Mo Li

Ye Ying seemed to have resigned herself to her fate, no longer crying or begging Mo Jingli to spare Mo Suoyun. Mo Jingli, in turn, paid her no further attention. Deep down, he actually looked down on Ye Ying. Ten years ago, Mo Jingli had pitied and even loved her so much that he went as far as rejecting the marriage arranged by the late emperor, earning the Xu Family’s resentment. While political motives had played a part, it couldn’t be denied that Mo Jingli had genuinely cared for Ye Ying back then. Yet now, after a decade of neglect, disdain, and disgust, the contrast was truly night and day.

Especially when compared to Ye Li, Mo Jingli felt he had every reason to despise and belittle Ye Ying. Weak, incompetent, selfish, foolish—there were times when he even questioned whether he had been bewitched back then to think Ye Ying was more suited to be Princess Li than Ye Li. Even when Ye Li had still been labeled the "Three-Nothing Heiress," Mo Jingli believed that version of her could never have been as foolish as Ye Ying was now. Thus, he didn’t think Ye Ying was capable of anything earth-shattering and saw no urgency in dealing with her. He even relaxed some of the restrictions on her, pleased by her compliance. After all, with one princess already missing from Prince Li's Palace, it wouldn’t look good if the remaining one met with misfortune.

But he had forgotten one thing—underestimating a woman could sometimes come at a devastating cost.

Fresh from uprooting several of Prince Ding’s spies in Jiangnan, Mo Jingli was riding high on his success. Naturally, he dismissed the possibility that Mo Suoyun might be his son and continued to revel in the glory of what he believed would be his most triumphant chapter yet.

Though Ye Ying had regained some freedom, she was still confined to the palace. All her attendants had been replaced by Mo Jingli’s people. She appeared to have abandoned her earlier madness and stubbornness, only requesting permission to occasionally visit Mo Suoyun. Mo Jingli wasn’t entirely devoid of guilt toward the boy and eventually agreed.

On this day, as she had done the past few days, Ye Ying brought a pot of soup she had personally prepared to the courtyard where Mo Suoyun was staying. The imperial physician was just examining the boy’s pulse, and Consort Xian Zhao, whose health had improved recently, was also present, often overseeing Mo Suoyun’s care herself. Before entering, Ye Ying paused upon hearing Consort Xian Zhao’s voice.

"Physician, how is His Majesty’s condition?" Consort Xian Zhao asked.

After a moment of contemplation, the physician replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, it is rather peculiar—His Majesty’s health seems to have shown some improvement."

At this, Ye Ying’s heart skipped a beat, her slender fingers tightening around the food box in her hands.

A brief silence followed before Consort Xian Zhao spoke again, "Could it be because of Wang Fei’s..."

"Unlikely. I have examined the soups Wang Fei has brought—they are all ordinary broths. Far from curing His Majesty’s illness, their nourishing effects are minimal at best," the physician dismissed her speculation.

Consort Xian Zhao hesitated before pressing on, "Then, in your opinion, how is His Majesty’s current condition...?"The imperial physician whispered, "Reporting to Your Highness, although His Majesty's condition has slightly improved, full recovery is extremely difficult. If he is extremely careful and properly nursed, he might live a few more years. Otherwise... but for now..." The physician hesitated. As a trusted subordinate of Prince Li and the Consort, he naturally understood their intentions. However, given the Emperor's current state, while he wouldn't live long, dragging on for a year or so wouldn't be an issue—unless heavy medication was administered... At this thought, the physician shuddered and dared not dwell further. Some thoughts were permissible for their masters, but those serving must never entertain them.

Consort Xian Zhao remained silent for a while before sighing. "Very well, I shall discuss this further with Prince Li."

Outside the door, Ye Ying clenched the food box in her hand, her half-lowered eyes gleaming with venom. That old hag... That old hag had tormented her from the day she entered the household, and now she dared to discuss such matters in front of her son. Even if Suoyun might not understand... Even if...

Gritting her teeth, Ye Ying suppressed the hatred on her face and stepped into the room.

Consort Xian Zhao frowned. "When did you arrive?"

Ye Ying blinked innocently. "Your daughter-in-law came to see His Majesty. Is there something the Consort wishes?" Suspicious, Consort Xian Zhao scrutinized Ye Ying. Since Ye Ying had acknowledged Mo Suoyun's identity, she wouldn't remain indifferent to him. After a long pause, seeing only Ye Ying's calm and respectful expression, she finally said, "Nothing. Since you're here, keep His Majesty company. I am weary and shall retire to rest."

Ye Ying bowed respectfully. "Farewell, Consort."

After seeing off Consort Xian Zhao, the physician also packed his belongings and took his leave. Ye Ying sat by the bed, gazing at the dazed child lying there, her nose stinging as tears nearly spilled.

"Suo... Your Majesty, I've brought the chicken soup you like. Would you like some?" Ye Ying asked softly.

Mo Suoyun's eyes shifted toward Ye Ying, and suddenly he spoke. "You are Princess Li..."

Ye Ying's heart leaped with joy. Just two days ago, Mo Suoyun had been so ill he couldn't recognize anyone, merely staring blankly. Today, he actually recognized her—proof the physician was right about his improvement.

Carefully, Ye Ying propped him up against the pillows and brought the soup to his lips, asking gently, "Does Your Majesty desire anything? I can have someone fetch it for you."

Mo Suoyun blinked, hesitating before whispering, "I want the white-clothed brother and the pretty sister."

Ye Ying froze. Mo Suoyun's voice was so faint in his weakened state that she barely caught his words. Thinking she hadn't understood, he pointed to the scabbed wound on his arm. "Brother." Then, from an inconspicuous pouch beside him, he produced a small brown medicinal pill. "Sister."

A tremor ran through Ye Ying as she glanced warily around the room. Though maids and eunuchs attended in the outer chamber, the screens and curtains obscured their view. Unaware that Mo Suoyun's "sister" referred to Yunge, Ye Ying assumed he meant Ye Li in women's attire. Softly, she asked, "Did sister give this to you?"Mo Suoyun nodded slowly. "Brother said I can't tell others. But Wang Fei is okay." The brother he referred to was Qin Feng.

Ye Ying carefully helped him hide the small pouch, gazing tenderly at Mo Suoyun's somewhat bewildered expression. Softly, she said, "Don't worry, whatever you like, I'll definitely help you get it."

"What does the Emperor want you to find for him?" Mo Jingli's voice came from the doorway.

Startled, Ye Ying quickly stood up and forced a smile. "His Majesty said he wanted to eat honey-glazed chicken. Ying'er heard there's a restaurant called Deyue Lou in the east of the city that makes excellent honey-glazed chicken, so I was just saying I'd send someone to buy it for His Majesty."

Mo Jingli neither agreed nor disagreed, sweeping his gaze over them. "Is that so?"

Ye Ying nervously clenched her fingers inside her sleeve, worried Mo Suoyun might slip up. But she saw Mo Suoyun glance fearfully at Mo Jingli, his small body shrinking back as he refused to speak.

This reaction was nothing new to Mo Jingli. For the past two years, Mo Suoyun had always been like this in his presence. But now that his status was different, what had once brought him satisfaction and disgust now stirred complex, indescribable feelings and faint irritation. How could such a timid, cowardly child be his, Mo Jingli's, offspring?!

With a faint shift of his gaze, Mo Jingli said, "If His Majesty likes it, this Prince will have the chef from Deyue Lou brought to the palace to cook exclusively for him." Ye Ying nodded gently. "As Wang Ye wishes."

Mo Jingli nodded in satisfaction, glancing at the half-drunk chicken soup. "Let His Majesty rest well. This Prince will escort you back to your quarters."

"Yes." Ye Ying cast one last reluctant look at Mo Suoyun, who seemed lost in thought again, before following Mo Jingli out. Just as they left Mo Suoyun's courtyard, someone hurried over and reported, "Your Highness, Lady Yang from the side courtyard has sent word that she is one and a half months pregnant."

"What?" Mo Jingli was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed. Forgetting about accompanying Ye Ying back, he laughed heartily. "Excellent! Reward her generously. By this Prince's decree, elevate Lady Zhao to Side Consort."

"Yes, Your Highness. Congratulations, Your Highness." The messenger was equally delighted. After all, this was currently the only heir in Prince Li's Palace, and the Prince's joy meant generous rewards. Mo Jingli waved his hand. "Enough, this Prince will go see her in person." With that, as if forgetting Ye Ying beside him, he strode off toward the side courtyard.

At the gate, Ye Ying glanced back at the courtyard entrance. Lowering her eyes, she silently made her way to her own quarters.

In an inconspicuous courtyard in Nanjing, Xu Qingchen and Ye Li sat across from each other playing chess, while Yunge watched their intense match with curiosity, her eyes filled with admiration for Ye Li. Ye Li shook her head helplessly at the young girl's expression and smiled. Yunge knew nothing about chess—she only saw Ye Li forcing Xu Qingchen to retreat step by step, unaware that in games against Xu Qingchen, Ye Li usually ended up losing. Against Xu Qingchen, no amount of careful strategy was effective, so it was better to play swiftly and enjoy the thrill.

"Qingchen Gongzi, Wang Fei." Qin Feng appeared in the courtyard dressed in plain, unremarkable clothing and bowed respectfully.Xu Qingchen paused with a chess piece in hand and couldn't help but smile at Qin Feng's attire. "Commander Qin truly embodies whatever role he takes on. Had we met on the street, I might not have recognized you." His words weren't mere flattery. Though Qin Feng usually carried an imposing aura that deterred disrespect, now dressed in commoner's clothes, his presence had diminished so much that even his once handsome face appeared ordinary. He could blend seamlessly into a crowd without drawing any attention. Such a man wasn't just suited to be a shadow guard—he'd make an even better spy or assassin.

Qin Feng responded with a faint smile, "You flatter me, young master."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, amused. "To force you into such a disguise, it seems Mo Jingli is truly furious?"

Qin Feng replied, "Though Nanjing appears calm on the surface these days, the covert investigations remain intense. After raiding several hideouts, Mo Jingli only captured people who knew nothing. He must be frustrated."

Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. "It seems Ye Ying hasn't completely lost her wits—she didn't betray Yao Ji."

Disclosing Mo Suoyun's identity to Ye Ying had indeed been a risky move. Yet, had they used Mo Suoyun to decisively corner Mo Jingli and Ye Ying, Ye Li wouldn't have been able to reconcile it with her conscience. After all... she was also a mother of three. The thought of mischievous little Mo Xiaobao in Li Cheng and the pair of twins left at home before they'd even turned one softened her heart. Though she didn't believe in divine retribution, she still sought peace of mind. As her grandfather would say, it wasn't about supernatural consequences—scholars traditionally avoided speaking of the uncanny and the mystical. But excessively ruthless methods ultimately violated natural harmony.

Fortunately, Ye Ying hadn't disappointed her. Had she exposed Yao Ji, Prince Ding's intelligence network in Nanjing would have been half-destroyed. In that case, even Ye Li would have been powerless—Prince Ding's Estate couldn't very well storm Prince Li's Palace by force.

"What's happening in Prince Li's Palace?" Ye Li asked.

Qin Feng answered, "Mo Jingli and Consort Xian Zhao now know Mo Suoyun won't die anytime soon. They're debating whether to administer a lethal dose." At this, Qin Feng frowned, his disdain for Mo Jingli evident. Even vicious beasts spared their young, let alone an innocent child. If Mo Jingli went through with this, he'd be worse than an animal.

Ye Li's brow furrowed slightly as she turned to Xu Qingchen. "Elder Brother, what decision do you think Mo Jingli will make?"

Xu Qingchen sighed softly and placed a chess piece deliberately before speaking. "Is someone in Prince Li's Palace pregnant?"

Qin Feng was taken aback. "How did you know? The Side Consort Zhao in Prince Li's Palace just announced her pregnancy—she's about a month and a half along." Without directly answering Ye Li's question, Xu Qingchen said, "Li'er, if you wish to save Mo Suoyun, you must act quickly.""Big Brother, what do you mean?" Ye Li was taken aback. While she never believed Mo Jingli would give up the throne for his son, she also never thought he would kill Mo Suoyun after learning the truth. After all, though troublesome, wasn't there still a way to resolve this? Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "If it were just Mo Jingli alone, he might not kill Mo Suoyun. But I fear... the one who truly wants Mo Suoyun dead is someone else. Coincidentally, the news of an heir being born at this time is absolutely not good for Mo Suoyun."

Ye Li sighed softly and said, "Fine. I'll personally visit Prince Li's Palace tonight."

Qin Feng expressed concern, "Wang Fei, if there's anything to be done, just give us orders. Why must you take such a risk yourself?"

Ye Li shook her head. "Ye Ying wouldn't trust any of you. I'll feel more at ease if I go myself."

Late at night, when all was quiet, Ye Ying still couldn't sleep. She paced restlessly in her room like a trapped animal. Only now did she realize how powerless she was without the covert support of Prince Ding's Estate. With a single command from Mo Jingli, she couldn't even mobilize anyone in the palace, let alone send any messages out.

Though not exceptionally clever, she had come to understand many things over these past days. With Mo Jingli's concubine now pregnant, her son had even less of a way out. But now, she couldn't even manage to kill that Zhao woman. No—she didn’t want to kill anyone now. She only wished for her son to live safely.

"Fourth Sister." Ye Li's voice drifted softly through the quiet night, startling Ye Ying. She turned abruptly to see Ye Li standing not far behind her, clad in a black martial outfit. Accompanying Ye Li were Qin Feng, Wei Lin, and a young girl she had never seen before.

Yunge peeked curiously at Ye Ying, then turned back to look at Ye Li. Originally, Ye Li hadn’t planned to bring Yunge tonight, but the girl had insisted on seeing the sickly little brother, leaving Ye Li no choice but to bring her along. After all, Yunge’s martial skills were quite good—at least enough to ensure her own safety.

Yunge blinked in confusion. Why didn’t Li-jie's sister look anything like her?

"Third Sister!" Never before had Ye Ying been so emotional upon seeing Ye Li. She nearly threw herself at Ye Li's feet, her legs giving way as she knelt. "Third Sister, please save Suoyun. I beg you... I'll do anything you ask."

Ye Li sighed faintly and helped her up. "If you had known it would come to this, why did you act as you did before?" Ye Ying burned with shame. It was all because of her petty suspicions and fears that Ye Li would deceive her, insisting that Ye Li reveal the child's whereabouts first. Now, in this desperate situation, she still had to rely on Ye Li to save her. "Ying'er knows she was wrong, Third Sister. Please, I beg you to save Suoyun. From now on, whatever you say, I’ll never doubt you again. Please, for Father’s sake, save Suoyun."

"Enough." Ye Li cut off her incoherent pleas and nodded. "I’m taking Mo Suoyun away from here. Do you want to come with us?"

Ye Ying fell silent.Ye Li didn't care what she was thinking. While she felt some sympathy for Mo Suoyun, she had none for Ye Ying. She merely said indifferently, "Think carefully. Once Mo Suoyun disappears from Prince Li's Palace, whether it has anything to do with you or not, Mo Jingli will never let you off."

After a long silence, Ye Ying finally shook her head. "No, I won't leave. Third Sister, I know... I wronged you in the past. I only ask one thing of you—help send Suoyun to our parents. Please beg them, for the sake of their unfilial daughter, to take care of him. I know... his body has been completely ruined by Mo Jingli and that venomous woman, Consort Xian Zhao. Let him live as long as he can... I only hope he suffers less and lives peacefully for a few years. At least then his life wouldn't have been entirely in vain."

"What are you planning to do?" Ye Li frowned.

Ye Ying smiled faintly. "Third Sister, are you concerned about me? Don't worry... I won't act recklessly." Ye Li paused, then nodded. "As you wish."

Ye Ying took a deep breath. "Let's go. Let me see him one last time. You... take him away."

After Ye Ying left her courtyard, Ye Li and the others naturally remained hidden. After so many years, Prince Li's Palace was finally celebrating joyous news, and the entire estate was filled with laughter. Clearly, Mo Jingli was hosting a banquet, making Ye Ying's quiet courtyard seem especially desolate in contrast.

When they entered Mo Suoyun's courtyard and stepped into his room, it was empty. Panicked, Ye Ying immediately called out, "Someone, come here!" A servant quickly entered, startled to see Ye Ying. "Wang Fei?"

"Where is His Majesty?" Ye Ying demanded angrily.

"His Majesty... His Majesty was invited by Wang Ye to attend the banquet."

"Nonsense!" Ye Ying snapped. "His Majesty is gravely ill. How could he possibly attend a banquet?" The maid, frightened by Ye Ying's furious reddened eyes, stammered, "It's true... His Majesty was carried there." Too anxious to waste time, Ye Ying rushed out of the courtyard toward the grand hall where Mo Jingli was hosting the banquet.

The hall was alive with music and dance. Mo Jingli sat at the head of the table, drinking heartily, with his newly pregnant Side Consort Zhao by his side. To his right sat Consort Xian Zhao, while to his left, Mo Suoyun sat alone in a chair, staring blankly ahead, neither watching the performances below nor touching the food before him, as if oblivious to everything around him.

The guests seated below were naturally all Mo Jingli's trusted followers. Mu Yang was present with Yao Ji. A few days prior, Mu Yang had spoken up for Chu Junwei, only for Chu Junwei to vanish without a trace. Mu Yang had been severely reprimanded by Mo Jingli for it, so today he kept a low profile. However, judging by Prince Li's expression, Mu Yang knew that soon, the prince would achieve his desires. Once that happened, Marquis Muyang Manor, with its merit in supporting the new ruler, would no longer be held accountable for such trivial matters.

Yao Ji glanced at the dazed Mo Suoyun on the dais, a trace of concealed worry flashing in her eyes.

"Congratulations to Wang Ye on the joyous news of your heir!" the guests toasted in unison.

Mo Jingli nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you for your auspicious words. Let us all drink together."Sitting beside Mo Jingli, Side Consort Zhao suddenly smiled and said, "His Majesty hasn't eaten much all evening. Although the Emperor is too young for wine, some fruit juice would be harmless. Why don't we invite His Majesty to share a toast with everyone?"

Consort Xian Zhao glanced at Side Consort Zhao and nodded approvingly. "Side Consort Zhao speaks wisely. With all of us chatting and laughing, we've neglected His Majesty. Why hasn't the Emperor been served juice yet? What are you attendants doing?"

The eunuch standing behind Mo Suoyun hastily apologized and stepped forward to pick up the wine jug placed before the young emperor, pouring him a cup of juice.

A gentle smile graced Side Consort Zhao's beautiful lips as she gazed at Mo Suoyun and said, "This concubine is carrying Wang Ye's child. Isn't Your Majesty happy for us?" Mo Suoyun's eyes flickered slightly, but he remained silent. His fearful gaze drifted to Mo Jingli seated beside Side Consort Zhao.

Mo Jingli said indifferently, "Since the Side Consort has spoken, Your Majesty should drink a toast to congratulate her."

The crowd below the dais echoed in agreement. Yao Ji sat beside Mu Yang, her lips curved into a perfect smile, more dazzlingly beautiful than the young and gentle Side Consort Zhao on the dais. Yet her heart was cold as she watched the absurd scene before her, sneering inwardly. When her gaze fell upon the man beside her, she felt an even deeper disappointment and detachment. Even a woman like Yao Ji could guess that the so-called "fruit juice" was unlikely to be just that—how could Mu Yang not know?

Moreover, Mo Suoyun was, after all, the emperor. Yet here was a hall full of ministers, pressuring the ruler of a nation to toast and congratulate them over a mere concubine who hadn’t even been formally recognized as a Side Consort in the royal household. The Marquis Muyang Manor had produced generations of military generals, but the current Mu Yang… was more skilled at flattery and political maneuvering than any civil official. "Civil officials die for their remonstrations; military men die in battle"—yet Mu Yang could do neither. Long ago, he had ceased to be the carefree yet unyielding young man she once knew.

Seeing Mo Suoyun remain unmoving, Mo Jingli’s expression darkened. "Serve His Majesty and make him drink," he ordered.

The eunuch beside him had no choice but to pick up the cup and bring it to Mo Suoyun’s lips.

"Mo Jingli, how dare you!" A sharp voice suddenly rang out from outside the hall. In an instant, even the music stopped. Ye Ying’s voice reverberated through the hall, startlingly loud.

Everyone turned to look. Ye Ying strode in with a frosty expression, slightly out of breath—clearly, she had run all the way here. The moment she entered, she rushed to the dais and knocked over the cup about to be offered to Mo Suoyun. The strong scent of alcohol immediately filled the air. Ye Ying’s face was twisted with fury. "Mo Jingli, you heartless monster!"

Mo Jingli was momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events. Recovering, he frowned in displeasure. "What nonsense are you up to now? Get out of here at once!"

"Nonsense? Mo Jingli, you—" Ye Ying’s face turned livid with rage as she prepared to expose his scheme, but Side Consort Zhao suddenly stepped forward and grabbed her arm. With a gentle smile, Side Consort Zhao said, "Sister Wang Fei, what are you doing? His Majesty hasn’t eaten or drunk anything all evening. I was only worried he might be thirsty, so I offered him a cup of juice to soothe his throat."

Ye Ying stared at her intently. "Oh? So it was you who wanted him to drink it?"

Side Consort Zhao felt uneasy under her piercing gaze, her smile stiffening. "Indeed."

Ye Ying sneered. "In that case, you should have some too." Side Consort Zhao’s smile froze, and she hastily took a step back. "Thank you for your kindness, Sister Wang Fei, but I don’t care for juice." As if she could drink something like that now—her body was far too precious at the moment.

Ye Ying lifted her chin imperiously. "This princess didn’t ask whether you like it or not. This princess is bestowing it upon you. Surely, one cup of juice won’t make what’s in your belly disappear?"

"Ye Ying, how dare you!" Mo Jingli roared in fury. Already past thirty, he had no children of his own, and he held great hopes for Side Consort Zhao’s unborn child. He would not tolerate Ye Ying’s reckless words.

A bitter smile twisted Ye Ying’s lips. "Her child is untouchable, but what about mine? Isn’t Suoyun your son? For the sake of the throne, you would kill your own child? Mo Jingli, you’re not even human!""You're insane!" Mo Jingli gritted his teeth. "Guards! Drag this woman away!"

"How dare you! Mo Jingli, if you harm my son, I'll haunt you even as a ghost!" Ye Ying screamed hysterically. But her cries were in vain—the people seated below were Mo Jingli's most trusted confidants, all eager to support his rise to power for their own gain. Even if Mo Suoyun were Mo Jingli's father rather than his son, they wouldn't bat an eye. Though stunned by the sudden revelation, their only concern was how to handle the aftermath and ensure Prince Li wouldn't hold this secret against them—not to seek justice for the mother and child.

"Take her away," Mo Jingli commanded coldly.

Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Ye Ying stopped struggling against the guards and fixed her gaze on Mo Jingli. "Wang Ye, there's one more thing I must tell you."

Mo Jingli stared at her indifferently, clearly unwilling to listen. Ye Ying smiled sweetly and said, "It concerns Prince Ding's Estate. Surely Wang Ye would like to hear that?"

Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes. He couldn't be sure how long Ye Ying had been involved with Prince Ding's Estate, nor whether she truly knew any of its secrets.

After a long pause, he finally said, "Release her."

The guards let go, but Ye Ying didn’t rush toward Mo Jingli. Instead, she turned to Mo Suoyun, gently caressing his thin face. "Suoyun, I'm sorry… Mother failed you. From now on, be good and listen to your elder brother and sister, alright?"

Mo Suoyun blinked in confusion. He didn’t understand why this kind Princess Li was suddenly claiming to be his mother. His real mother was in the palace—even if she often ignored him, she wouldn’t just change into someone else. And when he glanced at Mo Jingli’s dark expression nearby, he instinctively shrank back.

Seeing her son’s fearful reaction, Ye Ying shook her head bitterly. She then slowly approached Mo Jingli, gazing at his still-handsome, mature face. With a heartbroken voice, she asked, "Have you… never felt even a shred of remorse?"

Mo Jingli frowned coldly. "I have no patience for your nonsense. What is it you want to say?"

Ye Ying smiled helplessly and leaned closer, whispering, "I wanted to tell you… my third sister has already arrived in Nanjing." She rarely referred to Ye Li as "third sister" sincerely, especially in front of Mo Jingli—she usually just called her by name. The term momentarily confused Mo Jingli. "What did you say?!"

Ye Ying laughed delightedly, her pale, gaunt face suddenly glowing with life. Giggling, she said, "I said… my third sister—Wang Fei of Prince Ding—is right here in Prince Li's Palace. Didn’t you know?""Wang Ye, be careful!" In the instant Mo Jingli was stunned, a terrified scream rang out beside him. He felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his abdomen and reflexively struck Ye Ying, sending her flying. Though weakened by his sudden injury, the force of his blow wasn’t fatal, yet Ye Ying still coughed up blood, collapsing right at the feet of Side Consort Zhao.

Ye Ying seemed utterly indifferent to her injuries, as if she felt no pain. She wrapped her arms around Side Consort Zhao’s legs, and the two tumbled down the hall’s steps together. As they rolled down, Ye Ying’s lips bled more profusely, while Side Consort Zhao let out a piercing scream—her lower body instantly stained red.

"You wretched woman!" Mo Jingli roared in fury and shock, clutching his abdomen where blood seeped relentlessly. He slumped back into his chair, glaring at Ye Ying with undisguised murderous intent.

"Jing Li… hurry! Call the imperial physician!" Consort Xian Zhao rushed to support Mo Jingli, shouting sharply, "Someone help Side Consort Zhao up! The child… the child…" Everyone’s gaze fell on Side Consort Zhao, who lay moaning on the ground—clearly, the barely month-and-a-half-old fetus was lost. The crowd was stunned by the sudden turn of events. Who could have imagined that the usually inconspicuous Wang Fei of Prince Li’s household would commit such a shocking act? In mere moments, she had wounded both Prince Li and Side Consort Zhao and killed the unborn child.

Mo Jingli sat in his chair, enduring the agony as he stared down at Ye Ying. The taunting smile on her face only fueled his rage. He had always dismissed her—compared to Ye Li, Ye Ying seemed foolish, selfish, and cowardly, hardly someone capable of great deeds. Yet it was precisely someone like her who had dealt him the heaviest blow. In all his life, Mo Jingli had never suffered such a humiliation, and it was all thanks to Ye Ying.

Perhaps the waves of pain from his abdomen made him irritable, or perhaps the abrupt loss of the child that had just come into existence had shaken him. Whatever the reason, Mo Jingli glared at Ye Ying with cruel intensity.

"Ye Ying, I’ll make you wish you were dead! You want to save Mo Suoyun? Hmm?" Mo Jingli stood abruptly, ignoring his wound, and strode forward to seize Mo Suoyun. The child, already petrified by the scene before him, burst into terrified sobs when grabbed by the man he feared most.

Ye Ying’s face paled. "Mo Jingli, you monster!"

Mo Jingli sneered. "Then let me show you what a real monster is!" With that, he hurled Mo Suoyun from the hall in full view of everyone. Side Consort Yang had miscarried just from tumbling down the steps—what chance did a frail child like Mo Suoyun have, thrown into the air and plummeting down? If he hit the ground, he would surely die.

A shadowy figure darted into the hall, leaping midair to catch Mo Suoyun just in time. The child, who had been wailing moments before, now choked on his cries, his small face turning ashen.A sudden intruder burst into the grand hall, startling everyone. Upon closer inspection, it was an unfamiliar young girl. Though clad in black night attire, her delicate features were alight with fury, her bright eyes glaring at Mo Jingli as if flames might erupt from them at any moment.

"Little Yun, be good, don't be scared... here's some candy..." Yunge carefully placed Mo Suoyun on the ground, retrieving a pre-prepared medicinal pill from her sleeve and slipping it into his mouth. She hastily checked his pulse to confirm he was out of immediate danger before sighing in relief. Standing up, she glared at Mo Jingli and demanded, "How can you be so cruel? Little Yun is still so small—do you realize you nearly killed him by throwing him like that?"

Mo Jingli, who had just flung Mo Suoyun aside, aggravated the wound on his abdomen and slumped back into his seat. He coldly eyed Yunge standing in the hall and snapped, "Who are you? Who sent you? How dare you break into Prince Ding's Estate at night!" This girl had entered through the main gate, yet no guards had come to report. Either she had evaded all the guards with exceptional martial skills, or someone outside had dealt with them for her.

Yunge blinked, displeased. "I don’t know you. Daddy said I shouldn’t tell strangers my name."

The crowd couldn’t help but feel awkward. Though Prince Li’s question was perfectly reasonable, the girl’s response made it seem as if he were some lecherous noble harassing an innocent maiden.

"Miss, what Prince Li means is—why are you here?" Yaoji interjected with a gentle cough and a smile.

Yunge suddenly understood, beaming at Yaoji. "You're so pretty, sister! I came here with Sister Li."

"Sister Li?!"

Everyone in the hall was stunned. Though Ye Ying had earlier claimed Ye Li was present, the ensuing chaos had led them to dismiss it as a ruse to assassinate Mo Jingli. No one had imagined Ye Li had truly come to Jiangnan—and had even infiltrated Prince Li's Palace undetected. The realization sent a chill down the spines of Mo Jingli’s loyalists. If Prince Ding’s people could slip into Prince Li’s Palace so effortlessly under full lockdown, taking their lives would be just as easy.

"Ye Li?! Show yourself!" Mo Jingli roared.

Outside the door, Ye Li sighed regretfully before stepping in with Qin Feng and the others. The sight of her, clad in black and composed, made Mo Jingli’s eyes redden with rage. Ye Li calmly cut through his fury. "Prince Li, you should tend to your wounds first. Your Side Consort also awaits a physician." The Side Consort Zhao had already been helped to a chair. Even without the imperial physician’s arrival, she knew the child was lost. Her hatred for Ye Ying burned deeper. "Wang Ye... you must avenge me and our child..."

Ye Li glanced at her. "Heaven’s retribution can be forgiven, but self-inflicted suffering cannot." Though they hadn’t entered earlier, they had heard everything clearly. Had Side Consort Zhao not provoked Mo Jingli into harming Mo Suoyun in her arrogance, she wouldn’t have been dragged down by Ye Ying and suffered a miscarriage."You... even if you are Princess Ding, this is still Prince Li's Palace's affair! Doesn't Princess Ding think she's overstepping her bounds?" Side Consort Zhao glared at Ye Li with resentment. Since entering Prince Li's Palace, she hadn't spent a single day without trepidation. First, she had to serve Consort Xian Zhao, then constantly deal with Qixia Princess's provocations. Later, there was the even more formidable Dongfang You, forcing her to live cautiously with her tail between her legs. Now that she had finally gained some standing, she couldn't help but feel a bit smug. Yet all her efforts had come to nothing.

"Wuwu... Wang Ye, your servant is wronged. Pity me and this unborn child..."

"Your injuries aren't serious; you won't die," Yunge, who was squatting nearby examining Ye Ying's wounds, looked up and said. "Besides, if you truly cared about your own child, why would you harm Little Yun? His body couldn't survive after drinking that poisoned wine." Side Consort Zhao's pitiful sobbing was abruptly interrupted by Yunge's words, making her appear utterly ridiculous. Her mouth hung open, tears still streaking her face, while her once-beautiful features twisted into an ugly mix of green and purple.

The imperial physician finally arrived, and Ye Li's group wasn't in a hurry to leave. Mo Jingli was helped inside to have his wounds dressed, but Consort Xian Zhao remained in the hall, staring at Ye Li with an inscrutable expression. The officials below were inwardly groaning in distress. While everyone knew Prince Li wanted to kill the Emperor—and no one particularly objected—this was entirely different from learning that the Emperor was actually Prince Li's son, whom he had tried to dash to death. From now on, Prince Li would surely hold a grudge against them all.

"Princess Ding, why are you here?" Consort Xian Zhao demanded, her gaze fixed on Ye Li.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "This humble consort begs your forgiveness for her presumption. My elder brother, Qingchen Gongzi, went missing in the south some days ago, and I came specifically to search for him. By coincidence, I heard... that my younger sister was being mistreated in Prince Li's Palace, so I couldn't resist coming to investigate. Little did I expect..."

Consort Xian Zhao was momentarily speechless. It was an indisputable fact that Ye Ying was Ye Li's half-sister. Regardless of their private relationship, as long as Ye Li claimed she was visiting her wronged sister, no one could deny her—on the contrary, they would praise Princess Ding for her sisterly affection. They might want to deny mistreating Ye Ying, but given Ye Ying's pitiable state, anyone would assume she had indeed been abused in Prince Li's Palace.

Consort Xian Zhao snorted coldly. "Mistreatment? Ye Ying attempted to assassinate Wang Ye—a crime punishable by death."

Ye Li chuckled. "Oh? Then... what is the punishment for Wang Ye attempting to dash the Emperor to death in public?"

Behind her, Qin Feng answered, "Extermination of nine generations."

Ye Li shook her head with a smile. "The Emperor and the imperial clan are counted among Wang Ye's nine generations, so extermination is impossible. However, execution of the entire household is unavoidable, no?" Yunge asked in confusion, "Didn't they just say Wang Ye is Little Yun's father?"

Ye Li patted Yunge's head approvingly. "Exactly. So that would be... confusing the imperial bloodline? What is the punishment for Wang Ye presenting his own son as the late Emperor's heir and placing him on the throne? Virtuous Empress?"Consort Xian Zhao found herself at a loss for words. This was not a case of Mo Jingli pretending his own son was the late emperor’s child—it was the late emperor who had taken Mo Jingli’s newborn son and raised him as a prince. But who would believe such a claim? The late emperor had no shortage of sons, and in the end, he had even passed the throne to this very child.

After a long silence, Consort Xian Zhao could only say coldly, “This is a matter of Great Chu and seems unrelated to Princess Ding.”

Ye Li was in no hurry. She pointed at Ye Ying on the ground and said, “If this child belongs to my fourth sister, does Consort Xian Zhao still believe it has nothing to do with me? Or does the Consort think that I and Prince Ding’s Estate are easy to bully?”

“Sophistry!” Consort Xian Zhao could not win this war of words. With a flick of her sleeve, she sat aside and fell silent. Ye Li walked over to Ye Ying and crouched beside her, asking softly, “How are you?”

Yunge shook her head with sorrow. Ye Ying had suffered severe internal injuries and broken meridians from Mo Jingli’s palm strike, and her subsequent fall down the steps had worsened her condition. Even the best medicine could only delay the inevitable.

Leaning weakly in Yunge’s arms, Ye Ying reached out with difficulty toward Mo Suoyun. Seeing the bloodstains on her clothes and the trickle of blood at her lips, Mo Suoyun shrank back in fear. Ye Li sighed and gently pulled him forward, whispering, “Suoyun, go to her. She won’t hurt you.”

Mo Suoyun seemed to trust Ye Li almost instinctively. After hesitating and glancing at her, he finally took slow steps toward Ye Ying. Ye Ying gazed at him with tear-filled eyes, her smile bittersweet. “Suoyun, it’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been so greedy, you wouldn’t have fallen so ill… cough … From now on, be good and stay with your aunt. She… she will take care of you. You won’t have to live in fear anymore. Live well… live well… Third Sister…”

Ye Li stepped closer and sighed. “Why did you do this?”

Ye Ying chuckled weakly. “I’m not sad… Mo Jingli didn’t want my Suoyun, did he? Then let him never have another child in this lifetime… Hah… The late emperor actually did one good thing—someone like Mo Jingli deserves to be cut off from descendants! Third Sister, I was foolish back then… I beg you, don’t blame me. Please… take good care of Suoyun…”

After a moment of silence, Ye Li nodded. “Rest assured, I will see to this child’s well-being. Mister Shen Yang is also in Li Cheng. There may yet be hope for his recovery.” Ye Ying nodded, smiling through her tears. “Third Sister, I’ve always known… you’re a good person. I just… I was always so jealous of you… Is it true that only good people find happiness? I envy you… In my next life, I’ll be a good person too.”

Ye Li had no reply. Compared to many, the selfish and weak-willed Ye Ying was hardly a villain. At the very least, she had never truly harmed anyone—though that might have been because she lacked the ability.

“Ye Ying, you wretched woman, I’ll kill you!” Suddenly, Mo Jingli burst forth from inside, his face twisted with fury like a demon. Mo Suoyun, who had been listening to Ye Ying, immediately shrank back in terror and buried himself in Ye Li’s arms.Mo Jingli grabbed Ye Ying by the collar, trying to drag her up. The little girl Yunge, who had been ignored all this time, instantly flew into a rage. Having failed to cure her first patient after leaving the mountains and now unable to save the second injured person, Yunge was already in a foul mood. But this Prince Li actually had the audacity to drag someone who was barely clinging to life back and forth like a sack right in front of her. "Let go of her now!"

In her fury, Yunge unceremoniously struck out with a palm strike. Realizing he was no match for this little girl, Mo Jingli immediately and without hesitation used Ye Ying as a human shield. Fortunately, Yunge was naturally gentle by nature, and even in her rage, she hadn't used her full strength, allowing her to withdraw her hand in time. She glared furiously at Mo Jingli before her, "Shameless! Villain! Scoundrel! Trash!"

Ye Li twitched her lips, silently wondering who had been corrupting little Yunge with such language these past few days.

Ye Ying no longer cared about her current state. With a faint smile on her lips, she gazed obsessively at Mo Jingli and asked, "Wang Ye, do you like the gift Ying'er prepared for you?"

"You wretch! Hand over the antidote!" Mo Jingli said coldly.

With some effort, Ye Ying lifted the dagger she had been clutching in her other hand and smiled. "The antidote... I've already taken it. Wang Ye, do you know how much effort I spent to obtain this poison? I hadn’t planned to use it on you so soon, but I prepared it long ago. In Li Cheng... after I learned you had already secured the antidote, I found a way to concoct this poison. Since this morning, I’ve been soaking this dagger in it. And then... heh, just before coming in, I took the antidote myself."

"You wretch, I’ll kill you!" Mo Jingli tightened his grip around Ye Ying’s neck. He had truly underestimated this vile woman—she had been scheming against him for so long. Ye Ying struggled to turn her head toward Mo Suoyun, who was hiding in Ye Li’s embrace, and raised the dagger to stab Mo Jingli. The strike wasn’t meant to wound him, and as soon as she struck, Mo Jingli flung her aside. Unfazed, Ye Ying looked up at Mo Suoyun. "Suoyun, leave this place with your aunt... otherwise... he’ll kill you..."

As blood seeped increasingly from Ye Ying’s lips, the onlookers stood in silence, watching the woman lying in the pool of blood gradually lose her breath.

"Mother..." A faint child’s voice suddenly broke the stillness of the palace. Yunge, standing beside Ye Li, covered her eyes and began to cry silently.

Yaoji, seated beside Mu Yang, lowered her head and discreetly wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye, her bright gaze growing even more resolute.

Ye Li handed Mo Suoyun to Wei Lin behind her and said calmly, "Yunge, it’s time for us to go."

Yunge sniffled quietly, then walked over to grasp the hem of Ye Li’s robe and followed her out. "I trust Wang Ye will arrange a proper burial for my fourth sister?" Ye Li glanced back at Mo Jingli and asked.

"Burial?" Mo Jingli twisted his lips into a grotesque smile. "This prince will scatter her ashes to the wind!"

"As you wish." Ye Li had no particular attachment to the idea of a proper burial. While it would have been preferable to take Ye Ying’s body with them, it was impossible now. "This Wang Fei will make sure to spread word of Wang Ye’s magnanimity—how the late Princess Li was honored with her ashes scattered to the wind. I’m certain the people of Jiangnan will be deeply moved by your benevolence."

"Ye Li, stop right there!" Mo Jingli roared. "Leave Mo Suoyun behind!"

"Over your dead body!" Before Ye Li could respond, Yunge spat out furiously. "Little Yun’s mother already entrusted him to Sister Li. Besides, if you hadn’t tried to kill him, would Princess Li have died?"

"He is the emperor of Great Chu," Mo Jingli gritted out—and possibly his only remaining son. Ye Ying’s final blow had struck too deep. Having been poisoned twice in succession, the imperial physicians had already declared that even with the antidote, his chances of fathering another child were slim.Ye Li turned around and said calmly, "Isn't Prince Li eager to eliminate this child to ascend the throne? Then as an exchange, I'll take this child away. From now on, he will no longer be a descendant of the Mo family. Just as Prince Li wishes, Mo Suoyun has passed away."

"Absolutely not," Mo Jingli flatly refused.

Ye Li remained unfazed. "Then... Mo Suoyun remains the emperor... But his birth mother entrusted him to me before her death. That means Prince Ding's Estate and I must ensure he reigns as a true emperor." The implication was clear—Prince Ding's Estate would fully intervene in the court affairs of Great Chu. Not only would Mo Jingli never allow Prince Ding's Estate to meddle in Great Chu again, but even if he agreed, Mo Suoyun, though currently dull and wooden, wasn't truly foolish. If he were truly foolish, he wouldn't have called out "Mother" earlier. When he grew up, he would never side with Mo Jingli, his own father.

Ye Li looked at him and said, "You can't have your cake and eat it too, Prince Li. You'd better think carefully."

Mo Jingli said darkly, "What if I insist on keeping all of you here?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "Then let's see if Prince Li has the capability. Even if you manage to keep all of us here, you'd better ensure no one spreads word of tonight's events. Prince Li murders his own son and the emperor, while his Wang Fei nobly sacrifices herself—what a splendid drama."

Mo Jingli, already severely injured, was now overwhelmed with fury. His vision darkened, and he nearly collapsed. Those nearby hurriedly helped him into a chair. Gripping the armrests, he suppressed his rage, took a deep breath, and glared at Ye Li. "Ye Li, you're something else."

"Not as impressive as Prince Li," Ye Li retorted with composure.

Seeing Mo Jingli's weakened state, Consort Xian Zhao quickly interjected, "Princess Ding, release His Majesty, and I guarantee your safe departure from Jiangnan."

Beside them, Qin Feng let out a disdainful chuckle. "Do we need your guarantee? Nanjing is a place we can come and go as we please. What can you possibly do to us?" Consort Xian Zhao's expression darkened, but Ye Li spoke first, leisurely saying, "I always keep my word. Since I promised Fourth Sister to take care of this child, I will take him away. Consort Xian Zhao can decide whether it's better for us to leave quietly or fight our way out of Prince Li's Palace."

"With just the few of you?" Consort Xian Zhao sneered.

Ye Li smiled. "Are your numbers any greater? Why not try summoning your guards and see?" Consort Xian Zhao fell silent. If Ye Li dared to say this, it was likely that few guards in Prince Li's Palace were still standing.

"Prince Li, what's your decision?" Ye Li asked.

"Get out!" Mo Jingli finally roared.

Unfazed by his words, Ye Li waved her hand and led her people out openly.

In the grand hall, the atmosphere was so heavy and silent that the drop of a needle could be heard. Everyone kept their heads down, only the pounding of their own hearts audible. Mo Jingli sat on the throne, panting heavily, his gaze as ferocious as a beast ready to devour its prey.Originally intending to flatter their future master at what was supposed to be a grand celebratory banquet, the gathering had instead turned into a bloody and sensational royal family drama. How could those present not tremble with fear? They could only secretly rejoice that with so many of them here... surely the prince wouldn't silence them all? The saying that the law doesn't punish the masses indeed held some truth.

"Reporting to Your Highness, Princess Ding's party disappeared shortly after leaving the estate," someone announced from outside after a long while.

"Useless fools! All of you—get out! Out!" Mo Jingli roared.

Seizing the opportunity, the guests hastily rose to take their leave from Mo Jingli and Consort Xian Zhao before scurrying away.

"Jingli..." Consort Xian Zhao called softly, looking at Mo Jingli.

"Out! All of you, out!" Mo Jingli shouted without even glancing at her.

In the small courtyard where Ye Li and her party were staying, Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow at the child in Wei Lin's arms. "Did Mo Jingli discover his identity?" Ye Li smiled wryly. "It doesn't matter now—he has no time to deal with us. But Elder Brother, since matters in Nanjing are mostly settled, we should return." Though Mo Jingli might not dare act against them immediately, staying too long in the city would seem like provocation. He might even resort to desperate measures in a fit of rage.

"Mo Jingli doesn't seem the impulsive type," Xu Qingchen remarked. Not that Mo Jingli was particularly steady in temperament, but he was too attached to power and luxury. Those with attachments rarely acted recklessly.

"He might be now," Ye Li said. Any man reduced to Mo Jingli's state might act rashly. Had he never had anything, it would be one thing—but his poison had been cured, and he'd gained a child, only to lose both in an instant, poisoned again with no hope left. One had to admit, Ye Ying's final act was truly remarkable.

Xu Qingchen sighed softly, glancing at the motionless Mo Suoyun in Wei Lin's arms. "With Ye Ying dead, what will you do with the child? He's still the emperor of Chu—keeping him at Prince Ding's Estate isn't appropriate."

"Ye Ying wanted us to send him to my father. After all, he's their grandson. With Prince Ding's Estate watching over him in Li Cheng, he should be safe. At any rate... it's better than staying in Nanjing as a puppet emperor," Ye Li said.

Xu Qingchen nodded. "Very well. You should head north first thing tomorrow."

Ye Li paused. "Elder Brother, do you still have matters here?"

"I need to help Yunge find someone," Xu Qingchen replied. Ye Li frowned. "Couldn't you just have someone else handle it? Is it difficult?" Xu Qingchen shook his head with a smile. "Not difficult—I know where they live. But I need to take Yunge there." Hesitating, Ye Li said, "Perhaps we could wait a few days and return with you."

She couldn't bear the thought of Xu Qingchen and Yunge remaining in Nanjing alone. Xu Qingchen had no martial skills, and while Yunge was strong, she was an inexperienced young girl. If something happened to her elder brother...Seeing Ye Li's undisguised worry, Xu Qingchen smiled helplessly, "Li'er, this matter was truly just an accident. Prince Ding must be waiting anxiously—you should hurry back. Otherwise, he'll blame me again for being incompetent and keeping you in Jiangnan for so long."

But Ye Li adamantly refused to listen. "I'll stay one more day. There are still some matters left to handle—it's not urgent to leave immediately." Unable to persuade her, Xu Qingchen could only plan to take Yunge to find someone early the next morning. Ye Li wasn't at ease leaving him alone in Nanjing, and likewise, he was concerned for her safety. After all, this city wasn't their territory.

"Wang Fei... Qingchen Gongzi, Miss Yunge and that lady in the backyard are fighting," a guard rushed in, reporting with a troubled expression. Both Ye Li and Xu Qingchen were stunned. Xu Qingchen immediately stood up, while Ye Li wasn't particularly worried. Even if Dongfang You still had her inner energy, Yunge likely wouldn't be at a disadvantage, let alone now that Dongfang You's inner energy had been sealed.

"Dongfang You has no inner energy left—how can she still cause trouble?" Ye Li asked curiously.

The guard replied with a pained look, "Reporting to Wang Fei, they aren't using martial arts."

"Then how are they fighting?"

"Wang Fei will understand if you see for yourself," the guard said.

Fighting wasn't limited to martial arts, after all—most people in the world didn't know martial arts, but that didn't mean they didn't fight. So when Ye Li and Xu Qingchen saw the two women rolling on the ground in the courtyard, they were dumbfounded. Xu Qingchen couldn't help but rub his forehead and call out, "Yunge."

Hearing his voice, Yunge paused. But in that moment of hesitation, Dongfang You clawed at her beautiful face. If the strike had landed, even without inner energy, Yunge's lovely features would have been scarred for months. However, while Dongfang You currently lacked inner energy, Yunge did not. She simply tilted her head back and firmly grasped Dongfang You's wrist. "Enough, enough—can we stop?"

Dongfang You sneered, "Just die."

Yunge grimaced, blocking Dongfang You's next swing before swiftly sealing her acupoints and leaping up from the ground. She hurried over to Xu Qingchen. "Xu Qingchen, Sister Li, why are you here?" Ye Li arched an eyebrow at her, smiling without a word. Xu Qingchen looked at Yunge. "Who told you to fight with someone?"

Though his voice remained as gentle as ever, Yunge inexplicably felt a chill down her spine. She shrank back, edging closer to Ye Li. The way Xu Qingchen was quietly watching her felt even more intimidating than her late father, who had passed away three or four years ago. No wonder the Xu Family brothers all feared Young Master Xu—he naturally carried the authority of a strict teacher.

"Um... I... I was wrong," Yunge admitted dejectedly, hanging her head.

Ye Li glanced between them with amusement before turning to Dongfang You, still frozen nearby. She smiled faintly. "How did Yunge end up here?" This courtyard was the innermost and most secluded part of the estate—most people wouldn't wander here without reason. Yunge pouted. "I just wanted to pick some flowers for Little Yun."It turned out that there were two late-blooming begonias in the courtyard where Dongfang You resided. Yunge thought that since Mo Suoyun had been frightened into a dazed state, giving him some fun things might help. However, the little girl who grew up in the mountains didn’t know what to give, so her first choice naturally fell to flowers and plants. She searched the entire estate before finding these two begonias that were still blooming beautifully. Little did she expect to disturb Dongfang You, who was under house arrest in the courtyard. Coincidentally, Dongfang You had also heard the servants mention this girl personally brought back by Qingchen Gongzi. So, upon their first encounter, they immediately fought without restraint. If Dongfang You’s inner energy hadn’t been suppressed, she might have even resorted to lethal moves.

Xu Qingchen handed her a white handkerchief and said, “Don’t you know martial arts? Was it necessary to roll around on the ground with someone?”

Yunge lowered her head and drew circles on the ground with her foot. She had thought Dongfang You didn’t know martial arts, and as a martial artist, she naturally couldn’t bully an ordinary person who didn’t.

After seeing Xu Qingchen, Dongfang You stopped glaring fiercely at Yunge and instead gazed at Xu Qingchen with infatuation. Ever since she was captured by Ye Li, she hadn’t seen Xu Qingchen even once. Although Ye Li hadn’t locked her in the Dungeon, any attempt to leave the courtyard was immediately thwarted. No schemes or tricks worked—even when she threatened to burn the house down, the guards didn’t so much as blink. The message was clear: if she wanted to burn herself alive, she was free to do so. Of course, Dongfang You had no intention of burning herself, so she could only endure silently. Now that she finally saw Xu Qingchen in person, she had no mood left to quarrel with Yunge.

Yunge curiously glanced between Xu Qingchen and Dongfang You, then instinctively moved closer to Ye Li. There was something eerie about the way this woman looked at Xu Qingchen—it made her hair stand on end.

“Qingchen Gongzi, how have you been?” Dongfang You asked softly, completely disregarding how unsettling it was to hear such tender words from someone whose acupoints were sealed, leaving her stiff and immobile. Xu Qingchen gave her a faint glance before turning his gaze to Yunge beside Ye Li. “Go back and change your clothes. Then copy the essay I taught you yesterday ten times and hand it to me tomorrow morning.”

“Huh?” Yunge’s face fell instantly. “Xu Qingchen, I don’t—”

“Fifteen copies,” Xu Qingchen said impassively.

Yunge stared at him blankly, her small mouth opening and closing before she finally muttered, “I’ll go write them now.” She peeked cautiously at Xu Qingchen, sensing his displeasure, and asked in a small voice, “Can I pick some flowers first?”

Xu Qingchen nodded, and Yunge immediately leaped onto a branch, plucked a few blossoms, then dashed away as if lingering even a moment longer would earn her another ten or twenty copies. Watching her retreating figure, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. “Elder Brother, you’re too harsh on Yunge. Look how scared she is—after all, she’s your savior.”

Xu Qingchen cast a sidelong glance at Ye Li. “She’s not a child anymore. She lived alone in the mountains before. Her father probably didn’t teach her many things he should have while he was alive.”Ye Li suddenly understood and nodded, saying, "You're right. Fifteen isn't too young to marry. If she comes back with us, we can ask Aunt to properly teach her." Xu Qingchen remained noncommittal, replying indifferently, "I doubt she'll come with us. If that happens..." In noble households, someone like Yunge, raised in the countryside, would be devoured without a trace. Ye Li smiled cheerfully and said, "Big Brother will definitely find a way to bring her back with us..."

Xu Qingchen seemed not to hear her words and turned to walk out the door.

Ye Li cast a cold glance at Dongfang You, who was sitting on the ground, and said, "Miss Dongfang, even as a prisoner, you still don't know how to behave properly?" Dongfang You finally tore her infatuated gaze away from Xu Qingchen's retreating figure and glared hatefully at Ye Li. "Who is that girl?" she demanded.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "If Miss Dongfang didn't know who Yunge was, why would you fight with her?"

Dongfang You shrieked, "That's impossible! How could that ignorant country girl be worthy of Qingchen Gongzi? You're lying to me... Ye Li, what have I ever done to you that you must tear me apart from Qingchen Gongzi?" Ye Li rolled her eyes skyward. Dongfang You's delusions were truly getting out of hand. "Miss Dongfang, what do you mean by me tearing you apart from Qingchen Gongzi? Has my brother ever even glanced at you properly?" Ye Li suddenly felt deeply wronged. She was nothing but a devoted younger sister, working tirelessly for her brother's happiness and never being picky—the most easygoing sister-in-law in the world.

"It must be your interference! Otherwise, Qingchen Gongzi wouldn't dislike me!" Dongfang You spat bitterly.

"Miss Dongfang, you're overthinking things," Ye Li said calmly. "Just look at how my brother treats Yunge compared to how he treats you. Isn't it obvious what kind of girl he likes?"

Dongfang You glared fiercely at Ye Li, who blinked and smiled faintly. "Miss Dongfang, if I were you, instead of dwelling on these delusions, I'd think harder about how many days you have left to live."

"You want to kill me?" Dongfang You sneered coldly. Ye Li shook her head. "I have no intention of killing you. In fact, I plan to let you go."

"You expect me to believe that?" Dongfang You scoffed. Ye Li replied earnestly, "It's true. I really do intend to release you. And... I'll send you back to your former subordinates in the Boundless Mountains—along with the evidence of your plot against Dongfang Hui." At these words, Dongfang You's face instantly paled. Harming Dongfang Hui was the one act in her life that her conscience could never escape. It was also something that, if exposed, would undoubtedly cost her her life.

Though the Boundless Mountains' influence had dwindled to less than a tenth of what it once was, many still remained fiercely loyal. Their allegiance to her was solely because she was the young mistress of the Boundless Mountains, the successor personally groomed by Dongfang Hui. If it became known that she had caused Dongfang Hui's death, those loyalists would immediately turn against her to avenge their former leader. Dongfang You had enough self-awareness to know that her mere few months of leadership could never compare to Dongfang Hui's decades of prestige.Watching Dongfang You's desolate expression, Ye Li felt not an ounce of sympathy or pity for her. To Ye Li, Dongfang Hui was an enemy, but to Dongfang You, she was her master, mother, and savior. If not for Dongfang Hui, Dongfang You would have died long ago, let alone boast of being proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, martial arts, and medicine, or delude herself into thinking she alone in heaven and earth was worthy of Qingchen Gongzi. Even if Dongfang Hui had wronged the entire world, she had never wronged Dongfang You. Yet merely because Dongfang Hui stood in the way of her so-called "fated match," Dongfang You betrayed her master and even sent assassins after her. Such behavior was no different from that of a beast. Someone like this—not only would Xu Qingchen never spare her a glance, but even if he did, Ye Li would make sure she met her end. Of course, Qingchen Gongzi's discernment was far sharper than Ye Li's.

Originally, Ye Li hadn't decided how to deal with Dongfang You. Keeping such a person around was irritating, but killing her seemed pointless. Coincidentally, many hidden forces of the Boundless Mountains were proving difficult to uncover. Once Ye Li revealed the truth about Dongfang Hui's murder, those who were loyal to Dongfang Hui, those who harbored resentment toward Dongfang You, and those with hidden ambitions seeking to establish their own factions all came forward.

Thus, Ye Li naturally didn't oppose exchanging Dongfang You for some benefits. Of course, this had to ensure Dongfang You would never survive again. Her obsession with Xu Qingchen had long since twisted—if she escaped again, Ye Li couldn’t guarantee what she might do next.

Since they planned to head north soon, Xu Qingchen wasted no time. The next morning, he took Yunge to Marquis Muyang Manor. Upon hearing of Qingchen Gongzi's visit, Mu Yang and his father's expressions darkened. In the past, they would have welcomed Qingchen Gongzi's visit with open arms. But now... Prince Li had just suffered a heavy blow from Prince Ding's Estate—though, to be fair, it wasn’t actually Prince Ding's fault. However, no ruler was above shifting blame. While Prince Li hadn’t taken action against Princess Ding or Qingchen Gongzi yet, it was only because he lacked the confidence to eliminate them all at once, not because he didn’t want to. If they were seen associating too closely with Qingchen Gongzi now, wouldn’t they just be volunteering to become Prince Li’s scapegoats?

But Qingchen Gongzi wasn’t someone they could simply refuse to meet. With Xu Qingchen’s fame and status, you might not get to see him when you wanted, but when he wanted to see you, you absolutely couldn’t turn him away.

"Qingchen Gongzi, it is truly an honor to have you visit us from afar. This old man failed to greet you properly—my deepest apologies," Old Marquis Muyang said with a smile, stepping forward with Mu Yang and the rest of the Mu family to welcome Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen swept a calm gaze over the group behind the Marquis. It was said that Marquis Muyang was Mo Jingqi’s trusted confidant. Now that Mo Jingqi had fallen to ruin—his reputation destroyed, his family broken—the Mu family still enjoyed wealth and prestige, even surpassing their former glory. Truly, they were rare among military officials in their ability to maneuver politically.

Frowning slightly, Xu Qingchen glanced at Yunge. He wasn’t entirely sure leaving her at Marquis Muyang Manor was the right choice. Even with Yao Ji there, she had important duties—how could she spare time to constantly look after a naive child? Besides... how much longer could the Mu family’s power last?

Yunge stood beside Xu Qingchen, eyeing the old man speaking to him curiously. If he felt he hadn’t greeted them properly, why didn’t he just go outside to welcome them? Though given his age, it wasn’t necessary. She wrinkled her brow—for some reason, she instinctively disliked this elderly man who smiled so warmly at Xu Qingchen.

Old Marquis Muyang naturally noticed the young girl beside Xu Qingchen. It was strange—Qingchen Gongzi was famously indifferent to women. Well past thirty and still unmarried, why would he suddenly be accompanied by a beautiful young maiden?Mu Yang and Yao Ji had naturally both met Yunge before. Yao Ji had a favorable impression of this young girl with formidable martial skills and a simple mind, nodding at her with a smile. Yunge blinked her eyes and returned a sweet smile to Yao Ji. Although Yunge harbored some dislike for the people at last night's banquet, she wasn’t one to hold grudges. Besides, last night’s incident had nothing to do with them—it was all the fault of that heartless Prince Li!

“Yao Ji, do you know this girl?” The Marchioness Muyang, standing behind Mu Yang and shoulder-to-shoulder with Yao Ji, suddenly asked in a shrill voice as she observed the two.