has something to say, she should say it. Since she hasn't spoken, clearly there's nothing to say. Right, Madam Bai?"

Madam Bai trembled and hastily nodded, "Wang Ye is absolutely right. This humble woman was momentarily confused and disturbed Wang Fei! I... I shall take my leave now!" Without waiting for Ye Li to respond, she stumbled out in a fluster. Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao in confusion, "What was that about?"

Mo Xiuyao shrugged, "Who knows?"

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Had dinner outside and returned late. Apologies~