Mo Li

After leaving Marquis Muyang Manor, Yunge walked back while cautiously stealing glances at Xu Qingchen. For some reason, she felt afraid whenever she saw him without a smile—but even more afraid when he did smile. Glancing down at her hands, which were not particularly delicate but still slender, she couldn’t help but pout and sigh. This time, it clearly wasn’t her fault, so why was Xu Qingchen still angry? Her hands were going to break from all the writing… Why hadn’t she noticed before that Xu Qingchen got angry so easily?

Of course, these thoughts were only in Yunge’s mind. Even if she voiced them, no one would believe her. Qingchen Gongzi, prone to anger? The number of people in this world who had ever seen Qingchen Gongzi angry could be counted on one hand—with fingers to spare! The grace and refinement of the immortal-like young master were widely praised. What kind of demon dared slander Qingchen Gongzi? They ought to be driven out!

Xu Qingchen naturally noticed Yunge’s actions. With a faint smile and no explanation, he simply asked, “Now that you can’t find the person you were looking for, what are your plans?”

Yunge blinked, replying somewhat gloomily, “It’s fine. They’re all dead, so it’s no wonder they didn’t come for me. I’ve already grown up—I can manage on my own.”

Xu Qingchen shook his head. “It’s not safe for you to be alone. As I mentioned before, come with me to Li Cheng.”

Yunge quickly shook her head. Though she had grown up in the countryside, these past few days had been enough for her to understand the Xu Family’s status and position. Most importantly, even a place like Marquis Muyang Manor made her feel stifled the moment she stepped inside. The Xu Family was even grander, and full of scholars—surely, the rules would be even stricter.

Xu Qingchen smiled knowingly. “The Xu Family isn’t that large, and there aren’t many rules. Everyone lives as they please. The reason your father left a letter asking someone to bring you back was because he worried about you being alone in the mountains. If you return there now, wouldn’t that make his fears come true? Come with me to Li Cheng—the people there are very kind. Be a good girl and listen to me.”

“Mmm…” Yunge’s eyes darted around uncertainly, her lively gaze filled with unease.

Xu Qingchen sighed softly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “If you really don’t like it, I can arrange for you to live somewhere else. But at least in Li Cheng, you’ll have people looking out for you. You saved my life—do you really want others to say I’m ungrateful? Besides, didn’t you say I still need three more months of medicine? Abandoning a patient halfway isn’t proper medical practice. My grandfather lives at Mount Li Academy outside Li Cheng, and there are guards from Prince Ding’s Estate there. You could even move there—wouldn’t that be just like living in the mountains?”

“Xu Qingchen…” Yunge bit her lip lightly, gazing at him. “I know… you’re insisting I go to Li Cheng because you’re worried about me being alone in the mountains. Thank you… You’re really a good person.”

“Then be a good girl and listen to me, alright?” Xu Qingchen said with a gentle smile."Alright, then... I'll trouble you from now on. How about I give you all the things my father left me?" Yunge's eyes lit up as she said cheerfully. She had nothing of her own and felt terribly embarrassed about always eating Xu Qingchen's food and living in his house. It would be better to give Father's belongings to Xu Qingchen—that way, neither of them would be at a disadvantage. Father had said those things were very good and important.

Qingchen Gongzi's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. He had seen the items Shen Father left for Yunge—not a single tael of real gold or silver among them. But there was the deed to a property in Chu Jing hidden beneath the rosewood carvings, luminous pearls in an unremarkable pouch that someone had apparently played with as marbles in childhood, a chest of authentic calligraphy and paintings that scholars across the land would covet (with strict orders never to mishandle them), plus numerous rare medical books and precious medicinal ingredients that were considered lost to time. Clearly, this was Shen Father preparing his daughter's dowry.

Yunge, who thought herself poor but was actually quite wealthy, guiltily planned to use these items as payment for room and board. Xu Qingchen cleared his throat and said, "No need. Those are mementos your father left you. Just remember not to charge me if I get injured again and need your help."

"Xu Qingchen, you really are a good person." Yunge gazed at him with teary eyes—she had been so awful to think he was intimidating! The young lady happily followed Qingchen Gongzi back to copy texts, completely forgetting about the earlier incident at Marquis Muyang Manor. She also forgot that Qingchen Gongzi had only ever been seriously injured this once in his life, meaning her rent and living expenses might never be repaid.

Marquis Muyang Manor

Mu Yang looked strangely at his father's gloomy expression. Just from his father's demeanor, it was clear he definitely knew that Shen Feng person—so why wouldn't he admit it? Stranger still, Qingchen Gongzi hadn't pressed the matter either, acting as though he hadn't noticed the lie at all. Or rather, as if he'd only asked out of obligation and would have left regardless of the answer. And that final statement from Qingchen Gongzi was the oddest of all—"all dead" sounded like it was directed at Marquis Muyang's household. But would Qingchen Gongzi really curse others so openly?

"Father, what exactly happened? Qingchen Gongzi and that Miss Yunge..."

The old Marchioness frowned. "The girl is called Yunge?"

Mu Yang nodded. The old Marchioness sighed softly but said nothing more. Yao Ji remarked calmly, "It seems Qingchen Gongzi holds that young lady in high regard. Given how the old Marquis behaved today..."

"You're quite sharp." Because Yao Ji had borne the Mu family's only son in recent years and had conducted herself impeccably in all matters—even assisting Mu Yang with manor affairs more diligently than a proper daughter-in-law might—Old Marquis Muyang wasn't angered by her speaking out of turn. His tone remained mild as he continued, clearly aware Yao Ji had deduced why Xu Qingchen brought Yunge to the manor.

With another sigh, Marquis Muyang said, "Indeed, we do know that Shen Feng. That girl Yunge is your cousin."

"Cousin?" Mu Yang exclaimed in surprise. He'd never heard of having a cousin. Come to think of it, he would have been nearly twenty when Yunge was born—if such a cousin existed, how could he not remember?Marquisess Muyang nodded and said, "That girl's mother was my own younger sister, your maternal aunt."

Mu Yang was somewhat taken aback, recalling that he did indeed have a biological aunt. However, this aunt was only three or four years older than him and had been in extremely poor health since childhood, passing away at the age of sixteen. He had only met her a few times, so his impression of her was rather faint. Had his mother not mentioned it, he might have completely forgotten about her.

Mu Yang immediately understood why his father refused to acknowledge the connection. Given the current relationship between Great Chu and Prince Ding's Estate, how could his father dare to recognize someone personally delivered by Qingchen Gongzi? Wouldn't that make Prince Li suspect Marquis Muyang Manor of colluding with Prince Ding's Estate? Ironically, establishing ties with Prince Ding's Estate might have been beneficial, but the problem was that the incident of Prince Ding's fall from the cliff was largely orchestrated by Marquis Muyang himself. How could Prince Ding not hold a grudge? Over the years, the fact that Prince Ding hadn't taken action against Marquis Muyang Manor had already left Marquis Muyang uneasy—how could he dare hope to seek refuge with Prince Ding's Estate? Marquis Muyang Manor and Prince Ding's Estate were destined to be enemies.

What Mu Yang hadn't expected was that the bold and highly skilled young girl would turn out to be his cousin. Having grown up without many siblings, Mu Yang felt a faint sense of regret. But since the girl was now under the care of Prince Ding's Estate, there was no need for them to worry about her. It was better not to meet again.

Xu Qingchen brought Yunge back to the small courtyard, where they were greeted by Ye Li's unsurprised smiling eyes. Without asking further, Ye Li took Yunge back to the room to pack their belongings, preparing to leave Jiangnan.

That very night, the group departed from Nanjing, traveling northward by boat once again. The entire city of Nanjing was in turmoil over the young emperor's critical illness, with most people unaware that Princess Ding and Qingchen Gongzi had come and gone, taking their young emperor with them.

The large ship sailed smoothly across the water. On the deck, Xu Qingchen and Ye Li sat opposite each other, admiring the vast sea waves before them. Inside the cabin, Yunge was intently caring for Mo Suoyun, who had fallen unconscious shortly after boarding.

Sipping his tea leisurely, Xu Qingchen glanced at Ye Li and asked, "Is it alright to leave Dongfang You's matter to Qin Feng to handle?" Ye Li teased him with a smile, "It seems even Elder Brother has been frightened by Dongfang You? Don't worry, Qin Feng is just as steady and reliable—there won't be any issues." As for how Qin Feng would deal with Dongfang You, no one particularly cared. As long as it was confirmed that Dongfang You was thoroughly dead, that was enough.

"Li'er has accomplished quite a bit during this trip to Jiangnan," Xu Qingchen remarked with a faint smile. Although the primary purpose was to rescue Xu Qingchen, the additional gains were substantial. Ye Ying's final strike would keep Mo Jingli tied up in Nanjing for one or two months, dealing with the aftermath of Mo Suoyun's departure and planning his ascension to the throne. For the time being, it would be difficult for Great Chu to mobilize troops. Even if Mo Jingli agreed to an alliance with Western Liang and Northern Rong, by the time he could personally lead forces north, it would likely be next year.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "By then, either Northern Rong or Western Liang should have already withdrawn. When Mo Jingli finally sends his troops, the Mo Family Army will face much less pressure."Xu Qingchen nodded and said, "Li'er has thought very thoroughly. Besides... Li'er has also planted a few spies in his military supplies. How much effort Mo Jingli's army can truly muster when the time comes remains to be seen."

"Brother flatters me too much," Ye Li replied with a light laugh, covering her lips. She glanced back at the bustling young girl inside the half-open cabin and asked, "How does Big Brother plan to arrange for Yunge? Originally, if Wuyou were still in Li Cheng, Yunge could have kept her company. But since Wuyou has gone to Western Liang, perhaps Big Brother could send her to Prince Ding's Estate? She could accompany Lady Yang. Lady Yang's knowledge, etiquette, and talents are first-rate—she could also teach Yunge a thing or two?" Xu Qingchen gave her a faint glance and said, "No need. Mother and Second Aunt can teach her. Moreover, Second Uncle's residence is right next to ours, and my sister-in-law can also keep her company."

Ye Li blinked and chuckled, "Zheng'er is probably too busy doting on the children all day now—where would she find the time? And as for First Aunt and Second Aunt, our two little ones are still at the Xu Family." Taking care of two infants under a year old was no easy task.

"I have my own arrangements," Xu Qingchen replied.

Ye Li nodded with a smile. "Very well. After all, Yunge is Big Brother's savior—how to settle her is naturally up to you."

Xu Qingchen pretended not to hear the teasing in his cousin's words and calmly sipped his tea, admiring the ocean view. To avoid interception by Zhennan Wang's forces along the canal, they had bypassed the inland waterways and headed straight for the estuary, sailing north along the coast. The Western Mausoleum Army had never been skilled in naval warfare.

After more than ten days at sea, they disembarked at a harbor not far from the former capital of Chu Jing, Changxing City. Xu Qingchen took Yunge and Mo Suoyun on a leisurely journey back to Li Cheng, while Ye Li mounted a fast horse as soon as she left the ship, rushing toward the battlefield with her entourage.

Ye Li's journey to the south had taken nearly two months in total. By now, the northern regions were already engulfed in icy winds and freezing snow.

Lei Zhenting had marched nearly a million troops to the border adjacent to the Mo Family Army. This time, not only was Lei Zhenting personally leading the campaign, but Lei Tengfeng had also joined him. Clearly, Lei Zhenting was determined to annihilate the Mo Family Army in one fell swoop. He knew in his heart that if he missed this opportunity, he might never get another chance in his lifetime to defeat Prince Ding's Estate and the Mo Family Army. The alliance of three kingdoms indeed held great promise for victory—unfortunately, their campaign had gotten off to a bad start. Even before the official battle commenced, Mo Jingli's side had faltered. Lei Zhenting could only curse Mo Jingli inwardly, powerless to change the situation.

Though they couldn't wait for the arrival of the Great Chu's main forces, the combined armies of Western Liang and Northern Rong still numbered close to two million. More importantly, these two forces flanked the Mo Family Army from the south and north, forcing them to fight on two fronts. Strategically speaking, this was indeed far more advantageous than their previous alliance with the Northern Border.At this time, Mo Xiuyao had already retreated from the border near the Northern Rong army to Wei City, a major city in the northern part of Great Chu. Wei City was less than a hundred li from Vulture Peak Mountain and not far from Flying Goose Pass, similarly close to Lei Zhenting's forces. Moreover, it was the only route the Northern Rong needed to take to advance southward from the northwest. With the imminent outbreak of war, Mo Xiuyao, as the supreme commander of the Mo Family Army, could no longer personally charge into battle as before. He needed to oversee both the Western Liang and Northern Rong battlefields simultaneously, forcing him to quietly withdraw from the front lines.

When Ye Li arrived in Wei City, she didn’t notify anyone and went straight to the former garrison commander’s residence where Mo Xiuyao was temporarily staying. Over the past several months, the areas reclaimed by the Mo Family Army had gradually returned to normalcy. The city’s finest magistrate’s office was still reserved for Wei City’s officials, so Mo Xiuyao and his entourage had to squeeze into the garrison commander’s residence. Fortunately, most of the Mo Family Army’s generals were leading troops at the front, leaving only Feng Zhiyao, Marquis Nan, and a few others by Mo Xiuyao’s side. Even Fu Zhao had gone out to lead troops, so the modest-sized residence didn’t feel crowded at all.

When Ye Li arrived at the residence, she startled the guards at the gate, who quickly regained their composure and hurried forward to greet Wang Fei and invite her inside.

Ye Li didn’t mind the guards’ momentary lapse and asked with a smile, “Is Wang Ye in the residence?”

The guard nodded. “Yes, Wang Fei. Wang Ye, Third Master Feng, and Marquis Nan are all here.”

Upon entering, she learned that Mo Xiuyao and the others were discussing matters in the study. Hesitating at the door, she considered leaving first, but those inside had already noticed her presence. The study door opened from within, and Mo Xiuyao stood there, smiling at her. “A Li, why didn’t you come in when you returned?” Ye Li glanced inside curiously. “Aren’t you in the middle of a meeting?”

Mo Xiuyao grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. “It’s nothing important. Besides, is there anything in the estate you can’t hear?”

Inside, Feng Zhiyao and Marquis Nan looked surprised as Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li in. Feng Zhiyao reacted first, grinning teasingly at Mo Xiuyao. “Wang Ye’s skills are truly profound—you could tell it was Wang Fei returning just by sitting in the study.”

Marquis Nan glanced at the mischievous Feng Zhiyao, then at Mo Xiuyao, who was coldly eyeing Feng Zhiyao but with a faint warmth in his gaze, and shook his head helplessly. “Wang Fei has returned? What about Qingchen Gongzi…”

Truly, older people were more reliable. These two didn’t even ask about her trip to Jiangnan.

Ye Li smiled. “Thank you for your concern, Marquis. Everything is fine. My elder brother will rest in Chu Jing for two days before returning to Li Cheng.” Feng Zhiyao grinned at her. “Wang Fei, I heard Qingchen Gongzi brought back a highly skilled and beautiful young lady?” Naturally, the shadow guards had already reported Ye Li’s activities in Jiangnan to Prince Ding’s Estate, which inevitably included mention of Yunge. As for the “highly skilled and beautiful young lady,” it was unclear which shadow guard had phrased it that way.

Ye Li turned her head and studied Feng Zhiyao quietly for a moment before nodding. “Indeed, she’s a lovely and charming young girl, and her martial arts and medical skills are excellent. Would you like me to ask my elder brother to introduce you?”Feng Zhiyao quickly ducked his head, rubbing his stiffly smiling handsome face with a wry grin. "Better not. I wouldn't dare offend Qingchen Gongzi." It had taken decades for the esteemed Qingchen Gongzi to bring back such a beautiful and adorable young girl. If he rushed to get acquainted, wouldn't he be torn apart and devoured by the Xu Family?

Mo Xiuyao was also quite curious. Xu Qingchen appeared gentle and amiable, but in truth, his standards were exceedingly high. It wasn't easy to earn his favor. "I heard the girl is related to Marquis Muyang Manor?" If that were the case, it wouldn't be good. If the girl truly had ties to the Muyang family, it would be best for Xu Qingchen to find someone else. After all, he couldn't afford to show leniency to that old fool Marquis Muyang in the future just because of Xu Qingchen's connection.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "There's no relation now."

"How so?" Both Feng Zhiyao and Marquis Nan turned to look at Ye Li. Feng Zhiyao was eager for gossip, while Marquis Nan, who had some history with the Muyang family, wanted to gauge how to treat the girl if they ever met.

Ye Li recounted how Xu Qingchen had personally taken Yunge to Marquis Muyang Manor only to bring her back again. Feng Zhiyao widened his eyes at Ye Li, disbelieving. "So, Qingchen Gongzi just stood there in front of Marquis Muyang and his entire family and cursed them all to die? How did Marquis Muyang not stab him a few times?" Qingchen Gongzi was truly extraordinary—usually so refined and cultured, yet his words could be lethally venomous when provoked.

Ye Li shrugged with a smile. "That's what I heard from little Yunge."

Feng Zhiyao silently resolved never to provoke that girl named Yunge.

After a moment of thought, Marquis Nan said, "That girl must be the niece of Marquis Muyang's wife. Actually, she's also somewhat connected to Physician Shen."

Hmm? The other three looked at Marquis Nan curiously. He shook his head with a smile. "These are old stories from the capital. Naturally, His Highness and Wang Fei wouldn't concern themselves with such matters. But our family and the Muyang family..." The Nan and Muyang households had never gotten along, so they were particularly well-informed about each other's scandals. Marquis Nan continued, "Marquis Muyang's wife had a much younger sister, frail since childhood, whom few in Chu Jing knew. Back then, she ran off with a young physician who came to treat her. Her family, unable to bear the shame, declared she had died of illness. That physician was Shen Yang's nephew. Though Shen Yang was a renowned physician and the Shen family a distinguished medical lineage, the Muyang wife's family was of noble descent—how could they agree to marry their daughter to a mere physician? When Wang Fei mentioned the girl's surname was Shen and her ties to the Muyang family, I figured it must be her."

Ye Li asked curiously, "Since that Lady Shen eloped back then, how could Physician Shen be certain before his death that his daughter could be entrusted to the Muyang family?" Though the Muyang family had indeed refused to care for Yunge now, that decision was largely influenced by Xu Qingchen and Prince Ding's Estate.Nan Hou smiled and said, "Well, I heard that the Marchioness of Muyang and that Lady Shen were extremely close in the past. Despite their significant age difference, they were like mother and daughter rather than sisters. Moreover, Shen Fengru once saved Marquis Muyang's life. Taking care of Shen's descendants wouldn't be too much trouble, so he naturally agreed. But this time... Marquis Muyang has always been an opportunist, instinctively avoiding misfortune. Since Miss Shen is now involved with Qingchen Gongzi, Marquis Muyang wouldn't dare keep her around."

"As long as it has nothing to do with Marquis Muyang Manor, that's fine," Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction. As for whose daughter Shen Yunge really was, it didn't matter at all. "A Li, it seems the Xu Family will be hosting quite a few weddings next year." Apart from the youngest Xu Qingyan, all the Xu family's young masters were already spoken for.

Ye Li pursed her lips with a faint smile. "That's not necessarily true." In her view, Shen Yunge currently had no particular thoughts about Qingchen Gongzi. Although Yunge was already fifteen or sixteen—the age when girls first awaken to love—she had grown up in the mountains with little contact with people, so her understanding of such matters was likely delayed. If one were to describe her feelings toward Xu Qingchen, Yunge's own words summed it up: "Nice, so smart, so amazing, so scary..."

Thus, Qingchen Gongzi's prospects seemed rather bleak. Moreover, Ye Li wasn't entirely sure what Qingchen Gongzi's true intentions were toward Miss Yunge.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Back to being a shortie again, huh? My hands are about to give out these past two days. Tomorrow I'm taking the car back to my hometown, deeply worried about the internet there. Packing things, saving tomorrow's draft, that's it for today~ Also, shamelessly begging for monthly votes ah ah ah~