Mo Li

Upon hearing Ye Li's words, Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin both turned their heads to glance at the opulent pavilion not far away. In terms of inner energy, they surpassed Ye Li, so if she could hear Helian Zhen's laughter, they naturally could as well. Wei Lin frowned slightly and whispered, "Young Master, should we…?" Ye Li smiled faintly and waved her hand dismissively, carefully picking up the freshly written calligraphy to let it dry in the breeze, just like any other wealthy young master leisurely enjoying the garden.

Though Ye Li, clad in pristine white robes, appeared elegant and refined—enough to make many young maidens blush—the two guards by her side clearly did not seem like benevolent figures. This deterred many who had initially intended to approach and strike up a conversation.

Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin observed the reactions of those around them and couldn’t help but deeply admire their Wang Fei’s meticulous planning. Zhuo Jing’s handsome face bore a three-inch-long scar, its menacing appearance paired with his cold expression enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. As for Wei Lin, though he possessed flawless features, his ash-gray hair and deep indigo eyes—while commonplace in Li Cheng, where people of all appearances mingled freely—were startling to the sheltered noblewomen of Nanjing. At the very least, their intimidating presence ensured no unwanted advances.

Initially, both Wei Lin and Zhuo Jing had questioned whether such conspicuous appearances would draw too much attention. But Ye Li had merely smiled faintly and said, "Precisely because spies would never draw such attention, flaunting ourselves like this ensures no one would suspect us." Even if Mo Jingli racked his brains, he would never imagine Ye Li boldly appearing before him disguised as a man. Indeed, the striking contrast between the two intimidating guards and the ethereal, aloof elegance of the young master in white only reinforced the impression of a noble scion from an illustrious family. Those who saw them not only found nothing amiss but even praised the Chu family’s distinguished heritage.

"Young Master, what exquisite poetry." Just as Ye Li set down the scroll of poems and prepared to leave, a familiar woman’s voice sounded behind her. Turning, she saw Dongfang You, dressed in white, standing nearby and watching her intently. Ye Li knew her disguise was likely the cause but paid it no mind—after all, she had been seeking an opportunity to approach Dongfang You. If the latter was willing to come forward herself, all the better. With a faint smile, Ye Li cupped her hands in greeting. "Chu Junwei pays his respects to the Regent’s Consort."

At the mention of "Regent’s Consort," Dongfang You’s brow twitched imperceptibly. She nodded and said, "Chu Junwei? From the Yunzhou Chu family? How fares the third young master, Weiyun?"

A trace of puzzlement flickered across Ye Li’s face as she smiled and replied, "So the Consort knows Young Master Weiyun? However… though I’ve had little contact with my elder cousins in recent years, I recall Weiyun is the fourth son. The third brother’s name is Weifeng." Ye Li was unfazed by Dongfang You’s probing. Since she was impersonating Chu Junwei, Prince Ding’s Estate had naturally prepared thoroughly—not only was Chu Junwei’s identity airtight, but even his parents’ backgrounds were meticulously arranged. Ye Li had memorized every detail of the Chu family’s lineage.Dongfang You remained unperturbed and said calmly, "Perhaps I misremembered. I had a brief encounter with Young Master Chu Si several years ago."

Ye Li inwardly chuckled at how poorly fabricated Dongfang You's excuse was. Everyone knew Dongfang You had just descended from the Boundless Mountains this year—how could she have met Chu Weiyun years ago? Moreover, how old would she have been back then? Naturally, Ye Li didn't expose her lie and instead replied with an elegant smile, "May I ask what advice Wang Fei has for me?"

Dongfang You fell silent. Truthfully, she didn’t even know why she had spoken up. Just moments ago, while passing by, she had caught sight of the faint smile on this white-robed young master’s face, which inexplicably reminded her of another man who always seemed to be clad in white. That was why she couldn’t resist speaking. After a long pause, she finally said, "Young Master Chu has long resided in Yunzhou. Since you’ve newly arrived in Nanjing, should you encounter any difficulties, you may send someone to the Regent’s residence to seek me out."

Ye Li was momentarily taken aback but quickly smiled and said, "Wang Fei is too kind. Thank you for your generosity. If any troubles arise, I may indeed have to trouble you then."

Dongfang You stared at her absently and murmured, "If only he were like you..." Halfway through her words, she suddenly snapped back to reality, leaving the rest unsaid. Ye Li pretended not to hear and maintained her composed smile. "Wang Fei, if there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave?"

Dongfang You nodded. "My apologies for disturbing you. I shall depart as well."

"Farewell, Wang Fei." Ye Li cupped her hands in salute. Watching Dongfang You’s retreating figure, Zhuo Jing remarked with confusion, "Young Master, this Dongfang You seems... a bit unhinged."

"Unhinged? That’s an understatement," Wei Lin interjected. "The way she was looking at you just now was downright spine-chilling. The Fifth Young Master was right—the Eldest Young Master is truly unfortunate to have provoked such a woman." Even as bystanders, they had felt a shiver run down their spines at Dongfang You’s gaze. It was remarkable how their Wang Fei had managed to remain so composed. More importantly, Ye Li was merely a stranger who bore a slight resemblance to Qingchen Gongzi. If Dongfang You were to direct that gaze at Qingchen Gongzi himself... Wei Lin shuddered. He could only hope Qingchen Gongzi had yet to encounter this side of Dongfang You.

Ye Li sighed softly, a hint of regret in her voice. "A single thought can lead to enlightenment, or a single thought can lead to ruin..."

Zhuo Jing asked, "Does Young Master mean that Dongfang You has become consumed by obsession after failing to win the Eldest Young Master’s affection?"

Ye Li snapped her folding fan shut. "In any case, we must find Eldest Brother as soon as possible. Judging by Dongfang You’s current state, she’s likely reaching her limit. Tell those shadowing her to keep a close watch."

"Understood," Zhuo Jing replied.

Regent’s Residence

In the study, Dongfang You stood expressionless as she watched Mo Jingli, who was brimming with confidence and speaking at length. Her thoughts, however, had long drifted elsewhere. Noticing her distracted state, Mo Jingli paused, a flicker of displeasure crossing his face.Mo Jingli's impression of Dongfang You had truly hit rock bottom. If possible, he would have loved nothing more than to kill this woman before him right now. She possessed power that the world envied and coveted, yet she did nothing with it, instead obsessing over a man who wouldn’t even spare her a glance. Not only had she exhausted every means at her disposal, but she had also become increasingly deranged, cruel, and tyrannical. If not for his reluctance to provoke a conflict with Dongfang You, Mo Jingli would have dearly loved to tell her, from a man’s perspective, that the more she clung to Xu Qingchen with such desperate persistence, the more he would despise her.

“This prince has already decided to ally with Western Liang and Northern Rong. Where have you hidden Qingchen Gongzi? Hand him over to me immediately—I have use for him.” Mo Jingli suppressed his fury and spoke in a low voice. When he had dared to capture Xu Qingchen, it certainly wasn’t for this woman to indulge her infatuation. Xu Qingchen could be considered the third most important figure in Prince Ding's Estate after Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. With him in hand, many things would become far more convenient.

Dongfang You’s eyes flickered with displeasure. “I’ve already told you, I don’t know.”

Mo Jingli sneered. “Do you take me for a fool? Dongfang You, this prince is humoring you out of courtesy. Jiangnan is my territory. Do you really think I won’t find him even if you refuse to speak?” Seeing his attitude, Dongfang You no longer held back either and retorted coldly, “Then let me warn you—if you dare lay a finger on him, don’t blame me for being unkind.”

By now, Mo Jingli had long since understood Dongfang You’s temperament. He took a deep breath and mocked, “Even if you don’t hand him over, what do you plan to do? Keep him locked up forever? Do you think everyone in Prince Ding's Estate is dead? For all we know, they’re already scouring every corner of Jiangnan for him. Given the abilities of Prince Ding's shadow guards, how long do you think it’ll take them?”

Dongfang You fell silent for a long moment before lifting her gaze to Mo Jingli and declaring arrogantly, “Save your breath. As long as I don’t wish it, no one will ever find him.”

Mo Jingli finally lost his patience. He glared at Dongfang You with undisguised malice before spitting out icily, “Dongfang You, you can go ahead and die clinging to Xu Qingchen. But I doubt Xu Qingchen would even deign to die with you.”

With that, he ignored whatever else she might say, turned on his heel, and stormed out, slamming the study door behind him with a resounding crash.

Mo Jingli strode swiftly through Prince Li's Palace, his seething rage evident even from his retreating figure. His trusted subordinates exchanged uneasy glances before one cautiously ventured, “Wang Ye, about Wang Fei…”

Mo Jingli paused mid-step and replied darkly, “Ignore her! From now on, if she wants to leave, let her go. I’d like to see how long she can endure!” The subordinate nodded. “Wang Ye is wise. Given her obsession with Qingchen Gongzi, she likely won’t last long. We can follow behind and play the oriole stalking the mantis.”

Though Mo Jingli felt no affection for Dongfang You, she was still his lawfully wedded Wang Fei. Hearing his subordinate openly speak of her infatuation with Qingchen Gongzi made his expression darken further. With a cold snort, he flicked his sleeve and strode away.Mo Jingli was preoccupied with forming alliances with Western Liang and Northern Rong, leaving him little time to deal with Dongfang You beyond having her monitored. Meanwhile, the court erupted into chaos over the sudden explosive announcement he had dropped. Even veteran officials who had always favored Prince Ding's Estate, as well as those who supported Mo Jingli, couldn't help but look at the smug regent as if he were a madman.

No sooner had Mo Jingli revealed his plans to ally with Western Liang and Northern Rong than someone stepped forward from the assembly and declared solemnly, "Wang Ye, this must not be done!"

Mo Jingli's face darkened instantly upon recognizing the speaker. After years of contending with the Empress Dowager's faction, he knew exactly who was backing her. Though Mo Jingqi had clashed with the Empress Dowager before his death, and Mo Jingli had already purged many of her supporters, the fact that she still held influence in and out of court could only mean one thing—Prince Ding's Estate was behind her. Thus, Mo Jingli regarded all of the Empress Dowager's allies as Mo Xiuyao's people, detesting them to the bone.

"Why not?" he asked coldly.

The minister who had stepped forward replied gravely, "Western Liang and Northern Rong have torn apart our lands and slaughtered our people. As regent of Great Chu, entrusted with the fate of the nation, how can Wang Ye form an alliance with them? What difference is there between this and acknowledging thieves as kin?"

"Audacious!" Mo Jingli roared, his face livid with fury.

"Minister Wang speaks wisely. We implore Wang Ye to reconsider," the assembled officials echoed in unison.

Mo Jingli scanned the court and saw that over eighty percent of the ministers had knelt in agreement, while the remaining twenty wore expressions of disapproval. He had anticipated opposition to the alliance, but the sheer number of dissenters still enraged him, fueling his sense of isolation.

With a frigid glare at the kneeling officials, he demanded, "Western Liang and Northern Rong are enemies of Great Chu—but is Prince Ding's Estate not also one? The lands Mo Xiuyao occupies—do they not belong to Great Chu? I would like to know—do you pledge loyalty to Great Chu, or to Prince Ding's Estate?"

Such a venomous accusation sent chills through many of the veteran officials. Some had served two or even three reigns. Had they not been devoted to Great Chu, they could have defected to Prince Ding's Estate long ago, securing at least a peaceful retirement. Now, simply for opposing Jing Li's will, they were branded as traitors. How could they not feel disheartened? Moreover, Jing Li's decision to ally with Western Liang and Northern Rong was fundamentally wrong—regardless of the outcome, it would stain his name for eternity.

"We harbor no such disloyalty, but an alliance with Western Liang and Northern Rong is unthinkable. We beseech the regent to reconsider!" the ministers pleaded in unison.

Mo Jingli flicked his sleeve in displeasure. "My decision is final. There will be no further discussion." His gaze then shifted to the young emperor seated on the throne, whose eyes brimmed with tears at the sudden tension. A dark glint flashed in Mo Jingli's eyes as he approached the boy and asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, what do you think of this decree?"The young emperor, Mo Suoyun, had always been extremely afraid of this regent uncle. Pressured by Mo Jingli's intense stare, he immediately burst into loud sobs. Mo Jingli shot him a disgusted glance and roared in a deep voice, "What are you crying for? You're the emperor! What kind of imperial dignity is this, behaving like this in front of your ministers? I asked you a question!" The little emperor choked in fear, his tear-streaked face turning bright red as he stammered, "Uncle... wuwu... what Uncle says... is right..."

Mo Jingli snorted lightly and swept his gaze over the officials in the hall. "Did you all hear that? This is the emperor's will. If you refuse to respect my decree, do you mean to defy even the emperor's edict?" The ministers were left speechless. The young emperor was barely ** years old and had been thoroughly terrified by Mo Jingli over the past two years. Even the Empress Dowager's earnest efforts to educate him had been utterly futile—he was even less capable than an ordinary **-year-old child. But what could they say? That the emperor was too young to understand? That his words didn't count? A few elderly ministers could only sigh inwardly at the plight of the young sovereign, isolated and powerless while a domineering minister seized control of the state.

"Prince Li, what do you think you're doing?" The Empress Dowager emerged from behind the hall, her cold gaze fixed on her only remaining son.

Seeing the Empress Dowager appear, Mo Jingli's expression darkened. "The inner court must not interfere in governance. What brings you to the outer court at this time, Mother?" The moment Mo Suoyun saw the Empress Dowager, his barely contained tears began flowing again. "Wuwu... Grandmother... I'm scared..." Watching Mo Jingli's indifferent expression, the Empress Dowager felt her vision darken. She had only this one son left—how could she not wish for a harmonious relationship with him? But their estrangement had deepened too severely when Mo Jingqi passed away. Over the past two years, the Empress Dowager had come to realize that in her son's eyes, her status as his mother likely paled in comparison to that of his aunt, Consort Xian Zhao. Having lived a life of supreme authority, how could she tolerate being sidelined by the son she had raised, stripped of power and forced to endure others' disdain in the depths of the palace? After Mo Jingli gained the support of the Boundless Mountains, he had increasingly targeted the Empress Dowager's faction, further straining their already tense relationship.

But this time, the Empress Dowager had not come to quarrel with Mo Jingli. She truly couldn't fathom what was going through her son's mind. Admittedly, she had once been single-mindedly focused on dealing with Prince Ding's Estate. Yet even at its weakest, she had never considered openly opposing Prince Ding's Estate with military force.She had stood by the late emperor's side, watching him spend half his lifetime scheming against Prince Ding's Estate, only to fail time and again. She had witnessed the extraordinary talent and brilliance of Mo Liufang in his youth. She had seen her eldest son sacrifice the Great Chu just to suppress the Mo Family Army, and watched as Mo Xiuyao, the once precarious and disabled prince, restored Prince Ding's Estate to its former glory. Deep down, the Empress Dowager had an unshakable feeling—Prince Ding's Estate was not something ordinary people could contend with. More importantly, even if the allied forces of the three powers managed to destroy Prince Ding's Estate, what then? Would Western Liang and Northern Rong simply withdraw from Great Chu's lands? Of course not. Without the deterrence and restraint of the Mo Family Army, they would only grow more voracious in devouring Great Chu's territory. She feared... she might never again know peace in her remaining years.

Mo Jingli, however, was oblivious to the Empress Dowager's thoughts. All he saw was his own birth mother opposing him at every turn over the years, even going so far as to ally with Prince Ding's Estate and assist Mo Xiuyao in restraining him. Now, seeing her once again obstructing his plans, he sneered coldly, "As a member of the inner palace, Mother Empress should return to her quarters and rest. Matters of the court are the responsibility of your son and the ministers. Unless... Mother Empress truly intends to meddle in governance? This prince still remembers the late emperor's final edict..."

"Mo Jingli, you—!" The Empress Dowager trembled with rage. The edict left by Mo Jingqi on his deathbed was a forbidden subject in her heart. For Mo Jingli to bring it up so brazenly, even with a hint of threat, was more than she could bear. Darkness clouded her vision, and she collapsed backward.

Mo Jingli glanced indifferently at the unconscious Empress Dowager and ordered coldly, "Mother Empress is ill. Escort her back at once and summon the imperial physicians for proper treatment. If she is allowed to wander about again and harm her health, this prince will hold you all accountable!"

As the Empress Dowager was carried away, the last glimmer of hope in the hearts of the courtiers was extinguished. Mo Jingli looked down upon them imperiously and declared, "Mo Xiuyao leads hundreds of thousands of the Mo Family Army, occupying the northwest and northeast, even encroaching upon Chu Jing. He has long since rebelled against Great Chu and is the greatest traitor of our time. This prince's alliance with Western Liang and Northern Rong is precisely to eradicate this rebel and restore order to the realm. Anyone who objects will be charged with treason."

With that, he swept his sleeves and departed, paying no further heed to the ministers in the hall or the pitifully sobbing young emperor.

In Nanjing these days, the most discussed topic was none other than Prince Li's alliance with Western Liang and Northern Rong to oppose the Mo Family Army. Many esteemed elders were seen weeping openly under the broad daylight, lamenting that Heaven had forsaken Great Chu.

Though the Mo Family Army had long severed ties with Great Chu, many elders found it impossible to cut off all connections so easily. Countless still clung to the hope that Prince Ding's Estate would rise to save Great Chu. Even setting aside such sentiments, Prince Ding's Estate had guarded Great Chu for centuries. Even after being driven out by the imperial family, they had never once betrayed Great Chu. For the regent prince to act in such a manner was nothing short of heartless, ungrateful, and unprincipled. How could such a court escape Heaven's wrath?Similarly, the common folk were also voicing their discontent. Although Mo Jingli wanted to suppress it, he was already beset by troubles both at home and abroad, overwhelmed to the point of distraction. If he were to forcibly silence the people's voices now, it might truly push them to rebellion. Left with no other choice, Mo Jingli decided to turn a blind eye, ignoring these voices altogether. Meanwhile, he issued decrees to mobilize troops and gather provisions, preparing for the imminent northern campaign.

In a quiet teahouse, Ye Li sat in a private room, sipping tea with a faint smile. Despite the closed door, the heated discussions of the patrons outside continuously drifted into the room, revealing just how intense the debates had become. This scene wasn’t unique to this particular establishment—every teahouse and tavern in Nanjing was abuzz with similar fervor. With the court turning a blind eye, the people grew even more unrestrained in their outcry, and those who cursed Mo Jingli daily were far from few.

"Prince... Young Master, what do you think of these people's words?" Yao Ji sat across from him, smiling brightly as she gazed at the composed young master in white. Ye Li replied lightly, "I doubt any of this will sway Prince Li's decisions."

Yao Ji tilted her head in thought and could only sigh, "Prince Li's hatred for Prince Ding's Estate is nothing short of obsession. If he truly saw clearly, he would realize that forming an alliance with Western Liang and Northern Rong would bring him no benefit. Regardless of whether the Mo Family Army wins or loses, he will inevitably be condemned for eternity." Unfortunately, Mo Jingli was too fixated on surpassing Mo Xiuyao, so even the slightest chance to witness Mo Xiuyao's defeat before him was something he would seize.

"Marquis Muyang Manor has also received Prince Li's orders. Both Marquis Muyang and Mu Yang will join the campaign," Yao Ji said softly.

Ye Li nodded, unsurprised. The Great Chu had few capable military commanders to begin with. Leng Huai and Marquis Nan had long since pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate. Although Murong Shen had not made any explicit declarations, his actions had already revealed his stance. Moreover, Murong Shen was not only a former subordinate of Mo Liufang but also the father-in-law of Leng Haoyu, Prince Ding's trusted aide. His ties to Prince Ding's Estate were undeniable. Though Marquis Muyang was advanced in years, Leng Huai and Marquis Nan—both of similar age—were still active on the battlefield, so he would naturally have no issues either.

"Since Mo Jingli has made his decision... I should also send him a grand gift," Ye Li said with a faint smile, retrieving a list from her sleeve and placing it before Yao Ji and Qin Feng. Yao Ji picked it up and examined it, puzzled. "Young Master, this is...?"

Ye Li replied calmly, "Kill everyone on this list."

Her voice was devoid of emotion, as tranquil as a windless sea, yet it carried an undercurrent of danger, like the abyssal depths. The names on the list were all crucial figures in the Great Chu's military—perhaps not the highest-ranking or most powerful, but their absence would significantly impact the army. What puzzled Yao Ji, however, was that neither Mu Yang nor Marquis Muyang's names appeared on it.

Ye Li glanced at her and smiled faintly. "No need to be surprised. This time, Marquis Muyang and his son will inevitably become the commanders of the Chu army. If anything happens to them, whether the Chu army can even set out will be in question. Since Mo Jingli has already entangled himself in this, he shouldn’t expect to withdraw unscathed. These people aren’t prominent or important figures—just eliminate them as a matter of course. Elder Brother is still in Dongfang You's hands, so we mustn’t draw attention."

Qin Feng took the list and nodded. "Rest assured, Young Master."

Ye Li nodded and asked, "Any news of Ye Ying? Does she know about the list Dongfang You gave Mo Jingli?"

Yao Ji hesitated before replying gravely, "She knows, but she refuses to speak." Ye Li paused briefly, then nodded. "I understand her reasoning. She’s afraid I’ll go back on my word and not tell her about that child’s whereabouts." Yao Ji asked, "Should we try to...?"

Ye Li shook her head. "No need. Ye Ying... has never accomplished much in her life. But once she sets her mind on something, it’s nearly impossible to extract the truth from her. Rather than wasting time verifying what she tells us, it’s better to let her reveal it willingly."

Yao Ji frowned. "But what if something happens in Li Cheng or to His Highness...?""Dongfang You mentioned it's not someone important. So it likely isn't someone close to Xiu Yao. Even if Mo Jingli wants to use them, he wouldn't be in a hurry. My uncles must be investigating as well," Ye Li said solemnly. Yao Ji considered that Prince Ding and Mr. Hongyu were extraordinary figures—it would be difficult for Dongfang You's people to scheme against them. Otherwise, how could they have remained unaware of the impending doom that befell the Boundless Mountains?

Hearing Ye Li's words, Yao Ji set the matter aside and asked, "After Marquis Muyang's troops march, what should I do? Please instruct me, Gongzi." Ye Li studied her deeply and sighed softly. "Yao Ji, you really don’t have to force yourself like this."

Yao Ji smiled and nodded. "I understand Gongzi's meaning. Since I've made my decision, I won’t jeopardize your plans or Prince Ding's Estate." Ye Li toyed absently with her folding fan before replying, "In that case... when the Chu army sets out, follow him."

Yao Ji frowned. "I doubt Marquis Muyang would agree." Aside from generals stationed long-term at the borders, military campaigns typically forbade bringing family along. Moreover, she wasn't like Princess Ding—a woman skilled in both civil and martial arts, capable of strategizing and commanding armies. Convincing Mu Yang to take her would be impossible.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "If you're willing, you'll find a way."

Yao Ji paused, then chuckled softly. "I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Gongzi."

"Gongzi, Wei Lin requests an audience," came Wei Lin's low voice from outside.

Yao Ji and Qin Feng rose. Qin Feng said, "Gongzi, I shall take my leave first."

Ye Li nodded. "Stay with Yao Ji these days. As I said before, you have full authority over matters at Marquis Muyang Manor." Qin Feng bowed. "Qin Feng thanks Gongzi."

Ye Li murmured, "Don’t overdo it—you know what I mean."

Qin Feng nodded silently and left with Yao Ji.

Wei Lin entered without formalities and reported urgently, "Gongzi, Dongfang You has left the estate." Ye Li's expression shifted, and she stood abruptly before sitting back down. "Alone?"

Wei Lin shook his head. "Only two guards, both from the Boundless Mountains."

Ye Li lowered her gaze in thought before saying, "Dongfang You's martial skills are formidable. Don’t get too close or risk discovery." Wei Lin nodded. "Rest assured, Gongzi. With our abilities, we can locate Qingchen Gongzi once we have a general area. But Qingchen Gongzi has no combat skills—"

Ye Li waved a hand. "From what we saw of Dongfang You the past few days, she likely hasn’t met Elder Brother yet. He won’t be in danger."

Wei Lin agreed. Dongfang You was obsessively infatuated with Qingchen Gongzi—she wouldn’t harm him lightly.

After a pause, Ye Li asked, "Have you uncovered the Boundless Mountains' influence in Jiangnan?"

Wei Lin replied, "After the Boundless Mountains' destruction, their Jiangnan network underwent changes but left many traces. We’ve uncovered seventy to eighty percent by following the clues. Shall we act now, Gongzi?"

Ye Li shook her head. "No. Wait until Mo Jingli has left."Wei Lin blinked and hesitated before speaking, "Young Master means that Mo Jingli will personally lead the expedition this time." Ye Li sighed helplessly, "Xiu Yao has played too big this time. I’m afraid not only Mo Jingli will go, but even Lei Zhenting will personally join."

"This..." Mo Jingli was indeed not a major concern, but Lei Zhenting was quite troublesome. Although he had clashed with Prince Ding's Estate several times without gaining much advantage, apart from one instance where he underestimated Wang Fei, the other encounters were forced by circumstances. Lei Zhenting's abilities far surpassed those of mere figures like Mo Jingli and Yelv Ye.

Ye Li shook her head lightly and smiled, "It's nothing. Since he has made this choice... all I can do is try to ease the pressure for him."

"Wang Fei, if Wang Ye truly..." Wei Lin couldn't help but ask.

Ye Li smiled faintly, "Bound by marriage, we share life and death..."

Wei Lin fell silent. Among those close to the prince and princess, they often saw Wang Ye's deep devotion and attachment to Wang Fei, while Wang Fei always seemed calm and indifferent. Now, Wei Lin understood—Wang Fei's feelings for Wang Ye were no less than his for her. It was just that, compared to Wang Ye, Wang Fei preferred not to voice such emotions. That was why she painstakingly supported everything Wang Ye wished to do, rarely opposing him, quietly doing what she could or simply staying by his side...

The remaining questions, Wei Lin felt, were unnecessary to ask. He simply bowed respectfully to Ye Li, "Please instruct us, Wang Fei."

Ye Li stood up and smiled faintly, "Let’s wait and see. Once Mo Jingli leaves, Chu Jing... will also undergo a change."

Outside Nanjing, Dongfang You walked slowly in the plain clothes of an ordinary woman, accompanied by two young men dressed similarly in coarse garments. The group looked like three ordinary siblings returning from the capital.

When they reached a crossroads, Dongfang You stopped. A hint of killing intent flashed across her delicate face as she said calmly, "Deal with those annoying flies following us."

"Yes, Young Mistress," the two men replied respectfully before swiftly disappearing into the roadside. Dongfang You stood by the road for a while before revealing a faint smile and turning onto a completely opposite path.

On the quiet trail, the plainly dressed man swiftly sheathed his bloodstained soft sword, reverting to his simple, honest appearance. He glanced indifferently at the scattered corpses on the ground, shook his head, and left.

Some time later, two black-clad men appeared beside the bodies. They examined the still-bloody corpses and kicked one lightly, sighing helplessly, "We lost them."

The other man said, "Just because we lost them doesn’t mean others did." Since they couldn’t follow too closely, there were naturally multiple teams tracking them. The first man sighed, "Let’s report back to the Young Master first. The people from Boundless Mountains truly live up to their reputation."

"No need," a calm voice came from behind. They turned to see a handsome young man in white robes approaching with two other black-clad men. The two quickly stepped forward and bowed, "Young Master."Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Don't worry about it. If the people of Boundless Mountains didn’t have such capabilities, how could they have managed to snatch someone away from Prince Ding's Estate without a trace? Let’s go."

"Has the Young Master already discovered Qingchen Gongzi’s whereabouts?"

"You’ll know when we get there," Ye Li replied calmly.

The place where Dongfang You had hidden her captive was indeed difficult to find. Even though Ye Li seemed to know the route, their group still spent most of the day winding through the mountains near the capital. They finally stopped at a seemingly inconspicuous hunter’s cabin deep in the mountains.

Zhuo Jing frowned. "This doesn’t seem like a place where Qingchen Gongzi would be held." Although the mountains were sparsely populated, hunters and herb gatherers occasionally passed through. And Qingchen Gongzi’s appearance was far too striking—if a celestial being like him had been living in such a place, word would have surely spread by now. The people of Boundless Mountains couldn’t possibly silence every person who entered the mountains either, as that would only draw more attention.

Ye Li smiled and pointed at the cabin. "Do you notice anything unusual about that cabin?"

Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin both looked over intently but couldn’t spot anything amiss after a long while. Ye Li chuckled lightly. "Judging by its appearance, this cabin must be several decades old. But… look at the chimney."

The two focused their gaze and finally realized. Wei Lin said, "The chimney seems like it’s never been used." Ye Li nodded. "Even if this cabin is only used occasionally by hunters, it’s impossible that the stove was never used—unless there’s something hidden inside."

"But how do we investigate? There might be people inside," Zhuo Jing said.

Ye Li pondered. "We haven’t confirmed whether Elder Brother is here yet. Acting rashly and alerting them wouldn’t be wise. But trying to enter without alerting anyone…" The cabin was simply too small—sneaking in undetected was nearly impossible.

After some thought, Ye Li decided to wait a little longer. Meanwhile, she wondered what secret lay beneath the cabin—a hidden passage, or perhaps an underground palace? There had to be a suitable place to hide someone. Given Dongfang You’s obsession with Xu Qingchen, Ye Li was certain she wouldn’t have stashed him away in just any random cave.

After a long wait, the cabin door finally opened from the inside. Soon after, Dongfang You emerged with a dark expression. Even from a distance, the three could sense her fury. The men and women following her out seemed utterly terrified. A sense of unease suddenly rose in Ye Li’s heart.

Dongfang You struck a panicked middle-aged man who had spoken. Before he could utter another word, he spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed, dead. Clearly, something had provoked her extreme rage. As Dongfang You faced their direction, Ye Li read the words from her trembling lips: "Useless fools! You can’t even guard a man without martial skills—what good are you to me?"

Ye Li’s heart skipped a beat. Had Elder Brother already escaped? If so, why hadn’t he contacted them yet?The subordinates were clearly trying hard to explain something. Apart from the two men who had come with Dongfang You, everyone else had fallen to their knees. However, Dongfang You was evidently still seething with anger and said coldly, "When exactly did he disappear?"

Ye Li naturally couldn't hear the subordinates' response. After lowering her gaze in thought for a moment, she asked, "Do we have a chance of capturing Dongfang You now?"

Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin exchanged glances before replying in low voices, "Our people have already arrived nearby, so it shouldn't be a problem. However, Dongfang You seems to be quite skilled in Light Body Skill. If she realizes she's outmatched and fights desperately to escape, it might be difficult to capture her completely unharmed."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "She's not someone important to us. Who asked you to keep her unharmed? Just make sure she doesn't die."

"Understood," the two replied in unison.

Outside the hunter's cabin in the woods, Dongfang You stormed angrily, "Go and find him! If Qingchen Gongzi isn't found within three days, you can say goodbye to your worthless lives!"

"You needn't trouble your people with Qingchen Gongzi's whereabouts, Miss Dongfang. Why not let Princess Li have a chat with our master first?" A man's voice, tinged with faint amusement, suddenly came from the hillside nearby.