Mo Li

Within two days of Ren Qining's arrival in Li Cheng, Mo Jingli and Lei Zhenting also arrived one after another, with their arrivals occurring almost simultaneously. While Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were at the gate welcoming Lei Zhenting, their subordinates came to report that Prince Li of Great Chu, Mo Jingli, had arrived. Although there had been no direct conflicts between Lei Zhenting and Mo Jingli thus far, the fact that Lei Zhenting's forces occupied a small corner of territory north of the river—right under Mo Jingli's nose—was enough to create tension. As the saying goes, "How can one tolerate others snoring beside their bed?" Naturally, the atmosphere between these two was far from cordial.

However, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao didn’t particularly care. After all, the meeting between Mo Xiuyao and Lei Zhenting wasn’t exactly warm either. Previously, Mo Xiuyao had ruthlessly outmaneuvered Lei Zhenting, seizing the Western Mausoleum Imperial City while Lei Zhenting was preoccupied with military campaigns and leaving few of his trusted aides alive. If Lei Zhenting harbored no resentment toward Mo Xiuyao, it would be truly strange. But even if Lei Zhenting wished he could flay Mo Xiuyao’s corpse, he still had to maintain a calm demeanor to attend Mr. Qingyun’s birthday banquet. Because if he didn’t come, the Xiling Emperor would. Now that Lei Zhenting had lost his overwhelming advantage over the Xiling Emperor, he couldn’t afford to let the emperor ally with Prince Ding’s Estate to plot against him.

Mo Jingli, now firmly in control of Great Chu’s power, had grown increasingly ostentatious compared to previous years. His entourage of guards and attendants was so grand it rivaled that of a sovereign. Yet, the people accompanying him remained the same: Ye Ying and Qixia Princess. Despite Mo Jingli’s consolidation of power, Ye Ying had not become more dignified or prosperous—instead, she had grown even thinner and more haggard. In contrast, Qixia Princess, standing to Mo Jingli’s right, remained radiantly beautiful, her bright eyes and pearly teeth as striking as ever. Seeing this, Ye Li could somewhat understand why the Ye family had chosen to flee to the northwest instead of heading to Jiangnan. It seemed Ye Ying’s life in the south was far from comfortable.

Mo Jingli’s expression was as coldly arrogant and disdainful as ever, his gaze aloof. But when he saw Mo Xiuyao standing side by side with Ye Li, his eyes darkened with hostility. Mo Xiuyao clearly had no interest in entertaining him either, merely raising an eyebrow indifferently. Mo Jingli glanced at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, then at Lei Zhenting, who had clearly just arrived, and snorted. "So, Zhennan Wang arrived a step ahead. Why stand at the gate instead of going in?"

Lei Zhenting paid no heed to this petty provocation, laughing heartily. "This prince was merely exchanging a few words with Prince Ding and Wang Fei. Who would have thought Prince Li would arrive so soon? Perfect timing—let us enter together."

"Oh? What were the esteemed few discussing? Might this prince have the honor of hearing it?" Mo Jingli asked coolly, his gaze fixed on Lei Zhenting.

Lei Zhenting smiled. "This prince was just congratulating Prince Ding on his recent capture of Changxing City and the joyous birth of his noble son—truly a double blessing."Hearing this, Mo Jingli's face darkened immediately. Lei Zhenting bringing up Changxing City at this moment was no different from slapping him in the face. Wasn't Chu Jing precisely what he had abandoned? Raising his eyes to glance at Lei Zhenting, Mo Jingli forced out a cold smile, "Not just both knees—didn't you just surrender the Western Mausoleum Imperial City last year? How are Zhennan Wang Shizi and his family doing?" It was true that Chu Jing had fallen into Mo Xiuyao's hands, but hadn't the Western Mausoleum Imperial City also ended up in Mo Xiuyao's grasp? Not only that, but Lei Zhenting's trusted subordinates, grandsons, and granddaughters had all been slaughtered cleanly by Mo Xiuyao. Who was more humiliated in this comparison was still up for debate.

At these words, Lei Zhenting could no longer smile either. Although the Western Mausoleum Imperial City hadn't been lost under his direct command, it was at least due to his failure to return with reinforcements in time.

Standing on the steps, Ye Li sighed inwardly in resignation. Choosing to host guests at this time was truly asking for trouble. Among the surrounding nations now, none seemed to be friends of Prince Ding's Estate—especially these two before her. Was there really no issue with standing at the main gate discussing their lost imperial cities? Or were they hoping Mo Xiuyao would spit out what he had already swallowed?

With a faint smile, Ye Li said softly, "Both Wang Ye have traveled a long way and must be weary from the journey. Why not come inside for some tea and reminisce?"

Upon hearing this, the two men exchanged looks of mutual disgust. Who wanted to reminisce? Besides, they had no past to reminisce about.

Leading the group into the estate and seating them in the main hall, Ye Li waited until the maids had served tea before smiling and saying, "My grandfather is advanced in years and has been somewhat fatigued lately. I'm afraid he won't be able to receive you both—please forgive us."

Both men knew Mr. Qingyun was already eighty years old, so Ye Li's reason was naturally beyond reproach. Lei Zhenting nodded and said, "We came to celebrate Mr. Qingyun's birthday—how could we trouble the guest of honor? We'll pay our respects to him on the day of the banquet."

Ye Li thanked him with a smile, and the atmosphere in the hall grew somewhat awkward. The three men present were clearly no friends to each other, so naturally, there was little to say. Ye Li herself held no fondness for Lei Zhenting or Mo Jingli and thus had no inclination to mediate. Turning slightly to Mo Xiuyao, she said with a smile, "I have some things I'd like to discuss with Fourth Sister. Would Wang Ye kindly entertain Zhennan Wang and Prince Li?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded indifferently, and Ye Li rose, offering a faint smile to Ye Ying, who sat beside Mo Jingli. "Fourth Sister, let's take a walk outside."

Ye Ying clearly also had things she wanted to say to Ye Li and stood up without protest to follow her out. With their departure, Qixia Princess was the only woman left in the hall. After glancing at the doorway, she too stood and said, "I'll also take a walk outside."

Soon, the spacious hall held only three men, and the atmosphere grew even more oppressive.After a long silence, Mo Jingli sneered coldly, "Mo Xiuyao, you're quite the schemer. The entire world has been dancing to your tune this past year, hasn't it?" Lei Zhenting's expression darkened as he observed Mo Xiuyao. Indeed, throughout the year of conflicts between nations, no one had truly gained the upper hand—except for that silver-haired man lounging lazily in his chair. Prince Ding's Estate had not only acquired vast territories from Western Liang and Great Chu, including two capital cities, but more importantly, the Mo Family Army had finally shaken off the burdens and constraints of Great Chu. Now, wherever the Mo Family Army chose to strike, their actions would be justified, leaving no room for criticism. From the very beginning, Mo Xiuyao had been waiting—waiting for Northern Rong and Western Liang to attack Great Chu. As former subjects of Great Chu, even after their split, they could never be the first to strike. But now, that restraint had been completely shattered.

Though given enough time, anyone could unravel the intricacies of his plan, by then it would be too late. Mo Xiuyao had already seized every advantage during that year. Even someone as proud as Lei Zhenting couldn't help but admire Mo Xiuyao's patience and cunning.

Mo Xiuyao regarded Mo Jingli lazily, a mocking smile curling at his lips. "This prince is magnanimous. I don't mind letting the defeated vent their frustrations."

"Mo Xiuyao!" Mo Jingli roared. Facing Mo Xiuyao, he always felt like the loser. But never before had he wished so fervently for Mo Xiuyao's nonexistence. Because of his schemes, Mo Jingli had lost half of Great Chu's territory, its capital, and was now confined to a corner of the south. Even though he wielded absolute power in Jiangnan, every mention of Mo Xiuyao felt like a silent mockery of his failures. The capital he had abandoned had been saved—by Prince Ding. Yet the rescued Chu Jing no longer belonged to Great Chu. All of this was because of Mo Xiuyao...

Mo Xiuyao lifted his eyes indolently. "This prince isn't here to listen to your tantrums. If you have nothing else, return to your lodgings. Zhennan Wang, do you have anything to add? If not, I shall take my leave."

Mo Jingli's face turned ashen, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked. In contrast, Lei Zhenting remained composed and smiled calmly. "Prince Ding seems in quite a hurry. What pressing matter calls you away?"

Mo Xiuyao grinned triumphantly. "This prince must return to see my little princess."

News of Princess Ding giving birth to twins—a boy and a girl—had spread far and wide. Mo Xiuyao's doting expression made it clear he favored his daughter, which intrigued Lei Zhenting. Most would prioritize sons, and Mo Xiuyao only had two at the moment—hardly excessive. While Lei Zhenting remained unruffled, Mo Jingli couldn't hide his envy. To him, Mo Xiuyao's blatant boasting was like rubbing salt in his wounds.

"Might this prince have the honor of meeting the little princess of Prince Ding's Estate?" Lei Zhenting inquired.

Mo Xiuyao naturally refused. "My daughter has only just turned a month old and must not be exposed to drafts. I'm afraid I must disappoint Zhennan Wang."Lei Zhenting wasn't surprised by this. His relationship with Mo Xiuyao wasn't close enough to allow him to freely approach the newborn child at Prince Ding's Estate. He didn't mind Mo Xiuyao's refusal and simply smiled faintly, saying, "What a pity indeed." Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively and said calmly, "If Zhennan Wang has something to say, you might as well speak directly."

Lei Zhenting lowered his gaze and smiled faintly. "Prince Ding is quite straightforward. Very well. Since Prince Ding has invited dignitaries from various countries at this time, you must have your own plans. I wonder if Prince Ding would have time for a private meeting with me?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and replied with a smile, "Naturally, no problem. However, matters have been quite busy lately. How about we meet after my grandfather's birthday celebration?" Lei Zhenting nodded in satisfaction. "In that case, I shall await Your Highness's visit."

In the garden of the estate's rear courtyard, Ye Li strolled with Ye Ying. Glancing sideways at Ye Ying, who walked a step behind her, Ye Li couldn't help but recall the Ye Ying from before their marriages. Back then, Ye Ying had been a fourteen-year-old girl in the bloom of youth, her beauty and talent unmatched in the capital, the envy of countless young women and the admiration of men. Now, a full decade had passed, and the Ye Ying before her was but a thin, pale shadow of her former self. Though her face remained as beautiful as ever, the radiance and liveliness of her youth had long faded, leaving behind what seemed like a soulless wooden doll.

Leading Ye Ying to sit in the pavilion, Ye Li asked softly, "How have you been, Fourth Sister?"

Ye Ying looked up at her, her eyes flickering with countless complicated emotions before finally settling into calmness. She smiled bitterly. "How could Third Sister not know about the affairs of Prince Li's Palace? I'm merely getting by. But you... you must have been doing very well all these years." As she gazed at Ye Li, her heart ached even more. The Ye Li she had once arrogantly looked down upon had now become someone she could never hope to reach. Back in the Minister's residence, Ye Li's brilliance had been overshadowed, leaving only an unremarkable impression on others. Yet, even a pearl covered in dust would one day shine with dazzling radiance. From the very beginning, Ye Li had been different from them.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "I have indeed been well. Father and Grandmother are now in Li Cheng. If you have time, you could visit them."

Ye Ying was momentarily stunned before shaking her head. "No, it's better not. I have no means to bring wealth and glory to the Ye family now. I doubt Grandmother and Father would want to see me." From the moment the Ye family chose to seek refuge with Ye Li, with whom they had a strained relationship, rather than going south to find her, Ye Ying had understood. Her father and grandmother likely had no faith in her either. But this decision was probably for the best. If the Ye family had gone south, without any power or influence, what could she—who might as well have been banished to the cold palace—have done to protect them? Mo Jingli would likely have vented his anger on them. In contrast, even if Ye Li's relationship with the Ye family was cold, she could at least provide them with a stable place to stay.

Ye Li studied the thin woman before her thoughtfully. "Fourth Sister, you've truly changed so much.""Could it remain unchanged?" Ye Ying sighed softly. Only after discovering that the son she had lovingly raised for years was not her own did she truly understand what kind of person Mo Jingli was. The past affection, sweet promises, and solemn vows had long vanished like fleeting clouds. What Ye Ying faced now were only Mo Jingli's cold, disdainful gaze and Qixia Princess's smug smile. Though Ye Ying was talented and beautiful, she lacked political insight. Due to Wang Shi's shortsightedness, she even fell short of the social graces possessed by noble young ladies from prestigious families. Yet despite this, after all these years, even if unwilling to admit it, she had nearly come to realize the truth. Back then, when Mo Jingli abandoned Ye Li to marry her, it wasn't out of deep affection as she had believed. The marriage she once thought would humiliate Ye Li and trample her underfoot was merely Mo Jingli's scheme to rid himself of Ye Li. And now that Mo Jingli regretted his decision, Ye Ying inevitably became the target of his resentment.

"I once told Fourth Sister that if she ever faced any grievances, she could tell me, and perhaps I could help in some way. But it seems Fourth Sister didn't trust me. Over the years, we've had little contact..." Ye Li gazed gently at the red-eyed Ye Ying before her, sighing softly.

"Third Sister... I..." Ye Ying was stunned, recalling the words Ye Li had spoken to her back in Prince Li's Palace. But the vast difference in their circumstances over the years, along with the stubborn pride in her heart, had made it impossible for her to swallow her pride and seek Ye Li's help. Hearing Ye Li mention it now, all the grievances in Ye Ying's heart surged forth. She suddenly felt how terribly she had treated Ye Li in the past, and now, who in the entire Ye family besides Ye Li still remembered her?

Biting her lip, Ye Ying whispered, "Third Sister, Ying'er begs you... please help me find my child, will you?"

"Your child?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Though those with reliable sources knew the truth—that Mo Jingli had kicked the Little Prince of Prince Li's Palace to death—the official story remained that the child had died of illness. Ye Ying nodded bitterly. "What happened in Chu Jing two years ago, Third Sister must know. My child..." Thinking of the child she had never even seen after birth, Ye Ying couldn't hold back her tears. In the past, she had used the child to compete for favor with Qixia Princess, but only when she learned her true child was missing did her heart truly break. If she could find her child, even just knowing they were safe and alive would be enough.

Through tears, she recounted how Mo Jingqi had swapped her child, even mentioning that Mo Jingli might never have another heir. Though Ye Li already knew much of this, she couldn't help but marvel at the extremes Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli were willing to go. After a moment's thought, Ye Li nodded. "Don't worry. As long as your child is alive, I will help you find them."Ye Ying was overjoyed and repeatedly said, "Thank you, Third Sister. Third Sister, I..." Seeing the guilt in Ye Ying's eyes, Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "We were all young and didn’t understand things back then. Let bygones be bygones. Don’t worry, as my younger sister, I won’t let that Southern Zhao Princess bully you." Ye Ying nodded eagerly, feeling even more grateful to Ye Li. "Thank you, Third Sister."

"There’s no need for thanks. It’s just a small effort. When you have time in the next few days, go visit Father and Grandmother. They loved you the most in the family before. And, not to be harsh, but there are many things you really should learn from Grandmother. Although Mo Jingli might not let Qixia Princess act too recklessly out of respect for me, there are still many things I can’t teach you," Ye Li gently reminded her.

Ye Ying nodded. She understood what Ye Li meant—the methods of managing a household and the ways of noblewomen. Grandmother and Mother had tried to teach her before, but she had dismissed it all. By the time she regretted it, she was either confined by Mo Jingqi or stuck in Prince Li's Palace, with no one willing to guide her. Even now, the authority in the regent’s palace remained in the hands of Consort Xian Zhao, and Qixia Princess could still wield some influence. Meanwhile, she, abandoned and neglected by Mo Jingli, couldn’t even touch a shred of power.

Truthfully, when it came to the ways of noblewomen, Ye Laofuren and Wang Shi couldn’t teach Ye Ying much of real use. Both came from modest backgrounds, and their knowledge was limited. If Ye Li truly intended to cultivate Ye Ying, she would have asked Madam Xu, Second Madam Xu, or even the Empress to instruct her. But first, the conditions weren’t right, and second, Ye Li didn’t need Ye Ying to become too clever.

Seeing Ye Ying’s tear-streaked makeup, Ye Li called for someone to take her away to freshen up. Watching her retreating figure, the gentle smile on Ye Li’s face gradually faded. "Qin Feng, am I being too heartless?"

Outside the pavilion, Qin Feng remained composed and said solemnly, "Everything Wang Fei does is for the sake of Prince Ding's Estate and the Mo Family Army. Besides, Princess Li is hardly an innocent or virtuous person."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Well said. Ye Ying was raised by Wang Shi to be selfish from childhood. Right now, she’s grateful to me, but if I ever threaten her interests, she wouldn’t hesitate to turn on me. It’s just a pity... she won’t get that chance." This question wasn’t Ye Li feigning kindness. In the grand scheme of things, Ye Ying was indeed quite innocent. But once caught in the tide, without the strength to control her own fate, she could only become a pawn in someone else’s hands. That was Ye Ying’s fate—or rather, her tragedy was sealed the moment she chose to marry Mo Jingli. Mo Jingli was never a good man.

Ye Li stood and walked out of the pavilion, just as Qixia Princess approached. Over the years, Qixia Princess had matured considerably, no longer the spoiled princess who would lash out at the slightest provocation. Seeing Ye Li, she merely lifted her eyelids slightly and said, "Prince Ding’s Estate, wasn’t Ye Ying with you?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Princess Qixia, Fourth Sister is the legitimate consort properly married into the household by His Highness. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate for you to address her so casually by name?"Princess Qixia raised her eyebrows disdainfully and said, "So what? She's just a woman abandoned by the prince. Or does Princess Ding intend to use her status to back her up?" Ye Li covered her lips with a light laugh, her clear and beautiful eyes sweeping over Princess Qixia as she replied, "How could that be? I was merely curious. Speaking of which, Prince Li has been deeply devoted to you all these years. Why hasn't he given you a proper title yet? In the past, it might have been understandable. But now that Jing Li holds great power, why hasn’t he thought of it? If I recall correctly, you were stripped of your princess title by Nanzhao long ago. Shouldn’t we be calling you Miss Qixia instead?"

Ye Li’s words instantly darkened Princess Qixia’s expression. Over the years, though she had stayed by Mo Jingli’s side and he had never treated her poorly, he had never formally married her either. While Nanzhao did not place as much importance on such formalities as the Central Plains did, the lack of this official status meant that even now, with Mo Jingli in power, she still couldn’t hold her head high among the noblewomen of Great Chu.

"In a couple of days, the Queen of Nanzhao should arrive. I wonder how she'll feel when she learns her younger sister has behaved like this..." Ye Li remarked casually with a hint of pity. Qixia Princess was the younger sister of Princess Anxi, but since childhood, she had never gotten along with her elder sister. Instead, she had been close to the former Holy Maiden of the Southern Border, Shu Manlin. In the end, she even abandoned propriety to follow Mo Jingli, effectively severing all ties with Princess Anxi. Now that her own sister had become a queen, Qixia Princess hadn't even secured the title of Wang Fei. Who knew what she would feel when she faced Princess Anxi again.

"Don't you dare gloat! Wang Ye will surely make me his principal wife!" Qixia Princess declared haughtily.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "You misunderstand, Miss Qixia. As Princess Ding, who Prince Li chooses as his principal wife has nothing to do with me. However, I must remind you—Prince Li already has a principal wife. Even if he were to marry you, it would at most be as a secondary wife. In the Central Plains, there is no custom of dual principal wives. Even as a secondary wife, you would still be subordinate to the principal one."

Qixia Princess shot Ye Li a resentful glare, snorted lightly, and turned away.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Ye Ying's ending is somewhat brutal~ Though it's still early, I'm giving you a heads-up—hope you won't think me too cruel~