Mo Li

Watching the imperial eunuch flee in disarray, Mu Yang's expression grew even more grim. His father's wrongful death, Yao Ji's disappearance, and Mo Jingli's suspicions—each weighed on him like a mountain. The sight of the Imperial Bodyguards' corpses strewn across the ground left his face ashen.

Zhao Lian, the Western Route General, had some ties with the Old Marquis Muyang. By the time he arrived upon hearing the news, the situation had already spiraled beyond control. Though he shared a friendship with the Old Marquis, it wasn’t deep enough for him to stake his life and family on it. He had no choice but to place Mu Yang under house arrest in the military camp and personally draft a memorial to be swiftly delivered to Mo Jingli.

Unfortunately, he didn’t know that his memorial would turn to ashes barely twenty li from the camp.

Inside Mu Yang’s tent, Zhao Lian and Lei Tengfeng sat in silence, sighing as they watched Mu Yang cradle the sleeping Mu Lie. Truthfully, neither Zhao Lian nor Lei Tengfeng believed Marquis Muyang Manor would defect to Prince Ding's Estate. Not because they didn’t want to, but because they simply couldn’t. Lei Tengfeng sensed something amiss, but with the Old Marquis dead, he feared for Mu Yang...

At this thought, Lei Tengfeng subtly signaled Zhao Lian. The latter sighed inwardly. As a seasoned general of Chu, though he had never fought any earth-shattering battles, he was well-experienced. Mo Jingli’s decision to march north had already stirred unease among many. Now, with the war barely begun, the emperor had executed one of his own key ministers, unsettling the troops further. Soldiers with close ties to Marquis Muyang Manor were quietly resentful. If Mu Yang harbored any rebellious thoughts, the army might descend into chaos. For the sake of stability, Zhao Lian should have arrested Mu Yang immediately. Yet half the officers in his camp were former subordinates of the Marquis or had old ties to the manor. Even Zhao Lian occasionally wondered—could Marquis Muyang Manor truly be plotting something?

"Marquis Muyang..." After some hesitation, Zhao Lian decided to reason with him first. With Lyu Jinxian’s forces pressing in, the army couldn’t afford more turmoil.

Mu Yang gave a bitter smile. "General Zhao flatters me. What Marquis Muyang am I now?"

Zhao Lian sighed. "There must be some misunderstanding. I’ve personally written a memorial to explain to His Majesty. Please remain calm."

"Even if there’s a misunderstanding, Mo Jingli had no right to kill my father!" Mu Yang snapped, his eyes flashing with startling hatred. Zhao Lian’s heart sank—this time, it seemed Marquis Muyang Manor would inevitably turn against the emperor.

"Mother..." A faint sob escaped Mu Lie in his sleep. Mu Yang’s heart ached even more. He stood, cradling the child, and turned to leave.

"Mu Yang, where are you going?!" Zhao Lian called out urgently.

Mu Yang turned back, his voice low and resolute. "I’m going to save Yao Ji."Under the current circumstances, Zhao Lian dared not let him take the troops away and quickly said, "How would you know where Lady Mu is now? It's better to send someone to investigate first. Besides... you should understand that if you leave like this..." If Mu Yang truly left now, even if he wasn't a traitor before, he would be branded as one. Mu Yang sneered, "At this point, do I still care about that?"

Zhao Lian gritted his teeth and said solemnly, "Fine, I won’t stop you if you want to leave. But you cannot take the troops with you." If Mu Yang took the soldiers, Zhao Lian’s own life would likely be forfeit soon after.

Mu Yang gave a cold laugh. Leaving alone would render him powerless—Mo Jingli could easily have him hunted down and killed, let alone rescue anyone.

Beside them, Lei Tengfeng frowned and said, "Marquis Muyang, calm down. Doesn’t this whole situation strike you as odd?" Both Mu Yang and Zhao Lian turned to look at him. Lei Tengfeng continued gravely, "Emperor Chu isn’t a fool. If he truly intended to kill Marquis Muyang, why would he spread the news of Old Marquis Muyang’s death so quickly and send only a dozen guards to deliver the edict? Wouldn’t he fear that Marquis Muyang might defy the order or even rebel on the spot?"

Mu Yang stared at Lei Tengfeng and said coldly, "Are you suggesting my father is unharmed, Zhennan Wang Shizi? Or that the envoy wasn’t sent by Mo Jingli but was someone in disguise?"

Lei Tengfeng fell silent. They all recognized the men around Mo Jingli. If it were a disguise, it would be impossible to fool so many eyes without any flaws. Even the dead Imperial Bodyguards had been seen in Mo Jingli’s camp before—how could they be fakes?

After a long pause, Lei Tengfeng sighed. "Brother Mu, if you trust me, wait one more day. Let us first confirm the news from the main camp. If it turns out to be true... I will personally escort you out of the camp. If Emperor Chu blames anyone, I will take the responsibility, sparing General Zhao the trouble." Zhao Lian immediately agreed—stabilizing Mu Yang was the priority now, or the army might mutiny at any moment. He nodded repeatedly and said, "Young Master Lei is right. Nephew, if it truly comes to that... I won’t stop you either!"

Mu Yang remained silent for a moment before finally nodding. "Fine. One more day."

In the Chu army’s main camp, Mo Jingli glared darkly at the trembling eunuch kneeling before him and said in a low voice, "What did you say?" The eunuch, pale with fear, stammered, "Your Majesty, spare me! Your Majesty, spare me... This servant is useless... Marquis Muyang refused to accept the edict. He even said... the Marquis Muyang Manor has always been loyal to Chu, that Your Majesty is a tyrant who persecutes the loyal... and killed all the guards you sent. Fortunately... fortunately General of the Western Route arrived in time to save this servant’s life..." As he spoke, the eunuch broke down in tears, clearly terrified out of his wits.

Mo Jingli studied him for a long while. The eunuch’s once-neat robes were now stained with blood and dust, his face etched with exhaustion, fear, and suppressed pain—clear signs of injury. "Good... what a fine Marquis Muyang, what a fine Mu Yang! Bring Mu Jingming to me!"Mu Jingming was the original name of the Old Marquis Muyang, but since he had been granted the title of Marquis Muyang at a young age, very few people addressed him by his birth name. Before long, the Old Marquis Muyang was escorted into the main tent by guards. In just two days, the once vigorous old marquis had aged considerably. His already graying hair was disheveled, and his sharp eyes had dulled. Life in prison was far from pleasant, leaving him looking frail and exhausted.

"Mu Jingming, what do you have to say for yourself?!" Mo Jingli demanded harshly.

The Old Marquis Muyang was taken aback, unsure what had provoked Mo Jingli's fury. Glancing at the disheveled imperial eunuch kneeling nearby, his heart sank as realization dawned.

"Your Majesty, this old servant is innocent. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly," the Old Marquis Muyang pleaded. Though he had guessed what had transpired, he could not admit it and feigned ignorance. Mo Jingli sneered, "Investigate? You claim Mu Yang harbors no rebellious intent? Yet he dared to kill the guards I sent to deliver the imperial decree and called me a fool! Is this the loyalty of Marquis Muyang Manor to Great Chu?"

"Your Majesty... this must be a misunderstanding! My son would never act so disrespectfully!" the Old Marquis Muyang protested anxiously. He knew Mu Yang's temperament—he was not one to act rashly. Moreover, with the Old Marquis still held in the Chu army camp, Mu Yang would never recklessly kill the emperor's envoys out of fear for his father's safety.

The eunuch kneeling nearby seized the opportunity and shrilled, "Old Marquis Muyang, are you implying that this servant deceived His Majesty and falsely accused Marquis Muyang?! Your Majesty, this servant is innocent! I beg Your Majesty to send trusted men to investigate further, lest this servant suffer unjust blame. Marquis Muyang's slaughter of Your Majesty's guards was witnessed by thousands of soldiers in the army. How could he silence so many? Besides, while General of the Western Route arrived only afterward, Zhennan Wang Shizi was present throughout. I beg Your Majesty to investigate!"

Seeing the eunuch's aggrieved expression, Mo Jingli grew even more convinced. His suspicions toward Marquis Muyang Manor had already been brewing, and the eunuch's words only fanned the flames.

With a cold laugh, Mo Jingli declared, "I will investigate! Gao Ming! Take my imperial decree and go to General Zhao Lian of the Western Route. Order him to arrest Mu Yang and bring him before me. If he resists, execute him on the spot!" A general stepped forward, cupping his hands in salute. "This general obeys! I will surely bring Mu Yang back to answer for his crimes before Your Majesty!" Mo Jingli snorted. He cared little for Mu Yang's repentance—his concern was whether Mu Yang would lead his hundred thousand troops in rebellion. After all, the Mu family still held considerable influence in the Chu army. After a moment's thought, Mo Jingli added, "I will assign you fifty thousand elite troops to assist General Zhao Lian in defending against Lyu Jinxian's forces!"

"Yes! This general thanks Your Majesty!" Gao Ming replied loudly. He understood Mo Jingli's intent perfectly—the fifty thousand troops were not truly meant to defend against Lyu Jinxian but to suppress Mu Yang should he rebel, joining forces with General Zhao Lian if necessary.The Old Marquis Muyang stared at the tall, upright figure of Gao Ming, who appeared righteous on the surface, feeling a faint sense of despair. No one could have only friends and no enemies, and as it happened, Gao Ming had always been at odds with the Mu family. The Mu family descended from a line of military generals, and though Mu Yang was around the same age as Gao Ming, his noble lineage was far beyond what a grassroots-born man like Gao Ming could compare to. Thus, even though Gao Ming had followed Mo Jingli since the latter was still a prince without real power, after Mo Jingli ascended the throne, his status remained far inferior to Mu Yang's. The enmity between these two was something everyone in the Chu army knew about. Mo Jingli sending Gao Ming was likely out of concern that others might go easy on Mu Yang due to personal ties. But dispatching Gao Ming was almost equivalent to sealing the fate of Marquis Muyang Manor.

The Old Marquis Muyang collapsed weakly to the ground, but Mo Jingli didn’t even spare him a glance, flicking his sleeves and leaving.

The eunuch who had been kneeling nearby quickly scrambled up and ordered the Old Marquis Muyang to be escorted back to prison under strict guard. The Old Marquis glared at the eunuch with eyes wide in fury, sensing keenly that something was amiss. But imprisoned by Mo Jingli, he was powerless to investigate the truth. The eunuch glanced around, and seeing no one nearby, suddenly leaned in with a low chuckle, whispering, "Old Marquis, don’t blame me. Who told you to offend someone you shouldn’t have?"

"So it was you!" the Old Marquis snarled.

"What are you waiting for? Take him away and guard him well. If Prince Ding’s Estate manages to rescue him, none of us will live to see another day," the eunuch shrilled, waving his hand dismissively. The Old Marquis was dragged out without any ability to resist.

A day later, the news that arrived left everyone deeply frustrated.

"Reporting to the Grand General, His Majesty has ordered General Gao Ming to lead fifty thousand elite troops to assist you," a soldier announced. The atmosphere in the command tent grew heavy, and the officers from Marquis Muyang Manor looked particularly grim.

Mu Yang sneered, "Fifty thousand elites to assist General Zhao?" His mockery was palpable. Everyone present understood—what kind of assistance was this? Fifty thousand troops were negligible. The current camp already had over a hundred thousand from the original Western Route Army, Mu Yang’s own hundred thousand, and Lei Tengfeng’s hundred thousand, totaling over four hundred thousand—twice the size of Lyu Jinxian’s forces. These fifty thousand were likely not meant for Lyu Jinxian but to keep Mu Yang in check.

Zhao Lian sighed deeply and asked, "Where is General Gao now?"

The soldier replied, "General Gao’s forces are already thirty li away. Additionally… General Gao has sent orders… Marquis Muyang is suspected of treason. He requests that you arrest him immediately and prepare to escort him back to the main camp for His Majesty’s judgment once General Gao arrives." At these words, the officers from Marquis Muyang Manor rose to their feet, glaring darkly at those around them.

Just as Zhao Lian was caught in a dilemma, the thunderous sound of war drums erupted outside the camp. Zhao Lian’s heart jolted, and he quickly made his decision, declaring firmly, "The Mo Family Army is challenging us to battle! All generals, follow me out to meet them!"After speaking, he ignored Mu Yang and the others, walking straight out. Lei Tengfeng stood up, glanced at Mu Yang standing to the side, sighed, shook his head, and followed. Inside the main tent, the remaining officers of Marquis Muyang Manor whispered, "My Lord, what should we..."

Mu Yang closed his eyes briefly before resolutely declaring, "Those willing to stay will follow General Zhao out to battle. Those willing to follow me—we leave now!" Among those present, a few silently withdrew and followed Zhao Lian out. The rest chose to follow Mu Yang. Though their choices differed, no one had the heart to scorn the others at this moment. The path Mu Yang was taking was far from easy. Marquis Muyang Manor lacked the influence of Prince Ding's Estate—one couldn’t simply carve out a kingdom by leading away an army. Those who followed Mu Yang were either his most trusted confidants or men who owed their lives to the Marquis.

Mu Yang looked at them solemnly and said, "I am deeply grateful to you all. Gather your troops—we depart immediately."

Thus, outside the camp, two forces marched out in succession, heading in opposite directions. Mu Yang had arrived with a hundred thousand troops, yet only thirty to forty thousand followed him now. Watching the direction Mu Yang’s forces had gone, Zhao Lian sighed faintly, his weary eyes tinged with regret. Mu Yang’s future path would likely not stretch far. Given time, he could have become a commander no less formidable than his father. But now, with a mere thirty to forty thousand men, no provisions, and no reinforcements, his fate was all but sealed.

Lei Tengfeng stood beside Zhao Lian and asked coolly, "General Zhao, do you regret letting him go?" Zhao Lian sighed. "I’ve done all I can. It’s better than a mutiny." Lei Tengfeng nodded in agreement. Losing thirty to forty thousand men was no great blow to the army, but arresting or executing Mu Yang might have stirred resentment among officers aligned with Marquis Muyang Manor. If exploited by schemers, the losses could have been far worse.

"But how will you explain this to Emperor Chu?" Mo Jingli was not one to prioritize the greater good or show magnanimity. He would likely overlook Zhao Lian’s compromise for the army’s stability and focus solely on his defiance in releasing Mu Yang.

Zhao Lian gave a helpless, bitter smile. "I’ll do my best. Besides... I might fall in battle any day—why dwell on it? Truthfully, I have little confidence in facing Lyu Jinxian." Witnessing the fate of Marquis Muyang Manor had left Zhao Lian with a chill in his heart. But as a subject, when the ruler demands death, the subject has no choice.

"Your righteousness is commendable, General," Lei Tengfeng praised sincerely.It was said that Mu Yang had only been away from the camp for two hours when he encountered Gao Ming's army. Originally, the two forces wouldn't have met so quickly, but as Gao Ming approached the camp, he received news that Mu Yang had already fled with his troops. Without delay, he turned his army around and gave chase. At the same time, he swiftly sent a memorial to Mo Jingli's camp, detailing Mu Yang's rebellion with the army. He even took the opportunity to lodge a complaint against Zhao Lian. Gao Ming had always felt that despite years of toiling like an ox for Mo Jingli, he remained overshadowed by these high-born generals from prominent families. Now that he had the chance, how could he let it slip?

When the two armies met, without a word, Gao Ming ordered an attack. In the chaos of battle, countless lives were lost in mere moments. Just as Gao Ming was basking in his triumph, a black-clad cavalry suddenly charged from the side, encircling the two warring forces.

At the sight of the black banner fluttering in the wind, Gao Ming was so terrified he nearly fell off his horse. He cried out in horror, "The Mo Family Army... the Black Cloud Cavalry..." Mu Yang's expression also darkened, sensing something amiss. The combat prowess of the Black Cloud Cavalry was naturally unmatched by these ordinary Chu soldiers. With a fierce charge, they shattered the Chu army's formation into pieces. The black-clad commander's voice, infused with deep inner energy, resonated across the battlefield: "Lay down your arms and pledge allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate, and we will cease hostilities!"

The soldiers, already disoriented by the sudden fratricide, were further intimidated by the Black Cloud Cavalry. Many of them harbored no ill will toward the Mo Family Army and even felt a vague fear and discontent about fighting Prince Ding's Estate. Now, with someone leading the way, numerous soldiers quickly discarded their weapons and left the battlefield. Seeing that the Mo Family Army indeed honored the black-clad commander's promise—sparing those who surrendered and even protecting them from stray blades—more and more soldiers laid down their arms.

In less than half an hour, the battlefield fell silent. Over ten thousand soldiers, from both Mu Yang's and Gao Ming's forces, chose to surrender to Prince Ding's Estate. Mu Yang, still guarded by a few loyal soldiers, continued to resist the Mo Family Army, while Gao Ming had already been captured.

The black-clad commander dragged Gao Ming forward and commanded sternly, "Stand down!" The Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers surrounding Mu Yang immediately halted and respectfully stepped aside.

Mu Yang stared at the black-clad man for a long moment before finally frowning and asking, "You are... Qin Feng?" Though Mu Yang had met Qin Feng only a handful of times, he still remembered the silent man who, it was said, commanded Prince Ding's most mysterious force, the Qilin, and often accompanied Princess Ding.

Qin Feng nodded indifferently and casually tossed Gao Ming at Mu Yang's feet.

Gao Ming, looking utterly dejected, stood up and gazed at Qin Feng with fear. He couldn't help but feel terribly unlucky—always overshadowed by Mu Yang, and now, just as Mu Yang was about to meet his downfall, he had been sent by the emperor to capture him, only to end up captured alongside him by the Mo Family Army. At this moment, Gao Ming truly believed Mu Yang was his nemesis."You... rebel of Prince Ding's Estate! How dare you! I am a general of Great Chu!" Gao Ming roared at Qin Feng, who didn't seem to regard him at all, his bluster betraying his fear.

The officer beside Qin Feng twitched his lips and couldn't help but cough lightly, lowering his head. "Commander Qin, is this fellow out of his mind?" Was being a general of Great Chu really something to be proud of? Especially now, when both armies were facing off and he had already become a prisoner?

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow with a smile. "So what if you're a general of Great Chu? Now that our armies are engaged, wouldn't killing more of Great Chu's generals only add to my military merits?" Hearing this, Gao Ming immediately turned pale and stammered, not daring to speak further.

Mu Yang stared at Qin Feng and frowned. "Princess Ding is quite resourceful, isn't she? It seems she had already anticipated that I would meet General Gao here. I request an audience with Princess Ding." Qin Feng replied calmly, "The Princess is not here at the moment, so I'm afraid Marquis Muyang will not get his wish."

Mu Yang frowned. "I wonder if my wife has been taken by your men, Commander Qin? She is merely an innocent woman. As the commander of an army, I trust you would not trouble a helpless woman who knows nothing."

"Knows nothing?" Qin Feng's expression turned peculiar.

Mu Yang nodded. "Indeed. Though I have lost to you, Commander Qin, I have no regrets even in death. But my wife and child have nothing to do with this. I beg you to show mercy and let them go."

Qin Feng looked at Mu Yang and shook his head, saying calmly, "What a pity." In truth, Mu Yang himself wasn't a detestable person. If Marquis Muyang Manor hadn't offended Prince Ding, he wouldn't have ended up so unlucky. Even in such dire straits, he hadn't forgotten to plead for Yao Ji's sake—truly a man of loyalty and righteousness. It's just a shame... each serves their own master, and their stances differ. But Mu Yang had to die.

"Commander Qin..." Mu Yang's expression changed slightly.

Qin Feng said leisurely, "Of course, I won't harm Yao Ji or Mu Lie. Because..."

Mu Yang stared intently at Qin Feng, unsure what he was about to say. Suddenly, he felt a cold, sharp pain in his abdomen. Stunned, he looked down and saw the smiling, innocent eyes of Mu Lie, nestled in his arms, flickering with a sweet, guileless amusement. Then, Mu Lie giggled and said, "Because... I've always been Prince Ding's Estate's man!"