Mo Li

Mount Li Academy

As usual, Mr. Qingyun sat leisurely in the bamboo grove behind the academy, savoring tea. By now, Mount Li Academy had long been running smoothly, and given his advanced age, Mr. Qingyun was no longer suited for personally conducting lectures. Apart from occasionally delivering teachings to all the students, most of his time was spent in leisure.

Today, however, the bamboo grove was unusually lively. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had brought Mo Xiaobao, Lin'er, Xin'er, and the entire Xu Family to gather here. Though he had grown fond of tranquility in his later years, the sight of his descendants surrounding him brought an even brighter smile to Mr. Qingyun's face.

"Tomorrow is Lin'er and Xin'er's first-year celebration banquet. Why have you all come out of the city today?" Mr. Qingyun asked while sipping the tea Ye Li had personally brewed for him.

Ye Li smiled. "Precisely because tomorrow is the banquet, we’ve come to bring Grandfather back to the city."

Mr. Qingyun chuckled. "Am I so old that I can’t return to the city on my own?"

Mo Wuyou leaned against Ye Li, covering her lips as she laughed softly. "It’s clearly Wang Fei who said she hadn’t had the chance to pay her respects to Mr. Qingyun since returning, so she insisted on coming personally. Who knew everyone else would follow along?"

Yunge, who had also been brought along by Xu Qingchen, grinned at the group. "The outskirts are fun! Everyone just wanted to come."

Ye Li looked at Mr. Qingyun with guilt. Though she had been back for nearly a month, she hadn’t found the time to come out of the city to greet her grandfather. Even her fourth brother and Qingyan, who had just returned from their travels, had already visited. She truly felt unfilial.

Mr. Qingyun gazed at her affectionately. "You all have important matters to attend to. I’ve always been here—what difference does it make when you visit? There’s no need to dwell on such trivialities."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Li'er has been unfilial, worrying Grandfather and even allowing those people to disturb you."

Mr. Qingyun shook his head, signaling for her not to mind it. He looked at Ye Li, then at Mo Xiuyao sitting beside her, and finally at the children before him, nodding in satisfaction. Back then, he hadn’t been entirely pleased about arranging Ye Li’s marriage to Mo Xiuyao, but circumstances had left him no choice. He had long carried guilt for failing to properly care for the only child left by his late daughter. Fortunately, Li'er’s temperament was nothing like her mother’s, and over the years, the two had become an enviable couple. Mr. Qingyun could clearly see how much Mo Xiuyao treasured his granddaughter—far above all else. Seeing Ye Li so happy was more than enough for him. How could he possibly care about minor details?

"I’ve heard there have been many incidents lately. Has the Queen of Nanzhao still not been found?" Mr. Qingyun asked.

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly. "Grandfather need not worry. Princess Anxi and the prince should be safe. In the next couple of days… we’ll likely have a resolution." After all, this was Prince Ding’s territory. If they truly allowed Mo Jingli to run circles around them, Prince Ding’s Estate might as well disband. The shadow guards had already uncovered some traces of Mo Jingli’s movements. They were merely holding back to ensure Princess Anxi’s safety. But no matter what, they would never allow Mo Jingli and his remaining followers to escape Li Cheng again.Mr. Qingyun no longer concerned himself much with such matters, so upon hearing Xu Qingchen's words, he set his mind at ease. However, he still cautioned, "As the saying goes, a cornered beast will do something desperate. The temperament of these people from the Great Chu imperial family..." The old master shook his head and sighed, "In any case, you must be careful to avoid Mo Jingli resorting to a life-and-death struggle."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, "We will heed your advice, Mr. Qingyun."

Ye Li, holding Mr. Qingyun's arm, smiled and said, "Grandfather, actually, we came today for another matter we’d like to consult you about." Mr. Qingyun raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "You’ve all been doing so well. What could an old man like me still have to worry about?"

Ye Li glanced at Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingbai sitting nearby, then at the two Madams Xu on the other side, and said with a smile, "First Aunt and Second Aunt and I have discussed it. After Lin'er and Xin'er’s first birthday celebration, we’d like to arrange the weddings for Third Brother and Fourth Brother. That’s why we’re asking you to return and oversee the preparations."

Xu Qingfeng and the others hadn’t expected Ye Li to bring this up suddenly. While Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingbai remained composed, Mo Wuyou and Hua Tianxiang immediately blushed. Mr. Qingyun looked at the two young women with gentle eyes and nodded approvingly, "That’s a good idea. If I recall... the 26th of this month is an auspicious day. But... isn’t the timing too rushed? Will there be enough time?"

"There’s enough time, there’s enough time! Our family has been preparing for this for quite a while," the two Madams Xu quickly assured. Having waited so many years for their sons to marry, they would have everything ready even if the wedding were tomorrow.

Mr. Qingyun nodded with a smile, "Very well, then let’s set it for that day. Qingfeng, Qingbai, you’re no longer young. Once married, you’ll be men who must stand on your own. Take good care of Tianxiang and Wuyou."

"Yes, Grandfather," Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingbai replied in unison. The Xu Family’s children typically married late, and there was even Xu Qingchen, who remained single past thirty. Thus, even before marriage, they had long been capable of handling responsibilities independently. Mr. Qingyun had full confidence in his grandsons; his words were merely the affectionate concern of an elder.

After addressing Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingbai, Mr. Qingyun’s gaze briefly swept over Xu Qingchen and Yunge. He shook his head helplessly but said nothing more. The mention of the weddings had everyone excited. Apart from the brides-to-be, Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou, the others eagerly discussed wedding arrangements. Even the usually composed Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan wore smiles.

"Wang Ye, Wang Fei," Qin Feng approached swiftly and reported solemnly.

Mo Xiuyao asked, "What is it?"

Qin Feng replied, "There’s news about Princess Anxi of Nanzhao."

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao exchanged glances and stood up together. Mo Xiuyao said, "Let’s discuss this later." Ye Li nodded apologetically to the others, "We’ll take our leave first."

Xu Qingfeng grinned, "Don’t worry, Li'er. Third Brother guarantees Grandfather and Father will return safely to Li Cheng." As the commander of the Qilin, Xu Qingfeng’s presence ensured that even if Mo Jingli were reckless, he wouldn’t dare make a move against Mr. Qingyun. Ye Li nodded, patted Mo Xiaobao’s head to remind him to behave, and then followed Mo Xiuyao out of the bamboo grove.Watching the two walk away hand in hand, Mr. Qingyun smiled faintly and said, "Did you all come over so early in the morning because you were worried Mo Jingli would target Mount Li Academy?" Xu Qingfeng scratched his head and grinned, "Better safe than sorry. Who can guarantee that lunatic Mo Jingli wouldn’t strike here?" Mr. Qingyun glanced at the group calmly and remarked, "Then isn’t having so many of you gathered here just making it easier for him to wipe you all out in one go?"

Hearing this, those who had tagged along for fun, like Xu Qingyan and others, quickly ducked their heads, muttered something about looking around, and fled. In no time, the once lively bamboo grove was left with only Mr. Qingyun, Xu Hongyu, Xu Hongyan, Xu Qingchen, Xu Qingze, and Xu Qingbai.

"Is there something else?" Mr. Qingyun asked his descendants calmly. Xu Hongyu hesitated before replying, "There is indeed something we’d like to consult you about, Father."

Mr. Qingyun’s snow-white eyebrows lifted slightly. "Is it about Qingfeng and Qingbai’s marriages?" If not for this, Li'er wouldn’t have suddenly brought up their weddings. Though it was time for their engagements to be formalized, there was no need to rush it at this moment.

Xu Hongyu nodded. "Indeed. Recently, many noble families have approached us, expressing their desire to form marriage alliances with the Xu Family." Mr. Qingyun frowned slightly, a rare hint of displeasure flashing across his brow. "Do they not know Qingbai and Qingfeng are already betrothed?"

Xu Hongyu gave a helpless smile. In this world, rules and propriety were merely facades for the common folk who didn’t know the truth. Which prestigious family didn’t have its share of unspeakable secrets? Even the Xu Family had its history of betrayal and regicide. So, as long as they could achieve their goals and secure their interests, why would these people care if the Xu sons were already engaged? Moreover, though Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou were of noble status, in their eyes, there was only one word to describe them—fallen nobility. Most importantly, even if Xu Qingbai and Xu Qingfeng married, the most eligible bachelor of the Xu Family—Xu Qingchen—was still single.

"What did Li'er say?" Mr. Qingyun asked calmly.

Xu Hongyu smiled faintly. "Li'er said that court affairs shouldn’t involve marriages, and she certainly doesn’t want her brothers and friends sacrificing their happiness for her sake. That’s why she suggested to Father today that Qingbai and the others marry soon—to cut off these people’s hopes. Li'er’s temperament and way of thinking are truly..." Most people in this world had long grown accustomed to intertwining court politics with marriage, hence the term "marriage alliance." But Ye Li seemed inherently opposed to mixing the two. It wasn’t simply because those involved were members of the Xu Family or her friends.

Mr. Qingyun nodded approvingly. "Her thinking may differ from the norm, but she dares to act and bears the consequences with courage. In this regard, you all fall short of Li'er."

Xu Qingchen chuckled. "A woman like Li'er is one in a million. But it’s also fortunate there’s only one like her."Xu Hongyu shot his son an exasperated glance and said, "Don’t think you can stay out of this either. After all, this matter isn’t targeting your third or fourth brothers. Qingchen Gongzi… the Right Minister of Prince Ding’s Estate—what do you intend to do about it?"

There were quite a few in Prince Ding’s Estate who remained unmarried past thirty, such as Han Mingyue, Han Mingxi, and even Feng Zhiyao. However, it was exceedingly rare for someone of Qingchen Gongzi’s high status to show no interest in women whatsoever. Previously, with the constant turmoil in Prince Ding’s Estate, no one paid much attention. But now that the world was at peace, and Xu Qingchen had risen to become the Right Minister, second only to two others in the estate, many eyes were naturally fixed on him. If Xu Qingchen continued to remain indifferent, it wouldn’t be long before unsavory rumors began to circulate. Mr. Hongyu, ever the strategist, naturally felt compelled to give his son a timely warning.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, showing no sign of urgency. Beside him, Xu Qingbai raised an eyebrow, his smile as gentle as a breeze. "Isn’t Elder Brother involved with Miss Shen…?" Xu Qingbai, who had spent years in Western Liang, was the least familiar with Yunge among the Xu Family, hence referring to her as "Miss Shen."

Xu Qingchen cast him a cool glance. "Fourth Brother, you’re overthinking it."

Xu Qingbai blinked, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes, but he said nothing more.

However, his words had caught the attention of Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan, who exchanged glances. Eventually, Xu Hongyan spoke up, "Qingbai has a point. Qingchen, what exactly are your thoughts about Yunge? Your mother, second aunt, and your father all adore the girl. If you have any intentions…"

"Second Uncle, you’re overthinking it," Xu Qingchen replied, his demeanor as serene and elegant as ever, his smile unchanged.

Xu Qingbai studied his elder brother for a moment before grinning. "I heard Miss Yunge is quite afraid of you? Qingchen Gongzi is renowned for his amiability—how could anyone be afraid of you? Elder Brother, what exactly did you do to her?"

"Xu Qingbai," Xu Qingchen called softly, but his gaze held a clear warning. Xu Qingbai chuckled, shrugged, and raised his hands in surrender. Though his elder brother appeared transcendent and otherworldly, he was merciless when it came to retaliation. Xu Qingbai knew his limits and had no intention of provoking him further.

"That Yunge girl is quite remarkable," Mr. Qingyun remarked leisurely, smiling as he addressed his most esteemed grandson. "Now that your second brother has Rui’er, and your third and fourth brothers are about to marry, the Xu Family isn’t in any hurry regarding heirs. Your father and I have never pressured you about marriage, but you should still give it some thought. Unless, of course, you truly plan to renounce the world and seek immortality?"

"Grandfather exaggerates. Qingchen understands," Xu Qingchen replied respectfully, always deferential and sincere in Mr. Qingyun’s presence.

"Good that you understand. Don’t pressure him too much," Mr. Qingyun said with a satisfied nod to his sons. "However, since this matter concerns you, you must handle it yourself. If you truly take a liking to any noble young lady, there’s no harm in marrying her. But… as your sister said, Prince Ding’s Estate doesn’t need political marriages, and neither does the Xu Family. Do you understand?"

"Qingchen will remember Grandfather’s teachings," Xu Qingchen responded solemnly.Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingbai walked side by side out of the bamboo grove and saw Qin Zheng, Hua Tianxiang, and the children playing on a flower-filled grassy field outside. Xu Qingbai's gaze drifted lightly from Mo Wuyou to Yunge, who was holding a cluster of flowers with an exceptionally bright smile. He remarked softly, "In all these years, I've never seen a girl who could laugh so joyfully. People like us... have experienced too much, understood too much, and known too much. Even happiness is hard to express so freely. Don’t you think so, Eldest Brother?"

Following his gaze, Xu Qingchen's expression softened slightly. The lush green meadow was dotted with pale purple, soft yellow, light blue, and pink flowers, painting the verdant landscape. The beautiful girl in yellow held a bouquet of colorful wildflowers, laughing cheerfully. The faint sunlight cast a gentle glow upon her, making her radiate warmth that touched the heart.

Xu Qingbai was right—they had never seen a girl who could laugh so freely. Just seeing her smile could sweep away all weariness and displeasure. Perhaps it was because her life had been so simple and happy, untouched by schemes or darkness. She was clever, able to distinguish clearly between those who treated her well and those who didn’t. To those who were kind, she repaid them doubly; to those who weren’t, she simply cast them aside without a second thought. It was a different kind of carefree justice.

"Eldest Brother, 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying,'" Xu Qingbai said with a smile before walking toward the lively group on the grass.

"Eldest Uncle! Fourth Uncle!" Mo Xiaobao, who had been playfully wrestling with Xu Zhirui, immediately bounded over upon seeing them. Xu Qingbai caught him and frowned. "Mo Xiaobao, you've gotten chubby..."

Mo Xiaobao's delicate little face froze. After a long pause, he pitifully raised his tiny paws. "Fourth Uncle, I'll soon be as thin as a stick."

"Why?"

"I've been punished by Mother—three months of confinement," Mo Xiaobao said gloomily.

Xu Qingbai patted his little head sympathetically. "Eat more these next few days." Xiao Bao drooped his head in dejection.

"Eldest Brother, Fourth Brother," Qin Zheng greeted them, holding Xu Zhirui's hand with a smile. Xu Qingchen stepped forward and nodded. "Grandfather is almost ready. We should prepare to return to the city." Qin Zheng knew tomorrow was Prince Ding's Estate's birthday banquet, and there was still much to do. She quickly agreed, "Yes, let's see what else needs packing."

As Qin Zheng led the girls and children away, Yunge naturally stayed close to Mo Wuyou, stealing a glance at Xu Qingchen and exhaling quietly in relief.

"Yunge, come with me," Xu Qingchen's calm voice called from behind.

Yunge's smile stiffened as she turned to stare blankly at him. Xu Qingchen walked leisurely toward her and asked, "Have you finished the assignments I gave you?""F-finished writing!" Miss Yunge was flustered, looking as if she would have dashed to her study to fetch her homework for Xu Qingchen to check if they weren't at Mount Li Academy. Xu Qingchen slightly furrowed his brows and nodded, saying, "Let's go."

Yunge nodded repeatedly, following closely behind Xu Qingchen, though her silhouette appeared desolate and forlorn no matter how one looked at it.

Watching their retreating figures from afar, Xu Qingbai couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle.

"Fourth Brother, what's so funny?" Xu Qingfeng appeared behind him at some point, asking curiously. Xu Qingbai shook his head, turned around, and smiled, "Is Eldest Brother thinking of taking on a disciple?"

"A disciple? What kind of disciple would Eldest Brother take?" Xu Qingfeng looked utterly confused. What could Xu Qingchen teach a disciple? Another ethereal gentleman like himself?

Xu Qingbai stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "But... the way I see it, Eldest Brother treats Yunge like a student and teacher. And moreover... a student who's very afraid of her teacher."

Xu Qingfeng glanced at the two figures already far away, thought for a moment, and couldn't help but laugh. Indeed, it really did seem that way. After a while, the two brothers exchanged glances, and a rather bizarre thought occurred to them: Could it be that the heaven-sent genius, the ethereal gentleman... truly didn't understand worldly affairs and had no idea how to pursue the girl he fancied?

No one would believe that Qingchen Gongzi truly regarded Yunge as his disciple. Miss Yunge was clever and adorable, but she had no interest whatsoever in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, or especially political machinations. Nor was she brilliant enough to earn Qingchen Gongzi's special regard.

At this thought, both men shuddered simultaneously.

"In this world... indeed, no one is perfect," Xu Qingbai sighed.

"What sin did Miss Shen commit in her past life to catch Eldest Brother's eye?" Xu Qingfeng shook his head, lamenting. Qingchen Gongzi appeared gentle and refined, making people feel as if bathed in spring breeze, but when it came to reprimanding others, a single faint glance from him could make one wish they had never been born. No wonder little Yunge acted like a mouse seeing a cat whenever she encountered Xu Qingchen.

The two brothers exchanged another glance, silently offering their most sincere blessings and prayers for the young Miss Yunge in their hearts.

In a quiet small village outside Li Cheng, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li stood outside a simple cottage, Mo Xiuyao's face as dark as storm clouds. Ye Li gently shook his hand, and only after Mo Xiuyao looked down at her did his expression soften slightly.

Qin Feng stood not far in front of them and reported solemnly, "Wang Ye, Wang Fei, the person has already left."

Mo Xiuyao gazed thoughtfully at the humble house before him. "Mo Jingli lived here all this time? And no one noticed?" Qin Feng nodded. "This subordinate had people inquire discreetly. A middle-aged man with a large beard lived here during this period. The timing coincides with Mo Jingli's infiltration into the northwest, but his appearance was completely unlike Mo Jingli himself."

"A large beard?" A strange expression flickered across Mo Xiuyao's face. "Disguised."

Qin Feng nodded. "It was a disguise. We found some disguise materials in the room. However... there was no trace of Princess Anxi or the little prince. The nearby villagers also said they never saw any woman or infant."Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Mo Jingli has indeed become smarter now. Naturally, he wouldn't keep Princess Anxi and the child together with himself. But... if he really is staying here, then... Princess Anxi couldn't be too far from this place either."

Ye Li nodded in agreement with Mo Xiuyao's opinion and instructed, "Search within a ten-mile radius centered here for any possible hiding places."

Qin Feng acknowledged the order and left. Mo Xiuyao turned and took Ye Li's hand, saying, "Let's go inside and take a look."

The two entered the room, which was in disarray due to the recent search by Prince Ding's shadow guards. However, even in its original state, the room wasn't much better. A crude, roughly made table with four long stools, a bed assembled from wooden planks, and a worn-out cabinet. The bed was strewn with tattered coarse clothing, and apart from that, there was nothing of use.

Ye Li sighed softly, "He's changed quite a bit. In the past, he would never have been able to stay in a place like this for so long." Whether one called Mo Jingli ruthless and cruel or reckless and impulsive, the truth was he had never suffered hardships before, always carrying an air of haughty superiority. Staying in such a crude place for so long was something the old Mo Jingli would never have been capable of.

Mo Xiuyao curled his lips into a smile. "People always change. If he wants to survive, he has to endure things he couldn't before. It seems... the effect is quite good. The fact that Mo Jingli has fallen to such a complete defeat now clearly shows he hasn't suffered enough." The saying that one must endure the bitterest hardships to rise above others isn't just empty words. If Mo Jingli had gone through his current experiences a decade earlier, his future might have held great promise. Mo Xiuyao thought this with a hint of schadenfreude, completely unaware that he himself was the primary instigator of all Mo Jingli's suffering.

"What's this?" Ye Li frowned as she picked up a rather delicate box from under the bed. Opening it, she found a light red osmanthus-scented rouge. Puzzled, she murmured, "Why would this be here? Could it be... Princess Anxi was indeed brought here?" But she quickly realized something was off and shook her head. "No, even if Princess Anxi's status is special, Mo Jingli wouldn't have provided her with rouge." Yet, judging by the appearance of this rouge, it didn't seem like something left behind by the previous occupants of this house. The value of this box of rouge was enough to cover half a year's expenses for a family in this village.

"Good find, Qin Feng," Mo Xiuyao said, taking the box and examining it with a strange smile before handing it to Qin Feng, who was waiting by the door. Qin Feng sniffed it and said solemnly, "This is the 'Guanghan Fragrance' rouge from Pinxiang Pavilion in Li Cheng. It only started selling last month."

"You're quite knowledgeable," Mo Xiuyao remarked with an amused look.

Qin Feng lowered his head in slight embarrassment, while Ye Li smiled faintly. She recalled that Yao Ji also liked the scent of osmanthus. Shaking her head, she said, "I remember Pinxiang Pavilion's rouges are quite expensive, and not many can afford them. Find out when this was purchased." Qin Feng nodded and left to arrange the investigation.

Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li's hand and smiled. "Let's head back. There's probably nothing more to find here. Tomorrow is the important day." Ye Li nodded lightly. "Agreed." Whatever Mo Jingli was planning, he wouldn't miss tomorrow's event. They should indeed make more preparations.In a secluded and dimly lit cave, Princess Anxi cradled her child with tender affection, softly soothing him. The baby had just nursed and had fallen asleep. Fortunately, the child was quite well-behaved. Over the past few days, whenever Mo Jingli had come to the cave, the baby had been asleep, avoiding any provocation of the clearly deranged man.

She quietly counted the days—tomorrow would be the first birthday celebration of the Little Prince and Little Princess of Prince Ding's Estate. Princess Anxi knew that whatever Mo Jingli was planning, it would surely happen within these two days. She sighed softly and looked down at the baby in her arms. My precious, don’t be afraid. No matter what happens, Mother will protect you.

A tall figure appeared at the cave entrance. Mo Jingli strode in, seething with anger. His gaze burned with fury as he glared at Princess Anxi. "How very leisurely you seem!"

Princess Anxi lifted her eyes to meet his and replied calmly, "What else can I do but remain idle, locked away here? You never come at this hour—has something happened?"

Mo Jingli sneered. "Prince Ding's people have discovered my hiding place. But don’t rejoice—even so, they won’t find this location."

"I am not rejoicing," Princess Anxi said. Until she and her child were truly out of danger, she could not relax, let alone feel joy. Mo Jingli gave a satisfied hum, then barked harshly, "Get up! You're coming with me!" Princess Anxi froze, puzzled. "Where to?"

"What? Grown fond of this place? Don’t you want to see your husband?" Mo Jingli mocked. "Hand the child over!"

Princess Anxi’s expression darkened. She swiftly shielded the baby behind her and snapped, "Never!"

"I won’t repeat myself—give me the child!" Mo Jingli growled.

"Impossible! What do you want with my child?" Princess Anxi demanded, her guard up. Without further argument, Mo Jingli lunged to snatch the baby. Princess Anxi was no delicate, helpless woman and resisted fiercely. But with one arm holding the child and weakened from days of irregular meals in captivity, she was quickly overpowered. Mo Jingli wrested the baby from her grasp.

"Shuo'er!" Princess Anxi cried in desperation. "Mo Jingli! What are you doing? Give him back to me!"

Mo Jingli held the child and cast a cold glance at her. "Make one wrong move, and I’ll strangle him." Princess Anxi instantly froze, her eyes locked onto Mo Jingli’s hand resting near the baby’s throat, terrified he might squeeze at any moment. Seeing her fear, Mo Jingli smirked in satisfaction. "Good. Someone will disguise you shortly, then you’ll be taken into the city. Behave yourself—no tricks. Otherwise… I’ll make sure you witness this little one’s gruesome end!"

Princess Anxi paled, her face ashen. "Don’t hurt Shuo'er—he’s innocent! If you must take your anger out on someone, take it out on me!" Mo Jingli gave her a sidelong glance and chuckled darkly. "Relax. As long as you obey, I won’t harm the child. What a precious little thing. My own son… I never got to see him at this age."Princess Anxi steadied herself and said solemnly, "You'd better keep your word!"

Mo Jingli smirked coldly, turned around, and walked out with the child in his arms, quickly disappearing into the cave entrance.

Princess Anxi stared blankly at the cave entrance, lost in thought. It took her a while before she finally snapped out of it. "Shuo'er, don't be afraid. Mother will definitely save you," she murmured softly, a determined glint flashing in her eyes.

At the cave entrance, two men in plain clothes swiftly entered and approached Princess Anxi, speaking gravely, "Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered us to disguise you."

Princess Anxi swept a cold glance over them and said firmly, "Begin."