Mo Li

No one paid attention to how Mo Jingli would deal with Consort Liu. Perhaps Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning might care a little, but they would no longer lift a finger for the woman they had once called their mother. Every one of Consort Liu’s actions had far exceeded the limits of the moral teachings they had received since childhood. Moreover, for the sake of their own hard-won peaceful lives, they would not do anything for this woman again. Many days later, after Mo Jingli had left Li Cheng and returned to Jiangnan, someone discovered a long-dead, battered corpse in the outskirts of the city. In the end, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning buried her outside the city without erecting a tombstone. When Ye Li heard the report from her subordinates, she merely smiled faintly and paid it no further mind.

On the same day Consort Liu was taken away by Mo Jingli, Lei Zhenting personally visited Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao to bid them farewell before returning to his own territory. With Lei Zhenting gone, the envoy of the Xiling Emperor had no reason to stay either and departed for Western Liang the following day. In all of Li Cheng, only Princess Anxi, Mo Jingli, and Ren Qining remained. Princess Anxi was pregnant, and her journey to Li Cheng had already been arduous. Moreover, with the neighboring states of Great Chu and Western Liang currently locked in a power struggle, Nanzhao—being remote and insignificant—had no pressing matters to attend to. Thus, Princess Anxi was in no hurry to leave. As for Ren Qining and Mo Jingli, they visited the Eastern Residence more frequently than Prince Ding's Estate, their intentions blatantly obvious.

Xu Residence

After months of relentless work, Qingchen Gongzi had finally pushed all political affairs onto Mo Xiuyao, seizing the rare opportunity to rest at home and read. Though Qingchen Gongzi was exceptionally talented, the past year had seen Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li preoccupied with military campaigns, followed by Ye Li’s pregnancy, leaving the bulk of Prince Ding's Estate’s affairs on his shoulders. It was impossible to say he wasn’t exhausted—after all, Qingchen Gongzi was not one who craved power. With most of the distinguished guests now gone and a rare moment of leisure at hand, Xu Qingchen unhesitatingly dumped his duties on Mo Xiuyao and indulged in reading and playing the newly acquired Phoenix Zither.

Mo Xiuyao was well aware of how much Xu Qingchen had toiled over the past year or two. Considering how much he might still need Qingchen Gongzi’s assistance in the future, he couldn’t afford to truly offend him. Though reluctant, he had no choice but to take over all political affairs and grant Qingchen Gongzi a proper break.

The ethereal, soothing notes of the jade-white Phoenix Zither flowed from fingers that seemed to carry the faint scent of ink, enhancing the tranquility of the already serene courtyard. Even those outside the courtyard, upon hearing the music, felt an indescribable sense of ease and comfort, as though all their worries and troubles had instantly dissipated.

“Qingchen Gongzi’s music is truly exquisite,” sighed Murong Ting from another courtyard, where Qin Zheng was hosting her and Hua Tianxiang for tea.Although Murong Ting was not skilled in the qin, both Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang were quite accomplished. Hua Tianxiang smiled and said, "After hearing Qingchen Gongzi play, I fear I’ll never dare to embarrass myself in front of others again." Though they had confidence in their own skills, the moment they truly heard Qingchen Gongzi’s music, they realized the vast difference and distance. Qin Zheng nodded with a smile, "Third Master Feng is renowned as a qin virtuoso. I’ve heard his playing as well, but I suspect even he falls slightly short compared to elder brother."

Hua Tianxiang added, "Third Master Feng pours his emotions into the qin, sometimes making it overly melancholic. It truly can’t compare to Qingchen Gongzi’s music, which is uplifting and utterly captivating."

Murong Ting waved her hand dismissively, "I don’t really understand all that, but Qingchen Gongzi’s music is simply beautiful. Zheng’er, you’re so lucky to get to listen to him play often."

Qin Zheng gave a helpless smile, "This is actually the first time I’ve heard elder brother play the qin. In recent years, he’s been so busy even Mother can’t find him—where would he find time to play?" Murong Ting blinked and whispered, "I heard Prince Ding and A Li just gifted the Phoenix Qin that Mo Jingli sent to Qingchen Gongzi. He must be playing the Phoenix Qin right now."

Qin Zheng asked curiously, "Murong, do you want to see the Phoenix Qin? It’s in elder brother’s hands, so it might be inconvenient for us to go. But later, we can ask Qingze to borrow it from him for a look."

Murong Ting shook her head and sighed, "I don’t understand the qin. What I really want to see is the Annihilation Sword." The thought that one of the Four Great National Treasures of Chu, the world-renowned Annihilation Sword, was in Ding Royal Palace—yet she had no chance to see it—left her feeling utterly dejected and listless.

Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang rolled their eyes helplessly—they should have known.

Elsewhere in Xu Qingchen’s courtyard, a beautiful woman in white stood atop a tree branch, gazing intently at the white-robed man sitting leisurely on the ground below, playing the qin. Her lovely eyes shimmered with admiration, respect, infatuation, anguish, and a tangle of other complex emotions. She had originally intended to enter the courtyard directly to find him, but upon arriving, she was captivated by the exquisite music. Following the sound, she caught sight of the ethereal, transcendent figure beneath the tree. Her once-confident heart suddenly felt as though it had been struck hard, replaced by uncertainty and panic. Could a man like this ever truly be hers? Yet the mere thought of the possibility filled her with boundless joy and contentment. In this moment, even her identity, her mission, and her allegiances seemed insignificant—all that mattered was being with him.

As the melody ended, Xu Qingchen stopped playing, leaning against the tree to savor this rare moment of tranquility.

"Qingchen Gongzi," the woman in white descended gracefully, her gaze tender as water.

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly, his expression calm as he regarded her. "Miss Dongfang," he said coolly, "arriving uninvited is rather impolite."

Dongfang You’s eyes dimmed, and she lowered her voice. "I have something to discuss with you, Qingchen Gongzi. Forgive my rudeness."Xu Qingchen carefully placed the Phoenix zither into its case and stood up, looking at Dongfang You as he said, "These past few days, all matters in the city have been entrusted to Prince Ding. If Miss Dongfang has any business, you should go to Prince Ding's Estate." Dongfang You quickly shook her head. "No, I came to see you, Gongzi. It has nothing to do with the Boundless Mountains. I just have some words I wish to speak with you privately."

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly. "It seems I share no acquaintance with the young lady, nor should there be any private matters to discuss. Please return, Miss Dongfang." With that, he picked up the zither case and prepared to enter the house.

"No, Qingchen Gongzi—" Seeing Xu Qingchen about to leave, Dongfang You called out anxiously, "Qingchen Gongzi!" In her urgency, she even employed her Light Body Skill, leaping gracefully to block Xu Qingchen's path. Dongfang You's martial arts had earned praise from Mo Xiuyao, proof enough of her considerable skill. In contrast, Xu Qingchen was but a frail scholar with no strength to restrain a chicken—the disparity in their abilities was evident. With Dongfang You determined to stand in his way, Xu Qingchen naturally could not proceed.

"What is the meaning of this, Miss Dongfang?" Xu Qingchen's handsome face darkened slightly.

"Qingchen Gongzi, do you... do you truly refuse to even look at me?" Dongfang You gazed at the man before her with a hint of grievance. Though she had interacted with few people growing up, the reactions of those around her and the infatuated gazes she had received since descending the mountain told her she was undeniably beautiful and exceptional. So why was it that Qingchen Gongzi would not spare her even a glance?

Xu Qingchen remained silent, his brows furrowed. Dongfang You murmured softly, "Gongzi... Qingchen Gongzi, won't you look at me, just once?"

Xu Qingchen's elegant brows knitted even tighter. Dongfang You's voice was low and delicate, yet it stirred an inexplicable discomfort within him, as though something in his mind was on the verge of breaking free. His gaze involuntarily threatened to drift toward her.

But Xu Qingchen was no ordinary man. After only a fleeting moment of confusion, his eyes regained their serene calm. He regarded the white-clad woman before him with an indifferent expression. Her face, not originally one of peerless beauty, suddenly seemed to radiate an ethereal loveliness. For that instant, it was as though all color had drained from the world, leaving only her vivid and radiant presence.

"Gongzi, Qingchen Gongzi... Am I not beautiful? Won't you look at me?" Dongfang You gazed deeply at Xu Qingchen, murmuring softly.

Xu Qingchen stared fixedly at Dongfang You, remaining silent for a long while.

Seeing him gaze at her without moving, Dongfang You felt a surge of joy. She took a small step forward, her smile growing even more tender. "Qingchen Gongzi... Am I beautiful?"

"You... are beautiful..."

Overjoyed, Dongfang You stepped forward again, closing the distance to just a single pace away. A faint flush of allure appeared between her brows, enhancing her delicate charm. "Gongzi..."

"Miss Dongfang, what exactly is it you wish to say?" Xu Qingchen's voice was calm and measured, devoid of any ripple."Pfft—" At the sound of Xu Qingchen's voice, Dongfang You's eyes suddenly widened as she spat out a mouthful of blood. Xu Qingchen sidestepped just in time to avoid the spray. In an instant, the bewitching charm on Dongfang You's face vanished completely, replaced by embarrassment and weakness. The mind-controlling secret technique was always a double-edged sword—if successful, it could make the target infatuated and obedient, but if the target's willpower proved unshakable, the backlash would injure the caster instead. Dongfang You had been interrupted by Xu Qingchen at the most critical moment, suffering severe internal injuries. Her complexion darkened, and her inner energy ran wild, clearly indicating serious harm.

"Qingchen Gongzi..." Dongfang You stared in shock at the white-robed man before her, unable to believe she had failed. During the banquet that night, even the slightest effort on her part had swayed countless high-ranking officials and nobles. Yet she had failed utterly against a man who knew no martial arts—especially after employing her most profound technique. At this level, even men with grudges like patricide would forget everything and submit under her spell. Could this man truly despise her so much?

"Such underhanded tricks are beneath you, young lady. Please restrain yourself." Xu Qingchen glanced coldly at the white-clad woman, his tone indifferent. He had witnessed Dongfang You's peculiar and eerie allure toward men during Mr. Qingyun's birthday banquet, but in subsequent meetings, he felt nothing. Even without knowing about the Boundless Mountains' unique techniques, Xu Qingchen would have sensed something amiss—how could he possibly fall for her tricks?

This time, it wasn't Xu Qingchen who suffered misfortune—it was Dongfang You.

Mind-control techniques were far harder to master than martial arts. Dongfang You was exceptionally talented to have achieved such skill—even her master, Dongfang Hui, couldn't match her in this regard. But the cost of failure was equally severe. Her ashen complexion, stained by the blood she had spat out, gradually flushed red. Her resentful, watery eyes grew misty as she murmured, "Qingchen Gongzi..."

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly and looked toward a spot on the courtyard wall, saying calmly, "Aren't you coming out yet?"

As soon as he spoke, two black-clad men dropped down from the wall and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Qingchen Gongzi." Xu Qingchen regarded them with an amused smile. "So this is how A Li instructed you to protect my safety?" For the prestigious Xu residence to be infiltrated so easily was one thing, but for his dedicated guards to remain unaware for so long was simply too far-fetched.

The two guards exchanged glances, looking somewhat abashed. "Wang Ye said... as long as your safety isn't at risk... it's best not to interfere with your... romantic prospects..." So it wasn't their lack of diligence—the prince himself had wanted to see Qingchen Gongzi in an awkward situation. Of course, had Xu Qingchen truly succumbed to Dongfang You's spell, they would have intervened.Xu Qingchen had long known Mo Xiuyao's temperament and rarely blamed them. Glancing at Dongfang You, who had collapsed and was now moaning intermittently, he asked, "What's wrong with her?"

One of the guards stepped forward, coughed awkwardly, and said, "Well, it seems... earlier, Miss Dongfang used some kind of seductive technique meant to enchant men and stir... desires. Qingchen Gongzi broke her technique, and she suffered internal injuries. Then, well... the backlash from the injury caused her to... uh..."

Qingchen Gongzi, who knew nothing of martial arts, frowned as he observed Dongfang You. "Is she badly hurt?"

The guard lowered his voice. "If she finds a man to... ahem ... then no, not badly."

Qingchen Gongzi's refined face stiffened slightly. After a moment of thought, he said, "Send her back to Madam Dongfang." Since it wasn't their responsibility, there was no need to intervene. As for how Dongfang Hui intended to treat Dongfang You's condition, that was none of their concern. They didn’t understand seduction techniques, after all...

Following Xu Qingchen's order, a guard stepped forward, picked up Dongfang You, and vaulted over the wall—though not before enduring some unwelcome advances from the half-conscious woman.

In the quiet courtyard, Xu Qingchen sat beneath a large tree, lost in thought as he cradled his qin. Nearby, a black-clad guard stood by the wall, staring blankly at the sky. Before long, a commotion arose outside the courtyard. The guard leaped onto the wall, took a quick look, then returned to report, "Gongzi, the master, Madam Xu, and Madam Dongfang have arrived."

Xu Qingchen glanced at him indifferently. "Delay them. Let them in only after half a quarter-hour."

Though puzzled by the order, the guard obediently complied. Beneath the tree, a fleeting coldness flashed through Qingchen Gongzi's eyes as he lightly traced the qin's case.

True to his word, the guard held them off precisely for the allotted time—not a minute more, not a minute less. Just as Xu Qingchen rose to leave, Dongfang Hui stormed in, followed closely by Xu Hongyu and Madam Xu.

Xu Qingchen greeted them calmly. "Father, Mother, Madam Dongfang. What brings you here?"

Since he hadn’t planned to go out today, Xu Qingchen was dressed casually—an informality that struck the newcomers as oddly inappropriate. Dongfang Hui’s expression darkened as she demanded, "What have you done to You'er?"

Before Xu Qingchen could respond, Madam Xu bristled. She shot Dongfang Hui a displeased look, her face stern. What did she mean, 'what have you done to her'? What could her son possibly have done to Dongfang You? If anything, she was worried Dongfang You had tried some trick on Qingchen! Stepping forward, she scrutinized Xu Qingchen from head to toe before asking, "Qingchen, did that Dongfang girl come here?"

Xu Qingchen paused, then nodded. "Miss Dongfang arrived half an hour ago."

Madam Xu’s heart lurched. She grabbed his arm urgently. "Are you all right?"This time, it was Dongfang Hui who was displeased. Although it was originally Dongfang You who intended to use underhanded means against Xu Qingchen, Madam Xu's words were deeply grating to hear. Having just learned of Dongfang You's plans, Dongfang Hui felt hatred for the first time in her life—so intense she wanted to strangle the disciple she had raised with her own hands.

Dongfang Hui herself was not skilled in the art of enchantment. Though it was a unique secret technique of the Boundless Mountains, she had always looked down on such abilities. In her youth, she had dabbled briefly before abandoning it entirely. The prerequisite for such seductive methods was a man with an unsteady will—but how could Dongfang Hui ever stoop to using such a desperate, all-or-nothing tactic on someone she deemed weak-willed? To her, such skills were utterly useless.

When she discovered Dongfang You intended to use enchantment against Xu Qingchen, Dongfang Hui nearly wanted to crack open her disciple's skull to see what was inside. Someone like Xu Qingchen—how could he ever be controlled by such means? Outwardly gentle and refined, he was inwardly cold and detached. Dongfang Hui would sooner believe Mo Xiuyao could be ensnared by enchantment than Xu Qingchen. Fearing Dongfang You might meet with some mishap, Dongfang Hui hastily set aside her affairs and rushed over, only to find that Dongfang You had already been inside for nearly an hour without emerging.

For a moment, Dongfang Hui truly couldn’t tell whether Xu Qingchen had fallen for the trick or not. That was why she had tested him with her words, only to be intercepted by Madam Xu.

"Young Master Xu," Dongfang Hui asked solemnly, "my disciple came to visit you, yet she has not returned for quite some time. Do you know where she might have gone?"

"This…" Xu Qingchen hesitated, glancing uncertainly at the three people present.

Seeing his troubled expression, Madam Xu's heart sank. She feared her son had indeed fallen prey to Dongfang You's schemes. Xu Hongyu also frowned slightly and asked, "Has Miss Dongfang left? When did she depart? What was her purpose in coming to see you? Why did the gatekeeper not report her arrival?"

Even as a scholar of impeccable virtue, Xu Hongyu was still biased toward his own family. He had no desire for his son to marry a woman like Dongfang You. His first question—why had she not entered through the main gate?—was deliberate. With this point alone, even if Xu Qingchen and Dongfang You had become entangled, the Xu Family could refuse to formally wed her into the household. Who would willingly marry a woman who visited a man in secret without using the proper entrance?

At Xu Hongyu's words, Dongfang Hui's expression darkened. Unfortunately, she was in the wrong and had no rebuttal.

Xu Qingchen regarded the three of them calmly before speaking in a composed tone, "Miss Dongfang did indeed visit, but she seemed to have suddenly fallen ill and was somewhat unwell. I had someone escort her out just a short while ago."

"When?!" Dongfang Hui pressed urgently.

Xu Qingchen thought for a moment. "Approximately… half an hour ago."

"What happened to her?" Dongfang Hui inwardly panicked.

Xu Qingchen replied, "This junior is not entirely sure. Miss Dongfang suddenly coughed up blood and appeared quite pale. I suspect she may have suffered internal injuries from jumping off the wall."Dongfang Hui gritted her teeth secretly. With Dongfang You's martial arts skills, let alone jumping off a wall, even leaping from a cliff wouldn't necessarily cause internal injuries. "Where did they go? Why didn't anyone outside see them?" Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "Because Miss Dongfang came over the wall. The guards probably assumed she didn't want anyone to know she was here, so she left the same way."

"Young Master." A figure landed on the wall—it was the black-clad guard who had just escorted Dongfang You out. The innocent guard, who had just been taken advantage of by someone, wore a slightly flushed expression on his usually stoic face. Startled by the sudden crowd in the courtyard, he greeted, "Great Scholar, Madam Xu."

"Where is You'er?" Dongfang Hui demanded sharply.

The guard hesitated before answering, "This subordinate escorted Miss Dongfang out."

"Back to the posthouse already?" Unless using Light Body Skill, it would be impossible to make a round trip from the Xu residence to the Dongfang residence in such a short time. But no one would use Light Body Skill to carry a woman around in broad daylight. The guard shook his head. "This subordinate encountered Prince Li outside. His Highness said he was just about to visit the Dongfang residence to call on you, Madam, so he offered to escort Miss Dongfang back."

"You handed You'er over to Mo Jingli?!" Dongfang Hui exclaimed furiously.

The black-clad guard looked aggrieved. "Miss Dongfang agreed to let Prince Li take her back herself." Did they have to personally deliver this intruder back home? Even if they did, they would have missed Madam Dongfang anyway. By the time she returned, it would be too late to rescue Dongfang You.

Madam Xu couldn't care less about what happened to Dongfang You—as long as her son was safe, that was enough. As she always said, she would rather Qingchen remain unmarried his whole life than wed that Dongfang You! Smiling, she reached up to straighten her son's robes and lightly scolded, "Silly child, why didn't you change into proper clothes before receiving guests?"

"My apologies, Mother." Xu Qingchen didn't argue, replying with a faint smile.

Dongfang Hui had no patience to watch their mother-son affection. With a cold expression, she cupped her hands toward Xu Hongyu and said, "Brother Xu, farewell!"

Xu Hongyu nodded faintly, "I won't see you out."

After seeing Dongfang Hui off, Xu Hongyu looked thoughtfully at Xu Qingchen and asked, "Did Mo Jingli coincidentally run into Dongfang You, or did Dongfang You coincidentally run into Mo Jingli?"

Xu Qingchen smiled gently, his demeanor as serene as the moon and breeze, "Father, is there any difference?"

Xu Hongyu pondered briefly before replying calmly, "Don't you understand the difference here? As for Dongfang You..." Xu Qingchen smiled, "Dongfang You hasn't lost her senses. Even if something really happens, it has nothing to do with our Xu Family or Prince Ding's Estate." Seeing his son's composed demeanor, Xu Hongyu nodded in satisfaction, "Well done." Dongfang You dared to scheme against the Xu Family—whatever fate befalls her is well-deserved. The Xu Family has never been the type to show mercy or repay malice with kindness.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Dear beloved readers, Happy New Year and Happy New Year's Day. 2014 has arrived, and this book has actually been written from 2012 to 2014. Thank you all for your support. Mwah~