Mo Li

"In your subordinate's presence, Wang Fei." In the study at Flying Goose Pass, a black-clad man knelt on one knee before the desk and spoke solemnly.

Ye Li regarded him with calm composure and asked, "Where is Wang Ye?"

The black-clad man reported, "Wang Ye is leading a million-strong army and has already approached Flying Goose Pass. At most, it will take two more days for them to arrive." Ye Li nodded. "Did Wang Ye have any other instructions?" The man retrieved a letter from his sleeve and presented it, saying, "Wang Ye ordered this subordinate to deliver this to Wang Fei." Ye Li took the letter, skimmed through it swiftly, then nodded serenely. "I understand. You may go."

The black-clad man hesitated as he observed Ye Li's tranquil demeanor. As one of Mo Xiuyao's trusted shadow guards, he instinctively sensed something amiss with Wang Fei, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what. Reluctantly, he bowed and withdrew. "Wang Fei, take care. This subordinate takes his leave."

The study soon returned to silence. Ye Li gazed at the letter in her hands, her lashes lowering slightly as a faint smile touched her lips. "Xiu Yao… have you ever considered… what if Flying Goose Pass falls?"

"Wang Fei." Feng Zhiyao's voice sounded from outside the door.

"Enter."

Feng Zhiyao stepped inside and studied Ye Li for a moment before hesitantly asking, "Wang Fei, is Wang Ye… about to return?"

Ye Li nodded with a faint smile. "Yes. At most, two or three more days, and he will be back."

Feng Zhiyao's face brightened with joy, but seeing Ye Li's unchanged expression, he asked in confusion, "Wang Fei, aren’t you happy that Xiu Yao is returning?"

Ye Li lifted her gaze to meet his and murmured, "Feng San, can we… hold out until Xiu Yao arrives?" Feng Zhiyao froze. "What does Wang Fei mean?" Ye Li sighed softly. "A full million troops… How could Lei Zhenting not know? Tomorrow… the Western Liang Army’s assault will likely intensify."

Feng Zhiyao frowned. "Lei Zhenting will attack again tomorrow?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "If he doesn’t take Flying Goose Pass before the army arrives, he has only death awaiting him. If it were you, would you fight or not?"

Feng Zhiyao’s expression gradually darkened. "What are Wang Ye’s plans?"

Ye Li handed him the letter. Feng Zhiyao took it and scanned the contents, then frowned at her. "Wang Ye requests that Wang Fei leave Flying Goose Pass first, but you seem…" It didn’t appear that Ye Li had any intention of leaving. He urged, "Since Wang Ye has already made arrangements, perhaps Wang Fei should… leave for now?" He knew Mo Xiuyao’s temper all too well. If anything happened to Princess Ding, no one would escape unscathed.

Ye Li glanced at him coolly. "Leave? And go where?"

"Naturally, back to Li Cheng," Feng Zhiyao replied. "Wang Ye will arrive soon. As long as Wang Fei leaves Flying Goose Pass, you’ll be safe. Even if Lei Zhenting moves swiftly, he couldn’t possibly reach Li Cheng, could he?""Feng San, Lei Zhenting is now like a cornered beast. Do you know... what would happen if he enters Flying Goose Pass?" Ye Li asked softly. Feng Zhiyao remained silent as Ye Li continued, "He would drag all the common people of the northwest into disaster—not because Lei Zhenting is inherently cruel, but because he must do so. At this point, Lei Zhenting is no longer thinking about turning the tables. He wants to perish together with the Mo Family Army... and also buy time for Western Liang."

"If that's truly the case, then Wang Fei must leave all the more." Among all things that could strike at Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li was undoubtedly the most crucial target. Feng Zhiyao spoke with solemn determination, "Please rest assured, Wang Fei. As long as Feng San still draws breath, not a single soldier of the Western Liang army will set foot in Flying Goose Pass. However, I must implore you to leave the pass immediately." Ye Li gazed at Feng Zhiyao and shook her head. Feng Zhiyao's brows furrowed with concern as he pressed, "Wang Fei! Please reconsider. If anything were to happen to you..."

"Feng San," Ye Li met his eyes firmly, "I will not leave. As long as a single soldier remains in Flying Goose Pass, I will not depart before them. Today, I abandoned Qilin, telling myself it was for the sake of Flying Goose Pass. But now... what would abandoning the pass and its defenders be for? For my own life, Ye Li's life? Feng San, there are things in this world... more important than life itself." Feng Zhiyao fell silent. He understood Ye Li's thoughts perfectly—indeed, he couldn't agree more. Had it been any other commander planning to abandon their post and troops on the eve of battle, he would have felt nothing but contempt. But Ye Li was different—not just because she was a woman, but because she was the mistress of Prince Ding's Estate, the person Mo Xiuyao valued most. To the soldiers of the Mo Family Army, including Feng Zhiyao, protecting Princess Ding was worth every drop of their blood. Yet they failed to understand that Ye Li wasn't just Princess Ding or Mo Xiuyao's beloved wife—she was also a soldier. To die on the battlefield, wrapped in a horse's hide, was a soldier's fate. Abandoning one's post was something no true soldier could stomach—a lifelong disgrace.

After a hesitation, Feng Zhiyao finally asked, "Wang Fei... do you resent Wang Ye...?" At first, when unaware of the full plan, he hadn't sensed anything amiss. But once he fully grasped Mo Xiuyao's strategy, Feng Zhiyao had harbored a growing suspicion—that Wang Ye's actions this time might not meet Wang Fei's approval.

As both a general of Prince Ding's Estate and Mo Xiuyao's close friend, Feng Zhiyao found no fault in Mo Xiuyao's decision. Yet as one currently defending Flying Goose Pass, he understood all too clearly that from the very beginning, these troops had been marked for sacrifice in Mo Xiuyao's eyes. One couldn't blame Mo Xiuyao—as supreme commander of Prince Ding's Estate and the Mo Family Army, his decision was undoubtedly correct and made for their greater good. But what justice did that bring to the soldiers holding the pass? A true commander makes life-and-death decisions for countless souls in the blink of an eye. That was why Feng Zhiyao knew—he would never become a truly great general in this lifetime.Ye Li was stunned for a long moment. Just as Feng Zhiyao thought she wouldn't respond, she finally smiled faintly and shook her head, saying, "No, I understand his meaning."

Ye Li hadn't read all those books on military strategy and command in her past life for nothing. When necessary, she could even out-talk Mo Xiuyao on these theories, making arguments that were irrefutable. However, compared to Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao was the true commander. His decisions were absolutely not wrong. What was originally expected to be a war lasting several years could soon be concluded under Mo Xiuyao's orchestration. Then, the people of the entire Central Plains could once again enjoy peace. Even if the casualties were counted, under the current circumstances, even if all the soldiers at Flying Goose Pass perished, the number of sacrifices would still be far fewer than if the war dragged on indefinitely.

But some things could be understood yet were hard to accept. Even if one could accept them, it was difficult to act accordingly when it came to oneself. At least, Ye Li couldn't do it. While tens of thousands of Mo Family Army soldiers fought desperately for Flying Goose Pass, Ye Li couldn't bring herself to flee alone and then emerge after the war to bask in the glory and brilliance of those who had sacrificed. At her core, Ye Li was still a soldier, not a politician.

Seeing that Feng Zhiyao still wanted to say something, Ye Li waved her hand and said, "There's no need to say more. Unless you plan to defy authority and knock me out. But if you really do that, I'll come back on my own. Feng San, if I escape from this battle, I'll never feel at peace for the rest of my life." Feng Zhiyao was silent for a long while before finally sighing and saying, "I understand. But... Wang Fei, please take care of yourself."

Ye Li smiled gently and replied, "Naturally, there are people waiting for me to return."

Unable to persuade Ye Li, Feng Zhiyao had no choice but to retreat helplessly. He knew very well that what Ye Li said was likely to become reality. Lei Zhenting now had no hope of turning the tables. Even if he breached Flying Goose Pass, he would still be quickly annihilated once Mo Xiuyao's army arrived. Therefore, Lei Zhenting might indeed gamble everything and wreak havoc within Flying Goose Pass. As members of the Mo Family Army, they couldn't stand by and watch the land they protected become a river of blood and a scene of devastation. So, they had no choice but to fight, to battle the Western Liang Army to the last soldier, buying as much time as possible for Mo Xiuyao to arrive with his army.

"Princess Ding refuses to leave?" Under the moonlight, Han Mingyue appeared handsome and composed, the pale light casting an added serenity upon him. Feng Zhiyao sighed and shrugged, "Didn't you already guess as much?"

Han Mingyue nodded. "If Princess Ding were willing to leave at this time, she wouldn't be Princess Ding. As for Xiu Yao, he truly seems at ease." Mo Xiuyao had only sent a letter back—was he so certain Ye Li would follow his instructions? Feng Zhiyao smiled bitterly. "Wang Ye thought the Little Prince was still at Flying Goose Pass, didn't he? Even if not for herself, Wang Fei would leave for the sake of the Little Prince."

Han Mingyue chuckled. "Unfortunately, he didn't know Princess Ding would send the Little Prince away in advance.""Exactly," Feng Zhiyao frowned with worry and asked Han Mingyue, "Why aren't you leaving?" Han Mingyue smiled faintly and replied, "I'm alone in this world. What difference does it make where I go?"

"Tomorrow... Wang Fei's safety will be entrusted to you," Feng Zhiyao said solemnly. Han Mingyue raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you trust me?" Feng Zhiyao lifted his chin and rolled his eyes, "If I didn't, why would I waste my breath on you?" Han Mingyue nodded seriously, "Rest assured."

"Thank you."

"Wang Fei." In the study, Qin Feng and Lin Han stood before the desk, their voices grave. Both bore injuries—Qin Feng's left shoulder was wrapped in white bandages, while Lin Han showed no visible wounds but his pale complexion revealed he was far from unharmed. Ye Li set down her brush and frowned at them, "Why aren't you resting?"

Qin Feng said firmly, "This subordinate requests to accompany Wang Fei into battle tomorrow."

Lin Han added, "This subordinate as well."

"Nonsense!" Ye Li rebuked coldly. "With your injuries, you should be recuperating. Do you think you have extra lives to spare, or that the world can't turn without you?"

Qin Feng and Lin Han exchanged a glance. Qin Feng stepped forward, "We beg Wang Fei to grant this request. It is not just ours—it is also the plea of over a hundred Qilin brothers who have just returned alive."

Ye Li laughed mirthlessly, "And then what? You drag your wounded bodies onto the battlefield and let the Qilin be wiped out? The orders were mine to give. If anyone is to die for this, it won't be you!"

"We dare not!" The two immediately knelt.

Ye Li gazed at them silently before sighing deeply, "Rise. I understand how you feel... but I hope you understand this too. The fallen Qilin would never wish to see you join them in death. They would want you—and all who survived—to live well, carrying their share of life forward."

Ye Li truly understood their grief. The bonds between Qilin soldiers ran deeper than those in the Mo Family Army or the Black Cloud Cavalry. Each was an elite among elites, selected from various forces. Nearly all had started by clashing with one another, only to gradually forge unbreakable ties. They endured hellish training together and undertook countless perilous missions side by side—experiences of true life-and-death camaraderie. This time, losing nearly ninety percent of their brethren left the survivors with no sense of miraculous escape. Most... would only question why they still lived, drowning in guilt.

Ye Li had seen such cases often—soldiers who survived brutal battles only to take their own lives afterward, though enemy blades had failed to claim them.

"Wang Fei..." Qin Feng and Lin Han's eyes reddened. These Qilin soldiers had been handpicked and personally trained by them. To the two commanders, these men were like brothers, students, sons. Watching so many die helplessly before them was a torment that made them question the very meaning of their existence.Ye Li stood up and looked solemnly at the two men, saying, "Go back and tell them that as long as I am alive, I will personally bring Lei Zhenting's head back to honor our fallen soldiers. But... I hope they all live well and ensure the Qilin continues."

"Understood!" Qin Feng and Lin Han rose to their feet. After a pause, Qin Feng added hesitantly, "However, this subordinate still requests to accompany Wang Fei into battle. I am not only the Qilin's commander but also your guard. As long as I draw breath, it is my duty to remain by your side and protect you."

"This subordinate shares the same sentiment," Lin Han said. "As a shadow guard of Prince Ding's Estate, my very purpose is to safeguard Wang Fei. I beg your permission."

Ye Li regarded them with concern. Lin Han reassured her, "Wang Fei need not worry. This subordinate's injuries are of no consequence." Qin Feng nodded in agreement. "Nor are mine—just superficial wounds."

The study fell silent for a long moment before Ye Li finally lifted her gaze, sweeping a glance over them. "Since you know tomorrow will bring a fierce battle, why aren't you resting?"

"Yes! We take our leave!" The two men bowed in delight and quickly withdrew.

True enough, before dawn the next day, the sounds of the Western Mausoleum Army advancing beyond the pass reached their ears. Ye Li, accompanied by Yuan Pei and others, appeared atop the city walls. In the dim light between night and day, the enemy forces below had already formed their battle lines—a vast, dark mass. Even before engagement, their overwhelming bloodlust and battle intent were palpable. It was unclear what Lei Zhenting had done, but the Western Mausoleum Army, which should have been demoralized after yesterday's battle, now stood with terrifying vigor and aggression.

"Prince Zhennan of Xiling, Lei Zhenting, requests an audience with Princess Ding." This time, Lei Zhenting did not hide behind his troops. Instead, he rode forward to the very front, gazing up at those on the walls. Even his ever-present guards were absent, as if he no longer cared for his life—even if the Mo Family Army were to loose a sudden arrow at him now.

Ye Li paused briefly before stepping forward between two battlements, revealing herself. Calmly, she replied, "Ye Li is here. What counsel does Prince Zhennan offer?"

Lei Zhenting smiled faintly. "Nothing much. There are merely some matters this prince wishes to discuss privately with Princess Ding. Originally, I had hoped to speak with Prince Ding, but... it seems that opportunity is lost."

"Given the circumstances, does Prince Zhennan believe there is anything left to discuss?" Lei Zhenting waved a hand dismissively. "This prince cares not. But there are words that must be spoken."

Ye Li frowned. Beside her, Feng Zhiyao and the others urged, "Wang Fei, there's no need to waste words on him."

Yet Ye Li knew that a private conversation with Lei Zhenting would bring no harm to the Mo Family Army. At the very least, it could buy them time—however brief, every moment was precious to Flying Goose Pass's defenders.

Below the walls, Lei Zhenting looked up at her and said, "If Wang Fei is uneasy, this prince is willing to enter the city alone to speak with you.""No need." Ye Li smiled faintly and leaped down from the city wall, landing gracefully near the city gate below. She looked at Lei Zhenting and said, "If Zhennan Wang has anything to say, you may come over." The moment Ye Li descended, Zhuo Jing, Qin Feng, and Lin Han, who had been by her side, also jumped down, forming a triangular formation to shield her from behind. On the city wall, the Black Cloud Cavalry archers aimed their arrows at the ground below. The slightest hostile move from Lei Zhenting would result in him being riddled with arrows, regardless of success. With Qin Feng and the others blocking Ye Li, the chances of Lei Zhenting striking a decisive blow were virtually zero.

Lei Zhenting smiled calmly and urged his horse forward.

"Wang Ye, don't!" The generals behind him called out in protest. It wasn’t just Prince Ding's side that was uneasy. Lei Zhenting waved his sleeve, signaling them to say no more, and walked alone toward the city gate.

He stopped a few steps away from Ye Li, unfazed by the wary gazes of Qin Feng and the others. After a long silence, he sighed regretfully and said, "In my life, I have been unrivaled and free-spirited, with few adversaries. Yet time and again, I have been defeated by those from Prince Ding's Estate. Over the years, I have pondered why this is and sought ways to overcome Mo Xiuyao. But now... it seems I have failed once again."

Ye Li remained silent. She knew Lei Zhenting merely wanted to speak, not expecting an answer. True enough, he paid no heed to her silence and continued, "Only now, at this stage, do I understand. From the moment Western Liang, Great Chu, and Northern Rong formed an alliance, we had already fallen into Mo Xiuyao’s scheme. Though I pride myself on my intellect, I must admit I could never have orchestrated such a grand design. Even Qingchen Gongzi, renowned as the wisest under heaven, likely lacks such cunning. Prince Ding, Mo Xiuyao... truly a master strategist. Don’t you agree, Wang Fei?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "If Zhennan Wang were to experience what he did—suddenly falling from the heights of power into the dust, forcing himself to suppress and endure all emotions and suffering, and maintaining composure before enemies with blood debts—perhaps then you would understand how he achieved all this." Not just Lei Zhenting, even Ye Li often found herself awed by Mo Xiuyao’s schemes. If he chose not to reveal them, she believed he could deceive the entire world even after ascending to the throne.

"Wang Fei speaks wisely," Lei Zhenting conceded. He had to admit she was right. Lei Zhenting was truly a favored son of heaven. Apart from the humiliation of losing an arm to Mo Liufang, he had faced no setbacks in life. Whatever he desired, he achieved—except in matters concerning Prince Ding's Estate.Lei Zhenting gazed at the composed Ye Li, his weathered eyes carrying a hint of admiration and astonishment. Given the current situation, regardless of the eventual outcome for the Western Mausoleum Army, they were undoubtedly capable of breaching Flying Goose Pass within two hours. The fate of the pass, the defending Mo Family Army, and even Ye Li herself was almost predictable. Yet, she remained so calm under such circumstances—a feat even most men could not achieve. This woman truly deserved the respect and admiration of men across the land.

"This prince originally thought Wang Fei would have left Flying Goose Pass last night," Lei Zhenting remarked.

Ye Li replied solemnly, "This consort is not only the Princess of Prince Ding's Estate but also a member of the Mo Family Army. The Mo Family Army has no soldiers who flee without a fight."

Lei Zhenting nodded in approval. "Such courage. Though I've said it before, I must say it again—the greatest fortune in Prince Ding's life must have been marrying such an exceptional princess." Speaking of this, he couldn't help but feel regret. Why hadn't he gone to any lengths to bring this woman to Western Liang back then? What pained him even more was why such a woman had become Princess Ding. Was it truly heaven's will that Prince Ding's Estate would not fall?

Ye Li smiled faintly. "The greatest fortune in Ye Li's life was also marrying Prince Ding."

"Does Princess Ding know what this prince will do once Western Liang's troops enter the pass?" Lei Zhenting asked gravely. Ye Li replied calmly, "Whatever Zhennan Wang intends to do, he must first get past this consort."

Lei Zhenting couldn't help but smile, saying, "It seems Wang Fei has already guessed. Wang Fei appears to have no intention of compromising whatsoever."

Ye Li lowered her eyes, "At this point, between enemies... is there still room for compromise?" Now that things had come to this, it was destined to be a fight to the death.

Lei Zhenting praised, "Well said. In that case... let this prince see just how tenacious the Mo Family Army truly is. Moreover... this prince also wishes to see... whether Prince Ding will still have the mind for such schemes when he loses his beloved forever? I take my leave now. Wang Fei, take care." Having seemingly finished speaking, Lei Zhenting nodded to Ye Li, turned his horse's reins, and returned to his army.

Ye Li nodded in return, "Likewise."

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Tears... got carsick again today... my stomach is cramping~