Mo Li

"I won't let you down, Father."

Lei Zhenting looked at his son with relief. Though it was somewhat unbecoming for a man in his thirties to have reddened eyes, this was the most genuine expression Lei Tengfeng had shown him in years.

Approaching Lei Tengfeng, Lei Zhenting raised his hand and patted his shoulder, nodding. "I believe you won’t disappoint me. Sit down and tell me about Mo Xiuyao." Earlier, Lei Zhenting had been furious over Lei Tengfeng’s reckless disregard for his own life and hadn’t had the chance to discuss the sudden appearance of Mo Xiuyao and his men. Lei Zhenting himself wasn’t entirely sure whether the years of protection he had provided for Lei Tengfeng would ultimately benefit his future. But as a father, he could never force his son to endure hardships beyond what an ordinary person could bear just to mold him into someone extraordinary. Lei Zhenting harbored an obsession with defeating Prince Ding’s Estate and surpassing Mo Liufang, but he had never considered imposing this obsession onto his son.

Lei Tengfeng nodded and sat down, recounting in detail his encounter with Mo Xiuyao on the battlefield. After listening, Lei Zhenting sighed softly. "Tengfeng, you were deceived by Mo Xiuyao. He didn’t have time to bring his troops back." Lei Tengfeng frowned, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. Compared to Prince Ding, he still fell far short.

Lei Zhenting smiled at him. "But there’s no need for you to be disheartened. In fact, I’m relieved you didn’t impulsively lead your troops to attack." Even if they had annihilated the tens of thousands of Mo Family Army under Nan Hou and Murong Shen, it would have been nothing more than a minor victory—one that wouldn’t even affect the larger situation. Yet, it certainly wouldn’t have harmed Mo Xiuyao. On the other hand, Mo Xiuyao, in his fury, could have easily killed Lei Tengfeng. Such an exchange would have been a losing proposition for Western Liang and Zhennan Wang’s Estate.

Lei Tengfeng glanced at Lei Zhenting in confusion but quickly understood. With Mo Xiuyao’s martial prowess, killing him would have been effortless. Meeting his father’s smiling gaze, Lei Tengfeng lowered his head in remorse. "I’ve made you worry, Father."

Lei Zhenting nodded in satisfaction. Now that Lei Tengfeng had realized this, he wouldn’t act impulsively again. As long as he remained calm, his abilities would ensure his survival, no matter the circumstances."Alright, as long as you're unharmed. The credit for our army's capture of Wei City also belongs to you. With both Great Chu and our Western Liang pressing in with large forces, and our successive victories in Ruichang and Wei City, the advantage still lies with us," said Lei Zhenting.

Lei Tengfeng nodded. "Father, are you concerned about Mo Jingli's side? If our forces can contain Prince Ding and most of the Mo Family Army's generals, Mo Jingli should be able to handle his front."

The Mo Family Army indeed boasted many renowned generals, but they were also stretched thin across multiple fronts. Zhang Qilan, one of the original three great generals of the Mo Family Army, remained stationed in the former Western Mausoleum Imperial City, assisting the Fourth Young Master Xu in governing Western Liang and thus unable to return for battle. Leng Huai was also tasked with guarding Chu Jing to deter any potential betrayal from the northern tribes. General Yuan Pei, now advanced in age, could still manage city defense but lacked the stamina for mounted combat.

This left only Marquis Nan, Lyu Jinxian, and Murong Shen among the Mo Family Army's top commanders. As for rising talents like Yun Ting, Zhou Min, and He Su, while their future prospects were bright, they were not yet a match for Western Liang's veteran generals. After all, prodigies like Mo Xiuyao, who had swept through nations in his teens, were rare even within Prince Ding's Estate.

Lei Zhenting frowned. "Don’t forget Ye Li."

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow. He had indeed overlooked Ye Li, yet she was the one who could least be ignored. Though she often seemed unassuming, her battle achievements were no less impressive than any of the era's famed generals. If she were to face Mo Jingli, his chances of victory would be uncertain.

"Your Highness, a secret letter from the north has arrived," a guard announced solemnly from outside the door.

Lei Zhenting's expression darkened slightly. "Bring it in."

Now that Mo Xiuyao had returned, the situation in the north was no longer a secret. The guard entered, presented the letter, and withdrew. Lei Zhenting opened it, read its contents, and after a moment of silence, handed it to Lei Tengfeng with a sigh.

Puzzled, Lei Tengfeng took the letter. His face paled as he read. "Mo Xiuyao annihilated the entire Northern Rong army? Yelv Ye and Helian Zhen are both dead..."

The details of the Mo Family Army's final battle with Northern Rong left even the resolved Lei Tengfeng with mixed emotions.

Frankly, from Lei Tengfeng's perspective, there was nothing particularly ingenious about the battle—it was essentially an unremarkable night raid. Yet, it had completely destroyed the Northern Rong forces that had once ravaged Great Chu's northern territories just two or three years prior.

He looked up at Lei Zhenting, who stood before a map, deep in thought. After a moment, Lei Zhenting pointed to a spot on the map. "Do you recognize this place?"

"Huifeng Valley?"

Lei Zhenting nodded. "This is where the Mo Family Army suffered defeat nineteen years ago. Not far from here is where Mo Xiuwen passed away from illness."

Lei Tengfeng froze, then inhaled sharply. "Father, are you saying Prince Ding deliberately lured the Northern Rong army to Huifeng Valley to annihilate them in one stroke? In truth... he could have destroyed them much earlier?"

Just what kind of man was Mo Xiuyao...?Lei Tengfeng said calmly, "It may not necessarily be so. If the Mo Family Army hadn't been holding back for the past six months, how could Yelv Ye have believed their strength was only on par with the Northern Rong? How could he have let his guard down, thinking he could launch a night raid on the Mo Family Army's camp?"

Lei Tengfeng nodded. His father's analysis was indeed correct. However, Mo Xiuyao's determination to delay and annihilate the entire Northern Rong army in Huifeng Valley, even at the cost of losing Ruichang and Weicheng, was truly admirable. Once news of this battle spread, the prestige and reputation of the Mo Family Army and Prince Ding's Estate would undoubtedly reach unprecedented heights. The morale of the Mo Family Army would also soar, leaving no room for doubt or fear when facing the combined forces of Western Liang and Great Chu.

Lei Zhenting sighed and said, "Tengfeng, set out immediately to meet Mo Jingli. We absolutely cannot let that fool be defeated by Ye Li before our armies join forces." His words implied that he was certain Ye Li would go to intercept the Great Chu forces.

Lei Tengfeng frowned. "Mo Jingli is stubborn and self-righteous. I doubt he will listen to me."

Lei Zhenting pondered for a moment before nodding. "I will write a letter for you to deliver to him. As for... if he listens to you, well and good. If he insists on ignoring you... then let him be. Take another detachment of troops and hide them nearby. If Mo Jingli is defeated..."

Lei Tengfeng understood and nodded. "I will do as you say."

Lei Zhenting nodded in satisfaction. "Remember, if you engage Ye Li in battle, do not act rashly. Though she is a woman, she is cunning and excels at luring the enemy into traps."

"Yes, I will heed your advice."

Flying Goose Pass

Due to the fall of Weicheng, the Mo Family Army had retreated to the line between Flying Goose Pass and Vulture Peak Mountain. Old General Yuan Pei, who was stationed at Flying Goose Pass, was overjoyed to see Prince Ding and Wang Fei arrive. Though the old general was unafraid of dying on the battlefield, he knew his advanced age had left him with dwindling energy. Defeating Prince Zhennan of Xiling would be an even greater challenge. Now that Prince Ding and Wang Fei had returned in time to spare the millions of civilians in Flying Goose Pass from the ravages of war, the old general was naturally overjoyed.

After welcoming Ye Li and her party into Flying Goose Pass and settling them, Nan Hou and Murong Shen knelt together to plead for punishment. "We beg Wang Ye to punish us for losing the city."

Mo Xiuyao smiled and helped them up. "There is no need for this. This battle was not your fault. If I had not delayed, how could Weicheng have fallen? By that logic, should I not be punished first?"

Nan Hou quickly replied, "Wang Ye had your reasons for delaying. Losing Ruichang and Weicheng was due to our incompetence."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Nan Hou and General Murong, there is no need for this. This matter was not your fault. If not for your efforts in holding off Lei Zhenting, I would not have had the time to annihilate the Northern Rong army so thoroughly. If you insist on taking the blame, wouldn’t people say I am unjust in rewards and punishments?"

Seeing that Mo Xiuyao truly bore no ill will, the two quickly expressed their gratitude. Mo Xiuyao smiled. "You have both worked hard these days. Please, take a seat."

General Yuan Pei, sitting to the side, could no longer contain himself and asked eagerly, "Wang Ye, is it true that you annihilated the entire Northern Rong army?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "Indeed."Feng Zhiyao, seated below, promptly recounted the battle against Northern Rong with a smile. When Old General Yuan Pei heard that the entire Northern Rong army had been annihilated with none returning and that Helian Zhen had been executed, tears streamed down his aged face as he repeatedly exclaimed, "Excellent!" Marquis Nan also nodded with a smile and said, "Once this news spreads, the morale of our Mo Family Army will surely soar. With Wang Ye and Wang Fei now returned, what have we to fear from the Western Liang army?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction. "That is excellent. However, Mo Jingli is now leading 800,000 troops from Great Chu to the north. I wonder which general will step forward to face them?"

The hall fell silent. Murong Shen and Marquis Nan hesitated slightly. Though they had surrendered to the Mo Family Army, they had once been subjects of Great Chu. Moreover, whether they were soldiers of the Mo Family Army or Great Chu, were they not all once citizens of Great Chu? Fighting among themselves was never as exhilarating as battling foreign enemies.

Mo Xiuyao glanced at their expressions and understood. He did not press the matter—if these two had no hesitation at all about facing Great Chu's troops, he would have been concerned instead. Turning to Ye Li, he asked, "A Li, how do you think we should arrange this?"

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Li replied, "How about sending General Lü Jinxian with 400,000 troops?" Lü Jinxian and Zhang Qilan were known as the Twin Pillars of the Mo Family Army, both in capability and prestige, fully qualified to command independently. Keeping such a talent by his side merely as a fierce general would be a waste. Though Lü Jinxian was not present at the moment, he would never object to Mo Xiuyao's orders.

Yuan Pei voiced his concern, "Isn't 400,000 too few?"

Ye Li shook her head with a smile. "Though General Lü only has 400,000 troops, General Leng Huai still commands nearly 200,000 in Chu Jing. While this may not match Great Chu's numbers, the Mo Family Army's combat strength far surpasses theirs. General Lü is a seasoned commander—he will not be outmatched by Great Chu's forces."

Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao pondered briefly before nodding. "Then let it be as A Li suggests."

Once matters were settled, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li took the drowsy Mo Xiaobao back to their prepared quarters at Flying Goose Pass to rest. Watching the child fall into a deep slumber, Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li aside and sat down, smiling as he asked, "A Li, is there something you wish to say?"

Ye Li hesitated before nodding. "I plan to accompany General Lü to the Great Chu front."

Expecting refusal, she was surprised when Mo Xiuyao merely thought for a moment before agreeing. "Very well. But A Li, you must take care." Noticing her evident astonishment, he chuckled softly, leaning down to brush his lips against her forehead. "Did you think I wouldn’t agree?"

Ye Li arched a brow. Wasn’t it obvious, given how much bargaining it usually took for her to leave?

Mo Xiuyao, in high spirits, pulled her into his arms and laughed. "Because this prince has a premonition that after this, A Li will never be able to leave my side again. So... if you wish to go this time, then go." Mo Xiuyao understood clearly—after this, the world's landscape would remain unchanged for at least twenty years. As for what happened after twenty years... that was no longer his concern.Ye Li nodded with a faint smile, saying, "In that case, thank you, Wang Ye."

Mo Xiuyao gently nuzzled her raven-black hair and chuckled, "After this time, we won’t have to fight anymore. A Li will have no more reason to leave me and run around alone. But don’t worry, wherever A Li wants to go, I’ll accompany her." Ye Li leaned softly into his embrace, her heart brimming with tenderness. In the blink of an eye, over a decade had passed—from their initial arrangement of convenience to weathering hardships together, their hearts entwined, they had walked side by side for more than ten years. They now had three children, yet truly realized the dream of "one lifetime, one love." This was something Ye Li had never even dared to imagine in the beginning.

"Xiu Yao, once Xin'er and Lin'er grow up, let’s travel and enjoy the scenery, alright?" Ye Li asked softly, nestled in Mo Xiuyao’s arms.

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "Whatever A Li likes, I’ll do with you." Though inwardly, he dismissed the idea of waiting for Xin'er and Lin'er to grow up. Once Mo Xiaobao was old enough, that would suffice. Wasn’t an elder brother meant to take care of his younger siblings? Otherwise, what was the point of having him?

Thus, in his father’s eyes, poor Mo Xiaobao was not only the designated fixer of messes but also the future caretaker of his younger brother and sister.

Early the next morning, Ye Li quietly left Flying Goose Pass for Lyu Jinxian’s camp. When the generals in the pass noticed the Wang Fei’s absence, they thought little of it. They had long grown accustomed to her occasional disappearances to handle important matters. Only Mo Xiaobao was sulky, for once his mother left, his father began doubling down on exploiting him.

Northern Rong

Amid the icy, snow-covered grasslands, the Northern Rong royal court stood deep within the frozen plains. Unlike the gilded, intricately carved splendor of Chu Jing and the Western Mausoleum Imperial City, the Northern Rong capital appeared far more austere and rugged, as if built from piled stones. Though this was the most prosperous political and economic center of Northern Rong, only the royal family resided within the city walls, while ordinary Northern Rong nobles still lived in their own tents. As a result, the entire royal court was scarcely larger than the imperial palace of Chu Jing.

The harsh climate of the Northern Rong grasslands meant that for three or four months each year, heavy snow sealed off the land, making travel impossible for both people and livestock. It was no wonder the Northern Rong people coveted the fertile lands of Great Chu so fiercely.

Inside the palace, the King of Northern Rong sat upon his tiger-skin throne, glaring furiously at the men below. The charcoal fire warmed the room to a cozy temperature, but now it only added to the stifling heat. The king was sixty years old—once a great hero and warrior of the grasslands in his youth. But with age, or perhaps due to the influence of Central Plains customs, or simply the flaws of human nature, the aging king had gradually grown tyrannical, indulgent, and prone to favoritism. Yet even so, the news of Yelv Ye’s defeat and death had sent him into a towering rage.Seated below, Yelv Hong, the Crown Prince of Northern Rong, was inwardly lamenting. He had never imagined that Mo Xiuyao would act so swiftly, decimating the entire Northern Rong army of several hundred thousand soldiers. In just three years of their campaign to conquer Great Chu, Northern Rong had lost nearly two million warriors. And what had they gained in return? Only meaningless gold, silver, jewels, antiques, and paintings. The grasslands beyond the frontier were rich in gold and silver mines, so the Bei Rong people had little need for such treasures. As for antiques and paintings, they held no appreciation for them. Moreover, since they had failed to capture Chu Jing, the capital of Great Chu, they had missed out on the truly rare and priceless treasures. To the Bei Rong people, these items were far less valuable than silk, tea, and grain.

Yelv Hong had chosen to collaborate with Mo Xiuyao solely to undermine his brother Yelv Ye, never intending to sacrifice the remaining hundreds of thousands of Northern Rong troops. But now… As he stared at the letter in his hand, a chill ran down his spine. Yet he couldn’t voice his grievances—how could he blame Mo Xiuyao for being too formidable in battle and annihilating the entire Northern Rong army? The fault lay entirely with Yelv Ye for his incompetence!

"Crown Prince!" the King of Northern Rong called out, panting heavily.

Yelv Hong quickly composed himself and stepped forward, responding solemnly, "Your son is here."

The King of Northern Rong commanded, "Bring me that woman from Great Chu!"

Yelv Hong was momentarily taken aback and hesitated. Ronghua Princess had been by his side for over a decade, bearing him several children. Though she was from Great Chu, he still held some affection for her. Moreover, Ronghua Princess was on good terms with Princess Ding. Even though he had been outmaneuvered by Mo Xiuyao this time, he hadn’t actually done anything wrong, sparing him the risk of his father discovering the truth. Besides, Mo Xiuyao had helped him eliminate Yelv Ye. If his father were to kill Ronghua Princess, it might complicate matters with Prince Ding's Estate.

"Father, Ronghua has nothing to do with this," Yelv Hong said firmly.

The King of Northern Rong snorted coldly. "I don’t care whether she’s involved or not. All I know is that Mo Xiuyao killed my son and slaughtered a million of my troops. I will use that woman from Great Chu as a sacrifice to rally our forces and avenge Ye'er!" With that, he ignored Yelv Hong’s reluctance and waved his hand, ordering his men to seize Ronghua Princess.

Yelv Hong frowned. "Father, Ronghua is the mother of several princes. If she is killed, the children—"

The King of Northern Rong dismissed his concern with a wave. "What do children understand? Hand them over to your other consorts to raise. If they can’t be tamed… just kill them. Northern Rong has no shortage of young princes." Indeed, the king had the right to say this—he currently had thirteen sons and seven daughters, with no fewer than thirty royal grandchildren. Naturally, he cared little for a prince of impure blood born to a woman from Great Chu.Before long, Ronghua Princess was escorted to the doorway. The guards shoved her forward without mercy, causing her to stumble into the room. Taking in the hostile glares from those present and Yelv Hong's conflicted expression, she offered a faint smile. As a princess sent for political marriage, she had long understood that her life and dignity were tied to the relations between the two nations. When Western Liang had attacked Great Chu, the only reason the Bei Rong people hadn't killed her then was due to the strategists sent by Prince Ding's Estate to assist her. Now that the Mo Family Army had annihilated Northern Rong's million-strong army, it was only natural the King of Northern Rong would vent his fury on her first.

"Ronghua greets Your Majesty and the Crown Prince." She gave a slight bow, performing the Northern Rong salute with the innate grace and nobility of a well-bred royal lady—a stark contrast to the rough manners of Northern Rong women.

The King of Northern Rong sneered, "Princess of Great Chu, do you know what has happened?"

Ronghua Princess arched a brow and smiled faintly. "Ronghua does not. Please enlighten me."

The king's face twisted—whether from grief over his son Yelv Ye or the loss of his massive army was unclear. "Playing ignorant! Do you also claim not to know that Mo Xiuyao killed my seventh prince?" In truth, as a foreign woman confined to the inner quarters, her ignorance would be expected. But the king was deliberately picking a fight, leaving no room for rebuttal.

The princess lowered her eyes in silence. She understood the king's murderous intent—no words would change his mind. Though she'd lived in Northern Rong for over a decade and Great Chu now clung to half its former territory, she wouldn't beg for mercy and disgrace her royal dignity.

"Seems you know you deserve death! I'll grant you an intact corpse to send back to Great Chu!" the king snarled.

Princess Ronghua cast a faint glance at Yelv Hong beside her. Yelv Hong looked at her with some difficulty but ultimately said nothing more. Seeing this, only the faintest trace of a bitter smile remained on Princess Ronghua's lips. Over the years, though she had harbored some ulterior motives, she had been genuinely devoted to Yelv Hong. She also knew that Yelv Hong cared for her, but in the end, his position as Crown Prince and his authority as the future King of Northern Rong mattered more. Yet, seeing that Yelv Hong didn't even speak a word in her defense, Princess Ronghua couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

Noticing that Princess Ronghua had fallen silent, the King of Northern Rong assumed she was afraid. The raging fury in his heart dissipated somewhat, and he declared triumphantly, "Drag her out and execute her!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Two Northern Rong guards stepped forward, each taking one of Princess Ronghua's arms to lead her away. Princess Ronghua closed her eyes briefly, then turned her head toward Yelv Hong and said, "Please take good care of my children."

Without waiting for Yelv Hong's response, she swept a cold gaze over the two guards beside her and said haughtily, "Release me! This princess can walk on her own!"

With composed dignity, Princess Ronghua strode toward the exit. Just as she was about to step through the doorway, a deep male voice rang out from inside—

"Wait!"