Mo Li

Dongfang Hui rushed to the posthouse where Mo Jingli was staying, only to find neither him nor Dongfang You there. Her expression darkened even further. Leaving the posthouse, she headed straight for the Dongfang residence. This time, she did not return empty-handed. However, the scene that greeted her upon entering nearly made her vomit blood.

In Dongfang You’s room, scattered clothes were strewn haphazardly across the floor. Dongfang Hui’s face turned grim as she dismissed her attendants and stepped inside. Sure enough, she saw a man and woman entwined on the bed, the woman’s cheeks flushed and eyes lightly closed, still deep in slumber. The thick, lingering scent of musk in the air served as a blatant reminder of what had just transpired.

"Mo Jingli!" Dongfang Hui ground her teeth.

The moment Dongfang Hui entered, Mo Jingli opened his eyes. Unfazed by her furious expression, he sat up calmly and said, "Madam Dongfang, would you mind stepping outside for a moment?" Dongfang Hui’s face was frosty as she flicked her sleeve and spat, "Prince Li, you had better give me a reasonable explanation!"

As they spoke, Dongfang You gradually stirred awake. Meeting her master’s enraged gaze, she froze in shock before realizing she was lying in Mo Jingli’s arms. A shrill scream tore from her throat.

"Silence!" Dongfang Hui snapped coldly. "How dare you scream? Clean yourself up and come out immediately!" With that, she turned and left.

Dongfang You was utterly stunned by the sudden and unexpected situation. Her mind was a muddled haze, and she couldn’t recall anything after her failed attempt to bewitch Xu Qingchen with her secret arts. Yet, the scene before her made it all too clear what had happened.

"Mo Jingli, you have some nerve! I’ll kill you!" Dongfang You shrieked. Without a care for their current state, she swung her palm toward Mo Jingli’s head. Though Mo Jingli’s martial skills might have been slightly inferior to hers, Dongfang You was still weakened from her internal injuries and the recent exertion. Mo Jingli easily caught her wrist, pinning her tightly against him.

"Mo Jingli! I’ll kill you! I swear I’ll kill you!" Dongfang You’s eyes burned with fury. She couldn’t comprehend how her carefully laid plans had gone so awry. Not only had she failed to ensnare Xu Qingchen, but Mo Jingli had taken advantage of her vulnerability. She knew that from this moment on, she had lost any chance of ever winning Xu Qingchen’s acceptance. How could the Xu Family, a century-old scholarly clan, or Xu Qingchen, the world’s foremost gentleman, ever take in a ruined woman? The mere thought made her wish she could flay Mo Jingli alive and tear him limb from limb!

Mo Jingli held her wrists firmly, his patience wearing thin. "Are you done yet?" he demanded. He had initially intended to treat Dongfang You well—after all, her status and abilities were impressive, and securing her meant gaining the support of the Boundless Mountains. Had she behaved, he would have cherished her. But instead, the moment she woke up, she was screaming for his blood. Did this woman not realize she was already his? What good would all this rage do now?

"You’re making a scene now? Then you shouldn’t have thrown yourself at me earlier," Mo Jingli sneered, his voice dripping with scorn.The fragmented and intermittent scenes in her mind made Dongfang You's expression turn ugly. Hearing Mo Jingli's words, she trembled with rage. What Mo Jingli said wasn't wrong—it had indeed been her who first clung to him, even if it hadn't been her true intention. But that didn't change the facts.

Seeing she had stopped making a scene, Mo Jingli finally released her and got out of bed, picking up his clothes from the side and dressing unhurriedly. As he leaned down to look at Dongfang You, he said, "What's done is done. As long as you behave, this prince will naturally treat you well. As for that Qingchen Gongzi you pine after... didn't he toss you out without hesitation, knowing full well you were suffering from internal backlash akin to an aphrodisiac? Do you still think of him?"

Slap! Dongfang You struck Mo Jingli hard across the face. "Bastard!"

Mo Jingli's eyes turned cold, but he quickly suppressed his towering fury. Standing up, he looked down at her and said, "Since you're awake, get up quickly. Your master is waiting outside."

"I won't marry you!" Dongfang You glared at him hatefully, gritting her teeth.

Mo Jingli remained unperturbed. "Now, who else would take you besides me?"

Outside, in the main hall of the Dongfang residence, Dongfang Hui had long dismissed all the attendants and sat alone, lost in thought. Her still-striking face was shadowed with malice. The Xu Family's move had been too ruthless, completely severing Dongfang Hui's last shred of hope toward Prince Ding's Estate and the Xu Family. Though Xu Qingchen had made it sound like a mere accident, Dongfang Hui refused to believe it was that simple. Dongfang You's technique had failed, resulting in internal backlash. Xu Qingchen had her sent back, only for her to coincidentally run into Mo Jingli, who then naturally became the one to "heal" her. Everything seemed ordinary, but decades of experience leading the Boundless Mountains sharpened her instincts—this was no coincidence.

In truth, after rejecting Ren Qining in her heart, Dongfang Hui had few options left for the Boundless Mountains. Either everyone would return to the mountains in seclusion, or they would have to side with Mo Jingli. But choosing willingly and being forced into it were entirely different matters. The feeling of being manipulated and coerced made Dongfang Hui resent her disciple's recklessness and Mo Jingli's opportunism. She even grew to hate Xu Qingchen's ruthlessness and his scheming against Dongfang You. Delving deeper, this was Prince Ding's Estate showing disdain and disregard for the Boundless Mountains.

"Madam, Wang Fei of Prince Ding and the Xu Family's Second Young Madam have come to visit," a servant hurried in to report. Dongfang Hui frowned. For Ye Li to visit at this moment was far too coincidental. After a moment's thought, she asked, "Did Wang Fei state her purpose?" The servant replied, "Wang Fei said she heard Miss Dongfang was unwell and came with the Xu Family's Second Young Madam to pay their respects."

Dongfang Hui had no desire to see Ye Li now, but since the Xu Family's Second Young Madam had accompanied her, she couldn't help but suspect Ye Li already knew the truth. After a long silence, she sighed in defeat. "Since things have come to this... fine. Invite Wang Fei in."Before long, Ye Li and Qin Zheng walked in hand in hand. Noticing Dongfang Hui's less-than-pleased expression, Ye Li pretended not to see it and smiled warmly, "Ye Li has come uninvited. Please forgive my rudeness, Madam Dongfang." Dongfang Hui's gaze lingered briefly on Qin Zheng before she replied, "You flatter me, Wang Fei. The presence of both Wang Fei and the Second Young Madam has brought great honor to our humble residence."

Qin Zheng actually didn’t know much—only a few words from Madam Xu about Dongfang You's actions. Even so, she had heard of Dongfang You's persistent pursuit of Xu Qingchen during this time, yet she never imagined Dongfang You would have the audacity to intrude into the Xu Family's residence with ill intentions toward Xu Qingchen. Though Qin Zheng had interacted with unconventional women like Ye Li and Murong Ting and had heard of many bizarre incidents, Dongfang You's behavior still shocked her deeply. Leaving aside that Xu Qingchen was her elder brother-in-law, just the name "Qingchen Gongzi" alone—how many young ladies of the former Great Chu hadn’t secretly admired him at least a few times in their hearts? Xu Qingchen was even known as the "Immortal Gentleman," so it stood to reason that the woman worthy of him would be no ordinary figure. As for someone like Dongfang You—even if Xu Qingchen and the Xu Family didn’t object, the young ladies of Li Cheng would hardly accept it.

"Miss Dongfang visited the Xu Family, yet I failed to receive her personally and even allowed her to leave in poor health. My mother-in-law has already reprimanded me severely. Our Xu Family has been remiss in hospitality, and I must beg Madam Dongfang’s forgiveness. I wonder how Miss Dongfang is faring now. Please allow me to see her so I may personally apologize." Qin Zheng looked at Dongfang Hui, speaking softly and earnestly.

Though the words were polite, their underlying tone was anything but. When a young lady like Dongfang You visited the Xu Family, it was only proper for the youngest female member of the household—the Second Young Madam—to receive her. Yet from the gatekeepers to the servants to the Second Young Madam herself, no one in the Xu Family had seen Dongfang You. How, then, had this "Miss Dongfang" entered the Xu residence? And for what purpose? Since she had refused to follow proper guest etiquette by entering through the main gate, any mishap that befell her was naturally not the Xu Family’s responsibility. Moreover, Dongfang You hadn’t even fallen ill at the Xu residence, yet the Xu Family had still sent the Second Young Madam to visit her—this was already the utmost courtesy.

Dongfang Hui’s smile turned stiff and cold. This Second Young Madam of the Xu Family had always been low-profile and unremarkable—who would have guessed she was also so sharp-tongued? "You’er is indeed unwell, but it’s nothing serious. However, she is resting now and likely cannot receive the Second Young Madam. Perhaps when she recovers, we may invite Madam Xu for a small gathering."

Qin Zheng smiled and didn’t press further. Beside her, Ye Li added lightly, "In that case, we won’t disturb Miss Dongfang’s rest. However… on our way here, we happened to meet Qixia Princess, who mentioned that Li Wang Dianxia had come to your residence but hadn’t returned. Would Madam Dongfang kindly inform him that Qixia Princess seems to have urgent business with him? If he is free, he should return soon—otherwise, Qixia Princess might come looking for him at the Dongfang residence before long.""Princess Qixia?" Dongfang Hui's expression darkened slightly as she replied coolly, "I don't recall any country having a Princess Qixia." Ye Li offered an apologetic smile, "My mistake, it should be Miss Qixia. This young lady has been by Prince Li's side for many years and enjoys his deep trust. Since the message has been delivered, Zheng'er and I shall take our leave now. Please convey our regards to Miss Dongfang for us."

As Ye Li stood to depart, before Dongfang Hui could respond, Mo Jingli appeared at the doorway. Spotting Ye Li and Qin Zheng, his eyes flickered, "Prince Ding's Estate and Young Madam Xu are here as well?" Ye Li's calm gaze swept over Mo Jingli, a faint smile touching her lips as she said, "We heard Miss Dongfang was unwell and came to visit. So Prince Li is indeed at the Dongfang residence."

Mo Jingli felt uncharacteristically uneasy. His underhanded tactics to secure the support of the Boundless Mountains were hardly honorable, especially when Prince Ding's Estate disdained such methods. Yet despite his pride, Mo Jingli knew he wasn't Mo Xiuyao. While Mo Xiuyao could afford to spurn the Boundless Mountains' backing, Mo Jingli couldn't. Though resentful, he had to accept this reality. Facing Ye Li in such circumstances inevitably brought him shame. In this world, there was nothing he dreaded more than losing face before Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li—yet fate seemed determined to humiliate him...

"Miss Dongfang is fine and will join you shortly," Mo Jingli said. Regardless, now that things had come to this, he needed to solidify his position first. Once the matter was settled, he wasn't worried about Dongfang Hui going back on her word. If she did, the Boundless Mountains' reputation as being "Appointed by Heaven to Choose a Lord" would be shattered—neither she nor the mountains could afford such disgrace.

"Oh?" Ye Li's eyes sparkled with amusement, her smile serene. "It seems we've missed something? Or perhaps the Boundless Mountains are celebrating soon?"

"Indeed," Mo Jingli replied gravely. "When the time comes, Princess Ding and Prince Ding must join us for a toast."

Ye Li inwardly chuckled at how desperately Mo Jingli coveted the Boundless Mountains' support—was he planning to hold the wedding in Li Cheng itself? "If Prince Li intends to hold the ceremony in Li Cheng, Wang Ye and I would be honored to attend. Congratulations, Prince Li." Mo Jingli studied her deeply before responding stiffly, "Thank you."

"Mo Jingli, don't even think about it! I'll never marry you!" Just as Ye Li and Mo Jingli exchanged their seemingly harmonious words, Dongfang You's voice—now stripped of its usual composure and softness—pierced through the doorway with shrill fury. Everyone turned to see her standing at the entrance, eyes red with anger as she glared at Mo Jingli.

Qin Zheng observed Dongfang You with surprise. Their previous encounters had always made Dongfang You seem like a soulless mannequin, but now, flushed with rage, the woman in white appeared startlingly real. However, the faint purple marks visible at the low neckline of her robes made Qin Zheng blush and quickly avert her eyes in embarrassment.

"You'er!" Dongfang Hui rebuked sharply under her breath.Dongfang You froze, looking at Dongfang Hui with deep grievance, "Master, I... I... I don't want to marry this beast!" Mo Jingli's expression darkened as he glared at Dongfang You with equal displeasure, "Dongfang You, don't think you're the only one aggrieved here. How is this matter my fault? You were the one who got yourself into that state. At the very least, I saved your life." Dongfang You clenched her teeth, "I didn't need saving by a scoundrel like you!"

Mo Jingli sneered, "You'd rather someone else had saved you, but unfortunately, they couldn't be bothered. Or perhaps Miss Dongfang would have preferred to drag some random stranger off the street..." Dongfang You's face paled. Compared to what had happened with Mo Jingli, if she had truly been left on the street... No one understood the backlash of her internal injuries better than her. Had that occurred, she might have ended up... "I—"

"Enough," Dongfang Hui cut her off coldly. "Aren't you ashamed enough already?"

Dongfang You faltered, staring at Dongfang Hui's icy expression before finally collapsing against a nearby table, sobbing uncontrollably. Ye Li watched from the side, sighing inwardly. Compared to the aloof, lecturing demeanor of the Boundless Mountains' disciple from before, this white-robed woman weeping bitterly now seemed far more human. Unfortunately, this entire situation was of her own making. Using such seductive arts to control Xu Qingchen—the Xu Family would never sacrifice themselves to save her. Thus, Dongfang You's tragedy had been sealed the moment she conceived such a scheme.

Dongfang Hui lowered her gaze, concealing her emotions before turning to Ye Li. "Princess Ding, I have matters to attend to here. I won't detain you and Second Young Madam Xu any longer."

Ye Li tactfully rose with a smile. "We've overstayed our welcome. Please don't trouble yourself on our account, Madam Dongfang. I take my leave."

After bidding farewell to Dongfang Hui and Mo Jingli, Ye Li and Qin Zheng had barely stepped outside when they heard Dongfang Hui's furious scolding from within. Having led the Boundless Mountains for over twenty years, Dongfang Hui was known for her composure and shrewdness. For her to lose her temper before her guests were even out of earshot spoke volumes of how thoroughly Dongfang You had provoked her.After leaving Dongfang Hu, Ye Li and Qin Zheng exchanged a knowing smile. Qin Zheng asked curiously, "Will Madam Dongfang really marry Miss Dongfang to Prince Li? It seems both Madam Dongfang and Miss Dongfang are somewhat unwilling." Ye Li chuckled, "Miss Dongfang is truly unwilling, but as for Madam Dongfang... she's just unwilling for Dongfang You to marry Mo Jingli under these circumstances." If Dongfang Hui didn't want to withdraw to the Boundless Mountains and wait another sixty or seventy years, Mo Jingli was practically her only choice. As long as this dragged on, she would eventually agree to assist Mo Jingli. But that would be the true "Appointed by Heaven to Choose a Lord" from the Boundless Mountains, with the mountains standing in a lofty position. Now, with this relationship between Mo Jingli and Dongfang You, Dongfang You had no choice but to marry him, but there would inevitably be some awkwardness and resentment between the two families. Moreover, in the eyes of the Qingliu literati of Chu, the status of the Boundless Mountains would plummet. Not to mention, with Dongfang You's temperament, she would never make any effort to be a virtuous Holy Maiden or consort assisting a future enlightened ruler. And this was precisely the goal of Ye Li and Prince Ding's Estate. How could Prince Ding's Estate give Mo Jingli such a grand gift for nothing? Now, this gift might seem splendid, but it could turn into an unpredictable time bomb at any moment.

"This Miss Dongfang has brought it upon herself. A perfectly good young lady..." Qin Zheng sighed. Though Dongfang You appeared pitiful, Qin Zheng felt no sympathy for her. Someone who relied on special skills to manipulate others' hearts and even schemed to force marriage regardless of others' wishes truly deserved their fate.

Ye Li smiled, "Even without today's events, Madam Dongfang would likely have married her to Mo Jingli soon enough. There's no need for you to feel sorry for her, Second Sister-in-law."

Qin Zheng laughed, "I wouldn't feel sorry for her at all. As long as she doesn't bring trouble to our Xu Family, it doesn't matter to me whom she marries."

Ye Li nodded in agreement, "Exactly."

Sure enough, a day later, Dongfang Hui announced the marriage between Mo Jingli and Dongfang You, with Dongfang You becoming Prince Li's principal consort. Both the Dongfang residence and Prince Li's official residence emphasized that she would be the principal consort, not a co-equal consort. Though a co-equal consort wasn't considered a concubine, she would still be subordinate to the principal consort. While Mo Jingli had agreed not to depose Ye Ying, the Boundless Mountains wouldn't tolerate such humiliation. The compromise was that both would be principal consorts, equal in status. As the regent of Chu, Mo Jingli now held absolute power and could act as he pleased. He soon issued an edict designating Ye Ying as the "Rong Consort" and Dongfang You as the "Min Consort," both serving as principal consorts to the regent.

"Don't you think Mo Jingli's chosen titles are mocking them?" Ye Li remarked upon receiving the news of the regent's consort appointments, looking at the two titles. Ye Ying, now without support, children, or favor in Chu, hardly deserved the title "Rong" (Glory). And Dongfang You, who had schemed against others only to trap herself, found the title "Min" (Keen) more like a joke.Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Perhaps Mo Jingli wishes Ye Ying a life of wealth and stability while also hoping Dongfang You gains some brains. As for titles, if they don't reflect reality, they're merely aspirations."

Ye Li smiled faintly and casually tossed the letter onto the nearby table, remarking, "I was just wondering how to handle the matters concerning Dongfang You and the Boundless Mountains. Who knew it would be resolved so easily?" Mo Xiuyao chuckled, "All thanks to Qingchen Gongzi's unparalleled intellect. His masterful maneuvering is truly admirable."

On the other side, Xu Qingchen, who had been writing with his head lowered, looked up and replied with a faint smile, "If Wang Ye hadn't wanted to watch the show, would we have achieved such results?"

If Mo Xiuyao hadn't whimsically decided to test whether Qingchen Gongzi could resist the temptation of charm techniques by preventing the guards from intervening first, Dongfang You would never have had the chance to use any charm techniques on him—and none of the subsequent events would have occurred. Thus, when tracing the root cause, Prince Ding was the true instigator.

Mo Xiuyao showed no embarrassment at having his mischievous intentions exposed. Nuzzling against Ye Li's hair, he chuckled, "That's how we know Qingchen Gongzi's mental fortitude is truly rare in this world." Back then, Dongfang You had only employed superficial techniques in public, yet even many masters with profound inner energy were affected. But this time, focusing solely on Xu Qingchen with her full power yet failing completely, it was clear just how unshakable Qingchen Gongzi's willpower was. Or perhaps it could be said that it revealed just how detached and indifferent Qingchen Gongzi truly was. Apart from those whose hearts already belong to someone and see no beauty in others, only the genuinely cold-hearted—who view all beauties as mere skeletons—could remain unmoved by such temptation. It seems the Xu Family elders will have to wait much longer to see Qingchen Gongzi settle down and start a family.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Wang Ye flatters me... The border is about to face trouble." His hand, holding the memorial, paused slightly as he spoke calmly.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. Xu Qingchen continued, "The moment Yelv Ye left Flying Goose Pass, he began mobilizing troops. It seems he intends to engage us in another battle before winter arrives." Though momentarily taken aback, Mo Xiuyao wasn’t entirely surprised. "What about Ren Qining?" Ye Li frowned. "Ren Qining bid farewell this morning and should have already left Li Cheng by now."

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment before smiling at Ye Li. "A Li, it seems we must prepare for war again. This time... will be the end for Yelv Ye and Helian Zhen!" A cold glint flashed through his eyes.

Ye Li paused briefly, then smiled. "Good. We'll face it together."