Mo Li

"For A Li, this prince will never regret it." Mo Xiuyao stood behind Ye Li, looking down at Mo Jingli with an air of superiority.

Upon hearing Mo Xiuyao's words, Mo Jingli's already unpleasant expression darkened further. He sneered coldly, "Is that so?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Naturally. This prince is not one of those blind fools." Lazily sitting down on the stool beside Ye Li, he ignored Mo Jingli's grim expression and instead looked at Ye Li with slight displeasure. "A Li, why are you talking to him alone here?"

Ye Li arched a brow and gazed at him with an amused smile. "Is this concubine not allowed to speak to others alone?"

Mo Xiuyao quickly softened his tone. "How could that be? If A Li deigns to speak to someone, it is their honor. However, some people are full of ill intentions—A Li must be cautious."

Ye Li smiled faintly without responding, simply watching him with quiet amusement. When it came to being full of ill intentions, few in the world could compare to Prince Ding. Unbothered by her teasing gaze, Mo Xiuyao tilted his head and leaned closer to Ye Li. "Does Prince Li still have something to say?"

Even if Mo Jingli had originally intended to speak further, Mo Xiuyao's provocation had already made him forget most of it. With a cold snort, he stood up. "This prince has come to take Ying'er back to the embassy."

"So that's it." Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Then Prince Li may proceed. Ah, by the way… Prince Li, the sages say one should not abandon the wife who shared one's hardships. Though Princess Li may not count as such, she has still followed you for many years. Now, you wish to demote her to a concubine without hesitation for the sake of a girl from the Boundless Mountains. This will make the world think Prince Li despises the poor and covets the rich. It will harm your reputation."

Mo Jingli gritted his teeth. "Prince Ding worries too much. This prince has no such intention."

Mo Xiuyao raised a skeptical brow, clearly unconvinced. Mo Jingli had no desire to explain further and turned away with a dark expression, leaving without another word.

Watching Mo Jingli's retreating figure, Ye Li smiled at Mo Xiuyao. "Your Highness arrived at just the right time."

Mo Xiuyao beamed. "This prince knew A Li didn’t want to speak with Mo Jingli either."

Ye Li sighed helplessly and looked up at the sky—she hadn’t been complimenting him, had she?

"A Li, do you think Mo Jingli has much chance of marrying Dongfang You?" Mo Xiuyao asked curiously.

Ye Li frowned slightly. "If Mo Jingli doesn’t resort to underhanded methods, his chances are likely slim." Dongfang You might not be clever, but Dongfang Hui was not an easy opponent. With Dongfang Hui keeping watch, Mo Jingli might not get his way.

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Earlier, Dongfang Hui sent someone to relay a message—Dongfang You’s marriage proposal can be treated as if it never happened. The Boundless Mountains are still willing to assist Prince Ding's Estate."

"You refused?" Ye Li asked without a trace of doubt."Naturally, it was rejected." Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "This prince and Prince Ding's Estate have our own plans for the future, with no intention of letting the Boundless Mountains interfere." Dongfang Hui might be intelligent, but despite both being ancient families with centuries of heritage, the Boundless Mountains and the Xu Family were fundamentally different. The Xu Family's influence might pale in comparison to the Boundless Mountains, but the Xu Family was far more connected to the mortal world. Over centuries, they had subtly integrated themselves into the hearts of the common people—like a gentle rain nourishing all things silently. Even if the Xu Family were to perish, their legacy would forever be etched in history. The Boundless Mountains, however, had placed themselves on an aloof and transcendent pedestal. Every time they emerged, it was as if they sought to astonish the world, shrouding themselves in an aura of mystery that inspired awe. Yet, precisely because they had distanced themselves too much from the mortal realm, they had long grown accustomed to their lofty position. Even someone as clever as Dongfang Hui had never truly placed herself on the same level as ordinary people.

"Dongfang Hui will be furious." Indeed, Dongfang Hui was cunning and intelligent, but having been born as the heir of the Boundless Mountains and having ruled it for decades, she was even less tolerant of rejection and defiance than Dongfang You.

"So what if she's angry?" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Indeed, so what if she's angry?" Prince Ding's Estate had never feared formidable enemies.

In the newly named Dongfang Residence, Dongfang Hui dismissed the messenger who had returned from Prince Ding's Estate, her expression icy. Dongfang You stood before her, concern in her voice as she asked, "Master, Prince Ding…" Dongfang Hui replied slowly, "Prince Ding refused." Dongfang You froze, frowning. "If it was because of me before, now… we’re no longer proposing a marriage alliance. Why won’t they agree?"

Dongfang Hui sneered. "Haven’t you guessed as well? Prince Ding's Estate never intended to collaborate with the Boundless Mountains from the very beginning."

Dongfang You frowned. "That doesn’t make sense. With our help, Prince Ding's Estate would be like a tiger with wings. Dealing with Northern Rong, the northern borders, or even Western Liang would be twice as easy. Why wouldn’t Prince Ding agree?" Dongfang Hui smiled faintly. "You’re clever, You'er, but you lack the mind and instincts of a ruler. That’s what worries me the most. Prince Ding's Estate is already powerful enough, with the Xu Family supporting them. If Mo Xiuyao aspires to rule the world, he will achieve it sooner or later. Without the Boundless Mountains, it might take longer, but… he would have no lingering concerns." The Boundless Mountains' influence was coveted, but it was also feared. If Prince Ding's Estate allied with them, Mo Xiuyao would likely worry about future complications—being constrained by the Boundless Mountains.

"But Mo Xiuyao shouldn’t forget—without the Boundless Mountains, he might still achieve his goals, but if we were to aid someone else…" Dongfang Hui’s expression darkened as she spoke coldly. She could understand Mo Xiuyao’s reasoning, but she couldn’t accept it. His outright rejection wasn’t just out of wariness toward the Boundless Mountains—it was likely because he didn’t even regard them as significant.

"Master…" Dongfang You gasped, looking at Dongfang Hui with concern.

Dongfang Hui’s expression softened slightly as she smiled at her. "What is it, You'er? Do you have something to say?"Dongfang You frowned and said, "Master, are you planning to choose someone else to support? But... in the current world, aside from Lei Zhenting, no one is likely a match for Mo Xiuyao. However, Lei Zhenting... from what I've observed, he doesn’t seem inclined to collaborate with the Boundless Mountains either. Moreover, his age..." Lei Zhenting was much older than Mo Xiuyao. Even if Prince Ding did nothing, he could simply outlast Lei Zhenting. Unfortunately, Lei Zhenting's son, Lei Tengfeng, had always been mediocre—capable of maintaining what they had, but hardly fit to dominate the world.

Dongfang Hui nodded approvingly. As long as it didn’t involve interpersonal matters, Dongfang You’s insight and reasoning were sharp and precise.

"What do you suggest, then?" Dongfang Hui asked.

Dongfang You hesitated, looking at her as if wanting to speak but holding back. Noticing this, Dongfang Hui’s expression darkened. "If you’re still clinging to thoughts of Xu Qingchen, I advise you to abandon that notion now. The Xu Family... may appear refined and gentle, but they are cold and unfeeling toward outsiders. If you don’t catch their eye, they won’t spare you the slightest pity. Pushing further will only bring humiliation upon yourself."

Dongfang You glanced at her master in confusion. Somehow, she felt there was a hint of bitterness in her master’s words about the Xu Family’s "coldness." But since her master had always been composed, rational, and elegant in front of her, Dongfang You dismissed it as her own imagination. Recalling Xu Qingchen’s aloof rejection and Xu Qingyan’s sharp mockery, she had to admit her master was right. Yet, even so, she couldn’t bring herself to give up and choose someone else. It wasn’t just her unwillingness regarding Xu Qingchen—she still believed Prince Ding's Estate was the most promising option compared to Mo Jingli or Ren Qining. If her master chose anyone else, the likelihood of failure seemed high.

It had to be said that precisely because Dongfang You lacked worldly experience, her perspective was less swayed by emotions. For instance, someone as intelligent as Dongfang Hui, after being rejected, might react in anger by seeking to support others against Prince Ding's Estate to teach Mo Xiuyao a lesson. But Dongfang You, though she couldn’t understand the estate’s decision and felt sorrow, rarely grew angry. Thus, she could see more clearly that Mo Jingli was far inferior to Prince Ding's Estate. There might be some personal bias in this, but her judgment was undoubtedly correct.

"Master, I don’t like Mo Jingli or Ren Qining," Dongfang You said with a frown.

Dongfang Hui smiled affectionately. "You don’t have to like them. I have no intention of making you marry them, so why worry?"

Dongfang You frowned deeper. "But if it’s Mo Jingli or Ren Qining, they’ll surely demand that I marry them." Otherwise, they likely wouldn’t trust the sincerity of the Boundless Mountains. After all, hadn’t generations of their predecessors done the same? If the successor of the Boundless Mountains didn’t marry them, how could they believe they were the chosen ones?

"If it truly comes to that..." Dongfang Hui hesitated but stopped short of saying, If it comes to that, I won’t force you. Instead, she said, "I’ll consider it carefully. You may go and rest now."

Dongfang You bit her lip and asked tentatively, "Master... what if I could find a way to make Qingchen Gongzi marry me...?"Dongfang Hui clearly did not believe her disciple had such capability. Raising an eyebrow, she said, "We'll talk when you truly possess such skills. For now, go rest. I need to think carefully."

A trace of hurt flashed across Dongfang You's beautiful face, and she silently withdrew. As she turned to close the door, she caught a glimpse of her master deep in thought, her delicate brows furrowed. A resolute light flickered across Dongfang You's gentle features.

"Madam, King of the Northern Border, Ren Qining, requests an audience," a servant announced from outside the door. Inside, Dongfang Hui seemed lost in thought, her expression shifting between sorrow and joy before settling into faint regret and resentment. The servant's voice snapped her out of her reverie. She composed herself, stood up, and frowned slightly. "Ren Qining? What does he want?" The servant replied, "The King of the Northern Border says he has urgent matters to discuss with you."

"Ask him to wait in the main hall," Dongfang Hui instructed calmly.

"Yes, Madam."

After adjusting her appearance, Dongfang Hui headed to the main hall, where Ren Qining was already waiting. Seeing her enter, he quickly rose and bowed respectfully. "This junior, Lin Yuan, pays his respects to Madam Dongfang." Dongfang Hui arched her delicate brows and smiled. "Lin Yuan? I thought the King of the Northern Border's surname was Ren?"

Ren Qining gave a helpless smile. "As a descendant of the fallen dynasty, I dared not use my true name openly, for fear of dishonoring my ancestors." In truth, Ren Qining longed to reclaim his original name, but the timing had been unfavorable in recent years. For one, he still relied heavily on the Northern Border people. His late queen, though a woman of the Northern Border, had been exceptionally intelligent and perceptive. Had he rushed to change his name or even the kingdom's title, it would have provoked discontent among her and the Northern Border nobility. Secondly, once he truly restored the name Lin Yuan, Prince Ding's Estate, Western Liang, and Mo Jingli would all become his enemies—after all, the former dynasty had fallen precisely because of Great Chu and Western Liang. He would then become the target of all.

Dongfang Hui studied him for a long while before speaking coolly, "For generations, descendants of the fallen dynasty have strived to restore the kingdom, yet none succeeded. That you have achieved what you have today is commendable."

Ren Qining lowered his eyes with a faint smile. "You flatter me, Madam. The wishes of my ancestors have never left my thoughts for even half a moment. The Boundless Mountains once shared a bond of kinship with our dynasty. I humbly ask for your assistance." Dongfang Hui remained silent, and Ren Qining understood she was deliberating. He did not press her, sitting quietly as he awaited her answer. After a long pause, Dongfang Hui finally spoke. "Young Master Ren, to be frank, I greatly admire your capability and perseverance. However... your ambition to restore the dynasty may not be so easily realized."

A ripple of emotion passed through Ren Qining's eyes. "I beg for your guidance, Madam."

Dongfang Hui did not mince words. After a moment's contemplation, she said, "First, you established your kingdom by marrying a Northern Border princess, and your current queen is also a Northern Border woman. Even putting aside other considerations, gaining the recognition of the Central Plains' noble clans when you march your troops south will be exceedingly difficult. Moreover, I have heard that the Northern Border court is currently unstable—conflicts between former dynasty loyalists and Northern Border nobles have been ongoing for years. Internal strife before the kingdom is even secured bodes ill. Even if you someday rule the Central Plains, will it truly be the restoration of the former dynasty, or merely the Northern Border's expansion?"Ren Qining fell silent, forced to admit that every word Dongfang Hui spoke hit upon his current predicament and future vulnerabilities. These were not things he was unaware of, but circumstances at the time had left him no choice. "What does Madam suggest?" he asked.

"Though the Boundless Mountains have always remained aloof from worldly affairs, we are still people of the Central Plains. We would never invite foreign invaders into our lands. I hope you understand," Dongfang Hui said solemnly.

A shadow of gloom flickered across Ren Qining's face. The rise of the Northern Realm and its current court had largely relied on foreign forces. This was not only a weakness others criticized but also the deepest pain in the hearts of Ren Qining and those who claimed to be remnants of the former dynasty. Gritting his teeth, Ren Qining said in a low voice, "If I can guarantee that the future court and royal family will consist solely of Central Plains people, would Madam be willing to assist?"

Dongfang Hui lowered her gaze and replied indifferently, "If that truly comes to pass, and given that you are a legitimate descendant of the former dynasty, it would naturally be a different matter." Ren Qining's heart leaped with joy. "Thank you, Madam. I trust you will keep your word."

"The Boundless Mountains would never break faith with anyone," Dongfang Hui said.

Ren Qining nodded in satisfaction and was about to speak further when someone hurried in and whispered something in his ear. His expression shifted slightly, and he stood up to address Dongfang Hui. "I have urgent matters to attend to. My apologies for the interruption. I shall take my leave now." Dongfang Hui did not detain him and had someone escort him out.

"Master, do you truly intend to help Ren Qining?" Dongfang You emerged from inside, frowning slightly as she watched the departing figure.

Dongfang Hui snorted lightly. "When did I say I would help him? Whether he is truly a descendant of the former dynasty or not... The Northern Realm princess showed him immense kindness, yet he did not hesitate to kill her. Such a man is destined to be ruthless and ungrateful. I fear the day he gains power will be the day he discards his allies like spent arrows and cooked hounds."

"But Master, earlier..." Dongfang You looked puzzled.

Dongfang Hui explained, "That was merely to placate him temporarily. He invoked the ties between his ancestors and the Boundless Mountains, so I could hardly refuse him outright and sever relations. Besides, do you think he can resolve the conflicts between the Northern Realm and the remnants of the former dynasty anytime soon? More likely, he will only weaken his own forces further."

A trace of confusion crossed Dongfang You's face, not fully understanding why her master didn't simply reject Ren Qining outright. Still, it was good that her master had not chosen to side with him. As for Mo Jingli... she had plenty of ways to deal with him!

At the posthouse where the Northern Rong envoys were staying, Consort Liu seemed to have recovered somewhat after several days of rest. Yelv Hong and the Ronghua Princess were preparing to depart for Northern Rong. Though Yelv Ye wished to delay Yelv Hong's stay in Li Cheng to facilitate arrangements at the Northern Rong royal court, he could find no suitable excuse to remain longer. Instead, he invited Yelv Hong to visit a city under his command in the Chu garrison for a few days. He had expected Yelv Hong to refuse, given the well-known animosity between the brothers—even Yelv Ye himself would not venture alone into Yelv Hong's territory. To his surprise, Yelv Hong agreed after only brief consideration.

Having settled their itinerary, the brothers naturally had to bid farewell to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao at Prince Ding's Estate before their departure.Ye Li looked at Consort Liu following beside Yelv Ye, a faint sigh in her eyes. Perhaps because her identity had been exposed, Consort Liu was no longer wearing a veil this time. But Ye Li almost wished she had kept it on—just the thought of how that well-maintained beautiful face came to be made her feel nauseous.

"Prince Yelv and the Seventh Prince have traveled far. If there has been any lack in our hospitality, I hope you will forgive us," Mo Xiuyao said with a smile to Yelv Hong and Yelv Ye. Yelv Hong returned the smile, "Prince Ding is too courteous. We have been imposing for quite some time. Today we take our leave, but should Prince Ding and Wang Fei ever grace Northern Rong with your presence, I would be honored to host you properly."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, "Wang Fei and I have long admired the grasslands. We will surely have the opportunity."

Yelv Hong understood the implication and smiled, "Then I shall await Your Highnesses' esteemed arrival."

Yelv Ye watched Mo Xiuyao and Yelv Hong exchange veiled words with suspicion, sensing hidden meanings in their conversation. His earlier accusation to the King of Northern Rong that Yelv Hong was colluding with Mo Xiuyao to betray their country had been pure slander, but now he genuinely began to wonder. Giving Yelv Hong a thoughtful glance, Yelv Ye said, "Elder Brother, Sister-in-law, it's getting late. We should depart."

Yelv Hong didn't argue and nodded, "Seventh Brother is right, we should indeed leave now. Prince Ding, Wang Fei, we bid you farewell."

Ye Li smiled gently, "Prince, Princess, Seventh Prince, may you have a smooth journey."

Seated beside Yelv Ye, Consort Liu suddenly spoke up, staring at Ye Li, "I want to take two people with me."

This drew frowns from everyone present. Yelv Ye shot her a warning glare, but she ignored him, addressing Ye Li directly, "I'm taking Xiaoyun and Zhenning with me." Ye Li tilted her head slightly with a faint smile, "On what grounds does Miss Qing Yina propose to take Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning?"

Consort Liu's expression darkened as she lifted her chin defiantly, "They stabbed me—shouldn't they be handed over to me for punishment?"

Ye Li remained composed, replying leisurely, "Stabbed? As I recall, it was you who attempted to assassinate Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning and were accidentally injured in the process. Since you bring this up, Seventh Prince, Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning also require an explanation from me. Please leave this Miss Qing Yina behind."

"How dare you! I am the Seventh Prince's consort of Northern Rong!" Consort Liu shrieked.

Yelv Ye frowned and said to Ye Li, "Wang Fei, this seems inappropriate." It wasn't that he particularly cared for Consort Liu, but he still needed her to speak favorably for him before the King of Northern Rong. Moreover, on the surface, she was still his future consort—leaving her behind in Li Cheng would be a disgrace to him.

Yelv Hong suddenly interjected with a smile, "If I recall correctly, Seventh Brother's consort passed away several years ago. When did Seventh Brother remarry? Ah yes, Father mentioned holding a grand wedding ceremony for Seventh Brother upon our return to Northern Rong." The original Seventh Prince's consort had been the daughter of a major Northern Rong tribe who died of illness years ago. Yelv Ye had never remarried since—no one expected he would end up entangled with such a woman. Yelv Hong had also suffered setbacks from Consort Liu's schemes before the King of Northern Rong. Since Princess Ding wanted to keep her here, Yelv Hong was more than happy to lend his voice to the matter.Yelv Ye's face was dark as he stared at Consort Liu, his heart equally unsettled. Now that the Northern Rong army and the Mo Family Army were locked in a standoff, Consort Liu's original purpose had naturally become obsolete. Her only remaining value lay in her influence over the King of Northern Rong. But just as Yelv Hong had said, once they returned to Northern Rong, his father would likely arrange a wedding for him. He had never truly intended to marry Consort Liu as his principal wife—he wasn't even willing to take her as a concubine or a lesser consort. Should he bring her back or seize this chance to rid himself of her? That was the question.

Seeing the thoughtful expression flash across Yelv Ye's face, Consort Liu couldn't help but feel a pang of panic in her heart. She knew all too well what awaited her if she were left behind in Li Cheng, and she secretly regretted her earlier impulsiveness. Over the past two years, she had suffered many injuries, but this time, not only had she been utterly humiliated before Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, but the one who had caused her such harm was her own flesh and blood. How could she swallow this insult? That was why she had demanded Princess Zhenning and Mo Xiaoyun from Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. Yet she never expected she would end up sacrificing herself in the process.

Meeting Ye Li's calm, smiling gaze, Consort Liu suddenly felt a chill in her heart. When she turned to Mo Xiuyao and saw his expression, which showed no surprise whatsoever, she realized that from the very beginning, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had intended to keep her here—regardless of whether she asked for the others or not.

"No, I refuse to stay in Li Cheng!" Consort Liu declared firmly. "I want to return to Northern Rong! Yelv Ye, take me with you!"

Had her tone not been so forceful, Yelv Ye might have considered it. But before her words even fully left her lips, Yelv Ye's expression turned cold. He brushed her hand aside and said to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, "Since she harmed Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning, I leave her to Prince Ding and Wang Fei for judgment."

"No! Yelv Ye, you can't do this to me! Don't forget, if it weren't for me—"

Yelv Ye sneered. "Are you trying to tell Prince Ding and Princess Ding how you betrayed your country? Indeed, it was only with your help that I so easily captured the borderlands and several cities of Great Chu. So what?" He cast a mocking glance at the horrified Consort Liu, deeply convinced that his decision was the right one. He was the noble Seventh Prince of Northern Rong—how could he allow himself to become a laughingstock among the entire Northern Rong aristocracy for the sake of this woman?

"Prince Ding, Princess Ding, I take my leave." Without another glance at Consort Liu, Yelv Ye turned and strode away without hesitation.

Yelv Hong clasped his hands in farewell to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao before following. Ronghua Princess trailed behind Yelv Hong, smiling at Ye Li. When she passed Consort Liu, she paused and whispered, "Consort Liu, I suppose we won't meet again. Don't worry—Prince Ding and Princess Ding will surely take good care of a traitorous... wretch like you."

"No... don't leave me behind! Take me with you!" Consort Liu shrieked in terror.

Ronghua Princess let out a cold laugh, shook off Consort Liu's hand, and stepped out the door.