Mo Li

After the first birthday banquet at Prince Ding's Estate, Li Cheng remained bustling with activity. All events from that night's banquet were securely confined within the estate walls, while the common people joyfully celebrated a day that surpassed any festival. Though some later noticed missing neighbors or friends, these matters faded with time. The real shift in attitude came from the foreign envoys who had come to offer congratulations. Though Prince Ding's Estate made no official announcement, nearly everyone knew that Mo Jingli, the deposed emperor of Chu, had died—and in a most dishonorable manner. This news sent chills through the nobility of various nations; such a death was truly everyone's worst nightmare. That Prince Ding's Estate could quietly eliminate an emperor overnight—even an exiled, deposed one—and reportedly without the Prince or Princess lifting a finger, with everything accomplished by their eleven-year-old Little Prince, inspired both awe and fear.

Since unexpected incidents at the children's birthday banquet had prevented full enjoyment by hosts and guests alike, Prince Ding and Princess Ding invited all attendees to the upcoming weddings of the Xu Family's third and fourth young masters in a dozen days. Though these two couldn't compare to their eldest brother's high status and renown, as legitimate sons of the Xu Family and Princess Ding's cousins, they were still highly regarded. The fourth young master especially, as a powerful regional governor, had formed close ties with Western Region envoys during their journey together. Thus, all envoys agreed to stay for the Xu Family weddings before departing.

With both Xu madams eager to welcome daughters-in-law and both young masters anxious to wed their beauties—one a former Chu princess, the other the granddaughter of Duke Hua who died for his country and Princess Ding's close childhood friend—this reciprocal celebration promised unprecedented grandeur.

Soon came the wedding day. From early morning, Prince Ding's guest quarters bustled with activity. In a spacious room, two beautiful brides in crimson wedding dresses sat side by side as Ye Li directed a group of ladies in preparing their makeup and attire.

Both Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou were stunning beauties. Hua, though past twenty, remained radiant, her light makeup enhancing her dazzling charm. Mo shared some resemblance with Hua but carried more of the gentle, serene demeanor that differed from her childhood self—perhaps cultivated through years of medical practice, her healing work lending her brows a kindly approachability.

"My, Princess Ding, your makeup skills are marvelous!" Princess Helan, dressed in fiery red, wandered curiously about the room. As a northerner, this was her first genuine Central Plains wedding. Watching the brides in their phoenix-and-dragon, mandarin-duck embroidered gowns, their lightly made-up faces glowing with quiet happiness, she couldn't help feeling envious.

Ye Li smiled at her, saying, "If you like it, why not marry someone here? I'll personally do your makeup when the time comes."This was naturally a joke. Ye Li knew Princess Helan wouldn't mind such banter. The princess pretended to ponder for a moment before shaking her head regretfully, "What a pity. This princess still prefers our northern men. When I get married in the future, I'll invite Princess Ding to attend and have her do my makeup."

Everyone burst into laughter together, their fondness for this straightforward and cheerful princess growing.

Empress Hua carefully adjusted the golden hairpin for Hua Tianxiang, examining her closely before smiling, "Beautiful, absolutely stunning. The princess was right—Princess Ding's makeup skills are truly exceptional." Looking at her radiant niece, the empress's eyes reddened slightly. Such an outstanding girl, yet she'd been kept in seclusion during her prime years, only marrying at this age.

"Auntie." Hua Tianxiang gently held the empress's hand with a soft smile, "Auntie, do I really look beautiful?" Empress Hua replied warmly, "My Tianxiang is the most beautiful bride."

"Mother, what about me? You've forgotten your own daughter." Seeing her mother's melancholy, Mo Wuyou quickly interrupted with playful petulance to dispel the sadness. The empress pinched her daughter's cheek affectionately, "My Wuyou is also the prettiest bride. Stay still now, let mother do your hair."

Mo Wuyou remained motionless as her mother styled her hair, watching the focused expression reflected in the bronze mirror before breaking into a sweet smile.

"Time to eat! Brides must eat..." Yunge and Murong Ting arrived carrying small dishes and pastries, beaming as they announced, "Come have something to eat. Once everything's ready later, you won't get another chance—you'll be starving all day." This was Murong Ting's hard-earned wisdom; during her own wedding, she'd secretly carried a large apple that ultimately left her famished and breathless by ceremony's end.

Hua Tianxiang turned with a smile, "Murong, Yunge, thank you."

Murong Ting waved dismissively while Yunge pressed her lips together shyly, "No need for thanks. Aunt Xu secretly told me yesterday to prepare some food for you, otherwise you'd go hungry. Not being allowed to eat at weddings is so cruel... But Sister Hua and Wuyou both look so beautiful!"

Ye Li rose with a smile to help arrange the dishes, teasing gently, "Yunge, do you like how Sister Hua and Wuyou look?"

Blinking, Yunge nodded enthusiastically, "Yes! I've never worn such pretty clothes before."

Murong Ting covered her mouth mischievously, "That's easily solved—just get married yourself and you can wear bridal robes like these."

"Eh?" Yunge blinked in confusion, "But... who would I marry?" Murong Ting's smile turned mysterious as she whispered conspiratorially, "What do you think of Qingchen Gongzi?""Qing... Qingchen Gongzi?!" Yunge's face paled dramatically as she shook her head repeatedly. "No, no!" The others were baffled—Qingchen Gongzi wasn't that detestable, was he? The little girl looked utterly terrified. Ye Li found it somewhat amusing and patted Yunge gently, asking softly, "Why not? Does Yunge not like big brother?" Yunge glanced cautiously at Ye Li. "Sister Li, can you promise not to tell Qingchen Gongzi?" Ye Li nodded earnestly, assuring her she wouldn’t spread the words carelessly. Only then did Yunge droop her little face and confess, "Qingchen Gongzi is so strict... He makes me copy books every day. Just the day before yesterday, he had me copy the Book of Rites. I even asked Sister Qin Zheng and Aunt Xu, and Sister Qin Zheng clearly said she never had to copy those before. But if I don’t copy them, Qingchen Gongzi just stares at me... like I’m some disobedient, terrible child. And I... I still have to study medicine with my godfather! Last night, I was writing until midnight before I could sleep..."

Listening to Yunge’s quiet complaints, the others exchanged glances. What was Qingchen Gongzi trying to do, scaring the poor girl like this? Noticing the odd expressions on Ye Li and the others, Yunge quickly reassured, "Sister Li, don’t worry. I’m not afraid of Qingchen Gongzi anymore."

"Oh? Why not?" Ye Li asked calmly.

Yunge beamed with joy. "My godfather told me that after the weddings of the Third and Fourth Young Masters, he’s going on a journey. And he’s taking me with him! We’ll travel the world and heal people. When I come back, I’ll be the most famous miracle doctor in the world!" Most importantly, she wouldn’t have to copy books under Qingchen Gongzi’s watch every day. Remembering the unfinished books still in her study, the little girl’s small hands trembled slightly, and her delicate lips pouted in grievance. Qingchen Gongzi was so mean—Sister Qin Zheng said she’d never had to copy so many books in her life, that just reading and memorizing was enough. But Qingchen Gongzi insisted she was too slow and had to write everything out. She already had it memorized!

"Does Yunge really dislike Qingchen Gongzi that much?" Hua Tianxiang sat beside her, eating while asking curiously.

Yunge shook her head hastily. "Not exactly. If Qingchen Gongzi weren’t so strict, it’d be fine. He’s taught me so much and even brought me back to live with his family. He treats me as well as my father and godfather do."

"Cough—" Hua Tianxiang and Murong Ting choked simultaneously, while Mo Wuyou, sitting at the dressing table, tilted her head abruptly, skewering her hairpin. Only Ye Li remained composed, sipping her tea.

"Sister Tianxiang, Sister Ting'er, are you okay?" Yunge asked worriedly.

"Cough, it’s nothing," Hua Tianxiang replied with a smile. Qingchen Gongzi, rest in peace.

By the time Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou finished dressing, it was almost time. Ye Li took Hua Tianxiang’s hand and smiled. "From now on, I’ll have to call you sister-in-law. Wishing you happiness."

Hua Tianxiang’s cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded. "Li'er, thank you."

"Silly, what are you thanking me for?" Ye Li chuckled. "As long as you’re happy, and Third Brother is happy, everything will be fine, right?" Hua Tianxiang nodded. "Yes, everything is in the past now. We’ll all have better days ahead."

"Reporting to Wang Fei, the wedding procession has arrived," a maid announced from outside the door.Ye Li nodded with a smile, "Understood, come in." She stood up and took the dragon-and-phoenix embroidered veil from the side, personally placing it over Hua Tianxiang's head. Meanwhile, the Empress Hua also took a veil and covered Wuyou's head. The bridesmaids and maids waiting outside hurried in, carefully leading the two brides out. Turning around, Ye Li smiled, "Alright, it's time for us to prepare to join the festivities at the Xu Family. Hurry back and change clothes." Due to the relationship between Prince Ding's Estate and the Xu Family, the weddings were held together. After the brides departed, all the guests would proceed to the Xu Family for the banquet. This arrangement spared everyone the dilemma of choosing which event to attend. After all, when Prince Ding's Estate married off a daughter—though not a blood sister of Prince Ding—it was still a departure from the estate. No one dared to skip it. But if everyone attended the estate's event, wouldn’t the Xu Family be left without well-wishers? Combining the celebrations made it convenient and livelier for all.

The Xu residence was ablaze with lanterns and decorations, bustling with excitement late into the night. Amid the ceremonial officer's loud proclamation of "Escort to the bridal chamber," the two newlywed couples, having just bowed to heaven, earth, and their parents, were joyously ushered to the east wing. The evening banquet then commenced, filling the entire Xu residence with even greater merriment. The grand hall was alive with music and dance, the air thick with the aroma of wine. Even the usually dignified and scholarly Xu brothers indulged in a few extra drinks, their refined faces flushed with cheer. The two Madams Xu, along with Qin Zheng, moved gracefully among the ladies' tables, their faces radiant as they attended to every guest with warmth. Outside the hall, the courtyard was also lined with banquet tables, prepared for guests of lesser status who couldn’t be seated inside. Though outdoors, the area was brilliantly lit, as bright as day. While they couldn’t enjoy the performances inside, the night sky above dazzled with colorful fireworks. Moreover, Second Master Xu and Fifth Master Xu personally entertained these guests, ensuring no one felt slighted.

Amid the jubilant celebrations, two figures sat side by side on a rooftop high above the Xu residence. The man’s silver-white hair shimmered faintly under the moonlight, while the woman’s dark tresses intertwined softly with his in the gentle breeze. Ye Li leaned her head lightly against Mo Xiuyao’s lap, her eyes closed, savoring the tranquility amidst the clamor below.

Mo Xiuyao gazed at her tenderly, brushing his fingers lightly over her slightly flushed cheeks. "Are you this happy because they’re getting married, A Li?" he asked softly. Ye Li opened her eyes, her gaze still alight with quiet amusement. Having indulged in a few extra cups of wine earlier, her cheeks were rosier than usual, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Of course I’m happy for Third Brother and Fourth Brother’s weddings," she replied. "But that’s not what makes me happiest."

Mo Xiuyao affectionately tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Then what is it?"

Ye Li smiled. "That we can finally live our own lives in peace, isn’t that right?"

Mo Xiuyao chuckled, lowering his head until their foreheads touched. "Yes, no more wars, no more schemes. No one in this world dares to trouble us anymore. From now on, whatever life you wish for, A Li, we’ll make it ours." Ye Li nodded. "No more wars is good. The common people have suffered enough. Now that the world is at peace, even if we do nothing, I won’t feel guilty.""No matter what happens to the world, A Li need not feel guilty," Mo Xiuyao said softly. "No woman in the world could have done better than you."

Ye Li smiled. "If the world were still in chaos and I insisted you abandon everything to accompany me, then I would feel guilty. Hmm... that would be unreasonable." Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly. "A Li can be unreasonable. Whatever A Li wants is always right. Are you drunk?"

Leaning against Mo Xiuyao's chest, Ye Li shook her head drowsily and closed her eyes. "This is good as it is. It will be even better in the future."

Mo Xiuyao gently wrapped his arms around her. "What is good?"

Ye Li murmured, "This is good now. In the future... there will be peace and prosperity across the land. If we travel to see the sights, we’ll witness the people living in contentment..."

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "I know A Li dislikes war. I remember the poem you wrote—'Pity the bones piled in lonely graves, all for the general’s quest for glory.'"

"I wasn’t talking about you."

"Who knows? As for peace and prosperity... let’s leave that goal for Mo Xiaobao to strive for. How does that sound, A Li?" Mo Xiuyao lowered his head with a smile, pressing a tender kiss to her slightly flushed cheeks.

"Boom!"

In the distance, several grand fireworks burst across the sky, blooming into dazzling lights and floral patterns. Ye Li, who had unknowingly opened her eyes, gazed into the man’s affectionate gaze reflected in her gentle, watery eyes.

"Xiu Yao, I love you..." Staring at the man’s handsome face, tender eyes, and snow-white hair, Ye Li suddenly spoke. Saying "I love you" was not difficult—what was difficult was standing side by side through life and death, remaining deeply in love even after conquering the world.

Mo Xiuyao froze momentarily, his beautiful eyes shimmering with pure joy and contentment. "A Li... A Li, for all lifetimes... I will love only you." He bent down, gently covering her crimson lips with his own. Ye Li raised her hand to rest on his shoulder. "For all lifetimes... I love you. If not for me... you would have ascended the throne long ago, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity." Mo Xiuyao had stubbornly refused to claim the throne, and Ye Li understood—it was mostly for her sake. Because he knew she had no desire for palace life, and because he had promised her his undivided devotion in this lifetime.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "A Li, without you, where would Prince Ding’s peace and prosperity come from?"

The dazzling fireworks continued to bloom across the night sky as the two sat side by side, leaning against each other, quietly savoring the breathtaking spectacle...

"When Xiao Bao grows up, this prince will accompany A Li to wander the world, free and unfettered."

"As long as our family is together, I will always feel free and unfettered, no matter where or when."

"Meeting A Li is the most beautiful thing in Mo Xiuyao’s life."

"In this life and the next, meeting you is also my greatest happiness."

If I could meet you, what does it matter to endure suffering and face death?

If I could meet you, what does it matter to traverse time and experience the world?

"Boom!"

A red firework blossomed into a magnificent peony in the sky, transforming into the grand characters for "eternal harmony."

In this life, meeting you—I wish only for eternal harmony and tranquil happiness.

...

Five years later, Prince Ding passed his title to his heir, Mo Yuchen, and departed gracefully with Wang Fei by his side. From then on, they wandered freely among mountains and rivers, never again concerning themselves with worldly affairs.

Mo Yuchen succeeded as Prince Ding and once more declined his ministers’ pleas to ascend the throne. With diligent governance, the influence of Prince Ding’s Estate grew ever stronger.Thirteen years later, Mo Yufeng, the fourteen-year-old younger brother of Prince Ding, was appointed Grand Marshal of Prince Ding's Estate. Sweeping through Western Liang, he forced them to submit. Prince Ding Mo Yuchen personally led the campaign against Northern Rong, driving them back to the westernmost ice plains. The Mo Family Army advanced to the Cloud Ripple River, where Mo Yufeng personally went to Southern Chu to persuade their surrender. Emperor Chu, recognizing the inevitable tide of history, voluntarily submitted to Prince Ding's Estate. Thus, peace reigned throughout the land.

At the age of thirty, Mo Yuchen ascended the throne as emperor, establishing the nation of "Li." Thirty-year-old Mo Yuchen now ruled the entire realm, unifying all under heaven. One of the most powerful golden ages in recorded history had begun.

—End of Main Text—

————Author's Note————

Whew, it's finally finished. I feel like crying. While this ending might not seem perfect in some ways, it truly aligns with my original vision. Thank you to all the friends who accompanied Qingqing along this journey. Mwah!