Mo Li

After Mo Xiuyao left, Ye Li's days became very peaceful. Because she was pregnant, the people of Prince Ding's Estate no longer troubled her with political affairs. The entire household took meticulous care of her, afraid she might feel cold, hungry, or tired. When news spread a few days later that Mo Xiuyao had appeared at Flying Goose Pass, many secretly wondered why Wang Fei was not seen by Prince Ding's side. Only then did the people of Li Cheng learn that Wang Fei was already five months pregnant. Naturally, there was another wave of joy and celebration. With just over a month left until the New Year, while other regions were still engulfed in war, the people of the northwest were living in peace and prosperity, even more festive than during the New Year.

With nothing to do each day, Ye Li amused herself by bringing the children to Mr. Qingyun's side. Now that Mo Xiuyao was away from the estate and Ye Li was pregnant, Xu Er Furen moved into the guest quarters of Prince Ding's Estate with Qin Zheng. On one hand, Xu Hongyu, Xu Hongyan, and Xu Qingze were all so busy they barely had time to return home. On the other hand, they could keep Ye Li company and help her relax.

One day, as Ye Li played chess with Mr. Qingyun, the three little ones were watched over by Xu Er Furen and Qin Zheng, playing on a thickly carpeted floor nearby. During the game, Mr. Qingyun and Ye Li chatted about their time in Western Liang. After hearing Ye Li recount Mo Xiuyao's actions in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City, Mr. Qingyun sighed and said, "Prince Ding is a man of extraordinary talent and natural brilliance. Had his life been smooth, he would undoubtedly have gone down in history as a loyal and renowned general. When I saw him in his youth, I sensed an overwhelming aura about him—far more imposing than the Heir Apparent Ding at the time. Such a man... when still, can pacify the world. When in motion, he can also stir it into chaos. His every action is like thunder, and his moods can sway the tides of the world. Yet the young emperor, in his recklessness, could not tolerate Prince Ding's Estate, leading to an irreparable mistake. He failed to realize that with a man like Prince Ding, if you do not strike him down in one blow, you are only paving the way to your own demise."

Ye Li placed a chess piece and asked Mr. Qingyun, "Did Grandfather foresee the current situation back then?"

Mr. Qingyun shook his head. "Prince Ding was gravely wounded at the time. Even I could not have predicted he would recover. But... even if he hadn't, it would have been inevitable for him and the emperor to end in mutual destruction. However... when I first arrived in the northwest six years ago and saw Prince Ding, I noticed he was very different from his younger self."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Many have said the same. His temperament now is indeed vastly different from his youth."Mr. Qingyun shook his head and said, "It's not just his temperament, but the indelible killing intent between his brows. Although Prince Ding's Estate has produced generations of renowned generals, none were truly bloodthirsty by nature. But when I saw Prince Ding again, I noticed a hidden ferocity between his brows, with occasional flashes of bloodlust in his eyes—clear signs of overwhelming killing intent. After you left for Western Liang, I took the leisure to divine a hexagram for Prince Ding, and the result was equally blood-soaked. Such an outcome isn't entirely unexpected."

Ye Li said with some shame, "It's all because Li'er was momentarily careless that..."

Mr. Qingyun waved his hand. "Do you think your grandfather is so rigid? So-called divinations and physiognomy are merely additional references. Besides, someone like Prince Ding... once he's made up his mind, how could mere omens restrain him? Our Xu Family has cultivated peace in recent generations, but in earlier years, our hands were no less stained with blood. However, excessive slaughter ultimately damages one's nature. I only worry that Prince Ding might fall into demonic obstacles, needlessly shortening his lifespan."

Ye Li nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Grandfather. Li'er will do her best to counsel Xiu Yao."

Mr. Qingyun set down a chess piece and smiled at her. "Though Li'er also carries an air of martial severity, your nature is upright and gentle—a perfect match for Prince Ding. In this world, only you can truly advise him. In this regard, you have far better judgment than your mother."

Mentioning his long-departed daughter brought a trace of sorrow to Mr. Qingyun's expression. His only daughter had been excellent in every way, save for her poor judgment and lack of her granddaughter's resilience. Had he known what would happen later, he wouldn’t have indulged her wishes in marriage but arranged it himself—perhaps she would still be alive today. Yet, if that were the case, this remarkable and pride-worthy granddaughter before him might never have existed.

Noticing Mr. Qingyun had lost interest in the game, Ye Li also set down her piece and smiled. "Grandfather, why bring this up so suddenly? Are you missing Mother?"

Mr. Qingyun hesitated before speaking. "Your eldest uncle originally intended to tell you himself, but he’s quite busy these days. Since this old man has nothing better to do, I’ll mention it. Your father... has come to Li Cheng."

Father... For a moment, Ye Li was dazed. The first image that surfaced was her predecessor’s father—stern on the outside but deeply devoted to his wife and daughter, filial to his elders. Suddenly, many figures she thought long forgotten flooded her mind, their vivid impressions undimmed even after all these years.

Seeing her pallor, Mr. Qingyun’s eyes flickered with concern. "Li'er?"Ye Li snapped back to reality, shaking her head with a faint smile. "Li'er is fine, no need for Grandfather to worry. But... why would Father come to Li Cheng?" It was no wonder Ye Li momentarily forgot about Ye Wenhua. Even as a child, when Xu Shi was still alive, Ye Li had often been raised in the Xu Family, so her feelings for this father who constantly caused her mother grief were never deep. After gaining memories of her past life and comparing the fathers from both lifetimes—along with Ye Wenhua's actions—what little filial affection she had left for him gradually faded. Once Ye Wenhua took Ye Laofuren and the others back to their hometown, Ye Li slowly grew accustomed to remembering only her father from her past life, gradually pushing this father to the back of her mind.

Mr. Qingyun smiled faintly. "The Ye Family's lands are in the remote southwest, the first to bear the brunt of the Western Mausoleum Army's eastern advance. Regardless of your father's character, his foresight is still sharper than that of the average commoner. He took the entire family and left early. They’ve been in the northwest for over a month now. Your elder brother thought it best to simply settle them without informing you. But after all, he is your father. Besides, even if we arrange a place for him, he might not be content to stay quietly in the city. If he starts spreading rumors outside, it could harm your reputation and Prince Ding’s. Before, when they didn’t know you had returned, it was one thing. But these past few days, hearing of your return, he’s already come twice seeking an audience. Qingze previously stopped him, saying you were still recovering from your journey. If you don’t meet them soon, they might make a scene."

Ye Li frowned slightly, pondering for a moment before smiling lightly. "It’s no great matter. Li'er understands. I’ll see them later."

Qin Zheng, who had been sitting nearby playing with the little ones, looked up and said, "Li'er, Lord Ye—well, Master Ye—is one thing, but that Ye Laofuren, Ye Wangshi, and that Ye Rong—don’t you dare go easy on them." Ye Li arched a brow, amused. "Oh? Zheng'er, have you met them already?"

Qin Zheng nodded. "Indeed! That Ye Rong is already in his teens, but Ye Wangshi has spoiled him rotten. Barely a month after settling in Li Cheng, he dared to pick a fight with Elder General Yuan’s grandson. That alone would be one thing, but after losing, he made a huge fuss, shouting about how his sister is Wang Fei. Thankfully, the Yuan family is extremely discreet—they hushed it up, even warning the servants present. They only came to inform us privately. And that Ye Laofuren—despite her age, she’s been running around befriending all the noble ladies in the city, flaunting your status left and right." Having spent the past few years managing household affairs under Xu Er Furen, Qin Zheng had grown more straightforward than her sheltered younger self. She spoke bluntly about the Ye Family, clearly holding no goodwill toward them.

"I see," Ye Li replied with a nod. "If they behave themselves in Li Cheng, naturally no one will mistreat them. If there are any capable or ambitious members of the clan, they’ll have opportunities in the future. But if they insist on making trouble—well, I’m no living bodhisattva enshrined in a temple. Father and Grandmother share blood ties with me, but the rest? They mean nothing."Qin Zheng then said with relief, "As long as you're aware. Speaking of which, the Ye family was once quite prominent—how could they be so ignorant? What good would tarnishing your reputation do them?"

Second Madam Xu frowned and replied, "It's just those shortsighted people who enjoy bullying others with their influence. But in Li Cheng, few would actually indulge them." Li Cheng wasn't very large, and those with real influence were all trusted confidants of Prince Ding's Estate. Naturally, they understood the prince and princess's stance toward the Ye family. At most, they could only intimidate outsiders who didn’t know the truth.

"Wang Fei, Ye... Ye Laoye has arrived with his family, requesting an audience," Head Steward Mo reported from outside the door. Since Ye Wenhua now held no official rank, the steward momentarily struggled with how to address him.

Qin Zheng chuckled, "Speak of the devil—here they are."

Ye Li stood up and smiled, "I’ll go meet them."

Mr. Qingyun interjected, "Given your current condition, why trouble yourself to go to the front hall? Have them come here instead. It’s a good opportunity for this old man to meet your father as well."

"Grandfather, why bother yourself with this?" Back then, the old master had betrothed his beloved only daughter to Ye Wenhua, who came from humble origins, only to end up with such an outcome. No one could believe he wasn’t heartbroken, and no one wanted the elderly man to see that son-in-law again, lest it upset his health.

Mr. Qingyun shook his head. "It’s fine. I’d like to hear what he has to say."

Ye Li had no choice but to instruct Head Steward Mo to bring them in. Qin Zheng, unwilling to deal with such unpleasant company, took Leng Junhan and Xu Zhirui into the inner chambers.

Before long, Head Steward Mo led the group in. It wasn’t just Ye Wenhua—there were also Ye Laofuren, Ye Wangshi, and four or five others.

"Grandfather, Father," Ye Li greeted them calmly. It had been six or seven years since she last saw Ye Wenhua. Compared to then, he had aged significantly. The once handsome and refined face was now lined with wrinkles, his hair streaked with gray, and his eyes dull with a defeated air. When he saw Ye Li, his expression became indescribably complex. His lips twitched, but in the end, he said nothing.

In contrast, Ye Laofuren and Ye Wangshi appeared much better off. Ye Laofuren, now nearing seventy, still carried herself with the same dignified elegance as years past, as if she remained the pampered matriarch of the Shangshu residence. Ye Wangshi had also aged and grown plumper, dressed in lavish attire, though her eyes now betrayed a sharp shrewdness and meanness, a far cry from the virtuous image she once feigned.

Beside Ye Wangshi stood a young man of about eighteen or nineteen, his features faintly resembling Ye Wenhua’s former handsomeness. Unfortunately, he had grown pudgy, his eyes dull, and his posture lacking the composed dignity of a scholar. He looked like the spoiled, ignorant rich boy Ye Li had seen in mindless TV dramas in her past life. Ye Li couldn’t help but wonder how Ye Wangshi had managed to turn Ye Rong—who, though arrogant, had at least been decent-looking—into this fat-faced, foolish-looking young man.

Behind them stood a young woman who somewhat resembled Ye Lin, but the man beside her was someone Ye Li didn’t recognize."My son-in-law... pays respects to my father-in-law." Seeing Mr. Qingyun seated at the head, Ye Wenhua's expression changed slightly as he hurried forward to offer a deep bow.

Mr. Qingyun leisurely set down his blue-and-white porcelain teacup and raised his eyes with a faint smile. "Isn't this Lord Ye? I heard long ago in Yunzhou that Lord Ye married a virtuous wife and even became the late emperor's father-in-law. This title of 'father-in-law' is something I dare not accept." As a highly respected scholar, Mr. Qingyun's cultivation was naturally extraordinary. After so many years, this was the first time Ye Li had heard him speak so sarcastically, clearly showing his longstanding dissatisfaction with Ye Wenhua. When they hadn't met before, it was one thing, but now that they had, there was no need to hold back. No wonder her eldest uncle had once said that if their grandfather had known about the Ye family's conduct earlier, he would have rushed to the capital to give Ye Wenhua a beating—she hadn't believed it at all. She had always thought such behavior would be beneath a great Confucian scholar like her grandfather. But seeing his expression now, Ye Li realized that even the most cultivated scholars had their tempers.

Ye Wenhua's face flushed red, his expression awkward as he stammered, unable to respond. Indeed, it had been less than half a year after his marriage when he took a concubine, and even his eldest and second daughters were not born to his lawful wife. Later, he favored Wang Shi and neglected his first wife, leading to Xu Shi's depression and early death. Over the years, he had come to understand Wang Shi's true nature and behavior—how could she possibly be called a "virtuous wife"? The more he thought about it, the more ashamed he became, his face burning and his hands and feet fidgeting helplessly.

"Dear in-law, after all, we are family. Why be like this? Hua'er has already realized his mistakes." Seeing her son in an awkward position, Ye Laofuren quickly forced a smile and spoke to Mr. Qingyun.

Mr. Qingyun raised an eyebrow. "Dear in-law? The Wang family is your in-law. My Xu family dares not claim such a title." Did this old woman think he didn't know she had played a part in Ye Wenhua's neglect of his daughter?

Ye Laofuren's smile stiffened, and she replied with a forced laugh, "How could that be? Li'er's mother will always be the Ye family's lawful first wife. Li'er, come here and let your grandmother see you. It's been so many years—I've missed you terribly." As she spoke, she wiped away tears, looking at Ye Li with feigned affection. Unfortunately, Ye Li did not comply as she wished. Instead, she smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. As I am with child, I won't rise to greet you properly. Please, Grandmother and Father, take your seats."

Rebuffed, Ye Laofuren could only awkwardly take a seat to the side. Ye Wenhua glanced at Mr. Qingyun's indifferent expression but dared not sit, remaining standing beside Ye Laofuren.

The others present were more or less aware of Mr. Qingyun's special status, so even Wang Shi, though visibly resentful, stood properly. However, Ye Rong had no such awareness. In earlier years, he had studied a bit, but after spending recent years in the countryside with Lord Ye, whatever little he had learned had long been forgotten. Shielded by Ye Laofuren and Ye Wangshi, Ye Wenhua had no control over him, allowing him to grow up unruly and lawless. Within less than a month of arriving in Li Cheng, he had already dared to fight with the grandson of the Mo Family Army's eldest general. Naturally, he wouldn't stand quietly now.

Glancing at the empty chairs nearby, Ye Rong's eyes gleamed as he walked over and sat in one, calling out, "Father, Mother, Sixth Sister, why are you all standing? Come sit down!"Ye Wenhua's face instantly turned livid with anger. Mr. Qingyun remarked coolly, "The Ye family's upbringing is indeed remarkable."

Ye Rong, thinking Mr. Qingyun was genuinely complimenting him, smiled smugly and said, "Of course! Mother, you see—"

"You disgrace! Get up this instant!" Ye Wenhua trembled with rage, feeling he had never been so humiliated in his life—not even when Xu Hongyan had once impeached him for failing to educate his daughter properly.

Ye Rong was taken aback and protested, "Why can't I sit? Isn't this Third Sister's home? We've been waiting here so long, I'm exhausted. I won't get up!"

"You... you..." Ye Wenhua pointed at Ye Rong, shaking so violently he seemed on the verge of collapse. Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Never mind. If you're tired, sit down. Father, Madam Wang, Sixth Sister, and this young gentleman, please take a seat as well." Ye Wenhua glanced at Mr. Qingyun, who snorted coldly and said, "Sit."

Only then did Ye Wenhua cautiously take a seat below Ye Laofuren. Wang Shi hesitated but eventually sat beside Ye Rong. Ye Lin timidly tugged at the young man's sleeve, and they took the last seats. Xu Er Furen, sipping tea nearby, frowned slightly but said nothing. While the Xu Family was not overly strict about etiquette, certain proprieties were ingrained in their bones. To her, the Ye family's seating arrangement was utterly disrespectful.

"Mother, who are they? Why didn't they greet you and Grand Tutor?" Mo Xiaobao, crouching beside Ye Li's legs, blinked his big dark eyes and asked innocently.

Ye Li gently stroked her son's head and smiled. "This is your great-grandmother, and this is your grandfather. Yu Chen, go and greet them."

Mo Xiaobao looked at Ye Wenhua and Ye Laofuren, then stood up and walked over to them, saying, "Great-grandmother, Grandfather."

Ye Laofuren had extended her hand with a kindly smile, expecting Mo Xiaobao to kneel in respect so she could lift him up and display her affection. To her surprise, the child merely stood before them and uttered a simple greeting before stepping back, leaving her gesture awkward and misplaced. Ye Wenhua, however, didn't mind. He stared intently at the handsome six- or seven-year-old boy, noticing faint traces of his late wife in his features. Unable to resist, he reached out to pat the boy's head. "Good... good child. Are you Yu Chen?"

Mo Xiaobao took a small step back and regarded his grandfather curiously before solemnly declaring, "Grandfather, you mustn't touch my head." Ye Wenhua was taken aback. "Why not?"

With utmost seriousness, Mo Xiaobao replied, "A man's head and a woman's waist—look but don't touch." Having said that, he turned and scampered back to Mr. Qingyun's side. The old man affectionately gathered his great-grandson into his arms, chuckling as he ruffled the boy's hair. "'Look but don't touch,' eh? Who taught you such nonsense?"

"Han Mingxi!" Mo Xiaobao promptly betrayed Han Mingxi, completely forgetting all the treats and toys the man had lavished upon him.Mo Xiaobao lay sprawled across Mr. Qingyun's lap, curiously eyeing the strange group of people before him. He didn't like the great-grandmother figure at all, and his grandfather wasn't as handsome as Great-Uncle or Second Uncle. That fat man... was he also an uncle? He was just too ugly! Mo Xiaobao covered his eyes and buried himself in Mr. Qingyun's embrace, refusing to look at that foolish fat man who kept fumbling around. As Han Mingxi would say, his mannerisms were downright vulgar—too much exposure would hurt one's eyes. Having exceptionally high aesthetic standards since childhood, Mo Xiaobao declared this vulgar fat man a direct assault on his visual sensibilities. Even uglier than the beggars under the northern city bridge! He absolutely refused to acknowledge him as his uncle!

"Greetings to the First Master, the Second Master. Greetings to the Eldest Young Master and the Second Young Master." The crisp voices of maids paying respects sounded from outside the door. Ye Li brightened—so her elder brother had already returned.

Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan entered, followed by Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingze.

"Eldest Uncle?!" Mo Xiaobao's eyes sparkled as he scrambled down from Mr. Qingyun's lap and joyfully dashed toward Xu Qingchen, who had entered last. "Eldest Uncle, Yu Chen missed you so much..." Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, bending down to pick him up. "Oh? Did you really miss me that much?"

Mo Xiaobao's eyes shone even brighter as he gazed at Xu Qingchen's face—still exquisitely handsome and transcendent despite being past thirty, as if untouched by worldly cares. Having just encountered that vulgar, ugly man, he desperately needed his eldest uncle's beautiful visage to soothe his crumbling aesthetic standards.

"Yu Chen likes Eldest Uncle the most!" Which meant Eldest Uncle was the true epitome of male beauty—Father was simply no match. How he wanted to touch... Mo Xiaobao secretly drooled. Well, Han Mingxi was better in that regard—he could be freely touched. Eldest Uncle was too formidable—only to be admired from afar...

Watching the familiar sparkle in her son's large eyes—one that bore striking resemblance to Han Mingxi's at certain moments—Ye Li couldn't help but cover her face. Xiu Yao had been absolutely right; they really shouldn't have let Xiao Bao meet with Han Mingxi so often. Ye Li had forgotten that Mo Xiaobao's fondness for beauty was innate—he had initially grown close to Han Mingxi precisely because he found the man handsome, not the other way around. The unfortunate Wind and Moon noble had been wronged without even lifting a finger.