Mo Li

The innkeeper had arranged everything quite meticulously. The three of them were lodged in a secluded courtyard at the very back of the inn. The courtyard had a separate entrance from a side street, allowing them to come and go without arousing suspicion. After resting for the night, Mo Xiuyao and his companions were visited by the innkeeper again the following morning.

Ye Li and the others had just finished breakfast when the innkeeper entered, bowing respectfully before asking, "Is there anything lacking in the arrangements I’ve made?" Ye Li smiled and waved her hand. "When traveling, we don’t stand on ceremony. Both His Highness and I are quite comfortable. What about you, Young Master Tan?"

When Ye Li sought his opinion, Tan Jizhi could only offer a bitter smile and replied indifferently, "Thank you for your concern, Wang Fei. I have no complaints." If even Prince Ding and Princess Ding had no issues, how could he, a recently released prisoner, possibly voice any dissatisfaction?

Mo Xiuyao asked coolly, "Since Ren Qining returned, has anything noteworthy happened in the Northern Border King’s palace?"

The innkeeper’s expression turned solemn as he replied respectfully, "Reporting to Your Highness, ever since the King of the Northern Border returned to Changqing City, his temper seems to have grown exceedingly foul. Shortly after his return, he harshly reprimanded several Northern Border nobles who opposed him. In recent days, the conflict between the original Northern Border tribal nobles and the former dynasty officials who follow the King has intensified. The King has repeatedly humiliated Queen Helan in favor of Yun Fei, and tensions in the palace have reached a critical point. The animosity between the Northern Border tribesmen and the former officials is now on the verge of erupting."

"Things have escalated to this extent, yet Ren Qining still has the leisure to mobilize troops to attack Zijing Pass?" Ye Li asked curiously. Shortly after they had left the pass, they had learned that Ren Qining was also gathering his forces to launch another assault on Zijing Pass. Clearly, the alliance between Ren Qining and Yelv Ye still held.

The innkeeper shook his head. "Originally, the King of the Northern Border had issued an order to mobilize troops to attack Zijing Pass as soon as he returned to Changqing. However, the Northern Border tribal nobles opposed the campaign, which is why the army has yet to set out. In the past two days, the King has punished two tribal leaders in the palace, and it’s said that only then were the troops finally assembled."

Although the Northern Border army numbered in the millions, the majority were Central Plains people. However, the true core of its combat strength still lay with the Northern Border tribesmen. The over a million Central Plains soldiers had been forcibly conscripted in the past two years after occupying the territories beyond Zijing Pass. These men had no sense of belonging to the Northern Border and were hardly skilled in warfare. If Ren Qining wanted to attack Zijing Pass, he had no choice but to rely on the Northern Border troops to lead the charge.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "This Ren Qining is truly… No wonder Dongfang Hui abandoned him in favor of Mo Jingli."

He had entered the Northern Border as a royal son-in-law, using the Northern Border tribesmen’s strength to establish his kingdom. Yet before the nation had even stabilized, he was already eager to marginalize the Northern Border people while still depending on them to fight his wars. The Northern Border tribesmen might not be adept at scheming, but they were no fools. To expect the horse to run without feeding it—where in the world could such a good deal be found?Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "I'm afraid Ren Qining is also constrained by circumstances. Those so-called former dynasty officials around him—though I haven't met them, I can imagine what kind of people they are. After suffering so many hardships following the remnants of the fallen dynasty, now that they've finally succeeded in restoring the kingdom, how could they allow the northern tribes, whom they regard as barbarians, to hold power over them? Naturally, they are eager to seize control as soon as possible."

"Restored the kingdom?" Tan Jizhi looked at Mo Xiuyao with a strange expression. With Ren Qining still clinging to the northern kingdom's title and even afraid to openly display Lin Yuan's name, how could this be considered a successful restoration? Mo Xiuyao glanced at Tan Jizhi with a faint smile and said, "That's precisely why I said... Young Master Tan is actually much luckier than Ren Qining."

Tan Jizhi glared at him with displeasure, but Mo Xiuyao paid no mind and continued calmly, "Young Master Tan might think that if you were in Ren Qining's position, you would do better than him. But... that's only because you are not in his shoes. Therefore, you cannot understand how painful it is for someone to bear the expectations of an entire family and everyone around them for two hundred years from the moment they were born. At the very least, Doctor Lin never told you that you must restore the kingdom, did he? So, Young Master Tan, you can retreat, but Ren Qining has no way back."

"You're not Ren Qining either. How do you know he's in pain?" Tan Jizhi retorted bluntly.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and shook his head without responding. Though he did not bear the two-century-long mission of restoring a dynasty like Tan Jizhi, the descendants of the Mo Family Army were born with the duty of protecting the Great Chu. Thus, he could perhaps understand some of Ren Qining's feelings and dilemmas.

Ye Li sighed softly and said, "Ren Qining is indeed a talented man, but what a pity..." A man like Ren Qining, with his cunning, tactics, and strategic acumen—had he not been weighed down by those so-called former dynasty officials or the burden of restoration, and had he simply ruled the northern kingdom as its prince consort, he might have achieved great things instead of being trapped in this dilemma. But then again, without those old retainers who had served the Lin family for generations, Ren Qining might not have developed such skills and cunning. Gains and losses are not something that can be explained in just a few words.

Tan Jizhi remained silent. Though he had always refused to admit it, deep down, he knew he was no match for Ren Qining. After all, Ren Qining had unified the northern tribes and forced the Great Chu court to relocate to the south. Meanwhile, after years of effort, Tan Jizhi had accomplished nothing and had even ended up as Mo Xiuyao's prisoner.

"Since Ren Qining is already preparing to send troops, we should act quickly. Should I go meet Queen Helan?" Ye Li asked.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Queen Helan is a smart woman. She will come to see me once she knows we're here. There's no need to rush."

Tan Jizhi was taken aback, then laughed bitterly. "Even Queen Helan is on your side? I can't think of any reason why Ren Qining wouldn't lose."Ye Li smiled faintly, "Although Queen Helan is from the northern regions, she is a rare and intelligent woman. Her wisdom and capabilities are truly outstanding among women." Without a doubt, Ye Li greatly admired Queen Helan. Compared to Princess Anxi, Queen Helan possessed an additional ruthlessness and decisiveness. Just by her willingness to stake her entire future by marrying Ren Qining as his queen and then unhesitatingly choosing to collaborate with the completely unfamiliar Prince Ding's Estate, it was clear that the Central Plains' notion of "one day as husband and wife means a hundred days of kindness" meant nothing to her. Thus, she would show no mercy when scheming against her own husband. In contrast, Princess Anxi was far more soft-hearted toward her own kin.

Tan Jizhi sighed, "Truly, the world today is seeing an extraordinary emergence of remarkable women—Princess Ding, Princess Anxi, and Queen Helan—making us men feel utterly ashamed."

Ye Li chuckled lightly, "You flatter me too much, Young Master Tan. How could I possibly compare to the Queen of Nanzhao or Queen Helan?"

Tan Jizhi shook his head, "I believe Princess Ding is truly the most intelligent woman in this world." Whether it was Princess Anxi or Queen Helan, they might eventually wield immense power, commanding even the submission of men across the land. But all they would gain was authority. Ye Li, though bearing only the title of Princess of the State, was seen by the world not as Prince Ding's appendage but as his equal. More importantly, she not only possessed enviable power but also had a husband who genuinely cherished her, relatives who prioritized her in all things, and a pair of children. In short, she had attained everything a woman could desire—and the best of it at that. Such an extraordinary woman—how could one not admire her?

Hearing others praise Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao felt a twinge of sourness in his heart, but he was still pleased. While he wished only he could see A Li's virtues, he also wanted the world to recognize her and would never tolerate anyone belittling her. Besides, the Mo Xiuyao of today was no longer the severely injured, disfigured, and life-threatened Prince Ding of years past. After a decade of marriage to Ye Li, he no longer harbored any doubts about their bond. He was confident that no one in this world was more suited to A Li than himself. His occasional jealousy was merely a playful indulgence.

"My A Li is naturally the most intelligent woman in the world. Who needs you to say it?" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow.

Ye Li shot him a helpless glance and remained silent. She was self-aware enough to know she could hardly claim to be the most intelligent. What she relied on was simply an extra lifetime of experiences entirely different from those of people in this world.

Seeing the faint threat in Mo Xiuyao's eyes, Tan Jizhi could only smile bitterly. Even if he had the audacity, he wouldn’t dare covet Princess Ding, would he? If he had entertained such thoughts in the past, two years of Mo Xiuyao's torment had eradicated even the slightest notion. Everyone in the world knew Prince Ding valued his wife more than his own life—who would dare provoke her? The fates of the restless souls in Western Mausoleum Imperial City and Ren Qining served as stark warnings. Moreover, Princess Ding herself was no pushover; anyone without real capability who tried to provoke her would only humiliate themselves.Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were staying temporarily in Changqing City but were in no hurry to deal with Ren Qining. Instead, they left these matters to Tan Jizhi to handle himself. With time on their hands, the two leisurely strolled around the city, enjoying their days in peace.

One day, as they were dining, the innkeeper came to report that the vanguard of the Northern Army had already set off for Zijing Pass, and Ren Qining would soon follow to personally lead the campaign. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and smiled, "He’s quite confident, not the least bit worried about trouble at home." Ye Li chuckled, "It seems the Northerners, though fierce in temperament, are not without their acting skills. Ren Qining probably thinks the discord between them and the former dynasty’s officials is genuine, never imagining they plan to rebel." Mo Xiuyao remarked, "In Ren Qining’s eyes, the Northern tribes have long been without a leader. He wouldn’t expect Queen Helan to have such capabilities. Then again, the Northerners are accustomed to each tribe governing itself. Even without Queen Helan secretly coordinating, they would likely rebel sooner or later."

"Go ahead and send the news to General Leng Huai at Zijing Pass first," Mo Xiuyao instructed.

The innkeeper acknowledged and was about to leave when a commotion erupted downstairs. Seeing the two frown, the innkeeper hastily excused himself to investigate. Mo Xiuyao suddenly grinned and said to Ye Li, "A Li, let’s go take a look." They left their private room and, from the second-floor vantage point, saw several richly dressed Central Plains men confronting a group of clearly Northern men in the main hall below. The Northerners, broad-shouldered and thick-browed, were visibly furious—clearly not people to provoke lightly. Yet the Central Plains men, though appearing frail and scholarly, matched them in intensity, their words sharp as blades.

The Northerners, unskilled in verbal sparring, grew red-faced with anger, their hair practically standing on end. In a fit of rage, they moved to fight. Though the Central Plains men themselves lacked physical strength, they were accompanied by numerous highly skilled guards, unafraid of a brawl.

Sure enough, the disagreement quickly escalated into a fight. The innkeeper, seemingly accustomed to such scenes, anxiously stepped in to mediate but was shoved aside and retreated behind the counter, saying no more. Within moments, the once-neat hall was reduced to shambles, debris scattered everywhere.

So engrossed were the combatants that no one noticed Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li descending the stairs. From behind the counter, the innkeeper hurried over and ushered them to a secluded corner, safe from the fray. Watching the ongoing melee in the center of the hall, Mo Xiuyao asked curiously, "You don’t seem the least bit worried?"The shopkeeper wiped his forehead and smiled bitterly, "Nowadays, there isn't a single day in Changqing City without fights. Even my humble shop has been affected three times this month. As for those pleasure quarters, it goes without saying... Whenever two factions meet, a brawl is inevitable." He mentioned that this inn was actually a Hidden Stakeout set up by Prince Ding's Estate. Making a profit was naturally good, but losing money wasn’t a concern. If it were an ordinary inn run by commoners, they would have packed up and left long ago. The so-called capital of the King of the Northern Border was already quite desolate. Apart from the former dynasty’s old officials and the Northern Border’s tribal nobility, the lives of ordinary people were extremely impoverished. There were only a handful of shops in the entire Changqing City, so even this not-so-luxurious inn of the shopkeeper often suffered.

Ye Li frowned and asked, "Isn’t there anyone to manage this?"

The shopkeeper shook his head and sighed, "Who can manage it? Those who dare to fight in the city are all powerful nobles from the court. The leader of the Northern Border group is the youngest son of the former second-largest tribe’s chief, a cousin of Queen Helan. Those Central Plains people are the illegitimate son of the King of the Northern Border’s appointed prime minister and the younger brother of Yun Fei."

Mo Xiuyao stroked his chin thoughtfully and remarked, "They truly are remarkable figures."

As they spoke, the brawling crowd gradually moved closer. One of the Central Plains men was punched by a Northern Border man and sent flying toward Ye Li. Mo Xiuyao let out a light hum and flicked his sleeve, causing the man’s momentum to falter before he fell to the side. Unexpectedly, after scrambling to his feet, the man didn’t rush to retaliate against his attacker. Instead, his gaze landed on Ye Li, and he froze. His eyes, clouded by indulgence in wine and women, gleamed with lecherous intent.

Though Ye Li had disguised her appearance, she still retained an elegant and refined beauty. The young man, despite being the son of a high-ranking official under Ren Qining, had spent years in the Northern Border surrounded by tall and robust women. Even after returning to the impoverished Changqing City, he had never encountered a woman as striking as Ye Li. Even the most favored Yun Fei in the palace paled in comparison. Ignoring the ongoing fight, he leered at Ye Li’s beautiful face and said with a slimy grin, "May I ask the young lady’s name?"

Ye Li was momentarily taken aback and couldn’t help but find it amusing. Over the years, she had encountered many situations, but being openly harassed in public was undoubtedly a first. She smiled faintly and replied, "And how should I address this young master?" Seeing that Ye Li didn’t react with the usual shyness of women, the man was delighted. "This young master is the son of the current prime minister. Miss, why not come stay at the prime minister’s residence for a few days? It would be far better than suffering in this shabby inn." The man glanced at Mo Xiuyao standing beside Ye Li and smirked disdainfully.

The shopkeeper subtly retreated a step. This prime minister’s son had been running rampant in Changqing City for over a year. Now that he had crossed paths with Wang Ye, it was truly like lighting a lamp in a latrine—seeking death.

On the other side, the Northern Border man, still engrossed in the fight, saw his opponent abandon the brawl to flirt with a woman and flew into a rage. "Coward! If you’ve got the guts, fight me for another three hundred rounds!"“This young master won’t stoop to your level today, you northern barbarians!” the Prime Minister’s son declared arrogantly. Fights with northerners were a daily occurrence, but beauties like this weren’t encountered every day. Though the northerners lacked cunning and preferred straightforwardness, their martial skills far surpassed those of these delicate scholars and pampered nobles. Their discerning eyes immediately recognized that the pair of men were not to be trifled with, so they ceased fighting and stood aside to watch the spectacle. Seeing the northerners back down, the Prime Minister’s son grew even more smug.

Gazing at the ethereal beauty before him, her faint smile exuding elegance, the Prime Minister’s son felt an unbearable itch in his heart. He reached out to grab Ye Li’s hand, only for another hand to seize his wrist. Startled, he looked up at Mo Xiuyao, who had been silently standing nearby, and snapped, “Who are you? Release me at once!”

A frosty smile curled at Mo Xiuyao’s lips as he exerted the slightest pressure, eliciting a pig-like shriek from the Prime Minister’s son. The onlookers, who had been cheering and jeering, were startled into silence.

“Bastard! Do you know who I am?” The Prime Minister’s son’s face turned deathly pale, sweat pouring down like rain. With just a light grip, this man in blue had—he could clearly feel—shattered the bones in his hand. Even the legendary physician Hua Tuo wouldn’t be able to mend it now.

“I do. The Prime Minister’s son, correct?” Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, then signaled to the innkeeper with a glance. Understanding immediately, the innkeeper waved his hand, and the previously trembling staff, who had been cowering in corners, swiftly moved to shut the inn’s doors. Strangely enough, Changqing City was so desolate that in any other city, such a commotion would have drawn crowds. But here, the common folk struggled even to feed themselves—who had spare coin to visit inns or taverns? This establishment was near the district where the city’s elite resided, so foot traffic was already sparse. Those who did pass by fled at the sight of noble scions brawling. Now, with this group trapped inside, no one outside noticed. The occasional passerby merely assumed the innkeeper had closed shop for some reason.

“What are you doing?” The others grew uneasy as the doors shut. A few northerners, relying on their agility, tried to force their way out, but the seemingly unremarkable staff were well-trained and easily thwarted them.

“Who… who exactly are you?” the Prime Minister’s son stammered, his face ashen.

Mo Xiuyao tossed him aside carelessly. “So these are the descendants of Ren Qining’s former dynasty officials? A bunch of useless gluttons.”

“You—how dare you address His Majesty by name!”

Mo Xiuyao scoffed. “What of it? This prince has already slaughtered his entire family.”

“You—!” At this, the faces of everyone present paled. With such words, how could they not recognize his identity? “You… you’re Prince Ding?!” In recent years, Mo Xiuyao’s reputation had been far from favorable, so their terror was understandable.

Ye Li smiled gently. “There’s no need to fear. We don’t kill indiscriminately.”

“You… you’re Princess Ding?” the Prime Minister’s son quavered.

Ye Li’s smile deepened. “Indeed, I am Ye Li.”"Prince Ding, Princess Ding. We have not offended you in any way." Several Northerners exchanged glances before their leader stepped forward cautiously. Even though they were barbarians, they still feared death, and Mo Xiuyao's reputation as a god of slaughter was something they had long heard of.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Is this young master Queen Helan's cousin? Please inform Queen Helan that an old friend requests an audience." This young man was the son of a Northern tribe leader, naturally shrewd and well-informed. His expression changed slightly at Ye Li's words, and he nodded, "I will certainly deliver the message. May we take our leave now?"

Ye Li nodded, "You may go."

Seeing the Northerners depart unharmed, the Central Plains noble youths hesitated before approaching Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to negotiate. "Prince, Princess, we..." Ye Li said, "As for you... I'm afraid we must ask you to stay here for a while longer."

Their expressions darkened. "Princess Ding, no matter how powerful you are, this is still Northern territory!"

Mo Xiuyao sneered, "This prince intends to detain you. What will you do about it?" The speaker immediately wilted—what could they possibly do if Prince Ding decided to hold them?

"Aren't you afraid the imperial court will come after you?"

"Is Ren Qining busy preparing for the expedition now? Would he have time to look for a mere good-for-nothing who's gone missing?" The alliance between Ren Qining and Yelv Ye was crucial for the Northern Frontier. At this moment, no matter how significant an issue arose, it wouldn't deter Ren Qining from mobilizing his troops—let alone the disappearance of a few uneducated wastrels.

"My father will definitely send someone to rescue me," the prime minister's son said with a trembling voice, his face contorted from the excruciating pain in his wrist.

Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "No need for your father to rescue you. This prince will have someone send you back. Guards, take him to Tan Jizhi—he'll know what to do. As for the others, lock them up for now."

"Understood," replied the shopkeeper nearby, who then grabbed the prime minister's son and dragged him toward the backyard. The others were also led away one by one, and the once chaotic and messy inn suddenly fell into complete silence. Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with a smile and asked, "Do you plan to use these people to stir up conflict between the Northern Frontier and the remnants of the former dynasty? Will it work?"

Mo Xiuyao's smile turned icy. "Whether it works or not, we'll find out by trying."