Mo Li

Mo Xiuyao was not one to raise his voice in anger, but perhaps due to his temperament, his words always carried a faint, chilling undertone. Thus, when his expression truly darkened, even the most casual remark would be laced with icy killing intent.

The woman standing beside Lei Zhenting suddenly raised her head, staring in surprise at the silver-haired man above. She clearly had not expected Mo Xiuyao to reject her so bluntly. After all, though the descendants of the Boundless Mountains only entered the mortal world once every sixty years, the significance they represented and the intricate relationships the Boundless Mountains had maintained with various nations over centuries demanded cautious treatment from all. Initially, Lei Zhenting’s proposal to present her as a gift publicly had already displeased her. Yet she knew his words were not baseless—she had indeed arrived too late, as Prince Ding already had a Princess Ding by his side.

Though she did not believe Princess Ding surpassed her in any way, the ten years of affection between Prince Ding and his consort were undeniable. A man could possess countless beauties but needed only one virtuous partner. With Ye Li already by his side, her own advantages became far less apparent. Even so, she had willingly lowered herself to the position of a Side Consort—what she considered a significant concession—yet Mo Xiuyao had still refused. This was an offer no man would normally decline.

But then again, if he could not resist such temptation, would Prince Ding not be as vulgar as the majority of men in this world?

"Prince Ding, do you truly intend to refuse me?" The woman in white took a step forward and asked.

Mo Xiuyao smirked coldly. "This prince is not refusing you. This prince is telling you to get lost—immediately."

The woman paled. No matter how composed and confident she was, such humiliation before the gathered heroes of the world was unbearable. She glanced at Mo Xiuyao’s icy gaze, then turned to Ye Li seated beside him. "Princess Ding, what do you say?"

Ye Li looked up, slightly puzzled. "What should this consort say?"

The woman stared at her intently. "It is said that Princess Ding is peerless in both talent and beauty, a virtuous partner to Prince Ding. Surely, you must know what is best for him and would not let trivial matters hinder his grand ambitions."

Ye Li frowned faintly and asked softly, "Miss, do you truly wish to know this consort’s thoughts?"

The woman paused briefly before nodding. "Naturally."

Ye Li replied indifferently, "From a woman’s perspective, this consort only wishes to tell you one word: leave. From a princess’s perspective, this consort also wishes to say: leave at once. As a wife, it is only natural to follow one’s husband’s lead. Therefore, this consort still wishes to tell you: return to wherever you came from."

"Well said!" Xu Qingyan couldn’t help but loudly applaud from the side.

"You—" The woman’s expression shifted, but she did not fly into a rage. Instead, she quickly regained her composure, calmly regarding Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. "It seems today is not the right time for discussion. Perhaps we may speak again once the two of you have reconsidered." Without another glance at the stunned crowd in the hall, she turned and strode away with graceful poise, leaving everyone speechless in her wake.Ye Li's words clearly lifted Mo Xiuyao's spirits. He pulled her back to sit beside him, then turned a cold gaze toward Lei Zhenting. "Zhennan Wang, is this the gift you've brought?"

Lei Zhenting shrugged helplessly. "This prince had no choice in the matter. The deed is done—Prince Ding may handle it as you see fit." This time, Lei Zhenting was truly wronged. Regardless of whether this woman possessed the legendary "he who obtains her gains the world" quality, the reputation and hidden influence of the Boundless Mountains alone were enough to stir greed. No matter how foolish Lei Zhenting might be, he would never willingly send such a person to his greatest enemy. But who could blame him when the Boundless Mountains fell within his jurisdiction, and who could blame him for not daring to provoke its people? Of course, there was also the thought of wanting to see Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li at odds, but that was merely incidental.

"Does Prince Ding truly have no interest in the successor of the Boundless Mountains?" Yelv Ye's sinister voice rose from below. Though the Northern Rong were considered barbarians beyond the frontier, they had been increasingly influenced by Central Plains culture in recent years. Especially among the royal family, many Central Plains legends were well-known. While they might not fully believe the tales of the Boundless Mountains, sometimes such legends served as symbols of divine mandate—when wielded skillfully, their effect could rival that of a million-strong army.

Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li's hand and replied indifferently, "Those who are interested may try their luck. This prince has no fortune to enjoy such things."

Hearing this, the crowd felt both envy and admiration—envy that Mo Xiuyao could so casually dismiss a legendary recluse clan's successor delivered to his doorstep, and admiration that he remained unmoved by such temptation for the sake of his Wang Fei.

At the Xu Family's seating area, Xu Qingbai frowned slightly and whispered to Xu Qingchen in front of him, "Eldest Brother, with the Boundless Mountains meddling, this might become troublesome."

Xu Qingchen smiled gently. "Fourth Brother, do you recall when the last incident involving the Boundless Mountains occurred?" Xu Qingbai pondered. "The last one was likely Zhennan Wang's grandmother... over sixty years ago. By tradition, their people should have appeared years or even a decade earlier." Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow. "The Boundless Mountains do possess some skill—hence why they've produced several Empress Dowagers. But... that's all. If they overestimate themselves, our Xu Family has no reason to fear them." An innate air of transcendent pride emanated from him, as though the so-called legendary family was beneath his notice.

Hearing their eldest brother's words, the others relaxed somewhat. However, Xu Qingyan couldn't resist asking curiously, "Eldest Brother, did any of our ancestors marry a woman from the Boundless Mountains?"

Xu Qingze shot him a cold glance. "No one of unclear origins has ever married into the Xu Family. Go study the family records." The Xu Family sought neither high-ranking officials nor extraordinary beauty or talent in their brides—only one crucial requirement: a clean, upright family background. Those who preferred secrecy and obfuscation could never enter the Xu Family's gates. And the Boundless Mountains, in pursuit of their so-called mystique, specialized in exactly that. Xu Qingyan shrank back behind Xu Qingbai, as always intimidated by his stern second brother.

At the front, Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan observed their composed nephews with satisfied nods.The brief interlude earlier did not affect the lively singing and dancing in the square below. The guests in the viewing pavilion soon resumed their conversations and toasts, though many seemed visibly distracted.

Ye Li sat beside Mo Xiuyao, frowning slightly as she observed the guests below, feeling as though something was missing.

Noticing her furrowed brows, Mo Xiuyao leaned in with concern. "A Li, what's wrong? Did that woman upset you?" Ye Li shook her head and teased him with a playful smile, "Wang Ye is truly blessed with romantic fortune. Even legendary reclusive fairies come throwing themselves at you?" Mo Xiuyao lifted Mo Xiaobao from between them into his arms, pinning the child's wriggling paws to keep him from causing trouble. Settling closer to Ye Li, he scoffed, "What beauty? The Boundless Mountains must have fallen on hard times if that's the best they can offer."

Ye Li arched her brows in amusement but didn't comment on his assessment. While the white-robed woman's features were slightly inferior to Ye Li's, the difference wasn't vast. Yet she possessed an inexplicably alluring aura—different from Ye Li's noble, commanding presence—one that seemed designed to stir primal desires in men. Even Su Zuidie and Consort Liu in their prime couldn't compare in this regard, as evidenced by the guests' reactions earlier.

Mo Xiuyao's expression darkened. "There's something off about that woman. Keep your distance, A Li."

Having encountered countless beauties, Mo Xiuyao immediately recognized the woman's unnatural magnetism. Fortunately, such tricks had no effect on someone with his iron will—if anything, they bred disgust. Ye Li nodded knowingly. "I understand. Why would the Boundless Mountains descend now? It's been over seventy years since their last appearance..."

Mo Xiuyao sneered, "Ten years ago the political landscape was unclear, and they lack foresight—of course they'd wait. Their so-called sixty-year cycle is just smoke and mirrors. When has it ever been precise? During the Chu Dynasty's founding, they conveniently appeared during Emperor Taizong's succession struggle—why not help Emperor Taizu conquer the realm? And Lei Zhenting's grandmother? Always perfect timing."

Ye Li realized that if the Boundless Mountain disciples truly appeared every sixty years with such convenient timing, she might have believed their claims of divinely appointed selection.

"Still, the Boundless Mountains' reputation holds weight." The "Appointed by Heaven" title lent legitimacy to whoever they chose, explaining the guests' uneasy expressions. This time, Ye Li believed it wasn't Lei Zhenting's scheme.

"Appointed by Heaven?" Mo Xiuyao scoffed. "No one can stop this prince from taking what I want. Since when do I need their approval?"

Ye Li's laughter sparkled. "This consort knows our Wang Ye has ambition. You'd never rely on marital connections to seize the realm." Watching her radiant smile, Mo Xiuyao barely restrained himself from pouncing on her—were they not in public."Wuwu..." Mo Xiaobao, who had been held by his two little hands and unable to move, protested unhappily, only to have Mo Xiuyao mercilessly stuff a mouthful of food into his mouth. Unable to speak to complain, Mo Xiaobao could only blink his big eyes pitifully at his mother. Unfortunately, to Ye Li, this scene looked more like a father feeding his son—albeit not very gently. Ye Li had always felt that the constant rivalry between these two wasn’t good, so she didn’t interfere with their bonding time.

"Is someone missing?" Ye Li mused, staring below. She had felt something was amiss earlier, but the white-clad woman from the Boundless Mountains had caused such a stir that she hadn’t had time to dwell on it. Mo Xiuyao glanced down briefly. With so many guests—thousands just on this viewing platform alone—it was hard to notice who might be absent.

After a moment of thought, Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly and said, "Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning aren’t here." Though these two held no real power, their presence was significant. After all, they were the legitimate prince and princess of Great Chu who had voluntarily surrendered Chu Jing and pledged allegiance to Prince Ding’s Estate. As long as they didn’t commit treason or unforgivable crimes, the estate was obliged to ensure their well-being.

Looking at the two empty seats, a sudden realization struck Ye Li, and she turned sharply toward Yelv Ye’s side. "Consort Liu isn’t here either!"

Mo Xiuyao shrugged indifferently. "Though she claims to be Yelv Ye’s future Wang Fei, until the formal wedding takes place, she isn’t officially a Northern Rong princess. Without any notable family background, it’s normal for her not to attend."

Ye Li shook her head. "With her arrogance and confidence, she’d never think herself unworthy." Someone like Consort Liu would likely believe herself the most noble and beautiful person in the world, even if trampled into the mud. How could she possibly consider herself unfit to attend the banquet? Frowning slightly, she murmured, "If that’s not the case, where has she gone? Could it be related to Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning?"

Mo Xiuyao replied, "Even if it is, A Li, there’s no need to worry about them. Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning both have protection. If anything happens, it won’t be to them." Reluctantly, Ye Li suppressed her concerns and decided to wait until the banquet ended to address the matter.

By the time the banquet concluded, it was nearly midnight. Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao naturally took Mo Xiaobao back to the estate first, leaving the cleanup to others. However, as soon as they returned, Zhuo Jing came to report, "Wang Ye, Wang Fei, something has happened to Princess Zhenning." After settling Mo Xiaobao, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had no choice but to head to Prince Changxing’s estate.

Upon arrival, they realized Zhuo Jing hadn’t exaggerated—something had indeed happened. Princess Zhenning sat in the main hall, utterly distraught, her hair disheveled and the hideous scars on her face fully exposed, something she would never normally allow in public. A half-dried pool of blood stained the floor beside her. Not far away, a white-clad woman lay on the ground, a golden hairpin embedded in her abdomen, her robes soaked in blood. Shen Yang and Mo Wuyou, who had arrived at some point, were crouched beside her, examining the scene. When Ye Li saw the woman’s face, she confirmed it was indeed Consort Liu.With a soft sigh, Ye Li understood what had happened without needing to ask. She turned to look at Mo Xiaoyun, who stood nearby with a pale face, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. He spoke in a low voice, "Wang Fei, it was my momentary impulse that injured the seventh prince's consort of Northern Rong. I beg for your punishment." After enduring a series of upheavals over the years, Mo Xiaoyun had long understood the fickleness of human relationships. If Consort Liu truly was the seventh prince's consort of Northern Rong, injuring her would inevitably provoke Yelv Ye to seek trouble with Prince Ding's Estate. The best way for the estate to settle the matter would naturally be to hand him over, while also conveniently removing him—a prince of Great Chu—killing two birds with one stone.

Ye Li shook her head, pulling Mo Xiuyao aside to sit down, and asked, "Why is Shen here? How is her injury?"

Shen Yang rolled his eyes in annoyance. "This old man was just heading back after the banquet when this brat dragged me here halfway." Mo Wuyou looked up at Ye Li with a smile. "My master and I were passing by the gates of Changxing Prince's residence when we happened to run into Changxing Prince. Rest assured, Wang Fei, my master's medical skills are superb. She should be fine."

Shen Yang glared at Mo Wuyou. "What do you mean, 'fine'? In a place like this, what use is my skill?" Given the distinction between men and women, Shen Yang couldn't treat a wound in the abdomen. Though a physician's heart should be impartial, Consort Liu's status made things complicated. Unfazed by his glare, Mo Wuyou grinned. "Then, Master, why not guide me, and I'll treat her?"

Reluctantly, Shen Yang glanced at the unconscious Consort Liu before muttering a few instructions to Mo Wuyou, then stepped aside to rest while Mo Wuyou took over.

"It seems Wuyou has learned well under Shen's tutelage," Ye Li remarked with a smile. Just from Shen Yang's attitude toward Mo Wuyou, it was clear he was quite satisfied with this disciple. Shen Yang replied indifferently, "Indeed, he has more talent than Wang Fei." In truth, Ye Li's aptitude wasn't poor, but medicine required deep focus and patience. As Wang Fei, Ye Li was constantly occupied with worldly affairs, leaving little time to devote to learning, let alone inheriting her teacher's legacy. This had caused Shen Yang and Doctor Lin no small amount of regret back then.

Mo Xiaoyun stood to the side, listening to their conversation. He vaguely understood that Consort Liu might not die for now, though he couldn't tell whether he felt relief or regret. Glancing at his sister, who sat lost in thought, he cautiously spoke up, "Uncle Prince Ding, Wang Fei... about tonight's incident..."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "You still insist it was you who injured her?"

Mo Xiaoyun froze, then nodded. "It was my momentary anger... Xiaoyun submits to Uncle Prince Ding's judgment."

Mo Xiuyao studied him with interest before saying, "I never expected... Mo Jingqi could have a son like you. Not bad. But... why were you holding Princess Zhenning's golden hairpin when you attacked that woman?"

"I... I was..."

"Brother." Princess Zhenning, who had been silent until now, suddenly lifted her head and stopped Mo Xiaoyun. She met Mo Xiuyao's gaze calmly and said, "Uncle Prince Ding, it was my doing. There's no need to save her. If she dies, I'll pay with my life.""Elder Sister!" Mo Xiaoyun was visibly agitated. He had long stopped caring about Consort Liu, but this elder sister, only two or three years older than him, had taken care of him since childhood. Even though she wasn’t particularly clever or capable, she had still done her best to look after her two younger brothers when their own mother neglected them.

Mo Xiuyao frowned in displeasure. "Enough. She isn’t the Northern Rong Princess Consort yet. Even if she dies, Yelv Ye won’t demand your lives in return. Zhenning, tell me—do you truly want her dead?" Princess Zhenning’s face was pale as she glared fiercely at the white-clothed woman on the floor, her lips trembling as she struggled to speak. Mo Xiuyao continued indifferently, "If you truly want her dead, walk over there and press that hairpin deeper."

At his words, not only did Princess Zhenning shudder in fear, but Consort Liu, who had been lying unconscious on the floor, suddenly opened her eyes wide in disbelief, staring at Mo Xiuyao seated in the main position. Consort Liu had only fainted due to blood loss and wasn’t deeply unconscious; she could still vaguely hear the conversations around her. Hearing Mo Xiuyao’s ruthless words, it was no surprise she jolted awake.

Mo Wuyou, who was trying to remove the hairpin, sighed helplessly and looked at Mo Xiuyao. "Uncle Prince Ding, if you keep provoking her, she really won’t make it." Princess Zhenning had struck without mercy—just a fraction deeper, and Consort Liu would have died instantly. That was why they dared not move her and had to treat her on the spot.

Mo Xiuyao said sternly, "I am not joking."

Mo Wuyou thought silently, I believe you’re not joking, but could you not be so serious right now? Is it really acceptable to encourage a daughter to kill her own mother?

"Enough." Ye Li shot Mo Xiuyao a glance, signaling him to be quiet, then turned and asked, "Wuyou, is it difficult?"

Mo Wuyou hesitated before answering, "Not difficult, but..."

"Speak plainly," Mo Xiuyao said impatiently. Being unable to return home at night to hold his precious daughter and sleep beside A Li left him in a foul mood. If not for Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning’s usefulness, he would have simply ordered someone to dump this woman somewhere. In Li Cheng, Yelv Ye wouldn’t have the means to find her anyway.

Mo Wuyou glanced at Princess Zhenning and Mo Xiaoyun, frowning. "The wound is in an unfortunate spot. Also... it seems she suffered a miscarriage half a year ago. If we’re not careful, she may never conceive again." Since this woman was to be the future Northern Rong Princess Consort, fertility was likely a crucial matter. Shen Yang raised an eyebrow and looked at Mo Wuyou. "Apprentice, your medical skills still need work."

"Huh? Please enlighten me, Master." Hearing his teacher’s remark, Mo Wuyou thought he had misdiagnosed, a flicker of frustration crossing his young face.Shen Yang said, "This woman didn't just have a miscarriage half a year ago. She's had at least three miscarriages in the past two years. Go ahead and pull it out—there's no need to worry about something that was never meant to be. Even without this injury, she would have ended up like this." His face was filled with disgust as he looked at Consort Liu. Naturally, he knew her status as an Imperial Concubine, but that wasn't enough to make him despise her. However, personally killing her unborn child was beyond Shen Yang's tolerance. His medical skills were unparalleled in his time, allowing him to deduce even what kind of abortifacient Consort Liu had taken. Only the pregnant woman herself would take such a drug—one that didn't harm her body and even had some special effects.

"Shen, are you saying she..." Mo Xiaoyun stared at the woman on the ground, unable to bring himself to finish the question.

"She used the Fragrance Dispersal Pill, and more than once."

Mo Xiaoyun's expression instantly became inscrutably complex. Princess Zhenning, being a young woman, did not know what that thing was, but Mo Xiaoyun had been raised by the Liu family since childhood, and Prime Minister Liu had never hidden many unsavory matters from him. The so-called Fragrance Dispersal Pill was less an abortifacient and more a supreme beauty elixir. But someone had discovered that using it during pregnancy had miraculous effects. When women became pregnant, their looks inevitably declined, so such a miraculous medicine naturally became highly sought after. However, it was soon discovered that every woman who took this medicine during pregnancy would miscarry without exception—those who took smaller doses would still give birth to stillborn babies. Yet its beautifying effects were ten times more potent than usual. Many women even disregarded the lives in their wombs for the sake of beauty, and the medicine gradually became forbidden.

A widowed woman, three miscarriages within two years, all self-inflicted. Mo Xiaoyun truly could not understand what his once aloof and noble mother was doing. But as he gazed at that exquisitely beautiful face, he suddenly rushed outside and vomited.

Though Princess Zhenning did not know the full story, the mere fact that Consort Liu had been pregnant and aborted was enough to devastate her. Staggering to Consort Liu's side, she looked down at the stunningly beautiful woman on the ground, feeling the resentment and venom in her heart surge forth like a broken dam. "You vile creature!"