Mo Li

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li traveled back at a leisurely pace, not only to accommodate the child in Ye Li’s womb but also to observe the livelihood of the people in the Western Liang regions now under the control of the Mo Family Army. Originally, a fast-paced journey would have taken only ten days, but by the time they returned to Western Liang, it was already November. By November, not only Western Liang but the entire northern region had grown bitterly cold. In the northwest, Li Cheng had already seen two heavy snowfalls. Thanks to Xu Hongyu’s capable governance and the diligent efforts of the northwest officials, despite the raging wars outside, the people of the northwest still lived in peace and contentment.

When the group arrived in Li Cheng, they did not send word ahead for a welcoming party. By the time the residents of Prince Ding’s Estate received the news, the carriage had already reached the estate gates. Dismissing the startled guards who were taken aback by the sudden return of the prince, Mo Xiuyao helped Ye Li into the estate while leaving the rest of the matters to Feng Zhiyao, Qing Feng, Zhuo Jing, and the others following behind.

“Mother!” From afar, Mo Xiaobao’s voice pierced through the slightly desolate garden, echoing from the inner courtyard. As soon as Ye Li steadied herself, she saw Mo Xiaobao sprinting toward her, clad in a black brocade robe embroidered with silver dragon patterns. Though only a few months had passed, he seemed to have grown noticeably taller.

Just as Mo Xiaobao was about to rush into Ye Li’s arms for an enthusiastic embrace, Mo Xiuyao reached out and effortlessly hooked his collar, stopping him in his tracks. Struggling in vain to break free from his father’s grip, Mo Xiaobao pouted and gazed at Ye Li with pleading eyes. “Mother…”

Ye Li smiled faintly. Mo Xiuyao lifted Mo Xiaobao closer and looked down at him with a cool gaze. “Your mother is pregnant.”

Mo Xiaobao froze, blinking his round black eyes as it took him a moment to process what “pregnant” meant. His eyes darted uncertainly to Ye Li’s now-visible belly before he stammered, “Mother… does Xiao Bao… does Xiao Bao get a little brother or sister?” Ye Li nodded, patting her son’s head. “Yes. Would Xiao Bao prefer a brother or a sister?”

Mo Xiaobao frowned in contemplation before finally nodding solemnly. “I like both.” Of course, he preferred a sister, but a brother wouldn’t be bad either. He could teach him properly—his little brother would definitely be much smarter than Leng Xiaodai. Then they could team up against Father and win Mother back. Hmm! As Uncle Xu Hongyu said, “When brothers are of one heart, they can cut through metal!” It would be even better if the little brother didn’t compete with him for Mother’s attention. But as an elder brother, he was magnanimous—he could share Mother with him… just a little.

Ye Li watched in amusement as Mo Xiaobao’s expression shifted unpredictably—now nodding, now snickering—before he suddenly zoned out, lost in thought. Beside him, Mo Xiuyao took one look at his son’s undisguised mischievous grin and smirked faintly. There was no need to guess what nonsense was running through the boy’s head. He flicked Mo Xiaobao lightly on the forehead.

“Ow!” Mo Xiaobao yelped, clutching his forehead with teary eyes as he glared accusingly at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao arched a brow, staring back at him indifferently: So what if I flicked you?

Wuwu… Mother, Father is bullying Xiao Bao! Being small invites bullying, and Mo Xiaobao was filled with sorrow.

"Alright, let Mother see if it hurts?" Seeing her son's pitiful expression, Ye Li helplessly glared at Mo Xiuyao before bending down to rub Mo Xiaobao's forehead where there was no visible injury. "Be good, Xiao Bao, don't cry." In truth, Mo Xiuyao hadn't used much force, and Mo Xiaobao didn't feel much pain—what truly ached was his pride. The overwhelming sense of defeat, being clearly weaker than his opponent and unable to fight back, had once again deeply wounded Mo Xiaobao's self-esteem.

"Brother Yu Chen..." Leng Xiaodai, with his short legs, finally caught up after much effort. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, whom he hadn't met in a long time, he froze for a moment before shyly smiling at Ye Li. "Auntie Wang Fei..." The little boy scurried behind Mo Xiaobao, clutching a corner of his clothes tightly. Children's instincts are sharp, and whether it was Leng Junhan, who was not yet four, or Xu Zhirui, who was almost five, both were instinctively wary of Mo Xiuyao in Li Cheng.

Mo Xiaobao, now in front of his little follower, couldn't afford to play the victim and damage his image. Reluctantly, he swallowed his pretend tears and shot a resentful glare at Mo Xiuyao.

Ye Li sighed, holding Mo Xiaobao's hand in one hand and Leng Junhan's in the other as she led them toward the main hall. Just as they reached the entrance, Xu Hongyu, Xu Hongyan, and Xu Qingze, who had rushed over upon receiving the news, emerged from the study. The two uncles scrutinized Ye Li carefully, relieved to see she hadn't lost weight and her complexion was good, their expressions softening. Ye Li smiled gently. "Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, Li'er is back."

Xu Hongyu nodded solemnly. "It's good you've returned."

Once seated in the hall, Xu Hongyu asked, "Did anything happen on your journey? And Li'er, now..." Though the news of Ye Li's pregnancy had been kept from outsiders, the Xu Family had already been informed. Since giving birth to Mo Xiaobao, Ye Li had shown no signs of another child. While Doctor Shen and Doctor Lin assured them everything was normal and advised patience, and though Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao weren't fixated on having more children, outsiders often viewed Prince Ding's Estate as lacking with only one heir. Now that Ye Li was pregnant again, despite the timing being less than ideal, it was still welcome news.

Ye Li nodded. "Li'er is perfectly fine. I’ve worried you, Uncle." She then shared updates about Western Liang and Xu Qingbai's recovery to put everyone at ease. Noticing her fatigue, Xu Hongyu was about to suggest she rest when a voice sounded from outside—"Greetings, Old Master." It was Mr. Qingyun, who had hurried over upon hearing of Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao's return.

Everyone rose to welcome him, with Xu Qingze stepping forward to assist the elderly man inside. Ye Li curtsied gracefully. "Grandfather, Li'er is back." Mr. Qingyun reached out to steady her, his smile warm. "You're with child now—must you still be so careless? Skip the formalities. Are we family or strangers to stand on ceremony?"Understanding her grandfather's loving concern, Ye Li stood up with a smile and said, "Grandfather is being too cautious. Li'er isn't that delicate." Mr. Qingyun examined her complexion and nodded, "Hmm... you do look well, but you must take good care of yourself. Last time when you were carrying Yu Chen, it was quite perilous. This time, we hope for a smooth and safe pregnancy." Ye Li and Xu Qingze each took one of Mr. Qingyun's arms and helped him to the seat of honor. Not only was Mr. Qingyun highly respected for his virtue, but his seniority was also supreme. In informal settings, such as private gatherings at home, even Mo Xiuyao would sit in a lower seat as a grandson-in-law.

"Li'er was just thinking of paying respects to Grandfather later. Why did you come in person?" Ye Li asked with a smile as she sat down.

Mr. Qingyun waved his hand dismissively, "I'm still hale and hearty—a little walk does me no harm. I came to see you and now I'm at ease. Stay for a short while, then you should go back and rest. All the welcoming ceremonies can wait a few days. After all, outsiders don’t yet know you’ve returned." This arrangement was naturally out of Mr. Qingyun's concern for his granddaughter's exhaustion. Upon Prince Ding and Wang Fei's return to the city, there would be countless matters to attend to. With Ye Li already five months pregnant, she truly shouldn’t overexert herself.

Xu Hongyu frowned and said, "The welcoming banquet will have to be postponed. His Highness must hurry to Great Chu."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, "Isn’t Brother Xu holding the front lines? I heard things were going smoothly. Has something happened?"

Xu Hongyu retrieved a letter from his sleeve and said, "This was delivered by Leng Haoyu’s fastest courier. Your Highness should read it. Qingchen, after all, is not adept in military affairs—his presence at the front isn’t of much help. Though Marquis Nan’s military prowess remains undiminished, and the Northern Rong and Western Liang armies facing us show signs of retreat, holding Flying Goose Pass is manageable. But leading troops to storm Chu Jing’s gates within a month and a half is utterly impossible. Moreover... whether Chu Jing’s defenders can last even that long is uncertain."

Mo Xiuyao studied Leng Haoyu’s letter with interest and chuckled, "Leng Haoyu truly hasn’t wasted his years in business." Originally, he had indeed planned to march east after returning to the northwest—rescuing Chu Jing would conveniently allow him to claim it. Now, with Leng Haoyu’s letter, his actions would be even more justified. But A Li was pregnant... Glancing at Ye Li beside him, Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly.

Ye Li took the letter from Mo Xiuyao’s hand, skimmed it, and smiled faintly, "Well said. Leng Haoyu has seized the opportunity to make quite a profitable deal this time. If Chu Jing is saved, even Mo Jingli won’t have grounds for complaint. In that case, rest for two days, then Your Highness should go to Flying Goose Pass and relieve Elder Brother."

Mo Xiuyao frowned and murmured, "But A Li..." Ye Li smiled gently, "Staying in Li Cheng, could I possibly be in more danger than on the battlefield? It’s only four or five months, after all."Mo Xiuyao felt a pang of melancholy in his heart. He casually retrieved the letter and placed it back on the table, saying, "Never mind. This prince is somewhat tired and will rest for a few days first. In any case, Chu Jing isn’t in such a hurry that it can’t wait a day or two." Everyone present couldn’t help but glance at him—what did he mean by Chu Jing not being in a hurry? Chu Jing was clearly on the brink of crisis; even a single moment sooner would be better. Ye Li understood Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts and didn’t press the matter, merely offering a faint smile before letting it pass.

After chatting for a while, Mr. Qingyun and the others urged Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao to go rest. Even the two little ones, Mo Xiaobao and Leng Junhan, were taken by Mr. Qingyun to the study for instruction. Without further pleasantries, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao bid farewell to the group and returned to their own courtyard. The servants and maids had already prepared tea, snacks, and warm water in anticipation. Over the years, the people around Ye Li had largely remained the same, though the personal maids who once followed her had since married and settled down. Only Qingshuang remained unmarried, continuing to stay by Ye Li’s side, along with two elderly maids who had also remained with her. However, since Ye Li was often away from Li Cheng, they mostly took care of Mo Xiaobao instead.

As soon as they entered, Qingshuang, who had dismissed the other maids, came forward to greet them. Now in her early twenties, Qingshuang was no longer the slightly mischievous and naive girl she once had been. Her face lit up with joy at the sight of Ye Li. "Qingshuang greets Wang Ye and Wang Fei. Congratulations, Wang Fei, on the news of another Little Prince!" Ye Li smiled faintly at her. She had always felt a special closeness to this girl, whom she had bought from the streets and who had followed her since childhood. "I’ve been away for most of the year," Ye Li said softly. "You’ve worked hard." Qingshuang laughed. "This servant only does what is expected. There’s no hardship in it. To be able to serve Wang Fei is a blessing I couldn’t have dreamed of. I’ve already prepared warm water. Please freshen up, Wang Ye and Wang Fei, and then have some hot porridge. The weather is quite chilly tonight."

Qingshuang spoke from the heart. From a homeless orphan wandering the streets to becoming one of the most trusted maids of the esteemed Princess Ding, she considered herself the luckiest person alive. Unlike Qingyu, Qingluan, and the others, who still had families, she was an orphan who had long forgotten who her parents were. Wang Fei had always treated her exceptionally well—despite being a maid, her status was even more respectable than that of some daughters from ordinary wealthy families in Li Cheng. Qingshuang felt that even if she never married, serving Wang Fei for a lifetime would be worth it. So, while Qingyu, Qingluan, and even Qing Xia had all married over the years, Qingshuang had repeatedly turned down matchmakers, devoting herself wholeheartedly to Ye Li. As the earliest to follow Ye Li, she had now become the one who had stayed by her side the longest.

After freshening up and changing clothes, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao emerged to find that Qingshuang had indeed prepared their favorite nourishing hot porridge. Over the years, Qingshuang had grown more composed and meticulous in her duties, shedding her former impulsiveness and occasional absentmindedness. Dismissing the others, Ye Li ate in thoughtful silence. Noticing her expression, Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What’s on your mind, A Li?"

Ye Li smiled. "Nothing much. It just occurred to me that Qingshuang is already past twenty." Over all these years, she had inadvertently delayed Qingshuang’s marriage.Mo Xiuyao said, "A Li, if you wish to arrange a marriage for her, it's better to wait a little longer." Generally, once a maid gets married, she can no longer serve by her mistress's side. It wasn't that Mo Xiuyao was particularly reluctant to part with Qingshuang, but over the past few years, Qingshuang had served A Li with great diligence, and A Li found her both reliable and easy to work with. Now that A Li was pregnant, it was a time to be extra careful. It wouldn't be too late to discuss this after the child was born.

Ye Li nodded and said, "We should still ask Qingshuang for her opinion. Back then, Qingyu and Qingluan were betrothed to people from my eldest uncle's family, which allowed them to reunite with their relatives. They had come to Chu Jing from Yunzhou for my sake, and Qing Xia is now living quite well. But Qingshuang has grown up with me since childhood, so naturally, I need to put more thought into her future."

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and said, "In that case, after she gets married, let her continue to stay by your side. What do you think of A Jin?"

"A Jin?" Ye Li was taken aback. Although A Jin had been with Mo Xiuyao since childhood, Ye Li had hardly interacted with him. Shortly after their marriage, Mo Xiuyao had sent A Jin away on assignments, and he rarely returned. Unlike Feng Zhiyao and Leng Haoyu, who were eloquent, A Jin was so quiet that one might easily mistake him for mute. Thus, Ye Li wasn't familiar with him.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "A Jin is Uncle Mo's nephew, but his temperament means he can't take over Uncle Mo's duties. Uncle Mo's family and A Jin's parents all died for Prince Ding's Estate. Over the years, I've sent him out to gain experience, hoping he could stand on his own and ease Uncle Mo's worries. Though he may not be as capable as Feng San or Leng Er, he wouldn't be a bad match for that girl."

Ye Li naturally understood. Even if she wasn't familiar with A Jin, she knew what kind of person Uncle Mo was, and A Jin had grown up with Mo Xiuyao. Moreover, given Mo Xiuyao's usual reticence, it was rare for him to speak so much about Qingshuang's matter. Frowning slightly, she said, "I'll ask Qingshuang later, but A Jin is hardly ever at the estate. Even if Qingshuang is willing..."

"Once the child is born, Chu Jing should be under our control. Then, you can go to Chu Jing to meet me, and I'll bring A Jin back with me. I'll talk to Uncle Mo in advance," Mo Xiuyao said solemnly, his gaze fixed on Ye Li.

At this point, Ye Li paused while eating. In a few days, Mo Xiuyao would set off again for Flying Goose Pass. She sighed helplessly, gently stroking her slightly rounded belly. "The baby really chose an inconvenient time," she said with a wry smile. During the peaceful five or six years, there had been no sign of a baby, yet she had conceived within less than a year of the current turmoil.

Mo Xiuyao also seemed displeased. He placed his hand over her belly and muttered, "Just like Mo Xiaobao—always causing trouble at the worst times!"

Ye Li couldn't help but chuckle. Wasn't that true? Just like Mo Xiaobao, this baby seemed determined to make things difficult at the most hectic moments."I'm about to leave, and A Li doesn't feel the slightest bit reluctant?" Mo Xiuyao said with a hint of complaint. It was a pity A Li was pregnant; otherwise, he would have definitely taken her with him to Flying Goose Pass, though he would have preferred to stay by her side. Ye Li smiled and asked, "If I were reluctant, would Wang Ye not go?" The lives of hundreds of thousands of the Mo Family Army, the millions of civilians and defenders in Chu Jing, and Mo Xiuyao's years of meticulous planning and efforts—how could all these be altered by mere reluctance? Moreover... Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with an amused expression. "Doesn't Wang Ye think we've been together for too long?" Ever since she returned to the northwest while pregnant with Mo Xiaobao, the longest they had been apart was those few days in Bian City when she left the camp alone to outmaneuver Zhu Ling.

"Has A Li already begun to tire of her husband?!" Mo Xiuyao exclaimed in "shock."

Ye Li chuckled. "Tired, no. But as they say... distance makes the heart grow fonder, and absence sweetens reunion. A little separation now and then isn't a bad thing." Mo Xiuyao gazed at her and said, "They also say that a day apart feels like three years. I already miss A Li before we've even parted."

Ye Li laughed. "Then come back quickly, or I'll come find you after giving birth?"

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and replied earnestly, "This prince will return as fast as possible, before A Li gives birth."

"Good, I'll wait for you," Ye Li said softly.

Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms and murmured, "A Li, I'm sorry." Ye Li blinked in surprise and asked lightly, "What for this time?" Mo Xiuyao sighed. "You're with child, and yet I can't stay by your side."

Ye Li rolled her eyes and smiled. "What's the big deal? This is official business, not some idle wandering." She straightened in his embrace and looked at him seriously. "Of course, I'd love for you to stay with me until the baby is born. But when duty calls, one must answer. If you abandoned hundreds of thousands of troops, the defenders and civilians in Chu Jing waiting for you—just for me—would you still be the Mo Xiuyao I love?"

Hearing her words, Mo Xiuyao's eyes brightened. "A Li..."

Ye Li sighed helplessly at his delighted yet wistful expression. She wasn't one to frequently voice affection, but was it really so surprising that it warranted such a reaction? It made her wonder—had she truly been neglecting him all this time?

"Come back soon. Xiao Bao and I will miss you," Ye Li whispered.

Mo Xiuyao, now thoroughly satisfied, helped himself to another bowl of porridge, eating with relish.

After returning, Mo Xiuyao rested for only three days before preparing to depart for Flying Goose Pass once more. In fact, aside from those in Prince Ding's Estate, few in the city even knew that the prince and Wang Fei had returned—let alone that she was expecting.Outside Li Cheng, Mo Xiuyao set off for Flying Goose Pass with only Feng Zhiyao and Yun Ting, the three traveling light. Although Mo Xiuyao had objected, Ye Li still came with Xu Qingze to see them off. Watching her descend from the carriage wrapped in a thick cloak, Mo Xiuyao couldn't help but frown as he stepped forward to tighten the cloak around her. Softly, he said, "I told you there was no need to come all the way out of the city. The weather is so cold now. Go back quickly."

Ye Li nodded with a faint smile. "I know. I'll return once you've gone. Be careful on the battlefield." She was well aware that Mo Xiuyao was actually pleased she had come to see him off, though he worried she might catch cold. Her health was robust, and even during these two months of pregnancy, she hadn't suffered much discomfort.

Mo Xiuyao nodded, casting a reluctant glance at Ye Li before turning to Xu Qingze. "Li Cheng and A Li will be in your care."

Xu Qingze, ever impassive, nodded in acknowledgment. Though taciturn, he was known for his reliability—once he committed to something, he carried it out meticulously. This gave Mo Xiuyao some peace of mind. He knew A Li was far safer under the protection of the Xu Family and Prince Ding's Estate than she would be accompanying him to the battlefield. Yet, not having her by his side left him with an uneasy feeling.

With one last look at Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao wasted no more time. He swung onto his horse with practiced ease and spurred it onward into the distance.

Watching their figures disappear from sight, Qingshuang said softly, "Wang Fei, it's very cold outside. Let's go back early so Wang Ye won't worry."

Ye Li nodded slightly and sighed quietly, saying, "Let's go back."