Mo Li

Western Mausoleum Imperial City, Ancheng

Since the original imperial capital of Xiling in the north was forcibly ceded to Mo Xiuyao, the Xiling Emperor had relocated the capital to the present-day Ancheng. Fortunately, thanks to the centuries-long management by the Murong family, Ancheng, though not as majestic as the former imperial capital, was still one of the most prosperous cities in Xiling. After extensive renovations by the Xiling Emperor over the past two years, it could now barely live up to its title as the imperial city.

It was no wonder that factions across the land held a grudge against Mo Xiuyao. Northern Rong was one thing—aside from the modest stone city where the King of Northern Rong resided, the rest of the nobility still lived in tents. But Xiling and Great Chu, originally two of the most powerful nations, had both lost their imperial capitals. Great Chu was relegated to Nanjing, while Xiling had retreated to Ancheng. Meanwhile, Prince Ding, who now held two grand imperial cities, showed no interest in ascending the throne, which only fueled the envy and resentment of others.

In the Prince Zhennan’s residence in Ancheng, Lei Tengfeng sat in the main seat, gazing blankly at the empty hall below. Once, he had desperately longed to occupy this position. From the moment he became aware, he had taken immense pride in the Prince Zhennan’s household. In his heart, the title of Prince Zhennan was far nobler than the hollow throne of the emperor. After all, his father was far more formidable than that emperor who hid in his palace indulging in pleasure. Thus, his greatest dream had been to earn his father’s approval and become the master of the Prince Zhennan’s household. But now that he truly sat in this seat, all he felt was desolation and cold.

“Shizi, what should we do now?” Below the hall, three military officers and several civil officials sat, one of them voicing his concern.

Yet, none of their worries could compare to the dread in Lei Tengfeng’s heart. They had rushed back to Xiling at full speed, so news from Flying Goose Pass had yet to reach them. But Lei Tengfeng knew in his heart—his father… was no more.

The Prince Zhennan’s household without Prince Zhennan… Lei Tengfeng shuddered, a chill running through his entire body.

After a long silence, Lei Tengfeng opened his eyes and calmly surveyed those present. He raised his hand, revealing a golden token. On it coiled a four-clawed golden dragon, with the weighty characters “Zhennan” engraved in the center.

Aside from the three military officers, the others gasped in shock. This was the most important token of the Prince Zhennan’s household, representing the authority and status of Prince Zhennan himself. To see the token was to see the prince. “We pay our respects to Wang Ye!”

At the sight of the token, the more astute among them immediately paled, realizing that something was terribly wrong. The sudden return of the Shizi, who had been away at war, was already suspicious. Now, he had even brought out the token—something the prince would never entrust to anyone—symbolizing the authority of the Prince Zhennan’s household. How could this not stir unease?

“Rise,” Lei Tengfeng said solemnly. “By my father’s decree, from this moment onward, all matters of the Prince Zhennan’s household shall be under my command.” The officials exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating. If it had been Prince Zhennan himself, they would have followed without question. After all, compared to the incompetent Xiling Emperor, anyone with eyes could see that Prince Zhennan was far superior. But with the Shizi taking charge, things were different. It wasn’t that Lei Tengfeng was lacking—it was simply that he was too young, and his reputation paled in comparison to Lei Zhenting’s."We follow only the command of Wang Ye," the three generals declared in unison, bowing.

Lei Tengfeng finally understood why his father had specifically chosen these three generals to accompany him back. Naturally, there were more capable and distinguished generals in the army. However, those were seasoned veterans who had served by his father's side for many years, their military merits too illustrious for him to command. Those with influential backing might harbor disloyal intentions. These three, on the other hand, had been promoted from ordinary soldiers by his father, had served under Tengfeng before, and shared a good personal rapport with him. For now, at least, there was no need to worry about their loyalty.

"Lord Wu, what do you say?" Tengfeng nodded, shifting his gaze to the man who had yet to voice his stance. Lord Wu glanced at Tengfeng and replied deferentially, "May I ask... what are Shizi's plans?"

Tengfeng's expression darkened as he surveyed the assembly before him, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. "This prince... intends to test the seat in the Hall of Eternal Peace. What do you all think?"

Lord Wu's face paled slightly as he forced a smile. "Shizi, isn't this... somewhat too hasty?"

Before Tengfeng could respond, a guard announced from outside the door, "Reporting to Shizi, His Majesty summons you."

Tengfeng gave a light hum. "This prince is aware. You may withdraw for now."

Rising from his seat, Tengfeng descended the dais. The assembled officials quickly urged caution, "Shizi, His Majesty summoning you at this time is likely ill-intentioned. Please proceed with care." Tengfeng smiled faintly. "This prince's sudden return to the capital would be more suspicious if he didn't summon me. Besides... some matters are better addressed sooner rather than later."

Strolling casually toward Lord Wu, Tengfeng asked with a smile, "Lord Wu, don't you agree?"

Lord Wu's face turned ashen, beads of cold sweat trickling down his temples. "Sh-Shizi..." A soft hum escaped Tengfeng's lips, followed by a flash of cold steel. The assembly heard only the whisper of a sword returning to its sheath before Tengfeng strode out of the hall. Lowering their heads, they saw Lord Wu collapsed on the ground, eyes wide, a thin line of blood unfurling across his neck.

"We pledge our lives in service to Shizi!"

Tengfeng turned back, his voice calm. "There's no need for alarm, esteemed ministers. You are all my father's trusted confidants. As for Lord Wu... my father long ago stated he was not one of us. The evidence is here for all to see." Placing a memorial on the table, Tengfeng departed without waiting for their reactions.

Tengfeng strode swiftly through the palace grounds—though "palace" was a generous term for what was essentially a collection of interconnected mansions repurposed into an imperial residence. After all, a proper palace couldn't be erected overnight.

"Zhennan Wang Shizi, Rui Junwang Lei Tengfeng requests an audience with His Majesty," Tengfeng announced clearly upon reaching the ornate gates of a grand hall.

The music within ceased abruptly. Moments later, a servant emerged and said cautiously, "Junwang, His Majesty bids you enter." Tengfeng nodded and stepped forward, only to be blocked by the eunuch. The eunuch smiled apologetically and gestured to the guards and officers behind him. "Junwang, this... might not be appropriate."

Tengfeng arched a brow. "This prince has brought three generals to the capital to report on their duties. What is improper about that?"

"This..." The eunuch grimaced, caught between a rock and a hard place. He knew generals returning to the capital were required to report to the emperor, but His Majesty had also explicitly ordered that only Tengfeng be admitted.Lei Tengfeng said in a deep voice, "You need not worry. If the Emperor blames anyone, this prince will take full responsibility." Seeing Lei Tengfeng's unyielding stance, the eunuch dared not insist on stopping him. After all, the people of Zhennan Wang's estate had always been less than courteous in the imperial palace. Not only the servants but even the Emperor had long grown accustomed to it.

As Lei Tengfeng entered the grand hall, he was immediately met with the dizzying stench of alcohol and the cloying scent of cosmetics. Though outsiders might still be unaware of the situation, witnessing such a scene at the moment of his father's death in battle, a cold glint flashed in Lei Tengfeng's eyes.

"Your subject, Lei Tengfeng, pays his respects to the Emperor," Lei Tengfeng said, bowing in greeting.

The three generals following him also saluted, "Your humble generals Feng Li, Zhang Yi, and Shangguan Qing pay homage to the Emperor."

The Xiling Emperor, his eyes bleary with drink, looked down with a jovial smile. "Ah, Tengfeng! Come, take a seat." Lei Tengfeng rose and moved to the foremost seat on the right, saying, "Tengfeng thanks His Imperial Majesty."

Compared to two years ago in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City, the Xiling Emperor had grown even thinner. Years of indulgence in wine and women had corroded his body, and his once-smiling eyes now appeared dull and lifeless. Yet, when those same eyes turned to Lei Tengfeng, they seemed filled with meaning. "Tengfeng, weren't you with your father attacking the Mo Family Army? Why have you returned?"

Lei Tengfeng replied, "Reporting to Your Imperial Majesty, Father received news that Southern Chu has betrayed its alliance with our country and has now pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate. Murong Shen and Marquis Nan of Prince Ding's Estate personally led 300,000 Southern Chu troops across the Cloud Ripple River to invade our Western Liang. Father specifically ordered Tengfeng to return and handle this matter."

"Oh?" The Xiling Emperor looked at Lei Tengfeng in surprise. "Is this true?"

"Every word Tengfeng speaks is true. If Your Imperial Majesty doubts it, you may send someone to investigate. It's likely that battles have already erupted along the Cloud Ripple River." The Xiling Emperor nodded. "If that's the case, what are your plans, Tengfeng?" Lei Tengfeng raised his head to meet the Emperor's gaze. "Tengfeng intends to dispatch Shangguan Qing and Feng Li with 500,000 troops to intercept Murong Shen and Marquis Nan."

"Five hundred thousand?" The Xiling Emperor stared at Lei Tengfeng. "Where would we find so many soldiers?" Lei Zhenting's campaign against the Mo Family Army had already taken most of Western Liang's elite troops, not to mention the substantial forces already stationed along the Cloud Ripple River. To mobilize so many more from Western Liang was naturally cause for the Emperor's unease.

Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes and said calmly, "If not, what does Your Imperial Majesty suggest we do?"

The Xiling Emperor fell silent. He had been suppressed by Lei Zhenting his entire life, never once touching military or civil affairs. Even a genius would exhaust their talents under such circumstances, let alone someone who was no genius to begin with. His ability to contend with Lei Tengfeng openly and covertly for so many years relied solely on his legitimate imperial title and the royal family's innate mastery of intrigue. But such tactics were clearly useless in warfare. The Xiling Emperor had spent his life scheming to reclaim his imperial authority, yet he had never considered what kind of emperor he would be once he regained it.

Concealing the disdain in his eyes, Lei Tengfeng said coldly, "Murong Shen and Marquis Nan are both seasoned veterans of countless battles. With Father absent now... if we do not send a large force to intercept them, I fear the Mo Family Army will once again be at our gates... and this time, it will be imminent."The Xiling Emperor frowned and sighed, habitually reaching for the wine cup on the table. He waved impatiently at Lei Tengfeng and said, "Enough, you may go. Proceed as you suggested." Just as Lei Tengfeng breathed a sigh of relief, a eunuch hurried in and whispered something in the emperor's ear. The emperor's expression shifted, and his gaze toward Lei Tengfeng became probing and speculative.

After dismissing the eunuch with a wave, the emperor pondered for a moment before asking, "Teng Feng, come to think of it, you haven't yet reported to Us about the state of the war between our forces and Prince Ding's Estate."

Lei Tengfeng replied calmly, "Your Majesty is right. Teng Feng was just about to report."

The emperor nodded in satisfaction. "Good. We have been somewhat concerned. You must not... deceive Us." To deceive the sovereign... was a capital offense.

A cold glint flashed through Lei Tengfeng's eyes as he solemnly said, "Teng Feng would never dare. Your Majesty, I fear our army... is no match for the Mo Family Army. We are certain to lose!"

"What?!" The emperor was shocked. Though incompetent, he bore no grudge against his own empire. Initially, he had felt a hint of schadenfreude upon hearing of Lei Zhenting's defeat from his attendants. But now, faced with Lei Tengfeng's grave declaration of inevitable defeat, he couldn't help but feel alarmed. He truly did not wish to relive the experience of the Mo Family Army besieging the imperial capital. Moreover... last time, they had fled from the north to Ancheng. If Mo Xiuyao were to lay siege again, where could they possibly retreat to?

For the first time in his life, the Xiling Emperor realized that Xiling without Lei Zhenting might not be a good thing after all.

"Teng Feng... your father..."

Lei Tengfeng did not conceal the truth, replying gravely, "Indeed. If Teng Feng's estimation is correct, my father has... died for the country." Upon hearing this, the emperor froze. He had lived his entire life in fear under Lei Zhenting's oppressive rule, constantly scheming how to kill him. Yet, upon actually hearing the news of Lei Zhenting's death, his first reaction was not joy, but bewilderment.

"What... should we do now?" the emperor asked.

Lei Tengfeng lowered his gaze and said calmly, "These three generals are the talents my father left for Xiling. Teng Feng plans to dispatch two of them to lead troops against Murong Shen and Marquis Nan. If Mo Xiuyao personally leads his forces to attack Xiling, Teng Feng is willing to stand with Xiling to the death."

Seeing no other options, the emperor wasted no time and nodded. "Very well. We hereby appoint you as the new Zhennan Wang to guard Daling in place of Our royal brother. Additionally, Generals Feng, Zhang, and Shangguan are hereby appointed as Grand Generals of the Nation's Protection, Grand Generals of the Nation's Pacification, and Grand Generals of the Nation's Peace." With the emperor's decree, these three deputy generals were instantly elevated to the rank of first-grade grand generals of Xiling.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lei Tengfeng said with a bow.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."After Lei Tengfeng exited the grand hall, the resplendent palace returned to silence. A eunuch emerged cautiously from the rear, glancing at the Xiling Emperor, who was resting with closed eyes on the dragon throne, and whispered, "Your Majesty, why didn’t you...?" They had prepared an ambush to capture Lei Tengfeng the moment he arrived. Without Lei Zhenting, though skilled, Lei Tengfeng was still young. But given a few more years to mature, it might have been a different story.

Yet, the Xiling Emperor had given no signal, forcing the hidden assassins to watch helplessly as Lei Tengfeng walked away.

The Xiling Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "Lei Zhenting is already dead... If we kill Lei Tengfeng too... what will become of Daling?" Over the years, his remaining children had either died or married off, leaving the vast palace empty except for sycophantic concubines—truly a lonely sovereign. Now, even his lifelong enemy was gone, but Daling remained... He had to leave something behind for Daling.

"Enough. Go. Issue my decree: Lei Tengfeng is to be enfeoffed as Zhennan Wang. The late Zhennan Wang, Lei Zhenting, died in service to the nation—posthumously honor him as 'Zhonglie' (Loyal and Fierce). Additionally... I am unwell. Let Zhennan Wang oversee state affairs for now."

The eunuch was stunned, clearly baffled by the Emperor’s sudden change of heart. But he had no choice but to obey. "This servant obeys. This servant takes his leave." It seemed the Western Liang would now be ruled by the Zhennan Wang residence.

Lei Tengfeng left the palace, his expression dark despite gaining full command of the Western Mausoleum Army. Moments ago, he had genuinely intended to kill the Xiling Emperor. He knew assassins lurked in the hall, but he hadn’t expected the usually inept Emperor to make such a decisive move at the last moment. That brief hesitation had cost him his murderous intent. Lei Tengfeng smiled bitterly—compared to his father, he still had much to learn.

"Lei Tengfeng..."

"Who’s there?" A low, almost imperceptible voice reached his ears. Lei Tengfeng’s expression shifted as he sharply turned toward the source. A middle-aged man in plain blue robes stood just steps away, gazing at him indifferently.

"Ling Tiehan!" Lei Tengfeng gritted his teeth. The voice had seemed distant, yet Ling Tiehan had appeared before him without a sound. In just a short time, Ling Tiehan’s martial prowess had grown even more formidable.

Ling Tiehan nodded and tossed something toward him. Lei Tengfeng instinctively moved to evade but caught it at the last moment. It was a simple white porcelain jar wrapped in cloth. The moment it touched his hands, he knew what it contained—and why Ling Tiehan had thrown it to him.

"This... this is..." Lei Tengfeng clutched the object tightly, glaring at Ling Tiehan.

Ling Tiehan replied coldly, "These are Lei Zhenting’s ashes.""You burned my father!" Lei Tengfeng felt a surge of fury rush to his head as he glared hatefully at the man before him. Ling Tiehan cast him an indifferent glance and sneered, "You should be grateful that Mo Xiuyao even allowed me to burn Lei Zhenting and bring his remains back."

Lei Tengfeng fell silent. Of course, he knew how most people treated the bodies of slain enemy generals—especially those of high status. But at least... his father's final dignity as Zhennan Wang had been preserved.

"The Zhennan Wang residence will remember this," Lei Tengfeng said solemnly.

A mocking smile curled at the corner of Ling Tiehan's lips. Without another glance at Lei Tengfeng, he turned and strode away, his sleeves fluttering behind him.

On the street outside the Zhennan Wang residence, Lei Tengfeng stood motionless, cradling the urn of ashes in his hands. "Father... your son will not fail your expectations..."

--------Author's Note--------

Wiping sweat... I was late because of the train. Originally, I expected to arrive in Chengdu by 4 PM, but I missed the train and had to take the next one, arriving close to 7 PM. I wrote a bit in the morning and hurriedly finished this part now—please forgive me, dear readers. I'm finally home~ I won't move an inch until I finish writing; being outside is just too damn painful~