Mo Li

Before the New Year could even arrive, Xu Hongyan led Mo Hua and others on a long, arduous journey to the frozen grasslands beyond the frontier. The hardships of the journey were beyond description. Meanwhile, the defenders of Chu Jing were in no mood to celebrate the New Year either. Despite the support of Murong Shen and He Su's forces on the outskirts, within days, the attacks from Northern Rong seemed to weaken, while the Northern Border army appeared to grow fiercer. Moreover, the Northern Border forces besieging Chu Jing grew increasingly numerous. He Su's troops ultimately couldn't withstand the crushing weight of nearly a million soldiers and were forced to withdraw from the battlefield early.

However, He Su did not remain idle after retreating. Instead, he led his troops on a detour to join Murong Shen's forces, who were still engaged with the Northern Rong army. Together, the two armies launched a fierce assault on the besieging Northern Rong forces. After repelling them, they continued their pursuit westward, relieving the defenders of Chu Jing from rear threats and allowing them to focus entirely on the Northern Border. Additionally, if they could push westward and eventually rendezvous with the Mo Family Army from Prince Ding's Estate, it would significantly shorten the Mo Family Army's journey.

With the city under siege, there was no festive atmosphere in Chu Jing. After a recent snowfall, the Northern Border army temporarily halted their attacks. The bitter northern cold had turned the city walls into sheets of ice, making them ten times harder to scale than usual. On the battlements, Huaguogong (Duke Hua), Leng Huai, Leng Haoyu, and others stood gazing into the distance. The Northern Border army's camp was clearly visible against the snowy landscape.

Leng Haoyu sighed as he looked into the distance. "The Northern Border has reinforced their troops again."

Huaguogong narrowed his eyes. "It's not just reinforcements—the King of the Northern Border has personally arrived at the front." He pointed to the center of the distant camp, where the royal banner of the Northern Border King flew. To boost morale, Ren Qining's presence in the army was no secret, and he made no effort to hide it from Chu Jing's defenders.

Leng Huai frowned in confusion. "Why does that royal banner bear a five-clawed golden dragon?" The cultural traditions of Great Chu and Western Liang shared common roots, so their flags and royal symbols predominantly featured dragon and phoenix motifs. However, foreign tribes had different customs. For instance, Northern Rong revered the wolf, so their royal emblem was a wolf's head, while Nanzhao used floral designs. The tribes of the Northern Border mostly adopted fierce beasts as their totems—none had ever used the dragon, a mythical creature, as their emblem.

Leaning against the icy battlements, Leng Haoyu grinned. "Because the current King of the Northern Border, Ren Qining, claims to be a descendant of the previous dynasty's royal family."

"What?" Both Leng Huai and Huaguogong were stunned.

Leng Huai voiced his skepticism. "The previous dynasty fell two hundred years ago. Can Ren Qining's claim possibly be genuine?"Leng Haoyu shrugged with a nonchalant smile, "Who knows? He's a Central Plains native after all. Whether he claims to be a descendant of the previous dynasty or the one before that, no one can stop him. Anyone contending for world domination needs some kind of pretext, right?"

Leng Huai and Huaguogong exchanged glances. The Duke Hua chuckled, "The Leng boy speaks sense. Regardless of who he is, the moment he led Northern Border troops to attack the Central Plains, he forfeited any right to claim legitimacy as a lost descendant of the fallen dynasty. He might as well have openly rebelled—it would’ve been less disgraceful."

As a self-proclaimed legitimate heir of the former imperial family, yet leading barbarians to invade the Central Plains—such an act was hardly commendable. Moreover, orthodox Central Plains scholars had always disdained foreign barbarians, making Ren Qining’s actions even harder for the literati to accept.

Leng Haoyu smirked carelessly, "The Northern Border isn’t a unified front either. The native Northern Border clans have long been at odds with the Central Plains followers Ren Qining favors. This time, Wang Ye staged quite the spectacle up north. By now, the Northern Border’s core is probably just a hollow shell, fractured from within."

"Oh?" This piqued the curiosity of both Leng Huai and Huaguogong. Naturally, they wouldn’t have known that Prince Ding, still hundreds of miles away, had already meddled in the Northern Border’s affairs. It wasn’t exactly a secret, but with Chu Jing under siege and communications cut off, those trapped inside remained oblivious.

Leng Haoyu didn’t hold back, his lips curling into a malicious grin. "A few days ago, Wang Ye had Ren Qining’s wife, legitimate sons, and daughters all killed. Not long after, his concubines and illegitimate children were wiped out too. Now, the Northern Border’s royal house consists of just Ren Qining—alone and without an heir."

Huaguogong and Leng Huai were both stunned. Prince Ding’s move wasn’t just ruthless—it carried profound implications. This wasn’t merely revenge against Ren Qining. The Northern Border’s own people likely blamed Ren Qining and his Central Plains allies for the deaths of their princess and her children. Meanwhile, the massacre of his illegitimate offspring would appear to outsiders as retaliation by the Northern Border clans. Even if Ren Qining knew the truth, who would believe him?

When Prince Ding devised this plan, he was still far away in Western Liang. Yet, he effortlessly manipulated the Northern Border’s factions and sentiments from afar—truly a strategist who could command victory from a thousand miles away.

Huaguogong and Leng Huai exchanged another glance, sighing in resignation. With Prince Ding’s brilliance, Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli never stood a chance.

Leaning against the wall, Leng Haoyu gazed coldly at the distant Northern Border camp, a sneer flashing in his eyes. A fallen dynasty should stay fallen. Dreaming of restoration is nothing but delusion. And now they dare to invade Chu Jing, trying to let Northern Border barbarians rule the Central Plains? Sooner or later, they’ll be wiped out—every last one of them. The near annihilation of the Northern Territory's royal family and their alliance with the Northern Rong soon reached the southern regions. However, the two major southern powers, Mo Jingli and Lei Zhenting, reacted with nothing more than schadenfreude. Lei Zhenting even let out a cold laugh, feeling much of the pent-up frustration from the past two months dissipate. If not for Ren Qining's interference, even if the Western Mausoleum Imperial City had changed hands, his own forces wouldn't have been completely wiped out by Mo Xiuyao. Yet now, his focus wasn't on the north but on the recently relocated Xiling Emperor in Ancheng and the southern Mo Jingli. While Mo Jingli remained relatively subdued, the Xiling Emperor had grown restless after the capital's relocation. The Zhennan Wang's influence in the court had been decimated by Mo Xiuyao, and now even Teng Feng was struggling to keep the Xiling Emperor in check.

Although Xiling had lost a third of its northern territories, Lei Zhenting had seized vast lands in the southern regions of Great Chu. After Murong Shen led his troops northward, he reopened the southwestern passage, reconnecting Lei Zhenting's occupied territories with Xiling. Thus, despite losing the imperial city, Xiling hadn't suffered too heavily in this conflict. Yet Lei Zhenting knew the true victor was still Mo Xiuyao. Once Chu Jing fell into his hands, Prince Ding's Estate would control two imperial cities in the east and west, instantly elevating its prestige above all other states. But understanding this didn't change the fact that Lei Zhenting had no capacity to deal with Mo Xiuyao now, forcing him to grit his teeth and endure.

Meanwhile, after Ren Qining personally arrived outside Chu Jing to oversee the siege, the Northern Territory Army intensified its assaults. The city's defenders, having held out for nearly three months, were exhausted, and supplies were dwindling. With over a million civilians also needing food, even on New Year's Day, both soldiers and civilians had to make do with a single steamed bun and a bowl of thin porridge. As the siege dragged on, conditions grew increasingly dire. To boost morale, the elderly Huaguogong (Duke Hua) had no choice but to personally inspect the city walls.

By the ninth day of the first lunar month, Chu Jing had endured the siege for exactly three months and ten days—103 days in total. Sensing the city was at its breaking point, the Northern Territory Army launched relentless attacks, their morale soaring. On the battlements, Leng Huai stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Huaguogong, their weathered faces etched with exhaustion. Behind them were younger generals like Leng Haoyu, Leng Qingyu, and Wei Lin. Even the usually carefree Leng Haoyu wore an uncharacteristically solemn expression.

Gazing at the menacing Northern Territory camp below, Leng Huai sighed helplessly, "Old Duke, I fear we can't hold much longer..." His voice carried not just resignation but also regret. They had defended Chu Jing for three months without faltering, fulfilling their duty as generals and subjects of Great Chu. Yet it seemed they wouldn't live to see the Mo Family Army's reinforcements arrive.

A trace of sorrow flickered across Huaguogong's aged face as he stared at the distant fluttering banners. His voice remained steady and resolute. "Even if Chu Jing falls, this old man will perish with it."

Leng Huai nodded firmly. "Well said, Old Duke. This general shares your resolve—the city stands with us, and if it falls, we fall with it."Leng Haoyu strolled down the city wall. The current situation was indeed quite troublesome. If he wanted to escape alone, it wouldn’t be difficult, but during these months of defending the city, he had experienced much. As a descendant of a military family, though he had never truly been on the battlefield before, he couldn’t bring himself to abandon his comrades-in-arms now. Moreover, his father and wife were still in the city. "Wang Ye, if you don’t come soon, this Leng Er will really die here!" Leng Haoyu let out a bitter laugh.

"Second Brother." Just as he turned the corner, Leng Haoyu was called from behind. Without turning around, he already knew who it was. He pursed his lips and turned to face Leng Qingyu, clad in a white robe, his expression cold and stern. The once pristine white battle robe embroidered with lions was now stained with dust, adding to his imposing aura. Leng Haoyu had never had much to say to this elder brother born of the main wife. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "General Leng, what is it?"

Leng Qingyu frowned. "I have something to say to you."

Leng Haoyu arched a brow and leaned casually against the dusty wall, replying indifferently, "I’m all ears."

Leng Qingyu looked at him and asked, "What do you despise about me?" Leng Haoyu smiled without answering. Of course, he despised him. As a bastard son and a legitimate heir, their poor relationship was destined from birth. Leng Haoyu, who had grown up without favor, naturally resented Leng Qingyu, who had basked in their father’s love and training. And had Leng Qingyu ever truly regarded Leng Haoyu as a brother? As Leng Haoyu grew older, befriended Mo Xiuyao, Feng San, and others, and honed his skills, his resentment toward Leng Qingyu turned into outright disdain. So what if you were praised by Father? So what if you received his love and training? Your martial arts are inferior to mine, your abilities are lacking, and even on the battlefield, you might not be a match for me. It’s just that I couldn’t be bothered to compete with you.

After rescuing Leng Huai at Zijing Pass, Leng Haoyu had felt an immense satisfaction. It was as if he had been secretly gloating alone but could now openly revel in it before the world. The feeling was indescribable, especially when he saw Leng Qingyu’s dark, sullen face every time Leng Huai praised him. His joy only doubled then.

Leng Qingyu snorted lightly. "It doesn’t matter if you despise me. This time, none of us may survive. If I die, take good care of Father."

Huh? Leng Haoyu was taken aback. He had thought Leng Qingyu wanted to pick another fight, but it turned out he was here to leave his last words? He curled his lip, brushing off the strange feeling in his chest, and said, "If you want to leave final instructions, go find your son. What does it have to do with me?" With that, he turned and walked away. Behind him, Leng Qingyu’s voice rang out, "In any case, if I die in battle, you’ll be the only son left in the Leng family. Take good care of Father." Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed back toward the city wall. Leng Haoyu froze for a moment before snapping back to reality and shouting at Leng Qingyu’s retreating figure, "What does your death have to do with me? I don’t give a damn about your Leng family!"Before the defenders of Chu Jing could catch their breath, the Northern Army launched another assault on the city. This time, the attack was even fiercer than before. Watching as the defenders on the city walls were struck down one by one, and the enemy forces below crossed the moat, climbing the walls only to be repelled, only for more to follow—the entire battlements were filled with the clamor of battle, the thick scent of blood hanging heavy in the air.

Finally, with a deafening crash, the sturdy city gates collapsed, and a flood of Northern troops poured into the city. On the ramparts, Duke Hua grabbed his silver spear and glanced at those still fighting fiercely around him. "Leng Huai!" he shouted. "Hold the walls!" Leng Huai was taken aback and quickly asked, "Old Duke, what are you—?" Duke Hua replied gravely, "I’m going down to meet these Northerners myself!"

Without waiting for Leng Huai’s protest, he strode down the city walls, his pale blue battle robe fluttering in the cold wind, evoking the image of the Duke Hua in his prime, galloping across the battlefield.

The city gates were narrow, and though they had been breached, the Chu defenders immediately rushed forward, attempting to block the Northern advance. The two forces clashed fiercely at the entrance. However, the Northerners were fierce by nature, and the exhausted, starving Chu soldiers were no match for them. Step by step, the defenders were forced back, while more and more Northern soldiers surged into the city. Seeing the futility of holding the walls any longer, Leng Huai had no choice but to order his men to retreat into the city and fight independently. The siege had lasted over three months, and now it had reached a point of no return—a fight to the death. Within half an hour, the sounds of battle had spread throughout Chu Jing.

Despite Ren Qining’s attempts to impose discipline, the Northern soldiers were far from obedient. Many homes were ransacked, and looting of gold, silver, and jewelry became commonplace. Any civilians who resisted were cut down without mercy. In an instant, this centuries-old prosperous city had turned into a living hell, filled with the stench of blood and the cries of the suffering.

At the heart of Chu Jing stood the imperial palace, now guarded by only a handful of soldiers. The vast imperial city was eerily quiet, almost devoid of human presence. Deep within the palace, a young man and woman sat embracing each other. The girl was beautiful, but half of her face was marred by a large scar, making her delicate features appear unsettlingly eerie. "Little brother, are you afraid?" she asked. The girl was none other than Princess Zhenning, daughter of Consort Liu, and beside her sat her younger brother, Mo Xiaoyun, eldest son of Consort Liu, whom Mo Jingli had enfeoffed as Prince Changxing.

Mo Xiaoyun shook his head. "I’m not afraid. Sister, don’t be scared. I’ll stay with you..." he murmured softly, comforting her as the sounds of battle outside the palace walls grew louder. Several guards rushed toward them, one of them speaking urgently, "Wang Ye, Princess, the Northern rebels are about to break in. Please follow us to safety."

Mo Xiaoyun shook his head again, his voice calm. "No need. Go and assist Duke Hua and General Leng. My sister and I won’t be going anywhere."Princess Zhenning held her younger brother's hand and nodded, saying, "That's right. I am a princess of Great Chu. Even if I die, it will be within these palace walls. You all go ahead. A few of us won't make much difference, and it would be a waste to throw your lives away here." The guards exchanged glances, understanding that the Wang Ye and the princess had made up their minds. Though the soldiers who stayed behind harbored no goodwill toward the imperial family—who had abandoned the people and fled—they couldn't help but feel a twinge of respect for this brother and sister pair. Rising to their feet, they clasped their hands and said, "In that case, Wang Ye, Princess, take care."

Watching the guards depart, the palace returned to its original silence. The siblings sat leaning against each other. Though it was the cold of the first lunar month, the palace no longer held the warmth of charcoal fires from days past. Their closeness provided a faint comfort. "I wonder how our little brother is doing," Princess Zhenning murmured. They had stayed behind in Chu Jing, but their youngest brother had been taken away by Mo Jingli. There was no doubt this was meant to control Mo Xiaoyun.

Mo Xiaoyun whispered, "He should be alive. I just hope he lives peacefully."

"I just can't accept it! I haven’t found that woman yet..." Princess Zhenning gently touched the scar on her face, her expression filled with loathing. She hadn’t yet taken revenge on that woman—the one who was supposed to be her own mother. Because of her, she would now die with this hideous scar!

"Sister..."

In the city, the battle raged from dawn till dusk, with the Northern invaders seizing more and more territory. The surviving Chu troops were pushed into an ever-shrinking space, and despair hung heavy in the air. Many, with bloodlust in their eyes, charged into the Northern army, determined to drag as many enemies as possible to their graves.

Outside the city, Ren Qining sat atop his horse, listening to the relentless sounds of slaughter within. A general beside him remarked, "The Chu people have always been weak. Who knew they still had such fighting spirit? Even now, on the brink of annihilation, they refuse to surrender." Ren Qining replied calmly, "Not weak—resilient. What is too rigid breaks easily. The people of the Central Plains may not match the ferocity of those beyond the borders, but they are unyielding. That’s why, for thousands of years, this fertile land has been ruled by them."

The Northern general beside him seemed unconvinced but, glancing at Ren Qining, held his tongue.

Suddenly—a fiery burst of sparks erupted in the sky, followed by a thunderous roar in the distance. The ground trembled faintly beneath them. The men shuddered in alarm. Ren Qining straightened in his saddle, cracking his whip as he cursed, "That useless Yelv Ye!" A nearby general gasped, "Has the Mo Family Army arrived?!"

"Who else but the Black Cloud Cavalry could make such an entrance?" Ren Qining spat bitterly. He barked orders, "Send reinforcements into the city! Take Chu Jing before the Mo Family Army gets here!"

"Yes!"The people fighting desperately in the city naturally saw the fireworks in the sky. Amidst the fierce battle, Leng Haoyu's eyes lit up. He kicked away the Northern Territory soldier in front of him and leaped to a higher spot, shouting loudly, "The Mo Family Army has arrived! Open the western gate!" Fortunately, the western gate was still under Chu control at that moment. Hearing this, all the Chu soldiers felt their spirits lift. Soon, others joined in the cry: "The Mo Family Army is here! The Mo Family Army is here!" The shouts spread rapidly throughout the city, and even many civilians who had been hiding in their homes began to cheer. Some with martial skills even rushed out to join the fight against the Northern Territory soldiers. In the alleys and streets, many Northern Territory soldiers fell victim to ambushes.

With a thunderous roar, the western gate of Chu Jing swung open. The Chu troops in the city surged toward the west to ensure the gate remained unclaimed by the enemy before the Mo Family Army arrived. The Black Cloud Cavalry moved like the wind—though their presence had seemed miles away moments before, in no time, the black-clad riders swept into the city like a dark whirlwind.

The main thoroughfare of Chu Jing was exceptionally wide, allowing the Black Cloud Cavalry to gallop through without the slightest sense of congestion. Wherever the black whirlwind passed, blood spilled, and none could stand in their way.

At the sight of the Black Cloud Cavalry, Leng Haoyu finally exhaled in relief. He grabbed one of the riders and demanded, "Has the main force arrived?" His grip was so tight the soldier nearly choked, quickly shaking free. "The infantry is slower—we cavalry came ahead," the rider replied. Leng Haoyu frowned slightly in disappointment. "When will the main army arrive?"

The Black Cloud Cavalry soldier answered, "No idea."

"Who leads the Black Cloud Cavalry?"

"Third Master Feng!"

Leng Haoyu threw aside the Black Cloud Cavalry soldier and sprinted toward the western part of the city. When he fought his way to the West Gate, he indeed saw Feng Zhiyao, still clad in red and exuding an air of elegance, standing beneath the gate with a smile. "Well, it's rare to see Young Master Leng Er in such a sorry state," Feng remarked. "Sorry state" was putting it lightly—Leng Haoyu was drenched in blood, covered in wounds large and small. Fortunately, none were severe enough to hinder his movements. Shooting Feng an annoyed glare, he snapped, "Duke Hua and the others are trapped near the palace. Send men to rescue them at once!"

Feng Zhiyao's expression turned serious. With a wave, he dispatched a squad into the city. However, he himself had to remain at the gate to secure the entrance for the incoming Mo Family Army. If the gate were accidentally seized by the Northern Army before their arrival, the consequences would be dire. Catching his breath, Leng Haoyu asked, "How many men did you bring?"

Feng sighed. "How many can the Black Cloud Cavalry spare? Twenty thousand."

Leng Haoyu nodded. "That should be enough to hold out until Wang Ye arrives." He was well aware that the Black Cloud Cavalry prioritized quality over quantity. Without another word, he waved off Feng and led two squads of Black Cloud Cavalry back into the city, his killing intent renewed.