Mo Li

Another grueling battle ensued, and by the time the Western Mausoleum Army was finally repelled as dusk fell, even Murong Shen had sustained minor injuries. The two men stood atop the city wall, watching the retreating enemy forces, their faces breaking into weary yet relieved smiles.

Before the smiles could fade, Nan Hou frowned and said gravely, "General Murong, rest well tonight. I will handle everything." Murong Shen had been exhausted from days of relentless fighting and was now injured. If he didn’t rest soon, he would surely collapse. Murong Shen furrowed his brow, glancing at the distant Western Liang camp. "I fear they might launch a sneak attack tonight," he said. Over the past two days, the Western Liang forces had grown increasingly aggressive and impatient. Meanwhile, Wei City’s defenders, worn down by continuous battles, were nearing their breaking point. A few more fierce assaults, and the city would likely fall.

Nan Hou smiled faintly. "Don’t worry. I’ll be here to guard the city. You should rest, General Murong."

Understanding his concern, Murong Shen nodded. "Then I’ll trouble you, Marquis."

Nan Hou acknowledged with a silent nod.

In the Western Liang command tent, Lei Tengfeng examined the wound on his arm and frowned. "I didn’t expect Nan Hou and Murong Shen to be such formidable opponents." Today’s brutal battle had left not only Murong Shen injured but also himself with minor wounds—though nothing serious.

Lei Zhenting, however, was unsurprised. "Nan Hou was once a renowned general of Chu, ennobled for his military achievements. As for Murong Shen, in his youth, he was one of Mo Liufang’s most elite warriors. With the two of them united, even with your abilities, taking Wei City won’t be quick."

Lei Tengfeng’s expression stiffened at his father’s words. "Please enlighten me, Father."

Lei Zhenting sighed helplessly. Though Tengfeng was his only son, compared to Mo Liufang, he clearly lacked skill in raising heirs. It wasn’t that Tengfeng wasn’t capable—he simply paled in comparison to Mo Xiuyao. And that very fact bred resentment and frustration. Lei Tengfeng, too, suffered. Though he was of similar age to Mo Xiuyao, few in the world ever compared them—because he wasn’t even deemed worthy of the comparison.

Lei Zhenting continued, "Nan Hou and Murong Shen are at their limits now. If you intensify the siege, you can take Wei City before Mo Xiuyao returns. There’s no need to rush. But… do you wish to recruit them?"

Lei Tengfeng’s heart skipped a beat. Lowering his head, he said, "I… I merely thought they were rare talents…"

Lei Zhenting gave a bitter smile and waved his hand. "I’m not opposed to you gathering capable men for your cause. But… you must consider who you’re targeting. Nan Hou and Murong Shen—you cannot control them."Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow, a trace of defiance flashing across his face. Lei Zhenting said calmly, "Both of these men can be considered renowned generals who have fought countless battles. Murong Shen is proud by nature—to subdue him, you would need abilities that far surpass his own. Moreover, he was once an old subordinate of Mo Liufang and has always held a natural affinity for the Mo Family Army. Now that he has rejoined them, his loyalty will only be stronger. Furthermore, Murong Shen's only daughter is married to Leng Haoyu, the second son of Leng Huai. And Leng Haoyu is one of Mo Xiuyao's most trusted confidants, second only to Feng Zhiyao. Under such circumstances, do you really think Murong Shen would pledge his loyalty to you? As for Nan Hou, he is even more formidable than Murong Shen. Though he has long faded into obscurity and his reputation is no longer prominent, the pride of his youth was no less than Murong Shen's. Therefore, betraying their side on the battlefield is absolutely out of the question for them."

Lei Tengfeng clenched his uninjured hand tightly. In truth, he understood everything his father had said. But to his ears, it carried another meaning: he lacked the capability to win over Murong Shen and Nan Hou. Hearing his father speak this way felt no different than being directly called incompetent.

"Your son is incapable. I beg for Father's forgiveness," Lei Tengfeng said in a low voice, lowering his gaze.

Seeing him like this, Lei Zhenting could only sigh. After a long pause, he said, "This isn't your fault. Don't dwell on it. The most important matter now is capturing Wei City." Lei Tengfeng composed himself and nodded. "Father need not worry. Your son knows what must be done."

Late at night, Wei City stood alone in the vast wilderness, appearing somewhat desolate. Under the cover of darkness, soldiers of the Mo Family Army stood firm atop the city walls, steadfastly guarding the small town. In the shadows, a group of men silently approached the base of the walls. Black-clad figures stealthily began scaling the ramparts.

"Whoosh!" An arrow shot out from the darkness, and one of the climbers let out a muffled groan before collapsing to the ground. A flare ignited atop the wall, instantly rousing the quiet town. In moments, the sounds of battle and the stench of blood filled the wilderness.

The night raid continued until dawn approached. The Mo Family Army soldiers, already exhausted from days of fierce fighting, were beginning to falter. A massive battering ram finally breached Wei City's gates. After a bitter struggle, both sides suffered heavy losses. By daybreak, Nan Hou finally ordered the Mo Family Army to withdraw from Wei City.

As Lei Tengfeng led his troops into the city, he watched the retreating figures of the Mo Family Army, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Pursue them!" he commanded in a low voice. "A reward of ten thousand taels of gold to whoever brings me the heads of Nan Hou and Murong Shen."

"Young Master, His Highness ordered—" The general beside Lei Tengfeng hesitated before cautiously advising in a low voice. Lei Tengfeng's gaze turned sharp as a blade. "I am the one leading the army now! I will explain to Father later. The Mo Family Army is fleeing in disarray—we should take advantage of our high morale and press the attack!"

"But—"

"Silence!" Lei Tengfeng snapped. "This is my command!"

With no other choice, the general could only bow in acknowledgment. "This general obeys your orders."

Lei Tengfeng charged ahead on horseback, leading the Western Liang Army through Wei City in pursuit of the retreating Mo Family Army. Not long after, Lei Zhenting arrived at Wei City with the rear forces, only to find no sign of his son. His expression darkened. "Where is the Young Master?" he demanded.The generals below exchanged glances before one stepped forward and reported, "Your Highness, the young master has led his troops in pursuit of Marquis Nan and Murong Shen."

Upon hearing this, Lei Zhenting's expression darkened. He slammed his palm heavily onto the desk and roared, "Outrageous! I explicitly ordered him not to act rashly!" The general hesitated, "But the young master—"

Lei Zhenting sighed helplessly as he observed the resigned expressions of his subordinates. Lei Tengfeng was the heir of Prince Zhennan and the sole successor to the Zhennan Wang estate. Naturally, these generals dared not disobey his orders. If he insisted on something, they wouldn't truly stop him. Lei Zhenting, a man of extraordinary talent himself, quickly deduced the reason behind his son's sudden impulsiveness—it stemmed from his earlier admonitions. Most likely, Tengfeng hadn't taken his advice to heart and instead believed his father underestimated his abilities.

"Your Highness, what should we do now?" a general asked quietly.

After a moment's thought, Lei Zhenting commanded, "Right General, take fifty thousand troops to reinforce the young master." He paused, then added, "If he achieves victory, stand down. But if he falls into a trap, extract him immediately."

The Right General stepped forward and responded firmly, "This general obeys your command!"

Meanwhile, Lei Tengfeng had indeed walked into a trap. On the narrow mountain path leading to Flying Goose Pass, his tens of thousands of soldiers found themselves trapped, unable to advance or retreat. Murong Shen and Marquis Nan stood side by side on a nearby slope, watching the furious Tengfeng below. Murong Shen accepted a bow from a soldier beside him, aiming it at Tengfeng as he sneered, "Losing Weicheng but killing the heir of Prince Zhennan of Xiling—wouldn't that be a fair trade?" Prince Zhennan, Lei Zhenting, had only Tengfeng as his son, and Tengfeng's own children had been nearly wiped out by Prince Ding over a year prior. If Tengfeng died now, it would deal a devastating blow to Lei Zhenting.

Marquis Nan stopped Murong Shen's hand before he could release the arrow, shaking his head. "No. If we kill Lei Tengfeng now, Lei Zhenting will go mad."

"So what?" Murong Shen raised an eyebrow.

Marquis Nan smiled bitterly. "Don't forget—Weicheng still has over a hundred thousand civilians. While Lei Zhenting isn't as brutal as the Northern Rong toward ordinary people, that doesn't mean he won't slaughter them." The agony of losing his son could drive Lei Zhenting to any extreme. Moreover, killing Tengfeng now would force them to face Lei Zhenting directly, leading to a swifter defeat.

"Marquis Nan's meaning is...?" Murong Shen, a seasoned commander who relied on more than just martial prowess, quickly grasped the implication. He grinned. "This mountain path is easily defended but hard to attack. By trapping Tengfeng here, we can keep Lei Zhenting at bay, buying us more time." Marquis Nan stroked his fine beard and nodded approvingly. "Precisely so.""Nan Hou, Murong Shen! Come out and speak!" Lei Tengfeng bellowed with a deep voice, trapped on the mountain path with no way forward or retreat. He truly hadn't expected that Nan Hou and Murong Shen would still have reserves left when they withdrew from Wei City. Rushing in with less than a hundred thousand troops, he had fallen right into their trap. In truth, charging into such a narrow mountain path had been a mistake from the start. Now calmer, Lei Tengfeng deeply regretted his momentary recklessness.

Murong Shen laughed heartily, "Prince Zhennan's heir, I didn’t expect us to meet again so soon."

Lei Tengfeng looked up at Murong Shen and Nan Hou, who stood high above him not far away, and said grimly, "Do whatever you want—kill me or humiliate me!"

Murong Shen snorted disdainfully, smiling as he regarded Lei Tengfeng. "How amusing. Prince Zhennan has always been shrewd and composed, yet he has such a hot-blooded son. Just yesterday, weren’t you demanding that this general and Nan Hou surrender to Western Liang? Now... might the heir of Prince Zhennan consider surrendering to Prince Ding's Estate instead?"

Lei Tengfeng’s face turned pale, then flushed with anger. After a long silence, he gritted his teeth and said, "Murong Shen, how dare you insult this prince!"

Nan Hou smiled gently and remarked, "Young Master Lei, your words yesterday were no less insulting to this marquis and General Murong. Since we all know such demands are impossible, why even voice them?" Lei Tengfeng remained silent. Murong Shen chuckled, "Isn’t it because Prince Zhennan’s heir was so confident he could crush us? Yet now, the tables have turned, and he’s the one trapped. What a pity... Prince Zhennan of Xiling, a hero of his time, has sired such a useless son."

Murong Shen’s words struck Lei Tengfeng like a blow. In truth, Lei Tengfeng was far from incompetent. But in a world where there’s always someone greater, he had grown up overshadowed by his father’s brilliance, left dim in comparison. Thus, Murong Shen’s careless mockery became an unbearable weight.

With a bitter laugh, Lei Tengfeng said, "General Murong is right. My father, wise and illustrious... has only a worthless son like me. Truly, I’ve shamed him... Defeated like this, how can I face the soldiers of Western Liang again?" As he spoke, he raised his sword to his throat.

Murong Shen was stunned. He hadn’t expected his offhand remark to drive Lei Tengfeng to despair. Was Prince Zhennan’s son really this fragile? Leng Haoyu had been called a wastrel, a fool, and a rake countless times since childhood, yet he remained as lively as ever.

With a clang, Lei Tengfeng’s guard, horrified, drew his own sword and blocked his master’s blade, shouting, "Young Master, Murong Shen’s words are nonsense! Why take them to heart? If you throw your life away so easily, how can you face Prince Zhennan? You are the sole heir of Prince Zhennan’s estate!"

Lei Tengfeng froze, staring blankly at the sword in his hand. His suicidal impulse had been born of momentary despair and grief. Now, coming to his senses, he felt a chill run through him as he looked at the blade.Seeing Lei Tengfeng unharmed, Murong Shen also relaxed and sneered loudly, "Now I realize that the heir of Zhennan Wang is actually a coward who flees from defeat?" Stung by these words, Lei Tengfeng immediately regained his composure and said solemnly, "Thank you for your guidance, General Murong. This heir was momentarily blinded. I admit defeat this time, but... I will not let this matter rest. If I leave this place alive, I will surely seek revenge!"

Murong Shen looked down at the resolute Lei Tengfeng and chuckled, "This lad is quite interesting."

Nan Hou smiled and said, "He has been too sheltered by Zhennan Wang. If he survives this ordeal, he will likely grow significantly."

Before long, the right-wing general of Western Liang arrived with reinforcements, and another fierce battle ensued. Though the Mo Family Army was exhausted, they managed to hold their own against the Western Liang forces by leveraging the terrain, stubbornly defending the narrow mountain path for another full day and night. By the next morning, when Lei Tengfeng, battered and bruised, finally broke through the Mo Family Army's encirclement and joined up with the Western Liang reinforcements, just as he was about to launch a counterattack, the Mo Family Army's own reinforcements arrived.

The Mo Family Army's reinforcements were few—only four or five men. At their head were Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, both dressed in white, with the drowsy Mo Xiaobao perched on Mo Xiuyao's horse. Behind them were Feng Zhiyao, Yun Ting, and Zhuo Jing. Though no large reinforcements were in sight, Lei Tengfeng dared not act rashly.

At the sight of Mo Xiuyao and the others, Nan Hou and Murong Shen also breathed a sigh of relief. "Greetings, Wang Ye! We failed to defend the city properly. Please forgive us!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Mo Xiuyao gently prevented the two from kneeling in apology. "You have done your best. There is no need for self-reproach." Smiling, he turned his gaze to the wary Lei Tengfeng and said, "Young Master Lei, would you prefer to leave on your own, or stay and reminisce with this prince?"

A flicker of hesitation passed through Lei Tengfeng's eyes as his mind wrestled with conflicting thoughts. At this moment, the Western Liang forces held an absolute numerical advantage. If they pressed the attack, they could surely annihilate Nan Hou and Murong Shen's troops in one fell swoop. But... would Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li appear here without reinforcements? Lei Tengfeng didn't believe so. Yet if Mo Xiuyao truly had no reinforcements, he would be missing a golden opportunity to redeem himself.

Torn by indecision, Lei Tengfeng stared at Mo Xiuyao, unable to make up his mind. After a long pause, he ultimately didn't dare to gamble. With a sigh, he said solemnly, "This humble prince greets Prince Ding. I did not expect Your Highness to arrive so promptly."

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Young Master Lei. It was merely a coincidence. Had I arrived before you attacked Wei City, that would have been timely. Young Master, do you intend to engage this prince now?" Lei Tengfeng forced a smile. "This humble prince acknowledges that he is no match for Your Highness. Moreover, both sides are exhausted. Why not postpone our battle to another day?"

After a moment of contemplation, Mo Xiuyao finally nodded. "Very well. Young Master, you may go."

Lei Tengfeng's expression darkened slightly as he nodded. "This humble prince takes his leave."

Watching Lei Tengfeng retreat with his army, Murong Shen raised an eyebrow and asked, "How many reinforcements did Wang Ye bring?" The current situation was clear—their forces were no match for Lei Tengfeng's, yet Lei Tengfeng had chosen to withdraw, evidently wary of the reinforcements Prince Ding had brought.Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "The reinforcements are still a hundred miles away. I only brought these few people with me."

"What about Lei Tengfeng...?"

"He thought I brought a large force, but I deceived him into believing I came alone." However, he truly hadn’t brought any troops. Thus, while impulsiveness is detrimental for a general, excessive caution is equally problematic. Nevertheless, Lei Tengfeng’s decision to leave at this moment was not a bad one. Although Mo Xiuyao hadn’t brought any soldiers, killing Lei Tengfeng amidst the chaos would have been simple.

In the temporary study of Zhennan Wang at Weicheng.

Lei Tengfeng knelt alone on the floor in silence. Lei Zhenting was absorbed in reading the memorial in his hand, as if completely unaware of the person kneeling before him. After a long while, when Lei Zhenting had finished reviewing the thick stack of memorials, he finally raised his head and glanced at Lei Tengfeng. "Get up."

Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes and said, "Your son acted recklessly, sought merit too eagerly, and nearly fell into Prince Ding's Estate’s hands. I beg for Father’s punishment."

"Punishment?" Lei Zhenting sneered. "I merely reprimanded you, and you rushed off to throw your life away. How dare I punish you further?" Hearing this, Lei Tengfeng felt even more ashamed. "Your son acknowledges his mistake."

"Bang!" Lei Zhenting slammed his palm fiercely onto the desk, his anger blazing. "Acknowledging your mistake? Your way of acknowledging it was to draw your sword and attempt suicide? Such heroic courage! Truly, I’ve raised a son of indomitable spirit—I am utterly outmatched! Since you’re so unafraid of death, why did you even come back?" Enraged, Lei Zhenting waved his hand, and the sword hanging on the wall nearby flew out of its scabbard, clattering to the ground before Lei Tengfeng. "You wanted to atone with your death, didn’t you? Here’s your chance!"

"Father, your son truly knows his mistake now. I was momentarily confused—I beg for Father’s forgiveness." Lei Tengfeng was overwhelmed with shame and remorse, his eyes reddening. He crawled forward on his knees to Lei Zhenting’s side, clutching his leg and weeping.

Seeing his son, already past thirty, in such a state, Lei Zhenting’s heart softened. He sighed helplessly. "Enough, get up." Only then did Lei Tengfeng glance at him and rise to his feet. "Thank you, Father."

Observing Lei Tengfeng’s dispirited demeanor, Lei Zhenting felt a pang of guilt. He knew his son was already outstanding—geniuses like Mo Xiuyao were rare and not to be expected. Yet, from childhood, Lei Tengfeng had pushed himself relentlessly because of his father, never receiving the praise he deserved. Success was merely his duty as Zhennan Wang’s son—a tiger father begets no weak cub. Failure, however, brought disgrace to Zhennan Wang. Lei Tengfeng was not inherently impulsive; it was only the unbearable pressure from his father that had driven him to such rash actions these past days.

"Teng Feng... all these years, it is I who have failed you," Lei Zhenting sighed heavily, his voice solemn. Lei Tengfeng was stunned, staring blankly at his father’s remorseful expression, momentarily speechless. He could only murmur, "Father... your son..."Lei Tengfeng waved his hand and said, "Over the years, people have always talked about how the son of Zhennan Wang is this or that, but they’ve forgotten that you are already a man past thirty. It’s also my father’s fault. I always thought these pressures might serve as motivation for you to strive harder, but I never considered how unbearable they might be for you."

"Father, it’s my own inadequacy," Lei Tengfeng said softly. "I am of similar age to Prince Ding, yet I cannot compare to even a fraction of his achievements. I have shamed you, Father."

Lei Zhenting smiled bitterly. "Mo Xiuyao… I have never compared you to Mo Xiuyao."

Lei Tengfeng paled. "I… am indeed unworthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Prince Ding."

Lei Zhenting sighed. "Teng Feng, I admit I once envied Mo Liufang for having a son as outstanding as Mo Xiuyao. But you must understand, Prince Ding’s current achievements and abilities are not solely due to his innate genius. They also stem from the extraordinary hardships he has endured. Without the catastrophe nineteen years ago, today’s Mo Xiuyao might have simply been a renowned general of Great Chu, living a carefree and spirited life. But I have never wished for you to experience such suffering. Do you understand?"

Lei Tengfeng nodded, "I understand, Father... you've always been protecting me." Before he turned twenty, he had truly lived a carefree life, arguably more esteemed than even the princes of Western Liang. Mo Xiuyao had been fighting on the battlefield at fourteen or fifteen, severely wounded and near death by seventeen or eighteen, struggling to uphold the vast Prince Ding's Estate—experiences Lei Tengfeng had never endured. Thus, he had no grounds to envy Mo Xiuyao's achievements and abilities. He could only feel ashamed of his own inadequacy.

Lei Zhenting sighed, "Perhaps my protection has harmed you instead. But even so, I still don’t wish for you to suffer such pain and torment. Moreover... Teng Feng, I have never been disappointed in you."

"Father..." Lei Tengfeng was stunned.

Lei Zhenting smiled. "You are my son, and I believe you are already more than enough."

"Father, I understand." Lei Tengfeng lowered his gaze, concealing the moisture in his eyes, and said solemnly, "I won’t let you down."

Author's Note:

Busy with Spring Festival gatherings—hosting and attending banquets—so the update is late. My apologies! Wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year!