Mo Li

This day was exceptionally lively in Li Cheng. The last time it had been this bustling was a year ago during Mr. Qingyun’s birthday banquet, but back then, most of the guests had come with ulterior motives—either to probe or scheme. This time, however, everyone arrived with a different mindset—one tangled with both awe and admiration, along with a faint yet discernible intention to curry favor.

Over the past year, earth-shaking changes had taken place, both within Prince Ding’s Estate and across the realm. Anyone with eyes could see that no one in the world could rival Prince Ding now—at least not for the next decade. And so, people couldn’t help but worry: once Prince Ding’s Estate regained its strength, would it once again raise its armies and sweep across the land? And if so, who could possibly withstand its iron cavalry? If not for the recent defeat of the three-nation alliance, and if not for the overwhelming disparity in power and influence, there might have been another coalition of nations forming against them. But now, lacking the strength for a direct confrontation, the only option left was to show weakness.

This banquet was held within Prince Ding’s Estate. Since it was merely a celebration for the two children’s first birthdays, the estate did not extend invitations on a grand scale. The guests consisted only of envoys from various nations and the estate’s civil and military officials. None of the other distinguished elites or wealthy merchants from across the land were invited, so naturally, the guest list was modest. Yet the people of Li Cheng were as jubilant as if it were a festival.

In the inner courtyard of Prince Ding’s Estate, the two babies had woken up early and were dressed in brand-new, exquisitely tailored outfits. Ye Li held them while they played with Hua Tianxiang and others who had arrived early. Both Madam Xu and Qin Zheng had gone out to oversee the banquet preparations, so the children were left in the care of the unmarried young ladies.

“Mama… Mama…” Xin’er, clad in a delicate pink dress embroidered with hibiscus, wore an ornate long-life locket around her neck and silver bracelets on her wrists and ankles. Sitting in Mo Wuyou’s arms, she looked as exquisite as a jade maiden beside the Goddess of Mercy in a painting.

Wuyou smiled and gently pinched Xin’er’s little cheek. “Xin’er, Mama is busy right now. She’ll come see you soon.” Having woken up without seeing her mother, Xin’er was displeased. “Mama, Mama…”

Hearing his sister call for their mother, Lin’er nearby joined in the clamor. And unlike his sister, Lin’er was far more proactive—he wobbled to his feet on the soft carpet and began toddling toward the door. Hua Tianxiang quickly scooped him up. “Lin’er, be good. Mama will come see you soon. Sweetheart, play with your sister for now.”

At the mention of “sister,” Lin’er immediately tilted his head to look at Xin’er. Once Hua Tianxiang placed them together, the siblings snuggled up and promptly forgot about calling for their mother. Watching the two sit on the spacious divan, babbling in a language only they understood, everyone couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Xin’er, your brother’s here to see you!” Outside the door, Mo Xiaobao burst in excitedly, followed by Xu Zhirui, Leng Junhan, and Qin Lie. He stretched out his arms to pick up Xin’er, who clearly adored her big brother and immediately reached out her tiny hands in response.Mo Xiaobao happily held his younger sister in his arms, proudly glancing at the other children nearby. However, he treated his little brother with utter disdain, fully embodying Prince Ding's Estate's glorious tradition of valuing girls as treasures and boys as weeds. Little Mo Yufeng, just one year old, similarly had no patience for his elder brother. Seeing Mo Xiaobao take away the sister who was always by his side, he flew into a rage, shouting, "Xiao Bao bad! Sister… sister!"

Hearing his younger brother call him by his nickname, Mo Xiaobao's handsome little face darkened instantly. Meanwhile, Xin'er in his arms turned to look at her brother, then at the little one on the soft couch, hesitating before finally reaching out her tiny hands toward him. "Brother, brother…"

Reluctantly, Mo Xiaobao had to place his sister back on the couch. The two little ones immediately clung to each other again, with Mo Yufeng glaring at Mo Xiaobao with teary eyes, as if he were some villain trying to separate siblings.

Watching Mo Xiaobao's face twist in frustration, everyone couldn't help but laugh unkindly.

"Why has the Little Prince come here?" Mo Wuyou asked with a smile, covering her lips. Mo Xiaobao had always gotten along well with Mo Wuyou, so he answered cheerfully, "It's too busy outside. Mother said we were in the way, so she sent me to look after my younger siblings."

Mo Wuyou nodded in understanding. Today was indeed hectic. Moreover, with the missing Princess of Nanzhao still not found, Prince Ding's Estate was bustling with people, making it less than secure. In contrast, the heavily guarded inner courtyard, where no outsiders were allowed, was much safer. She smiled and said, "That's perfect. The Little Prince can stay with me, Tianxiang, and Yunge to take care of Lin'er and Xin'er."

Mo Xiaobao cast a resentful glance at the loving siblings on the couch. He really wasn't some wicked mother-in-law trying to tear them apart, okay?

No matter how lively and crowded the front courtyard of Prince Ding's Estate was, the study in the inner courtyard remained as tranquil as ever. The master and mistress, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, hadn't gone out to greet guests but instead lounged leisurely in the study, reading. Given Prince Ding's current power and status, there were very few guests who warranted their personal welcome, and those of truly noble rank rarely arrived early.

Mo Xiuyao lazily flipped through a book of unofficial history, reclining on the soft couch with his head resting on Ye Li's lap, his snow-white hair spilling carelessly over her knees, a few strands even trailing onto the floor.

"Your Highnesses, the Queen of Nanzhao has entered the city," Zhuo Jing reported solemnly from the doorway.

Mo Xiuyao turned a page and replied indifferently, "Understood. Keep an eye on her. Rescue the Queen of Nanzhao at the right moment. Tell them not to act rashly and to prioritize her safety."

"As you command."

Ye Li frowned slightly and asked, "What about the little prince?"

Qin Feng hesitated before answering gravely, "We haven't found the little prince yet. However, we've stationed lookouts in all possible hiding spots in Li Cheng. So… I suspect Mo Jingli may have hidden the little prince somewhere we wouldn't suspect."Ye Li fell silent, understanding exactly whom Qin Feng was referring to. She glanced down at Mo Xiuyao, who had his eyes half-closed as he said leisurely, "Do what needs to be done. We must rescue the young prince of Nanzhao. Nanzhao is... very important to us now." What mattered wasn't Princess Anxi or the young prince themselves, but their status. In recent years, Prince Ding's Estate had no plans for further military campaigns, yet even so, Western Liang and Great Chu needed to be kept in check. The Southern Border, with its fierce and independent people, was naturally the best choice. At least for the next few decades, Nanzhao would remain an ally of Prince Ding's Estate.

"This subordinate understands. I take my leave." With Mo Xiuyao's stance clear, Qin Feng had no further reservations and turned to leave and handle the matter.

In the room, Ye Li remarked calmly, "The people under Mo Jingli's control are definitely not limited to just Mo Jingyu." Mo Jingyu had only recently arrived in Li Cheng and had no foundation here. For Mo Jingli to move in and out of Li Cheng without leaving a trace was something Mo Jingyu alone couldn't have managed. There must be someone intimately familiar with Li Cheng's environment and affairs aiding him in secret.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Naturally. This world... will never lack those with ulterior motives, always ready to betray. If not for rooting out these troublesome pests, why would I have let Mo Jingli live this long?"

"Could Mo Jingli have realized you're going easy on him?" Ye Li asked with concern. If so, Princess Anxi and the child would be in danger. Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "If Mo Jingli still intends to accomplish anything today, he'll come regardless of whether he's realized it or not. Besides... I suspect his mind is already clouded by hatred. Even if I went easy on him right under his nose, he wouldn't notice."

"You certainly understand him well," Ye Li said with a frown. In her view, Mo Jingli's hatred for Mo Xiuyao was somewhat inexplicable. On the battlefield, victory and defeat were common occurrences—both had to be accepted. That Mo Jingli could hate Mo Xiuyao to the point of losing all rationality was unimaginable. Moreover, wasn't Mo Jingli's current predicament more due to the betrayal by Emperor Chu's Empress Dowager and the imperial clan, as well as Western Liang's exploitation of him? Prince Ding's Estate shouldn't even rank high on his list of grievances.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. Of course, he wouldn't tell A Li exactly what he had done to Mo Jingli.

"Your servant Chen Xiufu requests an audience with Wang Ye and Wang Fei." A voice sounded outside the door. Mo Xiuyao sat up and said coldly, "Enter." The study door opened, and Chen Xiufu walked in, bowing respectfully. "Greetings to Wang Ye and Wang Fei."

Ye Li smiled warmly. "There's no need for such formality, Xiuting Mr. You've only just arrived in Li Cheng and are already burdened with numerous tasks. You've worked hard."Chen Xiufu cupped his hands with a smile and said, "Wang Fei, you flatter me. It is my duty, and I dare not complain of hardship." Indeed, these past few days had not been easy for Chen Xiufu, even making him regret how he had been persuaded by Xu Qingbai's words to return with him. The moment they arrived in Li Cheng, Prince Ding immediately announced his appointment as Left Minister. This instantly changed the expressions of the once-polite noble families of Da Chu. It was understandable—the military power of Prince Ding's Estate was firmly in the hands of the Mo Family Army generals, who were fiercely loyal to Prince Ding, while the two highest positions representing the civil officials were occupied by the eldest son of the Xu Family and now him, an outsider from Western Liang. How could this not anger those who had been secretly scheming against each other? However, after being disciplined by Prince Ding recently, they naturally dared not openly criticize him for favoritism, so all their resentment was directed at him, the Left Minister. Even a mighty dragon could not suppress a local serpent. Though Chen Xiufu was capable and skilled, he was still a newcomer to Li Cheng, and his days these past while could easily be imagined.

At times, Chen Xiufu even suspected that Prince Ding had appointed him Left Minister precisely to suppress these established noble families of Da Chu while also preventing him, as Left Minister, from colluding with them. But regardless of Prince Ding's motives, Chen Xiufu knew he would accept the position. Not for power, nor under pressure from Prince Ding, but because only by standing higher could he realize his ideals and ambitions.

"What brings you here, Left Minister?" Unlike Ye Li, unless it was someone close like Xu Qingchen or a trusted old retainer of Prince Ding's Estate, Mo Xiuyao addressed people directly by name or title. This clearly distinguished closeness and distance. At first, it might make people uncomfortable, but it also made them more cautious in their actions, as it signaled that the prince had not yet taken them as true confidants. Those with ambition would strive harder, while those content to idle would rein themselves in. More importantly, it also underscored Prince Ding's lofty status and authority, compelling involuntary reverence.

Chen Xiufu nodded and said, "Reporting to Wang Ye, Prince Zhennan of Xiling requests an audience."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Lei Tengfeng? What does he want now?" As soon as he finished speaking, a thought struck him. "Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis..." Chen Xiufu smiled. "Indeed. Congratulations, Wang Ye. We’ve just received news that General Murong and the Southern Marquis have advanced swiftly and are now approaching the border city adjacent to Western Liang. The Western Mausoleum Army has also fully withdrawn."

Hearing this, not only Mo Xiuyao but Ye Li also felt her mood lift. She smiled and said, "Truly wonderful news." If it were another official, they might have seized the moment to flatter, saying how auspicious it was for such joyous tidings to arrive during the Little Prince and Little Princess's first birthday celebration, blessing their boundless fortune and so on. But Chen Xiufu would not. Firstly, his character forbade it, and secondly, as a native of Western Liang, such sycophantic words from him would seem callous. So Chen Xiufu simply waited silently for Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li's decision.Mo Xiuyao stood up with a smile, saying, "Very well, invite Zhennan Wang in. Speaking of which... A Li, send a message to Great Chu and have them send someone to discuss the issue of those three hundred thousand troops." Although it was Great Chu's forces that had driven back the Western Mausoleum Army, Mo Xiuyao had no intention of ceding the lands north of Cloud Ripple River to Great Chu. Without Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis, those mere three hundred thousand soldiers would have been nothing more than fresh meat for Western Liang. Since he had contributed effort, it was only natural he should reap some benefits. Though Great Chu currently had Mo Jingyu here, in Mo Xiuyao's eyes, Mo Jingyu was already as good as dead. Naturally, Great Chu would need to send another envoy for negotiations.

Ye Li nodded, "Understood."

"Prince Ding, Wang Fei, Xiuting Mr." Lei Tengfeng entered the flower hall outside the study, calmly nodding to them both. His expression was so composed it gave no hint that he had just received news of Western Liang's latest defeat.

Ye Li smiled and nodded, "No need for formalities, Zhennan Wang. Please, have a seat."

Lei Tengfeng expressed his thanks and sat down, his gaze lingering with some complexity on Chen Xiufu seated to the left. This man had originally been one of Western Liang's foremost scholars, his abilities, intellect, and ideas all of the highest caliber. Yet after decades in Western Liang, he had never been given important responsibilities. Who would have thought that within a few years of the Western Mausoleum Imperial City's fall, he would already hold the position of Left Minister in Prince Ding's Estate? Should one say Mo Xiuyao truly appointed people based on merit, or that others were simply blind to talent?

"Does Zhennan Wang have some important matter to discuss?" Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, asking leisurely.

Lei Tengfeng inwardly smiled wryly. Compared to Mo Xiuyao, his own presence was naturally weaker, and now that he was the one seeking help, coming here of his own accord put him at an even greater disadvantage. But thinking of the battlefield reports that had just arrived, Lei Tengfeng knew he had to swallow his pride. Currently, there were only Great Chu's three hundred thousand troops and Murong Shen with the Southern Marquis stationed at Western Liang's borders. However, one must remember that all conflicts in the Central Plains had now been pacified. If Mo Xiuyao wished, he could dispatch the Mo Family Army's iron cavalry and generals to reinforce Murong Shen's forces in the south at any time. That would truly spell disaster for Western Liang.

Cupping his hands, Lei Tengfeng said solemnly, "To speak frankly, this prince has come today to trouble Wang Ye and Wang Fei regarding a ceasefire between our two armies. Wang Ye and Wang Fei must have already received the frontline reports—the Western Mausoleum Army has withdrawn to the original border between Western Liang and Great Chu."

Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly, frowning, "A ceasefire is naturally a good thing. The common people everywhere have suffered immensely from years of continuous warfare. That Zhennan Wang has the heart to quell the fighting pleases this prince greatly. However, the forces engaged with Western Liang belong to Great Chu. I'm afraid this matter... will require discussions with Prince Yu of Great Chu before it can be settled."

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow, looking at Mo Xiuyao seriously, "Why must Prince Ding speak so? Both you and I understand... though it is Southern Chu's troops doing the fighting, whether to continue the war or make peace ultimately depends on Prince Ding's word. Moreover... Prince Yu likely won't have the opportunity to discuss this matter with us. With Western Liang's state affairs currently pressing, this prince cannot wait for Southern Chu to send another envoy. I must ask for Prince Ding's understanding."

Mo Xiuyao studied Lei Tengfeng with interest for a long moment before finally smiling, "It seems Zhennan Wang's sources of information are truly remarkably well-informed."Lei Tengfeng smiled faintly and said, "Prince Ding is also aware of the relationship between the Xiling Emperor and the Boundless Mountains, so naturally, there are some special channels for information."

Mo Xiuyao nodded casually and replied, "Since Zhennan Wang is sincere, this prince naturally wishes to avoid unnecessary complications. However... there are still some matters we should clarify in advance." Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly. "Our army will withdraw entirely from the territory of Great Chu. Additionally, the intelligence I possess regarding Great Chu and Mo Jingli can be handed over to Prince Ding. Does Your Highness have any other demands?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Well... naturally, compensation is in order. The south is prosperous, and over the years, Xiling has taken no small advantage from the Central Plains. Has Zhennan Wang never considered compensating the people of the Central Plains for their losses?" Lei Tengfeng silently observed Mo Xiuyao's composed expression. In truth, accusing Xiling of mistreating the Central Plains' populace was somewhat unfair to Lei Zhenting and Lei Tengfeng. Unlike the Northern Rong, Xiling and Great Chu, though separate nations, shared common roots. Moreover, Lei Zhenting had always governed the territories under his control as his own domains, and his capabilities far surpassed those of Mo Jingqi or Mo Jingli. Thus, overall, the people under his rule had not fared poorly.

But as the defeated party—and the aggressor at that—Lei Tengfeng had little ground to refuse the compensation demanded by the victim and victor. Taking a deep breath, he lowered his gaze and said, "Xiling can compensate Prince Ding's Estate with thirty million taels of silver."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Eighty million taels. Xiling's silver mines are concentrated in the south—this amount shouldn't be beyond your means, should it?"

Lei Tengfeng's expression darkened, and he countered, "Forty million taels at most." Mo Xiuyao, well-versed in the art of negotiation, tilted his head and glanced at Ye Li with a smile before raising his hand to Lei Tengfeng. "Seventy million."

"Impossible. Forty-five million taels. Prince Ding, Xiling cannot bear a higher cost. If this is unacceptable... then this prince has no choice." His implication was clear: if the price was too steep, Xiling would rather fight to the death. Mo Xiuyao sighed regretfully, looking at Ye Li and Chen Xiufu before smiling. "Very well, let’s round it to fifty million taels."

Lei Tengfeng's face turned ashen as he gritted out, "Agreed. Payment will be spread over three years."

Mo Xiuyao, who was not in urgent need of funds and found three years acceptable, nodded in satisfaction. "No problem. Then this prince thanks Zhennan Wang for your consideration. I will immediately order Murong Shen and Marquis Nan to withdraw their troops. I trust Xiling will honor its agreement?"

"Naturally," Lei Tengfeng replied firmly.

Pleased by Lei Tengfeng's prompt agreement, Mo Xiuyao nodded contentedly. "Excellent. In that case, let the minor details be handled by our subordinates. This matter shall be entrusted to... the Left Minister."

Chen Xiufu was momentarily stunned before rising hastily. "This humble official obeys." He understood that this was both a gesture of trust and a test. Entrusting the negotiations with Xiling to him, a man originally from Xiling, was a clear demonstration of Prince Ding's confidence and a significant responsibility, even as it signaled his trust to the officials of Li Cheng.

Lei Tengfeng paused, glanced at Chen Xiufu, and nodded. "In that case, we shall trouble Minister Chen. With Prince Ding's Estate occupied with many affairs today, this prince shall take his leave."Chen Xiufu said calmly, "Zhennan Wang, you flatter me."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Then this prince won't accompany Zhennan Wang any longer. Left Minister, the affairs of Western Liang are entirely in your hands."

"Yes, Zhennan Wang, please." Lei Tengfeng and Chen Xiufu took their leave one after another and withdrew from the flower hall.

Ye Li gazed at the empty doorway and remarked coolly, "Lei Tengfeng... still lacks some experience compared to Lei Zhenting." Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "He's already quite good. It's impossible for him to become a second Lei Zhenting right after the latter's death. Moreover... he can't become Lei Zhenting. But being able to endure... is already commendable." Lei Zhenting had fought his way out from among the many princes of Western Liang's late emperor. Though he didn't ascend the throne, he monopolized power after the late emperor's passing—such capability was something Lei Tengfeng, who had been pampered and protected by Lei Zhenting since childhood, could never possess. That Lei Tengfeng could hold his ground at critical moments and endure when necessary was already quite impressive. Given time, he might become a decent ruler for maintaining stability. But to achieve the awe-inspiring dominance Lei Zhenting once commanded would likely be difficult.

"Why should A Li care about him? Let's think about... how to spend the forty million in reparations from Western Liang," Mo Xiuyao murmured with a low chuckle as he held Ye Li close. Forty million was no small sum, whether for Prince Ding's Estate or Western Liang. Otherwise, Lei Tengfeng wouldn't have insisted on paying it off over three years. With this money, Prince Ding's Estate could nearly cover the losses from the years of war. Not to mention, the territory under the Estate's control now encompassed almost four-fifths of the former Chu lands and a third of Western Liang's territory. The Estate's domain was now larger than the remaining Western Liang and Chu combined. With everything temporarily settled, it seemed all the benefits had ultimately gone to Prince Ding's Estate.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao curiously. "How do you want to spend it?" War reparations naturally went into the Estate's public treasury, leaving little room for personal discretion. Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had always been strict about separating public and private finances. Even though the entire Estate belonged to them, they never diverted public funds for personal use. Fortunately, neither was fond of extravagance, so money had never been a concern.

Playing with Ye Li's hair, Mo Xiuyao sighed at her question. "This prince wants to build a magnificent palace for A Li." Seeing his dejected expression, Ye Li couldn't help but laugh. "Not long ago, you said you'd take me traveling in a few years. Who would live in that palace once it's built?"

Mo Xiuyao lifted his head and gazed at her earnestly. "This prince wants to give A Li the grandest palace, the most beautiful clothes and jewelry, the finest delicacies. Whatever A Li desires, this prince will procure for her."

Ye Li smiled softly. "I didn’t know I had the makings of a kingdom-toppling enchantress. Such extravagance would only burden the people. All I want is for our family to live peacefully and happily, doing what we love. After all these years, we’re finally on the verge of a stable, joyful life. I feel... I already have everything I want."

"A Li has never told me what she truly desires," Mo Xiuyao said, a hint of regret in his voice. Ye Li showed no craving for power, luxury, or jewels, leaving even Mo Xiuyao uncertain about her likes or dislikes—a fact that often unsettled Prince Ding.

"Because you’ve already given it to me," Ye Li replied gently.

"Given it?" Mo Xiuyao was puzzled.

Leaning against his chest, Ye Li whispered, "One lifetime, one love. That’s all I’ve ever wanted."

Mo Xiuyao froze for a moment before tightening his arms around her slender waist. "One lifetime, one love... In this life, Mo Xiuyao belongs only to A Li." There were no grand vows or dramatic pledges—just a simple statement, yet it carried more reassurance than any oath. Ye Li nodded slightly. "I know. And so do I."

Chen Xiufu accompanied Lei Tengfeng out of the study courtyard, walking side by side. Glancing at Chen Xiufu, Lei Tengfeng smiled. "It seems Xiuting Mr. is highly trusted by Prince Ding and Wang Fei?"Chen Xiufu said solemnly, "I am deeply grateful for the kindness and recognition from Wang Ye and Wang Fei." Lei Tengfeng pondered for a moment before smiling and asking, "If this prince were willing to appoint you as the Grand Chancellor of Western Liang, would you condescend to return and assist me?"

Chen Xiufu calmly studied him for a moment before gently shaking his head. "A loyal minister does not serve two masters. Though I dare not claim to be righteous, I am not one to be duplicitous or wavering. I must respectfully decline Zhennan Wang's generous offer."

Lei Tengfeng had only been testing the waters and naturally hadn't expected Chen Xiufu to defect back to Western Liang so easily. However, being so decisively rejected left him somewhat unsettled. He stopped and looked at Chen Xiufu, asking, "Might Xiuting Mr. have any advice regarding the current state of Western Liang? Surely... this is something you can speak on?"

Chen Xiufu hesitated before finally speaking. "When the ruler does not act as a ruler, and the ministers do not act as ministers—or when the ministers overpower the ruler—it is not a sustainable path. Zhennan Wang should make preparations sooner rather than later." Lei Tengfeng was taken aback and wanted to inquire further, but Chen Xiufu showed no intention of continuing. Instead, he stepped aside and gestured, saying, "After you, Zhennan Wang."

Suppressing the questions in his heart, Lei Tengfeng could only nod and say, "After you, Chancellor Chen."