Mo Li

Inside Mu Yang’s tent, Yao Ji was embroidering when a figure swiftly entered. Startled, she looked up warily, only to relax upon recognizing the visitor. With a hint of concern, she asked, "What are you doing here?"

The newcomer was none other than Qin Feng. Dressed in the ordinary uniform of the Chu army, his face was only slightly altered—enough that those familiar with him wouldn’t fail to recognize him, but strangers would struggle to discern his true identity at a glance. Qin Feng’s gaze swept over Yao Ji, who sat on the soft couch. Stripped of her usual extravagant attire, she wore only a simple blue robe draped with a white fox cloak, her beauty now carrying an air of delicate grace and gentleness rather than her former dazzling allure.

The cold severity in Qin Feng’s eyes softened slightly as he smiled faintly. "Don’t worry, there’s no one outside." Yao Ji nodded. She knew the guards around this tent were all shadow guards of the Mo Family Army and Qilin operatives arranged by Qin Feng, which was why she could speak freely with Mu Lie without fear of being discovered. Aware that Qin Feng wouldn’t appear in her tent without reason, she set aside her needlework and stood. "Has something happened?"

Qin Feng replied, "General Lü and Wang Fei are nearly here. However, General Lü’s troops were intercepted by the Chu army two hundred li away. Just now, Mo Jingli ordered Mu Yang to lead a hundred thousand troops to reinforce the blockade, intending to annihilate General Lü’s forces in one stroke." Yao Ji frowned slightly. "And Wang Fei?" Qin Feng said, "Wang Fei likely took another route. I must leave the camp to rendezvous with her. As for the Chu army camp, everything will be left to you."

Yao Ji nodded. "You can rest assured. Here." She pulled a hairpin from her hair and placed it in Qin Feng’s hand. "This is the Chu army’s defense map—I saw it in Mu Yang’s possession. Be careful."

Qin Feng arched an eyebrow. With a light twist, the hairpin split in two, revealing a tiny rolled-up slip of paper hidden inside the hollow center. He unfurled it, memorized the markings, then tossed it into the nearby brazier. After reassembling the hairpin, he gently tucked it back into Yao Ji’s hair. "A golden hairpin is too conspicuous in the military camp—it could easily draw attention. Though… you could give it to me later."

Yao Ji’s fair cheeks flushed faintly. Though past thirty, the snowy white fox cloak still accentuated her delicate blush, making her all the more enchanting. She averted her face, forcing composure. "You should go now. Be careful."

Yet Qin Feng showed no urgency. Instead, he studied her thoughtfully. "Are you worried about me?"

Yao Ji froze, then finally sighed. "Once this matter is settled… if we’re both still alive… I’ll give you an answer."

This was the first time Qin Feng had seen Yao Ji so direct. Though her reply wasn’t explicit, it was the first time she had ever responded openly to his feelings. Unwilling to press her further, he murmured, "Don’t worry. We’ll both survive. I’ll take my leave now." With that, he turned and vanished from the tent in a flash.Yao Ji gazed blankly at the empty tent. This wasn't the time to be thinking about such matters, yet she found herself unusually distracted. Truth be told, she had realized long ago that while Mu Yang might be the splendid dream of every woman's heart, Qin Feng was more like the kind of man who could offer a woman security and loyalty. With Qin Feng's status in Prince Ding's Estate and before Princess Ding, what kind of peerless beauty couldn't he have? Why would he keep waiting for a woman like her—past thirty, her beauty faded, and already with a child? Yet compared to the Mu Yang of the past, Yao Ji was even more unwilling to ruin Qin Feng.

"Yao Ji." Mu Yang entered from outside and paused upon seeing Yao Ji standing dazed in the middle of the tent. He asked softly, "Yao Ji, what's wrong?" Yao Ji lowered her gaze slightly, a hint of resolve flashing in her eyes, but a faint smile curled at her lips as she shook her head. "It's nothing, just idle thoughts. Is something the matter?"

Mu Yang looked apologetic. "I'm leading the troops to battle. If anything happens, you can send someone to find my father." Although the Old Marquis Muyang was displeased that his son was bringing a woman and child along on a military campaign, even the emperor and commander-in-chief, Mo Jingli, had said nothing about it, so the Old Marquis naturally kept his silence. Besides, Mu Lie was his only grandson—even if displeased, he would still look after them.

Yao Ji nodded and turned to walk deeper into the tent. "Do you need me to pack anything for you?"

Mu Yang caught her hand. "No need. It's not far, and I'll likely return in a few days. Just take good care of Lie'er. Yao Ji... once this northern campaign is over, the emperor will surely reward the meritorious. I'll ask him then to grant you the rank and title of an honored lady. After that, I won't have to worry about you and Lie'er suffering any grievances."

Yao Ji gently pushed away from Mu Yang's embrace and said calmly, "As long as Lie'er is safe and sound, I don't need any rank or title." Mu Yang smiled faintly, assuming she was just being modest in her refusal, and thought little of it.

"Even if it's just for a few days, you should still bring some clothes. The north is still very cold." Yao Ji turned to gather some belongings. Seeing her insistence, Mu Yang didn't argue further and walked over to review some documents with a smile.

Before long, Mu Lie entered. Spotting Mu Yang, he hurried forward to bow. "Father, they said you're going to battle. Is it true?" Mu Lie asked curiously. Mu Yang lifted him onto his lap and chuckled, "Yes, I leave tonight. Be good and listen to your mother, Lie'er." Mu Lie nodded. "I understand."

Mu Yang was pleasantly surprised that his usually aloof son was sitting obediently on his lap. He simply held Mu Lie while continuing to read the documents, unaware that the eight-year-old in his arms was rapidly scanning the pages with keen eyes. Every time Mu Yang turned a page, Mu Lie's gaze flickered slightly as he committed the contents to memory.

"Old Marquis," the guards outside greeted in unison.Mu Yang looked up to see the Old Marquis Muyang entering from outside and quickly rose to his feet. "Father." The Old Marquis had naturally noticed Mu Yang holding Mu Lie while reviewing official documents earlier and frowned slightly. "The campaign is about to begin. How can you still be unprepared?"

Mu Yang smiled. "Yao Ji is packing our belongings. Everything is ready, Father. Please don't worry." The Old Marquis nodded. "Good. Lü Jinxian is a renowned general of the Mo Family Army. You must be extremely cautious." Mu Yang looked at his father in confusion. This wasn't his first campaign, and his father had already said the same thing in the command tent earlier. "Father, is there... something wrong?"

The Old Marquis shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just... concerned about you." What he didn't say was that since this campaign began, he'd been plagued by an ominous premonition. But with his son about to depart for battle, such inauspicious words were best left unspoken.

Understanding, Mu Yang laughed heartily. "Our army currently holds the advantage. Even if I can't achieve a decisive victory by intercepting Lü Jinxian, there won't be any real danger. Please rest assured, Father."

Unable to pinpoint the source of his unease, the Old Marquis could only attribute it to the worries of old age and nodded. Yao Ji emerged with the packed luggage and paused upon seeing the Old Marquis, bowing slightly. "My lord."

The Old Marquis acknowledged her with a nod. Though he had reservations about Yao Ji's status, her conduct over the years—especially after bearing Mu Lie—had been more proper than that of Lady Sun, his legitimate daughter-in-law. He couldn't very well treat her coldly. He simply instructed, "After Yang'er departs, you and Lie'er are to remain in the tent. Don't wander about unnecessarily."

Yao Ji bowed obediently. "Understood, my lord. Please don't worry."

Standing beside Mu Yang, little Mu Lie added dutifully, "Grandfather, Lie'er will be good and listen to Mother."

Only then did the Old Marquis nod in satisfaction and leave. At the tent entrance, he turned back to glance at the desk where Mu Yang had been sitting earlier. "Don't bring official documents and military reports back here in the future."

After seeing off the Old Marquis and bidding farewell to Yao Ji and Mu Lie, Mu Yang departed with the luggage Yao Ji had prepared. Left alone in the tent, Yao Ji and Mu Lie exchanged glances for a long moment before she frowned. "Do you think the Marquis noticed anything?"

Mu Lie's small face scrunched up in thought. "Probably not. He likely just disapproves of Mu Yang bringing those materials into the family quarters." No matter how shrewd the Old Marquis was, he wouldn't suspect his eight-year-old grandson. If he'd discovered Mu Lie's true identity, his warning wouldn't have been so mild.

Yao Ji nodded. "Regardless, we must remain cautious."

"I know, don't worry. By the way... I noted several locations where the Chu army has set up ambushes. I'll sketch them out later—have someone deliver it to General Lü."

"Understood."

That very night, as Mu Yang left the Chu army camp, a secret letter simultaneously winged its way to Lü Jinxian's location.After bidding farewell to Lyu Jinxian, Ye Li led two hundred thousand troops, bypassing the narrow shortcut and instead taking the main road southward. They marched swiftly, covering the distance in just two or three days before setting up camp not far from the Chu army's position, halting their advance. This disappointed Mo Jingli, who had been waiting there, as he had hoped Ye Li would directly engage the Chu army with her forces. In that scenario, Mo Jingli was at least eighty percent confident he could utterly defeat the Mo Family Army.

In the Mo Family Army's camp, Qin Feng, who had emerged from the Chu army's headquarters, also appeared. Despite not having seen him for months, those around Ye Li were still very familiar with him. Yun Ting, in particular, didn't hold back, slapping Qin Feng on the shoulder and laughing, "Commander Qin, you're as elusive as a ghost! Disappearing for months and suddenly popping up on the battlefield again. Come on, tell us—where have you been enjoying yourself all this time?"

Qin Feng had always been by Ye Li's side, but after her return from Jiangnan, he had vanished. Naturally, the Mo Family Army was curious, but they refrained from asking, assuming Wang Fei might have sent him on some important mission. Now that Qin Feng was back, Yun Ting wasted no time in trying to get the latest scoop.

Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, of course, knew the truth, but they were also curious—though more about Qin Feng's personal affairs. Among Ye Li's many subordinates, Qin Feng was the most unique. Not only was he personally assigned by Prince Ding to protect Wang Fei as her personal guard, but he was also the commander of the Qilin. He had spent more time by Princess Ding's side than even Zhuo Jing and the others, who had originally been her shadow guards. Naturally, his closest friendships were with Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Wei Lin.

Ye Li smiled faintly and glanced at Yun Ting. "Save your questions for later. Qin Feng, what news do you have from the Chu army?" Qin Feng nodded and replied solemnly, "Reporting to Wang Fei, Zhennan Wang Shizi Lei Tengfeng appeared at the Chu army's camp two days ago and has remained there since. Additionally, two days ago, Mo Jingli sent Mu Yang with a hundred thousand troops to intercept General Lü. As for Mo Jingli himself, he has likely already prepared his formation, awaiting your arrival."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Lei Tengfeng?"

Qin Feng confirmed, "Indeed. Lei Tengfeng is in the Chu army's camp, but Mo Jingli does not treat him favorably. Lei Tengfeng has been very subdued, rarely offering any opinions. However, his prolonged stay is somewhat peculiar." Ye Li pondered and asked, "What reason did Lei Tengfeng give?" Qin Feng replied, "Lei Tengfeng claimed he was sent by Zhennan Wang to assist Mo Jingli. However, Mo Jingli would never allow Lei Tengfeng to touch the Chu army's command, so he's been sidelined—given no responsibilities and thus no authority. Strangely, Lei Tengfeng himself doesn't seem to mind."

After a moment's thought, Ye Li frowned and said, "Send someone to investigate whether Lei Tengfeng has brought any troops with him."

Qin Feng was slightly taken aback. "Wang Fei suspects Lei Tengfeng might have secretly brought troops, waiting for the Mo Family Army and the Chu army to weaken each other before swooping in for the spoils?" After all, on the surface, Lei Tengfeng had indeed arrived without a single soldier. But that didn't mean he couldn't have stationed troops nearby. Ye Li shook her head and said calmly, "Swooping in for the spoils might be unlikely, but seizing an opportunity to take advantage of chaos is certainly possible."Qin Feng nodded solemnly, "Wang Fei, rest assured. This subordinate will definitely uncover Lei Tengfeng's intentions. Wang Fei, this is the defensive layout map of the Chu army obtained by Yao Ji." Qin Feng presented the map with both hands. Ye Li took it and examined it, frowning as she asked, "Is it reliable?"

Qin Feng replied, "This subordinate has already sent people to verify it. It's mostly credible."

"Mostly?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow with interest. Qin Feng explained, "The defensive layout is genuine, but... some parts are a mix of truth and falsehood. Mo Jingli doesn't trust his own generals, including Marquis Muyang Manor." Qin Feng could somewhat understand this. After all, the Mo Family Army had once suffered defeat due to this very reason, nearly leading to the extermination of Prince Ding's Estate. Although the incident back then had nothing to do with Mo Jingli, he had clearly learned from it—especially since his paranoia was no less severe than Mo Jingqi's.

However, Mo Jingli likely hadn't anticipated that Qin Feng wouldn't use the map as-is. Instead, before Ye Li's arrival, Qin Feng had dispatched the Qilin to scout each marked location thoroughly.

Ye Li studied the densely annotated map, no larger than a handkerchief. The black markings were the original map obtained from Yao Ji, while the red symbols and notes were additions or corrections made by Qin Feng after verification. She casually handed the map to Zhuo Jing, who soon returned it to her as a completely revised defensive layout.

After reviewing it, Ye Li set the map down and asked, "Do you think this is complete?"

Qin Feng pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "The Chu army boasts 800,000 troops, but given Mo Jingli's obsession and hostility toward the Mo Family Army, the actual number might far exceed that. Yet the map only accounts for fewer than 600,000. This subordinate suspects... Mo Jingli may be hiding a trump card."

"Mo Jingli has improved quite a bit," Ye Li remarked with a faint smile. To counter the Mo Family Army, Mo Jingli had gone to extraordinary lengths—even manipulating the defensive map to such an extent. This level of cunning far surpassed his usual intellect. Was this an overachievement?

"If you were Mo Jingli, where would you most likely hide those extra 200,000 troops?" Ye Li inquired.

Qin Feng lowered his head in thought, while Yun Ting beside him craned his neck to look at the map. With a smirk, Yun Ting said, "If I were Mo Jingli, I'd use those 200,000 troops to target the Estate. If Wang Fei were... eliminated, even if General Lü later broke through the blockade, his forces would be isolated and surrounded. Moreover... if Mo Jingli achieved a decisive victory over Wang Fei, it would greatly boost the morale of the demoralized Chu army while severely crushing the spirits of the Mo Family Army and Prince Ding's Estate."

Ye Li chuckled. "Yun Ting, you've improved quite a bit too."

Yun Ting nearly retorted that even a fool could have thought of that, but then realized it would imply he was calling himself a fool. Instead, he grinned and said, "It's all thanks to my master's excellent guidance."Ye Li gazed at the map before her, her delicate fingers lightly tapping three locations as she said, "Here, here, and here. What do you all think?"

Lin Han replied, "If that's the case, our forces will immediately be surrounded by the enemy the moment we exit Hangu Pass. Combined with Mo Jingli's visible troops, we'd be trapped by at least three hundred thousand soldiers. But... does Mo Jingli even have the brains for this?" What if they were overestimating him, and Mo Jingli hadn't even considered such a plan? Then they'd just be scaring themselves for nothing.

Qin Feng interjected, "Even if Mo Jingli doesn't, the Old Marquis Muyang certainly does." Having spent the longest time in the Chu army camp, Qin Feng was well acquainted with the Old Marquis Muyang, who was currently Mo Jingli's most trusted general and arguably the most capable commander in the Chu forces. A man's character didn't dictate his abilities—though many Chu generals and officials despised the Old Marquis for his lack of integrity, none could deny his military prowess.

Yun Ting shrugged. "If we want to coordinate with General Lü for a pincer attack, we have to march through Hangu Pass. Even if there are three hundred thousand troops ahead, we can't turn back now." For all they knew, his master might have already wiped out the ambushing Chu forces and reached the destination. If they, the ones taking the main road, arrived late, it would be quite embarrassing.

Ye Li rested her forehead on her hand, deep in thought, before finally chuckling. "Yun Ting is right. If we're late, we'll be putting General Lü in danger."

Hearing this, Yun Ting grew anxious. "Wang Fei, what should we do? How do we get through here?"

After a moment's consideration, Ye Li made her decision and spoke firmly, "Yun Ting, you will lead one hundred fifty thousand troops in a full assault on Hangu Pass."

"Ah?" Yun Ting was stunned, looking at her with concern. Had Wang Fei been driven to desperation? Though Hangu Pass wasn't a border fortress, it was the most famous ancient battlefield in the Central Plains, a strategic stronghold contested throughout history and hailed as the "First Pass of the Central Plains." That was precisely why Lyu Jinxian had wanted to take a detour. If both sides openly clashed at Hangu Pass, even five hundred thousand troops might not break through in a few days, let alone his measly one hundred fifty thousand. Now that they knew Mo Jingli had set an ambush there, his forces would barely be enough to serve as a snack for the Chu army.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Not a real assault—just make it look convincing. Don't let anyone suspect you."

Yun Ting caught on quickly. "Wang Fei, where are you going?" If she was having him lead a feint, it must be to conceal her true intentions.

Ye Li grinned. "As the Buddha said: 'It cannot be told.'"

Yun Ting immediately deflated, gazing at her pleadingly. "Wang Fei, I know you're definitely planning something exciting. Can't you take me along? This general would gladly serve you in any capacity!" Every time Wang Fei slipped away quietly, she ended up doing something earth-shattering, leaving Yun Ting torn between envy and admiration for Qin Feng and Zhuo Jing.

Ye Li arched a brow at him. "Right now, the only ones in the army who can lead troops are you and me. General Yun, which of us do you propose should stay behind?"

Yun Ting slumped. If Wang Fei didn't go, there'd be no fun. But if she did go... then he couldn't.Ye Li reached out and patted Yun Ting on the shoulder, smiling. "Your role here is crucial too. How much we can accomplish depends on how long you can keep the Chu army distracted without being discovered. If we succeed, I will personally go to General Lü to commend your merits."

Hearing this, Yun Ting immediately perked up. Having just become a disciple, Yun Ting had spent the past few days between marches studying Lyu Jinxian's notes and was utterly in awe of his newly acknowledged master. He had been fretting over not having any notable achievements to present before his master. Encouraged by Ye Li's words, he instantly regained his vigor and laughed, "Wang Fei can rest assured—this general guarantees not to hinder your grand plans!"

Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. "Good. You may go."

"Yes, this general takes his leave!" Yun Ting cupped his hands and withdrew, heading out to muster his troops.

Inside the tent, everyone couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Yun Ting dashing out like a gust of wind. Lin Han remarked with a smile, "General Yun is nearly thirty, yet his temperament is so... genuine."

Ye Li couldn't help but smile. In truth, Yun Ting wasn't that young anymore, though among the famous generals of the current era, he belonged to the youngest group. Over the years in the Mo Family Army, despite numerous hard-fought battles, there was far less intrigue compared to other military forces. With his cheerful personality and being Princess Ding's trusted aide, Yun Ting naturally got along well with everyone in the Mo Family Army. Even approaching thirty, his character remained as straightforward and candid as ever.

Qin Feng looked at Ye Li and asked, "Wang Fei, with Yun Ting containing the Chu army and Mo Jingli, what should we do?"

Ye Li smiled brightly and replied, "We... are going hunting."