Mo Li

Though she knew the timing of her request was inappropriate, Dongfang Hui could not simply give up. Not only was she unable to swallow the humiliation of Xu Qingchen’s merciless rejection, but her status also forbade her from walking away just like that. At present, Li Cheng was still teeming with influential figures, and even Prince Ding’s Estate could not claim to be free of spies. The moment she stepped out of the estate, news that the master of the Boundless Mountains had personally sought Qingchen Gongzi’s hand in marriage for her disciple—only to be rejected—would spread throughout the city. It wasn’t that Dongfang Hui didn’t want to leave; she was simply caught in a dilemma with no easy way out.

After a brief silence, Dongfang Hui quickly suppressed her scattered thoughts and raised her head to ask, “If that’s the case, may I meet with Mr. Hongyu and Madam Xu in person? It has been nearly twenty years since I last saw Mr. Hongyu.”

Just as Ye Li was about to refuse, she noticed Xu Qingchen subtly nodding at her. Though puzzled by his intentions, she didn’t press further and instead summoned Zhuo Jing to inquire about Xu Hongyu and Madam Xu’s whereabouts. Zhuo Jing replied, “Mr. Hongyu is in the study, while Madam Xu and the second madam are in the guest courtyard speaking with Lady Yang.” Ye Li nodded and said, “Go and invite my uncle and aunt here.”

Zhuo Jing departed to carry out the order, and the hall fell into silence once more. Dongfang Hui, preoccupied with her thoughts and still smarting from Xu Qingchen’s earlier rebuff, had no desire to speak. As the host, Mo Xiuyao reclined with his head on Ye Li’s lap, eyes closed as if resting. His silver-white hair spilled carelessly over Ye Li’s legs and the couch, utterly indifferent to the presence of guests. Xu Qingchen and Ye Li, both composed, sat quietly sipping tea, their expressions calm and unruffled. In contrast, Dongfang You, though somewhat prepared for Xu Qingchen’s rejection, couldn’t help but feel a renewed pang of disappointment and heartache. Her gaze toward him grew increasingly sorrowful.

Initially, her proposal to marry Xu Qingchen had been a matter of expediency—even Dongfang You herself hadn’t considered it a necessity, merely the best available option. Yet, Qingchen Gongzi’s repeated rejections had only deepened her fixation. If her initial choice had been motivated first by his status as the cousin of Princess Ding and the top strategist of Prince Ding’s Estate, and only secondarily by the man himself, her current obsession had little to do with his position anymore.

Observing Dongfang You’s expression, Ye Li sighed inwardly. Xu Qingyan’s unfortunate prediction had indeed come true. The root of the matter lay in Dongfang You’s own overconfidence—she likely never imagined she would develop feelings for Xu Qingchen. That was why she had spoken so openly, framing it as nothing more than a mutually beneficial arrangement. But Qingchen Gongzi, known as the “Immortal Gentleman,” made it all too easy for women to fall for him. If Dongfang You now found herself trapped in an unrequited love, she had no one to blame but herself.

Before long, Xu Hongyu arrived with Madam Xu in tow. Trailing behind them, of course, was Xu Qingyan, ever eager to stir up trouble.Upon seeing Xu Hongyu, Dongfang Hui also stood up and smiled, saying, "Brother Xu, it's been many years, yet you remain as distinguished as ever." It must be said that Dongfang Hui was a very charming woman, even though she was no longer young. Perhaps her identity as the master of the Boundless Mountains gave her a confidence and decisiveness different from ordinary women. Yet, she did not come across as overbearing or annoying. Such a demeanor was somewhat similar only to Madam Sun Huiniang from the Western Mausoleum Imperial City. However, she was more elegant and reserved than Madam Sun, who merely gave off an impression of sharp intelligence and dominance, whereas Dongfang Hui inspired awe and admiration from the heart.

Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and replied with a faint smile, "Madam Dongfang."

Ye Li stood up and stepped forward, speaking softly, "Li'er and Wang Ye have been remiss in handling matters, troubling Eldest Uncle and Aunt." Madam Xu took her hand and smiled, "What nonsense are you talking, child? Matters concerning Qingchen's marriage are no trouble at all. If it means finding a good wife for your elder brother, I'd be happy to busy myself with it every day."

"Mother..." Xu Qingchen was both amused and exasperated. It seemed his mother truly detested his reluctance to marry, never missing an opportunity to tease him about it.

Madam Xu shot him a sidelong glance and retorted, "Do you have something to say? If you hadn't delayed marriage for so long, would we be in this situation today?"

Qingchen Gongzi rubbed his nose and silently accepted the rebuke. However, Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You's expressions darkened. Although Madam Xu wasn't speaking directly to them, her words, ostensibly reprimanding Xu Qingchen, sounded more like an accusation that Dongfang You was shamelessly clinging to him. Dongfang Hui's face stiffened slightly but quickly returned to normal—a change so subtle that only Ye Li, who had been observing her closely, would have noticed. Dongfang Hui smoothed a stray lock of hair by her temple and smiled faintly, saying, "Brother Xu, your wife certainly speaks her mind."

Only then did Madam Xu turn to look at her, then glanced back at Xu Hongyu and asked, "Husband, do we have another sister in our family?" As if I couldn’t tell you were mocking me for not being a refined lady from a noble family.

Xu Hongyu replied with a calm smile, "What foolish talk, wife. You've been part of the Xu Family for over thirty years—surely you know who our relatives are? This is Madam Dongfang from the Boundless Mountains. We met a few times in our youth when she was out gaining experience."

"I see," Madam Xu nodded, then said apologetically, "Madam Dongfang, my apologies. Please don’t take offense."

Dongfang Hui felt a pang of frustration. It was true she hadn’t left the mountains in twenty years, but she had experienced much in her life. Never had she felt so unwelcome—had people below the mountains changed so much in two decades? If Xu Qingchen's hostility was subtle, Madam Xu's disdain was blatant. Glancing at Xu Hongyu standing beside his wife, Dongfang Hui suddenly understood. Yet, she felt even more wronged. While she had indeed harbored some youthful admiration for Xu Hongyu, she had abandoned those feelings once she learned he was married and she was destined to inherit the Boundless Mountains. If Madam Xu resented her for such a trivial matter, it seemed rather petty.The host and guests took their seats, and Madam Xu calmly looked at Dongfang Hui with a faint smile. "Just now, Li'er sent someone to say that Madam Dongfang wished to discuss Qingchen's marriage with us. May I ask what you have to say?"

Though Dongfang Hui felt somewhat awkward, she composed herself and relayed her intentions, very tactfully expressing the Boundless Mountains' willingness to form a marital alliance with the Xu Family. Madam Xu glanced lightly at Dongfang You and said, "Does Madam Dongfang know the customary process of marriage among ordinary families?"

Dongfang Hui was momentarily stunned, but before she could respond, Madam Xu continued, "Betrothal gifts, name inquiry, divination, betrothal presents, setting the wedding date, and finally the wedding procession. Even among the imperial nobility, where marriages are decreed by the royal family, a woman's maiden name is only known to those closest to her. Yet, Miss Dongfang has already gained widespread fame before even being betrothed. If a marriage were to take place, the name inquiry step could indeed be skipped. That aside, we can be more lenient toward women of exceptional talent and beauty. In the past, the names of noble ladies from prominent families in Chu Jing occasionally circulated, though none achieved the level of fame Miss Dongfang has. However, the future daughter-in-law of the Xu Family need not possess peerless beauty or widespread renown for her talents. There is only one requirement: she must adhere to rules and strictly observe the teachings of maidenly virtue."

Dongfang Hui's expression darkened. Madam Xu's words clearly implied that Dongfang You did not meet the Xu Family's standards.

"Madam Xu, how have I failed to observe maidenly virtue?" Dongfang You, standing to the side, couldn't help but step forward and ask indignantly.

Madam Xu gave her a faint glance but did not answer her question.

Xu Qingyan, standing behind Xu Hongyu, peeked out with a grin and said cheerfully, "Miss Dongfang, women are judged by four virtues: speech, work, appearance, and virtue. I wonder how many of these you possess?"

Speech—not necessarily eloquence, but appropriateness in words. Dongfang You was certainly talkative, but never in the right context. As for appearance, regardless of other factors, the mere fact that she had practiced seductive arts disqualified her. Virtue was even more laughable—a woman who schemed to use her future husband's family for her own ambitions clearly had no regard for virtue. In short, Dongfang You could marry whomever she pleased, but as for entering the Xu Family? Forget the door—there wasn't even a window.

Dongfang Hui's gaze finally settled on Xu Qingyan. "This must be the Fifth Young Master?"

Xu Qingyan, seemingly oblivious to the pressure in her gaze, stepped forward with a cheerful bow and said, "Indeed, this junior is Xu the Fifth. Greetings, Madam Dongfang."

Dongfang Hui smiled. "Young Master Five is quite eloquent."

Xu Qingyan grinned. "This junior apologizes for his rudeness. But my elder brother is rather reserved and often too embarrassed to speak his mind. As his younger brother, I naturally have to say a few extra words. After all, my brother will one day lead the Xu Family. If he were to marry a sister-in-law who couldn’t hold her own in society, wouldn’t that bring shame to our family?"

"Qingyan!" Xu Hongyu frowned slightly, casting a disapproving glance at him. Yet, there was no real reproach in his tone. Clearly, Xu Qingyan's words resonated with him, but his position prevented him from speaking so bluntly. If he had truly wished to stop Xu Qingyan's impudence, why wait until he had finished speaking before reprimanding him?Having reached this point, Dongfang Hui understood that the marriage proposal would not be settled today, at least. She was not one to overstay her welcome—better to leave early than to sit here and endure further humiliation, then strategize anew after returning. With this thought, Dongfang Hui composed herself and smiled faintly, saying, "In that case, we have disturbed Prince Ding and Wang Fei today. We shall take our leave now."

Ye Li did not press them to stay, replying with a gentle smile, "Madam, take care."

Dongfang Hui nodded and turned to Dongfang You. "You'er, let's go."

Dongfang You bit her lip lightly as she gazed at Xu Qingchen, but he seemed utterly oblivious to her gaze, calmly lowering his eyes to sip his tea. Her face paled, and she suddenly spoke up, "Young Master Xu mentioned the four virtues of women—I wonder how many of them Wang Fei possesses?"

"You'er, silence!" Dongfang Hui rebuked sharply. Being scolded by her master in front of so many people, Dongfang You's eyes reddened instantly, but she stubbornly refused to back down.

Madam Xu smiled faintly. "The Boundless Mountains truly have... remarkable upbringing."

Xu Qingyan grinned. "Li'er-jie naturally embodies all four virtues. More importantly, Prince Ding favors her, while the Xu Family does not favor someone like you." No amount of propriety could outweigh the simple truth of affection. Not to mention, Ye Li was widely recognized as an exemplary partner—no, in the eyes of many, she had already surpassed the role of a mere consort. The name "Princess Ding" stood shoulder to shoulder with Prince Ding himself. Even if Ye Li lacked all skills, as long as Prince Ding cherished her, it would suffice. Conversely, even if Dongfang You excelled in every way, with peerless talent and beauty, the Xu Family had no interest in such a daughter-in-law—no argument could change that. And the Xu Family's expectations for a bride were clearly different from Prince Ding's Estate. Had Dongfang You truly possessed Ye Li's capabilities, the Xu Family might not have rejected her outright—but the problem was, she did not.

Dongfang You's face turned ashen. Unable to bear her disciple's disgrace any longer, Dongfang Hui shot her a displeased glance. "Are we leaving or not?"

With no other choice, Dongfang You silently followed her master out.

After seeing off the guests, Xu Qingyan sidled up to Xu Qingchen with a grin. "Eldest Brother, what did I tell you? Wasn't I right?"

Xu Qingchen regarded him coolly. "Right about what?"

"Don’t play dumb—that Dongfang You has taken a liking to you. Did you see the look in her eyes just now? So full of resentment, as if you’d abandoned her after leading her on."

Thwack! Madam Xu smacked him on the forehead. "What nonsense about 'abandoning after leading on'—what have you been learning all these years outside? Let me make this clear: no woman from the Boundless Mountains is setting foot in our Xu Family as a bride!"

Rubbing his forehead, Xu Qingyan protested, "Mother, of course Dongfang You can’t enter our family—Eldest Brother would never fancy her!"

Madam Xu snorted. "Not just your eldest brother—no one is allowed. And it’s not just Dongfang You either!" With that, she flicked her sleeves and strode out.

Xu Qingyan massaged his forehead and turned to Xu Hongyu. "Father, don’t you think Mother’s words carried some hidden meaning?"

Xu Hongyu rapped him lightly on the head. "You’re overthinking it." Then, with a wave to the others, he followed his wife out.

Xu Qingyan cast a woeful look at Ye Li and the others. "Why am I always the one getting hurt?" First, his eldest brother oppressed him, then his mother smacked him, and now even his refined and restrained father had taken to knocking him on the head.Xu Qingchen looked at him with a faint, enigmatic smile, causing Xu Qingyan to shrink back and dart out of the room in a flash.

"Dongfang Hui is indeed a clever woman," Xu Qingchen remarked lightly, tapping the armrest of his chair.

"Clever as she may be, wasn’t she thoroughly provoked by Qingchen Gongzi?" Mo Xiuyao said lazily. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "That was because of Dongfang You—concern makes one reckless. Without Dongfang You’s involvement, Dongfang Hui wouldn’t have been so easily dealt with."

"Brother Qingchen, you seem to dislike Dongfang Hui quite a bit?" Mo Xiuyao asked curiously. It was rare for Xu Qingchen to openly express dislike for someone, and logically, he shouldn’t have met Dongfang Hui before. Hearing this, Ye Li also turned to Xu Qingchen with curiosity. In fact, it wasn’t just Xu Qingchen—Madam Xu’s attitude toward Dongfang Hui also seemed off. This made Ye Li suspect that the relationship between Dongfang Hui and her eldest uncle might not have been as casual as he had described. However, it wasn’t proper to speculate about elders’ affairs, so she suppressed her thoughts.

Xu Qingchen didn’t hide anything and replied calmly, "It’s nothing much. I just intercepted a few of Dongfang Hui’s letters back then."

"Oh? Could it be…" Did Mr. Hongyu really have a romantic interest outside?

Seeing the nearly identical expressions on the faces of the two seated before him, Xu Qingchen shook his head helplessly. "What nonsense are you thinking? It was just Dongfang Hui’s one-sided pursuit. Father never even saw the letters. But Mother and I happened to come across them. At the time… Mother had just become pregnant with my fourth brother. Reading those letters left her feeling rather gloomy." Ye Li blinked. "Did Eldest Uncle not know about Dongfang Hui’s intentions?"

Xu Qingchen thought for a moment. "He probably didn’t. The few letters she sent to the Xu Family were all intercepted by me. The first one was just filled with words of gratitude."

"Didn’t you give the letters to Eldest Uncle, Brother?" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly. "When the first two letters arrived, Father wasn’t home. The later ones were a bit… At the time, I was still young and didn’t think things through thoroughly." Back then, Xu Qingchen was barely ten years old and didn’t fully understand matters of the heart, let alone how best to handle them. In hindsight, it might have been better to simply present the letters to Mr. Hongyu directly. But as it turned out, Mr. Hongyu’s ignorance of Dongfang Hui’s feelings spared him any personal conflict when dealing with matters related to the Boundless Mountains. Of course, Ye Li had no doubt that Mr. Hongyu would never let personal feelings interfere with his duties.

"In that case, what about Madam Xu…?"

Xu Qingchen replied, "Mother understood Father’s feelings and trusted him. But back then, Dongfang Hui knew full well that Father was already married with children, yet she still sent such letters. That’s why Mother didn’t hesitate to humiliate her."

"Is that also why you dislike Dongfang Hui, Brother?" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen paused, then sighed softly with a slight frown. "Perhaps because she was the first person I ever truly disliked."

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. Outsiders might assume Qingchen Gongzi had always been the composed, celestial figure he appeared to be. Who would have guessed that as a child, he had once taken small, less-than-brilliant measures to protect his parents’ relationship from an outsider trying to intrude upon their family?"Dongfang Hui probably won't give up easily. Regardless of Dongfang You's wishes, with this matter causing such a stir now, choosing someone else at this point would deal a severe blow to both the Boundless Mountains and Dongfang You's reputation," Xu Qingchen said with a furrowed brow as he pondered the recent events.

Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "If she wants to persist stubbornly, so be it. It's not our reputation that will suffer in the end. Besides, Lei Zhenting needs time to make his arrangements, and we also need some time to fully uncover the Boundless Mountains' secrets. Let them make as much noise as they want."

Xu Qingchen continued, "Dongfang Hui isn't the type to keep banging her head against a wall. What if she abandons the marriage alliance and simply seeks cooperation with Prince Ding's Estate?" In that case, while Dongfang You's reputation might suffer some damage, the prestige and standing of the Boundless Mountains would remain intact. As for Dongfang You, with the Boundless Mountains as her backing, she would have no trouble marrying well once this matter faded in a couple of years.

Mo Xiuyao frowned. "In any case, Prince Ding's Estate has no intention of cooperating with the Boundless Mountains. Compared to their so-called 'cooperation' and 'support,' I prefer outright annexation. Besides, now isn't the time to provoke Lei Zhenting." Because of Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao did not underestimate women. But a group of self-proclaimed clever women, dreaming for over a century of secretly controlling the world—such people were not worth his time.

"Have someone leak Dongfang Hui's plans to Mo Jingli. Oh, and send a copy to Ren Qining as well. After all, he's a descendant of the previous dynasty and seems to have some vague connection to the Boundless Mountains," Mo Xiuyao said with a smirk.

Xu Qingchen's lips curved slightly. "Let Mo Jingli and Ren Qining pester them? A fine idea..." Both men were ruthless in achieving their goals. While causing trouble for Prince Ding's Estate in Li Cheng would be impossible, stirring up some trouble for Dongfang Hui would be no problem at all.

Mo Xiuyao rubbed his nose. "This way... I'll have time to consider how to deal with Ren Qining. Where is Tan Jizhi now?"

Ye Li replied, "In the dungeon of the estate."

"Good. A Li, come with me to see him." A faint cold light flickered in Mo Xiuyao's eyes—any outsider who saw it would shudder, wondering whom Prince Ding was scheming against now.

Meanwhile, Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You returned to their temporary residence. Before Dongfang You could speak, Dongfang Hui fixed her with a cold stare. "From now on, do not mention the marriage alliance with the Xu Family again."

Dongfang You was stunned. She couldn't understand why her master had suddenly changed her mind after just one visit to Prince Ding's Estate. "Master..."

Dongfang Hui waved her hand. "Enough. Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough today? The Xu Family will never agree to take you in."

"Master, that's not true. Qingchen Gongzi only—"

Dongfang Hui cut her off. "You think it's just Xu Qingchen? Not a single person in the Xu Family would agree."

"But the Xu Family has never forced their children's marriages. As long as Qingchen Gongzi..."

"Would Xu Qingchen marry you?" Dongfang Hui asked coldly.

Dongfang You fell silent. Under her master's icy gaze, she muttered unwillingly, "But if I don't marry into the Xu Family, what about the Boundless Mountains and Prince Ding's Estate? Prince Ding would never let me into his household either..."Looking at her bewildered apprentice before her, Dongfang Hui sighed helplessly. Softening her tone, she said, "It's my fault. You're simply not suited to be the successor of Boundless Mountains..." It was true that all past successors of Boundless Mountains had married rulers of various nations, but that was because they understood human nature and schemes, knowing when to advance and retreat. Yet Dongfang You could never learn these skills. Even if she wanted someone to secretly assist her, it would be extremely difficult.

"Master, do you... do you not want me anymore?" Hearing Dongfang Hui's words, Dongfang You turned pale and asked in panic.

Dongfang Hui patted her hand and said, "How could your master not want you? You're my only disciple. Don't interfere in these matters anymore. In a few days, I'll send someone to take you back to the Boundless Mountains. I still expect you to take over the Boundless Mountains in the future." Isolated from the world, Dongfang You was merely inexperienced in worldly affairs, not inherently foolish. With the assistance of elders and stewards, managing the Boundless Mountains in the future would naturally not be a problem. But the conflicts and struggles down the mountain were truly unsuitable for her.

"Master, I..."

"Enough, you may leave now," Dongfang Hui said sternly.

Seeing her master's displeased expression, Dongfang You had no choice but to turn and leave.

In the room, Dongfang Hui stared blankly at the empty space, lost in thought. After a long while, she sighed helplessly. After so many years apart, she thought she had long forgotten. But now, suddenly seeing that familiar face again, she realized she had never truly forgotten. Only that person had...