Mo Li

On the winter road, the Mo Family Army advanced swiftly like a black serpent along the official highway. At the forefront were the army's commander-in-chief, Lü Jinxian, and Ye Li, clad in white with a snow-white cloak draped over her shoulders.

Though Lü Jinxian was the commander and Ye Li merely the military advisor, the two rode side by side—a gesture of the Wang Fei’s respect for Lü Jinxian as the supreme leader of the army. Behind them followed Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, Yun Ting, and Xu Qingfeng.

Lü Jinxian turned his head slightly toward Ye Li and smiled, saying, "Wang Fei, I fear Mo Jingli has already mustered his troops and is waiting for us ahead." Yun Ting, riding behind them, curled his lips and remarked, "Mo Jingli has just ascended the throne. Isn’t he itching to crush the Mo Family Army’s momentum?"

"Though it remains to be seen whose momentum will be crushed," Lin Han added with a solemn expression.

The others couldn’t help but chuckle at his words. Truth be told, Mo Jingli had never achieved any notable military feats. If he wanted to dampen the Mo Family Army’s morale, he might have better luck trying other methods—no one held much hope for him in an open battlefield confrontation. Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Confidence is good, but let’s not be careless." Though Mo Jingli lacked impressive achievements, that didn’t mean the Chu army was devoid of capable individuals.

Lü Jinxian nodded in agreement. "Wang Fei is right. Marquis Muyang, for instance—though his character leaves much to be desired—is undeniably skilled in warfare." Marquis Muyang had earned his title through military exploits, having fought his way up from the battlefield. In fact, he had already made a name for himself on the battlefield before Lü Jinxian rose to prominence.

As they spoke, Lü Jinxian suddenly tugged on his reins, frowning slightly as he surveyed the road ahead.

Ye Li lowered her voice and asked, "General Lü, what’s the matter?"

Lü Jinxian replied gravely, "Ahead, we’ll be leaving the main road and entering a mountain path. If I were leading the enemy forces, I would surely set an ambush there..."

Ye Li studied the narrow path ahead and asked seriously, "Are you certain, General?" Lü Jinxian nodded silently. After a moment’s thought, Ye Li looked at him and said, "General Lü, you are the commander of this army. The final decision rests with you."

Lü Jinxian understood—Wang Fei was expressing her trust in him. He nodded and said, "Thank you, Wang Fei. Order the entire army to set up camp nearby!" As the commander, his greatest concern was being constrained and forced into difficult decisions. Though Ye Li held the position of military advisor, her status far surpassed Lü Jinxian’s, which often led to situations where he had to report to her on every matter—sometimes causing unavoidable delays. By saying this, Ye Li was making it clear that Lü Jinxian was the supreme commander of the Mo Family Army and had full authority over major decisions. As the military advisor, she would naturally fulfill her advisory role.

The Mo Family Army was disciplined and orderly. Though the order came abruptly, it did not cause any chaos. In no time, the entire army had set up camp not far from the main road, preparing to rest and reorganize.

Inside the command tent, Yun Ting stepped forward and said solemnly, "Reporting to the General, this subordinate volunteers to lead the vanguard and scout the path ahead."Lyu Jinxian smiled faintly and waved his hand, saying, "General Yun, don't be so impatient." Beside them, Zhuo Jing chuckled, "General Yun, haven't you noticed that Commander Xu is missing?" Only then did Yun Ting realize that Xu Qingfeng, who had been with them all along, had disappeared at some point. Xu Qingfeng was the leader of the Qilin squad, and his presence naturally indicated that the Qilin were also nearby. Having the Qilin scout ahead was far more convenient and safer than leading a team himself.

Yun Ting sat back down, somewhat embarrassed. Lyu Jinxian looked at him with a smile and said, "General Yun's fearless spirit is commendable. It seems the Mo Family Army has gained several capable generals over these years." True commanders who could oversee the entire army were not easy to find. Even within the renowned Mo Family Army, only Lyu Jinxian and Zhang Qilan could be considered legendary generals. Unfortunately, both had been sidelined during the army's suppression, missing their prime years. Otherwise, their reputations would have been far greater. Now, under the Mo Family Army's banner, Yun Ting, He Su, Chen Yun, Sun Yaowu, Zhou Min, and Fu Zhao, though still young, showed boundless potential. Take Yun Ting, for example—not yet thirty, yet his military achievements already placed him among the top of the younger generation, a rising star among future generals.

Yun Ting felt a bit bashful under Lyu Jinxian's praise and scratched his head, glancing at Ye Li. She smiled and said, "Fearlessness is good, but a general must learn to temper his impulsiveness."

"Thank you for your guidance, Wang Fei," Yun Ting replied sheepishly. He was well aware that his biggest flaw was occasional impulsiveness. His youth and temperament made him seem less steady and reliable compared to Chen Yun and others, which frustrated him. Though he often tried to change, as the saying goes, "It's easier to move mountains than to alter one's nature." Ye Li didn't press him too hard—Yun Ting was still young, and while occasionally impulsive, he wasn't reckless. With more experience, he would naturally mature.

Lyu Jinxian laughed. "Wang Fei is too strict with General Yun. Over the years, I've jotted down some of my insights. If General Yun doesn't mind, he’s welcome to read them." Yun Ting was stunned. The reflections of a seasoned general, especially a legendary one, were priceless treasures—rarely shared outside of family or master-disciple relationships.

Seeing Yun Ting frozen, Ye Li coughed lightly and bowed respectfully to Lyu Jinxian, prompting Yun Ting to snap out of it. Overjoyed, he quickly said, "Thank you, General Lü! I will study them diligently and live up to your expectations."

Lyu Jinxian laughed heartily and helped Yun Ting up. "No need for formalities, General Yun." Zhuo Jing, watching them, grinned. "Since General Lü and General Yun get along so well, why not take him as your student?"Before Zhuo Jing could finish speaking, and before Lyu Jinxian had a chance to respond, Yun Ting had already knelt before Lyu Jinxian, bowing deeply. "This student pays respects to the master and seeks your guidance." Lyu Jinxian was momentarily stunned, then turned his head to glance at Ye Li beside him. Lyu Jinxian was already over forty. Although he had a son, his son did not take after him, preferring literature over martial arts and currently studying at Mount Li Academy. The opportunity to take Yun Ting, a rising star of the Mo Family Army, as his disciple and pass down his lifelong knowledge and experience was something Lyu Jinxian naturally welcomed. Just the prospect of forming a master-disciple relationship with Yun Ting, a close confidant of Princess Ding, was enough to delight Lyu Jinxian, not to mention Yun Ting's own considerable talents. However, since Yun Ting was indeed Princess Ding's trusted aide, it was only proper to consider Ye Li's opinion on the matter.

Ye Li smiled and said, "General Lü, could it be that you find Yun Ting too dull-witted to accept as a disciple?"

Only then did Lyu Jinxian set his mind at ease, breaking into a pleased smile. He bent down to help Yun Ting up, saying warmly, "There's no need for such formalities, Yun Ting." Realizing that Lyu Jinxian had agreed, Yun Ting was overjoyed. "Thank you, Master."

Lyu Jinxian, delighted with his new disciple, couldn't hide his happiness, though he still cautioned, "In the army, we must adhere to protocol." Yun Ting nodded repeatedly. "Understood, thank you, General."

"Reporting to the General, Commander Xu requests an audience," a guard announced from outside. The group perked up, and Lyu Jinxian quickly responded, "Invite Commander Xu in." Xu Qingfeng entered, dressed in a greenish-yellow robe. Yun Ting studied him curiously and asked, "Third Young Master, what kind of attire is this?" It wasn't that Yun Ting was ignorant—the Mo Family Army traditionally wore black uniforms, which lent them an air of mystery and prowess. Xu Qingfeng's current outfit was entirely out of sync with the Qilin's usual image. Xu Qingfeng rolled his eyes at him. "Did you expect me to scout in full black attire?" While black was ideal for night operations, wearing it in broad daylight would be asking for trouble.

Lyu Jinxian asked gravely, "Any findings?"

Xu Qingfeng nodded. "The General's suspicions were correct. The mountain path is devoid of birds and human traces, yet there are clear signs of large troop movements. Moreover... I faintly detected the scent of tung oil." At this point, Xu Qingfeng couldn't help but frown.

"Tung oil?" Lyu Jinxian frowned and turned to Ye Li. "Wang Fei, it seems we cannot take this shortcut." Whether the Chu army intended to set the mountain ablaze or not, the Mo Family Army couldn't afford the risk. As the saying goes, fire and water show no mercy. With winter withering the vegetation and tung oil to fuel the flames, no matter how well-prepared they were, once they entered the mountain path, they would be trapped if the Chu army ignited the fire. Moreover, given Lyu Jinxian's understanding of Mo Jingli, the latter wouldn't hesitate to burn down a few mountains if it meant annihilating the Mo Family Army.

Ye Li nodded, and Lin Han retrieved a large map, spreading it out on a nearby table. Lyu Jinxian stepped forward, studying the map thoughtfully. "If we avoid this route and take a detour, we'll likely lose several days." This time, the Chu army was employing an overt strategy—making no effort to conceal their ambush. Advance, and they would set the mountain ablaze. Hold back, and they would gain more time to seize territory and secure advantageous positions.Ye Li frowned as she studied the map and asked, "General Lü, what are your plans?"

Lü Jinxian pondered for a moment, rubbing his hand over the map before finally replying, "I would like to request Wang Fei's assistance." Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "We are all one family. Now that you are the commander of the army, General, feel free to give any orders." Lü Jinxian nodded without hesitation and said solemnly, "Please lead Yun Ting and take 200,000 troops of the Mo Family Army on a detour."

Ye Li looked up at Lü Jinxian and asked, "General Lü still intends to take the shortcut?" Although this route was shorter, it was fraught with danger. The Chu army wouldn't even need to do much—just igniting the tung oil buried along the mountain path would be enough to doom the Mo Family Army. Two hundred thousand troops were not two thousand; if a fire broke out, less than twenty percent might escape.

Lü Jinxian's gaze was calm as he replied indifferently, "I recall there is another way to pass through here, though it will take some effort. Please lead the way first, Wang Fei. If it proves impassable, I will bring the main force from behind." Ye Li studied the map for a while. She understood that even the professionally trained Qilin might not be able to navigate certain areas perfectly. Moreover, the map was rather small and might not indicate some of the more hidden paths. She simply asked, "Where does General Lü plan to emerge?"

Lü Jinxian pointed to a spot on the map. After a moment of contemplation, Ye Li nodded and said, "Very well. I will definitely reach this place within seven days. By then, we can launch a pincer attack on the Mo Family Army's stationed forces here. What do you think, General?" Lü Jinxian took a closer look and couldn't help but smile, clapping his hands in approval. "Wang Fei has a keen eye." Ye Li smiled slightly and said, "I will leave Xu Qingfeng and the Qilin with you, General." She knew Lü Jinxian's path would not be smooth, so leaving Xu Qingfeng and the Qilin with him would provide some security.

Lü Jinxian was deeply moved by Ye Li's kindness but quickly declined, "No, the Qilin should remain by your side..." Ye Li shook her head. "There's no need to worry, General. Qin Feng has already arrived in the north, and he will make the necessary arrangements." Qin Feng was the Qilin's grand commander, capable of mobilizing all Qilin forces directly. With him present, there would be no shortage of manpower.

Seeing Ye Li's insistence, Lü Jinxian had no choice but to relent. He thanked her and said, "Take care, Wang Fei."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "You as well, General."

Early the next morning, Lü Jinxian led tens of thousands of soldiers to make a show of preparing to force their way through the mountain path. The Chu troops lying in ambush nearby grew uneasy. They had never expected Lü Jinxian to choose this route. After all, Lü Jinxian was a renowned veteran general—how could he not know that this shortcut was perilous? Thus, Mo Jingli had not stationed many troops here, merely putting up a front. However, this empty fort strategy clearly wouldn't fool Lü Jinxian. Though they could still set the mountain ablaze, that was a last resort. It was the dead of winter, with everything withered—once a fire started, no one knew when it would be extinguished.

"What should we do?" The commander hiding in the mountains frowned deeply at the sight before him and turned to ask his companion.The comrade beside him frowned and said, "Don't rush. This place is easy to defend but hard to attack. Lyu Jinxian likely won't be able to break through anytime soon. Send a fast horse to report to Prince Li and Marquis Muyang." After all, the Mo Family Army and the Chu army were still kin—no one wished to resort to such brutal means unless absolutely necessary. Moreover, facing the battle-hardened Mo Family Army, the Chu troops harbored an almost instinctive fear.

Unbeknownst to the Chu soldiers on the mountain, while they were swiftly reporting the Mo Family Army's movements, Ye Li had already led another detachment on a detour away from the area.

In the Chu army camp, Mo Jingli frowned deeply at the secret letter before him. Below, Marquis Muyang and others, noticing his expression, quickly asked, "Your Majesty, has something happened with the Mo Family Army?" Mo Jingli replied gravely, "Lyu Jinxian is preparing to force his way through the mountain pass? Old Marquis Muyang, are you certain your strategy will work?"

Old Marquis Muyang's thick brows were similarly furrowed as he answered solemnly, "If Lyu Jinxian truly intends to pass through there, this old servant guarantees his entire army will be annihilated. But... given my understanding of Lyu Jinxian, he doesn’t seem the type to act so foolishly. Why would he seek his own destruction?" Initially, Old Marquis Muyang hadn’t set up this location with the intent to completely wipe out the Mo Family Army—only to hinder their advance. Moreover, given the abilities of Lyu Jinxian and Ye Li, the chances of successfully ambushing them in such a place were practically nonexistent. That was precisely why Lyu Jinxian’s actions were so baffling.

Mu Yang asked, "Could it be a diversion? Lyu Jinxian and Princess Ding might have split their forces, with Lyu Jinxian leaving only a small contingent to divert our attention?" Old Marquis Muyang replied, "Splitting forces is indeed possible, so Your Highness must still monitor the main road. However, Lyu Jinxian’s total forces number only 400,000. Reports indicate he has deployed at least 200,000 troops outside the mountain pass—what use would Princess Ding have with just over 100,000 soldiers? Furthermore, when it comes to military strategy... in this old servant’s opinion, Princess Ding is likely no match for Lyu Jinxian. Wouldn’t that be putting the cart before the horse?"

Though Ye Li had defeated several renowned generals, including Zhennan Wang, and pacified the northern frontier, veteran commanders like Old Marquis Muyang could tell upon closer analysis that she wasn’t truly adept at military tactics. Her victories often relied on unexpected maneuvers, and she excelled more at manipulating circumstances beyond the battlefield to influence the overall war—not because she was some peerless strategist.

Seated in the guest seat, Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes slightly, also pondering the meaning behind Lyu Jinxian’s actions. Yet, like Old Marquis Muyang, he found it inexplicable. Mo Jingli frowned and asked, "Since Lyu Jinxian has already positioned himself there, but our forces are clearly insufficient—should we dispatch additional troops for support?"

Old Marquis Muyang remained silent for a moment before answering, "If Your Majesty merely wishes to block Lyu Jinxian, the ambush forces are already sufficient. This old servant guarantees Lyu Jinxian won’t pass through for at least ten days. But if Your Majesty intends to annihilate Lyu Jinxian’s troops..." The fewer than 30,000 soldiers lying in ambush were clearly no match for Lyu Jinxian’s 200,000-strong army. Old Marquis Muyang absolutely refused to believe Lyu Jinxian would obediently charge into the mountain pass just to let them set it ablaze.Mo Jingli's heart stirred. Lyu Jinxian was a renowned general of the Mo Family Army, second only to Zhang Qilan and Yuan Pei in fame and prestige under Mo Xiuyao. If they could annihilate Lyu Jinxian's forces in one fell swoop, it would be a tremendous boost for the Chu army, which had been suffering from low morale since the campaign began.

After a moment of silence, Mo Jingli finally made up his mind and said solemnly, "Mu Yang, you will lead a hundred thousand troops to reinforce them. Spare no cost—Lyu Jinxian's army must be taken down."

Mu Yang quickly rose to his feet and responded loudly, "This general obeys your command!"

Lei Tengfeng, seated nearby, seemed to want to say something, but after glancing at Mo Jingli's determined expression, he silently held his tongue.

The old Marquis Muyang turned to Mo Jingli and said, "This old minister suspects that the army led by Princess Ding will likely take a detour and could engage us within seven or eight days at most. Your Majesty, should we send forces to intercept them?"

Mo Jingli waved his hand dismissively. "No need. Let her come! I want to see for myself what abilities Ye Li possesses to have defeated several renowned generals of Western Liang one after another." This remark was somewhat impolite in Lei Tengfeng's presence, but it was an undeniable fact that Ye Li had successively defeated Prince Zhennan of Xiling and the Pacification Army of Zhu Yang. Even Lei Tengfeng had no rebuttal. Unfazed, Lei Tengfeng merely smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty of Chu should still exercise caution. Though my father was defeated by Princess Ding, he has always held her strategies in the highest regard. There are many in this world who have suffered at her hands—to name just one, the former ruler of the Northern Realm, Ren Qining, met a tragic end of national ruin and personal destruction."

Lei Tengfeng's words were mild and courteous, but to Mo Jingli, they were particularly grating. The reason was simple: Mo Jingli was also one of those who had suffered at Ye Li's hands—and more recently than Ren Qining, just a few months prior. Mo Jingli snorted lightly and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Zhennan Wang Shizi."

Lei Tengfeng smiled without responding. He was well aware of why Mo Jingli was displeased. Though few knew what had transpired in the regent's palace in Nanjing, after several months, Lei Zhenting had pieced together some confidential details from the clues available. For instance, Princess Ding's whereabouts during that period, Qingchen Gongzi's sudden disappearance and miraculous return to Li Cheng, and the successive disappearances and deaths of Mo Jingli's two consorts. Combined with the timing of Mo Jingli's ascension to the throne, many things spoke for themselves.

If Mo Jingli wished to underestimate Ye Li, that was his own affair. If he suffered for it later, he couldn't claim he hadn't been warned. Seeing that Mo Jingli wouldn't heed his advice, Lei Tengfeng paid it no further mind and instead lowered his gaze to begin calculating the strength of the troops he had brought.

Pleased that Lei Tengfeng had tactfully fallen silent, Mo Jingli nodded in satisfaction. Since ascending the throne, he had become even less tolerant of opposing views—especially from someone like Lei Tengfeng, who had always been aloof toward him, despite being merely a prince's heir, and whose demeanor made Mo Jingli feel looked down upon. Seeing Lei Tengfeng act respectfully and submissively before him now filled Mo Jingli with particular delight.

Rising to his feet, Mo Jingli waved his hand and declared, "This matter is settled. Mu Yang will lead the troops to intercept Lyu Jinxian, while I personally lead the army to face Ye Li!"Watching Mo Jingli rise and retreat to rest in the back, the Old Marquis Muyang frowned slightly, a trace of concern flickering between his brows. He still believed sending Mu Yang with a hundred thousand troops was utterly meaningless. The hope of completely annihilating Lyu Jinxian in that region was even more remote. Yet Mo Jingli would not tolerate any dissuasion. Though his service to Mo Jingli had not been long, the shrewd Old Marquis Muyang had already grasped exactly what kind of man Jing Li was.

"Father, what troubles you?" Noticing his father's frown, Mu Yang asked with concern.

The Old Marquis Muyang shook his head and cautioned in a low voice, "Be extremely careful on this campaign. Lyu Jinxian is a renowned general of the Mo Family Army—never underestimate him. If the situation becomes untenable, do not force it."

"Yes, Father." Mu Yang glanced at his father and, though somewhat puzzled, respectfully agreed. Old Marquis Muyang shook his head and sighed softly, saying, "Enough, let's go back."

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Haha, the New Year is over. Happy New Year, dear ones. I'll be returning to Chengdu tomorrow~