Mo Li

Tan Jizhi’s efficiency was remarkably high. Within just a few days, he had secretly managed to befriend numerous influential figures in Changqing City. Every day, as Ye Li reviewed the intelligence reports sent by Prince Ding's Estate’s informants in Changqing, she couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. No wonder Tan Jizhi had been able to deceive Mo Jingli, Mo Jingqi, and even Shu Manlin, the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border, for so many years. His skills and methods were indeed formidable. Unfortunately, fate had not favored him. With Shu Manlin and Mo Jingqi dead one after another, and Mo Jingli growing suspicious of him, he had been discarded as a pawn. All his schemes and calculations had ultimately come to nothing.

Though Mo Xiuyao was well aware of Ye Li’s capabilities, he was never at ease when it came to her safety. Before leaving, he not only left behind Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and Lin Han—who usually accompanied her—but also transferred He Su, who had originally been stationed in Chu Jing, to her side. Ye Li’s judgment back then had not been mistaken. Compared to Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Wei Lin, He Su was far more suited for leading troops in battle. In just a decade, He Su had carved out a place for himself among the generals of Great Chu through sheer ability. Seizing the opportunity when Mo Jingli moved the capital southward, he had aggressively expanded his forces, which was why he had been able to bring 200,000 troops to rescue Chu Jing when it was besieged. Over these ten years, He Su had risen to his current position entirely on his own merits. Given another decade, he would undoubtedly become another Zhang Qilan or Lyu Jinxian.

With these four men by her side—each exceptional in both martial prowess and strategy—Mo Xiuyao felt somewhat more at ease about Ye Li’s safety.

"Wang Fei," He Su stood respectfully before the desk in the study, awaiting Ye Li’s orders. Ye Li studied him for a long moment before smiling. "He Su, you are already a general commanding thousands of troops. Now that you’ve been reassigned to me, do you have anything to say?"

He Su bowed deeply to Ye Li and replied solemnly, "Whatever modest achievements this subordinate has attained are all thanks to Your Highness’s grace. However, as one of Your Highness’s former shadow guards, I have failed in my duty by not serving at your side like my second, third, and fourth brothers. To be able to follow Your Highness again and reunite with my brothers is a blessing I do not take lightly."

Though He Su’s rise over the past decade could be described as astonishing—from an ordinary commoner to a military commander in just ten years—these achievements paled in comparison to the earth-shaking changes Prince Ding’s Estate had undergone. Naturally, He Su harbored no resentment about being reassigned to Ye Li’s side by Mo Xiuyao. After all, those who had once served as Princess Ding’s shadow guards understood better than anyone else her capabilities and her position in the prince’s heart. To be able to serve by her side was a privilege many could only dream of.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Good. The reason Wang Ye transferred you back to me is that I currently need someone skilled in leading troops—not to strip you of your military authority. Back then, I sent you to the army because I believed you were suited for it, and you have not disappointed me over the years. Once this matter is resolved, you will return to your command. I hope you understand that."Ye Li didn't believe that everyone in this world should unconditionally obey and pledge loyalty to her without any resentment. As the saying goes, a fine bird chooses a tree to nest in. Transferring a capable general to serve as a bodyguard was already a waste of talent, and expecting him to harbor no resentment was truly too presumptuous. Even if He Su himself didn't feel wronged, Ye Li thought it necessary to clarify matters with him to avoid any misunderstandings that might cause displeasure on both sides.

"Your subordinate obeys the order. Many thanks, Wang Fei." He Su genuinely felt grateful to Ye Li from the bottom of his heart. Originally a shadow guard of Prince Ding's Estate, he would never have become a general without Ye Li's intervention, no matter how much he was trusted by his master. Moreover, he had come to realize that Wang Fei's initial assessment was indeed correct—he much preferred battling on the battlefield to serving as a bodyguard.

Ye Li nodded and said, "Take my token and seek out Queen Helan. She will arrange for you to join the Northern Territory Army. Do you know what to do then?" After a brief moment of contemplation, He Su grasped Ye Li's intention and frowned slightly. "Does Wang Fei intend to incite rebellion among the Central Plains troops within the Northern Territory Army?"

With a smile, Ye Li nodded. "Exactly. Moreover, we have at most a month and a half, so your mission is indeed quite challenging. Do you foresee any problems?"

He Su pondered for a while before responding, "The Northern Territory Army has occupied these lands of Great Chu for only two years, yet they've conscripted so heavily that the people can barely survive. Your subordinate believes the mid-to-lower-ranking officers among these Central Plains troops likely harbor no loyalty to the Northern Territory. Coupled with the reputation of Prince Ding's Estate, persuading them shouldn't be too difficult."

Pleased with his response, Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. She picked up a dossier from the side and said, "This contains a list of Northern Territory generals who didn't accompany Ren Qining on the campaign, along with their backgrounds. Take it and use it as you see fit. Among them are a few truly capable individuals. You can inform them that as long as they pledge allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate, I will not hold their past actions of following Ren Qining to attack Chu Jing against them. Their military ranks and positions will remain unchanged, and if they perform meritorious deeds, Prince Ding's Estate will not hesitate to reward them generously."

He Su was also delighted. The idea that these Central Plains troops were staunchly loyal to Ren Qining was laughable. Their greatest concern was having followed Ren Qining to attack Great Chu and fearing retribution from the Mo Family Army. Now, with Wang Fei's personal assurance, they would naturally have no more worries. After all, compared to Ren Qining, anyone would find Prince Ding's Estate a far more reliable choice.

Tucking away the dossier, He Su said respectfully, "Your subordinate understands. Your subordinate takes his leave."

"Go ahead. I will send Lin Han and Qilin to assist you covertly. If necessary, you may resort to extreme measures—after all, we're pressed for time."

"Yes."

On the surface, Changqing City appeared no different from usual, but beneath the calm, turbulent undercurrents were surging in many places... Yet no one knew that all these changes stemmed from the serene and graceful woman residing in that seemingly ordinary little courtyard in the city.

In the Prime Minister's residence, the current Northern Territory Prime Minister looked perplexedly at the group before him, finally settling his gaze on the white-clad woman beside Tan Jizhi, his expression shifting uncertainly. "Young Master Tan, who might this young lady be?"

Before Tan Jizhi could respond, the woman in white said calmly, "Prime Minister Yun, this humble girl's surname is Dongfang.""Dongfang? The Boundless Mountains? That's impossible?!" The Prime Minister stood up in shock, staring at the woman in white. Beside him, Tan Jizhi couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth before turning to the Prime Minister with a serious expression. "Why is it impossible?"

The Prime Minister said, "Young Master Tan, don't try to deceive this old man. The Boundless Mountains have long sided with Prince Li. How could this young lady possibly be the successor of the Boundless Mountains? Do you think just because our northern borders are remote, we know nothing of the outside world?"

Tan Jizhi shrugged and looked at the woman sitting across from him. The woman in white sneered and said indifferently, "Who said the Boundless Mountains can only have one successor? Moreover... Dongfang You's reputation in Li Cheng is already ruined. How could she still be the successor of the Boundless Mountains?"

"This..." Although he had been staying in Changqing City, the Prime Minister was still aware of important matters. Naturally, he knew what Ye Li meant by "reputation ruined." Frowning, he pondered for a moment before saying, "Could it be... the Boundless Mountains are planning to deceive the public while secretly pursuing another agenda?"

Watching the old man's furrowed brows and earnest expression, Tan Jizhi inwardly shook his head. Fortunately, he hadn't planned to truly cooperate with this old man. Otherwise... someone who could spin such elaborate theories from a single sentence—was he really reliable?

After a moment of silence, the Prime Minister looked at the two and asked, "Young lady, what proof do you have to convince me that you are the successor of the Boundless Mountains?" The woman in white replied calmly, "The successors of the Boundless Mountains have never relied on seals or tokens as proof. Prime Minister Yun, how would you like me to prove it?"

"It is said that the successors of the Boundless Mountains are masters of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, dance, astrology, medicine, and divination—proficient in all and ignorant of none. I wonder if the young lady could cure my son?" When Tan Jizhi had returned the Prime Minister's young son, the boy was already unconscious. The Prime Minister had summoned all the famous physicians in the city, but none could help. He had suspected Tan Jizhi, but after investigating, he found that his son had indeed been harmed by the northern barbarians. The poison his son had ingested was said to be a nearly lost secret recipe from the northern borders.

The woman in white said indifferently, "I already know about the poison your son ingested. To be honest, I cannot cure it at this moment. However... the Boundless Mountains possess a thousand-year Blood Ganoderma, which can neutralize this poison. After Young Master Tan told me, I have already sent someone to retrieve it."

The Prime Minister was not easily fooled and was the type to demand concrete proof. "This old man has indeed heard of the thousand-year Blood Ganoderma in the Boundless Mountains. In that case, I shall wait for the young lady's remedy." His implication was clear: he would believe her identity only after seeing the Blood Ganoderma.

The woman in white was unperturbed and nodded. "Very well. The journey to and from the Boundless Mountains will take no more than a month and a half. I hope Prime Minister Yun will keep his word. Otherwise... the price for deceiving the Boundless Mountains..." With a crisp crack , the jade-like teacup in her delicate hand shattered into pieces. She stood up and said to Tan Jizhi, "Young Master Tan, since Prime Minister Yun does not wish to discuss this further, let us return for now. We can resume negotiations once the Blood Ganoderma arrives. You have already waited so many years—a little longer won't matter."

Tan Jizhi smiled. "You're right, young lady. After you."The prime minister observed the hint of deference and caution in Tan Jizhi's smile, which further solidified his trust in the white-clad woman's identity. Moreover, he reasoned that Tan Jizhi had no reason to deceive him. Even before this "Miss Dongfang" had appeared, he had already been inclined to collaborate with Tan Jizhi. Thus, the involvement of the Boundless Mountains wasn't the most critical factor. With this in mind, the prime minister quickly interjected, "Young Master Tan, Miss Dongfang, please stay. We must discuss this matter thoroughly."

The two turned back, unsurprised by the elderly man's presence.

The prime minister sighed and said, "Young Master Tan, Miss Dongfang, please take a seat. Let us talk properly." It wasn't that he didn’t want to keep Tan Jizhi in suspense to negotiate better terms—it was simply that they couldn’t afford to wait. Ren Qining’s indecisiveness had delayed any action against the Northern Border tribes to restore the Central Plains' rightful rule, while the Northern Border forces relentlessly pressured them. These loyal ministers, who had diligently served the Lin family for generations, were unwilling to share their hard-won gains with those barbarians. Ren Qining’s constant obstruction had gradually bred dissatisfaction among them. This was precisely why the prime minister had been swayed when Tan Jizhi appeared.

Tan Jizhi was different from Ren Qining. Ren Qining had been groomed by them since childhood and had already seized control of most of the Lin family’s power. But Tan Jizhi was an outsider. Even if they elevated him to the throne, he wouldn’t be able to consolidate power immediately and would still need their guidance. More importantly, Tan Jizhi had no ties to the Northern Border tribes—no debts of gratitude that would make him hesitate to act against them.

The two sat down again, and Ye Li smiled faintly. "Since the prime minister wishes to discuss, we are naturally willing to oblige. What would you like to talk about?"

The prime minister frowned slightly and studied them. "If we agree to support Young Master Tan’s ascension, what can he promise us old ministers? Bear in mind, even if we do nothing now, we can still enjoy wealth and honor."

"Wealth and honor?" The white-clad woman let out a cold laugh, her beautiful face flashing with disdain. "Under Northern Border rule, wherever you go, the people suffer. This so-called Northern Border royal city can’t even compare to Chu Jing, which has just endured war—it’s not even a third as prosperous. And you think such 'wealth and honor' is acceptable? It seems the former dynasty has fallen too long ago, and its nobles have long forgotten their former glory. All they want now is to cling to some small corner and live in cowardly comfort. If that’s the case, Young Master Tan and I must have come to the wrong place."

"Miss Dongfang!" The prime minister’s expression darkened at her merciless mockery, but he had to admit she wasn’t wrong. Changqing City paled not only in comparison to Chu Jing, the Western Mausoleum Imperial City, and Li Cheng, but even to some of the larger cities in the Central Plains.

The white-clad woman looked at the prime minister with a hint of pride. "As long as Prime Minister Yun keeps his promise, the Boundless Mountains will spare no effort in assisting the Northern Border to restore its economy and people’s livelihoods. Additionally, we can secretly persuade Mo Jingli and Zhennan Wang to join forces against Prince Ding's Estate. When the time comes… dealing with Prince Ding's Estate won’t be difficult. Capturing Chu Jing will be just around the corner."Hearing this, the Prime Minister couldn't help but be moved. He gave the white-clad woman a deep look before turning to Tan Jizhi and saying, "From what this old man knows, every generation of the Boundless Mountains' disciples has married the person they assist. If that's the case, in the future..."

Tan Jizhi's expression changed slightly, and he quickly replied, "Prime Minister need not worry. If we truly succeed, the future queen will undoubtedly come from the Yun family."

"Oh?" The Prime Minister clearly didn't believe him. After all, the reputation and customs of the Boundless Mountains were well known to them. The white-clad woman smiled charmingly and said, "Prime Minister, there's no need for doubt. Actually... the Boundless Mountains had no intention of interfering in these matters this time. It's just that... Prince Ding's Estate humiliated the Boundless Mountains too severely in Li Cheng. If we don't retaliate, the world will look down on us. Once our goal is achieved, I will return to the mountains and withdraw from worldly affairs."

"I see." The Prime Minister relaxed slightly and smiled.

The white-clad woman nodded with a smile. "Since both parties are satisfied with the terms, we'll trouble Prime Minister Yun to put in more effort. Of course, the Boundless Mountains and Young Master Tan will assist in secret. Presumably, the day when Prime Minister Yun rightfully becomes the father-in-law of the nation is not far off?"

These words struck a chord with the Prime Minister, who chuckled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, young lady. Seeing how you conduct yourself, this old man is now convinced you are truly a disciple of the Boundless Mountains. A remarkable woman like you is probably only matched by Princess Ding in this world."

The white-clad woman smiled faintly before rising with Tan Jizhi to take their leave.

Once outside the Prime Minister's residence, Tan Jizhi's expression darkened. "Wang Fei, isn't this deception of yours going too far?"

The white-clad woman, with her delicate and elegant features and smiling eyes, was none other than Ye Li in disguise. The Prime Minister had just compared her to Prince Ding's Estate—how could he have imagined that the very Princess Ding he spoke of was standing right before him?

Ye Li chuckled. "What's wrong with a little deception? As long as someone believes it. Deception doesn't cost anything, so the more, the better." Whether it was the thousand-year blood mushroom, the Boundless Mountains' assistance in restoring livelihoods, the alliance with Western Liang to deal with Prince Ding's Estate, or the illusory promise of a queen's position—Ye Li had indeed spun an outrageous tale. But the important thing was that someone was willing to believe it.

Tan Jizhi said, "Where are we supposed to find the Boundless Mountains' help when the time comes? Right now, the Boundless Mountains probably want to tear you and Prince Ding to pieces, don't they?"

Ye Li smiled. "Do you think they'll still be around in over a month, Young Master Tan? By then... they won't have the leisure to think about such things." By then, those so-called former court officials would only be thinking about how to save their own necks. Ye Li had no real intention of putting Tan Jizhi on the throne—whether for a few days or longer, it would make no difference. The Northern Territory should rise and fall with Ren Qining.

After a long silence, Tan Jizhi finally sighed. "Wang Fei, your methods are impressive. I suppose Prince Ding's Estate has already infiltrated the Northern Territory Army by now? Otherwise, you wouldn't have personally gone to meet the Northern Territory's Prime Minister."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Young Master. I had no choice. We need to dismantle Ren Qining's forces as quickly as possible, or we'll face trouble." No matter how weak the Northern Territory was, it was still a nation, and they only had a handful of people here. If they didn't deal a fatal blow swiftly, they would be in deep trouble once Ren Qining caught on.Elsewhere, in a camp not far from Changqing City. He Su, dressed in the uniform of a Northern Territory general, was cheerfully pouring wine for several officers. After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the tent gradually grew lively.

One of them grabbed He Su's arm and asked in a low voice, "Brother, was what you said last time true?" At these words, not only He Su but the others also paused, staring intently at him. Clearly, they all shared the same thoughts.

He Su laughed heartily. "Though I'm new here, I've been fortunate to receive your care, elder brothers. Would I ever harm you?"

"That may be so, but now we're in the Northern Territory Army... constantly being ordered to fight our own people. It was fine before—Mo Jingqi is no saint either. If he hadn't driven out Prince Ding, would we have fallen to serving these barbarians? But now we're facing the Mo Family Army—how can we not be afraid?" At the mention of the Mo Family Army, the others also paled. They had all participated in last year's attack on Chu Jing. If not for the Mo Family Army's timely reinforcements, Chu Jing would likely be under the Ren family's control by now.

He Su chuckled. "Exactly. Elder brothers might not know this yet, but back then, the Mo Family Army fought their way from Flying Goose Pass all the way to Chu Jing to lift the siege. Along the way, they decimated the Northern Rong forces, yet still arrived at Chu Jing with such formidable strength. Now... the Mo Family Army is waiting at Zijing Pass. It's already a blessing they haven't attacked us, yet our king insists on provoking them. Isn't that just courting death, sending innocent soldiers to their doom?"

The others nodded in agreement. Observing their expressions, He Su continued, "To be honest with you, elder brothers, I've already decided to defect—to join Prince Ding's Estate. After all, we're all Central Plains people. Why should we serve the Northerners? Besides, Prince Ding's Estate is renowned for its benevolence. They'll surely understand our plight and not hold it against us."

The others exchanged glances, hesitating. "That may be true, but we have no way to reach them. The Mo Family Army is deep inside Zijing Pass. If we try to defect, we'd likely be wiped out by the garrison there first."

He Su gave a low laugh and pulled out a token from his robe. "Elder brothers, look at this."

They focused on the black jade token engraved with the character "Ding" and were visibly shaken. He Su smiled smugly. "This is Princess Ding's personal token. She has promised that if I defect, I'll be rewarded with rank and riches—a future of boundless prospects." The others couldn't help but feel a mix of envy and admiration. To receive Princess Ding's token and promise—He Su truly had remarkable luck.

"Brother, we..." The others stared at He Su, their words trailing off.

He Su laughed generously. "Don't worry, elder brothers. If I feast, I won't let you go hungry. We brothers share fortune and misfortune alike."

"Brother He speaks wisely," they chorused, their gazes growing even warmer and friendlier.He Su had been infiltrating the Northern Territory Army camp for less than a month, yet his progress shouldn't have been this smooth. However, with covert assistance—both intentional and unwitting—from influential figures like Queen Helan and former court officials led by Chancellor Yun, his identity remained flawless, allowing him to blend in effortlessly. Coupled with the intelligence Ye Li provided and the discreet support of Qin Feng, Lin Han, and others, his years of military experience also made it easy to bond with mid-ranking officers. In no time, he had identified those worth befriending, persuading, or turning against. After several deliberate and casual probes, someone inevitably took the bait and invited him for drinks, where he seized the opportunity to broach the subject—everything proceeded remarkably well.

Under the cover of night, a shadowy figure slipped out of the camp. Just as he glanced back at the tranquil barracks and sighed in relief, a low, amused voice sounded behind him:

"Brother Huang, where exactly are you headed?"

The black-clad man suddenly turned his head, his pupils involuntarily contracting. A figure slowly emerged from the shadows beneath the trees—none other than He Su, with whom he had shared drinks and conspired just moments ago. Seeing no place to hide, the black-clad man had no choice but to pull down his face covering and forced a smile, saying, "He Yan, why aren't you resting so late at night?"

He Su smiled in return. "How could I dare rest when Elder Brother Huang is still awake? I fear that if I do, I might wake up tomorrow only to be executed for treason."

The black-clad man's expression darkened, and he said sharply, "If that's the case, how dare you collude with others to betray the nation? If you stop now, for the sake of our friendship, I might still spare your life."

He Su looked up at the sky and replied with a faint smile, "Elder Brother Huang, now... it should be me sparing your life, shouldn't it? Also, my name isn't He Yan. I am He Su, the great general under Princess Ding's command."

The black-clad man's face turned even uglier. Glancing to the side, he swiftly fled in another direction. But how could he possibly be a match for He Su, who had trained as a shadow guard in Prince Ding's Estate? In just a few leaps, He Su closed the distance. Under the moonlight, a flash of crimson light arced through the air, and the black-clad man collapsed, lifeless. "You—"

"We each serve our own masters. Though you die, you have no regrets..." He Su murmured softly with a sigh.