Mo Li

In the study of the Bai residence, Bai Yuncheng was discussing strategies with his branch family brothers and advisors when the steward hurriedly came to report, "Master, Third Master Feng and Third Young Master Xu are here." Bai Yuncheng's heart immediately sank. Feng Zhiyao was Mo Xiuyao's trusted confidant, and Xu Qingfeng was none other than the third young master of the Xu Family—the cousin of the injured Xu Qingbai. What good could come from these two arriving together?

"Did Third Master Feng say anything?" Bai Yuncheng asked.

The steward's face was also pale as he replied, "Third Master Feng only said he was here on the Prince's orders to speak with you, Master. He didn’t elaborate. However… Third Young Master Xu has brought many guards with him, and it seems… they’ve surrounded our residence."

Hearing this, everyone in the study was startled, their expressions growing even more grim. After a long silence, Bai Yuncheng finally sighed deeply and said, "Very well, I’ll go see them."

Accompanied by the steward, he arrived at the main hall, where he saw Feng Zhiyao, dressed in red, seated leisurely, while Xu Qingfeng, clad in black, stood nearby. When Bai Yuncheng entered, Feng Zhiyao rose from his seat and cupped his hands in greeting, smiling warmly. "Master Bai, forgive the intrusion."

Xu Qingfeng, however, remained silent, his expression cold and unyielding. Bai Yuncheng forced a stiff smile and returned the gesture. "Not at all. The presence of Third Master Feng and Third Young Master Xu brings great honor to our humble home. Please, won’t you both sit and have some tea?"

Xu Qingfeng rejected the offer outright. "No need. I’m not here for tea."

Bai Yuncheng was taken aback. He had assumed that, as a member of the Xu Family, Xu Qingfeng would be as refined and courteous as Xu Qingbai, despite being a martial artist. He hadn’t expected such bluntness, leaving no room for pleasantries. Feng Zhiyao, unbothered, offered a half-hearted smile. "Pay him no mind, Master Bai. He’s in a foul mood."

Bai Yuncheng asked cautiously, "Has our household somehow failed in its hospitality?"

Xu Qingfeng sneered. "No one would be in a good mood after hearing that someone wants to kill their cousin’s unborn child."

Bai Yuncheng paled in shock, forcing a laugh. "Third Young Master, you jest! The Wang Fei is noble and dignified—who would dare commit such treasonous acts…?"

Feng Zhiyao flicked open his folding fan with a sigh, gazing at Bai Yuncheng with something akin to pity. "Master Bai, what Brother Xu says is true. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have troubled you with this visit. I’ve come on the Prince’s orders… to investigate this matter."

Bai Yuncheng’s smile had long frozen into a mask, unable to conceal the shock he struggled to suppress. "Third Master Feng… what do you mean by this?"

Feng Zhiyao wasted no time with pleasantries. "I’ve received word that your wife harbors murderous intentions toward the Wang Fei. The Prince is furious. However… given that the Bai Family is not like others, the Prince is willing to extend you some courtesy. Please summon your wife so we may confront her directly. If this proves to be baseless, I can at least return with a clear report for the Prince and Wang Fei."

"This…" Bai Yuncheng inwardly panicked. His wife had just confessed her thoughts to him moments ago, and now Prince Ding’s men were at his door. He couldn’t tell whether Feng Zhiyao had obtained concrete evidence or if someone in his household had overheard his wife’s words and reported them to Prince Ding’s Estate.Feng Zhiyao raised his sword-like brows slightly and smiled faintly, "This is also an opportunity for the Bai family head to prove his innocence. If you keep evading like this, could it be that the rumors aren't unfounded? Although the Bai family appears submissive to Prince Ding's Estate, do you secretly harbor rebellious intentions?"

"How could that be?!" Bai Yuncheng quickly replied, "In that case, I'll have my wife come out immediately." As he spoke, he was about to summon someone to fetch Madam Bai when Feng Zhiyao waved his hand with a smile, "No need for such trouble. It would be quicker if we go ourselves."

"This... the inner courtyard might be..." Bai Yuncheng wanted to refuse, but Feng Zhiyao said calmly with a faint smile, "The people we brought all know the rules. As long as your people keep their mouths shut, naturally no rumors will spread." Under Feng Zhiyao's half-smiling gaze and Xu Qingfeng's cold stare, Bai Yuncheng had no choice but to relent. "Very well, Third Master Feng, Third Young Master Xu, please."

Bai Yuncheng led the two straight to Madam Bai's courtyard in the inner quarters. As they approached the courtyard gate, they heard cries and screams from within. Bai Yuncheng's heart tightened, and without regard for Feng Zhiyao and Xu Qingfeng, he hurried inside. Upon entering, he saw Madam Bai lying on the ground, a pool of dark red blood beneath her, with a small dagger embedded in her abdomen. The way one of her hands gripped the dagger made it appear as if she had committed suicide. Bai Yuncheng recognized the dagger—it was the one Bai Qingning had always been fond of and often played with.

Seeing that Madam Bai was already dead, Bai Yuncheng's first reaction was actually relief, followed by a faint sorrow at the death of his wife. Turning around, he saw Feng Zhiyao and Xu Qingfeng approaching side by side. Bai Yuncheng said mournfully, "Third Master Feng, Third Young Master Xu, my wife... she..." was murdered.

Feng Zhiyao wouldn't give him the chance. After a glance, he frowned and said, "What happened here? Did Madam Bai take her own life?"

Xu Qingfeng crossed his arms and sneered coldly, "Naturally, it's a guilty conscience. Let's go in and see for ourselves." After walking a few steps inside, they indeed saw Bai Qingning's memorial tablet, with a stick of incense that had just been lit placed in front of it. Feng Zhiyao turned to Bai Yuncheng and let out a cold laugh, "Family Head Bai, how do you explain this?" Bai Yuncheng forced himself to remain calm and said, "I don't understand what Third Master Feng means. What's wrong with my daughter's memorial tablet?"

Feng Zhiyao scoffed and said indifferently, "Are you trying to fool me, Feng San, into thinking I'm some illiterate from a lowly background? Even when offering sacrifices to memorial tablets, who would place one in their own bedroom?"

Bai Yuncheng's face paled as he said, "My wife doted on our daughter since childhood. Now that she's suddenly lost her, she..."

"So she harbored resentment and wanted to assassinate Princess Ding to take revenge on Prince Ding's Estate?" Feng Zhiyao interjected.

Bai Yuncheng said sharply, "Third Master Feng, this is slander!"

Feng Zhiyao replied calmly, "Whether it's slander or not, Family Head Bai can explain it to His Highness in person." Bai Yuncheng looked nervously toward the door, where a row of black-clad figures stood, filling him with despair. Under the gazes of Feng Zhiyao and Xu Qingfeng, he finally lowered his head in defeat.In the ninth month of the Western Mausoleum Imperial City, though there was no war, the air remained thick with bloodshed and turmoil. Following the massacre on Sun Family Garden Street days prior, the Bai family—known as the clan of imperial consorts—also met its downfall. Madam Bai, seeking vengeance for her daughter, attempted to assassinate the Wang Fei (Princess Consort). After her plot was exposed, she took her own life. The entire Bai family was arrested and imprisoned. Though not executed immediately, the nobility of Western Liang had already lost interest in their fate. The previous assassination attempt on the Wang Fei had implicated half the imperial city’s inhabitants. Now, with the Bai family’s repeat offense, did they intend to drag down the remaining half? Such fools deserved death—who would dare associate with them now?

The Sun Household

Madam Sun sat in the study with her well-behaved daughter, reviewing account books, when a servant reported the Bai family’s confiscation. She didn’t even blink, replying indifferently, “Understood. You may leave.”

The servant bowed and withdrew. Only after a long while did Madam Sun set down the ledger and glance at her daughter with a faint smile. “Xiaofu, can you understand any of this?”

Sun Xiaofu, barely seven or eight years old, naturally couldn’t decipher the dense columns of numbers. She shook her head, a mix of frustration and shyness coloring her voice. “Mother, Xiaofu is so useless…”

Madam Sun chuckled softly, ruffling her daughter’s hair. “When I was your age, I couldn’t read these either. You’ll learn in time.”

Xiaofu nodded obediently. After hesitating, she finally asked, “Mother… is Aunt Bai… dead?” Though young, Xiaofu often accompanied her mother in social circles and recognized most noblewomen in the capital.

Madam Sun smiled. “Who knows? Why would you think they’re dead?”

Xiaofu trembled slightly, tiny hands clutching her mother’s sleeve. “Xiaofu heard Prince Ding killed so many people… Sister Zhao, Brother Qian’s family… they were all killed…”

A child her age shouldn’t comprehend death, but Xiaofu had been present during the assassination attempt. Though shielded by her mother, she’d still glimpsed the bloodied corpses. In her young mind, her playmates had “died” by turning into those broken, blood-soaked bodies—a sight terrifying enough to haunt a seven-year-old.

“Are you afraid of Prince Ding?” Madam Sun gazed down at her daughter with a soft sigh.

“Mm.” Xiaofu nodded emphatically. The white-haired, white-robed elder brother, though beautiful, terrified her.

Madam Sun’s eyes held faint sorrow but deeper resignation. “You needn’t fear him, Xiaofu. Prince Ding and Princess Ding aren’t evil. Many covet the legacy your father left us. Only by aligning with Prince Ding’s Estate can I protect what’s rightfully yours. So if you ever meet them, you mustn’t show fear—understand? They’re good people. They won’t harm you.”Sun Xiaofu looked at her mother with confusion. Everything her mother said was right, but... could Prince Ding, who had killed so many people, really be a good person? Good people... weren't they supposed to not do bad things? Killing... should count as a bad deed, right? As if understanding her daughter's thoughts, Madam Sun sighed softly and said, "Some people may have killed many, but that doesn't necessarily make them bad. Sometimes, it's because they had no choice." Meeting her daughter's bewildered gaze, Madam Sun gently patted her little head and smiled. "You'll understand when you grow up, Xiaofu."

"Sun Yushi Huiniang greets Wang Ye and Wang Fei." In the study of the posthouse, Madam Sun led her daughter in a respectful bow to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao glanced up at her and said indifferently, "Rise." Madam Sun thanked him and quietly urged her daughter, "Xiaofu, greet Wang Ye and Wang Fei properly." Despite thorough coaching at home, Sun Xiaofu faltered. The sight of Mo Xiuyao seated at the head of the room frightened her into silence, and she clung to her mother's sleeve, too scared to step forward.

Ye Li smiled and shook her head at Madam Sun. "She's still young. Don't force her."

Madam Sun gave a helpless smile, her eyes betraying a trace of worry as she watched her daughter. Only after the nursemaid had taken Sun Xiaofu away did Madam Sun compose herself and bow deeply again to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. "The assassination attempt on Wang Fei was due to my poor arrangements. I beg Wang Ye to punish me." Though Mo Xiuyao had not vented his anger on them these past days, the astute Madam Sun knew that the incident had left him dissatisfied with the Sun family. With the Western Mausoleum Imperial City newly under his control, Mo Xiuyao couldn't afford to alienate all the nobles and merchants. Moreover, the Sun family had been the first to pledge allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate. Now that the Bai family was gone, Mo Xiuyao wouldn't move against the Suns—at least not yet. But inaction now didn't guarantee safety in the future. As the acting head of the Sun family, she bore the responsibility, despite being a woman.

True to her fears, Mo Xiuyao regarded her coldly in silence. The unspoken pressure weighed heavily on her, and she bowed her head under the strain.

Seated beside him, Ye Li reached out and lightly touched Mo Xiuyao's hand, offering a faint smile. His expression softened slightly, and he said calmly, "Since Wang Fei has interceded on your behalf, punishment is unnecessary. The Princess and I will soon depart the imperial city. From now on, you must assist the Fourth Young Master in governing Western Liang. Do you understand?" Relief washed over Madam Sun, and she bowed deeply to Ye Li. "This humble one thanks Wang Fei for your great mercy."

Ye Li smiled faintly and gestured for her to rise. "There's no need. This matter wasn't your fault to begin with." Indeed, Madam Sun had been unfairly blamed. The Autumn Flower Gathering had been organized to connect Prince Ding's Estate with potential allies—how could she have foreseen the assassination attempt? Besides, what power did the Sun family have to resist the trusted agents and elite forces under Zhennan Wang? For a young woman raising a daughter alone while managing such a vast household, it was already an immense challenge. As long as she didn't overstep, Ye Li was willing to extend her some grace and courtesy.Madam Sun was even more grateful to Ye Li. She understood clearly that although she could manage the Sun family's business, she was not particularly outstanding compared to the talented individuals under Prince Ding's command. Even in terms of family wealth, the Han and Feng families in Li Cheng were likely far above the Sun family. Gaining Prince Ding's attention was already difficult, but with the Wang Fei's support, at least ordinary people wouldn't dare to bully her, a widow with children. Thus, her gaze toward Ye Li grew even more sincere. Madam Sun bowed to Ye Li again in gratitude before rising.

"Has the Bai family's matter been settled?" Mo Xiuyao asked once Madam Sun stood up. The Bai family was a prominent noble house in Western Liang, with countless properties under their name, not to mention the treasures bestowed by generations of Xiling Emperors and Empresses. Even Madam Sun, who had been ordered to oversee the confiscation, was astonished. Madam Sun nodded, "It has been settled. All properties under the Bai family have been accounted for and sealed in the study, awaiting Fourth Young Master's inspection once he recovers. Additionally, there are 57,000 taels of silver, 12,000 taels of gold, 873,000 taels of silver in banknotes, 100,000 taels of gold notes, 678 pieces of rare antiques, 34 chests of jewelry, 275 scrolls of valuable paintings, and 452 volumes of rare ancient books. The total confiscated assets from the Bai family amount to five million taels. Everything has been recorded. Please review it, Wang Ye and Wang Fei. Once Fourth Young Master takes charge of the imperial city, arrangements can be made to transport them to Li Cheng." As she spoke, Madam Sun retrieved a thin ledger from her sleeve and presented it.

Mo Xiuyao took it and glanced through it, smiling faintly. "It seems Western Liang isn't impoverished after all. Could this be considered wealth hidden among the people?" He then handed the ledger to Ye Li. Flipping through it, Ye Li was also surprised, though considering the vast, nearly incalculable wealth of Prince Ding's Estate, it didn't seem so unbelievable. This was the true foundation of a centuries-old noble family. In contrast, families like the Ye family, who would panic over mere tens of thousands of taels, were clearly nouveau riche or upstarts. Still, the Bai family's assets seemed excessive. However, recalling that the Bai family had produced several Empresses and over a dozen imperial consorts over generations, their close ties to the royal family made such wealth understandable.

After some thought, Ye Li said, "Send the banknotes, silver, and gold to Fourth Brother. Supplying the salaries and provisions for 300,000 troops from Li Cheng would be too cumbersome."

Mo Xiuyao nodded without hesitation. "A Li is right. Have Zhuo Jing deliver them later."

Ye Li nodded and set the matter aside, turning her attention back to the ledger. "As for these antiques... bringing them all back would be troublesome. Just select a few to take. Also, I noticed two swords listed here, along with two others gifted recently. Give one each to General Zhang, General Lü, and General Yuan, and the remaining one to Nan Hou."

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, idly playing with Ye Li's hair, while signaling to Zhuo Jing to note down her instructions. "You're only giving them to Zhang Qilan and the others. Aren't you afraid Feng San will come and make a fuss?"Ye Li smiled and said, "I remember there's a gold-inlaid folding fan with a painting of 'A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains' by Wu Zhikai of the previous dynasty among these antiques. I suppose Third Master Feng would prefer a fan over a sword." Feng Zhiyao had always prided himself on his dashing and debonair image, carrying a fan to wave around regardless of the season. With such a treasure of a fan, he would surely forget all about the sword. Mo Xiuyao also seemed to recall the image of Third Master Feng in his red robes, smugly waving a folding fan, and couldn't help but chuckle. "It's a shame to give such a fine thing to him," he remarked, yet still waved his hand to signal Zhuo Jing to make a note of it.

Ye Li then selected numerous items from the ledger to reward the meritorious officials of the western campaign, ensuring almost everyone received something. Additionally, she remembered to add an extra month's provisions for the common soldiers. After all, the confiscated wealth from the Bai family was unexpected windfall, and it wouldn't be appropriate for Prince Ding's Estate to hoard it all. Throughout this, Mo Xiuyao offered no opinions, merely watching Ye Li with a gentle smile as she calmly issued her orders. His expression was serene and warm, quite unlike the aloof demeanor he usually displayed in public.

Zhuo Jing and Lin Han standing nearby took it in stride, but Madam Sun, who was also present, was deeply astonished. Clearly, Prince Ding's trust in Princess Ding far exceeded what anyone had imagined. Many matters were handled directly by Princess Ding without prior discussion with Prince Ding, yet he showed no displeasure or doubt, as if it were perfectly natural for her to oversee the estate's political and military affairs. This silently deepened Madam Sun's respect and loyalty toward Ye Li.

Once Ye Li finished her instructions, Zhuo Jing turned to leave and carry out the tasks. Ye Li closed the ledger with a smile and said, "Let's take those rare books back to Li Cheng together. Grandfather will surely be delighted. I never expected the Bai family to have actually hidden some excellent rare editions." Though the quantity paled in comparison to the Xu Family's collection, many of these books were treasures that were hard to come by. Even one additional volume would bring immense joy to scholars and connoisseurs.

Mo Xiuyao laughed, "We probably can't take them all. We should at least leave some for your fourth brother to use as bribes."

Ye Li blinked, then suddenly understood. Great scholars weren't exclusive to Li Cheng—Western Liang had one as well, and coincidentally, it was someone they needed to seek favors from. If Xiuting Mr. learned they had taken all these rare books without leaving a single one for him, the old master would surely make things difficult for Xu Qingbai before relenting.

Reluctantly, Ye Li set aside the books that would interest her grandfather and uncles, leaving the rest for Xu Qingbai to use as leverage in persuading Xiuting Mr. to come out of seclusion.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several more days passed. It was soon time for Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to depart for Li Cheng. The 300,000-strong army and Zhang Qilan remained in Western Liang, while only Feng Zhiyao, Xu Qingfeng, Yun Ting, 3,000 Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers, and a number of shadow guards from the Qilin unit accompanied Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li on their return journey.On the eve of his departure, Mo Xiuyao issued his first decree in Western Liang under the name of Prince Ding. The decree announced the renaming of the Western Mausoleum Imperial City to Anping City. Additionally, Xu Qingbai was appointed as the Governor-General of Western Liang's five provinces and twelve cities, overseeing all military, administrative, and civil affairs in the region. Zhang Qilan was also named the Great General of the Western Garrison, commanding an army of 300,000 stationed in Western Liang, with all military forces within the territory under his jurisdiction.

The proclamation left everyone astounded. Although there had never been a title like "Governor-General" before, the sheer scope of authority granted by Mo Xiuyao made it clear—within Western Liang, Xu Qingbai's word was practically law. While Zhang Qilan controlled military affairs as a counterbalance, it was crucial to note that military provisions remained in Xu Qingbai's hands.

Thus, it was evident just how much trust Prince Ding placed in the Xu Family.

Feeling thoroughly duped by Mo Xiuyao, Xu Qingbai helplessly propped up his now mobile body and personally returned the millions of silver taels handed to him by Mo Xiuyao. He declared that since Feng Huaiting was being assigned, monetary matters should naturally be handled by someone who understood finance—this young master wasn't about to serve. Mo Xiuyao was rather displeased by Xu Qingbai's lack of trust in him. With a resigned sigh, Xu Qingbai said, "Have I offended Prince Ding in some way? Are you trying to roast me over flames?"

Mo Xiuyao could only sulkily take back the silver, defending himself, "This prince merely had faith in the Fourth Young Master of the Xu Family." Yet inwardly, he sighed—why did the Xu Family have to produce such clever offspring? He had only wanted to give Xu Qingbai more experience precisely because he sensed that the cunning Xu Qingchen might slip away at any moment. Compared to Xu Qingchen, whose intelligence bordered on the supernatural, Xu Qingbai's grounded cleverness made him a far better candidate for exploitation. The resentful Prince Ding conveniently forgot to consider that if Xu Qingbai weren't so sharp, why would he even bother laying a trap that might not spring for another eight hundred years?