Mo Li

In the study of Prince Ding's Estate, Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, Xu Qingchen, and others were discussing official matters when Qin Feng requested an audience outside the door. "Wang Ye, Wang Fei, Qin Feng seeks an audience."

Ye Li slightly furrowed her brows and said, "Come in. What is it?"

Qin Feng entered the study and glanced at the assembled group—Xu Qingchen, Feng Zhiyao, Han Mingyue, and others—all trusted confidants of the prince and princess. Without hesitation, he reported solemnly, "Mo Jingyu secretly met someone at a small teahouse in the city earlier. This subordinate suspects the person might be Mo Jingli."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Where is he now?"

Qin Feng lowered his head in shame. "He slipped away. That teahouse is likely one of Mo Jingli's secret strongholds in Li Cheng. This subordinate requests punishment." By the time Prince Ding's men infiltrated the teahouse, it was already deserted. Clearly, it had been a carefully arranged location with hidden passages for escape.

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "There are no walls in the world that don't leak. This isn't your fault. Can you confirm it was Mo Jingli? What does he want with Mo Jingyu?"

Han Mingyue chuckled. "If Mo Jingli dares to come to Li Cheng now, his intentions are obvious. As for Mo Jingyu… he probably has some weakness in Mo Jingli's grasp and is being blackmailed."

Xu Qingchen nodded in agreement with Han Mingyue's assessment. Turning to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, he said, "For now, we should have Xiao Bao be extra cautious." Although Mo Jingli likely harbored greater hatred for Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, given their capabilities, harming them would be exceedingly difficult. Thus, the still-young Mo Xiaobao would naturally become the most vulnerable target.

Ye Li nodded solemnly, taking Xu Qingchen's warning to heart. In fact, she had already planned to assign more guards to protect Mo Xiaobao. No matter how clever the child was, he was still only ten years old.

Feng Zhiyao frowned. "Mo Jingli has grown smarter—even Prince Ding's shadow guards couldn't catch him."

Han Mingyue smiled. "Not smarter, just a frightened bird desperate to survive. If he were truly smart, he would never have come to Li Cheng."

Leng Haoyu voiced his concern. "The fact that he infiltrated Li Cheng proves he still has capable men at his disposal. Now that he has nothing left, I fear he might try to take Prince Ding's Estate down with him. Such a man is always dangerous. It would be best to capture him as soon as possible."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Fools weren’t frightening, nor were the truly wise. The most terrifying were those who believed themselves clever and had no fear of death—madmen whose next moves were impossible to predict.

Hearing Leng Haoyu's words, Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, deep in thought. Xu Qingchen glanced at him and asked, "Does Wang Ye have a plan?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "He’s just one Mo Jingli—no need to worry too much. This prince has his own plans. The first-year celebration for Lin'er and Xin'er is in a few days. Focus your efforts on that. It seems many guests are coming this year?"

Feng Zhiyao nodded with a smile. "Indeed. Apart from the envoys from Northern Rong, Great Chu, and Western Liang already in Li Cheng, the Queen and King Consort of Nanzhao, Princess Helan of the Northern Territories, and envoys from the Western Regions are all on their way and will arrive in Li Cheng soon.""It seems Qingbai and Zhang Qilan are doing well in Western Liang?" Mo Xiuyao stroked his chin with a smile. The Western Mausoleum Imperial City was located in the far west, bordering the various Western Regions states. However, relations between Western Liang and these states had mostly been hostile. It was rare for these states to send envoys to offer congratulations—often even trade routes between them were intermittent. In earlier years, the trade routes between the Western Regions and the Central Plains had been maintained through agreements between Prince Ding's Estate and Western Liang. It wasn't until the Mo Family Army captured most of Western Liang's northern territories that exchanges between the Central Plains and the Western Regions truly became unobstructed.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "I heard there were a few battles at first. But now that Prince Ding's Estate is clearly rising in power, even the Western Regions people know how to read the situation. It's only natural they'd send envoys to offer congratulations. By the way, Qingbai and the others are returning with the Western Regions envoys. They should arrive in about two days."

Xu Qingchen nodded. "Then... shall we leave the arrangements for the Western Regions envoys to Qingze?" Since Xu Qingze and Xu Qingbai were brothers, it would be easier for them to communicate if any issues arose.

Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingze nodded in agreement.

After concluding their discussions, everyone withdrew. Only then did Ye Li turn to Mo Xiuyao and ask, "What do you plan to do about Mo Jingli?" Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms and chuckled softly. "No need to worry. Xiao Bao has plenty of people with him, and he's no pushover himself. If he really runs into Mo Jingli, it's hard to say who'd come out worse for wear."

Ye Li frowned disapprovingly. "He's still a child."

"In Prince Ding's Estate, there are no children past the age of ten. A Li, we can't always be by his side. One day, he'll have to stand on his own." Ye Li sighed silently. Though she understood Mo Xiuyao was doing this for Mo Xiaobao's own good, as someone who had grown up carefree under peaceful circumstances—even coming from a military family, she had lived as normally as any child—she found it hard to accept treating a child like an adult. At ten years old in her previous life, she had still been running around the compound with a bunch of kids, making a ruckus.

But the current situation didn't allow Mo Xiaobao the luxury of growing up slowly. Given Mo Xiuyao's temperament and plans, it was clear he intended to hand over Prince Ding's Estate to Mo Xiaobao as soon as possible so he could retire in leisure. To prevent a scenario where Mo Xiaobao might be caught off guard if Mo Xiuyao suddenly stepped away, it was the right choice to start training him now.

"Don't worry, A Li. Xiao Bao is my son too." Sensing Ye Li's concern for Xiao Bao's safety, Mo Xiuyao comforted her softly, somewhat helpless at her excessive worry. No matter how much of a little rascal Mo Xiaobao was, he was still his son—he wouldn't let any harm come to him. Had he been too harsh on Mo Xiaobao normally, making A Li so anxious? For once, Prince Ding felt a rare twinge of guilt and self-reflection.Ye Li smiled faintly, "I know, but I can't help worrying. You understand... sometimes reason and emotions are two entirely different things." Even if Mo Xiaobao were the world's top martial artist like Mo Xiuyao, a mother would still worry, let alone when he was just a child barely over ten years old. "Since you already have a plan in mind, you handle this matter. I'll take good care of Lin'er and Xin'er." If Mo Jingli truly lost his mind, the danger wouldn't be limited to Mo Xiaobao alone—Lin'er and Xin'er would also be at risk.

"I promise Mo Xiaobao will be safe and sound," Mo Xiuyao solemnly vowed.

"Yes, I know," Ye Li nodded with a gentle smile.

"Your Highnesses, something terrible has happened!" Qin Feng rushed in, his expression grim.

Ye Li stood up. "What's wrong?" Qin Feng was usually composed; he wouldn't barge into the study so abruptly unless it was a serious matter. Qin Feng said gravely, "The Queen of Nanzhao was assassinated near Li Cheng. The Queen and the young prince are missing!"

"What?!" Not only Ye Li, but even Mo Xiuyao showed a flicker of surprise. Mo Xiuyao frowned, "Why would the Queen of Nanzhao bring the prince to Li Cheng?" Last year, Princess Anxi had given birth to a prince in the Central Plains while Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were away from Li Cheng. The child was barely six months old—it made no sense for the Queen to bring him on such a long journey, even if she came personally to attend the celebration.

Qin Feng explained, "After leaving Li Cheng last year, Princess Anxi and her consort didn’t return to their country but continued traveling in the Central Plains. They were about to head back when they heard Prince Ding's Estate was hosting a first-year banquet for the Little Prince and Princess, so they turned back with the young prince. Unexpectedly, they were ambushed by unknown assailants less than a hundred li from Li Cheng. The Prince Consort was severely injured, and the Queen and young prince are missing."

"Where is the Prince Consort? Bring him in at once," Ye Li urged.

Soon, Prince Consort Pua of Nanzhao entered. His once-magnificent sapphire-blue Southern Xinjiang clothing was now stained with blood, and wounds marked his arms and face—clear signs of a fierce battle.

"Prince Ding, Princess Ding." Given Princess Anxi's close relationship with Ye Li, Pua was fairly familiar with Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. Without formalities, he pleaded anxiously, "Prince Ding, Princess Ding, please save Anxi and our child!" He was about to kneel before them. Men of the Southern Border were proud by nature and rarely bowed to others, but the disappearance of his wife and son had left this Southern Border man utterly distraught.

Mo Xiuyao quickly steadied him and said firmly, "Pua, rest assured. As long as the Queen of Nanzhao is still in the Northwest, I guarantee we will find her. This matter... Prince Ding's Estate will also give Nanzhao an explanation."

Mo Xiuyao had an innate ability to calm and inspire confidence. Hearing this, Pua quickly steadied himself, took a deep breath, and said, "Whatever I can do to help, Prince Ding, just give the order. As long as... Anxi and the child return safely."

Mo Xiuyao patted his shoulder. "Sit down first and tell us what happened. Then go to the guest quarters and rest—you're badly injured."Pu A nodded heavily, gathered his thoughts, and recounted the assassination attempt. It turned out that over the past six months, Princess Anxi and Pu A had been traveling with their child. During this time, the three factions in the Central Plains were embroiled in chaos, and following Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao's advice, Princess Anxi had refrained from getting involved. Since there were no pressing matters in Nanzhao, the two had not been in a hurry to return. Upon hearing that Prince Ding's Estate was preparing a first-year celebration for the two Little Princes and the little princess, they naturally couldn't miss it given the close ties between Nanzhao and the estate. Thus, the two, who had originally planned to return to Nanzhao, turned back. Unexpectedly, they were ambushed on a sparsely populated official road not far from Li Cheng. Pu A and his guards fought desperately, but the attackers were numerous and highly skilled. Caught off guard, they were quickly overwhelmed, and in the end, Princess Anxi and the child were abducted.

After hearing Pu A's account, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchanged glances, gradually piecing together the situation. Ye Li summoned Head Steward Mo to escort Pu A to rest. As soon as Pu A left, Feng Zhiyao and others, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, arrived.

"I knew Mo Jingli would pull some stunt!" Leng Haoyu cursed under his breath. "But why kidnap Princess Anxi? Isn't he afraid of alerting Prince Ding's Estate and drawing our attention? Or does Mo Jingli really think so little of us that he dares to disregard the estate entirely?"

Han Mingyue frowned and turned to Mo Xiuyao. "Kidnapping Princess Anxi serves no purpose—Mo Jingli gains nothing from it. The only possibility is... he wants to sabotage the estate's celebration. If envoys from various countries attending the banquet were assassinated or encountered mishaps..." Even if Prince Ding's Estate wasn't directly responsible, they would still have to answer to the nations involved.

Feng Zhiyao said gravely, "If that's the case, he won't stop at Princess Anxi. There's also Princess Helan, who is about to arrive in Li Cheng, and the envoys from the Western Regions." In short, Mo Jingli wanted to humiliate Prince Ding's Estate.

Ye Li lowered her gaze in thought before speaking firmly, "Feng San, inform Mo Hua to dispatch shadow guards from Prince Ding's Estate to escort the envoys safely to Li Cheng. Additionally, mobilize fifty thousand troops from the nearby garrison, dividing them into five-hundred-man units to patrol the area within a hundred li of Li Cheng around the clock. Order the Qilin: two units will guard Li Cheng, while the other four will station themselves in the four cardinal directions around the city to provide immediate support if needed."

"Yes, Wang Fei," Feng Zhiyao acknowledged the command.

"What are your thoughts on the matter of the Nanzhao Queen?" Mo Xiuyao asked. The group fell silent until Leng Haoyu sighed softly, "We can only hope that if Mo Jingli wants to negotiate terms, he won't harm Princess Anxi for now. Otherwise..." If the Queen of Nanzhao and her only prince were to die in Li Cheng, it would severely damage relations between Nanzhao and Prince Ding's Estate.

"We'll do our best to search everywhere," Feng Zhiyao said, his voice equally somber.

Ye Li nodded. "Issue the orders, but caution everyone to proceed carefully. We must ensure the safety of Princess Anxi and the little prince."Han Mingyue said, "Princess Anxi is no ordinary person either. With Mo Jingli moving around the vicinity of Li Cheng with such a woman and a child less than half a year old, it's impossible not to leave some traces. Wang Fei need not be overly anxious." Ye Li pondered for a moment and replied, "Then, let's entrust this matter to Young Master Mingyue." Han Mingyue had once been the head of the largest intelligence organization in Great Chu, so he should have more experience than others in finding people.

Han Mingyue cupped his hands and smiled, "I will certainly not fail Wang Fei's trust."

Ye Li sighed softly and said, "I appreciate your efforts, Young Master."

In a cave somewhere outside Li Cheng, Princess Anxi awoke from her unconscious state, rubbing her slightly throbbing forehead. A sharp glint flashed in her eyes as she instantly regained clarity and quickly scanned her surroundings.

"Are you looking for him?" A male voice came from nearby, laced with malice and mockery.

Princess Anxi turned toward the sound and saw a man dressed in coarse clothing with a thick beard standing not far away. In his arms, he held a small infant wrapped in swaddling clothes. His grip on the child was neither practiced nor careful—he simply held the bundle with one hand, indifferent. Fortunately, the baby was asleep and thus not fussing.

"Shuo'er! Who are you?!" Princess Anxi stared warily at the man before her. He seemed somewhat familiar, yet when she tried to recall, she realized she had no memory of such a person.

The man seemed momentarily stunned before sneering coldly, "The Queen of Nanzhao has quite the forgetful nature. It hasn't been that long since we last met, as I recall."

"‘As I recall’?" This was the exclusive self-reference of the Central Plains' emperors. Princess Anxi paused, then scrutinized him more carefully before hesitantly asking, "Are you... Mo Jingli?" It was no surprise that Princess Anxi hadn't recognized him—she had only met Mo Jingli a handful of times before. Moreover, the man before her bore no resemblance to the once-arrogant and sinister Prince Li of Great Chu, save for his height. His once-handsome face had turned sallow and gaunt, his eyes filled with violence and a twisted hint of madness. The thick beard, reminiscent of a mountain bandit chieftain, only added to the dissonance. No one would doubt it if he were mistaken for a bandit who had fled from the mountains.

Mo Jingli looked at Princess Anxi and burst into loud laughter. "That's right, I am Mo Jingli! I never expected the Queen of Nanzhao to still remember me!"

Princess Anxi watched the child in his arms with trepidation. His wild laughter had disturbed the sleeping baby, who was now beginning to squirm—clearly about to wake up.

"Give the child to me first," Princess Anxi said, steadying her voice.

"The child? Why should I listen to you?" Mo Jingli glared down at her with a haughty air. Princess Anxi replied firmly, "Shuo'er is still young and can't understand adult words. If he wakes up, he will surely cry. Surely you don’t want his cries to attract the attention of Prince Ding's Estate?"

Sure enough, before she had even finished speaking, the baby's lips quivered, and he began to whimper. On the verge of breaking into loud wails, the sound grated on Mo Jingli's nerves—after days of fleeing, he had grown utterly intolerant of such incessant crying. "Shut up!" he roared in anger.A six-month-old baby couldn't possibly understand his warning and immediately burst into loud wails. Mo Jingli glared fiercely at Princess Anxi before abruptly throwing the child through the air. Startled, Princess Anxi leaped up to catch the infant mid-flight. Upon landing, she patted the trembling child gently, murmuring, "Shuo'er... good boy, don't cry..."

"Silence him immediately! Or don't blame me for being ruthless!" Mo Jingli commanded coldly. Princess Anxi glanced sideways at him without replying, continuing to soothe the baby softly in her arms. Cradled against his mother, the child's cries soon subsided into faint whimpers before he drifted back to sleep.

Only after ensuring the baby slept soundly did Princess Anxi carefully lay him on a flat, dry patch of ground, sprinkling a circle of insect-repelling powder around him. As a native of the Southern Border, such remedies were never in short supply.

After settling the child, she approached Mo Jingli standing at the cave entrance and asked calmly, "Why has Emperor Chu brought me here?"

Mo Jingli regarded her with malice, sneering, "Why? Must I have a reason to capture you?"

Princess Anxi shook her head. "I don't believe that. Had you no purpose, you could have killed me immediately. Why wait until now? Is this... about Prince Ding's Estate?" The deduction came easily. Though Mo Jingli had been deposed by the Empress Dowager and officials of Chu, the root cause traced back to his crushing defeat by Prince Ding's forces. Without that military disaster, not even the boldest ministers would have dared rebel against him south of the Yangtze.

"You're clever," Mo Jingli stared. "No wonder Shu Manlin couldn't outmaneuver you. Pity... your wit is useless now that you're in my hands. Blame yourself for meddling in Li Cheng's affairs."

Princess Anxi fell silent, her sharp perception having already detected Mo Jingli's instability. Pleading would be futile if he was determined to kill her, and as Queen of Nanzhao, she would never grovel for mercy.

Her composed demeanor only inflamed Mo Jingli further. He studied her with a sinister chuckle. "Are you counting on that so-called royal consort to rescue you? True, he escaped. But do you really think Prince Ding's people can find you? Even if they do... this child isn't even a year old. Would he survive that long?"

"What do you want?" Princess Anxi asked evenly.

Mo Jingli grinned. "Nothing much. I just want to see how capable Prince Ding's Estate truly is."

After a prolonged silence with closed eyes, Princess Anxi finally spoke: "You took me hostage just to divert their attention. You're planning something else... something against Prince Ding's people."

Mo Jingli tilted his head, examining her for a long moment before sighing. "You truly are an intelligent woman—far superior to that fool Qixia. Why did I ever favor that idiot back then?"Princess Anxi gritted her teeth, a flash of anger flickering in her eyes. When Qixia Princess was sent back to Li Cheng by Ye Li's people, her severe injuries had still not healed, not to mention her dazed and confused state, like a child of seven or eight. Though she was furious with her disobedient younger sister, seeing her reduced to such a state by the man she had loved and devoted everything to for over a decade, Princess Anxi couldn't help but loathe Mo Jingli's heartlessness.

"Since you know now, you'd better behave. Maybe if I'm in a good mood, I'll spare you. But if you dare act out… I promise you'll watch your precious son die a gruesome death!" Mo Jingli looked down at Princess Anxi with a cold smirk. As if recalling something, a hint of hostility flashed in his eyes as he chuckled, "I bet Prince Ding's Estate is searching everywhere for us right now. But… don’t worry, they’ll never find this place. Even if they do… they won’t dare come near, unless they want you dead. Oh, and if you’re thinking of escaping, feel free to try."

With that, Mo Jingli ignored Princess Anxi and swaggered out of the cave.

Watching his figure disappear at the cave entrance, Princess Anxi slowly moved to the opening. Soon, she understood why Mo Jingli wasn’t afraid she would escape or that Prince Ding's Estate might find her. The cave was actually halfway up a cliff, with a vast, seemingly endless lake stretching below. If she were alone, she might have gambled on jumping straight down the cliff—but with a child in tow, there was truly no way for her to flee on her own.

Silently gazing at the lake below, she wasn’t very familiar with the northwest and couldn’t immediately guess where she was. After a moment of contemplation, Princess Anxi turned and walked back into the cave.